OATH OF OFFICE … Newly elected council Member Brian Bowsher, accompanied by his son Brayden, is sworn in by Mayor Bob Day.
OFFICER RECOGNITION … Police Officer Ashley Plotts (right) is recognized by Mayor Bob Day (left) and Chief Ken Jacobs (Venter) for her quick action in a recent medical emergency.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton Village Council welcomed a new member at its first meeting of 2026. Mayor Bob Day called the January 7 session to order at 5:30 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Day led a short prayer before proceeding to the agenda.
The swearing-in of council members was the first order of business. Brian Bowsher, a newly elected member, was the first to take the oath of office. Jason Gruver, Pam Wampler, and Sharon Blinzler followed, all having been re-elected for consecutive terms.
Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht conducted the roll call with all members in attendance. The 2026 Village Council members are Sharon Blinzler, Brian Bowsher, Jason Gruver, Chuck Wallace, Pam Wampler, and Leslie VanAusdale.
Also in attendance were Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles, Administrative Assistant Amanda Knecht, and several community members.
The election of the President Pro Tempore followed. Mayor Day explained that a temporary president is elected to preside over meetings in the event of the mayor’s absence.
Blinzler nominated Chuck Wallace, and Wampler seconded the nomination. After voting to close the nominations, all members voted to elect Wallace, with Wallace himself abstaining.
The agenda proceeded to the approval of the meeting minutes from December 17. With no questions or discussion, Wallace motioned to approve the minutes and Gruver seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Business continued with a special recognition to honor local Police Officer Ashley Plotts. Plotts was recently dispatched to an emergency call involving an unresponsive resident.
She acted quickly to provide CPR until EMS arrived, at which point medical personnel were able to recover a pulse and maintain it. Unfortunately, after being transported to the hospital, the individual passed away.
The reports section moved efficiently, beginning with Mayor Day. He presented one item to fill a vacancy on the 2026 planning commission, previously held by Lance Bowsher.
With Brian Bowsher taking the new council seat, he was also elected to fill the planning commission opening. The motion was made by Gruver, seconded by Blinzler, and approved by all.
Fitzcharles followed with a brief Administrator’s report. She began with an update on leaf pickup, which has resumed. Fitzcharles explained that all equipment has been transitioned, and if the weather remains mild, pickup will continue.
She also provided a positive update, stating that her office is working diligently to close out 2025 and open 2026.
Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht presented her report next. She distributed a signature form for the council to acknowledge receipt of the December financial reports, which were sent via email.
She added that she has closed out 2025 and is now processing for 2026. The final item on her report was a motion to pay the bills, made by Gruver and seconded by Wampler. All members approved.
Police Chief Ken Jacob provided 2025 statistics in the police report: 793 calls for service, 23 accidents, and 128 traffic stops resulting in 98 warnings and 30 citations.
Before moving on to resolutions, ordinances, and motions, Mayor Day recognized that the commendation for Officer Plotts was initiated by Fitzcharles.
Fitzcharles stated that the commendation was a way to recognize exemplary action, noting that historically, this has been a struggle to implement.
Gruver added that, based on his years with EMS, he recognizes the anxiety such situations can induce and credited Plotts for her composure.
Several other council members commended Plotts, stating they were impressed that she was able to recover a pulse and recognized the character required to act in a high-stress situation, especially as the sole responder on the scene.
Day concluded by stating it was fortunate Plotts responded so quickly, noting that county-wide response time remains a crucial issue.
The first item under resolutions, motions, and ordinances was a motion to accept the resignation of a general labor intern.
Karter Gibson had been employed by the village in conjunction with the school-to-work program but has decided to take employment elsewhere within the village. Bowsher motioned to approve the resignation, Wampler seconded, and the motion passed.
Next was an annual action to approve a legal service agreement with Marsh and Rothenbuhler for the 2026 calendar year.
Fitzcharles stated that Reed Rothenbuhler has been very receptive and responsive to the village’s inquiries and needs.
Mayor Day verified that the agreed-upon rate had not increased; following that confirmation, Gruver motioned to approve, Wallace seconded, and the motion carried.
The third item was a motion to re-appoint the 2026 Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Fund Board members. Each year, the board is established and must be certified to the Ohio Department of Commerce by January 31.
The board is responsible for reviewing claims and making recommendations to the Fire Marshal in the event of a line-of-duty injury or death.
The members for 2026 are Scott Blue, Robert Adkins, Mike Krill, Bob Day, and Denise Knecht. Blue and Adkins were recently elected by the fire department.
The motion to approve the board members was made by Blinzler, seconded by Wampler, and approved unanimously.
The council then addressed a recurring motion to approve and issue payment for an invoice from August Mack for the Edgerton Metal Brownfield remediation project.
This is an ongoing project funded by an active grant. VanAusdale motioned to pay the $37,575.99 invoice, Wampler seconded, and the motion passed.
Ordinance 1164 followed, providing a supplement to the 2026 annual appropriations regarding the Brownfield grant.
Denise Knecht noted that while a supplement this early in the year might be surprising, this particular update was a decrease in the estimated amount, from $1 million to $936,429.
Wallace motioned to approve, and Gruver seconded, with all members in favor.
Lastly, Resolution 2026-001 authorized Mayor Day as a delegate to represent the Village as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ohio Municipal Electric Association. Day has served for six years, and this new term will last for three years. Gruver motioned to approve, Wampler seconded, and the resolution passed.
Fitzcharles updated the council on the next meeting, scheduled for January 21, which will be preceded by a Records Commission Meeting at 5:20 p.m. Edgerton Main Street will also attend to review the 2025 program and present a proposal for a new music pavilion. Additionally, an Eagle Scout project will be proposed.
During the council discussion, Wallace inquired about the current state of intern employment. Fitzcharles clarified that there is still one administrative intern.
This led to a discussion regarding the classification of “intern” versus “part-time” status and which role best suits the village’s needs. Fitzcharles stated the position assists with the extensive paperwork generated by various projects and grants. She noted that, historically, the position has been filled three to four times.
Bowsher asked about the needs of the administrative team, and Wallace suggested that a permanent part-time position might be more beneficial.
Fitzcharles noted that the project management side is currently underserved, and her team is stretched thin.
Ultimately, the council decided to gather more information and discuss the particulars in a few weeks.
Wallace also provided a brief cemetery update, informing the board that they are searching for a part-time landscaping position, primarily for weed eating.
Blinzler then raised a topic regarding naming facilities in honor of residents, such as the Bill Fowler Wrestling Room. Mayor Day stated he would investigate the matter.
VanAusdale concluded the discussion by thanking the crews for the recent leaf pickup. Gruver asked about the basic status of the Brownfield project. VanAusdale asked when development would potentially be on the table.
Fitzcharles stated they have already started pursuing funding for projects based on a broad array and that there will be ongoing testing on a predetermined basis.
A local consultant center has been contacted, and there could be some development seen this year. Currently, all the tests are being passed, and they are waiting on the green light from the Ohio Department of Development and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Wallace asked about the progress of the Miller Park Shelter House; Fitzcharles offered to provide photos, and Mayor Day indicated he would post updates on social media.
Fitzcharles also offered the opportunity for any council member to do a walk-through if they wanted.
With no further discussion, Wallace motioned to adjourn, seconded by Wampler. The meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.