PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
UPCOMING PROJECT … Williams County mayors discuss the community support for the Stryker Crossing.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Mayor’s Association met on Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30 pm at Studio 34 in Edgerton.
In attendance were Edgerton Mayor Bob Day, Edon Mayor Duane Thiel, Holiday City Mayor Pamela Clark, West Unity Mayor Don Leu, Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski, Pioneer Mayor Ed Kidston was absent, Blakeslee Mayor Eric Jenkins, Stryker Mayor Joey Beck with Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade being absent.
Also joining the meeting were Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht, Williams County Commissioners Terry Rummell, and Scott Lirot, Guest Speaker Frank Fugate from WODA, and a few community members.
Bob Day started the meeting with a prayer and Denise Knecht handled roll call then the members headed up to grab a plate of food.
The meeting began by approving the minutes from the November 18th meeting—motion to approve by Beck and seconded by Clark. Financial updates were approved after a motion by Beck and seconded by Clark.
Knecht mentioned that all dues have been collected. For old businesses, Commissioner Rummell asked if they vote at meetings or if it is just the mayors.
Knecht reviewed the bylaws and confirmed only the mayors vote at the meetings. For new business, Mayor Beck introduced guest speaker Frank Fugate from Woda Cooper Companies who traveled from Columbus to speak to the group.
Fugate explained the services of Woda Cooper Companies and how they utilize low-income tax credits to build affordable housing.
The company has a development, construction, management, real estate, and architecture group. Woda Cooper Company develops and operates in urban, suburban, and rural settings in sixteen states with multiple types of buildings such as loft-style apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.
All mayors and those in attendance support this positive addition to Stryker. Affordable housing is a big need in Williams County. Mayor Beck explained many people in Williams County are like him and live in one part of Williams County and travel to another for employment.
The association agreed to draft letters and emails to support the Stryker Development/Stryker Crossing.
The Williams County Mayor’s Association meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm the next meeting date is January 15th, 2025 at 6:30 pm.
