Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on August 14, 2025, at Empire Township Hall, with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, and Walton present (Smith excused). The Council approved the agenda as amended, approved the July 22, 2025 minutes, and approved a $5,500 bidding services contract with Gosling Czubak for Union/Wilce St. alley paving and a Union St. overlay. The Council also heard a presentation on Brownfield Redevelopment and discussed a proposed No Wake designation for S Bar Lake.
Public Comments
Steve Lewis commented on the S Bar Lake No-Wake designation, noting he verified with DNR Lieutenant Molnar in Cadillac that both the Village and Township must submit resolutions for local watercraft control (LWC) to the DNR Law Enforcement Division. Terry Bacon commented on Short Term Rentals, raising concerns about caps, lack of evidence of impact related to affordable housing, and ensuring legacy families have options to return to Empire in the future. No formal Council response or vote followed these comments.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council approved bidding services for the Union/Wilce St. alley paving and Union St. overlay by Gosling Czubak for $5,500. Discussion raised questions about why the alley portion from Union to M-22 was excluded (it was not deemed a priority when the budget was set) and whether performance guarantees were needed given road conditions after tar and chipping. It was clarified the County performed the tar and chip work, while the new work is an asphalt overlay by private contractors. DPW, the Engineer, and the Street Administrator will coordinate on quality assurance. Roll call vote: Ayes - Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays - None. Motion passed.
A presentation on Brownfield Redevelopment was given by Trudy Galla (Fishbeck) and Jenny Herman (Leelanau County Planning); Fishbeck is contracted by Leelanau County for such projects. Council members asked questions during the presentation.
The Council discussed a No Wake designation for S Bar Lake after Davis read a letter from S Bar Lake Association President John Collins. Council confirmed a separate resolution from the Township would be needed and, by unanimous consent, agreed the No Wake designation was necessary.
Other Business
Bacon requested moving the Gosling Czubak bidding services item from New Business to Motions for Required Actions; this change was approved unanimously. Dye commented on DPW removal of goose droppings from the dock and a community member’s removal of loose trash at the recycling area.
Financial Summary
The Council approved a $5,500 expenditure for Gosling Czubak bidding services related to Union/Wilce St. alley paving and Union St. overlay.
Action Items
DPW, the Engineer, and the Street Administrator will coordinate on quality assurance for the Union St. overlay project. The Village and Township each need to submit separate resolutions for a local watercraft control designation for S Bar Lake to the DNR Law Enforcement Division.