Vandalia City Council Meeting – May 1, 2023 (Note: Agenda/Transcript show May 1, not May 5 as instructed)

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Council approved the April 3 study session and meeting minutes, recognized Municipal Clerk Angela Swartz during Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and introduced seven new or promoted employees. The Montgomery County Auditor presented on the triennial property revaluation, forecasting record increases. A public comment raised safety concerns on Miller Lane and opposition to the Aldi location. Council passed five resolutions and one ordinance, and later entered executive session to discuss real property, personnel, and collective bargaining. After executive session, an additional resolution was added and passed.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Council Study Session Minutes (April 3, 2023) and Council Meeting Minutes (April 3, 2023) – unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donald Hutchison (1058 Bristol) expressed concern about recent shootings and panhandling on Miller Lane, stating the area is unsafe. He criticized the city manager for not being the voice of the people and opposed the Aldi location on Miller Lane, advocating for a walkable grocery store elsewhere. He questioned the city manager’s background and priorities.
• City Manager Wendt responded by defending his work, stating he chooses to live in Vandalia and that the city cannot dictate where a permitted use locates. He noted the city attempted to guide Aldi to a different site but the company made a corporate decision. The mayor added that the city is limited by zoning law and that previous independent grocers failed due to lack of support.

Discussion Items

• Presentation from Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith

  • Provided an overview of the 2023 triennial update (not a full reappraisal). Last revaluation was 2020, increasing values by 13% in Vandalia (over $113 million gain).
  • 2023 update based on 2022 sales: 83% of county sales sold above current county value; 91% in Vandalia. Over 10,500 valid county sales in 2022, second only to record 2021.
  • The Ohio Tax Commissioner recommended a 37% aggregate increase for residential and 13% for commercial properties in Montgomery County. Projected actual increases of 25-40% depending on neighborhood, averaging above 30%.
  • Schedule: Submit numbers to tax commissioner by end of May 2023; mail tentative notices to property owners in summer; finalize by end of summer. Informal meetings will be held virtually.
  • Auditor noted that a 37% value increase does not equal a 37% tax increase; taxes will rise but not near double digits. He framed the increases as positive signs of community growth.
  • Council asked about frequency of tax commissioner recommendations and the process of finalizing values.

• City Manager’s Information Items

  • National Day of Prayer: Thursday, May 4, 2023, at First Light Church (8:30 AM breakfast, 9:15 AM service). RSVP requested.
  • Council Spring Retreat: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 3:00-6:00 PM at Justice Center Community Room (open to public).
  • Congratulated Councilman Follick on becoming police chief in Englewood.

• Resolution 23-R-31 – Authorizing cooperation with ODOT for Webster Street resurfacing (Stop 8 to Little York Road). Total cost $979,414, with $117,131 STP grant. Bidding March 2024, construction summer 2024. Passed 7-0.

• Resolution 23-R-32 – Authorizing cooperation with ODOT for Vandalia Bikeway Connector. Shared local cost with Five Rivers MetroParks. Bidding May 2024, construction summer 2024, completion by May 2025. Passed 7-0.

• Resolution 23-R-33 – Awarding bid for a 2023 one-ton dump truck with specialty package to Beau Townsend Ford ($72,600, less $3,500 trade-in for 1998 Chevy dump truck, net $69,100). Declared 1998 truck surplus for trade-in. CIP budget $85,000. Passed 7-0.

• Resolution 23-R-34 – Authorizing purchase of water meters and appurtenances from Buckeye State Pipe & Supply Company, not to exceed $440,000. Part of ongoing water meter replacement program using Badger E-Series ultrasonic meters with cellular remote reading and leak detection app. Passed 7-0.

• Ordinance 23-08 (Second Reading) – Amending zoning code for solar energy systems: revised regulations for roof-mounted and ground-mounted panels, clarifies prohibitions on standalone solar farms. Planning Commission recommended approval 4-1 on March 28, 2023. Public hearing held with no comments. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes and recognized Angela Swartz for Municipal Clerk Week.
• Swore in Police Officer Matthew Nicely; introduced six other employees.
• Received presentation from Montgomery County Auditor on revaluation projections.
• Passed Resolutions 23-R-31, 23-R-32, 23-R-33, 23-R-34, and Ordinance 23-08, all by 7-0 votes.
• Entered executive session (7-0 vote) to discuss real property sale/purchase, personnel matters, and collective bargaining strategy.
• After executive session, amended agenda (7-0) to add Resolution 23-R-35, which authorizes the city manager to negotiate purchase and sale agreements for land at the southeast corner of Dixie and National Road (2, 26, 34, 42 East National Road). Passed 7-0.
• Meeting adjourned.