(PHOTO BY BRENA RELIFORD THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
NEW RULES … Council Members discuss the components of the potential UTV Ordinance.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edon Village Council held their scheduled meeting on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 7:00pm.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Members David Loughborough, Jeff Pease, Austin Thiel, Lee Lawrence, Dan Ankey, and Brian Shaffer were in attendance along with Mayor Duane Thiel, Solicitor Tom Thompson, Administrator Chad Ordway, and Fiscal Officer Heidi Bidwell. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as well as financial reports.
Next on the agenda was the reading of communications. The council announced the annual town-wide trick or treat is planned for October 26 from 5-7pm.
Edon resident Cynthia Word brought a proposal to the council: a request to pass an ordinance allowing UTVs inside village limits. Currently, there is no law in place stating the conditions of riding UTVs in and out of town, like there is with golf carts.
The golf cart ordinance has already been passed, allowing citizens with golf carts to legally operate them inside and outside of the village.
Word stated her family is interested in purchasing a UTV, but is hesitant to do so unless the ordinance is passed, confirming the legality of riding them inside the village.
Chief of Police, Tom Szymczak, mentioned that he would be conducting inspections for these vehicles at the village office.
The council discussed they would like to have consistency with the sheriff’s office regarding the passing of the ordinance.
They ultimately decided they did not see any immediate issues with the request, and believe it can be written up soon and would like to pass by next month, assuming everything goes to plan.
It was shared that annual homecoming events also went well in Edon, such as the snake dance and parade.
Edon Area Foundation recently donated a $4,500 grant to be used towards implementing handicap accessible picnic tables at the park.
Village Administrator, Chad Ordway, shared that leaf pick-up has begun and is currently taking place on an “as needed” basis.
The council had a third reading of the memorandum for an Edon school resource officer. Edon school district does not currently have an SRO, and many citizens believe it is necessary to have this position in the school to keep students safe in the event of an emergency.
The council shared they haven’t heard many updates, other than the process is moving along slowly.
A renewal of the ARS Contract was adjourned. The ARS Contract allows the village to have two large clean-ups per year, but with a 10% price increase at the start of the new contract.
Council members believe it is necessary to approve the new contract due to the large turnout of the clean-up days.
The finance committee advised to approve the new contract, which would take place over the next three years. This would equal out to $1.60 per family and $0.80 for single residents each month.
Other ordinances were discussed and resulted in cell phone reimbursement for village employees who use their phones for work-related matters up to $700 every two years, making adjustments to the table of contents, and the addition of a cybersecurity policy.
The meeting went into executive session at 7:22pm. The next meeting will take place on November 18 at 7:00pm.