By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council held its meeting on Monday, Aug. 3. The meeting began at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by council approving the July 20 meeting minutes as written.
Tracy Pixley presented a new village logo designed using suggestions from the mayor and council. Mayor Cathy Mossing suggested a small change, while council decided to allow Pixley to select the color combination.
Council also reviewed engineering proposals from Feller, Finch & Associates and Mannik & Smith Group for work along Mill Street.
Mossing planned to request a detailed breakdown from Feller, Finch & Associates after officials were unable to determine whether grant-writing services were included in the estimate.
Maintenance Supervisor Ben Poorman reported that he was gathering prices for handrails and a back rail for the bleachers at the park. Mossing reported that the village had closed on the former Methodist Church property at 124 E. Main St.
The Land Bank was expected to meet within two weeks to discuss whether and when the buildings could be demolished.
Village Administrator Keith Torbet did not believe the demolition would take place this year and indicated it would most likely become a spring project.
The village also signed a 90-day lease with Tim Jacobs to give him time to remove his belongings from the buildings. Council later unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-15 as an emergency, approving and ratifying the village’s purchase of the property.
Zoning enforcement was also discussed after Councilwoman Sandy Witt reported that two residents had contacted her about violations they believed were not being enforced.
The village received a certified letter from another resident regarding previous zoning complaints. The matter is expected to become a priority when Torbet returns from vacation.
Officials had received 21 completed household income surveys as of July 28. Another mailing was scheduled for Aug. 5 using village envelopes marked “important” so residents would be less likely to mistake them for junk mail. Council members said the surveys are needed to determine which grants the village may qualify for.
In other business, council approved allowing the Village Office to serve as a stop on the county Haunted History Tour scheduled for Oct. 23 and 24. Members also learned that the volleyball league had donated $1,220 to the village.
A Facebook poll regarding village movie night received 17 votes for September and three for July. Officials planned to review the sunset time in early September to determine whether the movie could begin earlier.
Jeff Truckor also reported that The Charm, Locker and Big’s had agreed to operate the concession stand for the upcoming World War II reenactment. He planned to contact other Chamber businesses to see if they were interested in participating.
Council then adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
