[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6556460,"mediaKeyId","3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f","parentId",3198886,"title","Walt Smith Way residents ask Vandalia council to study sound barrier along I‑75 after clearing of trees","audioSeconds",246,"startMs",968000,"endMs",1214000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f&start=968&end=1214","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f/thumbnail_968000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6556460/Ohio/Walt-Smith-Way-residents-ask-Vandalia-council-to-study-sound-barrier-along-I75-after-clearing-of-trees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556460-e7c1d8656152ae820ad7190a7663c707/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196808&Signature=ErFG7af-yyumez3F~DtevvlLDuJpg4Fvocg6YfCS3h8nkdo9ipuPufpyeKzAFHPbT-9pc3hbXDjxODLfqNeEHVpfUe1labVX1wd8TXXL-TLqhsErWGs6b0uE5ZlR~KqKwq86EUiXTJVG4dRDWzRkKGsRPSztv1Noy9JZz4qsM5UHk3isEpISqAWsajv9tDy4CAt2KcqvakF7jR8fMgNrJMYNOCtn5x2KFAvXEILYQFHuaA61rnonpCktVlM1eNprB7sxWQvvD4V~dAO6~fnLrLBeveUsHDxXJU6cIIxqAWKYBsQ53vRglm~O7BxbmMz6vBGQLxlVfs-qNI0MRdhSYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Vandalia","date","2025-05-06T12:48:52.077Z","article","Two residents asked the Vandalia City Council on May 5 to look into installing a sound‑barrier wall along I‑75 near Walt Smith Way after recent tree clearing removed a longstanding buffer.

Richard James of 697 Walt Smith Way told council he and neighbors are now exposed to highway noise after nearby woods were cleared for new construction. “The noise has gotten three times as loud as it was before we moved in,” James said, and he asked whether the city had plans to install a sound barrier similar to walls he observed near other neighborhoods along the I‑75 corridor.

Linda Davis, who identified herself as living at 701 Walt Smith Way, said the developer had promised a wall when her neighborhood was built and that a wall was not installed after development was completed.

City staff explained that right‑of‑way and highway noise mitigation commonly involve the Ohio Department of Transportation because ODOT maintains the interstate. Staff also noted the adjacent parcels north of the neighborhood are largely industrial property with interstate frontage, which complicates providing a continuous barrier. Assistant [team] manager Rob Kron told the residents city staff would take their contact information and follow up to investigate options.

Council did not take formal action on the matter at the meeting; staff committed to follow up with the resident who spoke and to look into the area and any developer commitments recorded in city files. The transcript records that Rob Kron agreed to obtain contact information and perform a follow up with Mr. James before he left the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Monday, May 5, 2025 - Vandalia City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Residents from Walt Smith Way urged the Vandalia City Council on May 5 to investigate whether a sound barrier could be installed along Interstate 75 after nearby woods were cleared, citing increased highway noise. City staff agreed to follow up and collect contact information for the neighborhood.","taxTitle","Vandalia City Council, Vandalia, Montgomery County, Ohio","taxId",71816,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6556462,"Brandon Zucker sworn in as Vandalia police chief; city introduces probationary public safety specialist",407,551000,958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f&start=551&end=958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f/thumbnail_551000.jpg","/articles/6556462/Ohio/Brandon-Zucker-sworn-in-as-Vandalia-police-chief-city-introduces-probationary-public-safety-specialist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556462-6842c28a6687d65f8b2f676cdd6e3731/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196808&Signature=H2WImWSEE7RWJcPols01oRbpO5BSvKFBU3I4XX2IRl1-3ep~bz23XJSOdkFmnTlpIDNoKyvYIn7iUgmnk85FAItDiaZ7J1jEEZ5NUtsd9O1XkqF06mRwQI0NyU8J3jw2li4k4P~gy-ENrFdiKYf26mKjwwIv7DeHeBPe13V9MmflkKV0pQaOPBirYHxA9lGQ~aFXlzzFTIEMC0DfppdIKU0w8cm9M3FmRzuYmx3CxPPRoqqSfokAbN3MeW4XNY61vvwUsEO2jvKN3S~vrdoWz~HPaWBOa5IoOBUIPbBAUOYsLa82E0nxqW6k9HgZCpHLsxbGrgHHM~ZU3MZhDeDuIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brandon Zucker took the oath of office as Vandalia’s police chief during the City Council meeting on May 5.

