Vandalia City Council Meeting - July 17, 2023

The Vandalia City Council met on July 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including personnel recognitions, a pool update, several resolutions and ordinances, appointments to boards, and public comments. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council approved the Council Study Session Minutes and Council Meeting Minutes from June 19, 2023, with no corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Spurgeon (777 North Edge Drive) praised the police open house and shred day, requesting a fall shred event. City Manager Wendt indicated they would look into it.
• Robert Husong (126 Internets, behind the council) thanked the council for reduced semi-truck traffic, the positive changes at Cassel Hills Pool, and the dedication of police officers working long hours. He started a positive Facebook campaign.
• Francis Carmack (567 Tionda Drive North) raised concerns about the Super 8 Motel reopening, dead trees hanging over her property, hypodermic needles, fire alarms, and reduced property values. Law Director indicated he would investigate screening requirements between commercial and residential properties.

Discussion Items

• Personnel Recognitions: City Manager Wendt administered the Oath of Office to newly promoted Police Sergeant Andy Wehner (employed since 2013). He also introduced new employees: Ethan Whitmer (Parks Maintenance), Joshua Berry (Fitness Coordinator), and Drew Burghardt (Parks Maintenance).
• Proclamation: Vice Mayor Lewis presented a proclamation to Inteva Products for winning the 2023 Corporate Challenge Championship.
• Cassel Hills Pool Update: Parks Director Steve Clark reported on the 2023 season. Key points: new fee structure (first increase since 2014), combined resident/business categories into a resident taxpayer category. Attendance: first 15 days up (3,816 visits vs 3,591 in 2022), but second 15 days down (2,395 vs 7,721) due to poor weather. Memberships up, daily admissions down. Revenue through June 30 was down; cost recovery dropped to 73.81% from 99% in 2022. Expenses increased due to higher lifeguard pay and chemical costs. Positive feedback from patrons, and new manager Aaron Baker received high praise. Next steps: monitor zip code data, analyze revenue, evaluate modifications for next year (e.g., early-bird discounts).
• City Manager's Report:
  • Summer schedule: next meeting August 21, 2023 at 7 PM (study session at 6 PM).
  • Air show week preparations; parade on July 18.
  • Electric aggregation open house; contract rate 6.75 cents/kWh vs AES 10.8 cents, effective Sept 1.
  • Employee appreciation event July 20.
  • Finalizing $9 million roof/HVAC project and long-term facility plan.
• Appointments:
  • Ashley Franklin appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) – voice vote 5-0; sworn in.
  • Lucious Plant appointed to the Planning Commission – vote 5-0; sworn in.
• Ohio Department of Liquor Control: Council voted 5-0 not to request a hearing for a new liquor license at 3250 Benchwood Road (Sheetz #807).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 23-R-47: Approved 5-0 to waive bidding and purchase computers, laptops, tablets from Dell for $108,188.73.
• Resolution 23-R-48: Approved 5-0 authorizing application to Ohio Public Works Commission for the Tionda Drive/Mossview Drive/Ranchview Drive water main replacement project (total cost $1.8M, asking 50% funding).
• Resolution 23-R-49: Approved 5-0 to purchase three 2024 Ford SUV patrol vehicles from Beau Townsend Ford for up to $55,000 each ($165,000 total), and declare three 2020 vehicles as surplus.
• Ordinance 23-16 (Texting as Primary Offense): First reading approved 5-0.
• Ordinance 23-17 (Rezoning 72.628 acres on Webster Street): Motion to table passed 5-0; further discussion needed on buffers for adjacent residential.
• Ordinance 23-18 (Redwood Vandalia Development Extension): First reading approved 5-0 to grant one-year extension for construction commencement.
• Ordinance 23-19 (Amending Chapter 208 – Purchasing Thresholds): Tabled 5-0 for further revision and discussion after changes received on Friday.
• Ordinance 23-15 (Emergency – Individual Assessments): Approved as emergency 5-0 to certify delinquent accounts for collection.
• Variance 769 Center Drive (Kendall Electric): Approved 5-0 with two conditions from BZA (visibility clearance and setback).
• Variance 811 Falls Creek Drive (Waibel Energy Systems): Approved 5-0 with three conditions (landscaping/screening, paving, vinyl-coated fence).
• Bill Listing: Approved $2,530,911.25 in June bills, plus $20,192.52 in purchasing card detail.
• Council Comments: Council recognized Sergeant Wehner's promotion; noting that residents under other electric suppliers must contact Energy Harbor to opt into aggregation; compliments on Foley Road improvements and Habitat for Humanity home. Excused Mayor Herbst and Councilman Blakesley from the meeting.