Summary
The Empire Village Council met April 28, 2026, approving the consent agenda, bills totaling $15,518.23, and several old and new business items including the Shalda Park Master Plan direction, beach parking pass purchases, a new pickup truck purchase, and a sand removal contract. Trustee Ella Skrocki announced her resignation, which the Council accepted with expressions of gratitude.
Public Comments
Marie Scott commented on the addition of fire pits at the beach and the Master Plan for Shalda Park during the agenda item comment period. No Council response was recorded. No other public comments were made during the meeting, including none on the drone shoreline survey presentation.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Bacon noted during council member comments that the Master Plan does address affordable housing. No further discussion or action was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Council directed Dallas to complete the Proposed Scope of Work for the Shalda Park Master Plan using Option 2 as the preferred layout, including phasing goals (motion by Dye, support by Walton, passed unanimously). The Council also voted to request Gosling Czubak to provide quotes for gravel parking, fencing, and a pavilion at Shalda Park (Dye/Bacon, unanimous). The Council approved purchase of 3,000 beach parking passes from Carstickers for approximately $2,010 (roll call, all ayes) and 100 golf cart stickers for $168 (roll call, Davis opposed; the Township may cover part of the cost). Walton proposed prohibiting glass containers, smoking, and vaping at Village recreational areas via ordinance; enforcement and signage were discussed. The Parking and Pass Procedures Policy was amended (lost pass fees: $25 first, $150 subsequent; two-sticker maximum) and passed with Bacon opposed. The Council voted (Rademacher/Bacon) not to sell the Benzonia Trail property to the Gateway Council and sunset the special committee formed for that request. The Council also assigned the Parks Committee to study options for new fire pits at the beach following Davis's discussion with Wendy Peplinski.
Infrastructure Projects
DPW Superintendent Joyce reported the beach launch ramp will likely be installed within the week. Street Administrator Bacon reported a pre-construction meeting for Union St and alley repaving is scheduled. Public hearings on proposed Water, Beach Park, and Sidewalk Ordinances were scheduled for the May Regular Meeting (Rademacher/Bacon, Walton opposed). A contract for beach sand removal was awarded to Alpers Excavating, not to exceed $38,000, with discussion of charging Major Streets for the road right-of-way portion (roll call, unanimous).
Other Business
The Council approved a Zoning Ordinance Amendment on Outdoor Dining at restaurants; the Planning Commission will continue discussing food trucks. Bacon resigned as Street Administrator; Davis appointed Bob Joyce, formalized via Resolution No. 7. A drone shoreline survey was presented by Steve Lewis and Dennis Wiand, reporting no invasive species in the lake and a Best Management Score of 107.42.
Financial Summary
- Bills approved: $15,518.23
- Beach parking passes: approximately $2,010
- Golf cart stickers: $168
- New pickup truck (GMC 4WD diesel): not to exceed $64,000
- Sand removal contract (Alpers Excavating): not to exceed $38,000
Action Items
- Dallas to complete Shalda Park Master Plan Scope of Work (Option 2)
- Gosling Czubak to provide quotes for Shalda Park parking, fencing, and pavilion
- Davis to speak with the Township regarding a deer blind on dump property
- Planning Commission to continue discussing food trucks
- Parks Committee to study new fire pit options for the beach
- Public Hearings on Water, Beach Park, and Sidewalk Ordinances scheduled for May Regular Meeting