Summary
The Empire Village Council met on June 23, 2026, approving consent agenda items, a wastewater task force decision to halt further study spending, a $12,500 contract for Lake Street reconstruction engineering, a public hearing on mass gathering ordinance changes, and fee/road closure waivers for EACC events. A new trustee, Mark Dunphey, was introduced as filling the remainder of Ella Skrocki's term.
Public Comments
Julie Wilber thanked the DPW for emptying trash bins at Shalda. Dave Kroll read a letter from Paul Skinner regarding the Wastewater Task Force report. Later in the meeting, Trish Baker welcomed new Trustee Mark Dunphey. Frank Clements complimented the DPW and commented on the Gosling Czubak contract and the wastewater letter. No board responses to these comments were recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The Wastewater Task Force report was discussed at length. Based on findings from Gosling-Czubak, Harry Lucius, and Wade Trim that a system is not fiscally viable, Rademacher moved, supported by Chase, to cease further studies and spending on the issue, while remaining open per the Master Plan to any viable proposal from outside parties. Discussion covered the economic impact of lacking a system and servicing costs. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Rademacher; Nays: Dye, Walton. Motion passed.
Council approved a $12,500 Contract for Services with Gosling Czubak for Lake Street reconstruction engineering, motioned by Dye and supported by Bacon. Bacon noted drainage issues in the area will be partly addressed by an FLAP grant, with this contract addressing road elevation. Roll call unanimous, motion passed.
Council member comments: Rademacher clarified the Task Force was not charged with recommending future action, as that is a Council decision. Bacon mentioned an independent Chamber study on wastewater and hoped for future data sharing. Walton stated she views wastewater as infrastructure and a community responsibility.
Other Business
Operational reports noted all potholes patched, 90% of stop signs not up to code, an overfilling brush pile likely used by non-residents, investigation into a zero-turn mower expected to cut labor time by 75%, and repair of the DPW garage door surround. Davis reviewed CIP progress and noted parking issues during the Asparagus Festival, and is awaiting attorney callback on an escrow account.
Council set a Public Hearing for July 28th on a Mass Gathering Ordinance amendment addressing parking control and road closure approval processes; motion by Bacon, supported by Dye, passed by unanimous voice vote.
Council approved EACC's request for road closures and waived Temporary Outdoor Use Permit fees for two events; motion by Dye, supported by Walton, roll call unanimous, passed.
Council approved, by motion of Walton supported by Dye, asking the Village President to draft a letter to Hometown Pharmacy requesting information on why their facility closed, potentially relevant to a Redevelopment Ready Plan. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Rademacher; Nays: Bacon. Motion passed.
Davis commented on the upcoming 250th July 4th Anniversary.
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaling $55,789.30 were approved unanimously. A $12,500 contract with Gosling Czubak was approved for Lake Street reconstruction engineering services.
Action Items
Clerk/Council to prepare for the Mass Gathering Ordinance Public Hearing at the July 28th Regular meeting. Village President to draft a letter to Hometown Pharmacy on Village letterhead. Davis awaiting attorney callback regarding an escrow account. Council to continue evaluating zero-turn mower purchase. Wastewater issue remains open to outside proposals per Council's stated position, despite Council vote to halt further Village-funded studies.