Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on July 10, 2025, with members Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, and Walton present (Skrocki absent and excused). Key items included introduction of new village attorney Haider Kazim, a wastewater system presentation, review of proposed Rules of Procedure and Recreation Plan changes, and approval to explore compensating an employee for unused paid leave.
Public Comments
Terry Bacon commented on the Wastewater Report, emphasizing community vitality as an economic impact. Later in the meeting, Steve Stepanek also spoke on community wastewater as it relates to preserving community vitality. Joe Van Easley discussed his redevelopment plans for the old schoolhouse property, including recreation components. Karen Baja raised concerns about enforcement of the Water Ordinance for residents using a well rather than connecting to the water system. Terry Bacon separately proposed that the Village consider adopting a Registration Ordinance until clarity is reached on whether Short Term Rentals are currently allowed and what their economic impact would be. No formal council responses or votes were recorded on these comments.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Bacon reviewed the Recreation Plan provided by the Planning Commission. Several changes were noted for inclusion, and a clean copy will be brought to the Regular meeting for Council consideration. In council comments, Dye noted information is still needed on the scoreboard at Shalda Park. Chase raised concerns about beach pass issues and mower availability for the DPW; Davis responded that mower parts have been ordered multiple times and suggested addressing golf cart and beach pass issues in the fall ahead of next season. Chase and Bacon both raised concerns about trash cleanup timing at the beach park over the 4th of July. Davis also mentioned availability of a basketball court.
Infrastructure Projects
Paul Skinner presented an update on the Wastewater Task Force's review of prior reports (2015-17 and 2019-20), covering three possible scenarios, associated costs, financing options, and an affordability index, based on a report from Wade-Trim. He noted economic benefit to the Village is hypothetical, depending on redevelopment type, and that a critical mass of hookups is needed for financial viability. The Wade-Trim report will be posted on the Village website. No vote was taken.
Other Business
Council approved the agenda (motion by Walton, support by Bacon) and the 6/24/25 meeting minutes (motion by Bacon, support by Dye), both by voice vote. Walton reviewed Personnel Committee-recommended language changes to Rules of Procedure Section 3.3 (Communications); changes will move to the Regular meeting for a vote. Chase reviewed a new job title/description researched by the Personnel Committee to replace the Deputy Clerk position, reflecting current duties and comparable area pay.
Action Items
- Davis to contact the Village attorney regarding paying an employee for unused paid leave (Motion by Rademacher, support by Walton; Roll Call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: None; MOTION PASSED).
- Clean copy of the Recreation Plan to be prepared for Regular meeting consideration.
- ROP Section 3.3 language changes to be brought to the Regular meeting for a vote.
- Council to address golf cart and beach pass issues in the fall ahead of next season.
- Water Ordinance enforcement concern (well vs. system hookup) raised by Karen Baja; no follow-up action recorded.
- Possible Registration Ordinance for Short Term Rentals proposed by Terry Bacon pending clarification of current rules; no council action recorded.