Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on April 9, 2026, at the Empire Township Hall. The Council reviewed several draft ordinances and policies in preparation for future Regular Meetings, including the Shalda Park Master Plan, Beach Ordinance, Parking Passes and Procedures, Water Ordinance, and Sidewalk Ordinance/Snow Support Policy. No final votes were taken on these substantive matters; consensus was reached to refine language and schedule items for the Regular Meeting. Council also approved the March 24, 2026 minutes and added a drone survey presentation and a Personnel Committee discussion to future agendas.
Public Comments
Trish Baker commented on the registration of golf carts for beach parking passes. Joey Deeg commented on the beach parking fine amount. No formal responses from the Council were recorded, and no written comments were noted as submitted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks Committee recommended Option 2 of the Shalda Park Master Plan, which includes obtaining quotes for gravel parking, a fence, and a picnic pavilion. The Council discussed methods for gathering public input and agreed to address the chosen option within the Gosling/Czubak contract, with associated quotes to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and budget. Council Member Dye announced an Arbor Day event and cleanup of Shalda Park and the recycling area scheduled for April 24. Rademacher suggested exploring a creek cleanup at Shalda Park in coordination with the Conservancy, though no decision was made.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council reviewed proposed changes to the Water Ordinance, agreeing that a Public Hearing could be scheduled at the next Regular Meeting. The Sidewalk Ordinance and Sidewalk Snow Support Program Policy were also discussed, including responsibility for snow and ice removal. The Council agreed to rescind three existing ordinances and replace them with the new proposed ordinance, with a Public Hearing to be added to the next Regular Meeting agenda; the related policy will be presented for approval at that meeting. Motion was also passed to add the S Bar Lake Drone Survey Presentation to the next Regular Meeting.
Other Business
The Beach Ordinance and related registration policy for golf carts were reviewed, with consensus to make changes before scheduling for a Regular Meeting. Parking Pass procedures, including fines and a $25 fee for an extra pass, were discussed at length, with revisions planned before the next Regular Meeting. Chase requested permission to discuss Personnel Policy changes and possible wage adjustments with the Personnel Committee. Chase also noted she will prepare a cost plan for updating the meeting room at the DPW building.
Financial Summary
A $25 fee for an extra parking pass was discussed. Costs for Shalda Park improvements (gravel parking, fence, picnic pavilion) are to be quoted and incorporated into the CIP and budget. No other specific dollar figures or budget votes were recorded.
Action Items
Parks Committee/Council to obtain quotes for Shalda Park improvements (Option 2) and incorporate into CIP/budget. Beach Ordinance and Parking Pass Procedures to be revised and added to the next Regular Meeting agenda. Water Ordinance Public Hearing to be scheduled at the next Regular Meeting. Sidewalk Ordinance Public Hearing and Snow Support Policy to be added to the next Regular Meeting agenda for approval. Chase to meet with the Personnel Committee regarding policy and wage changes. Chase to prepare a cost plan for DPW meeting room updates. Dye to lead Arbor Day event and Shalda Park cleanup on April 24.