By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Councilors Heather Freese, Don Schlosser, Nathan Thompson, Chris Kannel, and Kevin Motter; Mayor Yagelski, Village Administrator Jason Rockey, Director of Finance Nikki Uribes and Clerk of Council Molly Collert met at the Williams County Memorial Building on October 23, 2023 at 6 p.m. for a very special council meeting.
The meeting began with a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance before the amended agenda for the night’s meeting was approved after the removal of item 18.
Then, the Purple Heart Proclamation Ceremony began, with Mayor Yagelski proud to share this “special night,” thanking everyone for their attendance.
Mayor Yagelski then thanked all attending Montpelier veterans for both their service and coming to the meeting, and Russell Cloyd, JD Grim, and Councilor Kevin Motter joined him at the pinnacle of this wonderful moment in the history of the Village of Montpelier.
On behalf of The Patriot Members of The Department of Ohio Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Village of Montpelier, Ohio, for their “dedication and support in honoring America’s combat wounded veterans,” was given the honor of being bestowed The Military Order of the Purple Heart Special Recognition Award.
Veterans and Gold Star families stood for an ovation, with everyone present expressing thanks and gratitude.
The veterans and their families then posed for photos, retiring to converse in a back room with provided refreshments.
Then, council approved the minutes from the October 9 council and October 16 Budget Committee sessions as presented.
Village Manager Jason Rockey continued with a report on engineering equipment purchased as a lot from 2016.
Rockey then asked permission to sell the unused equipment to Cody Frey and hire them for a topographic survey for the Main Street Waterline Replacement Project, which council approved in the form of two motions.
The annual health insurance renewal for 2024 was then approved, and a contract for fire services with Bridgewater Township was also approved.
Resolution 1382 saw appropriations on their first reading, and Resolution 1383, allowing for the use of funds from a firefighter turnout gear grant by appropriating them, was then approved after a suspension of the rules.
Rockey shared that supervisor training this year will look different, with evaluations being conducted for employees’ strengths and weaknesses.
Compliance with the Lead Service Line Replacement project is on track for next October, with a funding package for the Main Street upgrade being looked at.
The village wage study was given last week, and the pay scales will be changing soon to reflect the results.
With no further questions or items to address, the Montpelier Village Council voted to adjourn the October 23, 2023 session at 6:49 p.m.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com