Public Meetings - Vandalia, Ohio

The City Council of Vandalia, Ohio, met on September 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for National Service Dog Awareness Month, a presentation from the Dayton Metro Library, the swearing-in of two new police officers, and votes on several resolutions and ordinances. Notable actions included approval of water main replacement grant applications, a subdivision plan, EV charging station rates, a zoning amendment prohibiting adult-use marijuana, emergency appropriations, and a conditional use for a truck facility. Consent Calendar - Approval of Council Study Session Minutes of July 15, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2024, and Council Special Meeting Minutes of August 5, 2024, were approved without comment. Proclamations and Presentations - National Service Dog Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Herbst presented a proclamation declaring September 2024 as National Service Dog Month in Vandalia. Donna Sword, a volunteer puppy raiser for K9 Companions, accepted the proclamation. She stated that an estimated 64 million adults and children qualify for a service dog, but only 16 million are accredited (though later in her remarks she noted only about 16,000 people with disabilities benefit from task-trained service dogs). K9 Companions has placed over 8,000 dogs and has more than 400 on the wait list. - Dayton Metro Library Presentation: Executive Director Jeffrey Trezak reported that the library serves 370,000 active cardholders (71,000 children), had 3.4 million visitors in 2023, and circulated over 7 million books countywide (43% e-books). The Vandalia branch has seen 70,000 visitors and circulated 125,000 books year-to-date. He discussed a proposed 1-mill, five-year operating levy (first since 2009) costing about 67 cents per week on a $100,000 home, to maintain current services amid a $1.6 million decline in state funding. The library has already cut $2.6 million in services and raised $1.5 million in private funds. - Oath of Office for Police Officers: City Manager Schwieterman introduced new police officers Tyler Ka (graduate of Sinclair Police Academy) and Zachary Landis (former Army intelligence analyst). They were sworn in. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Spurgeon (777 North Edge Drive, Vandalia) opposed the proposed marijuana dispensary ordinance, stating she believes it would create more problems than the city is prepared to handle and is not needed for youth. - Another citizen read a prepared statement listing over 20 allowable forms of adult-use cannabis, cited recent local news about increased impaired driving and child endangerment cases related to edibles, and urged council to support the zoning amendment prohibiting cultivation, processing, sale, and distribution of adult-use marijuana. The citizen appreciated the moratorium and supported the ordinance. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: Mr. Schwieterman announced a large debris drop-off for residents on September 14 from 8 AM to 2 PM at the public works garage, and the Touch a Truck event on the same day from 10:30 AM to 1 PM at the Vandalia Sports Complex. - Resolution 24-R-49: Authorizing an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Damien Street, SATR Place, Raminus Drive, and DeSale Street Water Main Replacement Project ($1,165,000 total cost; seeking $500,000 in grant funding). Passed 6-0. - Resolution 24-R-50: Authorizing an application for the Kenneth Avenue Water Main Replacement Project ($536,000 total cost; seeking $268,000). Passed 6-0. - Resolution 24-R-51: Approving Section 9 of the Fox Fire Subdivision (29 single-family residential lots on 5.56 acres). Councilman Follick requested that the developer clean up debris at a nearby property before proceeding. Passed 6-0. - Resolution 24-R-52: Setting the rate for the city's 16 electric vehicle charging stations at $0.30 per kilowatt hour, with payment handled through Blink app. Councilmember Avalotis Weaver expressed strong opposition, citing undisclosed maintenance costs ($400-$500 per month per charger), privacy concerns, fire hazards, and that amenities are expensive while the city raises rates for necessities. Passed 5-1 (Avalotis Weaver dissenting). - Ordinance 24-18 (Second Reading): Amending the Vandalia Zoning Code to prohibit the cultivation, processing, sale, and distribution of adult-use marijuana. Councilmember Avalotis Weaver opposed, arguing it overrides the will of voters who approved the ballot initiative. Councilwoman Dugan supported the prohibition, citing school safety concerns and the risk of unregulated drugs. Passed 5-1 (Avalotis Weaver dissenting). - Ordinance 24-19 (Emergency): Supplemental appropriations for 2024 totaling $282,523, including $104,000 for interim city manager costs, $30,000 for city manager search consultant, $4,000 for the Humane Society CAT program, $23,500 for recreation center fire alarm replacement, $84,200 for Justice Center fire alarm system replacement, and $36,823 for replacement of a crashed police cruiser and MARCS radio fees. Passed 6-0. - Conditional Use PC 24-07: Approval for a truck facility at 6480 Webster Street with 20 parking spaces for semi-trucks and trailers. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions; council modified conditions to require completion within 15 months and prohibit overnight stays. Passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and ordinances were approved with the vote tallies noted above. No items were tabled or referred.

