Summary
The Empire Village Council held a public hearing and then approved the Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration Ordinance (Ordinance No. 5 of 2026) and a related zoning amendment to Section 2.02. The Consent Agenda, including bills totaling $37,386.43, was approved unanimously. An annual audit presentation noted rising tax revenues, and operational reports covered park engineering, tree trimming, brush pile issues, and water system planning.
Public Comments
During the public hearing on the STR ordinance, resident Donna Haiderer raised concerns about STR owner conduct, registration fees, and confidentiality of the contact list. Terry Bacon called the ordinance "a good start" and a compromise, suggesting a 2027 effective date. Property owner Cora Rubitschun agreed it was a good start but said further restrictions may be needed. Resident Barbara Ludlow asked about enforcement. Residents Sue Palmer and business owner Ella Skrocki both said a cap on STRs is needed. Frank Clements questioned whether STRs are permitted under the New Neighborhood PUD. Trish Baker referenced a prior council consensus from 5/8/25 to start with registration. Val Dalton questioned whether the registration list is subject to FOIA and argued the Village should collect its own data, since no negative data has been provided to justify restrictions; her comments were also submitted as a letter. Letters were read aloud into the record from property owners Dan & Jeanne Ernst (read by Bacon), residents Jack and Maggie (read by Dye), and resident Diana Oberschulte (read by Davis). The hearing closed at 7:40 p.m.
In later public comment, Val Dalton thanked DPW Superintendent Bob Joyce for his work, and Terry Bacon discussed protecting STR registration data under FOIA.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Davis reviewed a proposal from GoslingCzubak for engineering work on Shalda Park improvements; the matter will be discussed further at the September work session.
Infrastructure Projects
DPW Superintendent Joyce reported he will meet with Sleeping Bear Marathon organizers, the Village engineer, and others to review the water system. No other infrastructure items were discussed.
Other Business
Richard Niegarth of Gabridge & Co. presented the annual audit, noting increased tax revenues driven by new construction and uncapped sales, and recommended annual use of the reserved portion of the Water Fund. Joyce also reported on recent tree trimming and ongoing brush pile misuse by non-residents; cameras have been purchased to identify violators. Zoning Administrator and financial reports were received.
Financial Summary
The Consent Agenda approved bills totaling $37,386.43 (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: None). The audit presentation noted increased tax revenues from new construction and uncapped sales, and recommended the Water Fund's reserved portion be used annually.
Action Items
- Council to establish a process to implement the STR Registration Ordinance (motion by Walton, support by Dye, passed 7-0).
- Shalda Park engineering proposal from GoslingCzubak to be discussed at the September 10, 2026 Council Work Session.
- Joyce to meet with Sleeping Bear Marathon organizers and the engineer to review the water system.
- Walton asked whether anyone had responded to a letter from Mr. Tris; follow-up status unresolved.