The Vandalia City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting honored three outgoing council members with proclamations recognizing 82 years of combined service, presented a $2,200+ employee donation to the Vandalia Food Pantry, and acted on a facilities use agreement, 2026 recreation fees, and a supplemental appropriation ordinance. The meeting ran somewhat out of order, as the mayor noted.
The Monday, December 15th 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 and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Being none, they stand approved. That brings us to communications petitions and awards. The first item is a donation to the Vandalia Food Pantry, but Mr. Wheeler's running a few minutes late. He is, and he's request if we could delay it, we'll update maybe that on his arrival. All right, so we're going to go ahead and then jump down to our council member proclamation. So if I could get Councilmember Farst, Vice Mayor Blakesley, and Councilman Lewis to join me down front, we'll do the proclamations. All right. Councilmember Farst. Whereas the City of Vandalia seeks to recognize and honor outstanding citizens and their accomplishments. And whereas Candace Farst was first elected to the Vandalia City Council in 1997 and has faithfully served the citizens of Vandalia for 28 years, with a December 15th council meeting marking her final meeting as council member, and whereas Candace has been a dedicated member to the Vandalia community for 46 years, having moved to the city here in 1979, and has been deeply engaged in advancing civic life, cultural life, and community pride. Whereas Candace has been the driving force behind the promotion of the arts within the city of Vandalia, serving as an integral member of the Vandalia Arts Committee, Arts Council, and a guiding leader in the Vandalia Cultural Arts Grant Program. And whereas her vision and creativity led to the development of significant cultural events and amenities, including the chiseled, a stone sculpture synopsium symposium. I had to get one reward wrong. In 2010, the establishment of the Vandalia Art Park and the creation of the William Jurgens Amphitheater located on the grounds at the art park. Whereas Candace has long championed local artists promoting their work through the gallery at the municipal building and helping elevate the presence of the arts throughout the city. Sorry, it's a long one. Whereas, throughout her decades of public service, Candace has been known as a conscientious, well-prepared, and thoughtful council member who consistently sought to do what was best for the Vandalia and its residents. Whereas Candace Farrest's dedication, passion for the arts, and commitment to public service has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of Vandalia and will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Now, therefore, I, Richard Herbst, as the mayor of Vandalia, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, as Candace Farst Day. Congratulations. All right, Councilman Lewis. Whereas the City of Vandalia seeks to recognize and honor outstanding citizens and their accomplishments. And whereas David Lewis was first elected to the Vandalia City Council in 1999 and has faithfully served the citizens of Vandalia for 26 years, with December 15th council meeting meeting and marking his final meeting as a council member. And whereas David is a lifelong resident of Vandalia and proud graduate of Vandalia Butler High School, embodying the deep and enduring commitment to the community he has always called home. Whereas David's warm and affable demeanor has made him a respected and well-liked council member, fostering collegiality. Collegiality and thoughtful dialogue among his peers. Kind of an inside joke around here. That's Dave. Whereas his strong financial acumen has proven invaluable in council deliberations, enabling him to offer clear, informed perspectives that have guided the city towards sound fiscal decision making. Whereas David has taken responsibility as a council member with great seriousness, always striving to make decisions that were in the best interest of the city of Vandalia and the residents he represented. Whereas Dave Lewis's dedication, judgment, and steady leadership have left a meaningful and lasting impact on the city and will be appreciated for many years to come. Now, therefore, I Richard Herbst, as the mayor of the City of Vandalia, by the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim Thursday, December 18th, 2025, as Dave Lewis Day. Congratulations. They've got something in here for a moment. And last but not least, Vice Mayor Blakesley. Whereas the City of Vandalia seeks to recognize and honor outstanding citizens and their accomplishments. And whereas Mike Blakesley was first elected to Vandalia City Council in 1997 and has faithfully served the citizens of Vandalia for 28 years, with a December 15th council meeting marking his final meeting as a council member. Whereas Mike's long and distinguished career as a fire in fire service, including his service as fire marshal for Butler Township, have demonstrated his deep commitment to public safety and protecting the lives and property of others. Whereas for many years, Mike played an instrument instrumental role in the Passport to Safety Program, helping prepare incoming kindergartners with essential safety knowledge that has positively impacted generations of young Vandalia students. Whereas Mike is a proud graduate of Vandalia Butler Schools, and he and his wife Mary have made Vandalia their home, where they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Whereas throughout his tenure on City Council, Mike has been known for his unwavering integrity, his thoughtful and deliberate approach to decision making, and his willingness to consider all sides of an issue before casting a vote. Whereas Mike's pragmatic leadership style has his focus on finding fair and balanced solution and his personable nature have earned him the respect and appreciation of his fellow council members, city staff and the residents of Vandalia where he served. Whereas Mike Blakesley's presence on the Vandalia City Council will be deeply missed, and his years of dedicated service have left a long-lasting and meaningful legacy on our community. Now therefore, I Richard Herbst, by the authority vested in me as the mayor of the City of Vandalia, do hereby proclaim December 17th, 2025 as Mike Blakesley Day.