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Record of Proceedings

Vandalia City Council Meeting – April 21, 2025

City Council — Monday, April 21, 2025
BodyVandalia, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, April 21, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 24:25

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:04

April 21st uh City of Vandalia Council meeting is now called to order.

0:08

We'll begin with a moment of reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

0:16

Please stand for the pledge.

0:21

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

0:26

To the Republic, which it stands.

0:28

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:39

All right, we have no minutes to approve, and that brings us to communications petitions and awards, where tonight we are going to recognize Mr.

0:46

Jordan Gross for winning the national championship for with the Adidas Indoor Nationals for the 60 meter dash.

0:53

So if you could join me here at the podium for the proclamation.

0:58

Anybody else would like to come up with you too?

1:00

That's fine.

1:11

All right, again, congratulations.

1:13

All right.

1:14

Watch the video of you, Ryan.

1:15

That's pretty impressive.

1:16

And actually, we do have it queued up here.

1:18

Um we're gonna play it for everybody in case they haven't seen that yet.

1:23

So whoever hits play, this would be your time.

1:26

And watch quick here.

1:30

Underway.

1:30

And even Stark Edwards got a little bit better of a reaction, but here comes the top end speed of Jordan Gross from Butler.

1:38

What do you think about that?

1:41

All right.

1:43

Congratulations on that.

1:44

That was that's pretty pretty neat.

1:46

And also, I saw an interview that you did after that.

1:49

It sounds like you set some personal records here uh this season, so things are really improving for you.

1:55

Anything you'd like to add to that as far as your upcoming season, what do you got?

1:58

What's your goals are?

2:00

Um, my goal uh is gonna I'm gonna try and win a state championship in the 100 in the 200 meter dash.

2:06

Hopefully have some relays that can go out there and compete.

2:09

All right, all right.

2:10

Well, again, congratulations.

2:11

Uh so the city of Vande, we would like to issue a proclamation to you, and if you don't mind, I'll go ahead and read it to you.

2:17

Whereas a City of Vandalia takes great pride in honoring its residents who excel in their prospective fields, embodying embodying the values of dedication, hard work, and excellence.

2:29

Whereas Jordan Gross has achieved a remarkable accomplishment by winning the national championship in the 60-meter dash at the prestigious Adidas Indoor Nationals.

2:39

An achievement that reflects not only the athletic talent, but his unwavering commitment to excellence and the sport of track and field.

2:47

And whereas Jordan's outstanding performance at the national level has brought recognition and honor to the city of Vandalia, showcasing the strength, determination, and competitive spirit that our community fosters.

3:00

And whereas Jordan's accomplishment serves as an inspiration to young athletes and all the residents of Vandalia, reminding us the power of perseverance and the pursuit of greatness.

3:12

Now I, therefore, Richard Herbst, by the make as the mayor of the City of Vandalia, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, as Jordan Gross Day in the City of Vandalia.

3:24

Congratulations.

3:57

Now the shy people get out.

4:35

Thank you, Your Honor.

4:36

Tonight we want to welcome a new member or a returning member to the Division of Fire.

4:41

So Jake, if you don't mind standing, we'll read your bio and then I'll meet you at the podium and we'll administer the oath of office to you.

4:48

So Jacob Walters originally started his career at the Division of Fire as a part-time employee in September of 2020.

4:55

During this time, Jacob attended at Sinclair Community College, where he worked towards and obtained his paramedic certification in 2023.

5:02

Jacob currently resides in Tipp City with his wife and growing family.

5:07

Jacob Litter moved from his part-time position with the Division of Fire to full time, where he received multiple letters of commodation, unit citations, and most notably, Jacob received the 2023 EMS Person of the Year Award before having to leave in 2024.

5:23

We are happy that Jacob is returning to the fire department family where he will deliver top tier service to our community again.

5:29

Jacob will continue to be an asset in his full-time employment with the division of fire.

5:33

So welcome back, Jacob.

5:53

All right, we'll have you step over here with your family.

5:56

And if you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me.

6:02

Solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution.

6:06

I will support the Constitution.

6:08

And will obey the laws of the United States.

6:12

And of the state of Ohio.

6:15

That I will, in all respects, I will in all respects observe the provisions of the charter.

6:20

Observe the provisions of the charter.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████21%
Personnel Matters████████████████16%
Zoning And Land Use██████████████14%
Education And Youth███████7%
Public Safety███████7%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Summary of Proceedings

Vandalia City Council Meeting – April 21, 2025

Mayor Richard Herbst called the regular April 21, 2025 Vandalia City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the moment of reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no minutes to approve and no public comments from citizens. The meeting recognized a national champion sprinter, swore in a full-time firefighter/paramedic/inspector, acted on four resolutions and two ordinances, and closed with council comments.

Communications, Petitions & Awards

  • Proclamation: Mayor Herbst presented a proclamation honoring Jordan Gross for winning the national championship in the 60-meter dash at the Adidas Indoor Nationals. A race replay was shown. Gross said his goal is to win state championships in the 100- and 200-meter dash. The council proclaimed April 22, 2025 as “Jordan Gross Day” in Vandalia.
  • Oath of Office – Firefighter/Paramedic/Inspector Jacob Walters: Mr. Althouse introduced Walters, who began with the Vandalia Division of Fire as a part-time employee in September 2020, obtained his paramedic certification from Sinclair Community College in 2023, and received the 2023 EMS Person of the Year Award. Walters took the oath of office for full-time employment (employment began April 13, 2025), followed by the ceremonial badge pinning.

Public Hearings & Comments from Interested Citizens

  • No citizens spoke during the comment period.
  • A public hearing for Ordinance 25-04 (hotel registration, second reading) was opened and closed with no testimony.
  • A public hearing for emergency Ordinance 25-05 (solid waste district plan) was opened and closed with no testimony.

City Manager’s Report

  • Arbor Day: Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Morton Middle School. Vice Mayor Blakesley will present a proclamation and a Crimson Sunset Maple will be planted. The event is open to the public.
  • National Day of Prayer: Thursday, May 1, 2025, at First Light Church from 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. RSVP by calling 937-898-3801; live stream at www.firstlight.church.

Discussion & Action Items

  • Resolution 25-R-22: Declared the city’s official intent to reimburse its water fund for the CD 15AB and CD 16AB Mossview Ranch View Drive water main replacement project using proceeds of tax-exempt debt of the state of Ohio. The project will begin construction with $900,000 awarded by the Ohio Public Works Commission, and OPWC requires the resolution before the loan disbursement is placed in the appropriate fund. Council proceeded to a roll call vote.
  • Resolution 25-R-23: Authorized the city to provide police and city services in direct support of the 2025 Center Point Energy Date and Air Show on June 21–22; the city will be reimbursed should services exceed $21,900.
  • Resolution 25-R-24: Approved a $15,000 appropriation in the 2025 budget as the annual donation to the Historical Society of Vandalia Butler for maintenance projects and the cost of the annual business/organization membership. Motion by Councilwoman Farrest, second by Vice Mayor Blakesley.
  • Resolution 25-R-25: Amended the 2025 part-time pay plan to add two Parks and Recreation positions: a marketing coordinator to ensure consistent branding and increased awareness of recreation programs, and an assistant golf professional to support golf instruction at Castle Hills Golf Course (a previously budgeted role vacant since 2020). Motion by Vice Mayor Blakesley, second by Councilman Fallock.
  • Ordinance 25-07 (first reading): Amendments to the Interstate and Limited-Access Highway Sign Overlay District would permit billboards along Airport Access Road on a limited basis, following the March 3, 2025 council discussion. The Planning Commission voted 4–0 on March 25, 2025, to recommend approval.
  • Ordinance 25-04 (second reading): Amendments to Sections 878.03, 878.04, and 878.06 of the Codified Ordinances regarding hotel registration, addressing items staff found after three years of implementing the hotel-motel registration. Motion by Councilman Folick, second by Councilman Lewis.
  • Ordinance 25-05 (emergency): Approved ratification of the Montgomery County Solid Waste Management District’s updated plan. The district completed the statutory steps under ORC 3734.53 through 3734.99 and 343, conducted a 30-day public comment period, and held a public hearing. Ratification requires 70% of jurisdictions by population. John Minnier, Assistant Director, presented at the April 7 study session. Motion by Councilwoman Dugan, second by Vice Mayor Blakesley.

