Summary
The Empire Village Council met on September 24, 2024, and took action on several public hearing items, including a water rate increase, the Beach Park Ordinance, and the Sign Ordinance, all of which passed. The Council also approved a lot combination request from Cherry Republic and received a presentation on the FY 2023-24 audit.
Public Comments
During the public hearing on the water rate increase, Karen Baja asked whether the increase would be sufficient for the future; Council noted rates will be evaluated annually. On the Zoning Ordinance Section 3.12 (Signs), Terry Bacon commented that a provision, Sec. 3.12(vii), contained language not found elsewhere in the ordinance and suggested a moratorium on enforcement of the current temporary sign ordinance until the new one takes effect. Karen Baja also asked about illuminated signs. No public comments were made on the audit presentation or during the general public comment period.
Infrastructure Projects
Resolution No. 8 of 2024, approving a water rate increase, passed by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Palmer, Rademacher, Walton, Webb; Nays: None). The new rates will take effect on the January 1, 2025 bill. The DPW report raised questions about storm drain cleanout and new office crawl space cleanout, which Palmer will pass along. Bacon reported ongoing street issues, including a swale on Union and signage on Niagara and Lake.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Beach Park Ordinance No. 150 was approved with noted changes and additions, passing by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Palmer, Rademacher, Walton, Webb; Nays: None). No public comments were made on this ordinance during the hearing.
Other Business
The Council repealed the current Sign Ordinance and replaced it with the revised Section 3.12, passing unanimously by roll call. A curbside sign for the Village Office was approved for purchase, not to exceed $600. A lot combination request from Cherry Republic (parcels 45-041-719-024-005 and 45-041-719-024-010) was approved. Richard Neihardt of Gabridge & Co. presented sections of the FY 2023-24 audit and answered Council questions. Bacon noted that the Master Plan website is now live. Job Descriptions were removed from the Consent Agenda by Bacon and tabled until the October Work Session. Palmer recommended Cherry Republic’s request to establish an Industrial Development District (IDD) be placed on the October Work Session agenda.
Financial Summary
The Consent Agenda, including bills totaling $43,232.77, was approved by roll call (Ayes: Bacon, Dye, Palmer, Rademacher, Walton, Webb; Nays: None). Financial reports confirmed bank balances matched the general ledger by fund, and Revenue & Expenditure reports through August were received. The Village Office curbside sign purchase was capped at $600.
Action Items
- Palmer to follow up on DPW questions regarding storm drain cleanout and new office crawl space cleanout.
- Job Descriptions tabled for discussion at the October Work Session.
- Cherry Republic’s request for an Industrial Development District (IDD) to be placed on the October Work Session agenda.
- New water rates to take effect on the January 1, 2025 bill.