Summary
The Empire Village Council met on June 24, 2025, with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, and Skrocki present (Walton excused). The council approved the agenda and consent agenda, authorized the Streets Committee to address parking signage, approved a shoreline and preventative survey of South Bar Lake with a cost-sharing arrangement with Empire Township, approved a July 4th street closure, and tabled a decision on office sealcoating pending cost information.
Public Comments
Steve Lewis commented on the MI Corps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program currently used on S Bar Lake and suggested that drone surveillance could be incorporated into monitoring; this was a suggestion from Lewis, not a council decision. During the later public comment period, an unnamed speaker raised questions about screens in the fire pit rings on the beach; it was noted in response that coal is contained by metal bottoms in the new rings.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council members discussed the need for mowing and weed whacking at Shalda Park and at the Village office. Fire pit rings on the beach were also discussed in response to a public question, with clarification that the new rings have metal bottoms containing the coals.
Infrastructure Projects
Rademacher reviewed the Water Committee's discussion of lead testing and a required notification letter to residents. Davis reported that Reutter passed his license exam and has been added as a backup water operator. It was noted that the telephone line item in the Water Fund also includes internet expense, since no separate line item exists for it.
The council approved (motion by Bacon, support by Chase) both a Shoreline Survey and a Preventative Survey of South Bar Lake, with the Village paying two-thirds of the total cost if Empire Township agrees to pay one-third. Discussion covered who would present the proposal to Empire Township and whether surveys could be scheduled by August for a baseline measurement, as well as past water quality testing by volunteers and the S Bar Lake Association. Prior Village study findings on e-coli sources tied to sewer needs were referenced. Roll call vote: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki; Nays: None. Motion passed.
A motion by Bacon, supported by Dye, tabled the office sealcoating item until cost estimates can be obtained; passed by unanimous voice vote.
Other Business
A motion by Bacon, supported by Dye, closed Pokagon St. from 9 to 11 a.m. on July 4th, with DPW to provide barriers; passed unanimously. A motion by Bacon, supported by Rademacher, authorized the Streets Committee to meet and address no-parking signage along LaCore; passed unanimously. Davis reviewed the DPW report and mentioned upcoming training with County Planning.
Financial Summary
The consent agenda, including bills totaling $2,943.25, was approved by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Davis, Rademacher, Skrocki; Nays: None). The South Bar Lake survey cost-sharing arrangement specifies the Village will pay two-thirds of the total cost, with Empire Township paying one-third, though a specific dollar figure was not stated.
Action Items
- Streets Committee to meet and address no-parking signage along LaCore.
- DPW to provide barriers for the July 4th closure of Pokagon St.
- Determine who will present the South Bar Lake survey cost-sharing proposal to Empire Township, with a goal of scheduling surveys by August.
- Obtain cost estimates for office sealcoating before further council action.