By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Edgerton Village Council met on Oct. 4, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. Councilors Lance Bowsher, Sharon Blinzler, Pam Wampler, Leslie Vanausdale, Chuck Wallace, and Jason Gruver were present; as were Law Director Chris Walker, Mayor Robert Day, Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles, Fiscal Officer Denise Knetch, and Administrative Assistant Amanda Knetch.
Before Mayor Day gave his report sharing details on the next employee of the month, council was introduced to Justin Thiel, who is the newest parks department employee. His accomplishments were spoken on, and council thanked him for his commitment to the Edgerton community.
Mayor Day then finished his report, sharing the details of Public Power Week, which was started in 1940, making this the 83rd annual Public Power Week in recognition of the workers behind getting electricity to over 2,000 communities.
Then discussed was the feasibility of committee meeting times, as many council members have conflicting schedules.
It was decided that both the Finance Committee and the Wage and Compensation Committee meetings will be held Nov. 8, with times to be determined after conversation is held among department heads.
Police Chief Ken Jacob shared that a grant for body cameras is currently being processed, training days are being planned out, DARE participation has been ongoing, and the budget for this upcoming year is being worked on.
Chief Jacob was proud to share that, for the first time, the Edgerton Police Department is certified to offer in-house training services.
Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles then shared that the Wage and Compensation Committee had met to discuss insurance premiums for the upcoming year, open positions, and hiring issues.
A motion formally acknowledging joint financial responsibility for the Brownfield Remediation Project between the Ohio Department of Development and the Village of Edgerton. Excavating and storm drain implementation are expected to start on Oct. 16.
The bills were then approved as presented before officer Ashley Kunesh was promoted off of probationary status.
Administrative Intern Trinity Nichol’s resignation was then accepted, on account of their relocation to South Carolina.
Kodie Carlisle was then approved to be hired on as a volunteer firefighter before Mayor Day reminded everyone to come out and see Rep. Jim Hoops meet with Edgerton’s Stevie Kimple during his 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. book signing at Floral Designs when they come out for the Fall Fest and Never Let Go Ministries cruise-in.
Fitzcharles then shared that the goal to have 30 trees planted this year is well underway, and that the goal of 30 is three times the number of 2022’s goal.
It was shared that Oak Street residents will see trees planted next summer, after the construction needed to the road is completed before council adjourned at 6:07 p.m.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com