The Vandalia City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included introductions of new personnel, public comments, discussion of a zoning amendment regarding adult-use marijuana, and approval of several resolutions and ordinances. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the Council Study Session (July 15, 2024), Council Meeting (July 15, 2024), and Council Special Meeting (August 5, 2024) were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Rob O'Leary, Superintendent of Vandalia Butler City Schools, expressed strong opposition to allowing adult-use cannabis operators in the city. He cited increased marijuana-related incidents among adolescents, health risks to brain development, and negative impacts on academics and behavior. He urged council to exercise the opt-out provision allowed by state law. - An unnamed resident (home care coordinator) provided council with folders containing resources for dementia care, including contact information for Adult Protective Services, the Dayton Ombudsman, and the Alzheimer's Association. She asked whether first responders receive dementia training and suggested the city consider becoming dementia-friendly. - Patty Tackett, owner of Miami Valley Shooting Grounds, requested guidance on reopening an outdoor shooting range. City Manager Schwieterman noted that outdoor shooting is currently prohibited by zoning code. Tackett stated her business is a certified Ohio police training academy and may qualify for an exception. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: Announced city offices closed on September 2 for Labor Day; Recreation Center open 7:00 AM to noon. First September council meeting will be on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM with a study session tentatively at 6:00 PM. - Action Item – Appointment: John Wheeler was appointed as an alternate to the Housing Code Board of Appeals by a 6-0 vote. - Resolution 24-R-48: Authorized the purchase of highway rock salt from Cargill, Inc. at $64.66 per ton for up to 2,000 tons each winter (2024–2026). The cooperative bid was coordinated by the City of Dayton. Approved 6-0. - Ordinance 24-18 (First Reading): An ordinance amending the zoning code to prohibit the cultivation, processing, sale, and distribution of adult-use marijuana. Council discussion included: - Councilmember Blakesley read a prepared statement defending the opt-out decision, noting that the ballot initiative itself allowed municipalities to prohibit sales. He cited health and safety concerns and noted a dispensary already exists just outside city limits. - Councilmember Weaver reported speaking with 25 residents, many of whom supported allowing dispensaries for safe, regulated access. She argued that marijuana is already widely available to teens and that a dispensary would not increase youth access. She voted no to ensure diverse representation. - Police Chief Althouse voiced strong opposition, citing increased traffic crashes, impaired driving incidents (including a local crash), and difficulty hiring employees who can pass drug tests. He noted that as a federal contractor, the city must terminate employees who test positive. - Superintendent O'Leary's earlier public comment was also referenced. - The ordinance passed on first reading by a vote of 5-1, with Councilmember Weaver dissenting. - Ordinance 24-16 (Second Reading): Approved a major amendment to the 40 West Planned Unit Development (PUD) to add personal services/fitness studio as a permitted use for Lot 1, owned by Mills Barnett Pavilion, Inc. (CrossFit XS). A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Passed 6-0. - Ordinance 24-17 (Second Reading): Approved the final development plan for Lot 1 of the 40 West PUD, establishing a 6,000 sq. ft. CrossFit studio. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Passed 6-0. - Reports from Boards and Commissions: Civil Service meeting minutes from June 24 and July 24, and Planning Commission minutes from June 25 were acknowledged. - July 2024 Bill Listing: Total bills of $4,252,818.38, monthly expenses over $25,000, and purchasing card detail of $24,177.00 were approved. - Council Comments: Councilmembers welcomed new staff (Leann Hanf, HR Manager), congratulated fire promotions (Derek Copp as Captain, Chris Willoughby as Lieutenant), noted recent park signage upgrades and staff promotions in Parks & Rec, and reported high cost recovery rates for the golf course (111%), pool, and recreation center. Councilmember Weaver requested excusing Councilman Dave Lewis from all meetings (approved by acclamation) and noted the passing of Union City Councilwoman Adrian Draper. Key Outcomes - Approved appointments: John Wheeler to Housing Code Board of Appeals (6-0). - Approved Resolution 24-R-48: Salt purchase contract with Cargill (6-0). - Passed Ordinance 24-18 on first reading: Prohibition of adult-use marijuana sales/cultivation in Vandalia (5-1). - Approved Ordinances 24-16 and 24-17 on second reading: PUD major amendment and final development plan for CrossFit studio (6-0 each). - Approved July 2024 bills and purchasing card report (6-0). - Excused Councilman Dave Lewis from meetings by acclamation.

