Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on September 12, 2024, addressing the Sign Ordinance, job descriptions, Planning Commission vacancy policy, recycling center improvements, and several traffic and parks matters. A motion to send up to two members to a Housing Summit was defeated. Minutes of the August 27, 2024 regular meeting were approved.
Public Comments
An email from Frank Clements regarding the Master Plan was read aloud during Communications. During the public comment period, the Beautification Committee asked about next steps for the Village's public planters; Palmer responded that costs for building new planters should be obtained.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Garden Club, which maintains public planters and beds, submitted a written and verbal report (included as a handout) requesting the planters be replaced, either through purchase or construction by DPW staff. Council member Palmer noted that cost estimates for building new planters should be obtained as a next step. Under Old Business, Dye proposed adding wording to the Beach Park Ordinance to address boat trailer parking, to aid enforcement.
Infrastructure Projects
Rademacher reported that the Water Committee is working to update and possibly combine multiple existing water ordinances. Regarding the Recycling Center, Bacon presented information for review, and it was agreed Bacon will work with the DPW to obtain quotes for a new fence; it was noted that GFL owns the security camera at the site and reviews footage only when a complaint is filed. Webb reviewed documentation on two-way traffic on Niagara Street near the beach, noting the road width does not meet striping requirements and citing the existing 15-mph speed limit; the council requested that two-way signs be installed on Niagara Street.
Other Business
The council discussed and reworded job descriptions for the Clerk, DPW Superintendent, and Treasurer positions, agreeing to finalize them for the regular meeting. Discussion continued on Planning Commission vacancy policy, including whether to follow the Planning and Enabling Act for filling and posting positions. Bacon reviewed Planning Commission changes to the Sign Ordinance, with extensive discussion on the number of allowed signs per property. Bacon presented documentation on a new curbside sign for the Village office, with consensus to place it on the regular meeting agenda. A request for a Halloween Trunk and Treat street closure was placed on the consent agenda for the regular meeting. Insurance denial letters regarding a fence and sprinkler heads in the Village right-of-way were also discussed.
Action Items
- Bacon to obtain DPW fence quotes for the Recycling Center.
- Job descriptions for Clerk, DPW Superintendent, and Treasurer to be finalized for the regular meeting.
- New Village office curbside sign to be placed on the regular meeting agenda.
- Halloween Trunk and Treat street closure request to be placed on the regular meeting consent agenda.
- Two-way traffic signs requested for installation on Niagara Street.
- Cost estimates for new planters to be obtained per the Beautification Committee's inquiry.
- A motion by Bacon, supported by Dye, to send up to two members to a Housing Summit was defeated by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon; Nays: Chase, Dye, Palmer, Rademacher, Walton, Webb).