council

COUNCIL MINUTES
June 25, 2024

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm, followed by the pledge.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Bruce Rickard, Brian Webb, Chelsea Wilsey, Bryan Selhorst, Amanda Crouch, Kristina Boroff, Pete Van Arsdel
Scott Cisco-Waste Management, Rob Egbert-Waste Management, Dave Buschur- EMS, Kara Smith- EMS, Blake Frank, Lanny Hammitt, Marge Trisel, Erin Gardner -The Daily Standar

Scott Cisco and Rob Egbert Auglaize County Waste Management:
Gave a presentation about the recycling program in Auglaize and Mercer County. All locations are 24-hour drop offs. It is costly to start a drop off location. It must be maintained by the municipality. Carla at the county has Ohio EPA grant opportunities for the recycling containers. He would say ballpark estimate of $8,000 to get started. If we were awarded a grant, our cost would be 25% of the total cost. Since we have nothing currently, it makes us desirable for a grant. He would have to get approval from the county commissioners to give us permission to proceed. Council should write a letter to the commissioners asking them to help us and take care of our containers. They do have locations setup in Mercer County now, including at Parkway. They do a very good job at processing the recyclable items with very little waste. There are no monthly charges for them to pickup our recycling. They pickup the recycling every week. It would need to be somewhere that has light and that a large truck is able to drive on. We need to monitor it to be sure that we are not getting unacceptable items. Council is considering the old school grounds parking lot as a recycling location. Two 8-yard containers for cardboard, two 8-yard containers for aluminum and plastic, two 8-yard containers for paper, a bag roll off, and a glass roll off. We would need a place 48-50 foot wide. We would install cameras as well. We would get the word out about what is allowed and how everything works. We do not want to spread the word before we have total approval that the project is moving forward. Waste Management will give us brochures when we are ready to start.

Dave Buschur and Kara Smith Emergency Management:
The county EMS advisor meeting was held last week. Dave Buschur spoke about the staffing issues in Emergency Management. Funding was always done per capita, not through a levy. The per capita amount is not enough to run the department. For the last 18 months, they have been working on this issue. They felt that if they could collect 1 mil from a levy, then they could afford to pay the EMS volunteers a reasonable amount. They need to create a joint ambulance district in order to be able to put this levy on the November ballot. There is a time crunch to get everything done. If the levy passes, we would not have to pay the per capita amount any more. They are planning to get enough full-time people on staff to cover 24/7. It will cost $610,000 in payroll and the volunteers to implement this plan. Through the course of the last five years there has been a lot of turnover in staffing. It is harder to get volunteers in the current economy. We need to maintain our EMS to have protection for our citizens.
Right now, the bulk of the ambulance runs are being done by six people. This agreement will alleviate this strain. We need our squad to be strong for our protection. The advisory board will decide the millage for the levy once the board is formed.
Council will appoint a person to serve as the representative of the Village of Mendon, Ohio to the Mercer County Joint Ambulance District. They need this name by Monday, July 1. The meetings would be held quarterly after the initial meetings for getting the levy on the ballot. Amanda Crouch volunteers to sit on the advisory board as the village representative.


Mayor:

Solicitor:

Minutes: There was a motion by Seth to waive the reading of the minutes, seconded by Bryan Selhorst, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.
There was a motion by Brian Webb with a second by Chelsea to approve the minutes, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.

Street Commissioner: Nothing to discuss.

Zoning: Nothing to discuss.

New Business:
        The Mayor thanked everyone for their help with the water tower that was overflowing due to the Wi-Fi going down. Josh Kinney did an amazing job of getting to town and taking care of the issue.
        Pete will be retiring at the end of the year. Council will discuss this at the July meeting.
        The Fiscal Officer position will be discussed at the July meeting.

Old Business:

Legislation:
        Resolution 2024-01 to approve the 2025 tax budget. Seth motioned to vote on emergency resolution 2024-01, seconded by Bruce roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.   Brian Webb motioned for passage of resolution 2024-01, seconded by Bryan Selhorst roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.
        Resolution 2024-02 to create and participate in the Mercer County joint ambulance district. Bryan Selhorst motioned to vote on emergency resolution 2024-02, seconded by Brain Webb roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.     Bryan Selhorst motioned for passage of resolution 2024-02, seconded by Seth, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.

Guests:
Mr. Hammitt asked about the zoning inspector position and the job requirements. Mr. Hammitt is interested in a possible position of adjunct zoning inspector. Pete will work on a job description for next month.