The Vandalia City Council held a special meeting on August 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM to consider two first‑reading ordinances related to Lot 1 of the 40 West Development and to enter executive session. Both ordinances were approved unanimously, and the council moved to executive session to discuss employee compensation. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the comments from interested citizens portion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Ordinance 24‑16 (PUD Major Amendment): Assistant City Manager Rob Crown presented the application submitted by Brody Mays on behalf of CrossFit Access. The amendment would add the use of “Health and Fitness Studio” to the permitted uses on Lot 1 of the 40 West Planned Unit Development. The Vandalia Planning Commission recommended approval at its June 25, 2024 meeting. Council discussed the item and voted. - Ordinance 24‑17 (Final Development Plan): This ordinance approves the final development plan for Lot 1, which substantially conforms to the preliminary plan approved on February 6, 2017. Approval allows the development to proceed. - Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session to consider the appointment, employment, and compensation of a public employee. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 24‑16 (First Reading): Approved 6‑0. (Councilmembers Dugan, Lewis, Fallett, Farst, Vice Mayor Blakesley, and Mayor Herbst voted yes.) - Ordinance 24‑17 (First Reading): Approved 6‑0. (Councilmembers Lewis, Fallett, Farrest, Dugan, Vice Mayor Blakesley, and Mayor Herbst voted yes.) - Executive Session: Approved 6‑0 to enter executive session.

The Vandalia City Council convened on July 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM for a regular meeting. The agenda included proclamations, oath ceremonies, public comments, several resolutions and ordinances, and routine reports. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the Council Special Meetings of June 3, June 5, June 11, and the Council Study Session and Meeting of June 17, 2024, were approved without correction or comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Spurgeon (777 North Edge Drive) expressed concern over the recent departure of City Manager Mr. Wendt, suggesting that a performance improvement plan could have been used instead of termination. She noted that conflict resolution is important and that the city now faces costs and delays to find a replacement. - Alisa Hilderhoff (841 Continental Court) raised two issues: 1. A neighbor frequently calls emergency services for non-emergency medical needs, straining resources. She asked if the city could implement a program for frequent callers, similar to a concept she saw on television. 2. As a cancer survivor who uses marijuana for pain management, she urged the council to allow a vote on permitting a medical marijuana dispensary in Vandalia. She stated that she currently drives 2.5 hours to Michigan to obtain it. Councilmember Weaver suggested contacting the senior center for resources for the neighbor, and encouraged residents to report solicitors and car break-ins to police. Discussion Items - Proclamation for Schellas Hyndman: Mayor Herbst proclaimed July 16, 2024, as Schellas Hyndman Day in Vandalia, recognizing his soccer coaching career and his donation of time for a youth soccer camp that benefits the Recreation Fund scholarship program. Hyndman thanked the council and spoke about the importance of place, purpose, and passion. - Oath of Office for Matthew Green and Dustin Myers: Firefighter/Paramedic/Inspector Matthew Green (full-time since June 20, 2024) and Police Officer Dustin Myers (started June 24, 2024) were sworn in. - City Manager's Report: - Summer Schedule: The next regular council meeting will be August 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM, with a study session tentatively at 5:30 PM. A special meeting was set for August 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM to address a zoning item from the planning commission. - Boards and Commissions Appointments: Ed Shoemaker was appointed to the Bicycle Committee, and Marcus