By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council held its meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, council approved the minutes from its April 6 meeting before moving into public concerns.
Wyatt Witt spoke to council about ongoing sewer issues during heavy rains, explaining that problems continue even after a backflow device was installed.
Council indicated the matter would be discussed with village maintenance workers. Council member Sandy Witt also brought forward a resident request to lower the speed limit on Wildflower, but Village Administrator Keith Torbet said 25 mph is the lowest speed enforceable by law.
Council also heard from Chris Ruetz, who requested permission to use the park for a volleyball league from June 10 through Aug. 12.
Discussion centered on the growing popularity of the league and the possibility of holding games on both Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow more people to participate.
Council approved entering into an agreement with the league for the summer, with the final decision on whether to play one or two nights left to the volleyball league.
Austin Davenport also addressed council regarding a petition to ban data centers and said he would like to get the issue on the November ballot. Council responded that no data center proposals have been brought before the village and also provided information about upcoming public hearings on zoning updates.
In the administrator’s report, council was informed that ODOT will be redoing one lane of pavement on West Main Street because work tied to the recent bridge replacement did not meet standards. Crack sealing by GT Contracting has been completed, and water was turned on at the park that day.
Council also discussed park operations for the summer and decided only shelter house B restroom facilities will be opened at this time. Members reviewed an energy audit for the park showing that converting all lighting to LED would cost $34,179.20 for parts alone and could generate projected savings of $4,510 per year. Labor estimates are still being gathered so council can better understand the full cost of the project.
Torbet also reported that he is still waiting to hear back from the sheriff’s department regarding the village traffic camera and how junk vehicle issues in town should be handled. In the mayor’s report, council reviewed the March sheriff’s report and approved all appointed outside committee members for 2026.
Council also noted an upcoming ribbon cutting at Wagon Wheel Barber Shop on Thursday, April 23, at 3:30 p.m., with a grand opening planned for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The next comprehensive plan meeting was scheduled for April 27 to review the second draft. In the fiscal officer’s report, council reviewed RITA reports and discussed encouraging residents and employees who work in town to sign up.
Council then approved payment of bills and moved into new business. A first reading was approved for Ordinance 2026-10, which authorizes designated officials to provide written approval to the Regional Planning Commission for land split requests.
Council also suspended the rules and passed Ordinance 2026-11 as an emergency measure, allowing participation in ODOT road salt contracts awarded in 2026.
Members then discussed the Memorial Wall Dedication Ceremony, including the possibility of combining it with Flag Day activities on June 14. Ideas included inviting Sue from Gleaners as a guest speaker, along with someone from the War Vets, and collecting damaged flags for retirement at the Veterans Hall later that evening.
Additional discussion took place regarding movie night and preparations for Party in the Park. Because a parade is scheduled for Saturday during the event, council agreed chicken dinners will begin being served at 12:30 p.m., with 500 halves planned.
Council also approved spending up to $5,000 toward a drone light show on Friday night of Party in the Park, with the Visitors Bureau contributing another $5,000 toward the roughly $10,000 cost.
In old business, council approved hiring IMGIS to convert infrastructure records into electronic format at a cost of $1,000 per year for the next three years. With no other business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
