Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on February 13, 2025, chaired with Bacon leading the Pledge of Allegiance. All seven council members (Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton) and Clerk Smith were present. The council approved the amended agenda, approved use of Village property for the Empire Winter Fest with a waived permit fee, reviewed the FY2025-29 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), discussed FY2025-26 wages/insurance and budget adjustments, and approved prior meeting minutes.
Public Comments
On agenda items: Teresa Howes commented on two CIP items, parcel acquisition and boardwalk construction. Frank Clements noted the CIP spreadsheet did not include those same two items and requested that playground equipment and a shelter at Shalda Park be removed from the CIP.
Later in the meeting, Steve Lewis commented on the Storm Sewer Cleanout being budgeted for three times a year. Teresa Howes again spoke, raising concerns about traffic on Lacore Street caused by recycling, the brush pile, and delivery trucks to Cherry Republic, and suggested that Village funds should benefit residents rather than projects serving only visitors.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Frank Clements requested removal of playground equipment and a shelter at Shalda Park from the CIP. The parking fee previously charged for Lion’s Park was moved into the Parks Department budget, and $2,500 was added to both the Parks and Administration budgets for tree maintenance.
Infrastructure Projects
The council reviewed the CIP, focusing on parcel acquisition and boardwalk construction at the south end of S Bar Lake, noting the description lacked specific cost figures. The Fischer St. extension costs were reviewed, with budgeted funds to remain unspent if the project does not proceed. Clerk Smith noted future CIP funding should be set aside via Council motion during the annual audited Fund Balance review, and cautioned that unfunded long-term CIP projects can signal a lack of interest to grant funders. A $60,000 Fund Balance contribution was added to the Major Street Fund. Davis reported on a meeting with the Road Commission and National Park Service regarding a FLAP grant for the Wilco Drainage project that may require no local match. Steve Lewis raised concerns about the Storm Sewer Cleanout schedule (three times yearly).
Other Business
The council approved (7-0 roll call) use of the beach area near the Post Office, life rings, and fire pits for the Empire Winter Fest, waiving the permit fee; a permit had already been submitted to the ZA. Wages and insurance for FY2025-26 were discussed, with consensus that the Village will cover 100% of insurance costs for the employee plus one, deferring family coverage and cost-sharing decisions. Council also agreed with proposed wage increases. Minutes from January 28, 2024 were approved unanimously.
Financial Summary
Insurance costs were noted as just over $20,000. $2,500 each was added to the Parks and Administration budgets for tree maintenance. A $60,000 Fund Balance contribution was added to the Major Street Fund. The FLAP grant for the Wilco Drainage project may require no match from the Village or Township.
Action Items
Clerk Smith to add employee-plus-one health insurance costs to the FY2025-26 budget. Council to address family insurance coverage and cost-sharing structure in a future meeting. Future CIP funding set-asides to be handled via Council motion during the Fund Balance review. Follow-up needed on the disputed CIP items (parcel acquisition, boardwalk, and Shalda Park playground/shelter) raised by Howes and Clements.