There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the checks and purchase orders, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.
There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst with a second by Amanda to approve the financial statements, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Amanda to approve the mileage, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce- yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea- yea, Seth-yea, Bryan Selhorst-yea.

The Fiscal Officer stated that the audit was complete for 2022-2023. It went well.

Brian Webb asked if a council member had been harassing a citizen about their yard. No council member has spoken with this address. There is no signed complaint on this property and that is not the job of an individual council member. An address on South Main Street was discussed concerning the vehicle parking situation.

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Bryan Selhorst to adjourn.   Next meeting is July 30 at 6:00pm.

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COUNCIL MINUTES
May 21, 2024

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm, followed by the pledge.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Bruce Rickard, Brian Webb, Chelsea Wilsey, Bryan Selhorst, Kristina Boroff
Veryl and Marylin Sheets, Lanny Hammitt, Rick Emans, Marge Trisel, Mike Frank - The Daily Standard,

Mayor:
The Mayor spoke to Waste Management about recycling in the village. They may have someone attend the next council meeting to discuss it. The Mayor wants to talk to village residents and the Board before we proceed.
The Mayor stated that the Village Clean up day had a wonderful turnout. All three dumpsters were full by 10:30.
We are looking for people to sign up to be poll workers in the village.

Solicitor:

Minutes: There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst to waive the reading of the minutes, seconded by Brian Webb, roll call: Seth - yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea, Chelsea-yea.
There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst with a second by Chelsea to approve the minutes, roll call: Seth - yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea, Chelsea - yea.

Street Commissioner:

Zoning:

New Business:

Old Business:
        Zoning issues - we will be waiting for Pete to attend the next meeting to discuss this position.

Legislation:

Guests:
Lanny Hammitt stated that the council takes an oath to uphold the laws of the village. He feels that the Zoning Inspector refusing to enforce the zoning laws should be cause for dismissal. The Mayor stated that he was the only one interested in the zoning inspector position. This is not an elected position it is a hired position. We have a difficult time getting people interested in serving on council and other positions.

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the checks and purchase orders, roll call: Seth - yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea, Chelsea-yea.

There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst with a second by Chelsea to approve the financial statements, roll call: Seth - yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea, Chelsea- yea.

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the mileage, roll call: Seth - yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea, Chelsea- yea.

Discussion about the athletic signs going back up at the edge of town. These will be placed to the side of the new sign.

Marge Trisel asked council to take a drive by Joe Severns' old house. The trailer of trash is still sitting there. Someone should call the health department about this issue.

There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst with a second by Seth to adjourn.

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm, followed by the pledge.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Bruce Rickard, Brian Webb, Amanda Crouch, Chelsea Wilsey, Bryan Selhorst, Kristina Boroff
Alexandria Busacca, Veryl and Marylin Sheets, Lanny Hammitt, Marge Trisel, Denny Dorsten, Lori Huffman, Jim Godwin, Mike Frank - The Daily Standard

Mayor: The Mayor stated that we need a representative from the village to sign the complaint and attend the court proceedings. It doesn't have to be a council member, it can be a citizen. This will be a paid position. The pay will be determined at a later date. This person will just sit at the court proceedings, they will not need to say anything. We will discuss this further when Pete can be in attendance so they we meet all legal requirements. If anyone is interested in this position, please contact a council member.

Solicitor:

Minutes: There was a motion by Seth to waive the reading of the minutes, seconded by Brian Webb, roll call: Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea.
There was a motion by Amanda with a second by Seth to approve the minutes, roll call: Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea.

Street Commissioner: Nothing to report.

Zoning: Nothing to report.

New Business:
        There was a motion by Brian Webb with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the 2nd OPWC pay request of $28,361 for the water service line project, roll call: Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea.
        There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst with a second by Amanda to approve the village portion of $3,392.80 for the water service line project, roll call: Bryan Selhorst - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea.

Old Business:
        No updates on the polling location or solid waste management at this time. The polling location is set for 2024, they said we can try again next year. Jim Godwin reported that the Board of Elections needs a list of people interested in working at the polling location in Mendon.   Please submit your name and information to the Board of Elections.
        Spring clean up day Saturday, May 18 and brush pickup May 17.

Legislation:
Council had the third reading of Ordinance 2024-01 for cannabis dispensary regulations within the village.

