What started as a fiery meeting Thursday transformed into a love-fest as the Village of Empire hosted its final session with the current board of trustees, before newly elected members prepare to take their seats this week.
At a packed house, Empire residents gathered for Sue Palmer’s final meeting as president, where the board discussed appointments for treasurer and clerk positions.
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and trust that you placed in me. It’s been an honor to work alongside all of you and to serve our wonderful community. Though I may not be continuing in this role, I’m hopeful that (President-elect Dan Davis) will provide the leadership needed to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Palmer said in a farewell address. “Let’s continue to foster a supportive and engaged environment within Empire. Our strength lies in unity and commitment to the betterment of our community. Thank you once again for allowing me the privilege of serving as your village president and I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of us. So thank you.”
Palmer has held four key positions in the village since returning to Empire. She first served on the planning commission, where she helped approve the creation of the Gateway and Front Street Corridor projects. She then went on to serve as a trustee before being elected president.
Her deep connection to Empire is preserved through numerous photographs of her ancestors displayed in the Empire Heritage Museum, as well as a local street that bears her family’s name.
“Sue has often said that Empire holds a special place in her heart, which is why she has given of her time both to the planning commission and the council,” Empire trustee Maggie Bacon said.
Empire trustee Chris Webb attended his final council meeting before retiring to focus on his role as a full-time grandfather.
“I’d like to thank the residents of Empire for being so engaged in the village. The past few years have certainly been interesting ... In that short time, the current council has tackled big projects and issues,” Webb said. “I hope moving forward with short term rentals that the new council will appreciate both sides of the STR debate. As I leave my position on council, anyone who is on this council is doing it because they love Empire. They aren’t doing council as a resume builder and they’re not doing council to be a social club, and they sure aren’t doing it for the pay ... With that love sometimes comes disagreement and conflict. It’s unavoidable. Within that disagreement and conflict, there always needs to be respect for the opinions of others. Council is a place for debate, not for demeaning one another, not for yelling at one another, and not for rolling our eyes at something we don’t agree with. It’s also not a place to cross examine each other like we’re on a witness stand.”
March Dye said this about Webb and Palmer.
“I would like to thank Chris for serving on the village council and for becoming a good friend. And I would like to thank Sue Palmer for serving as our village president for the last two years. During your tenure, the public has been better informed about issues concerning governance. The Shalda Park project was completed ... The short term rental issue was and is still being addressed. A wastewater task force was formed. The sign ordinance, mass gathering ordinance, beach park ordinance, snowplow policy and ordinance were updated. The purchasing policy was updated. Parking fees were raised by $1 per hour to help with park maintenance ... Cherry Republic was granted permission to expand their facilities,” Dye said.
