Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on May 8, 2025, focused primarily on short-term rental (STR) regulation and the selection of a new village attorney. The Council reached consensus to pursue a Registration Ordinance with a cap on STRs, referring the matter to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. Council also authorized further vetting of one law firm candidate and briefly reviewed a consolidated Water Ordinance draft.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke on STR issues. Carey Ford raised the idea of an independent study on STR impacts and noted the higher costs of owning an STR. David Marks discussed the impact of potential STR controls. Steve Young suggested using the proportion of STRs to residents as a control measure. Bob Chase urged the Council to clearly define the problems it hopes to resolve. Steve Lewis spoke in support of an STR registration system. Bill Maxwell proposed setting a cap on STRs and later questioned who Council members are elected to represent. Wendy Peplinski compared year-round residents to STR owners. Steve Weller commended the thorough STR discussion and urged sharing all existing data with the Planning Commission, hiring an attorney, and representing voters.
Infrastructure Projects
Rademacher reviewed the Water Committee's work combining six existing Water Ordinances into a single proposed Cross-Connection Ordinance. Council reached consensus that the draft is ready for attorney review once a new village attorney is hired.
Other Business
The Council approved the agenda and the minutes of the April 22, 2025 Regular Meeting by voice vote. Council members Walton, Skrocki, Dye, Bacon, and Davis each offered closing comments on the STR discussion, incentivizing long-term housing and business, and the history of seasonal versus year-round housing in the Village over the past 50 years.
Action Items
Davis was authorized, on a motion by Bacon and support by Walton, to contact two references for CMDA (one of three responding law firms, along with Bloom Slugget and Foster Swift) and speak with their managing partner, reporting back to Council; roll call vote passed with Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton, Nays: None. The Planning Commission was assigned to develop a recommendation on an STR Registration Ordinance and cap, following a straw poll showing 0 members favoring no action, 4 favoring registration, and 3 favoring an ordinance. The Water Ordinance draft awaits attorney review pending the hiring of new counsel.