Public Meetings - Vandalia, Ohio

The Vandalia City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included public comments, approval of resolutions, an emergency ordinance, and council reports. Key actions included approval of the First Suburbs Consortium bylaws, authorization to purchase property for revitalization, and an appropriation adjustment. Public Comments & Testimony - Don Hutchison (1058 Bristol) raised concerns about the PUD on South Brown School Road, referencing a 2006 resolution (06R-33) regarding emergency access. He asked how the emergency access would be used and monitored, and whether water/sewer/stormwater rate revenues were being used for the new public works facility. The city manager confirmed some rate funds are used for capital improvements. - Robert Shanahan (7733 South Brown School Road) opposed the proposed development, stating it would look like Huber Heights, not Foxfire. He cited traffic issues, school impacts, and noted a traffic study request by Kurt Althouse. He argued the development would harm the city's character. - Patty Tackett (7771 Johnson Station Road), owner of Miami Valley Shooting Grounds, raised concerns about potential lead contamination on the development property, referencing past litigation. She asked if lead testing had been done. - A letter from a resident (read by another) opposed the 167-home plan, calling for larger lots, natural materials, and brick/stone fronts. The writer, a realtor, worried about property value impacts. - Beth Langford (410 South Brown School Road) agreed with previous speakers, calling the development not beneficial. - Donald Engel (859 Bolton Abbey Lane, Foxfire) urged council to require quality standards comparable to Foxfire, noting Foxfire's success and the proposed development's vinyl siding and small lots. - Leon Mabel (778 Fox Fire Trail) asked for larger lots, expressed concerns about traffic and property values, and urged council to use its authority to modify the plan. - Tammy Weatherhead (4555 Poplar Creek Road) noted the PUD was nearly identical to the previously denied RSF-4 plan, criticized the vinyl siding, and shared a personal emergency services shortage experience. - A resident (name not given) asked about the development's benefits and whether council could make changes; council confirmed they have authority. - Kimberly Bysh (792 Fox Fire) gave extensive testimony about traffic, school capacity, lot sizes (90 inches side-yard), fire safety, and the need for a traffic study. She urged council to consider community concerns. - A speaker from 751 Foxfire asked for council feedback, noted the developer is not a stakeholder, and requested a traffic study before voting. He suggested tabling until the study is done. - Ed Burke (2337 Upper Trentway) criticized the cul-de-sac layout and suggested phased development, asked about wetland maintenance, and suggested limits on short-term rentals. - Ronald Ingle (859 Bolton Abbey Lane) shared concerns about traffic and cited a potential lawsuit risk, referencing a similar case in Centerville. Discussion Items - The city attorney explained the procedural process for PUD approval, including that council cannot require certain things beyond code, but could table or approve subject to a traffic study. He clarified that the prior rezoning was pulled by the applicant and never voted on by council. - Councilmember noted that traffic studies can be biased and expressed concern about potential litigation. - Councilmember Avalotis Weaver acknowledged resident concerns about Helky Park's toddler playground and noted future replacement plans. - Councilmember Fallett thanked public works and parks staff for snow removal and water main repairs. - Councilmember Farst thanked the utility rate study presenter and staff. - Councilmember Blakesley thanked the Boy Scouts and noted the utility rate presentation would be posted on the city website. Consent Calendar - Approval of Council Study Session Minutes and Council Meeting Minutes from January 6, 2025 (no corrections or comments). Resolutions - 25-R-13: Approved the 2024 Bylaws of the First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton Ohio Council of Governments. Motion carried 6-0. - 25-R-14: Authorized the City Manager to purchase property at 10 W. National Road for $2,150,000, funded by the Job Creation and Revitalization Fund. Motion carried 6-0. Ordinances – Emergency - 25-03: Approved an emergency ordinance to revise appropriations by $2,000,000 for the property purchase at 10 W. National Road, amending Ordinance 24-24. A public hearing was opened, no comments, and the motion carried 6-0. Key Outcomes - Council approved the First Suburbs Consortium bylaws (6-0). - Council authorized the property purchase for redevelopment (6-0). - Council approved the emergency appropriation ordinance (6-0). - Council excused Mayor Richard Herbst from all meetings (6-0). - The next council meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2025, where the PUD and preliminary plan will have a second reading and public hearing. A traffic study may be requested by the developer or considered.

