By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Cathy Mossing opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance before the council moved to approve minutes from the October 20 meeting.
During visitor comments, resident Nicki Clark noted that several streetlights on East Main Street were not working.
Councilman John Pupos offered to check the area after the meeting to collect pole numbers for reporting to Toledo Edison.
The mayor then reviewed the sheriff’s report for September and announced that representatives from TMACOG would be visiting the village office on Monday, November 10, to discuss potential grant opportunities.
Council also voted to join the National League of Cities for 2026 at a membership cost of $318. Additionally, Mossing said the village will review its fees for public records requests, including charges for copies and flash drives.
In the fiscal officer’s report, council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-18, establishing a 2% annual sewer rate increase beginning January 1, 2026, and repealing the prior ordinance, and the first reading of Ordinance 2025-19, approving the countywide Emergency Management Agency agreement between Metamora and the Fulton County EMA. Payment of bills as presented was also brought up and approved by the council.
Under old business, discussion continued regarding sidewalk repairs and replacements. Pupos provided an example of Whitehouse’s sidewalk ordinances for review, suggesting the addition of specific requirements such as minimum width and thickness. Council reaffirmed that property owners are responsible for repairs.
The soil near the Farmers Wagon will be tested by Berkey Farm Center following the death of trees in the area, and maintenance crews will remove the dead trees.
In new business, the council reviewed the proposed 2026 meeting schedule and calendar of events. Council recommended closing both the village office and maintenance shop on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, with formal approval expected at the next meeting.
The timing of the village’s annual Movie Night was discussed due to concerns that it runs too late for children; the event will be listed as “TBA” on the 2026 calendar.
Preparations for the Christmas Parade were also discussed, with plans to serve hot chocolate uptown and donate leftovers to the fire department, along with purchasing prepackaged cookies.
Mossing also stated she will contact the Village of Lyons to learn how they collect data from their radar speed signs.
In zoning matters, Jeff Pawlaczyk reported on multiple permit requests: a small addition and new garage at 202 West Main Street, a shed at 311 Meadow Lane (found too close to the property line), and a fence at 315 Garnsey Avenue (requiring an amended location due to placement on the property line).
The village also received official notice of a grant award for the Garnsey Avenue Bridge replacement project.
Council later voted to approve pay increases for several employees. The motion passed with three votes in favor, two abstentions, and one objection, with an ordinance to formalize the change forthcoming. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:00 p.m.