(PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
EAST GARDEN APARTMENT CONCERNS … Taylor Nagel addressed Council regarding ongoing maintenance and management concerns at East Garden Apartments and Lutz Road Villas.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, November 4th, the Archbold Village Council held its first meeting of the month, with council members Gary Dominique, Vaughn Bentz, Kevin Eicher, Aaron Babcock, Chad Kern, and Karla Ball in attendance, along with Village Administrator Aaron Alt and Mayor Brad Grime.
Handling routine business first, council approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting, authorized the payment of $538,191.95 in bills and payroll, and reviewed and approved the financial reports for October 2024.
During the public participation segment of the meeting, Taylor Nagel, appointed by tenants of East Garden Apartments and Lutz Road Villas to speak on their behalf, addressed council.
After introducing herself, Nagel described her connection to the East Garden/Villas community and emphasized that all residents, regardless of income level, deserve safe and respectful living conditions.
On behalf of herself and the tenants, Nagel expressed concern about the complex’s deteriorating condition, management practices, and interactions with the management company, PK Housing and Management (PK), a firm based in Okemos, Michigan.
According to PK’s website, the firm oversees East Garden Apartments and Lutz Road Villas in Archbold as well as apartment complexes in Delta, Edgerton, Stryker, Wauseon, and West Unity.
Nagel alleged that property maintenance issues have led to unsafe and uncomfortable living situations, including mold, malfunctioning appliances, and inadequate heating.
She also voiced concerns about the apartment management’s treatment of residents, claiming that some have allegedly faced intimidation, unannounced entry, and perceived threats of eviction. Nagel added that some residents feel they cannot freely report issues due to fear of retaliation.
PK Housing and Management was contacted for comment regarding the concerns raised by tenants. A PK Companies representative named Daphne responded, “Right now, we don’t have any comments at this time. We will be dealing directly with the residents.”
Nagel concluded, “We are a village that has been known to rise to the occasion… I implore you to help these fellow Archbold citizens find the same love, joy, and safety that you all feel here.”
Following Nagel’s testimony, her mother, Tessa Allard, who resides in the Lutz Road Villas, and three other tenants from various PK-managed properties, shared their own stories and concerns with council.
Council members Aaron Babcock, Chad Kern, and Kevin Eicher followed up with questions after hearing the tenants’ accounts.
Councilor Eicher responded to the final speaker, “Basically it comes to my knowledge listening to you folks, that there’s somebody that needs to be addressed from this company… I’d like to have them [the manager] come to council. I wanna hear their side.”
Eicher also acknowledged the seriousness of the tenants’ complaints, adding, “None of us would ever want to live like that.”
Moving on to another topic, Archbold area resident James Grime approached the podium to share his concerns about the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Township Road 24 and State Route 2.
Grime, who frequently travels Township Road 24 to reach his family’s farm, stated that while he appreciates recent safety measures implemented by the village thus far, including the removal of the Archbold sign and adding a four-way stop, Grime disagrees with the decision to install a roundabout at the problem intersection.
“I think the state should listen to you—the community—instead of them deciding what to do in that corner because I feel that a stoplight is the better option than a roundabout,” Grime asserted.
Grime emphasized that maneuvering through a roundabout with large farm equipment would be challenging.
“I wish they [the state] would put a light in there and see what it does first before they put a roundabout in,” he continued. “If the light does the job for us, why waste the money – the state money to put a roundabout in?”
Moving on to legislative matters, council heard a second reading on Ordinance 2024-48 which if approved, would provide for a 10% water rate increase effective on the January 1st 2025, Billing/December 2024 consumption period.
In a previous Council meeting, Alt noted that a larger rate increase is needed to cover the $400,000 annual cost of replacing carbon tanks for the granular activated carbon (GAC) water system installed in 2022, as well as to strengthen the water department’s reserves. A 3% rate increase, similar to previous years, would not be sufficient.
Also heard for a second reading was Ordinance 2024-49 which provides for a 3% wastewater rate increase effective the January 1, 2025 Billing/December 2024 consumption period. The increase is needed to keep up with the rising cost of chemicals and to cover routine expenses.
Alt provided council with a price comparison of water and wastewater rates, highlighting that Archbold’s rates are lower than those in nearby communities.
Alt further acknowledged resident concerns regarding the 1,000-gallon minimum billing policy, noting that while some communities bill solely based on usage, others implement a minimum threshold.
Councilor Benz pointed out Archbold’s competitive rates, and added, “I just want to get that word out there. I don’t think we can say it enough, for all our departments, how well they do at cost savings.”
Ordinance 2024-50 was also heard for a second reading. If approved, the legislation would repeal and replace Ordinance Number 2019-46 Establishing Monthly Residential Refuse Service Fees. No action was taken, and the law will be up for third reading at the next village council meeting.
After declaring an emergency, council approved Resolution 2024-51 accepting Change Order #1 Final for W. Mechanic & Pleasant Street Improvements, Contract 1-2024. Alt added that the change order reflects a $49,911.85 price decrease.
Addressing a yearly housekeeping matter, Resolution 2024-52 was approved which accepts amounts and rates as determined by the Fulton County Budget Commission.
The legislation also authorizes necessary tax levies and certifies those to the county auditor. Following the approval of the resolution, a motion was made to waive any hearing before the Fulton County Budget Commission regarding the apportionment of the Undivided Local Government Fund.
Moving on to its last legislative item, and after declaring an emergency, Resolution 2024-53 was approved to accept bids for the purchase of chemicals for both the water and wastewater departments in 2025.
Alt mentioned that, as a cost-cutting measure, the water treatment department is exploring alternative application methods for one of its chemicals to extend its usage.
Also before council were the Police & Fire Committee Budget meeting minutes from October 21 and the Park Board meeting minutes from October 23.
Councilor Kern thanked Alt for attending the October 21 Park Board meeting to explain to the Board the direction council will take in future park operations. He added that Alt’s insight was helpful for all in attendance.
Council also reviewed several monthly reports, including the Street Department Labor & Fleet report, Police Department Calls for Service, Fire Department Calls for Service, and the HR Report detailing Zoning Inspector Grant Schaffner’s promotion to Village Planner & Zoning Inspector.
The October 2024 Income Tax Report was also reviewed with Alt reporting that overall numbers were down 16% for the month (withholdings down 10%) however year to date numbers are up 6.73%.
Archbold Village Council will hold their next meeting on Monday, November 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal building.