Zucker was promoted to police chief effective May 1 and was sworn in at the meeting. In his remarks he thanked council, city staff and his family and said, “I appreciate you all coming here tonight. I’d like to express my gratitude to city council, the mayor, city manager Kurt Althouse, for placing your trust in me, to serve as police chief for the city of Vandalia.” He said he is “committed to doing everything I can to provide you with the tools, resources, training, and support you need to do your jobs effectively, and most importantly, to ensure you go home safely to your families at the end of every shift.”

Council and staff read Zucker’s biography into the record: he is a lifelong Vandalia resident, a graduate of Vandalia Butler High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology (with a minor in psychology) from Bluffton University, and completed a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Dayton in 2008. His prior law‑enforcement employment included positions with the Troutwood Police Department and the Huber Heights Division of Police, where he served as patrol officer, liaison officer and patrol sergeant. Officials thanked Zucker for his service and congratulated him at the meeting.

The council and staff also introduced Chase Solberg as a probationary public safety specialist with the Vandalia Division of Police. Staff said Solberg reported for duty on Feb. 5, 2025, and completed orientation and field training. Council materials noted Solberg graduated from Northmont High School, earned an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Sinclair Community College in 2021, and served as a part‑time jailer for the Fairborn Police Department from June 2020 to June 2021. Solberg was identified as residing in Greenville and attending the meeting with a family member who is also a law enforcement officer.

Mayor Richard Herbst and City Manager Kurt Althouse joined council in welcoming Zucker and Solberg. A reception for Zucker and the city manager followed the meeting.","Brandon Zucker, a lifelong Vandalia resident and longtime local officer, was sworn in as the city’s police chief May 5. The council and staff also introduced Chase Solberg as a probationary public safety specialist.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6556463,"Vandalia council approves sewer, resurfacing and signage contracts, emergency budget changes and appointments in unanimous votes",141,1401000,1542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f&start=1401&end=1542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198886-a5260fa2649524a7ea17fbd2b56c5d1f/thumbnail_1401000.jpg","/articles/6556463/Ohio/Vandalia-council-approves-sewer-resurfacing-and-signage-contracts-emergency-budget-changes-and-appointments-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556463-cc8c83ecb99da3b2d56196e1e80628e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196808&Signature=EXcdzGmv84f2KByhc5hV6130fir9UIUxjWjLYWuadGtNkMk1j5UOVNlybONQjkg4aZhQWQdLFDcILqKpLWkgTGDL9NQI9m0ZKyFsAvr8Q85s7J1LRbpHbZ0Nl8wlhXK1eWfDWYZ6XJXL73or4QdVDnGXes5r432tGvPTE~sIj~Z0hRSL2PATLvBy4w4Aw7R2Ky6OzI-GNpN-uuUciUiWI9F~QzN~gjFYyOYBT8ms9NZXHAb08-4ubuPckM~QTKULwoZzc3h1nckl8tJsJ2pQm8-OdJjWoqqnPXkio9DBLtWFiCdnRU-EjMIm53ctC~Gefp5qdhyfq95DM1giLgpzpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vandalia City Council approved multiple contracts, budget adjustments and appointments at its May 5 meeting, voting unanimously on each item.

The most consequential approvals were construction and professional services contracts and an emergency supplemental appropriations ordinance that moves city funds to new programs and covers one-time costs. Council voted 6–0 on each item during the meeting at Vandalia Municipal Building.

Key approvals included: a $206,981 award to Insight Pipe Contracting LLC for the 2025 sanitary sewer slip‑lining project; a $1,191,277.21 award to Barrett Paving Materials for the 2025 street resurfacing project (the city reported a $1,330,000 congressionally directed spending grant from Representative Mike Turner allocated through HUD that covers much of the work); and a $72,794 award to Geograph Industries Inc. for wayfinding signage at the Vandalia Sports Complex. Council also authorized transferring custodial investment services to US Bank and amended the list of authorized depositories.