The Vandalia City Council met Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The agenda included approval of the December 16, 2024 minutes, communications and awards, a public hearing, public comments, city manager appointments, three resolutions, first reading of a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance, and council comments. No official minutes were available for this meeting. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was used. The agenda listed approval of the December 16, 2024 Council Study Session and Council Meeting minutes, but the raw transcript jumps from the Pledge of Allegiance to Communications, Petitions and Awards and does not record a motion or vote on those minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - An unidentified resident strongly criticized the council for allowing what the speaker called a 240% utility rate increase tied to Ordinance 2235, presented on September 19, 2022. The resident said the mayor had spoken for people on fixed incomes and for the 40% of residents who use only the minimum amount of water. - The resident questioned spending on a pool and splash pad, $2 million for golf course irrigation, and $20 million for a public works building, calling these items nonessential capital costs rather than enterprise costs. The resident argued the council should table those projects and reserve the money for water and sewer upgrades. - The resident quoted a council member as saying, 'Our job is to provide services. If we can't do that with 30 million dollars, we all ought to quit.' - The resident said residents have disapproved the water plan for two years and were ignored, and referenced 87 people who spoke out on water through the community Facebook page, adding that nobody said anything good. The resident urged council members to speak with Amber and Cindy, who had campaigned and talked with thousands of residents, and demanded that costs be rolled back to December 2022 and that the council start with a clean slate in two weeks. - In response, an official encouraged the resident to attend the water presentation on February 17, after first saying March 17 and correcting the date. - Barbara Spurgeon of 777 North Edge Drive, Vandalia, urged the council not to stop thinking about the air show and questioned the decision to hold the festival at the recreation center, citing parking and crowd-control problems. The council replied that the chamber of commerce is the organizer of that event. City Manager's Report, Boards & Commissions Appointments - The city manager requested approval of Steve Stefanidis to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Steve Ponscheck to the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council Board. Councilmember Follick moved approval, seconded by Councilmember Dugan. The appointments were approved, and a swearing-in ceremony was held for the new board member. Resolutions - 25-R-10: Approved awarding the removal and replacement of certain curbs and sidewalks to Coate Construction LLC at a low bid of $420,930. Bids were publicly opened January 14, 2025; four sets of specifications were issued, and three contractors submitted acceptable bids. - 25-R-11: Approved awarding the Kenneth Avenue Watermain Replacement Project to Sturm Construction Inc. at a low bid of $550,000. Bids were publicly opened January 14, 2025; eleven sets of specifications were issued, and ten contractors submitted acceptable bids. - 25-R-12: Approved the purchase of water meters and appurtenances from Buckeye State Pipe & Supply Company Inc. at a cost not to exceed $500,000. The city has ordered about 4,500 of roughly 5,700 water meters in operation. The 2025 capital improvement budget appropriated $500,000 in the water and sanitary sewer funds for the ongoing meter replacement program. Director Borton recommended purchasing more Badger E-Series ultrasonic meters. Ordinance 25-02 - PUD Preliminary Development Plan, First Reading - Ordinance 25-02 concerns approval of a PUD preliminary development plan and associated zoning map change for land generally located at 7848 South Brown School Road, requested by Addison Properties for the 'Rival Riverdale subdivision' as transcribed. - On January 14, 2025, the planning commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval of the creation of the PUD district and voted 3-1 to recommend approval of the preliminary plan. - Councilmember Follick moved to approve the first reading and to move the ordinance to a second reading at the March 3, 2025 council meeting, when all seven council members would be present. