Summary
The Empire Village Council met on March 24, 2026, approving the amended agenda, consent agenda items (including bills totaling $21,685.83), and several old and new business items. Key actions included approving removal of the Aylsworth streetlight for $1,565.00, forming a Special Committee on the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement, setting a wage offer for a new employee position, and directing enforcement of a zoning violation.
Public Comments
Linda Young and Cheryl Clark commented on the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement during the public comment period on agenda items. No specific concerns or board responses were detailed in the minutes. No public comments were made during the later Public Comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks Committee met earlier the same day and indicated it would bring recommendations to the upcoming Work Session. The Shalda Park Master Plan and the Beach Park Ordinance and Parking Policy, originally on the regular agenda, were moved to the Work Session at Dye's request and were not discussed in detail at this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
The Street Administrator reported no start date yet for the Union St. and alley project. The DPW has been occupied with snow removal. The Water Committee will report next month. The Council approved a Resolution, Change of Contract, and payment of $1,565.00 to Consumers Energy for removal of the Aylsworth streetlight and pole, following discussion of pricing and process; motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher, passed unanimously (7-0).
Other Business
The Council discussed forming attorney questions on the Civil Infraction Ordinance, including clarifying differences between Sections 5A and 5B, notice vs. citation procedures, and who may issue violations. No formal vote was recorded on this item. A new employment position was discussed: the job was offered to Bob Joyce, with discussion of vacation accommodations and travel compensation. Council voted not to compensate for daily travel (unanimous voice vote), rejected a $36/hr offer (3-4), and approved a $37/hr offer (5-2: Ayes Bacon, Chase, Dye, Skrocki, Walton; Nays Rademacher, Davis), authorizing the President to present this as a final offer (unanimous voice vote).
Action Items
A Special Committee (Dan Davis, Meg Walton, Maggie Bacon) was appointed to formulate questions on the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement, including Association Presidents in discussions; this passed 4-3 (Ayes: Bacon, Dye, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: Rademacher, Chase, Davis) amid disagreement over process and legal opinion needs — a notable split vote. The Council required a new driveway and ended shared access via Village property in a zoning matter (7-0). The Zoning Administrator was directed to pursue the zoning violation and require a new land use permit, passing 6-1 (Nays: Bacon), with clarification that Village Attorney advice may be sought. Village Attorney questions on the Civil Infraction Ordinance remain to be finalized.
Financial Summary
Bills totaling $21,685.83 were approved as part of the consent agenda. The Council approved payment of $1,565.00 to Consumers Energy for streetlight removal. A new employee wage of $37/hr was approved after rejecting a $36/hr proposal; transportation funding for the employee was not approved.