SWORN IN … Returning and new council members Lee Ann Miller, John Pupos, Karen Siefker, and Sandy Witt were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting on Monday evening.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council met for its regular organizational session on Monday, January 5, 2026. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the swearing-in of re-elected and newly elected council members for terms expiring on December 31, 2029.
Following the oath of office, the council conducted the annual election of council president, with Gary Loar elected to the position. Council then moved to approve the minutes from the December 29 meeting.
A brief introduction was made by the village’s newly appointed administrator, Keith Torbet, who stated that he had spent his first ten hours reviewing village materials and meeting with staff, and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with the council.
During administrative reports, the council approved transferring $500,000 into a public funds account and authorized the purchase of a Starlink system that had been delayed until the start of the new year for budgetary reasons.
Council also approved attendance for two village officials at the TMACOG Winter Assembly on January 30 in Toledo.
Council discussed ongoing concerns related to on-street parking near the funeral home and commercial vehicle parking in the area.
Options discussed included limiting overnight parking, designating no parking zones, or allowing temporary parking accommodations for funeral services.
Council also noted that, through the ODOT signage program, the village can install additional signage where needed.
Attention then turned to traffic and signage issues, including the absence of “speed reduced ahead” signage on the village’s southern entrance.
Council discussed concerns with a recent speed study and agreed to leave current speed limits unchanged for now while exploring the possibility of incorporating additional data from the village’s electronic speed signs into a future study.
Council approved restoring two parking spaces near the post office that were removed during recent bridge work and agreed to notify ODOT of remaining construction-related concerns while the contractor remains under warranty.
Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-25, updating the village zoning map.
Under emergency measures, the council suspended the rules and passed Ordinance 2026-01 establishing a 2 percent annual sewer rate increase effective January 1, 2026, applying to both village residents and users outside village limits, and repealing Ordinance 2025-18.
Council also suspended the rules and passed Ordinance 2026-02 modifying employee insurance eligibility requirements, followed by passage of Ordinance 2026-03 amending the village’s codified ordinances regarding public records fees.
Council approved payment of bills as presented. Old business included discussion of bridge project follow-ups, review of the employee manual following recent insurance changes, and updates on several zoning and property compliance matters throughout the village.
Council noted progress at multiple locations and confirmed that follow-ups would continue where necessary.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.