PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
INCOME TAX … (Left to Right) Director of Finance Nikki Uribes, Council President Heather Freese, and Nathan Thompson discuss the Income Tax Report.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Village Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Montpelier Police Department.
The session began with a call to order from Mayor Steve Yagelski. In attendance were Heather Freese, Nathan Thompson, Melissa Ewers, Chris Kannel, and Kevin Motter. Director of Finance Nikki Uribes, Village Administrator Jason Rockey, and Clerk of Council Molly Collert were present as well.
Council moved forward to approve the agenda for the September 15, 2025, meeting with the addition of a motion involving temporary IT services and an executive session.
The minutes from the August 25, 2025, session were approved along with the August 2025 Financial Report. No discussion was held.
Kannel presented potential updates to the comprehension plan. After reviewing how many commercial spaces Montpelier currently has, he noted a tentative 69.8% occupancy rate. He continues to question the best course of action for updating the 2025 comprehension plan as needed.
A motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel employment was approved by the mayor at 6:08 p.m. The council returned to open session at 6:17 p.m.
Sonit Systems was approved to provide temporary IT services at a rate not to exceed $140.00 per hour.
The Montpelier Council then discussed the 2026 Village Holiday Schedule, and it was approved with three additional holiday slots.
A resolution was suspended and passed, amending current expenditure appropriations for 2025. Additionally, a third and final reading of Ordinance 2283 was held before council.
Members noted that they have only heard positive community feedback regarding the low-speed micromobility device safety restrictions. “We haven’t heard much feedback or residential complaints up at town hall,” Rockey commented.
“I’ve only heard positive things from our community members,” affirmed Freese.
Now officially in effect, this ordinance amends and restates the village’s codified ordinances to provide clearer rules regarding low-speed micromobility devices such as electronic scooters. Clarifications include where these devices may be used, how they must be operated, and what restrictions apply to both riders and rental providers.
Low-speed micromobility devices, defined as scooters or similar devices weighing under 100 pounds with handlebars, powered by human or electric means, and not exceeding 20 miles per hour, may only be operated on limited locations.
This includes public streets, highways, sidewalks, shared-use paths, and bicycle-designated roadway portions. However, riders must comply with all traffic control devices, yield to pedestrians, and avoid impeding traffic.
Several safety provisions are required, such as a requirement for front lamps and rear reflectors while operating at night, and the prohibition of riding with more than one person unless the device is manufactured for that purpose.
Riders must also keep both hands on handlebars, ride no more than two abreast, and yield when entering roadways from alleys, driveways, or sidewalks.
Operation is not permitted within the Downtown Business District, on State Route 107 or State Route 576 (except on crosswalks), or during nighttime hours between dusk and dawn.
The ordinance also sets age restrictions, barring anyone under sixteen from renting such devices, either directly or through another person. Additionally, it allows police to impound devices used in violation of the law for up to 60 days, with unclaimed devices subject to sale.
Violations constitute a minor misdemeanor, and the law emphasizes strict liability. The ordinance passed with no contest from the council.
The income tax report was given by Uribes, who reported an income for the end of August of $1,624,200.68. Compared to the average of the last three years, a decrease of 4.9% was noted. In comparison to the last year, it was only down 1.8%.
Village Administrator Rockey gave his report and updated the council on the ongoing progress of the Montpelier Park Board’s most recent project. A disc golf course is proposed to be added to the Iron Horse River Trail. “The project continues to move forward,” stated Rockey.
Another executive session was held at 6:31 p.m. to continue discussing personnel employment. No action was taken, and the council adjourned afterwards.