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lewis and passed. - During discussion, a council member asked whether any part of the land is in a flood zone; the response was no. Another council member asked whether open space had been offered for dedication; the applicant said city staff told them park dedication was not required, and that no fee-in-lieu discussion had occurred. - Council members expressed concerns that roads would be inadequate for traffic, access roads would empty onto a highly traveled road, parking would be insufficient and force street parking, the proposed speed limit on one resident road would be reduced to 35 miles per hour, and that deleting only seven houses did not sufficiently change the previous plan. One council member said a traffic study is imperative before moving forward. - The applicant stated they had not yet selected a traffic engineer, but committed to engaging a third-party traffic engineer for a traffic impact study during the engineering review phase if required by council. The applicant asked council to approve the PUD as-is so the traffic study could proceed, and noted that any conditions could be addressed in the final development plan phase or through changes at second reading. Council Comments & Adjournment - Councilmember Dugan moved, seconded by Councilmember Weaver and Vice Mayor Blakesley, to excuse Councilwoman Candace Farce from all of the evening's meetings. The motion passed by voice vote. - Council members welcomed and thanked the newly appointed board and commission members for their service. - A council member thanked the public works department for responding to what was described as 14 or 15 water main breaks between December and January, including work in cold weather and beyond regular hours, and for helping minimize boil advisories. - There were no second-reading ordinances and no emergency ordinances. The meeting was then adjourned. Key Outcomes - Approved resolutions 25-R-10, 25-R-11, and 25-R-12. - Approved the appointments of Steve Stefanidis and Steve Ponscheck to boards and commissions. - Advanced Ordinance 25-02 to a second reading on March 3, 2025. - Excused Councilwoman Candace Farce from the evening’s meetings. - Did not take a recorded action on the December 16, 2024 minutes, according to the raw transcript.

The Vandalia City Council met on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 7:05 PM. The meeting included the introduction and oath of office for four new city employees, recognition of two retirees, and public comments concerning a proposed housing development by Addison Properties on South Brown School Road. The Council also passed three resolutions for equipment purchases and continued participation in a hazard mitigation plan, and approved an emergency ordinance for delinquent accounts. Personnel Introductions and Retirements - Landon Oliver – introduced as a new full-time Recreation Custodian (started January 6, 2025). - Isabella Beam – administered oath of office as Firefighter/EMT (begins January 22, 2025). - Mikayla Molesky – administered oath of office as Firefighter/Paramedic (begins January 23, 2025). - Kyle Smith – administered oath of office as Firefighter/Paramedic (begins January 24, 2025). - Captain Chad Garver – recognized for retirement after 30 years of service with the Division of Fire. - Officer Joseph Manning – recognized for retirement after over 24 years with the Division of Police; also noted as the 2024 Police Division Officer of the Year. Public Comments & Testimony - Donald Hutcheson (1058 Bristol Drive) – expressed concerns about traffic on South Brown School Road, especially with added construction vehicles and limited access for emergency services; urged a traffic study. - Amos Knipp (207 James Bohanan Drive) – criticized the developer's affordability claims, stating that 16% of buyers cannot afford a home over $100,000 and arguing that homes priced $300,000–$500,000 are not affordable for young or senior buyers. - Alex Gunnar Dre (751 Foxfire Trail) – called for an independent traffic study; noted that 5,000 cars per day currently on South Brown School Road and an additional 800 cars from the development would be a 20% increase; also questioned cul-de-sac length and density comparisons with Foxfire. - Corey Shanahan (527 Shadowwood Drive) – raised questions about school district impacts: cost of modular classrooms, traffic at Smith, staff hiring costs, and the claim of $800,000 annual revenue increase; asked for transparent data. - Barbara Breisch (898 Deerhurst) – opposed the proposed Deerhurst extension through the hill, citing dangerous sight lines; requested entrances be moved further north and lot sizes increased. - Robert Shanahan (7733 South Brown School) – argued that the Planned Unit Development (PUD) does not mitigate concerns; highlighted stormwater drainage violations of Ohio's wetland law, isolated wetlands, and existing empty lots in other developments; noted the 2000 comprehensive plan discouraged intense development in environmentally sensitive areas east of I-75. