The Vandalia City Council met on March 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with a moment of reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved minutes from two November 17, 2025 meetings, received a proclamation honoring Beau Townsend Ford's 50th anniversary, and accepted the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for financial reporting. Seven resolutions were unanimously passed concerning financial contributions, street resurfacing, mowing contracts, park equipment, pathway lighting, land sale, and police vehicle upfitting. One citizen offered public comments, and council members offered remarks.
I want to have a countdown. All right, seven o'clock. So we'll go ahead and begin with the Monday, March 2nd, City of Vandea Council meeting. Uh we're going to start 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. I just do the very problem for which it's saying it's one issue under liberty. Justice. You've had an opportunity to review the study session meeting minutes along with the council meeting minutes of November 17th. Are there any comments to those? All right, being none, they stand approved. That brings us to communications petitions and awards where tonight we're going to begin with a proclamation for Bow Towns and Ford for their 50th anniversary. So if Mr. Taylor and Mr. Spencer can join me at the podium. Well, you guys don't have to fight over the mites. You got one there, we got one here. All right. Glad you guys can make it. Oh, thank you. Whereas Bow Towns and Ford was founded in 1976 in Vandale, Ohio, and has proudly served Miami Valley region for nearly five decades. And whereas in 2001, the dealership expanded its operation with the purchase of a Nissan franchise. And in 2005, Bow Townsend opened the new dedicated Nissan facility adjacent to its Ford dealership campus here in Vandalia. And whereas in 2010, the dealership acquired Lincoln Mercury of Dayton and later integrated the Lincoln brand into its Vandalia campus. And whereas in 2021, Bow Townsend was selected to feature the highly anticipated Ford Bronco and has grown its employment to more than 300 individuals here in Vandalia. And whereas in 2022, the dealership announced the addition of its new quick lane service facility. And whereas, under the leadership and of owner Larry Taylor, Bow Towns and Ford has consistently earned a prestigious Forge president award in recognition of outstanding customer satisfaction and sales performance. And whereas, as a locally owned and operated business, Bo Townsend Ford Nissan is one of Vandalia's 10 largest employers and has made a lasting and positive impact on the city of Vandalia. And whereas February 26, 2026, the Bow Townsend dealership proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. Now therefore, I mayor of Andalia, Richard Herbst do hereby proclaim Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, as Bow Towns and Ford Nissan Day here in the City of Andalia. Congratulations. I think you're we're gonna announce maybe a 50% discount coming here for March. Buy one, get one free. There we go. You know, we have a great relationship with the city council with uh Chief Vollock, Chief Succer. I'm uh it's it's uh seldom I think you find bit I don't know, you know. This is our businesses or life. I don't know that there's that many relationships like we have with the city out there, and I just want to say thanks. And we're real happy that you let us move forward with the Lincoln right. This this is gonna be a beautiful facility and a real upgrade to to what's there now, so thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Um thanks for the proclamation. Appreciate you. You know, this town has uh been well administrated for a long time. And 50 years, you know, and you get my age lives of vapor. I mean, I can't believe I've been there 50 years. But I look back and Rainardini was our chief. I don't think you were born yet. Bob Treiber was our fire chief, and Mr.