O’Brien to the Housing Code Board of Appeals. Both were approved 7-0. - Resolutions: - 24-R-45: Awarded the bid for the Tionda, Mossview, and Ranchview Drive Watermain Replacement & Resurfacing Project to M&T Excavating at $1,685,751 (lowest of seven bids). A contingency of about 5% was also authorized. Councilmember Lewis noted 50% outside funding from OPWC. - 24-R-46: Declared the city-owned property at 31 North Perry Street as surplus and donated it to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton for a home build. The lot was acquired in 2010 and had been vacant. - 24-R-47: Established a separate accounting fund for 9-1-1 service fees, as required by Ohio Revised Code Section 128.57, following state plan updates. - Ordinances: - 24-14 (Second Reading): Approved the editing and inclusion of certain ordinances passed during 2023 into the codified ordinances, incorporating Ohio law changes. A public hearing was held with no comments, then passed 7-0. - 24-15 (Emergency): Approved individual assessments for delinquent accounts related to stormwater fees, trash collection, water/sewer, weed cutting, and property maintenance, with certification to the county auditor. A public hearing included a comment from Alisa Hilderhoff about overgrown property at her building; the council noted the property maintenance inspector would investigate. Passed 7-0. - Council Comments: Councilmembers thanked staff for recent events (air show, corporate challenge, neighborhood cleanup, etc.). Councilmember Farst requested detailed reports on supplemental appropriations, personnel changes, pay increases, and the employee retirement reserve fund payout for 2024. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously (7-0). - Appointments to the Bicycle Committee and Housing Code Board of Appeals approved. - A special council meeting was scheduled for August 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM. - The council directed the property maintenance inspector to review a complaint about overgrowth at 841 Continental Court. - Councilmember Farst formally requested financial and personnel reports to be provided at a future meeting.

The City Council of Vandalia, Ohio, met on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting covered routine approvals, proclamations, public comments on development and governance, several legislative items, and comments by council members regarding the recent departure of City Manager Dan Went. Consent Calendar - Approved council study session and meeting minutes of May 20, 2024 (unanimous). - Accepted the May 2024 bill listing ($4,756,672.35), expenses over $25,000, and purchasing card detail ($26,660.00) without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Spurgeon (777 North Edge Drive) raised concerns about overgrown trees on Dixie medians and asked about curfew enforcement amid recent car thefts and vandalism. Chief Althouse replied that curfew is around 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends, and extra patrols and a county-wide auto suppression task force are addressing the issue. - Kenneth Wood (730 Deerhurst Drive) opposed eliminating the Bolton Abbey Lane connection in the proposed Foxfire Section 8 rezoning, arguing that more access improves public safety during disasters. Assistant City Manager Cron explained the developer’s application had been tabled because the proposed street configuration did not meet city standards. - Lethe Epitas (768 Deerhurst Drive) expressed concerns about additional traffic from 58 new homes on Deerhurst Drive if Bolton Abbey connection is eliminated, suggesting equal distribution of traffic flow. He noted a bottleneck at Little York and Brown School Roads. - Joshua Birchfeld (1153 Stony Springs Road) criticized the council’s rules on public comment decorum and the June 5 special meeting that led to City Manager Dan Went’s departure. He alleged the meeting was improperly called, questioned the lack of transparency, and claimed the resignation letter violated the city charter by not stating a reason. He also noted recall efforts are being explored. - Sue Allen (761 Deerhurst Drive) asked about zoning of property east