PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ZONING DISCUSSION … Montpelier Village Council met in regular season on Monday, March 9. Discussing the proposal of a zoning issue involving a village property are from left: Clerk of Council Molly Collert, and council members Melissa Ewers and Chris Kannel.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Montpelier Village Council tabled action concerning an ordinance to rezone property for a proposed triplex residential building on West Wabash Street at its council meeting on Monday, March 9.
Council members present were Heather Freese, Nathan Thompson, Melissa Ewers, Chris Kannel, and Kevin Motter. Also in attendance were Village Manager Jason Rockey, Mayor Steve Yagelski, and Clerk of Council Molly Collert. Council member Don Schlosser was absent.
Following the roll call, Pastor Kevin Doseck of St. Paul’s Methodist Church gave the prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council then approved the minutes from the February 23 meeting and the monthly financial report.
Council discussed a second reading of an ordinance to rezone certain property in the Village from R-2 One and Two Residential District to R-3 Multiple Residential Buildings.
The village had received a new sketch of the proposed triplex building project from the Williams County Port Authority prior to the meeting.
“Just for technicality for council to know that we’re looking at and it affects the discussion you guys will have,” said Rockey.
“Justin (Houk) and I will reach out to our attorney because in Ordinance 1153.14, it says there will be no more than one family dwelling or one two-family dwelling on a zoned lot. There maybe no more than one multi-family dwelling on a zoned R-3 lot.”
Shawn Rupp, representing the Williams County Port Authority, commented that it’s a separate issue with the zoning, not a rezoning issue with the proposed project.
Kannel disagreed with Rupp regarding the separate issue because the Port Authority is asking for council to change the zoning to accommodate the project.
“We need to make sure that we’re not changing the zoning in order to do something that we can’t do,” said Kannel.
“If we’re not able to do it, then we shouldn’t go through the process of changing the zoning to something that can’t be done.”
Kannel pointed out that the way the property was laid out originally, it has two lots side by side, and if they build the buildings the way the plan shows, the buildings will cross those lots.
“The way the ordinance reads, we have only one building and one lot, not two buildings that bridge two lots,” said Kannel. “So that’s why the original plan is okay from that standpoint because there is one building on one lot.”
Rockey felt the plan had met all the village’s zoning requirements and added the planning and zoning commission didn’t have an issue with it.
“The lots were big enough to accommodate three dwellings and had the appropriate square footage lots,” said Rockey.
The proposed triplex project is to be built on a 132’ x 228’8” lot and will feature a frontage road. “We are planning our builds for this summer right now and getting plans and permits,” said Rupp.
Following the lengthy discussion, it was recommended by Kannel to table the second reading of the ordinance until the next council meeting on March 23.
“This will allow time for Jason (Rockey) to consult with our attorney and for Mr. (Shawn) Rupp then to respond to that,” said Kannel. “I would also like to know while you’re (Rockey) consulting the attorney, if the council can add stipulations to a zone change. The code already says that.
“I’m saying can council add stipulations to a zone change that in order for it to become an R-3 in order for a building to be built on this particular lot and has to do additional things. It must provide a designated dumpster location within a closed fence or so to that effect.”
A motion was made by Motter to table the second reading of the ordinance with Thompson seconding it. The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.
Council approved a fire contract with Jefferson Township for 2026. The township agreed to pay the village for fire protection, equipment and manpower at a cost of $47,812.64.
The council accepted the resignation of Sharon Tarr as the village representative on the Williams County Board of Health effective April 30, 2026.
Her replacement on the Health Board will be appointed by Yagelski and approved by the council. The mayor has already spoken to several individuals regarding the position.
A resolution to amend Resolution 1415 regarding the village’s compensation plan structure was presented.
Rockey made the recommendation from the Clemans & Nelson consulting firm to council raising the starting wage across the board for all pay scales by $2 per hour and keeping the maximum wage the same.
The starting wage will affect the village’s two newest employees because they will get small increases to be able to stay in the new scale.
“We’re in line with pay scales in communities of our size, and the budget impact is very minimal,” said Rockey.
A motion was made by Kannel to approve the compensation plan structure and administration, with Freese seconding it. It was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Council approved the purchase of two P13000 Vacpumps, the control panel replacement, accessories and installation from Airvac, Inc. of Rochester, Indiana at a cost of $121,223.00.
They will be installed at the Montpelier Vacuum Station located on North Platt Street.
Thompson updated council, discussing the capital funds request for the swimming pool through the offices of state Sen. Rob McColley and state Rep. Jim Hoops for the design and engineering of the pool.
“We’re not applying for Congressional funds because it’s not there yet,” said Thompson.
Rockey reported the new downtown lighting has been delivered, but the village is still waiting on the arms that go on top of the poles to hold the light fixtures.
He commented that the Safe Routes to School grant application was submitted last week and could find out by July if it’s approved.
Council then adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Next council meeting is Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m.