Summary
The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on May 26, 2026. The council held three public hearings and subsequently adopted Water Ordinance No. 1 of 2026, Beach Park Ordinance No. 2 of 2026, and Sidewalks Ordinance No. 3 of 2026, all by unanimous roll call votes (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton). The council also appointed Mark Dunphey to fill the vacant Trustee position (4-2 vote) and removed the tabled Wastewater Resolution No. 8 of 2026 from the agenda.
Public Comments
During the public hearings, Terry Bacon commented on data center impacts on water usage and on a missing definition of "swim area" in the Beach Park Ordinance. Bob Joyce raised concerns about road right-of-way boundaries and Village liability for items placed there; Joey Reutter noted some sidewalks may have been abandoned or unmaintained by the Village; Sue Palmer commented on Village flower boxes in the right-of-way.
On agenda items, Val Dalton read written comments (submitted by her and her husband, posted on the Village website) regarding the Wastewater Resolution. Terry Bacon concurred with Dalton and also raised concerns about the Zoning Administrator report and affordable housing issues. Cheryl Clark, Frank Clements (written comments posted online), Maggie Sprattmoran, Mel Larecy, and Sue Palmer all commented on the Wastewater Resolution. Ella Skrocki commented on the vacant Trustee position.
Following the Shalda Park presentation, Sam Barr asked whether relocation of the brush pile had been considered. In final public comment, Bacon addressed designating a swim area on Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake; Sam Barr thanked Bacon for her work on economic redevelopment; Maggie Sprattmoran thanked the council; Sue Palmer and Ella Skrocki commented on beach sand removal.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dallas Wirtz presented a plan for Shalda Park improvements based on a public survey, identifying component locations and a range of costs, including design costs. The plan will be posted on the Village website. The Beach Park Ordinance No. 2 of 2026 was approved, with discussion touching on jet ski use. Joyce reported that 3,600 feet of sand had been removed from beach traffic and walking areas.
Infrastructure Projects
Water Ordinance No. 1 of 2026 was approved, with appreciation expressed to the Water Committee for its review process. The tabled Wastewater Resolution No. 8 of 2026 was removed from the agenda after motions by Rademacher/Bacon and Walton/Dye, both passing by unanimous vote. Council members Walton, Rademacher, and Bacon offered differing views on wastewater priority, affordability index concerns, and whether the project benefits the whole Village versus only the Business District. Street and alley paving was reported as mostly completed.
Other Business
Sidewalks Ordinance No. 3 of 2026 was adopted. Mark Dunphey was appointed to the vacant Trustee position (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Rademacher; Nays: Dye, Walton), following discussion of how applicants had been approached by community members. Lighting in the conference room was installed and shop lighting replacement began, per Chase's report.
Financial Summary
The consent agenda, including bills totaling $12,354.55, was approved unanimously (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton). The Treasurer and Clerk's Financial Report totals were confirmed to agree.
Action Items
The Shalda Park improvement plan will be posted on the Village website for public review. Wastewater Resolution No. 8 of 2026 was removed from the agenda, with council members expressing continued disagreement over its scope, affordability, and priority. Affordable housing concerns raised by Terry Bacon regarding the Zoning Administrator report remain noted but without further stated action.