8/26/2025 - Empire Village | Monthly Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Empire Village Council meeting held on August 26, 2025, focused on operational reports, old and new business discussions, and public comments related to ongoing community issues. Key decisions included scheduling a public hearing about a Slow No-Wake request for S Bar Lake and a motion for the Water Committee to review potential changes to water utility rates. The meeting concluded without any public comments on agenda items.

Public Comments

No public comments on agenda items were recorded. Terry Bacon, during the public comment section, voiced concerns regarding the impact of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) on the community, referencing a recent Supreme Court decision that may limit vacation usage based on financial capability.

Parks and Recreation Matters

Concerns were raised about the maintenance of public recreational facilities. Council member Chase mentioned that the tennis courts have not been maintained and required cleaning efforts from her family. Rademacher noted similar maintenance issues around the workout stations at Shalda Park. Additionally, Dye mentioned that a volunteer group is working at the recycling center to clear around exercise equipment and benches, with an observation made regarding the need for additional materials.

Infrastructure Projects

A motion was passed to schedule a public hearing for a Slow No-Wake request for S Bar Lake on September 23rd, 2025. Discussions included considerations on who would hold the hearing. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of additional materials for a changing room at the beach following a review of the Purchasing Policy. There was discussion regarding whether a building permit is required for the changing room, which Davis is tasked with investigating. Furthermore, Rademacher reviewed various examples of potential rates for a ready-to-use fee related to water utility services, and the council agreed for the Water Committee to examine these fees.

Other Business

The consent agenda, which included the approval of previous work session minutes and bills totaling $17,030.77, passed with one dissenting vote from Skrocki.

Action Items

- Davis to check if a building permit is needed for the changing room at the beach. - Davis to speak with the DPW about the maintenance issues raised regarding the tennis courts and workout stations. - The Water Committee is tasked with reviewing ready-to-use fees for the water utility. - A public hearing regarding the Slow No-Wake request for S Bar Lake is scheduled for September 23rd, 2025.