of Foxstar on Brown School Road (currently agricultural) and how to stay informed of rezoning applications; she was told notice is mailed to property owners within 200 feet. - Alyssa Schaefer (2312 Upper Trent Way) stated the June 5 executive session motion was illegal under Ohio Sunshine Law, alleged retaliation by certain council members, and requested all communications between council members regarding the meeting. She also asked for public records and suggested updating council biographies on the city website. - Kate Flynn (876 Deerhurst) requested a three-way stop at Deerhurst and Upper Trent to slow traffic with increased housing. - Liz Chicetti (790 Bolton Abbey Lane) criticized the council for lack of transparency despite stating commitment to it, noted inaccurate social media posts about the June 5 meeting, and questioned the $277,714.87 cost of the separation agreement with Mr. Went. She urged the council to provide a forward vision for the city. Discussion Items - Proclamation and Employee Recognitions: Vice Mayor Blakesly presented a Bee City USA Proclamation for Pollinator Week (June 17-23) to Al Tuttle. Heather Cross and Mike Stookey were introduced as new Public Safety Specialists. Retirements of Sgt. Todd Flynn (29 years) and Officer Mike Hulbert (26 years) were recognized. - City Manager’s Report (Information Items): Upcoming events announced: Airshow Backyard Bash (June 20, 6-9 p.m. at Vandalia Art Park), Police Department Open House (June 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.), Star Spangled Celebration (July 3, 7 p.m. at Vandalia Sports Complex, fireworks at 10 p.m., rain date July 5), City offices closed July 4, and summer council meeting schedule (July 15 at 7 p.m., study session at 5:30 p.m.). - Boards and Commissions Reappointments: Approved by acclamation (5-0). Mike Flannery took the oath of office for reappointment. - Old Business – Downtown Market Study: Council tabled discussion until September 2024, with staff to schedule for a study session. - Resolution 24-R-44 (Contribution to Vandalia Development Corporation): The resolution would have provided a $50,000 donation to VDC to fund a zero-interest loan to Diff Inc. for golf course food and beverage operations. After procedural corrections, the motion to approve failed 0-5. Key Outcomes - Resolution 24-R-40: Approved (5-0) awarding the 60-month copier lease and service contract to Perry Protech Inc. at the lowest bid (amount not specified in transcript). - Resolution 24-R-41: Approved (5-0) waiving competitive bidding and authorizing up to $58,000 for equipment and upfitting of three new patrol vehicles from KE Rose. - Resolution 24-R-42: Approved (5-0) awarding the Cassel Hills Golf Course irrigation system project to Commercial Irrigation Inc. of East Peoria, IL, at $1,887,896 (plus up to 10% contingency). - Resolution 24-R-43: Approved (5-0) awarding the Cassel Hills Golf Course pump station and control panel project to Pro Pump & Controls Inc. of Shelbyville, KY, at $142,709.51 (plus up to 10% contingency). - Resolution 24-R-44: Failed (0-5) after motion to approve was made; no funding will be provided to the Vandalia Development Corporation for the loan to Diff Inc. - Ordinance 24-14 (First Reading): Approved (5-0) for codification of 2023 legislation. - Emergency Ordinance 24-10: Approved (5-0) to issue $1,399,000 in notes to retire land acquisition notes (Series 2023), maturing 2025. - Emergency Ordinance 24-11: Approved (5-0) to issue $1,053,000 in notes to retire various purpose notes (Series 2023), maturing 2025. - Emergency Ordinance 24-13: Approved (5-0) to supplement appropriations by $150,000 in the economic development fund for an Electropolish edge payment, later reimbursable by Montgomery County. - Council Comments: Councilmember Follick read a lengthy statement defending former City Manager Dan Went’s performance, detailing the events leading to his resignation, and encouraging citizen involvement. Vice Mayor Blakesly explained the decorum rules for public comments and announced he would not seek re-election, urging residents to run for council in 2025. The meeting adjourned after council comments.