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ORDINANCE 2024-01

AN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT RECREATIONAL ADULT USE CANNABIS OPERATORS WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF MENDON, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2023, voters in Ohio approved State Issue 2, which enacted Chapter 3780 of the Ohio Revised Code, which became effective December 7, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 3780 authorizes and regulates recreational adult use cannabis in the State of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, R.C. 3780.25 authorizes municipal corporations to prohibit or limit the number of adult use cannabis operators (as defined in R.C. 3780.01) within the city limits; and
WHEREAS, Medical marijuana is regulated in Ohio by Chapter 3796 of the Ohio Revised Code, and is not addressed within this legislation by Mendon Village Council; and
WHEREAS, the Mendon Village Council finds it to be in the best interest of the Village of Mendon to prohibit recreational adult use cannabis operators licensed under Chapter 3780 within the village limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Village of Mendon, County of Mercer, State of Ohio.

SECTION ONE

THAT, all terms used in this Ordinance shall be defined in the same manner as R.C. Chapter 3780 as it pertains to adult use cannabis. All terms in this Ordinance but not defined in that chapter shall be constructed, for purposes of this Ordinance, in a manner to be consistent with the use of such terms in that chapter.

SECTION TWO

THAT, adult use cannabis operators are hereby prohibited from operating within the limits of the Village of Mendon, Ohio.

SECTION THREE

THAT, it is in the intent of the Mendon Village Council to prohibit the operations described in Section Two above to the maximum extent permitted by R.C. 3780.25 and any other applicable provisions of state law. This Ordinance shall be constructed in a manner that it gives maximum effect to that intent.

SECTION FOUR

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm, followed by the pledge.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Bruce Rickard, Brian Webb, Amanda Crouch, Chelsea Wilsey, Kristina Boroff, Pete Van Arsdel, Cody Coffman, Jan Grieshop, Veryl and Marylin Sheets, Matt and Lisa Dorsten, Lanny Hammitt, Rick Emans, Marge Trisel, Bill and Jackie Cox, Jim Godwin, Denny Dorsten, Lori Huffman, Mike Frank - The Daily Standard
Mayor:
Solicitor:
Minutes: There was a motion by Seth to waive the reading of the minutes, seconded by Amanda, roll call: Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea.
There was a motion by Brian Webb with a second by Seth to approve the minutes, roll call: Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea.

Street Commissioner: Nothing to report.
Zoning: Nothing to report.

New Business:
Council reviewed the 2024 mowing quote from CJ's Lawncare. There is a $50 per mowing increase over 2023 for a total of $345 per mowing. There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Seth to approve the 2024 mowing contract with CJ's Lawncare, roll call: Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea.

The BPA is hiring a part time, very limited hours, general maintenance/cemetery employee. This employee will be mowing the cemetery as well as doing utility work. The position will pay $15 per hour. The job will be posted in the Mendon post office.

Old Business:
The designs were reviewed for the Welcome to Mendon sign planned by the Mendon Union Alumni Committee. The sign will be placed near the water tower. Council is fine with the Alumni committee proceeding with the sign.

Reminder that spring clean up is set for May 18 and brush collection will be May 17.

Polling location updates: April 2 is the next Board of Elections meeting.

Recycling: The mayor contacted waste management. They would like the mayor and a couple council members to meet with them and discuss the process of setting up recycling in the village. The mayor will get the meeting date together and let the interested council members know.

Legislation:
Council had the second reading of Ordinance 2024-01 for cannabis dispensary regulations within the village.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************
ORDINANCE 2024-01

SECTION ONE

SECTION TWO

THAT, adult use cannabis operators are hereby prohibited from operating within the limits of the Village of Mendon, Ohio.

SECTION THREE

SECTION FOUR

THAT, this Ordinance shall be declared an emergency measure for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Village of Mendon, Ohio, and therefore, this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor at the earliest period allowed by law.

First Reading 2-27-2024                Second Reading 3-26-2024                Third Reading ________________
*****************************************************************************************************************************************

Guests:
Jim Godwin spoke about how he had helped facilitate the building of the Mendon Fire Department. The council at that time came to Jim and asked for his help in building a new fire department. Jim plans to tear down the building next to the carryout and tear down the old fire department. He also plans to tear down the Old Farm Store. He doesn't think the town deserves it. He is done investing in the village. The mayor replied to Jim that he is sorry that he feels that way and the he has always appreciated what Jim has done for the village. He is hoping that Jim has a change of heart because that would leave a big hole in Mendon. He had planned to donate the Old Farm Store and the old fire department to the village, but he will not be doing that. Terry thanked him for the things that he has done for the village.