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report – reminded residents of snow removal ordinances and safety tips; announced the opening of the Recreation Center as a warming center due to a power outage on the east side of the city (power was restored later in the meeting). - Resolution 25-R-07 – Authorized purchase of a Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D rough mower for $96,932.18 from Century Equipment via Sourcewell contract, replacing a 2016 model with 2,227 hours. Unanimously approved (6-0). - Resolution 25-R-08 – Authorized purchase of a Toro Greensmaster 3150-Q triplex tee mower for $50,762.25, replacing a 2007 model with 3,685 hours. Unanimously approved (6-0). - Resolution 25-R-09 – Continued participation in the Montgomery County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The city commits to adding two outdoor warning sirens (near City Building/St. Christopher and near Art Van Atta/dog park). Unanimously approved (6-0). - Ordinance 25-01 (Emergency) – Approved individual assessments for delinquent stormwater, trash, sewer/water, weed cutting, and property maintenance accounts, directing certification to the County Auditor. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Unanimously approved (6-0). Key Outcomes - All three resolutions (25-R-07, 25-R-08, 25-R-09) and the emergency ordinance (25-01) were passed by a 6-0 vote. - New employees were sworn in; retirees were honored. - The city opened a warming center due to a power outage, which was later resolved. - No ordinances were presented for first or second reading. - Council members thanked the public for their participation and recognized the work of city staff during snow and cold weather conditions.

The Vandalia City Council held its regular meeting on January 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included oath ceremonies for the interim city manager and two new police officers, public comments criticizing council procedures and the Dayton Air Show barter arrangement, unanimous approval of several resolutions related to a new public works facility and vehicle purchases, and split-vote approval of a variance for a Fifth Third Bank drive-through ATM with an added condition. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes: none (no minutes to approve). - Communications, Petitions, and Awards: Oaths of Office administered to Interim City Manager Kurt Althouse, Police Officer Hunter Stout, and Police Officer Alexander Plummer. (No other communications.) - Appointments: Council unanimously (7-0) approved representatives to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission/Transportation Coordinating Committee (Mayor Herbst, alternate Rob Cron; Ben Borton technical delegate, alternate Chad Baughman), First Suburbs Consortium (Mayor Herbst and Councilmember Doogan, alternate Vice Mayor Blakesly), Montgomery County Community Improvement Corporation (Mayor Herbst), and Vandalia Development Corporation (Councilmember Aivalotis-Weaver for odd-year seat). Public Comments & Testimony - Jack Froeshower (Castle Road) spoke against new restrictions on citizen comments, calling them condescending and toxic. He criticized the city's barter arrangement with the Dayton International Air Show, arguing the city provides security and maintenance services worth more than the $25,000 estimated value. He proposed the air show pay $100,000 and two chalet tents, and recommended using tickets to incentivize student attendance. He also objected to the air show director announcing use of the Rec Center without council authorization and suggested the parade be taken over by a city committee if the Chamber of Commerce will not run it. - Barbara Spurgeon (777 North Edge Drive) echoed concerns about new speech restrictions, stating they discourage citizen participation and urging a return to previous practices. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report – Information Items: Mr. Althouse reminded that city offices will be closed Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), with the second January meeting moved to Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 PM. Christmas tree recycling is available through January 31 at the Sports Complex or curbside on regular trash day. - Resolution 25-R-01 – Site and Tree Clearing for New Public Works Facility: Approved 7-0. Authorizes a contract with Elevated Ground Solutions, LLC for site and tree clearing at 810 Northwoods Boulevard at a cost not to exceed $110,000. Work must be completed by March 31, 2025, due to environmental regulations. - Resolution 25-R-02 – Architecture/Design and Construction Contract Administration for New Public Works Facility: Approved 7-0. Extends the master services agreement with WDC Group for $2,083,930, covering final design and construction administration. - Resolution 25-R-03 – Playground Equipment for Victory Park: Approved 7-0. Authorizes purchase from Landscape Structures through Ohio procurement contract, not to exceed $60,000. Combined with a safety surface contract, total project cost not to exceed $100,000, funded by $50,000 CDBG and $50,000 CIP. - Resolution 25-R-04 – 2025 Kenworth T480V Cab & Chassis: Approved 7-0. Authorizes purchase from Palmer Trucks at Sourcewell contract price of $128,367 for a single-axle dump truck to replace Truck 20 (with over 38,405 miles). - Resolution 25-R-05 – Upfit Equipment for Kenworth (Snow & Ice Accessories): Approved 7-0. Authorizes purchase from K.E. Rose Company at Sourcewell price of $168,925. Total for cab/chassis and upfit: $297,292, which is $9,708 under the budgeted $307,000. - Resolution 25-R-06 – 2025 Ford F-550 Cab & Chassis: Approved 7-0. Authorizes purchase from Beau Townsend Ford for $61,210 to replace Truck 16 (with over 61,400 miles). Used for year-round maintenance and snow/ice clearing of 210 lane miles. - Variance BZA 24-14 – Front Yard Drive-Through ATM at 750 West National Road (Fifth Third Bank): Approved 5-2. The Board of Zoning Appeals had voted 4-0 to recommend approval with two conditions (landscaping and lighting). Council added a third condition: the variance shall lapse and the drive-through and associated structures must be removed if the use ceases for 12 consecutive months. Councilmember Lewis and Mayor Herbst voted no, citing Fifth Third Bank's lack of community investment and concerns about future blight. - Variance BZA 24-15 – Minimum Lot Frontage at 304 North Dixie Drive (North Point Community Church): Approved 7-0. Allows a place of worship to have 50 feet of lot frontage where the code requires more. BZA recommended 4-0. - Conditional Use PC 24-15 – Place of Worship at 304 North Dixie Drive: Approved 7-0. Allows operation of a church in a Neighborhood Business district. Planning Commission recommended 4-0. Councilmember Aivalotis-Weaver noted she surveyed neighbors and received positive feedback. Key Outcomes - All six resolutions (25-R-01 through 25-R-06) were approved unanimously (7-0). - Appointments to regional boards were approved unanimously. - Variance BZA 24-14 (Fifth Third Bank ATM) was approved 5-2 with an added sunset clause requiring removal if the ATM is unused for 12 consecutive months. - Variance BZA 24-15 and Conditional Use PC 24-15 (North Point Community Church) were both approved 7-0. - Council discussed upcoming workshops on water/sewer rates and potential review of air show arrangements and invitee lists. - City Manager's Report noted that Christmas tree recycling runs through January 31 (correcting a shorter date in the city magazine).

The Vandalia City Council met on December 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM for a regular meeting. The council unanimously approved several resolutions, emergency ordinances, and routine items. Notable actions included the appointment of Kurt Althouse as city manager, a contract for Robinette Park design, and pay plan amendments. Council members also shared holiday greetings and highlighted a new program for drivers on the autism spectrum. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved minutes from multiple meetings held in November and December 2024. - November 2024 Bill Listing and Purchasing Card Detail: Accepted the bill listing of $4,227,112.65, monthly expenses over $25,000, and purchasing card detail of $29,741.58. - Reports from Boards and Commissions: Received and filed minutes from the Civil Service Commission (November 1, 2024), Planning Commission (November 12, 2024), and Board of Zoning Appeals (November 13, 2024). Councilmember Follick noted a potential discrepancy in the Civil Service minutes regarding position lists and requested revision. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: City Manager Sweeterman reminded the council that city offices will be closed December 24–25, 2024, for Christmas and January 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day, with limited Recreation Center hours on those days. - Resolution 24-R-67 (Robinette Park Design): Authorized waiving formal bidding and contracting with OHM Advisors for architectural design of a splash pad, shelter, parking, and other amenities at Robinette Park for an amount not to exceed $68,500. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 24-R-68 (General Services Pay Plan 2025): Adjusted the full-time pay plan, including title changes (police lieutenants to police captains), addition of police recruit and construction inspector positions, and reclassification of support services manager. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 24-R-69 (Part-Time Pay Plan 2025): Amended part-time pay classifications for camp programming areas at the recreation center. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 24-R-70 (Storage Lease Renewal): Authorized extending a lease with Aircommas for approximately 5,900 square feet at 2800 Old Springfield Road at a 3% rate increase. Unanimously approved. - Emergency Ordinance 24-25 (Appropriation Revision): Approved a supplemental cleanup ordinance revising 2024 appropriations. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Unanimously approved (7-0). - Emergency Ordinance 24-26 (City Manager Employment Contract): Approved an employment contract for Kurt Althouse as city manager, setting his salary. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Unanimously approved (7-0). Key Outcomes - All votes on resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously (7-0). - Council directed Human Resources to review and correct the Civil Service meeting minutes regarding position lists. - Council members expressed appreciation to staff, outgoing manager Sweeterman, and incoming city manager Althouse. Council Comments Highlights - Councilmember Evelotis Weaver thanked staff, noted her first year on council, and congratulated Althouse. She introduced a new program initiated by resident Kelly Black: a blue envelope program for drivers on the autism spectrum to alert police officers during traffic stops, aimed at reducing tense interactions. The program has received positive feedback and media coverage. - Several council members thanked staff for holiday appreciation gifts delivered to city employees that day. - Councilmember Follick pointed out a discrepancy in the Civil Service minutes regarding technician lists and requested a correction. - Councilmembers wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned after council comments.

The Vandalia City Council met on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included staff introductions, a city manager's report, three resolutions, one emergency ordinance, and four Board of Zoning Appeals variances. All votes were recorded, with most items passing unanimously except for one variance that was approved 6-1 and one that failed. Introduction & Recognition - Interim City Manager Schwieterman introduced Recreation Coordinator Athletics Maecie Burkhardt, who began employment on November 18, 2024. She will oversee youth and adult athletic programs and special events. Burkhardt holds a bachelor's degree in sports management from Ohio University and a master's in sports administration from the University of Cincinnati. She also coaches at Springfield High School. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. No public hearing was held except for the emergency ordinance. City Manager's Report - Leaf collection officially ends on December 3, 2024, but crews will make additional passes weather permitting, starting after completing section 10 and returning to section 1. Residents were advised to have leaves at the curb by Thursday morning, with updates posted on social media. - The 2024-2025 Annual Report/Calendar will be distributed by Vandalia-Butler High School Honor Society on Saturday, December 21, 2024, to every residence and business in shrink-wrapped packaging. The city will contribute to the Honor Society's scholarship fund. - Reminder: Christmas tree lighting and holiday market will take place Sunday, December 8, 2024, with the tree lighting at 6:00 PM and the market from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at the recreation center gymnasium. Resolutions - 24-R-65 (Passed 7-0): Authorized the purchase and planting of various species of street trees from A. Brown & Sons Nursery, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $75,000. This is part of a three-phase replacement of 98 trees. Staff consulted two nurseries before recommending the agreement. - 24-R-66 (Passed 7-0): Approved the final plan for the Tuskegee Airmen Drive dedication. The City of Dayton is dedicating 1.73 acres of public right-of-way, of which 0.402 acres is in Vandalia. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 on November 12, 2024, to recommend approval. Emergency Ordinance - 24-24 (Passed 7-0): Made appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Vandalia for the calendar year 2025, declaring an emergency. The ordinance appropriates the 2025 operating and capital budget. A public hearing was opened; no comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Board of Zoning Appeals Reports - BZA 24-10 – Variance for Driveway Entrance and Intersection Signs, 4160 Little York Road (Little York Medical Center): Approved 7-0. The applicant requested a variance for five driveway entrance and intersection signs, each 8 square feet in area, exceeding maximum size limits. The BZA voted 4-0 to recommend approval on November 13, 2024. Councilwoman Farst noted she previously opposed the variance because signs were in the right-of-way but supported it now that signs are no longer in that location. - BZA 24-11 – Variance for Total Accessory Structure Area and Setback, 3075 Stop Eight Road: Approved 6-1 (Councilwoman Farst voted no). The applicant requested a variance to construct a 576-square-foot