The Vandalia City Council held a special meeting on June 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM to consider the resignation of City Manager Daniel Wendt, approve a separation agreement, and appoint an interim city manager. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Executive Session - Council entered executive session at 12:00 PM to discuss the resignation, separation agreement, employment of city manager, and appointment of an interim city manager. No action was taken in executive session. The motion to enter and later to exit passed 7-0. Resolution 24-R-39: Acceptance of Resignation and Separation Agreement - Councilwoman Farst moved, Councilwoman Dugan seconded to approve Resolution 24-R-39, accepting the resignation of Daniel Wendt as City Manager and authorizing a separation agreement. - Councilwoman Farst expressed that although she did not support the departure, the agreement was fair and provided the best path forward for the city. - Another council member noted they had no issue with the city manager's performance but recognized that other council members felt differently, and that the separation agreement was fair to both parties and moves the city forward. - Vote: 7-0 in favor. Ordinance 24-12: Appointment of Interim City Manager and Clerk of Council - The ordinance was introduced as an emergency measure. A public hearing was opened, but no public comments were made. - Councilman Fallick moved, Councilman Lewis seconded to approve Ordinance 24-12 as an emergency, appointing an interim city manager and clerk of council. - Vote: 7-0. Key Outcomes - Resolution 24-R-39 approved unanimously, accepting Daniel Wendt's resignation and authorizing a separation agreement. - Ordinance 24-12 approved unanimously, appointing an interim city manager and clerk of council effective immediately under an emergency declaration. - The meeting adjourned following the votes.

The Vandalia City Council held a special meeting June 5, 2024, at 4:30 PM in council chambers. The agenda listed comments from interested citizens and an executive session on the appointment, employment, discipline, promotion, or compensation of a public employee. After council agreed to hear public comment, residents spoke about the performance of City Manager Dan Went. Council then entered executive session; no final action was reported in the available transcript. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Council voted to allow public comment before entering executive session; comments were limited to five minutes because of the size of the crowd. - Most speakers expressed strong support for City Manager Dan Went, describing him as transparent, committed, strategic, and a "huge breath of fresh air" compared with previous city managers. One speaker listed his recognition as Vandalia-Butler Chamber Business Person of the Year, Dayton Business Journal 40 Under 40, and Leadership Ohio Fellow and said he had raised the city's profile. - A city employee said Went had pushed departments to do more, emphasized transparency and continuous improvement, and had never asked for anything other than full release of records. Another resident praised his availability and the way he visited city facilities. - A resident expressed concern about lack of transparency, saying the meeting was noticed with less than 24 hours' notice and residents did not know why the meeting was called; he warned against repeated city-manager turnover and urged council to consider the future. - Other speakers raised concerns about Went, including transparency in dealings related to warehouse development and the belief that some council members had treated the city manager with disrespect or held personal vendettas. One speaker urged council to get the "whole and complete truth" before making a decision. Discussion Items - Council debated a point of order about whether the meeting was an emergency meeting under City Code §220.01E. One council member moved to allow public participation before the executive session, citing a council member's email that limiting public comment would be "unfair and biased." - A council point of order said this was a special meeting, not an emergency meeting, because more than 24 hours' notice had been given. - Council then entered executive session for the stated personnel purpose. At the end of the public portion, the city manager was said to want to address council in executive session, and council returned to executive session without a new motion because it had never adjourned out of it. Key Outcomes - Council voted to allow public comments before going into executive session, with a five-minute limit per speaker. - Council entered executive session under the personnel exception. - No formal votes, resolutions, or disciplinary decisions were reported in the transcript, and the agenda states minutes were not available for this meeting.

