Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on April 9, 2026, focused on reviewing several policy and infrastructure items ahead of upcoming regular meetings. Key actions included approving the agenda as amended, approving the March 24, 2026 minutes, and adding the S Bar Lake Drone Survey Presentation to the Regular Meeting agenda. The Council reached consensus on next steps for the Shalda Park Master Plan, Beach Ordinance, Parking Passes and Procedures, Water Ordinance, and Sidewalk Ordinance/Snow Support Program Policy, most of which will be revised and brought to the next Regular meeting.
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 responses from the Council were recorded in the minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks Committee reviewed the Shalda Park Master Plan and recommended Option 2, which includes obtaining quotes for gravel parking, a fence, and a picnic pavilion. The Council discussed methods for gathering public input and reached consensus to address the choice of options within the Gosling/Czubak contract, with quotes for park improvements to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and budget. The Beach Ordinance was also reviewed, including discussion of golf cart registration; changes will be made before scheduling a Regular meeting vote. Parking Passes and Procedures were discussed, including fines/tickets and a $25 fee for an extra pass; revisions will be made before adding the item to the Regular meeting agenda. Council Member Dye noted an Arbor Day event and cleanup of Shalda Park and the recycling area scheduled for April 24. Rademacher suggested a possible creek cleanup at Shalda Park with the Conservancy.
Infrastructure Projects
The Water Ordinance was discussed with several small additions and changes made; a Public Hearing can be scheduled at the next Regular meeting. The Sidewalk Ordinance and Sidewalk Snow Support Program Policy were discussed regarding responsibility for snow/ice removal; three existing ordinances will be rescinded and replaced with the new proposal. Consensus was reached to schedule a Public Hearing at the next Regular meeting, with the Policy to be added for approval.
Other Business
Chase requested permission to discuss changes to the Personnel Policy and possible wage changes with the Personnel Committee, which was added to the agenda under New Business. Chase also noted she will assemble a cost plan for updating the meeting room at the DPW building.
Action Items
- Parks Committee/Council to obtain quotes for gravel parking, fence, and picnic pavilion under Shalda Park Master Plan Option 2.
- Council to address park improvement options within the Gosling/Czubak contract and CIP/budget.
- Revise Beach Ordinance language, including golf cart registration, before scheduling a Regular meeting vote.
- Revise Parking Passes and Procedures, including fine amounts and the $25 extra pass fee, for the next Regular meeting.
- Schedule a Public Hearing on the Water Ordinance at the next Regular meeting.
- Schedule a Public Hearing on the Sidewalk Ordinance and add the Sidewalk Snow Support Program Policy for approval at the next Regular meeting.
- Personnel Committee to meet with Chase to discuss Personnel Policy and wage changes.
- Chase to prepare a cost plan for updating the DPW meeting room.
- Arbor Day event and Shalda Park/recycling area cleanup scheduled for April 24.