Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on September 11, 2025, with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton, and Smith present. The council approved the agenda and the August 26, 2025 minutes by unanimous voice vote. Key items included a presentation from Housing North on affordable housing tools, discussion of water ordinance and infrastructure issues, and continued conversation on short-term rentals (STRs).
Public Comments
Karen Baja asked whether a letter had been sent to the County regarding an irrigation well permitted near her property; Bacon confirmed the letter was written, and Davis said he would ensure it was sent to the Health Department. Frank Clements commented on a County meeting and its role in affordable housing. David Kroll commented on the need for a Short-Term Rental ordinance and cap. Terry Bacon noted a Supreme Court discussion related to STRs and their use. Karen Baja thanked the Beach Ambassadors and raised concerns about the behavior of STR users.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Shelly Charron and Kent Wood of Housing North presented on PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs and Attainable Housing District tools, providing an overview of their organization and checklists available at housingnorth.org. A copy of the presentation was made available on the Village website. No formal action was taken by the council on this presentation.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Dye commented on volunteer efforts to improve areas around the exercise stations at Shalda Park, and Walton thanked the volunteers for their work. Davis also thanked Garden Club members for their work on the planters.
Infrastructure Projects
A Water Ordinance addressing irrigation wells and water metering was discussed; a committee will meet and return with a recommendation. The council also discussed a Water Service Line Excavating Quote, including whether ten water connections could be completed in a day and a half and whether the lines could be dug by hand. Davis will obtain further information on this matter.
Other Business
Bacon reported on the Planning Commission’s ongoing work regarding Short-Term Rentals, which may include updates to several Police Power Ordinances. She requested council input on the content of the Master Plan, noting the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Master Plan on October 7.
Action Items
- Davis to confirm the letter regarding the irrigation well has been sent to the Health Department (raised by Karen Baja).
- Water ordinance committee to meet and return with a recommendation on irrigation wells and water metering.
- Davis to obtain further information on the water service line excavating quote and connection timeline.
- Council members to provide comments on the Master Plan ahead of the Planning Commission’s public hearing on October 7.
- Ongoing Planning Commission review of Short-Term Rental ordinances and related Police Power Ordinance updates.