carport, resulting in total accessory structures exceeding 600 square feet, 40% of the principal building footprint, and 4% of the lot size, with a 6-inch setback from the primary building. The BZA voted 4-0 to recommend approval with one condition. - BZA 24-12 – Variance for Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System, 675 Waldsmith Way: Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Dugan voted no). The applicant requested a variance to install three 10-panel arrays (30 panels total) in a residential zoning district. The BZA voted 4-0 to recommend approval. Council members discussed that the property is over five acres, completely shielded, and that the owner purchased before a zoning change. Concerns about precedent and future screening were raised but not made conditions. - BZA 24-13 – Variance for Maximum Sign Area, 2 East National Road (Accel Automotive): Motion failed (roll call: yes – Lewis, First, Blakesley; no – Fallic, Avalotis Weaver, Dugan, Herbs). The applicant requested a variance for a 47.75-square-foot wall sign (10.25 square feet larger than permitted) on the secondary facade facing North Dixie Drive. The BZA voted 4-0 to recommend approval, but the council did not approve. Council Comments - Councilmember Avalotis Weaver congratulated Fire Inspector Jacobs on acceptance to the Ohio Fire Executive program, a two-and-a-half-year leadership and mentorship class starting in April 2025. - Councilman Fowler congratulated Fire Marshal Jacobs, Assistant City Manager Cron, and Public Service Director Borton on receiving OPWC funding for a 2025 water main replacement project. The grant is approximately $500,000 of a $1.2 million project. He also requested clearer public communication about post-season leaf collection. - Multiple council members encouraged attendance at the upcoming tree lighting event. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and the emergency ordinance passed unanimously (7-0). - BZA 24-10 passed 7-0. - BZA 24-11 passed 6-1 (Farst no). - BZA 24-12 passed 6-1 (Dugan no). - BZA 24-13 failed (4-3 against).

The Vandalia City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 18, 2024, beginning at 7:00 PM. Council approved routine items, introduced new staff, authorized a five-year VMware licensing agreement, proceeded with the 2025 budget, adopted a supplemental 2024 emergency appropriation, and approved the October 2024 bills. A council member was excused, and the meeting moved into executive session at the end. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 21, 2024 Council Budget Workshop minutes, October 21, 2024 Council Study Session minutes, October 21, 2024 Council Meeting minutes, and November 4, 2024 Council Study Session minutes. - Approved minutes from the Records Commission (April 29, 2024), Civil Service Commission (September 12, 2024), Planning Commission (September 24, 2024), and Board of Zoning Appeals (September 25, 2024). - Approved the October 2024 bill listing. The agenda lists the total as $3,766,684.20; the City Manager stated the amount as $3,766,864.20 during the meeting. Monthly expenses over $25,000 and the purchasing card detail of $23,836.01 were also included. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Comments from Interested Citizens portion of the meeting. - A public hearing was opened for emergency ordinance 24-23; no one came forward to comment. Introductions and City Manager's Report - Sara Moyer was introduced as the new Recreation Coordinator for Programs and Special Events. She began employment October 23, 2024, and previously served as a recreation manager at Washington Township Rec Plex. - Deborah Wright was introduced as the Police Division Support Services Manager, effective November 1, 2024. She has been with the Vandalia Police Division since 2012, previously as a public safety specialist, and now oversees the communications center and records section. - City offices will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving. The Recreation Center will be open Thanksgiving Day from 7:00 AM to noon. - The Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market will be held Sunday, December 8, with the market from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM and the tree lighting at 6:00 PM. Resolutions - Resolution 24-R-64 (approved): Authorized the City Manager to enter into a five-year agreement with OARnet for VMware licensing. Staff explained that Broadcom's acquisition of VMware changed licensing from perpetual to subscription and more than doubled the previous cost. The total cost is $91,213, with year one covering July 31, 2024 through July 30, 2025. Staff requested waiver of formal bidding and a supplemental appropriation of $8,104 later on the agenda. Councilwoman Dugan moved approval; Vice Mayor Blakesley seconded; the vote passed. Ordinances - Ordinance 24-24, first reading: The 