[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",6535434,"mediaKeyId","3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943","parentId",3402673,"title","Vandalia swears in new police officer, welcomes public works technician; council notes retirements and upcoming events","audioSeconds",335,"startMs",446000,"endMs",781000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943&start=446&end=781","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943/thumbnail_446000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535434/Ohio/Vandalia-swears-in-new-police-officer-welcomes-public-works-technician-council-notes-retirements-and-upcoming-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535434-eb847f78fd62558338270a70f51996aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176083&Signature=fz7K-ql~WU7IL8HnsYf0IbclN1GiZ4Nzjtb4EmM19-bnOes8-IkieDUh-mSrf3tWurnUrSKnudD0F9~QBsCeAhML~QnmKpEpLVihqSLL2aVdYg--ZIRvhB8BMz0TZ7~-TPaAVqqtZyDq3QY-Qo8LlrycZQUuskDd-5nA2ce4GR~zHahEOgV9zXf0rqsf1Id~N~xMsKyXjMdJX8BjFKAeRxsiPPJSe~W4WKVf1I-lvAr5UyurYTyXXLprZwoJA~OtoTX-Gl88F17vz8tUAesUTPgBqNlJtQZQuetcNzBfiWg2nOsCsaonHcADCcwAQ03PVWw9fgV3dLobrlbmDiobFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Vandalia","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","Vandalia — City officials introduced and welcomed two new employees at the council meeting and swore in a new police officer.

City Manager Althouse introduced Caitlin Overman (noted in the packet as Caitlin Overman; the sworn name recorded in the oath sequence appears as Caitlin O'Brien) as the city\u0000s newest police officer. Althouse said Overman reported for duty that morning, had completed her criminal justice academy at Edison State Community College and held prior part-time and full-time patrol roles with Jackson Center and Botkins police departments. The transcript records an oath in which the officer repeated the standard peace-officer pledge and the mayor or presiding official administered the oath; family members briefly joined for photos.

Althouse also introduced Matt Decker as a new public works technician who joined the team on May 5. Staff said Decker is a 2009 graduate of Vandalia-Butler High School and brings experience operating a boom truck and prior work as a contractor.

Council members used the comments portion of the meeting to offer condolences for two recently deceased former city employees (former police sergeant Carl Curry and longtime firefighter/officer Mike Kimbrell) and to celebrate Parks & Recreation Director Steve Clark\u0000s retirement after 37 years of service. Several council members praised the Veterans Parkway banners program and reminded residents about upcoming events including the Van Day Art Park Amphitheater ribbon cutting and Memorial Day observances.

Why it matters: swearing in a new sworn officer is a formal personnel action and the introduction of a public works technician is relevant to ongoing city operations; the retirements and condolences note institutional memory and staffing transitions.

What was recorded
- New police officer: introduced as Caitlin Overman (goes by Katie); transcript of the oath includes the sworn wording and a name recorded as Caitlin O'Brien during the oath sequence. City staff provided training and background details including academy completion and prior patrol assignments.
- New public works technician: Matt Decker joined May 5, experience includes operating a boom truck and prior contracting work; staff noted family in the audience.
- Council recognitions: condolences for two former employees and congratulations to Steve Clark on retirement; council plans a recognition at a future meeting (planned for June 19 per council remarks).

Limits and discrepancies
The transcript records the new officer\u0000s introduction name as Overman and the oath sequence as O'Brien. The article reports both names as presented in the meeting record rather than substituting a single spelling.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Monday, May 19, 2025 - Vandalia City Council","oneSentenceSummary","City staff introduced two new employees — a police officer and a public works technician — and the council recognized longtime Parks & Recreation director Steve Clark\u0000s upcoming retirement and recent losses of two former employees.","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},6535439,"Vandalia proclaims support for Veterans Parkway banner program, honors volunteer designer",327,90000,417000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943&start=90&end=417","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943/thumbnail_90000.jpg","/articles/6535439/Ohio/Vandalia-proclaims-support-for-Veterans-Parkway-banner-program-honors-volunteer-designer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535439-2b07fa26ba7b1ce89c5bb388d2e1b441/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176083&Signature=SnLxVhqFRHgPK4JJFBaWYP25nBC~~RU1y1jmqhFizE2LOuH~GlqnnboJSdDoa8kfZt757gznbDm95RyNr14JQvQvz0iVpORDmkxRqFuyK0oz0RY-aEnXnW9zLa24LluaL3bGjXSxirVimFVysV5Z-jL0burCOf6nEsh4aNBPN1HCHpqfm3dFnSyV~ex6lV~rv2IBLYwjItwuptquEzoJXg-fCnKvmKS7~QM4a-XxMrDss4rfB-SYMRyVlNdtkr8gtrzDL979Q6SZcLFyURmYEkLiaAOEDcEEx1bE400sY3GhVHt2EFjre1paATmtUAN~jrsCi4YXKHBS-Zc5HXRCvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vandalia — The Vandalia City Council issued a proclamation recognizing three local veterans service organizations and thanked a resident volunteer who helped design banners displayed along Veterans Parkway.