Reports from Boards and Commissions

  • Received Civil Service Commission minutes of March 11, 2025, and Board of Zoning Appeals minutes of March 12, 2025, with no comments.
  • March 2025 financial reports: bill listing of $2,699,639.03, monthly expenses over $25,000, and purchasing card detail of $33,222.01.

Council Comments

  • Councilmembers congratulated Jordan Gross and welcomed Jacob Walters. A councilmember praised the students who participated in Youth and Government Day the prior Tuesday.
  • Vice Mayor Blakesley praised city staff’s response at an outdoor event when lightning and heavy rain arrived: within two to three minutes, the order to evacuate was given and barricades went up. He and “Sophia” were completely soaked, but everyone had a great time and staff did a wonderful job.

Key Outcomes

  • Council proclaimed April 22, 2025 as “Jordan Gross Day.”
  • Jacob Walters was sworn in as full-time Firefighter/Paramedic/Inspector.
  • Resolutions 25-R-22, 25-R-23, 25-R-24, and 25-R-25 were approved.
  • Ordinance 25-07 received its first reading; Ordinance 25-04 received its second reading.
  • Ordinance 25-05 was adopted as an emergency ordinance, authorizing ratification of the updated solid waste district plan.
  • The meeting was adjourned following council comments.

Meeting Transcript

April 21st uh City of Vandalia Council meeting is now called to order. We'll begin with a moment of reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic, which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. All right, we have no minutes to approve, and that brings us to communications petitions and awards, where tonight we are going to recognize Mr. Jordan Gross for winning the national championship for with the Adidas Indoor Nationals for the 60 meter dash. So if you could join me here at the podium for the proclamation. Anybody else would like to come up with you too? That's fine. All right, again, congratulations. All right. Watch the video of you, Ryan. That's pretty impressive. And actually, we do have it queued up here. Um we're gonna play it for everybody in case they haven't seen that yet. So whoever hits play, this would be your time. And watch quick here. Underway. And even Stark Edwards got a little bit better of a reaction, but here comes the top end speed of Jordan Gross from Butler. What do you think about that? All right. Congratulations on that. That was that's pretty pretty neat. And also, I saw an interview that you did after that. It sounds like you set some personal records here uh this season, so things are really improving for you. Anything you'd like to add to that as far as your upcoming season, what do you got? What's your goals are? Um, my goal uh is gonna I'm gonna try and win a state championship in the 100 in the 200 meter dash. Hopefully have some relays that can go out there and compete. All right, all right. Well, again, congratulations. Uh so the city of Vande, we would like to issue a proclamation to you, and if you don't mind, I'll go ahead and read it to you. Whereas a City of Vandalia takes great pride in honoring its residents who excel in their prospective fields, embodying embodying the values of dedication, hard work, and excellence. Whereas Jordan Gross has achieved a remarkable accomplishment by winning the national championship in the 60-meter dash at the prestigious Adidas Indoor Nationals. An achievement that reflects not only the athletic talent, but his unwavering commitment to excellence and the sport of track and field. And whereas Jordan's outstanding performance at the national level has brought recognition and honor to the city of Vandalia, showcasing the strength, determination, and competitive spirit that our community fosters. And whereas Jordan's accomplishment serves as an inspiration to young athletes and all the residents of Vandalia, reminding us the power of perseverance and the pursuit of greatness. Now I, therefore, Richard Herbst, by the make as the mayor of the City of Vandalia, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, as Jordan Gross Day in the City of Vandalia. Congratulations. Now the shy people get out. Thank you, Your Honor. Tonight we want to welcome a new member or a returning member to the Division of Fire. So Jake, if you don't mind standing, we'll read your bio and then I'll meet you at the podium and we'll administer the oath of office to you. So Jacob Walters originally started his career at the Division of Fire as a part-time employee in September of 2020. During this time, Jacob attended at Sinclair Community College, where he worked towards and obtained his paramedic certification in 2023. Jacob currently resides in Tipp City with his wife and growing family. Jacob Litter moved from his part-time position with the Division of Fire to full time, where he received multiple letters of commodation, unit citations, and most notably, Jacob received the 2023 EMS Person of the Year Award before having to leave in 2024. We are happy that Jacob is returning to the fire department family where he will deliver top tier service to our community again.

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