Council approved an emergency supplemental appropriations ordinance that increases or moves funding across several city funds to cover new software, grant-funded training and equipment, a new drone program, electrical repairs at the golf-course pump house and the newly established 911 service system fund. The ordinance was presented as emergency legislation and passed 6–0.

The council appointed Tara Landis to the Vandalia Arts Council (motion by Councilman Lewis; second by Vice Mayor Blakesley), and approved an application to permit limited digital billboards along Airport Access Road by adopting amendments to the interstate and limited access highway sign overlay district (ordinance 25‑07, second reading). The council also approved first readings for two ordinances: naming the Vandalia Art Park Amphitheatre after Bill Jurgens (ordinance 25‑09) and joining a regional coalition to negotiate a single street‑lighting price schedule (ordinance 25‑10).

Votes at a glance

- Appointment: Tara Landis to the Vandalia Arts Council. Motion by Councilman Lewis; second by Vice Mayor Blakesley. Outcome: approved, tally 6–0.

- Resolution 25‑R‑26: Award sanitary sewer slip‑lining contract to Insight Pipe Contracting LLC, $206,981. Motion to approve; outcome: approved, tally 6–0. Funding note: project received a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant from Montgomery County Community and Economic Development.

- Resolution 25‑R‑27: Award 2025 street resurfacing contract to Barrett Paving Materials, $1,191,277.21. Motion to approve; outcome: approved, tally 6–0. Funding note: city reported a $1,330,000 congressionally directed spending grant (Rep. Mike Turner / HUD) to cover the project and to allow adding additional streets that do not require concrete work.

- Resolution 25‑R‑28: Authorize contract with Geograph Industries Inc. for Vandalia Sports Complex wayfinding signage, $72,794. Motion to approve; outcome: approved, tally 6–0. Scope: turnkey design, fabrication and installation; 20 wayfinding signs plus new park signage elements.

- Resolution 25‑R‑29 and 25‑R‑30: Amend authorized depositories to include US Bank and authorize US Bank for investment custodial services. Motion to approve; outcome: approved, tally 6–0. Staff told council US Bank’s monthly custodial fee is substantially lower than the city’s current provider and recommended the transfer.

- Ordinance 25‑07 (second reading): Amendments to the interstate and limited access highway sign overlay district to permit billboards along Airport Access Road. Outcome: approved on second reading, tally 6–0.

- Ordinance 25‑09 (first reading): Naming the Vandalia Art Park Amphitheatre in honor of Bill Jurgens. First reading approved, tally 6–0; council scheduled second reading/final adoption for May 19.

- Ordinance 25‑10 (first reading): City intent to participate in regional negotiations for a single street‑lighting price schedule. First reading approved, tally 6–0. Staff estimated Vandalia’s participation cost at $1,195 (one‑time share of professional services estimated at $60,000 regionally).

- Ordinance 25‑08 (emergency): Supplemental appropriations and budget revisions for 2025 to cover new software subscriptions, grant-funded EMS training and equipment, 911 fund transfers, a police drone program, golf course irrigation electrical repairs, and related items. Outcome: approved as an emergency ordinance, tally 6–0. Detailed line items were provided in the supplemental appropriation memo.

- BZA 25‑0004 (variance): Rear deck setback variance at 1200 Wilhelmina Drive; requested encroachment of 13 feet leaving a 5‑foot setback; Planning/Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval (4–0); council approved the variance 6–0.

What this means

Council’s votes move several capital and maintenance projects into procurement and contract execution phases and reallocate funds to cover new programs and one‑time costs. Awarded contracts use a mix of grant and capital funds, and staff told council they will follow procurement and project management steps before construction or installation begins.

No votes failed; each council roll call returned unanimous approval.","At its May 5 meeting the Vandalia City Council voted unanimously on a package of contracts and budget changes, approved an appointment to the Arts Council and adopted zoning and financial resolutions. Major awards include a $1.19 million street-resurfacing contract and a $206,981 sanitary sewer slip‑lining contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Walt Smith Way residents ask Vandalia council to study sound barrier along I‑75 after clearing of trees

Brandon Zucker sworn in as Vandalia police chief; city introduces probationary public safety specialist

Vandalia council approves sewer, resurfacing and signage contracts, emergency budget changes and appointments in unanimous votes