Summary
The Empire Village Council met May 27, 2025, approving the consent agenda, several grant and contract items, and a new Village Attorney firm. Key actions included accepting a Risk Reduction Grant from MI Par Plan, awarding a masonry contract, hiring CMDA as Village Attorneys, approving a tree-planting grant, approving a $16,000 conceptual planning proposal for Shalda Park Phase II, confirming Zoning Board of Appeals appointments, and approving a street closure for Anchor Day.
Public Comments
Teresa Howes asked whether operational reports are made available to the public monthly and whether gas logs are being maintained. A letter from Trish Baker regarding Short-Term Rentals urged Council to represent all full-time residents, not only those attending meetings; Davis noted the letter would be addressed under Public Comment since Communications was not on the agenda. Mitchell Treadwell, of Traverse City Council and Planning Commission, commented on similar tourism issues faced by his city and expressed approval of the Village's thorough attorney search.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council approved, by motion of Bacon supported by Rademacher, the Gosling Czubak proposal for Shalda Park Phase II, not to exceed $16,000 (roll call: Ayes – Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays – none). Discussion covered shade trees, playground equipment, parking, a pavilion, and possibly replacing a ballfield with a pickleball court; the plan includes public input sessions. Council also approved the Consumers Energy Forestry tree-planting grant with no match required (unanimous roll call); Dye noted stump removal and tree replacement at S Bar Lake are being donated by Tim Barr. Bacon reported the Recreation Plan was submitted to Council but treated as a report rather than posted as a meeting under the Open Meetings Act.
Infrastructure Projects
Davis reported DPW installations including the boat ramp, life rings, docks, and a parking machine. Council authorized Davis to contact the new attorney regarding a driveway easement, setting fees per Bolt v. Lansing, review of the Water Ordinance, and review of the escrow account for the New Neighborhood wastewater system (unanimous voice vote).
Other Business
Council confirmed reappointment of Cheryl Clerk and Sam Barr, plus John Bruder as alternate, to the Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous). Council approved street closures for Anchor Day on July 19th along the parade route (11:45–1:30) and Front Street from Union to past the library (8:45–11:00 pm).
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaled $19,097.72. Council approved a masonry contract with Douglas Norconk Masonry for $4,175 to remove bricks, with leftover bricks to be offered to the public. The Shalda Park Phase II proposal was capped at $16,000. The Consumers Energy tree grant required no matching funds.
Action Items
Davis will ask attorney Haider Kazim to attend a future meeting. Davis will pursue attorney review of the driveway easement, fee setting, Water Ordinance, and wastewater escrow account. Davis will provide a written DPW report soon. Davis will review Council Rules of Procedure regarding whether Communications must be read aloud.