Denny Dorsten asked about the letter he received in the mail. He said it is not his job to clean up the village. Mr. Dorsten stated that it is the mayor and the solicitor's job to take them to court. Mr. Dorsten said that they want council to sign the papers. Pete stated that the Clerk has the forms ready to sign. Terry stated that he would sign the forms if that makes them feel better. We are at the third step in our procedure, we are ready to submit the complaints to Celina Municipal Court. There was a lengthy discussion about the next step.
There was some discussion about the role of the sheriff's office in the village and the increase of the contract that they proposed.
Terry spoke about the decline of the village and his hopes for it to change in the future. Terry said he is very grateful for the younger people stepping up to be on council.

Matt Dorsten asked why council is so opposed to hiring a full-time zoning inspector. The mayor said that he saw what it did in the township, it ran them out of money very quickly. Matt asked what the position would pay if we hired someone to do the full-time job of enforcing the zoning code.
There was some discussion about the portion of the zoning code we are enforcing and what we are not.

Jim Godwin has a lot of the Mendon Union School trophies and plaques and things. He would like them to be stored somewhere once he starts his downsizing plans.

The mayor stated that he would love for the village to have the money to have full time law enforcement. He would feel a lot safer.

There was some discussion about an income tax and if the village would benefit from it.

Lori Huffman asked about the hole in front of her house where they replaced the water line. She wanted to know if they would be filling that in. The mayor said that when the ground settles they will fill it in.   Lori thanked Jim Godwin for everything he has done in the village.

There was some discussion about the drones checking for the capped natural gas wells. Marge spoke about the wells and wonders who is able to cap them.

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Brian Webb to approve the checks and purchase orders, roll call: Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea.
There was a motion by Chelsea with a second by Seth to approve the financial statements, roll call: Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea.
There was a motion by Amanda with a second by Seth, to approve the mileage, roll call: Amanda - yea, Chelsea - yea, Seth - yea, Brian Webb - yea, Bruce - yea.

There was some further discussion about Ordinance 2024-01 concerning the cannabis dispensary regulation and the implications for our village. There was some discussion about the crime rate in areas with dispensaries.

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Amanda to adjourn.

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm followed by the pledge.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Bruce Rickard, Bryan Selhorst, Brian Webb, Amanda Crouch, Chelsea Wilsey, Kristina Boroff, Pete Van Arsdel, Lanny Hammitt, Rick Emans, Marge Trisel, Josh Kinney, Bill and Jackie Cox, Denny Dorsten, Alexandria Busacca, Mike Frank - The Daily Standard
Mayor: The Mayor spoke with the Rockford post office and there are no plans to close the Mendon post office.
Solicitor:
Minutes: There was a motion by Seth with a second by Bryan Selhorst to waive the reading of the minutes, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.
There was a motion by Amanda with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the minutes, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.

Street Commissioner: Tornado siren contract is ready. There are four dead trees at the cemetery that need to be taken down. The cost for this will be $3,500, to be removed by Springer and Sons. He will grind the stumps that he can. Council gave the ok to remove the trees.
The mowing contract will be discussed at the next meeting. We will be looking for someone to mow the cemetery. Shinn Brothers will be coming in to fill in the low places, this is part of the grant.
There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the report, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.

Zoning Board:
New Business:
Spring cleanup day is set for Saturday, May 18 at 8:00am to 11 at the water plant. Brush pick up will be May 17. Council members will volunteer to work this event. There was a motion by Seth with a second by Brian Webb for the village to provide three dumpsters, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.

Old Business:
Council reviewed the dispensary legislation. Council members discussed passing the ordinance to prohibit the dispensary. Bryan Selhorst feels that we should poll the public to see if they are in favor of allowing dispensaries or not, Chelsea agrees. There was a lot of discussion both ways on this issue. The Mayor proposed tabling this issue if council feels they need more time to think about this matter and talk to the public. Chelsea feels like everyone should get a chance to voice their opinion on the issue. Rick Emans stated that every town around passed this ordinance, maybe we can ask other towns why they chose to vote this way. The mayor asked if council wanted to do the first reading tonight to help get the word out about this issue. This may help the community have a chance to voice their opinion. The regulations are still being written on this issue.

Polling location changes were discussed, nothing new was discussed at the BOE meeting. Marge Trisel asked everyone to attend the Board of Elections meeting to show your support. Jackie Cox asked if we could do a petition in the village getting support to keep the polls open in the village. The Mayor stated that our goal is to get them to change their minds and reopen the polls. The primary will be held in Rockford, that vote was already made. There is a possibility that they could reverse that decision for future elections. A petition couldn't hurt, it helps people who are working during the meeting times. Mr. Hammitt asked if it is something that we could put on the ballot. We do not have that answer. The Mayor asked that everyone please vote no matter where the polling location is held. You can vote at the courthouse too. Marge Trisel encouraged everyone to write a letter to the Board of Elections.

