PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
STREET SAFETY … Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski discusses the need for a pedestrian crossing push-button on the east side of Empire Street.
FIRE EQUIPMENT … Brian Fritsch introduces the potential purchase of a new ladder fire truck for the Montpelier Fire Department.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Village Council met on Monday, March 23, 2026, to pass the second reading of the proposed ordinance to rezone parcels on West Wabash Avenue.
In attendance: Mayor Steve Yagelski, Council President Chris Kannel, Clerk Molly Collert, Melissa Ewers, Kevin Motter, Heather Freese, and Nathan Thompson.
WEST WABASH REZONING
The rezoning of two joint parcels on West Wabash Avenue was previously introduced by Williams County Port Authority member Shawn Rupp.
He requested that the land be modified from an R2 to R3 zone in order to construct two adjacent triplexes. The triplexes will be the first larger-scale project the Port Authority has taken on.
While the project was recommended by the Montpelier Planning and Zoning Commission, the Council would have to approve the rezoning.
Currently, there are no R3 zones within that area and the process was described as “spot-zoning.”
“The Port Authority is asking for Council’s discretion,” explained Kannel. “If Council is being asked to exercise discretion and change the zoning, then Council ought to at least have the opportunity to have some input on what it looks like.
“Council is being asked to change the zone to a zone that does not exist on that street, in that neighborhood.
“In other parts of the world, that’s called spot-zoning. Spot-zoning, typically, is frowned upon,” said Kannel.
The Port Authority presented three new project drawings to help meet the request from Council. It was noted that the most favorable option among members was an “off-set” design.
Several additional requests — including a driveway added to the existing right-of-way, fencing to hide garbage cans, and overall building aesthetics — were discussed.
“The whole project is geared to meet a rental rate that is obtainable. If we do anything to alter that greatly, it knocks the project out,” explained Rupp.
Thompson mentioned that the Council is being thorough because of issues they have run into in the past with quick decisions.
“Back thirty years ago, forty years ago, we put a bunch of mobile homes in the village. We’re still battling that. I think that was done out of urgency for housing – we allowed those things to happen back then to allow those buildings, those mobile buildings to be put in here, and we are still fighting them today as trying to get those out of the village,” Thompson said.
A motion to suspend the rules and advance the ordinance was made by Motter, seconded by Ewers. The motion failed, with only Motter and Ewers voting yes.
A second motion to approve the ordinance for its second reading was then made. All Council members voted yes, while Motter voted no.
The motion passed and the ordinance will return for its final vote at the next Montpelier Village Council meeting.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CRUISE-IN
The Chamber of Commerce Cruise-In will see changes this summer. The annual event is scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesday of June, July, and August.
In the past, the cars participating in the event have been lined down Empire Street in rows of four — filling the entire street.
Due to safety concerns, the Chamber is opting to extend the Cruise-In’s space in order to allow all participants a safer and timely exit.
The Council approved the Chamber of Commerce to continue using Empire Street, but also to wrap around Washington Street and Jonesville Street if necessary. The expanded route will form a U-shape.
Mayor Yagelski requested an additional pedestrian push-button on the east crosswalk on Empire Street.
There are no current buttons on that side of the street. “We have the palm buttons on the west side – why don’t we have any on the east side?” he questioned.
Village Manager Jason Rockey agreed to look into the matter.
POLICE POSITION AND PROPERTY SALE
Rockey announced that the village is advertising for a full-time police officer position. He also noted to the Council that the property at 220 Empire Street — the location of a former church recently demolished — was successfully sold to the Montpelier American Legion.
The Landbank opted to sell the demolished property to the Legion due to it already neighboring the property.
Motter said a picnic shelter will be placed on the property for veterans to enjoy, as well as relocating a monument and flagpole.
LADDER TRUCK PROPOSAL
Fire Chief Brian Fritsch brought a proposal for a new ladder firetruck to the Council.
A sample drawing of what the truck would look like was provided alongside a component list. The lead time was estimated at 37 to 42 months.
“I’m looking to move to the next step where we can nail this down, nail down the purchase of the vehicle, sign the contracts, get the contracts around and move forward,” Chief Fritsch said.
Financing the purchase was discussed. Although no money is required until the truck is delivered, pre-payment options are available. Price reductions can also be offered through pre-payments.
The Council opted to have the Utility, Budget, and Finance Committee review the purchase and potential financing options before making any decisions.
For more on Williams County development projects, see WILLIAMS COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY: Port Authority Discusses Fountain Creek Senior Villas Project.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
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