Summary
The Empire Village Council met March 24, 2026, adopting an amended agenda, approving consent items, and continuing discussions on a civil infraction ordinance. Major actions included forming a Special Committee on a neighborhood escrow agreement, approving removal of a streetlight, setting a new hire's pay rate, and addressing a zoning violation requiring a new driveway and land use permit.
Public Comments
Linda Young and Cheryl Clark spoke during public comments on agenda items, addressing the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement. No specific concerns or council responses were recorded beyond the discussion that followed under New Business. No other public comments were made during the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Shalda Park Master Plan and the Beach Park Ordinance and Parking Policy were moved from Old Business to the Work Session at Dye's request. The Parks Committee reported it had met earlier that day and would bring recommendations to the Work Session.
Infrastructure Projects
The council approved the Aylsworth Streetlight Resolution, including a Change of Contract and payment of $1,565.00 to Consumers Energy for removal of a streetlight and pole, following discussion of pricing and process (Motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher; Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: None; Motion Passed). The Street Administrator reported no start date yet for the Union St. and alley project, and noted DPW has been focused on snow removal. The Water Committee will report next month.
Other Business
Davis reported that the open position had been offered to Bob Joyce, who requested accommodation for planned vacations and transportation funding at $38/hr. The council agreed vacations could be accommodated per policy but would not offer transportation funding (Motion by Bacon, support by Dye; unanimous voice vote, Passed). A motion to offer $36/hr (Rademacher/Dye) failed (Ayes: Davis, Dye, Rademacher; Nays: Walton, Skrocki, Chase, Bacon). A motion to offer $37/hr (Bacon/Chase) passed (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: Rademacher, Davis). The council authorized the President to present this as a final offer (unanimous voice vote).
Financial Summary
The consent agenda approved bills totaling $21,685.83. The streetlight removal cost $1,565.00. The new hire's wage was set at $37/hr after votes on $38, $36, and $37 rates.
Action Items
Bacon and Dye are to finalize attorney questions on the Civil Infraction Ordinance regarding notice vs. citation procedures and enforcement authority. A Special Committee (Dan Davis, Meg Walton, Maggie Bacon) was appointed to formulate questions on the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement and involve Association Presidents. The council required a new driveway, ending shared access via Village property, and directed the Zoning Administrator to pursue the zoning violation and require a new land use permit, with Village Attorney input if needed (Ayes: Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: Bacon).