The Mayor has no new information on recycling. Bryan Selhorst stated that he could get a recycling trailer if needed. Marge Trisel is going to call the school and see how they operate their recycling center and report back.

Legislation:
There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Amanda to vote on proceeding with a vote on emergency of ordinance 2024-01, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -no, Seth - no, Chelsea - no, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - no, motion failed.
There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Chelsea to proceed with the first reading of ordinance 2024-01 concerning prohibiting of cannabis operators within the village: roll call: Bryan Selhorst - no, Seth - yes, Chelsea - no, Amanda - yes, Bruce - yes, Brian Webb - yes, motion passed. The Mayor proceeded with the first reading of ordinance 2024-01.

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ORDINANCE 2024-01

SECTION ONE

SECTION TWO

THAT, adult use cannabis operators are hereby prohibited from operating within the limits of the Village of Mendon, Ohio.

SECTION THREE

SECTION FOUR

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Guests:
Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Abels have received their first and second letters. Mr. Dorsten asked what the next step will be. The Mayor asked council if it is time to move forward with these two complaints. Council said that they want to proceed with the Schmidt and Abels cases.
When people turn in their letters they need to make sure they put the correct name and address on the form. There was a letter sent in error and the Mayor told the resident to disregard the letter. The letters need to be reviewed before they are sent out. The letters will be emailed to council and the mayor for review.

There was a motion by Bruce second by Seth to approve the checks and purchase orders, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.

There was a motion by Seth second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the financial statements, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.

There was a motion by Brian Webb with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the mileage, roll call: Bryan Selhorst -yea, Seth - yea, Chelsea - yea, Amanda - yea, Bruce - yea, Brian Webb - yea.

There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst with a second by Seth to adjourn.

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Claude Coffman, Bruce Rickard, Brian Webb, Kristina Boroff, Pete Van Arsdel
Lanny Hammitt, Rick Emans, Amanda Crouch, Marge Trisel, Denny Dorsten, Chelsea Wilsey, Alexandria Busacca, Blake Frank, Matt Grunden, Mike Frank - The Daily Standard

Terry asked if anyone is interested in the open council seat? Chelsea Wilsey and Amanda Crouch are both interested in the open seat. There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Seth to go into executive session at 6:12pm to discuss personnel, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Claude - yea, Seth -yea. There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Claude to exit executive session at 6:31pm, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Claude - yea, Seth -yea.
There was a motion by Seth with a second by Brian Webb to appoint Amanda Crouch to the vacant council seat (previously held by Lucas Crouch) term ends 2027, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Claude - yea, Seth -yea.

Claude Coffman put in his resignation as council member effective immediately. The Mayor thanked him for his service.

There was a motion by Seth with a motion by Bruce to appoint Chelsea Wilsey to the vacant council seat of Claude Coffman term to end in 2025, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea.

Nominations for council president to nominate Seth as president second by Amanda, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea, Chelsea - yea.

Mayor: The Mayor asked Pete to check into the poll changing issue. The Mayor reported on the progress. The next Board of Elections meeting is February 13 at 10:00am, room 107 in the courthouse.

The Mayor has heard speculation that we might be losing our post office. This is nothing but a rumor at this point, but be aware.

The Mayor is interested in a recycling program in the village. This is an important issue to the Mayor. Other citizens are interested in a recycling program. The Mayor will look into it and see what our options are. Amanda stated that there are different type and size of bins for different size towns.
Marge Trisel spoke about the recycling program at Parkway FFA.

Joint Meeting with township Matt Grunden brought the cost break down to be split with the village. Matt was interested in hearing the progress on the polling location. The Mayor says that the primary will be held in Rockford no matter what. It is possible that they will change the location after the primary. The Mayor encouraged people to put their names in to the Board of Elections for poll workers. There are some classes that you will have to take. The Mayor is learning more about the Board of Elections and he hopes they learn more about the village.

Mr. Hammitt asked about the trash bags for sale at the Mini Mart. Amanda stated that you will have go to a three-month plan or purchase bags directly from Maharg Celina. The bags will no longer be available within the village. The bag must say P & R to be picked up within the village. The Mini Mart doesn't even sell 25 bags per week.

