Summary
The Empire Village Council met August 27, 2024, with Palmer absent. The Council approved routine business including the consent agenda, several 2024 public hearings scheduled for September 24, and a $1,700 electrical upgrade for the new office. Discussion continued on filling a Planning Commission vacancy and beautification efforts, both deferred to the September Work Session.
Public Comments
Diana Oberschulte invited attendees to a Village candidate forum at Lion’s Park on September 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. A written letter from Rodney and Louann Barnes commending DPW Tech Reutter was read aloud during Communications.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Dye, reporting for the Parks Committee, presented revenue and cost statistics compared to the same period last year. Motion by Dye, support by Rademacher, scheduled the Parks Ordinance Public Hearing for September 24, 2024, following the Water Rate hearing. Motion passed by voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
DPW Superintendent Friend reported on the status of the well house roof and provided the DSMI (water system material inventory) report required for EGLE. Motion by Rademacher, support by Dye, scheduled a Water Rate Public Hearing for September 24, 2024, immediately following the Audit presentation. Motion passed by voice vote.
Other Business
A resignation letter from Planning Commissioner Margaret Ellibee was read into the record. Council discussed the process for filling Planning Commission vacancies, including whether website postings should include desired qualifications; Bacon requested further discussion of policy segments, and the Council reached consensus to move the topic to the September Work Session. The Beautification Committee’s presentation request was also deferred to the September Work Session for a Committee Report. Motion by Bacon, support by Dye, scheduled the Sign Ordinance Public Hearing for September 24, 2024, following the Parks Ordinance hearing; passed by voice vote. Motion by Bacon, support by Chase, scheduled the Audit presentation for September 24, 2024 at 7 p.m.; passed by voice vote. Bacon reported on Master Plan Committee activity, and Chase reported on new office progress.
Financial Summary
The Consent Agenda, including bills totaling $17,169.08, was approved by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Dye, Rademacher, Walton, Webb; Nays: None). Financial reports showed bank balances and the general ledger matched by fund, with Revenue & Expenditure reports through July distributed. Council approved an electrical upgrade quote not to exceed $1,700 for the new office by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Rademacher, Walton, Webb; Nays: None).
Action Items
- Hold Audit presentation, Water Rate Public Hearing, Parks Ordinance Public Hearing, and Sign Ordinance Public Hearing on September 24, 2024.
- Discuss Planning Commission vacancy policy and posting process at the September Work Session.
- Beautification Committee to present efforts at the September Work Session under Committee Reports.
- Personnel and Water Committees to meet soon (no dates specified).