Rothbury council approves special-event pay, retroactive officer payments and police chief PTO; orders legal review of site-plan process

The Rothbury Village Council on Nov. 18 approved a special-event pay policy for police officers, authorized retroactive payments for two officers from an EF 2025 event, and approved a revised paid-time-off package for Police Chief Ethan Walker, the council’s minutes state.

President Pro-Tem Mike Harris called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council members present included Autum Drake, Jim Fekken, Denise Kurdziel, Troy Voorhees and Dylan Zuniga. Treasurer Deb Murphy, Police Chief Ethan Walker, DPW Director Scott Beishuizen, Recreation Director Brandy Williams, and other staff were also present.

Council member Denise Kurdziel led a discussion of special-event pay, proposing that events covered by the mass-gathering ordinance trigger pay at one-and-a-half times an officer’s hourly wage when overtime is not otherwise warranted. "Motion to approve special event pay for the police department" was made by Denise Kurdziel and seconded by Autum Drake; the motion carried with a recorded tally of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.

Kurdziel also moved — with support from Dylan Zuniga — to pay Officers Walicki and Tenhove $900 each retroactively for EF 2025; Police Chief Ethan Walker opted out of the retroactive payment. The council approved that payment with the same 6–0 tally, and the minutes state those amounts will be paid with December payroll.

On personnel policy, Kurdziel presented a Police Committee recommendation for Chief Walker’s compensation. Under the approved package, the chief will receive paid time off (PTO) in addition to required ESTA: 40 hours annually with a rollover cap of 80 hours. The minutes further state that, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Chief Walker will receive a total of 60 hours consisting of the 40 annual hours plus 20 hours carried from 2025. Denise Kurdziel moved to approve the compensation package; Dylan Zuniga seconded and the motion passed 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.

Separately, the council agreed to continue using a decorating company for street pole holiday lights but instructed staff to solicit bids from other vendors because the existing contract expires this year. Recreation Director Brandy Williams announced community holiday events, including a Santa visit on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon and the annual Holiday Light Decorating Contest with prizes of $300, $200 and $100; winners will be announced at the December council meeting.

Because of recent resident discontent over approvals, the council voted to defer the village’s site plan review ordinance and process to the Village Attorney for legal review. The minutes record the council’s direction but do not cite a specific ordinance section or statutory citation.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about land sales and the use of connecting properties. Police Chief Ethan Walker also said the council has considered increasing fines in the local hunting ordinance because the current $500 fine does not cover village expenses such as officer wages, court time and attorney fees; no motion on fines was recorded.

The council approved payment of the bills on a motion by Jim Fekken, supported by Autum Drake (vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. and the minutes were recorded by Recreation Director and Clerk Brandy Williams.

Votes at a glance: - Motion: approve special-event pay for the police department. Moved by Council Member Denise Kurdziel; seconded by Autum Drake. Tally: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Outcome: approved. - Motion: retroactive EF 2025 special-event pay of $900 each to Officers Walicki and Tenhove (Chief Walker opted out). Moved by Denise Kurdziel; supported by Dylan Zuniga. Tally: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Outcome: approved; paid with December payroll. - Motion: approve Police Chief Ethan Walker compensation package (PTO changes described above). Moved by Denise Kurdziel; seconded by Dylan Zuniga. Tally: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Outcome: approved; changes effective Jan. 1, 2026 (60 hours as described). - Motion: pay the bills. Moved by Jim Fekken; supported by Autum Drake. Tally: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Outcome: approved.

Next steps: staff was directed to solicit competitive bids for holiday pole-lighting, Recreation Director Brandy Williams will distribute 2026–2027 committee assignments per the council’s direction, and the Village Attorney will review the site plan review ordinance and process. Winners of the Holiday Light Decorating Contest will be announced at the December council meeting.