Solicitor:
Minutes:
There was a motion by Brian Webb with a second by Chelsea to waive the reading of the minutes, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea, Chelsea - yea.
There was a motion by Seth with a second by Brian Webb to approve the minutes, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea, Chelsea - yea.

Street Commissioner:
Zoning Board:
New Business:
Old Business:
Legislation:

Guests:
Marge Trisel asked about several towns passing ordinances to eliminate a dispensary coming into the village. The Mayor said he had not heard about anyone doing that. The Village would have to take the first step to pass legislation to have it on the books so that they can't come into the village. The Mayor will talk to Pete about drafting legislation for this to be approved on three readings.

Mr. Hammitt asked about the Abels property and Mr. Dorsten asked about the Schmidt property. Mr. Abels has not been contacted yet. The Mayor will contact Mr. Abels. Mr. Schmidt will not talk to us so we will be taking the next step in our procedures.
Mr. Hammitt is concerned about all the cars sitting on Green Street. Many are unlicensed.

There was a motion by Seth second by Amanda to approve the checks and purchase orders, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea, Chelsea - yea.
There was a motion by Chelsea second by Seth to approve the financial statements, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea, Chelsea - yea.
There was a motion by Seth with a second by Brian to approve the mileage, roll call: Brian Webb - yea, Bruce -yea, Amanda - yea, Seth -yea, Chelsea - yea.

The Mayor spoke to our State Representative, Angie King, and she stated that she doesn't get involved in local politics.

There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Seth to adjourn.

Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm.

Attendance: Terry Seibert, Seth Seibert, Lucas Crouch, Bruce Rickard, Brian Webb, Bryan Selhorst, Kristina Boroff, Pete Van Arsdel, Lanny Hammitt, Rick Emans, Bill & Jackie Cox, Leslie Gartrell - The Daily Standard

Pete administered the oath of office to Brian Webb and Bruce Rickard as councilmen, and Terry Seibert as Mayor for the 2024 year.

Mayor:

Solicitor:

There was a motion by Seth with a second by Bryan Selhorst to waive the reading of the minutes, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.
There was a motion by Brian Webb with a second by Bryan Selhorst to approve the minutes, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.

Street Commissioner: 82 electric utility poles have been replaced in the village.

Zoning Board:

New Business:
The BPA approves and recommends a 4% cost of living increase for village employees for 2024. There was a motion by Bryan Selhorst, seconded by Seth Seibert to give employees a 4% cost of living increase, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.

Old Business:

Legislation:
        Resolution 2023-08 accepting the amounts and rates and authorizing the necessary levies motion to approve passage Seth Seibert seconded by Bruce Rickard, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.
        Resolution 2023-09 approving the 2024 permanent appropriations by emergency Bryan Selhorst motioned, seconded by Seth, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.   Motion for passage of resolution 2023-09 by Bryan Selhorst, seconded by Brian Webb, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.
        Resolution 2023-10 to approve the 2023 money transfers by emergency Brian Webb motioned, seconded by Bryan Selhorst, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea. Motion for passage of resolution 2023-10 by Seth, seconded by Bryan Selhorst, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.
        Resolution 2023-11 to approve the 2024 solicitor contract for Pete Van Arsdel, Bryan Selhorst motioned for passage, seconded by Seth, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.

Guests:
Mr. Hammitt spoke about the property at Mr. Abels and the unlicensed vehicles. The Mayor is trying to get in contact with him. Someone possibly living in the trailer as well.
216 South Green Street has problems as well. Vehicle on 106 East Walnut without tags is a problem, no license. A lot of the items have been relocated. The mayor stated that we will address this after the beginning of the new year.

Jackie Cox asked about Mr. Coffman missing so many meetings.

Mr. Selhorst asked about the village losing our voting location in Mendon and being moved to Rockford. Many citizens are planning to attend the Board of Elections meeting on December 21 at the courthouse. The Mayor is encouraging people to attend the meeting and have our voices heard. We are very concerned with how this will affect our voter turnout.

Terry wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and encouraged them to continue attending the meetings.

The ATM is getting ready to be placed.

There was a motion by Seth second by Brian Webb to approve the checks and purchase orders, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.

There was a motion by Lucas second by Seth to approve the financial statements, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.

There was a motion by Lucas with a second by Seth to approve the mileage, roll call: Brian Webb-yea, Bruce - yea, Lucas - yea, Seth -yea, Bryan Selhorst - yea.

There was a motion by Bruce with a second by Seth to adjourn.

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