Councilman Pollock read a proclamation noting that the Veterans Parkway banner program began in 2023 and has been supported financially by American Legion Post 668, AMVETS Post 99 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9582. Pollock said all three organizations had “provided continued financial support to the Veterans Banner program over the past three years,” language drawn from the proclamation packet included in the meeting materials.

The council also publicly thanked Dave Arnold, a resident with a background in marketing and graphic design who Pollock said volunteered “hundreds of hours” producing, researching and improving photographs used on banners. Pollock credited Arnold and partnered organizations — the Chamber of Commerce, SpeedPro and city and township public works staff — for installing and maintaining the banners each spring and around veterans holidays.

Why it matters: the banner program provides visible, recurring recognition of local veterans and is a cooperative effort among veterans groups, the Chamber, private vendors and public works staff. The proclamation is ceremonial and does not create a new city program or funding stream.

What was said and recorded
- The proclamation text in the packet honors “the brave men and women who have served” and recognizes the three veteran service organizations for their financial support since the program\u0000s inception in 2023.
- Pollock publicly presented a small token of appreciation to Dave Arnold and described his work improving low-quality photographs for banner reproduction.

Limits of this record
The action at the meeting was a ceremonial proclamation and public recognition; the transcript does not record any formal vote tied to budget authority, new funding or programmatic changes.","The council issued a proclamation recognizing local veterans organizations for funding the Veterans Parkway banner program and presented a token of appreciation to volunteer designer Dave Arnold.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6535443,"Vandalia council approves amphitheater naming, streetlight negotiating plan and several financing measures; multiple votes unanimous",0,1619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943&start=1619&end=1619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3402673-2405f52c37c94dcd4d3cc8712993e943/thumbnail_1619000.jpg","/articles/6535443/Ohio/Vandalia-council-approves-amphitheater-naming-streetlight-negotiating-plan-and-several-financing-measures-multiple-votes-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535443-483119dc64c474464d9759e326aa873f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176083&Signature=buGo5nx7wtwiY-jPw1OBTOnCuHvKCFCixi1pYhr8IWzGhVSNc2A2E0GzZoaDdcXtuqQhio5VMAFzadqCi4c74ObDe9g7DuDCM1x4DmLXTgZcdAmfs2Ev0HwiBRGDwGM6~nTjCH1OrqxfrdUrYvkcHt8SP~pe1VRv45t2835hLktcS0NTXhwmXOajI9qyxNIKZ9AY1uAvjh32aeS4v6e~eWNv~UnOnIuu7kuuDgZhBV9RRKjLh3QPokMvEeiunYoPT5gpqKo0fP7KT5MnQq3yfljDzUF6ArIIc0lix5KzjVXkccoFy3zY5YYEvoURfDiE32bwyz~733uqJ18v8TmsYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vandalia — The Vandalia City Council took a series of formal actions at its meeting, approving an amphitheater naming, first readings of two debt notes, a regional streetlight-negotiation plan, a zoning variance and a roster appointment. All recorded roll-call votes shown in the transcript were 7-0 in favor.

The most consequential votes were: final adoption of Ordinance 25-09 to name the Vandalia Art Park Amphitheater for Bill Jurgens; approval in second reading of Ordinance 25-10 authorizing the city to join a regional coalition to negotiate a single price schedule for street-lighting services; and first-reading approvals of two debt-note ordinances, 25-11 and 25-12, to refinance outstanding notes and anticipate bond issuance.

Why it matters: the debt notes affect the city’s capital financing schedule and future debt service; the regional streetlight negotiation commits Vandalia to a collaborative approach that the city manager said will spread professional negotiation costs across participating jurisdictions; naming the amphitheater is a permanent recognition of a local benefactor and ends a multi-step ordinance process.

Key motions and outcomes
- Appointment to Vandalia Arts Council: Mary Zelmer was appointed. Motion by Councilwoman Avalotus Weaver, second by Councilman Folick; roll call result recorded as 7-0; outcome: approved.
- Ordinance 25-11 (first reading): “An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of notes in the maximum principal amount of $1,272,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to provide monies for the retirement of the city's outstanding taxable acquisition notes series 2024 and declaring an emergency.” City staff reported the land acquisition note for Stone Quarry Crossing matures 07/22/2025 with $1,399,000 principal plus interest due; the 2025 budget includes a $127,000 principal payment and $95,000 interest; the new note principal is $1,272,000 due July 2026 and the debt is scheduled to be paid in full in 2036. Motion to approve first reading by Councilman Lewis; second by Councilwoman Dugan; roll call 7-0; outcome: approved on first reading.
- