PHOTO BY ANNA WOZNIAK / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
APPRECIATION … Out of appreciation for the village employees and their hard work, on the recommendation of Village Manager Jason Rockey and Councilor Heather Freese, two additional days around Independence Day and Christmas were approved for holiday closure this year.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Montpelier Village Council met on June 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. Present were councilors Heather Freese, Don Schlosser, Nathan Thompson, Melissa Ewers, and Chris Kannel, with Mayor Yagelski, Village Manager Jason Rockey, Law Superintendent Robert Bohmer, Clerk of Council Molly Collert, Superintendent of Finance Nikki Uribes, Wastewater Treatment Superintendent Kevin Sommer, and Fire Chief Brian Fritsch.
This month’s meeting was special, as they moved the location to the Montpelier Fire Department. After the pledge of allegiance and a prayer, council approved the minutes from their May 28, 2024 meeting, May’s financial reports, and welcomed those attending.
After annual reports were heard from Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Kevin Sommer and Fire Chief Brian Fritsch.
Superintendent Sommer shared the details of the many moving parts of wastewater treatment. This spring saw more sludge than normal removed, and the age of the substation is resulting in some electrical issues that have been faced as they arise.
There are also some issues getting replacement equipment for the substation as well, as costs and availability complicate things further. Everyone was reminded not to flush anything other than toilet paper, including the wipes labeled as flushable.
Chief Fritsch highlighted the average age of the fleet is approaching 22 years of age, and detailed apparatus repairs and part sourcing.
Part scarcity was spoken on, and it was shared that the mechanic used by the department is top notch. There are currently 23 firefighters, with 5 to 6 on during the day and 10 to 11 at night. The goal is to have around 30 firefighters in the department.
Recruiting has been a focal point, with the department making trips to the high school to spark any potential interest in firefighting.
There is a push in the “Make me a Firefighter” program, which helps orient people wanting to get involved. Maintenance and repairs have been ongoing throughout the almost 50 years old fire department, and the flooring is looking at a potential replacement.
The potential rollout of a new alert system was then discussed, with it being shared that due to the Fourth of July falling on a Thursday this year, it was decided to approve July 5th as an Employee Appreciation Day, with village offices closed.
December 23rd was also approved as an Employee Appreciation Day due to this year’s falling of Christmas and Christmas Eve in the middle of the week.
Electric equipment was then approved for purchase to make improvements off of Madison Street, with new transformers, poles, and lights. This purchase was approved on its first reading after a suspension of the rules.
A resolution approving the 0.2% Fire and Police Tax Levy was then given its first reading and the second reading of rezoning 601 Mill Street was then given, with council being asked if there were any further questions.
With no further questions, the second reading was approved.
The income tax report was then shared, with council approving the figures as presented. Administrator Rockey shared that the drainage project is finishing up, with the materials for the helical piers being delivered.
Thursday through Sunday will see free admission to the pool thanks to the National Honor Society coin drive donation to the Friends of the Park.
Downtown cruise ins and a Civic League sponsored farmers market began June 11, with the second of Tuesday through August seeing 5 to 8 p.m. activities.
With nothing further to address, council voted at 6:50 p.m. to adjourn, set to meet next June 24, 2024.