The Edgerton Village Council meeting was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Mayor Bob Day called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.
Council members present were Sharon Blinzler, Jason Gruver, Lance Bowsher, Leslie VanAusdale, and Pam Wampler, with Councilor Chuck Wallace absent.
Village representatives on hand included Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht and Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles (via phone). Members of the public present included Brian Bowher, Khris Sines, and David Ansley.
A motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 20, 2025, was made by Bowsher, seconded by Blinzler, and approved by all present members.
Mayor Day welcomed guests and introduced Khris Sines of Fleo’s Flicks and David Ansley of Southern Strut Band.
Mr. Ansley said he has been out in Edgerton, Bryan, Fort Wayne, and surrounding towns pounding the pavement, trying to get sponsors for the Southern Strut Band regarding the Southern Rock-toberfest on October 4, being held at Fleo’s Flicks. They are in desperate need of sponsorship and would appreciate help.
Besides door-to-door, they have used social media campaigns and have media interviews scheduled. Sponsorship includes added perks.
This is a family event, with multiple bands performing live southern rock music, live Christian music, food, vendors, and a worship tent from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Contact david@southernstrutband.com for more information.
In his report, Mayor Robert Day said that Trick-or-Treat will be held Saturday, Nov 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Trunk-or-Treat at Parkview from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and then from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Maps of residents providing candy will be available.
In the Administrator Update by Dawn Fitzcharles, it was conveyed that a Rules Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., and a Tree Commission Meeting is set for Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Regarding the OPWC joint project with St. Joseph Township Trustees and Williams County Engineer, Gerken Paving was awarded the contract for the County Road 5 Project. Edgerton’s portion of the total $82,558.30 will be $21,465.16.
It was noted that the project is a great, cost-effective way for the entities to work together. Officials hope to kick the project off this fall, but are currently waiting on project timelines.
Community Center Construction meetings are held every other Wednesday with the contractor and architect. Delivery of the building is expected on September 18, and the structure should be going up by mid-October.
A NatureWorks Project meeting was held with installers to verify the site on September 8, for the placement of benches, trash receptacles, and dog waste stations.
Regarding the RFP Edgerton transmission project, officials are working through a study with John Courtney and John Bentine to put together a project that will help Edgerton’s reliability.
RFP will request proposals centered around installing additional infrastructure at the substation, which would require possible retainage of 69kV facilities and assets at the substation.
John Courtney is scheduled to attend the first meeting in October to discuss the electric utility and ways the village can invest in infrastructure. The village continues to look at ways to have an additional or alternative source of power.
Fitzcharles also noted that departments continue to work on the 2026 budget.
In the Fiscal Officer Update by Denise Knecht, it was noted that the August 2025 Financial Reports were emailed on September 2, and she requested council members to sign as received. Bowsher made a motion to pay bills, which was seconded by Wampler and approved by all present council members.
Police Chief Ken Jacob provided an update, highlighting that Figy recently attended CIT Training (Crisis Intervention Team), which focused on learning de-escalation and communication skills to deal with those suffering from mental illness. Plotts will be teaching a LEADS program to students at Edgerton Local and St. Mary’s Schools in the 5th and 6th grades.
It was also expressed that the Police Department would like to try a different approach to hiring and retention of employees by offering an educational opportunity and reimbursement through an agreement with potential candidates. Details are to be circulated to council members for approval at a later date.
During council discussion, council member VanAusdale shared that she is glad to see the police engaged and involved in the CIT program, noting it’s a great program.
The bathrooms at Miller Park were also discussed with the council reviewing the current programmed hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for doors to unlock and relock.
Stadium Drive is expected to be under contract yet in 2025 for 358 feet of roadway, catch basins, and storm sewer infrastructure with an estimated cost just shy of $500,000.
Councilor Wampler raised concern about a large pothole in the walkway of the west crosswalk on State Route 49. Fitzcharles will reach out to the railroad.
At 6:04, a motion to adjourn was made by VanAusdale, which was seconded by Wampler and approved by all present members.