By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Village Council met on February 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. Present were Councilors Kevin Motter, Chris Kannel, Melissa Ewers, Don Schlosser, and Heather Freese alongside Mayor Steven Yagelski, Deputy Manager Justin Houk, Director of Finance Nikki Uribes, Law Director Bob Bohmer, and Clerk of Council Molly Collert.
After a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, council moved to approve both the evening’s agenda as amended to add an executive session and the minutes from their January 8, 2024 meeting after correcting a note made under the village manager’s report.
Council was then greeted by Jason Randall, who is running for the position of county sheriff. He shared the most recent details of his campaign, as well as his personal history and why he feels as though he would be a good candidate.
Some details were solidified for some local church events, with residents urged to keep an eye on the area’s Facebook pages for minstrel association updates.
A seminar given by local Judge Gallagher was highly recommended, with three council members attending.
The mayor welcomed any questions from those in attendance before discussion was held on the importance of mental health treatment and services with regards to drug addiction prevention.
It was then shared that there is an effort to make a viaduct on the north side of town designated as the POW MIA Memorial, with a dock and bridge going over the St. Joe River designated as the Gold Star and Blue Star Families Bridge with the hope for it to be in operation in time for the 250th year anniversary of our country’s founding.
A resolution has been written up for the local governments and veterans groups to look over, with the process expected to be pretty straightforward.
It was then shared that work has begun on the design of two downtown murals, with ideas beginning for mural fundraising efforts. They are wanting these murals to be done in time for the nation’s 250th year.
The financial reports for January 2024 were then approved as presented, with the administrative report asking for the approval of the 2024 fire protection contract.
The 2024 cruise-in dates were approved, and details discussing fee increases due to operating cost increases to break even were shared.
A contract that allows land to be used for agricultural purposes was renewed, with the contract needing to be approved every five years.
A truck was approved for purchase for the Water and Sewer Department, police pension for 2024 was transferred, permission was granted to sell energy credits from the solar field, AMP conference details were discussed, and then council began discussing the second reading of Ordinance 2271, which would limit adults use recreational marijuana dispensaries, cultivators, and operators within Montpelier.
Most of the discussion revolved around what laws are currently being looked at by Columbus, how personal use on private property cannot be regulated, and how many are looking for ways to restrict public use.
Zoning was discussed, with it being questioned whether or not South Empire Street was zoned for cultivation under the current reading.
It was also discussed that good companies should be looked at for the soon to be growing marijuana industry in Ohio, with the local governments having a responsibility to only allow businesses that care about and invest in the communities they take up business in, so that this new industry may be embraced in the most ethical of ways.
Ordinance 2272, which adopted and enacted the 2023 codified ordinances, was passed after a suspension of the rules on its first reading, and the village income tax report was approved as presented, with income tax showing a 4.6% increase from last year.
K9 Knox was congratulated on his essential role in catching a suspect that fled to a nearby garage, and department employment details were discussed.
Funding for the water main upgrade has been difficult to navigate, and testing will be conducted for the project soon for Holiday City’s main station.
The workers that made Main Street nice again this year were thanked for their dedication, and the Montpelier Village Council entered into executive session at 7:20 p.m.