FAYETTE HAPPENINGS … Mayor Borer and Fayette Village Council hear an update from Fayette CDC Director Karen King. (PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REORTER)
By: Amy Wendt
Fayette Village Council met for a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, with all members present except Bryan Stambaugh.
The evening’s agenda was approved immediately following the Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
A gentleman who did not identify himself during the meeting but was later referred to as “Fred” by Mayor David Borer, addressed council with his concerns about the lack of communication from the Fayette Police Department in a recent incident.
He proceeded to explain that during the week of May 15, it was discovered by his employees at the Fayette Feed Mill that the business was broken into. The mill contacted FPD.
The feed mill representative further elaborated that the officer who came out and handled the call reportedly commented that FPD had arrested two suspects for another crime within the community and that those suspects “mentioned they’d been into your place.”
“What kind of police department are you running here?” Fred asked council. “They didn’t call me. Didn’t even say ‘boo’ about it.”
He continued and cited other issues at his business including graffiti and inquired why the police do not do anything about it.
“I know they can’t be there when they break in, I understand all that. But follow up and do your job. That’s all I ask.”
Councilor Suzette Boesger, “We didn’t realize this happened, but we appreciate you bringing it to our attention.”
Karen King of the Fayette Community Development Corporation provided council with highlights of events noting that the Community Garage Sales which began on Thursday, May 25.
The 150th Celebration Committee held a meeting on May 25. King inquired about the 150th Celebration Banner placement. She suggested adding another banner in the downtown area.
King also shared that the CDC members have been working at various places in town to help clean up noting that more help is needed to clean up both the North and South sides of Gorham Street.
Brittany Theis shared updates from the Garden Club highlighting that the Fayette Cookbook is complete and can be purchased at the Farmers Market, Library, and History Center for $15 each.
She also spoke about the new planters in town, the Farmers Market, and the Party in the Park planning.
Other community members in attendance expressed their continued concern about neglected properties in the village.
In the mayor’s report, it was noted that the CDC, Fayette Schools, and Normal Library will be collaborating on the Summer Reading Adventures program. Other dates of interest include Fayette High School graduation on June 4 at 2:00 pm and Spring Clean-up on June 17.
Borer also noted that Bryan Excavating was the low bidder out of three for the waterline project and that more information would be available at the next meeting.
The last item Mayor Borer spoke about was the receipt of a resignation letter from Fayette PD officer Daniel Renta.
Renta will be taking another position in Sylvania Township and his last day with FPD is May 31. Later in the meeting council voted to accept his resignation.
Fiscal Officer Karin Sauerlender shared updates to the bill list including the estimate from Walter H. Drane to codify the village ordinances at a total cost of $9,499.10 plus shipping.
Governmental Affairs is recommending that the village retain Jacob Barnes for an additional six months so that he can continue his work updating the comprehensive plan for the village.
The village’s comprehensive plan would encompass recommendations on land use, housing, and other relevant areas, as outlined and enforced by the village’s zoning and subdivision ordinances. Council voted to retain Jacob Barnes for an additional 6 months.
Council accepted the following meeting minutes: -Council Minutes for May 10, 2023; Safety Committee Minutes for May 10, 2023; Governmental Affairs Committee Minutes for May 10, 2023; Public Works/ Finance Committee Minutes for May 17, 2023.
Council also heard the First Reading of Ordinance 2023-07: Granting to Archbold Refuse Service, Inc. the Privilege to Continue to Provide Garbage and Refuse Collection and Disposal Service in the Village of Fayette, Ohio; a Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-05: Amending 2023 Estimated Revenues and a Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-06: Supplemental Appropriations.
Councilor David Wheeler made a motion to enter into executive session for purposes of personnel with no further action anticipated.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