The Vandalia City Council held a special meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers of the Vandalia Municipal Building to consider PC 24-01, a conditional use permit application by Choice Hotels International for a hotel/motel in the O/IP District at 3675 Wyse Road (rendered "Wise Road" in the transcript). The Planning Commission had recommended approval on March 26, 2024, by a 5-0 vote, but council denied the permit 4-2 at an earlier meeting and then voted 4-2 on May 6, 2024 to reconsider. The agenda noted the meeting was open to the public for viewing via Zoom. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident objected to the reconsideration on procedural grounds, arguing the May 6, 2024 motion to reconsider was invalid because it was not on that meeting's agenda and was not properly noticed. He cited Robert's Rules and the Ohio Open Meetings Act, stating that motions nullifying a prior action require previous notice, and argued the May 6 meeting was the only legally available opportunity to move for reconsideration. He urged council to abandon the reconsideration, abide by the original denial, and noted the June 3 agenda was posted only after 11:04 AM on Friday, May 31, 2024. - Another speaker reported speaking with adjacent property owners, saying the largest adjoining property owner and a neighboring church had no objection to the proposed hotel, and noted that a truck maintenance facility was a likely alternative use for the property if the hotel was not approved. Discussion Items - The applicant's representative (Choice Hotels International) described the project as a modern, high-quality extended-stay hotel, distinct from the three existing 40-plus-year-old motels near the site, and stated the company would not be pursuing the project if it expected over 300 annual police calls. He said the project complies with all Planning Commission stipulations, includes roadway improvements on Wyse and Home Stretch Roads at the applicant's expense, and would be protected by a 30-year franchise agreement running with the property that requires brand, quality, and safety standards and includes liquidated damages for defaults such as criminal activity, nuisances, or brand changes. He also noted the company has over 20 brands and that problems can occur at any franchise. - Council members supporting approval argued the use meets the conditional use criteria in the city's codified ordinances, emphasized that the request is not a zoning change, noted that two prior conditional uses had been approved for the same parcels, and cited adequate site access with required upgrades funded by the applicant. They also noted the property is surrounded by industrial and office future land use and that the hotel would be subject to the city's Chapter 878 hotel/motel registration rules, which they described as successful over the past two years. - A council member opposing the use said nearby property owners likely did not expect a hotel next door, stating: "To me, the criteria does not fit that location." - Another member said he learned during the meeting that the 30-year franchise agreement runs with the property, which addressed his greatest concern about what would happen to the hotel after 20 years. - A member who initially felt the hotel was a good fit said his primary concern was long-term risk, expressing worry that over time the use could become detrimental to public health and the morals of the neighborhood. He said he appreciated the franchise agreement and noted Vandalia's strict nuisance laws, adding that it would be up to council to ensure the building is maintained. - Councilman Folllock made a motion to approve the Planning Commission recommendation for the hotel/motel conditional use at 3675 Wyse Road as presented, seconded by Councilman Lewis. Key Outcomes - A motion to approve PC 24-01 was made and seconded, but the transcript ends during the ensuing discussion and no final vote is recorded. No meeting minutes are available, so the outcome could not be confirmed from the provided record. - Discrepancy noted: the applicant's representative stated the original denial vote occurred at the council's April 15, 2024 meeting, while a speaker cited the original vote as April 22, 2024; both dates appear in the record.

The City of Vandalia Council met at 7:00 PM on May 20, 2024, to approve routine items, hear public comment on a proposed hotel and a golf course restaurant management plan, and vote on several resolutions and ordinances. Key actions included awarding a bid for the Art Park Amphitheater, authorizing ODOT agreements for road and bikeway projects, and approving note issuances for land acquisition and fire apparatus. Consent Calendar - Approval of Council Study Session Minutes (May 6, 2024), Council Meeting Minutes (May 6, 2024), and Council Retreat Minutes (May 8, 2024) — approved without comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Kirker (address not stated) spoke at length in opposition to a proposed Everhome Suites hotel on Miller Lane. He argued that Jerry Smith, a realtor from Apex who spoke at the previous meeting, was paid to advocate for the project and does not work for Choice Hotels. Kirker stated that the property is owned by Ministry Partners Investment Company, not yet purchased