PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ISO CLASS 3 … Fire Chief Brian Fritsch updates the council on the improved ISO Class 3 Fire Rating for the Village of Montpelier.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Montpelier received an improved rating of an ISO Class 3 for its excellent fire coverage and water department.
The Montpelier Village Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Montpelier Police Department, where they discussed upcoming council vacancies, Park Board appointments, and new ordinances to come.
Mayor Steve Yagelski, Council President Heather Freese, Clerk Molly Collert, Administrator Jason Rockey, Melissa Ewers, Kevin Motter, Chris Kannel, Nathan Thompson, and Don Schlosser were in attendance.
The evening opened with a call to order, roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance before members moved to approve the agenda and the minutes from the October 27, 2025, meeting. Financial reports for October 2025 were also presented.
Kannel updated the council on the Old Tyme Holiday Gathering set to take place Saturday, November 22, 2025. “The street fair was a huge success last year, and some additional food trucks and vendors have been added.
Bigger and better than ever,” said Kannel. He stated that he will be meeting with the street and electric departments later on in the week to discuss the street shutdown.
The Ice Rink will be making another appearance this year for the gathering due to its positive community response.
Mayor Yagelski announced an upcoming council vacancy coming to the Montpelier Council in 2026. He stated that he will be taking applicant submissions for those interested starting November 10, 2025. The last day to apply will be November 26, 2025.
“Tonight, I am asking for any resident interested in being on the council, whose term expires on December 31, 2027. There has been some interest,” stated Yagelski.
After reviewing submitted applications, the current five council members will deliberate and host an interview process with the potential candidates. By December 12, 2025, the council will vote and approve the candidates to fill the vacant seat starting January 1, 2026.
The council moved forward to appoint Angel Fritsch to the Park Board vacancy. Fire Chief Brian Fritsch presented the new ISO Class 3 Fire rating to the group. With the last evaluation being held in 2018, their current evaluation began in July 2025.
The score combines different factors such as water supply, communication time response, community risk reduction programs, and more.
“A Class 3 places us among the top 10% of fire departments nationwide. A benchmark of strong capability and coordination.
“For residents and businesses, this can mean lower insurance premiums and greater confidence in our local readiness. The benefits extend past the Village of Montpelier and into the townships we serve and Holiday City,” explained Fritsch.
The Water Department for Montpelier also received an improved score of 38.65/40. The Williams County Communications department also surpassed its previous score, going from a 6.36 to a 9.12/10.
“The fire department thanks the residents of Montpelier for putting forth the positive vote and getting the levy passed,” Fritsch continued.
“We are very appreciative of that. It’s not easy to vote to increase your taxes, to increase the money coming out of your pocketbook, but we hope that we are able to prove that we are using those funds wisely.”
Several pieces of legislation were discussed as follows:
-Resolution 1437 (Second Reading): Appropriations Updates.
-Ordinance 2285 (Third Reading/Passage): Competitive Bidding Threshold.
-Ordinance 2286 (Second Reading): Allocation of Income Taxes.
-Ordinance 2287 (Second Reading): Food Truck Regulations.
The only legislation passed was Ordinance 2285, which requires the Village of Montpelier’s legal policy to comply with the ORC code for competitive bidding and annual adjustments.
The income tax report was presented by Administrator Rockey. He reports a 2% decrease from November 2024 and an overall 4% decrease over the three-year average.
Rockey continued with his administrative report. He stated that the Village Surplus Action is live until Sunday, November 16, 2025. At the water treatment plant, the EPA had a limited-scope site visit and reported no violations.
With no further business, the Montpelier Village Council adjourned at 6:56 p.m.