Summary
The Empire Village Council met on July 28, 2026, closing a public hearing on the Mass Gathering Ordinance with no comments, then adopting Mass Gathering Ordinance No. 4 of 2026. The Council approved the consent agenda, including bills totaling $99,115.15, set an August public hearing on a Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance, approved several DPW-related expenditures, and authorized Tom Rademacher to conduct liquor license inspections.
Public Comments
Cheryl Clark spoke on the New Neighborhood Escrow Agreement and related Council actions. David Kroll addressed short-term rentals (STRs) as commercial activity, citing Michigan Court opinions, and repeated this concern later in the meeting. Bob Chase commented on setting a hearing date for STRs, public notices on beach parking, and waiving parking fees. Frank Clements urged tabling the STR ordinance in favor of a registration ordinance with a cap, and later raised concerns about council members answering public questions during Council Member comments. Terry Bacon stated the Planning Commission and Council had adequately heard STR comments, and later cited a Supreme Court opinion noting a venture can be both commercial and personal, distinguishing between opinion and “bullying.” Bill MacQuerie asked Council to revisit the New Neighborhood escrow agreement at the next work session based on a Court of Appeals opinion. Jon Rubitschun raised safety concerns about the stop sign at Wood and Aylsworth being set too far back, and separately described a dead tree on a public alley that could fall on his house.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council discussed the New Neighborhood escrow account; the Village attorney advised it cannot be dissolved, and the Council will continue searching for a new escrow agent, possibly with auditor input. An emergency motion (Bacon/Rademacher) waived the multi-bid policy to address fuel tank wiring and concrete slab work, not to exceed $10,000; approved unanimously. A motion (Rademacher/Dunphey) approved a Harrigers bid to grade and gravel the DPW rear parking lot, not to exceed $4,000; approved unanimously.
Parks and Recreation Matters
DPW Superintendent Joyce reported progress on beach facility work, sign replacement, and tree trimming. The Council approved (Dye/Walton) reimbursing Paul Skinner $166.00 for beach parking fees during the Asparagus Festival, following discussion of fee waivers versus ordinance compliance; vote 4-3 (Ayes: Bacon, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: Chase, Davis, Dunphey).
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaled $99,115.15. Fuel tank wiring/concrete work approved not to exceed $10,000. DPW gravel/grading bid approved not to exceed $4,000. Tree removal (3 trees, 2 stump grindings) approved not to exceed $8,000. A 2013 GMC pickup was authorized for sale/advertisement at $3,000 or best offer. Paul Skinner was reimbursed $166.00 for beach parking fees.
Other Business
The Council approved Tom Rademacher to conduct liquor license inspections; Clerk Smith will confirm whether a trustee may serve in this role and whether compensation is permitted. The Council approved tree removal (3 trees, 2 stumps) not to exceed $8,000, despite lack of multiple bids due to summer scheduling. The Council voted to advertise a 2013 GMC pickup for sale at $3,000 or best offer via Marketplace.
Action Items
Clerk Smith to verify whether a trustee (Rademacher) can perform liquor inspections and receive payment. Continued search for a new escrow agent for the New Neighborhood account, possibly with auditor input. Council to revisit the New Neighborhood escrow agreement at the next work session per Bill MacQuerie’s request, referencing a Court of Appeals opinion. Stop sign placement at Wood and Aylsworth to be reviewed by the Street Administrator, per Bacon’s comment following Rubitschun’s safety concern. Public Hearing on the Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance scheduled for the August Regular Meeting.