(PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SHARING EXPERIENCES … Drew Shepard from the Montpelier Electrical Department talks about helping Lakeland, Florida Citizens restore power.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Village Council met on Monday, October 28th at 6 pm at the Montpelier Police Department conference room.
The meeting was promptly called to order at 6 pm after The Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer and roll call.
Mayor Steve Yagelski, Council President Kevin Motter, Council members Don Schlosser, Nathan Thompson Chris Kannel, Melissa Ewers, and Heather Freese were in attendance. Village Manager Jason Rockey, Director of Finance Nikki Uribes, Deputy Manager Justin Houk, Clerk of Council Molly Collert.
Also in attendance were employees from the electrical department, Montpelier High School Government students, and some community members.
First up the agenda for the meeting was approved along with the minutes of the October 14th and October 21st meetings. For comments from the audience, a committee member from the political group Friends of Montpelier informed the council of dates that they would be holding informational sessions about the Fire and Police Safety Levy.
For comments from the council/committee, Nathan Thompson thanked all the Dignitaries again and passed around the flag Marcy Kaptur presented at the Founders Park dedication.
This flag had previously been flown over the Capital of the United States. Also passed around was a certificate from the Ohio House of Representatives signed by Jim Hoops. Mayor Steve Yagelski thanked everyone for attending the meeting and told the Montpelier government students that they were welcome to ask questions anytime.
The Electrical Department introduced two new employees Brayden Custer and Rayner Clemens.
Drew Shepard and Dakota Brenner joined in the discussion to talk about what they experienced in Lakeland Florida giving mutual aid following the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
Shepard played a slideshow during the meeting of the areas they worked in and on while down south. They reported no injuries and the community was stellar.
The only drawback was having to borrow equipment tools, and wire because they use different sizes than we need up north.
Drew said they went down as a group with some neighboring towns and worked around the clock to help the community of Lakeland citizens get their power restored.
Both Drew and Dakota said it was hard work but a good experience and despite the gators and snakes, they would go again in a heartbeat to help others in their desperate time of need following the tragedy of those storms.
Next on the agenda was to approve the Village online auction list with police impounds. Approve change order 2 for Inliner Solution which because there was no need for two manholes the cost decreased by $2720.
Approve change order 1 for Gerken paving which because of the need for more Asphalt increased $3360.08. Council approved.
Resolution 1407 authorizes the purchase of an administrative vehicle. It was presented to the council to trade in the current vehicle and 2013 Ford Flex for a 2022 Ford Explorer motion suspended and passed.
Resolution 1408 appropriations for 2025 Budget (First Reading) and Ordinance 2276 vacating Alley Kint and Brodner addition (second reading) approved by council.
For the village manager’s report Jason Rockey talked about hiring and staff changes at the wastewater plant and water department and that more job openings would be posted at the beginning of the year.
The Montpelier Village Council meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm to enter into executive session. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 11th at 6 pm.
