Vandalia City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026

The City of Vandalia Council met on May 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included the swearing-in of three new public safety employees, recognition of National Public Works Week and National Elected Officials Day, introduction of a police support canine program, the adoption of three resolutions, and routine approvals.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council study session meeting minutes and the council meeting minutes of March 2, 2026, were approved without comment or correction.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Spurgeon (777 North Edge Drive) expressed thanks for the city's shred day held the previous Friday, noting it was well organized and appreciated.

Communications, Petitions, and Awards

• Swearing-In of New Personnel:
  • Battalion Chief Brian Faruqi (Fire Division) – previously a part-time fire paramedic for Vandalia, most recently a fire captain at Harrison Township Fire Department.
  • Police Officer Timothy Klein – former chief of the Covington Police Department, with prior roles as patrol sergeant, school resource officer, and patrol officer.
  • Police Officer Gavin Rieger – a recent academy graduate who previously served as a corrections officer and participated in the Vandalia Police Explorer program.
  • All three took the oath of office and were welcomed by council.
• Proclamation: National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026): Mayor Herbst proclaimed the week, highlighting the theme "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community." An open house at the Public Works facility was announced for May 19, 5:30–7:30 PM, with tours, hot dogs, and cake.
• Introduction of Support Canine "Bo":
  • Detective Holly Eastup will serve as handler for Bo, a three-year-old Portuguese water dog. Bo's role includes supporting employee wellness, community engagement, and regional crisis response.
  • The program was made possible by the Battle Buddy Foundation (nonprofit assisting veterans and first responders) and Dixie Veterinary Clinic (providing veterinary care). Both organizations received plaques for community partnership.
• Recognition of National Elected Officials Day (May 19, 2026): Acting City Manager Cron thanked council members and all elected officials for their service.

City Manager's Report

• Public Works Open House: Tomorrow (May 19) from 5:30–7:30 PM at 97 Clubhouse Way – free event for all ages.
• Memorial Day Closure: City offices closed May 25; Recreation Center open 7 AM–noon (fitness area, track, gymnasium).
• Vandalia Flight Fest: June 12, 6–10 PM at Vandalia Sports Complex, featuring U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, and others. Free admission with ticket (available at DaytonAirShow.com).
• Summer Council Meeting Schedule: Beginning June, meetings will be held once a month on the third Monday (June 15, July 20, August 17) at 7 PM.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-R-31: Awarding preliminary engineering and design services for the Poplar Creek Sanitary Sewer Protection Project to Choice One Engineering Corp. (not specified as "Corps" in transcript) in the amount of $55,400. The project addresses an exposed sanitary sewer main due to creek erosion; a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit will be required.
• Resolution 26-R-32: Awarding the bid for resurfacing the Vandalia Recreational Center Pool to Swim Safe Pool Management Inc. at the lowest and best bid of $133,750. Work includes removing old plaster, applying new hydrazo finish, replacing tiles and expansion joints, new drain covers, lighting, and acid wash.
• Resolution 26-R-33: Applying for a statewide initiative grant (Ohio Park and Recreation Association/DWA Recreation Game Time Grant) of $17,724.99 to replace the play structure and surface at Warner Park. Total project cost is $53,211.13, with the city share covered by remaining capital funds from the Robinette Park project. The park, established in 1995, contains largely original equipment.

Key Outcomes

• All three resolutions passed unanimously, 7-0:
  • Resolution 26-R-31 approved.
  • Resolution 26-R-32 approved.
  • Resolution 26-R-33 approved.
• Bill Listing Approved: The April 2026 bill listing in the amount of $3,717,748.49, along with monthly expenses over $25,000 and the monthly purchase card detail of $34,450.76, was acknowledged without discussion.
• Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes: The March 11, 2026 meeting minutes were noted without comment.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Dugan welcomed the new fire and police employees.
• Councilmember Hathaway thanked the Vandalia Fire Department for participating in a field day at St. Chris and welcomed new employees.
• Councilmember Avalotus Weaver thanked staff for organizing gifts and recognized acting city manager Rob Cron for his work. She expressed anticipation for upcoming city activities.
• Vice Mayor Follick recognized three city employees who are active duty reservists: Public Works Technician Matt Breich (Air Force Reserve firefighter), Leighton Flat (Army Reserves), and Police Officer Dustin Myers (Ohio Army National Guard Reserves). He also congratulated Assistant Public Works Superintendent J.R. Fulton on obtaining his Ohio EPA Class 2 water distribution license. He expressed interest in investing in a restroom facility at Robinette Park and an art park, suggesting a potential partnership with schools. He thanked Public Works for installing veteran banners early and reminded residents to order banners for the next two-year cycle via the Chamber of Commerce website.
• Mayor Herbst thanked the new employees, public works staff, and council members for their service.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned without further business.