AWARDING BID … Montpelier Village Council members get ready to begin their regular session that included awarding a bid for the downtown project. (PHOTO BY ANNA WOZNIAK, STAFF)
By: Anna Wozniak
The meeting started at 7 p.m. on February 13, 2023 with a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance. Roll call was taken, with Councilwoman Melissa Ewers being absent.
The council members present were the Mayor, Steve Yagelski; Council President, Nathan Thompson; Law Director, Chris Walker; Clerk of Council, Jessica Apple; Heather Freese; Chris Kannel; Kevin Motter; and Don Schlosser.
Mayor Yagelski spoke on how local youth are benefited by the Career and Technical Education opportunities they have access to, and made it clear that it was his pleasure to read the proclamation naming February Career and Technical Education Month.
Part of this is to close the gap between the skills needed for careers and the skills that people have. This also aims to ensure employers have qualified workers to maintain competitive productivity.
The meeting began by first amending agenda item 14, the executive session, by adding in the acquisition of property. The movement to approve the amendment was unanimously approved.
Then, the January 6th, 2023 meeting agenda and minutes were approved unanimously by the council.
The January 2023 financial reports were then moved to be accepted as presented and approved unanimously.
Council reported that there were efforts being made at garnering grant funding for an array of projects.
Council members will soon be receiving a survey to review the effects of certain changes.
Concerns over the fulfillment of a contract between the school and the police department were brought to light as council members wanted to be sure that the school was receiving adequate police presence.
The UBF (Utilities Budget Finance) Report Committee reported that it has decided on the name of UBF.
Council unanimously suspended the rules on Ordinance 22-65. Ordinance 22-65 was then unanimously approved, allowing the village to amend ordinances from 2022 and reconcile them with ones approved this year.
Then, the income tax report was given. A project that was submitted December of 2021 for the design of the wastewater treatment centers is back under consideration for grant funding. This grant is not accepting new projects at the time.
The Iron Works River Trail project has started advertising for individuals to lead construction.
The trees that must be cleared for this project have been marked by engineers and removal of said trees is thought to be at about half completion.
There were a couple of gas lines struck earlier in the day, and it was assured that this is not a village issue and will be on the contractors to repair.
Large trash drop off day will be finalized for the 13th of May. WEDCO is forwarding the flier for their March 30th annual meeting to all council members.
This luncheon will take place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The specifics of who will be speaking are still being finalized.
Bids were awarded last Thursday for the demolition / revitalization project downtown. The second low bidder, Advanced Demolition, was the winner of the bid.
Discussion was held over what would happen during demolition to the pillars that were created in Montpelier at the old foundry.
Contact information will be provided to those who wish to inquire into the plans for specific items during this demolition / revitalization.
The motion to go into executive session was made and passed unanimously at 6:38 p.m.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com