by Choice Hotels. He claimed that the EPA Phase II study cited by Smith was incomplete, with no remediation done. He raised concerns about crime, human trafficking, and noise from nearby businesses (Lewisburg Container, Sunbelt Rental, Progressive Printers), stating that those businesses oppose the hotel. He provided examples of trespassing and theft on his property and noted 108 lawsuits in five counties involving Choice Hotels brands. He questioned the city’s zoning protections and called on council to reject the project. - Steve Panchek (418 Woodland Meadows Drive) questioned the proposed management agreement for a restaurant under the city’s liquor license at Cassel Hills Golf Course. He asked about liability for alcohol-related incidents, whether local restaurants were approached, and the city’s financial gain. He expressed concern that the restaurant would compete with existing local establishments. City Manager Dan Wendt responded that the city holds the liquor license but would not be liable, and that the trial period would run through December 31, 2024. The lease is for $1. Panchek also noted the decline of restaurants in the area. - Donnie Donathan (515 Damien Street) requested that council research a food truck operating in a residential zone. He also questioned why the city did not put the golf course restaurant opportunity out for bid, suggesting it could generate revenue via a competitive process. Discussion Items - Proclamation – Public Works Week: Mayor Herbst presented a proclamation declaring May 19–25, 2024 as National Public Works Week, thanking public works employees. - Introduction of JR Fulton: City Manager Wendt introduced JR Fulton as the new Assistant Public Works Superintendent, a Navy veteran with a background in operations and management. - Oath of Office – Joshua Schneider: Firefighter/Paramedic/Inspector Joshua Schneider was sworn in; he began full-time employment on May 1, 2024. - City Manager’s Report: Wendt noted that city offices will be closed May 27 for Memorial Day; a special council meeting will be held June 3 at 5:15 PM, and summer schedule will include one meeting per month in July and August. He also reported on neighborhood beautification day (June 8), recruitment for Recreation Superintendent and HR Manager, and his participation in the Dayton Development Coalition fly-in where he met with congressional staff. - Resolution 24-R-35 – Art Park Amphitheater: Awarded the bid to Outdoor Enterprises (Troy, OH) at $490,500. Three bids were received; the engineer’s estimate was $588,000. Funding includes a $300,000 state grant. - Resolution 24-R-36 – ODOT LPA Agreement for Poe/Wyse/Miller Resurfacing: Authorizes the city manager to enter into an agreement for federal funds ($843,334) for a project estimated at $1,228,560. - Resolution 24-R-37 – Management Agreement for Cassel Hills Golf Course Restaurant: Authorizes a $1 lease through Dec 31, 2024 for interim operation under the city’s liquor license. Council discussed removing a provision for a $50,000 loan through the Vandalia Development Corporation (VDC). The city manager clarified that Version 2 of the resolution (without the loan) was preferred. Mayor Herbst noted that pre-existing bookings would be stipulated in the final agreement. - Resolution 24-R-38 – Vandalia Bikeway Connector Additional Cooperation: Authorizes additional funding due to higher-than-expected bids. Total project cost rose to $5,037,126 with the local share (shared with Five Rivers Metro Parks) increasing by $533,930. Councilmember Dugan expressed concern that a 12% cost increase was known in February but not communicated to council. Assistant City Manager Cron explained that the earlier 12% was ODOT’s estimate over the consultant’s, and the actual bid increase was only known after May 9. The city will use funds from the street fund capital account and a payment in 2025 from Five Rivers. - Ordinance 24-10 – Land Acquisition Notes: First reading of an ordinance to issue $1,399,000 in notes to retire outstanding land acquisition notes (Stone Quarry Crossing) maturing July 2024. - Ordinance 24-11 – Various Purpose Notes: First reading of an ordinance to issue $1,053,000 in notes to retire notes for a fire engine and ladder truck, with scheduled paydowns in 2026 and 2031. - Ordinance 24-09 – Emergency Appropriation Revision: Emergency ordinance to amend the 2024 budget (Ordinance 23-28). A public hearing was held with no comments; approved as emergency. Key Outcomes - Resolution 24-R-35: Approved 5–0 (all five members voting yes). - Resolution 24-R-36: Approved 5–0. - Resolution 24-R-37: Approved 4–1 (Councilmember Avalotus Weaver voted no); the loan provision was excluded from the resolution. - Resolution 24-R-38: Approved 5–0. - Ordinance 24-10: Approved 5–0 on first reading. - Ordinance 24-11: Approved 5–0 on first reading. - Ordinance 24-09: Approved 5–0 as an emergency. - Minutes and reports: Approved. - Council comments: Councilmembers Dugan, Farst, and Blakesley reported on community events (Memorial Day ceremony, shred day, mural painting). Councilman Lewis and Councilman Follick were excused from all meetings; motion passed 5–0. - Next meeting: Special council meeting on June 3, 2024, at 5:15 PM regarding the hotel conditional use; regular meeting June 17, 2024.