NEARING COMPLETION … The Edgerton Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht reported that the village’s mandatory audit is almost complete, with three weeks out of four now completed. (PHOTO BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
Before the start of the April 19 village council meeting, the council help a special public hearing, at 6:15 p.m., regarding a drive-in movie theatre to be located at 233 East Morrison Street.
Chris Pearson, who owns Edgerton Forge, which is located behind the proposed drive-in, wanted to know if sometime in the future, if he wanted to put up another building, would it pose a problem?
Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles stated that she doesn’t see a problem, as the drive-in theatre plans to put up fencing and will have to file for a use permit each year.
Fitzcharles also stated that although the drive-in plans to bring in food trucks, trash on the facility will be picked up each night.
As far as traffic goes, there will be one way traffic coming into the drive-in and there will be at least two ways to exit, including using the Dream Haven area to exit out of.
The village council will vote on zoning of the drive-in and properties around it, on May 2. The goal of the drive-in theatre is to be up and running by June 1.
Council then voted to adjourn and the regular council meeting quickly followed.
The April 19 regular Edgerton council meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer from Mayor Robert Day. Roll call was then taken and all six council members, Tom Karnes, Leslie VanAusdale, Jason Gruver, Chuck Wallace, Sharon Blinzle and Pam Wampler, were present.
Village council opened the meeting by approving the minutes of the April 5 meeting.
Fitzcharles stated that April 29 will be declared Arbor Day in Edgerton. On that day, there will be a tree planting in front of Town Hall. Students from St. Mary’s will be in attendance.

Mayor Day said that there are seven new pictures in the council meeting room, with four coming from the Day family and three from the Edgerton Historical Society.
Fitzcharles reported that the village hopes to have several bids on the water tower on Monday. Also, the village recently had a successful trash day, with included 16,000 pounds of recycled metal.
Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht said that this is week three of having auditors on site, with one week to go. Also, the credit card statements are out and the bills have been presented. With that, council voted unanimously to pay the bills.
In the first of five motions, council approved the promotion of Jeremy Rice to a regular employee and off probation. In the second motion, council approved the resignation of Elias Carter, who has accepted a position in Stryker.
In the third motion, council approved of the advertising of the open position, made by Carter’s resignation. In the fourth motion, representing change number two, council approved of the upsizing of the wet well.

In the fifth motion, council approved of renewing a lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railroad. The one difference in this renewal is that the village asked for beautification, from village limit to village limit and the village can now lawfully access for beautification.
Next, council approved of Ordinance 1097, to accept a grant of $7,000 for the police department to purchase items.
The village council then approved Resolution 2022-008, for an application with Nature Works, to apply for picnic tables and benches in and around the playground equipment.
The company who is installing the playground equipment stated that they can also install the picnic tables and benches. The due date is June 1.
That was followed by council approving Resolution 2022-009, This proposed project would support water flow in the northwest corner and would include additional hydrants and several valves.

The proposal will be sent to the Ohio Department of Development. Once approved, the Resolution will be discussed at a future council meeting.
The village council then moved into executive session.
Daniel can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com