PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TRAINING MILESTONE … (From left) Assistant Chief Robert Adkins, newly promoted firefighter Josh Elliot, and Fire Chief Scott Blue stand together as Elliot is recognized for completing his training and testing.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton Village Council met on Wednesday, March 4, with Mayor Bob Day calling the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Day led the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer before Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht conducted roll call.
All council members were present: Sharon Blinzler, Brian Bowsher, Jason Gruver, Leslie VanAusdale, Pam Wampler, and Chuck Wallace. Administrative assistant Amanda Knecht attended in person, while Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles joined by phone.
Also present were Fire Chief Scott Blue, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Adkins, and the Edgerton varsity girls basketball team.
Starting off the agenda was approval of the meeting minutes from February 18. VanAusdale made the motion to approve. Wampler seconded the motion and all members approved.
Moving on to communications, Day introduced and commended the varsity girls basketball team. The team recently competed at the district finals for the second year in a row.
Coach Pat Bowsher stated their recent loss wasn’t the result they were looking for but it wasn’t due to lack of effort. He stated they are going to immensely miss the seniors but appreciate the foundation they have built.
Both seniors expressed appreciation for the community’s support, reflecting on the fun of the season and how much they would miss being part of the team. Day commended the group again on the back-to-back district finals.
Next in communications was Summer Recreation President Jason Landis. Landis was invited by Administrator Fitzcharles as a part of highlighting a group each meeting that the village works closely with.
Landis shared recent Summer Recreation registration numbers at 250, which was down by eight participants. This could be due to kids aging out and into high school baseball.
Landis also informed the council of upcoming improvement plans and noted that he had requested quotes for several projects.
Last year’s Miller Park upgrades had a significant impact, particularly on drainage. Looking ahead, Summer Recreation plans to host a “Support for the High School Teams” day, and the boys’ all-star tournament will take place during the Mainstreet Edgerton Homecoming weekend. Landis advised that parking could become an issue and should be reviewed.
VanAusdale asked what type of improvements were being considered for the fields. At Gerhart fields, there are rocks on the playing area with a potential for injury.
Landis stated a full renovation to the fields, like what was done at Miller Park, was planned for next year but the situation needs immediate attention.
Landis is also asking for the dirt mounds to be removed. The mounds are not maintained and Summer Recreation is planning to purchase portable mounds.
Fitzcharles added that some communications had been sent addressing several items. First was a current ground-squirrel problem. The village is working with an exterminator but with winter being a dormant season for the animal, it has been harder to address.
With the seasons changing, this should be easier to solve. Fitzcharles also informed them they had solicited some proposals for the work to be completed at Gerhart fields.
A temporary solution for Gerhart is still being researched, with the long-term plan to use the same DuraEdge product applied at Miller Park.
Landis asked about the status of quotes for the temporary fix. Day responded by asking what type of solution was being considered, and Landis noted that, in his view, several loads of dirt would likely need to be brought in.
VanAusdale asked about the time frame. Landis responded with games officially starting May 1.
Also discussed was the installation of bases at Miller Park. Fitzcharles stated she would follow up and have a park employee reach out. The first junior high boys game is April 5 and the first girls game is March 27.
The next inquiry was about the water being turned on. Administrative Assistant Knecht stated whenever it is requested, as long as the weather complies, it can be state inspected and turned on.
The agenda then moved into reports with the Mayor’s Report. Day presented his written State of the Village address, which read:
“2025 is now in the books for the Village of Edgerton. We are in the midst of manifesting several projects throughout the Village that were previously and partially awarded through state, county, and/or federal funds.
“A list of accomplishments during the 2025 year includes the groundbreaking for the $1.6 million Community Center in Miller Park with the completion expected in mid-2026. The village also completed phase one of the ODOT highway project that saw new paving of State Route 49 through the Village and US Route 6 west to the Indiana state line, including ADA pedestrian upgrades and a portion of County Road 5 reconstruction, which featured a partnership between the County, St. Joseph Township, and the Village.
“Other accomplishments include our electric reliability upgrade, new disc golf course in Miller Park, along with new picnic tables, benches, dog waste stations, and new grills in several parks. The village also completed the purchase of 30 acres on County Road 5 in anticipation of future needs in regard to water and sewer processing. Also, 47 new trees were planted in the Village.
“Looking forward, 2026 projects will total over $7 million and include phase two of the ODOT highway and pedestrian improvement project, including almost five miles of new sidewalks villagewide. Additional projects include the water treatment plant upgrade, the Stadium Drive project connecting Dairy Drive to State Route 49, an EPA release of the Metal Property which will allow us to move forward with rehabilitating that area for recreational use, and refurbishing the Town Hall gym floor to add two pickleball courts, along with two pickleball courts to be lined in the new community building to encourage midweek use of both buildings, rain or shine.
“All these are scheduled but at the mercy of governmental timing. Finally, three new residential homes, three new rental units, and 24 other rental units to be built or refurbished are on the books for 2026.
“Six years ago I began my journey as mayor. During the beginning stages of COVID, I opened a Facebook page to have an avenue to communicate directly with shareholders of our village.
“I had several people tell me that I wouldn’t last six months online as people on social media would eat me alive.
“On the contrary, I found people that were appreciative of knowing what was going on in the Village, fielded questions, listened to suggestions, all under the banner of ‘mutual respect’ which doesn’t always happen on social media.
“In the last year, that Facebook page has grown to a total of 1.5 million views annually. Even with 5-10% of bot views, it is still a lot. We are promoting Edgerton, and people are watching.
“Local people, people who grew up here and have moved away, and those that are curious about what is going on in Edgerton.
“As we continue to move forward as a Village, we search for opportunities to better the life experience in Edgerton. Obstacles are a given, some predictable, some a surprise, but we work to be problem solvers and continue to move forward.
