Summary
The Empire Village Council held its July 28, 2026 regular meeting, closing a public hearing on the Mass Gathering Ordinance with no comments and later adopting it (Ordinance No. 4 of 2026) by unanimous roll call. Council approved the Consent Agenda, including bills totaling $99,115.15, set a public hearing on the Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance for the August meeting, and approved a $166 parking fee reimbursement for the Asparagus Festival. Several public works and equipment items were approved, and the recurring New Neighborhood escrow issue was again discussed without resolution.
Public Comments
On agenda items, Cheryl Clark addressed the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement and Council's actions. David Kroll argued Short Term Rentals (STRs) should be classified as commercial, citing Michigan court opinions. Bob Chase asked about setting a hearing date for STRs, public notices on beach parking, and waiving parking fees. Frank Clements proposed tabling the STR ordinance in favor of a registration ordinance with a cap. Terry Bacon said the Planning Commission and Council had already heard extensive STR input.
Under general Public Comment, Bill MacQuerie asked Council to revisit the New Neighborhood escrow agreement at the next work session in light of a Court of Appeals opinion. Jon Rubitschun called the Wood and Aylsworth stop sign dangerous due to its placement, and separately described a dead tree on a public alley that threatened his house. Frank Clements raised concerns about council members answering public questions during Council Member comments. David Kroll reiterated the STR commercial classification issue, and Terry Bacon responded citing a Supreme Court opinion that a venture can be both commercial and personal, distinguishing opinion from bullying.
A letter from the New Neighborhood associations regarding the escrow account was received; the Village attorney advised the account cannot be dissolved, and Council discussed continuing the search for a new escrow agent, possibly with auditor input.
Parks and Recreation Matters
DPW Superintendent Joyce reported progress on beach facility work. Council discussed waiving/refunding parking fees tied to the Asparagus Festival and voted (Ayes: Bacon, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: Chase, Davis, Dunphey) to reimburse Paul Skinner $166.00 for beach parking.
Infrastructure Projects
Council waived the multi-bid policy to address an emergency involving fuel tank wiring and concrete slabs, approving costs not to exceed $10,000 (unanimous roll call). A separate motion approved a Harrigers bid for grading and graveling the rear DPW parking lot, not to exceed $4,000 (unanimous roll call).
Other Business
Council approved having Trustee Tom Rademacher, a retired inspector, conduct Liquor Code Inspections (unanimous roll call); Clerk Smith will confirm a trustee may perform this role and whether compensation applies. Council approved removal of 3 trees and grinding of 2 stumps, not to exceed $8,000 (unanimous roll call), noting the lack of competitive bids due to summer scheduling. Council also approved advertising the Village's 2013 GMC pickup for sale at $3,000 or best offer via Marketplace (unanimous vote).
Financial Summary
- Consent Agenda bills approved: $99,115.15
- Beach parking fee reimbursement to Paul Skinner: $166.00
- Fuel tank wiring/concrete slab emergency work: not to exceed $10,000
- DPW rear lot grading/gravel (Harrigers bid): not to exceed $4,000
- Tree/stump removal: not to exceed $8,000
- 2013 GMC pickup to be advertised at $3,000 or best offer
Action Items
- Clerk Smith to verify whether a trustee may legally perform Liquor Code Inspections and whether compensation is permitted.
- Continued search for a new escrow agent for the New Neighborhood account; auditors may be consulted.
- Public hearing on the Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance set for the August Regular Meeting.
- Council to revisit the New Neighborhood escrow agreement at the next work session per Bill MacQuerie's request, referencing a recent Court of Appeals opinion.
- Stop sign placement at Wood and Aylsworth to be reviewed by the Street Administrator, per Bacon's comment.