PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
EVENT PROPOSAL … Council listened intently as plans were presented for a possible World War II reenactment and living history event at the village park.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
Metamora Village Council held its meeting on Monday, July 6. The meeting began at 7 p.m. with the approval of the June 15 meeting minutes, followed by a lengthy discussion regarding a proposed World War II reenactment and living history event that could be held in the village next year.
Reenactment And Living History Event Proposed
The proposal was brought before council by Jacob Kessler, one of the directors of Historical Frontline Events, a nonprofit organization that puts on World War II living history and reenactment programs.
The group is looking at bringing an event to Metamora in May 2027, with the public portions of the event centered around the village park and the battle reenactments taking place in a nearby privately owned field.
The event would include reenactors dressed in period-correct uniforms, using period-correct equipment, tents, vehicles and blank-firing weapons.
Council was told the intent is to create a living history setting where visitors can walk through encampments, view displays, talk with reenactors, and learn about the World War II era.
The proposed event would be free to the public and would be supported through sponsorships and donations.
The group has previously hosted events in Wauseon and Defiance, with school groups also being brought in for educational programming. A school day would be part of the Metamora event as well.
Council was told that eighth- and tenth-grade students are the main target audience because of where World War II falls in the school curriculum, although other grade levels could also attend if schools feel the students are ready for the program.
Possible Dates And Event Schedule
Two possible date ranges were discussed: either May 13 through May 16 or May 20 through May 23, 2027.
Both options would run Thursday through Sunday, with Thursday used for setup, Friday focused on school groups, and Saturday and Sunday serving as the main public days.
Council discussed possible conflicts with graduation events if the following weekend is used, as well as the need to finalize a date quickly so planning, advertising, and sponsorship work can begin.
The proposed schedule would include multiple reenactment battles during the day, with blank-firing weapons used during those portions.
Council was told that any battle activity or gunfire would likely be finished by around 4 p.m., with other activities such as music and evening entertainment taking place later in the day.
The event would also include food trucks, vendors, a veterans’ hospitality tent, a Saturday evening swing dance, and possible involvement from the Metamora Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber was specifically discussed as a possible partner for food, concessions, or a beer tent, with the idea that the village could benefit financially from portions of the event.
Logistics And Park Lease Approved
Council spent time discussing logistics for the event, including parking, restrooms, trash, access to the battlefield area, nearby residents, signage, and how to prevent traffic from going down residential roads near the field.
The need to protect the park grounds was also discussed, with the battle activity planned for the field rather than the park itself.
The village’s park lease rate was discussed at $600 for the weekend, along with the need for insurance.
Council then approved allowing Historical Frontline Events to lease the park for either of the two May 2027 weekends, with the final date to be confirmed by July 13.
Museum Update And 40-Star Flag
Council also heard an update involving the Wolf Museum and the village store, which is expected to open in mid-July.
The Metamora Historical Society is also looking at options for displaying a 40-star flag that had been flown in Metamora and donated to the society.
A pressurized shadow box or similar display case was discussed, along with the possibility of seeking grant funding.
Fee Schedule Discussion
Discussion then turned to zoning fees and tap fees. Council talked about moving certain fees out of the codified ordinances and placing them into a separate fee schedule that could be reviewed and approved by council regularly.
The change would allow the village to update fees without having to amend the codified ordinances each time.
Council discussed having the fee list available at the village office during normal business hours and on the village website.
Sanitary tap fees, storm tap fees, and zoning-related fees were all mentioned during the discussion. Council agreed that ordinance language would need to be prepared before the matter could move forward through readings at a future meeting.
Park Lighting And Electrical Project
Council also discussed a proposed park lighting and electrical improvement project. The project would include replacing outdated lighting with LED lights, working on ballfield lighting, repairing tennis court lights, adding lighting near shelter areas, additional outlets, and other electrical improvements.
The total project was discussed at around $72,000, with about $53,000 possibly eligible for financing through PACE Energy.
Council discussed the possible long-term savings from LED lighting, as well as the repayment structure and where the village’s portion of the cost would come from.
A motion was approved authorizing Village Administrator Keith Torbet to apply through PACE Energy for a $53,000 loan for the park power and lighting project.
Council also discussed the need to continue reviewing the project details before final approval is given for the work itself.
Additional Park Matters
Additional park matters were also discussed, including the possibility of having the playground inspected.
Council noted that an inspection would help identify safety concerns, but would also require the village to address any problems that are found.
Updates were also given on the ongoing park survey, with council noting that revisions had been sent back and further information is still being awaited.
Party In The Park And Other Finances
Council reviewed financial results from Party in the Park, with the village making $2,783.57 from chicken dinners.
It was noted that the amount is not likely to increase much unless the number of chicken dinners is increased, since the same expenses are involved each year.
Council also noted a $500 donation to the park fund. In another financial matter, council discussed an issue with a village account that had earned only $61.37 in interest for the month. After the bank was contacted, it was found that the account had not been set up correctly.
The corrected amount was $2,399.60, with the difference deposited on July 1.
A final bill connected to the village’s comprehensive planning work was also discussed.
Council talked about waiting until final materials are received, or until the village is confident the work is complete, before moving forward with payment.
Communications, Handbook And Staffing
Council also discussed using the village Facebook page to post reminders before council meetings.
It was noted that other area villages have been doing this, and council members discussed whether posting reminders would help keep residents informed.
Employee handbook updates were also discussed. Council talked about moving the handbook review away from the end of the year because of the number of other year-end items already taking place, including employee evaluations and insurance matters. Suggested updates will be gathered for future review.
Council also discussed possible temporary seasonal help for mowing and other park work, along with the need for someone to assist with cleaning the office once a month.
New resident packets were also mentioned, with council discussing the need to make sure new residents receive information from the village.
Movie Night
Plans were also reviewed for an upcoming movie night at the park. The movie “Cars” will be shown, with racing-themed activities also being planned for children.
Council discussed having race cars or young racers present, along with flags, snacks, popcorn, water, candy, and other activities.
Executive Session And Adjournment
Near the end of the meeting, the council moved into executive session for personnel matters, including hiring, and a separate executive session for property acquisition was also discussed.
When returning from executive session, no action was taken on the property acquisition, but action was taken on the personnel matters, directing the village to conduct four interviews for the maintenance position.
With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 7 p.m.
PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
EVENT PROPOSAL … Council listened intently as plans were presented for a possible World War II reenactment and living history event at the village park.
METAMORA VILLAGE COUNCIL
Council Approves Park Lease For World War II Reenactment