“We look to partner with those within and without, young or old, encouraging volunteerism at every turn to accomplish things that will live long beyond ourselves, like those that came before us in the great Village of Edgerton.”
Day elaborated on the last line, honoring the recent passing of Don Buchs. Buchs dedicated many years in service to the village, 12 years on council and many more as a vigilant resident reporting many issues personally to the Mayor.
Buchs was the recipient of the Watchmen on the Wall award for his constant vigilance and his continuous improvement mindset, always looking for ways to improve the village. Day described him as a great Edgertonian who loved his community.
Fitzcharles was next, with a brief administrator’s report containing only two items to note. First was transformer work that would be occurring Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. Second was the date of large-trash day on April 11 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The fiscal report followed, presented by D. Knecht. The February financials were provided to the council. D. Knecht updated the annual financial report for 2025 had been filed on February 26, with a notice being published in print. Lastly was a notice of the upcoming biannual audit for 2024-2025. The assistant auditor has been contacted for scheduling.
Fire Chief Blue and Assistant Chief Adkins then took the floor for a Fire Department update. Blue proudly announced that Josh Elliot, who started as a volunteer in February of 2025, had recently completed all requirements and testing to be classified as a Firefighter I.
Previously, Elliot completed the volunteer firefighter training in April of 2025 and decided to continue his training. Elliot has also completed his one year probationary period. The approval vote for reclassification would take place later in the meeting.
Blue also shared a recent award for dedication and commitment to public safety the department received from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Originally started by the State Fire Marshal, the SAFE program was an initiative to install smoke alarms in residences. The Edgerton Fire Department has continued with their own SAFE program, to date installing over 1,250 smoke alarms in over 430 homes.
The program’s smoke alarms have already made a difference, alerting one local family during a fire and helping them reach safety.
Blue expressed thanks to all who assisted such as Williams County Central dispatchers, County Fire Marshals, the Red Cross, and the Fire Department. Blue reserved a special thank you to the public who has willingly let the department come into their home to install smoke alarms.
Lastly Blue noted a recent $1,000 grant received by the fire department from the Public Entities Pool Plus, also to be approved later in the meeting.
The department plans to purchase two landing zone kits for Life Flight. The grant will not cover the total cost, and the department will pay the remainder.
Before leaving, Day asked about the program start date and the battery life on the installed smoke alarms.
Blue noted the program started in 2019, and with the batteries lasting ten years, they would soon need to be replaced.
Blue also noted that in coordination with the smoke alarms, many homes require a carbon monoxide detector which the department also installs.
The smoke alarms are provided by the American Red Cross, and the department purchases similar dual smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when needed.
The agenda then moved into resolutions, ordinances, and motions with several items to be approved.
First was a motion to appoint Brian Bowsher to the open Tree Commission seat. VanAusdale motioned with Gruver seconding. All members approved.
The bills list followed, with Wallace motioning to approve and Wampler seconding. All members approved the motion.
The next three items involved the fire department, two of which were discussed previously in the meeting. Gruver motioned to approve the Fire Department employment status change for Elliot. Bowsher seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The remaining two items were grants received by the Fire Department. A training reimbursement grant in the amount of $4,620 was received from the Ohio State Fire Marshal Department of Commerce for training completed in 2025.
Successful course completion had to be provided to receive these funds, which is a reimbursement for funds expended in 2025. Wallace made the motion to approve.
Bowsher seconded and all members approved. VanAusdale motioned to approve the PEP Plus grant, which was discussed previously in the meeting. Wampler seconded the motion with all members approving.
The next item was another grant approval, this time for the Edgerton Community Center from the Edgerton Area Foundation.
The $10,000 grant is to be used for interior or deck furnishings. The first half has been received and the second half will be received in July.
The motion to approve was made by Wampler and seconded by Gruver. All members approved.
Along with the grant for the Community Center, the next motion was for change order #2. As explained by Fitzcharles, when running utility connections an unforeseen obstacle was encountered and the water tile had to be rerouted. The change order totaled $10,529 and was motioned by Gruver. VanAusdale seconded the motion which was approved by all.
Mentioned at a previous meeting, the three year contract for IT services with EK Computers followed. Fitzcharles informed that there would be several IT related projects needed in the near future including infrastructure upgrades to the server.
Gruver asked about the cost in comparison to the previous contract. D. Knecht informed the council that the monthly cost increased by approximately $70 and would see an annual increase of 1%.
She noted this would not include the server project. VanAusdale put the motion on the floor with Blinzler seconding. All members approved.
Lastly was a motion to approve and issue payment to August Mack for the Edgerton Metal Brownfield Remediation Project, a commonly seen motion. Gruver moved to approve with Bowsher seconding. The motion was passed by all members.
Council discussion followed. Bowsher clarified that the next Rules Committee meeting would be held Monday, March 9. Bowsher then provided an update from the Public Safety committee which mainly discussed lighting on the Fire Chief’s vehicle.
Bowsher stated not much was determined in the meeting but for safety’s sake he recommends a light bar be installed. Visibility is crucial and in fog or low light situations a light bar can increase that visibility.
Consulting Wallace, he agreed that more visibility is always a good thing. Police Chief Jacobs noted the light bar, depending on how advanced it is, starts at $1,500. Day noted he would follow up with Chief Blue who was open to installing a light bar if deemed necessary.
With no other council discussion, Wallace made the motion to move into executive session. Blinzler seconded, and with all members approving the meeting moved into executive session at 6:16 p.m. Day noted no action was expected to follow.
The next Edgerton Village Council meeting is on Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Update: The March 18 meeting is now covered — the electric department received high praise for its storm response, and council approved several contracts and updates.