Summary
The Empire Village Council held a public hearing on a No-Wake designation for South Bar Lake, then conducted its regular meeting on September 23, 2025. Key actions included adoption of Resolution No. 8 of 2025 establishing the No-Wake designation, approval of DPW-related infrastructure quotes, approval of a street closure for a Trunk and Treat event, and a decision to convene the Personnel Committee to review attorney-recommended policy changes. Council also received a 2024-25 audit presentation from Gabridge & Co.
Public Comments
During the public hearing on the No-Wake designation, Marc Oberschulte, Steve Lewis, and Cheryl Clark each spoke in support; Lewis thanked the Village for its application efforts. A letter from Carol and John Peterson supporting the designation was read aloud by Bacon. Separately, a letter regarding Short-Term Rentals from David and Tamara Kroll was received and read aloud by Dye under Communications. No public comments were made on agenda items or during the general public comment period at the end of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Davis reported in the Operational Report that a Master Plan for improving Shalda Park will be available at the October Work Session. Council member Chase thanked volunteers for cleaning up Shalda Park.
Infrastructure Projects
Council approved Resolution No. 8 of 2025 establishing a Slow No-Wake designation for South Bar Lake (motion by Bacon, support by Skrocki; roll call all ayes, motion passed). For DPW water system work, council approved a quote from Michigan Pipe and Valve for a tank vent not to exceed $3,000 (motion by Rademacher, support by Walton; roll call all ayes). Council directed DPW to perform a temporary manual repair on the lighthouse and investigate the cost of an LDR system for the next budget year (motion by Bacon, support by Dye; roll call all ayes). Council also approved contacting PowerVac to complete hydro excavation of 10 water curb stops for service line inspections (motion by Rademacher, support by Dye; roll call all ayes), and directed the President to have the DPW Superintendent schedule PowerVac to complete this work in October upon his return from vacation (motion by Bacon, support by Dye; unanimous voice vote).
Other Business
Council approved closing Front Street between LaRue and Union on Friday, October 31st from 4:30 to 7:30pm for Trunk and Treat (motion by Dye, support by Bacon; unanimous voice vote). Richard Neihardt of Gabridge & Co. presented the 2024-25 Audit and answered council questions.
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaling $23,898.97 were approved (motion by Dye, support by Walton; roll call all ayes). The DPW tank vent quote from Michigan Pipe and Valve was approved not to exceed $3,000. The 2024-25 Audit was presented by Gabridge & Co.
Action Items
Personnel Committee to meet to address recommendations from the Village Attorney regarding personnel policy changes (motion by Chase, support by Bacon). DPW to investigate the cost of an LDR system for the lighthouse ahead of the next budget year. DPW Superintendent to schedule PowerVac to complete the 10 water system curb stops in October upon return from vacation.