Summary
The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on April 28, 2026, approving the consent agenda, advancing the Shalda Park Master Plan, setting public hearings for three ordinances, and approving several equipment and contract expenditures. Trustee Ella Skrocki announced her resignation, which the Council accepted with unanimous regret, and Bacon resigned as Street Administrator, with Bob Joyce appointed to replace him via Resolution No. 7.
Public Comments
Marie Scott commented during the agenda-item public comment period on the proposed addition of fire pits at the beach and on the Master Plan for Shalda Park. No formal response or council action was recorded in direct reply to her comments at that time; the topics were later addressed separately under Old and New Business.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Bacon noted, during council member comments, that the Shalda Park Master Plan does address affordable housing. No further discussion or action was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Council voted unanimously (Dye/Walton) to direct Dallas to complete the Proposed Scope of Work for the Shalda Park Master Plan using Option 2 as the preferred layout, including phasing goals, and unanimously (Dye/Bacon) to request quotes from Gosling Czubak for gravel parking, fencing, and a pavilion at the park. The Sidewalk Snow Support Program Policy was approved unanimously. The Council approved purchasing 3,000 beach parking passes from Carstickers for approximately $2,010 (roll call, all ayes) and 100 golf cart stickers for $168 (6–1, Davis opposed), with the Township possibly covering part of the cost. Walton proposed banning glass containers, smoking, and vaping at Village recreational areas; the Parking and Pass Procedures Policy was approved (voice vote, Bacon opposed) with changes to lost-pass fees ($25 first, $150 subsequent) and a two-sticker maximum. The Parks Committee was unanimously assigned to study new fire pit options at the beach, following Davis's discussion with Wendy Peplinski.
Infrastructure Projects
Public Hearings on the Water, Beach Park, and Sidewalk Ordinances were scheduled for the May Regular Meeting (voice vote, Walton opposed). Steve Lewis and Dennis Wiand presented a Drone Shoreline Survey, reporting a Working Towards Excellence score of 107.42 with no invasive species in the lake, though some in the greenbelt. 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.
Other Business
The Outdoor Dining Zoning Ordinance Amendment was approved unanimously; the Planning Commission will continue reviewing food trucks. The Council declined to sell the Benzonia Trail property to the Gateway Council and sunset the related committee. Skrocki's resignation as Trustee was accepted unanimously.
Financial Summary
- Bills approved totaling $15,518.23.
- Beach parking passes: approximately $2,010 for 3,000 passes; $168 for 100 golf cart stickers.
- New GMC 4WD diesel pickup truck approved, not to exceed $64,000.
- Sand removal contract awarded to Alpers Excavating, not to exceed $38,000.
Action Items
- Davis to speak with the Township regarding a deer blind on dump property.
- Dallas to complete the Shalda Park Master Plan Scope of Work.
- Gosling Czubak to provide quotes for gravel parking, fencing, and pavilion at Shalda Park.
- Parks Committee to study fire pit options for the beach.
- Public Hearings on Water, Beach Park, and Sidewalk Ordinances scheduled for the May Regular Meeting.
- Bob Joyce to attend regular Council meetings as new Street Administrator.