Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on October 9, 2025, chaired with Chase leading the Pledge of Allegiance. All members (Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton) were present, along with Smith. The council adopted the amended agenda and the September 23, 2025 minutes by unanimous voice votes. Major discussion centered on the Shalda Park Master Plan presentation, with the council authorizing the Parks Committee to gather public input. Other items included street debris management, a pending wastewater report review, and DPW staff CDL licensing.
Public Comments
Trish Baker praised the Recreation Master Plan presentation as excellent. During discussion of the wastewater report, Smith commented on the council's history with the Wastewater Task Force, and Bacon suggested the council should discuss and produce an agreed-upon set of facts regarding next steps for a potential Wastewater Task Force. No written or letter comments were noted in the minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dallas Wirtz of Gosling Czubak presented the Shalda Park Master Plan, reviewing nine potential facility improvements. Two optional layouts were distributed for discussion, covering pump tracks, skate parks, and a river overlook. Costs for certain improvements and the possible removal of one ball field were discussed. Public comment raised questions about fencing around softball fields and pickle ball courts. Motion by Bacon, support by Dye, authorized the Parks Committee to structure a plan for gathering public input on the potential plans; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
Walton added a Wastewater Report discussion to the agenda, requesting the November 2024 wastewater report be reviewed in detail by the council. Bacon suggested each member create their own fact sheets ahead of discussion. The council agreed to hold this discussion after the budget process was completed, treating the budget as the current priority. Rademacher removed a proposed Water Ordinance item from New Business on the agenda.
Other Business
Dye reviewed documentation on grass clippings and leaves being placed in streets; Bacon volunteered to assemble a poster on the topic for review.
Council members discussed the DPW Technician obtaining a CDL license. Chase asked about the timeline; Davis reported that county training requires the trainer to be an employee of the organization seeking the CDL. Walton volunteered to gather information from her son-in-law, who recently received his CDL. The council agreed the DPW Technician should obtain a CDL within a year of hiring. Dye noted the topic was not on the agenda, and the council agreed to discuss it further at a future meeting.
Action Items
- Parks Committee to structure a plan for gathering public input on the Shalda Park Master Plan.
- Bacon to assemble a poster regarding grass clippings and leaves in streets.
- Council members to review the November 2024 wastewater report and prepare individual fact sheets; discussion to resume after the budget is completed, addressing next steps for a possible Wastewater Task Force.
- Walton to gather information on CDL licensing requirements.
- DPW Technician CDL licensing timeline (within one year of hiring) to be discussed at a future meeting.