Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on April 10, 2025, with members Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, and Walton present, along with Clerk Smith. Key actions included approving the agenda and March 25 minutes, reappointing Beautification Committee co-chairs, and deferring both a Parks Committee meeting and the short-term rental (STR) ordinance discussion to later dates.
Public Comments
Carey Ford submitted written comments on STRs (attached to the minutes). Teresa Howes spoke twice, first expressing hope that the lengthy STR discussion would conclude soon, and later commenting on committee responsibilities. Both Ford and Howes asked how an STR ordinance would be enforced and what problem it is meant to solve. Donna Haiderer commented on STR rules and fees, with written comments also attached.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Dye requested approval for the Parks Committee to meet regarding planting dune grass and visiting the Village conservancy property to explore a nature path. After discussion, including whether to wait until fall for planting, access permissions for the conservancy, and the fact that this year's budget did not include these projects, the majority of Council felt it was premature for the Parks Committee to meet until further research is done. Separately, Dye reported that she, Bacon, and Davis met with Dallas of Gosling Czubak regarding a plan for Shalda Park; a cost proposal is forthcoming. Skrocki said she would like to pursue grant funding for dune grass planting.
Infrastructure Projects
Davis reported on a recent fire in the Village and subsequent hydrant repair. A letter regarding backflow preventers will be sent to all property owners. The permit allowing sand to be moved at the beach will be renewed this year.
Other Business
The Council reviewed proposed changes to the Rules of Procedure (ROP); Clerk Smith volunteered to draft language for Section 3.3, Communications, with a revised version to be considered at the Regular Meeting. Discussion of STRs was postponed to the May Work Session, with all documentation retained for that meeting. Motion by Dye, support by Skrocki, unanimously approved the reappointment of Kathy Benner and Wendy Peplinski as Beautification Committee co-chairs. Chase requested that seasonal worker staffing be discussed at the Regular Meeting; Davis noted a new seasonal worker is needed for no more than 6 hours per week.
Financial Summary
Davis reported the repair estimate for the Village's large plow truck came in approximately $3,500 over the original budgeted amount, prompting discussion of prior-year repair costs. He proposed developing a maintenance and mileage/hours tracking schedule for DPW vehicles. This year's budget does not include funding for dune grass planting or the conservancy nature path; Skrocki suggested pursuing grant funding instead.
Action Items
Clerk Smith to draft Section 3.3 (Communications) language for the ROP. STR documentation to be preserved for discussion at the May Work Session. A cost proposal for Shalda Park is expected from Gosling Czubak. Seasonal worker needs to be discussed at the Regular Meeting. Skrocki to explore grant funding for dune grass planting.