2025 appropriations ordinance was introduced. The City Manager said adoption is anticipated at the first council meeting in December and thanked staff for preparing the budget. - Ordinance 24-23, emergency adoption: This ordinance revises 2024 appropriations and amends Ordinance 23-28. Staff said the items were included in council packets and discussed at the previous study session. Councilwoman Dugan made the motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Blakesley; the emergency ordinance passed. Council Comments - Councilmember Lewis was excused from all of the evening's meetings by motion of Councilwoman Farrest, seconded by Vice Mayor Blakesley. - Council congratulated Anisa Panzara on her retirement from the police division after 34 years of public safety experience. - Council congratulated former council member Connie Woods on her appointment to the Montgomery County board of trustees for the Adamus organization. - A council member reported speaking with Eddie Hunt and Jason Friedman of Addison Properties about a potential residential development on Brown and encouraged colleagues to speak with them as well. - The Vice Mayor and Mayor wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The Mayor noted the budget process went smoothly, highlighted the recent pumpkin smash event featuring a 120-pound pumpkin, and encouraged residents to review the Parks and Recreation schedule. Key Outcomes - Approved the meeting minutes, board minutes, and October 2024 bill listing. - Passed Resolution 24-R-64 approving the five-year OARnet/VMware licensing agreement. - Introduced Ordinance 24-24, the 2025 budget, on first reading. - Adopted Emergency Ordinance 24-23 revising 2024 appropriations. - Excused Councilmember Lewis for the evening. - Moved into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, and compensation of a public employee and to consider the purchase of real property. The transcript ends with that motion; no subsequent return or adjournment is recorded.

The Vandalia City Council met on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included tabling a rezoning ordinance, approving several resolutions, an emergency ordinance, and a variance recommendation from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Council also heard a city manager's report on upcoming events and thanked staff for budget presentations. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved minutes from previous meetings (September 16 and October 7, 2024) after a brief clarification on parking violation enforcement. Public Comments & Testimony - One citizen requested a five-minute conversation with the mayor after the meeting. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Tabling of Ordinance 24-22: The applicant requested to table the rezoning of 84.7577 acres at 7848 South Brown School Road from Agriculture to Residential Single-Family. Council voted 7-0 to amend the agenda and table the ordinance. - Resolution 24-R-61: Amending the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, specifically Section 800 regarding vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave. Approved 7-0. - Resolution 24-R-62: Establishing a summer meeting schedule for June, July, and August 2025 on the third Mondays (June 16, July 21, August 18), with potential first Monday meetings for zoning cases. Approved 7-0. - Resolution 24-R-63: Accepting tax year 2024/2025 amounts and rates as determined by the Montgomery County Budget Commission, subject to election results and value changes. Approved 7-0. - Ordinance 24-21 (Emergency): Approving individual assessment amounts for storm fees, water fees, trash collection, weed cutting, and property maintenance, and directing certification to the county auditor. A public hearing was held with no comments. Approved 7-0 as an emergency. - BZA 24-09 Variance: A variance request to construct a six-foot privacy fence extending 15 feet into Zone A at 168 Colebrook Drive, replacing an existing chain-link fence. The Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval 3-0. Council approved 7-0. - Bill Listing: September 2024 bills totaling $2,155,888.07, monthly expenses over $25,000, and purchasing card detail of $31,533.51 were presented. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (7-0) on all motions. - Ordinance 24-22 was tabled at the applicant's request. - The council approved all three resolutions and the emergency ordinance. - The variance at 168 Colebrook Drive was approved. - Council members expressed appreciation to staff for the budget process and presentations.

The Vandalia City Council met on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included introductions of new employees and a heroism award, public comments opposing a proposed rezoning on South Brown School Road, approval of pay plan adjustments, a golf cart lease, a rezoning ordinance, and a variance.