Vandalia City Council Meeting – November 3, 2025

The City Council of Vandalia, Ohio met on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included introductions of new staff, public comments regarding an ordinance language discrepancy and a rezoning, approval of a resolution and two first‑reading ordinances, a second‑reading rezoning that failed by a 4‑3 vote, and approval of a variance for a fence.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Council Study Session Meeting Minutes and Council Meeting Minutes from September 15, 2025 – approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Shanahan (7733 S. Brown School Rd.) questioned the wording of Ordinance 25‑02, asserting that the published Section 4 does not match the March 3, 2025 council vote. He cited a video timestamp (2:28:00) where Councilman Follick’s amendment included “the completion of a traffic study prior and implementation of changes prior to the approval of the final development plan,” while the published ordinance reads differently. He asked who is responsible for final wording and whether such discrepancies are common. Mayor and staff committed to reviewing the video and ordinance.
• Jeff Hogland (817 Dearhurst Dr.) echoed the concern, asking if the final development plan vote in two weeks should be postponed if the condition required implementation of traffic improvements before approval. He also criticized the perceived rush and argued that the developer should be held responsible for infrastructure.
• Leon Mabel (778 Foxfire Trail) called the traffic study for Brown School Road “flawed” because it was conducted after the school year ended and during summer. He opposed the second reading of Ordinance 25‑26 (rezoning of 770 Bolton Abbey Lane), urging council to deny it.
• Tanya Brown (4428 Poplar Creek Rd.) asked what the remedy would be if ordinance language was incorrect and who writes the ordinances. The mayor explained that staff drafts proposed ordinances and the deputy clerk of council inputs them into Granicus. He stated the city has not knowingly experienced such issues but will advise council.

Discussion Items

• Introductions:
  • Kayla Sensenbaugh was introduced as the new Recreation Facility Manager (started October 20, 2025). She holds a master’s in recreation and tourism from Clemson University and a bachelor’s from Wright State University.
  • Trina Stewart, mobile crisis counselor, was unable to attend and will be introduced at a future meeting.
• City Manager’s Report:
  • Pumpkin Smash event: Saturday, November 8, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vandalia Sports Complex (free, all ages). Pumpkin debris will be composted.
  • Leaf collection continues until December. Leaves must be raked into the street; schedule is on the city website.
• Resolution 25‑R‑51: Authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter into a purchase and sale agreement for land in Stonequarry Crossing and to close on the sale. Adopted 7‑0.
• Ordinance 25‑27 (First Reading): An ordinance making appropriations for 2026 current expenses and other expenditures, declaring an emergency. Changes to the proposed budget included removal of $310,000 for art park solar pathway lighting, reduction of $1,000,000 in street resurfacing costs, and increase of $1,000,000 in police/fire street CIP fund. Adopted 7‑0.
• Ordinance 25‑28 (First Reading): An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of notes up to $18,000,000 for a public works complex, with interest not exceeding 6%, maturing December 1, 2026. Adopted 7‑0.
• Ordinance 25‑26 (Second Reading): Rezoning 15.478 acres at 770 Bolton Abbey Lane from RSF‑2 to RSF‑4 and Agriculture. The applicant, Greg Berling (Campbell Burling Development), described a plan for 35 single‑family homes as Section 8 of Foxfire subdivision, with increased open space (26% of section), a park on the McGovern lot, and transferring a flag lot to adjacent residents. Public comment opposed the rezoning, citing inconsistency with the original RSF‑2 neighborhood, traffic concerns, and desire for larger homes. Council voted 3‑4 (Lewis, Follick, Herbs voting yes; Evelodis Weaver, Dugan, Farst, Blakesley voting no); motion failed and rezoning was denied.
• Reports from Boards and Commissions:
  • Variance BZA 25‑0008: Request for a 6‑foot fence in Zone A at 775 Cassel Creek Drive. The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5‑0 to recommend approval with the condition that the fence shall not extend more than 12 feet into Zone A. Council approved the variance 7‑0.
  • Meeting minutes accepted: Records Commission (April 30, 2025), Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (August 20, 2025 and October 1, 2025), Planning Commission (September 23, 2025).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 25‑R‑51 passed 7‑0.
• Ordinance 25‑27 and Ordinance 25‑28 passed first reading unanimously (7‑0).
• Ordinance 25‑26 (rezoning of 770 Bolton Abbey Lane) failed on second reading by a vote of 3‑4.
• Variance BZA 25‑0008 was approved 7‑0 with the condition that the fence not exceed 12 feet into Zone A.
• Staff will review the Ordinance 25‑02 language discrepancy raised by Mr. Shanahan and report back to council.

Council Comments

• Councilman McDonald complimented staff on completing the Vandalia Bikeway Connector project.
• Councilwoman Dugan wished candidates in the upcoming city council and school board elections good luck.
• Councilwoman Evelodis Weaver welcomed Kayla Sensenbaugh and encouraged residents to attend the Pumpkin Smash and vote.
• Vice Mayor Blakesley also wished candidates good luck.
• Mayor Herbst welcomed Ms. Sensenbaugh and adjourned the meeting.