PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PROJECT UPDATE … Williams County Port Authority board members Sean Rupp (left) and Tyler Sailer (right) discuss the Montpelier triplex housing project during its regular session on Monday, April 27.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Port Authority met in a regular session on Monday, April 27 in the Port Authority Conference Room.
In attendance were Dave Newcomer, Bill Martin, Ashley Epling, Cheryl Andres, Sean Rupp, Tyler Sailer, Rachel Walz and Joe Kimbell. Tyson Stuckey and Dawn Fitzcharles were absent.
Following the approval of the March 23, 2026, meeting minutes and financial statements through March 31, 2026, and the review of expenses by project through March 31, 2026.
ANNUAL MEETING DISCUSSION
The Port Authority discussed hosting an annual meeting inviting the general public, local elected officials and community leaders to address issues involving the Port Authority.
“It is something that we want to try and plan or do we want to wait until we slow down a little bit with what we have coming down the pike and look at maybe looking at doing it the beginning of next year,” said Epling.
MONTPELIER TRIPLEX UPDATE
With the recent R-3 zoning approval by the Montpelier Village Council for the Port Authority to build triplexes on two lots on West Wabash Avenue.
“It passed with a page of stipulations that I find it a bit hard to swallow,” said Rupp. “I think we have to discuss what our options to proceed are under those guidelines.”
Newcomer pointed out that Rupp has come to these meetings having these things brought up.
“At the last meeting, these things are brought up that are well beyond what is already in the R-3 code and brought up with no discussion just like okay well, here’s what I want, that’s how things get done and that’s my first observation on this,” said Newcomer.
He added that there is a much greater need for multi-unit housing (duplexes, triplexes) in Williams County.
“Those are a little bit more difficult to develop and sell,” Newcomer commented.
ACTIVE PROJECTS UPDATE
Walz updated some of the active projects the Port Authority is currently working on.
-Sacher Street, Edgerton: Have an active solution to the sound issue. Walz said it should be done within the next four to eight weeks.
-Clear Fork Drive, Pioneer: Working with the contractors to remedy some of the seller’s requests with paint touchups and mill work repairs.
-314 West Curtis Street, Stryker: Interior work should be completed by this week. Walz is hoping, weather permitting, that concrete and yard work will all be done by May 8.
-109 South Depot Street, Stryker: Waiting on Toledo Edison to install electric meters.
-228 North Beech Street, Bryan: Contractor has sent in the final invoice for the housing project. Walz is currently working with the contracted buyer to get an appraisal scheduled.
-421 South Cherry Street, Bryan: Christian Builders of Montpelier has agreed to take on the building project. The builders received notice to begin construction today (April 27).
SENIOR CENTER COMMITTEE UPDATE
Martin reported the Fountain Creek Senior Villas Project had a requirement for the community to contribute $250,000 to the $14 million project.
“We’ve been out trying to solicit funds, and we were very fortunate to be just recently given a grant by the Bryan Area Foundation for $100,000 toward that community support requirement,” said Martin.
“That certainly shows great community support from the Bryan Area Foundation for this project. We did receive that and a big thank you to the Bryan Area Foundation.”
Groundbreaking for the project will take place this summer.
GREENFIELD ESTATES PROJECT
The Port Authority has already acquired the Greenfield Estates property with Bryan City Engineer Brian Wieland is surveying and getting the pins located, which is the first step before you can really do a final plat.
Newcomer mentioned the Port Authority has had several meetings with developers who might be interested in coming to Williams County.
The Port Authority has shown the developers of Greenfield Estates and several other potential projects in Stryker, West Unity, Holiday City and Edgerton.
HOUSING PRICES QUESTIONED
The Port Authority discussed housing prices and whether or not the authority is pricing out workforce housing.
Historically, the authority has purchased lots for $10,000 to $15,000. A couple of recent purchases were higher, though, and the authority decided they were willing to pay up to $20,000 for a lot.
It also led to another discussion on recouping costs and how much the authority would need to sell houses.
Currently, the authority is charging $180,000 for a single-family house. An executive session was held for the purpose of considering the purchase of real property. No action was taken.
Next meeting will be on Monday, May 18 at 1 p.m. This was moved up from the original May 25 meeting date due to the Memorial Day holiday.
