Summary
The Empire Village Council met on October 28, 2025, approving personnel policy changes, authorizing CDL training for a DPW technician, and reviewing the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and budget priorities. The council also addressed a supervisory lapse regarding the DPW Technician's CDL requirement.
Public Comments
Cheryl Clark commented on the Personnel Policy during public comments on agenda items. No other public comments were made during the meeting's public comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Davis reported that DPW has completed removal of summer items from the beach and is awaiting EGLE approval to complete changing room work. Rademacher noted trees cracking the asphalt of the walking trail. Dye shared a flyer on grass clippings, and Skrocki encouraged use of compostable bags and raised concerns about leaf blower noise.
Infrastructure Projects
Davis reported vents on the water storage tank have been installed, and lead pipe examination is expected within two weeks.
Other Business
The agenda was adopted unanimously by voice vote (motion by Dye, support by Rademacher). The consent agenda, including the 10/09/25 Work Session minutes and bills totaling $9,597.76, was approved by roll call (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Davis, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: None). Parks, Water, Streets, and Personnel Committees met, with minutes received from most.
Under Old Business, Chase reviewed recommended Personnel Policy changes, including vacation payout language ("will" vs. "may"), with the attorney's prior review noted regarding vacation and sick time; an audit indicated a liability for unused vacation pay. Motion by Chase, support by Walton, to approve the committee's recommended changes passed 4-3 (Ayes: Chase, Dye, Davis, Walton; Nays: Bacon, Rademacher, Skrocki). Council agreed no further attorney review was needed.
Financial Summary
Bills totaling $9,597.76 were approved as part of the consent agenda. CDL training for the DPW Technician was approved at a cost not to exceed $6,000, covering mileage and per diem. A consultant, Tim O'Brien, was contracted at $30/hr as needed for DPW work while the technician pursues certification. The CIP and budget priorities were reviewed item by item, with adjustments noted and discussion of fund balance totals; an updated CIP will be presented in November.
Action Items
A progress report on the DPW Technician's CDL certification steps is to be provided, with certification required by January 1, 2026 (Pinnacle Training, cost not to exceed $6,000). The Council President or Personnel Committee is to put in writing a statement clarifying that the CDL requirement is part of the Personnel Policy and Tech job description, and that the DPW Superintendent is responsible for ensuring compliance; failure to communicate this over the past 11 months was deemed unacceptable and could result in disciplinary action, including suspension without pay (motion by Bacon, support by Walton, passed 5-2; Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: Davis, Dye). An updated CIP will be presented at the November meeting.