Summary
The Empire Village Council met January 27, 2026, with Chase and Clerk Smith absent. The council approved the consent agenda, a $16,200 Water Master Plan update, a CIP amendment to move up SCADA system purchase, 2026-27 personnel wages, use of village parks for Winterfest with fees waived, DPW Superintendent job advertising funds, and Planning Commission reappointments. The Shalda Park plan was tabled for further public input.
Public Comments
Clay McNitt spoke regarding liability concerns over developing property jointly owned by the Township and Village, and voiced support for retaining the softball fields. No response from the council was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The council reviewed results from the Shalda Park open house, discussing two improvement options, including whether one ball field could be removed. Members agreed parking and a pavilion are needed, but expressed concern about limited public input. Motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher, to table the Shalda Park plan passed on a roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Davis, Rademacher, Skrocki; Nays: Dye, Walton). The Parks Committee will develop a plan to gather additional public input. Separately, motion by Dye, support by Rademacher, to approve use of Lake MI Beach Park and Downtown Park for Winterfest and waive the fee passed by unanimous voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
Davis reported DPW has been busy plowing and addressing water line freezes; a compliance letter was sent to a property owner near the Village Office, with a response expected in about a month. Bacon reported bids for Union Street and the alley project are expected February 3, with adequate funding anticipated; a Lake St. proposal is being developed. The council approved a $16,200 Gosling/Czubak proposal to update the Water Master Plan (unanimous roll call: Bacon, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton), with follow-up on completion date and inclusion of a water shortage plan. The council also amended the CIP to move the SCADA (Water Automatic Monitoring System) purchase to this year and include it in the budget (unanimous roll call vote). Rademacher noted the Water Committee recommends a 5% water rate increase, with a rate schedule to be presented at a Public Hearing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on 2/24/26.
Other Business
The council reviewed employee health insurance options; the Personnel Committee recommends a Hard-Cap Option instead of the previously used Exemption, pending final rates and hiring of a new DPW employee. This will be considered at the Budget Public Hearing. Planning Commission reappointments of Sam Barr (Ayes: Bacon, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nay: Skrocki) and Carey Ford (Ayes: Bacon, Davis, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: Dye, Skrocki) were approved. Walton noted a tipped-over sign and a retirement party for DPW Superintendent Friend.
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaled $8,188.23 (approved unanimously). Water Master Plan update approved for $16,200. Up to $500 approved for advertising the DPW Superintendent position. A 5% water rate increase was recommended by the Water Committee, pending Public Hearing.
Action Items
Gosling/Czubak to be contacted regarding Water Master Plan completion date and inclusion of a water shortage plan. Parks Committee to develop a plan for gathering more public input on Shalda Park. Budget Public Hearing to address health insurance resolution. Water rate Public Hearing scheduled for 7:00 p.m., February 24, 2026.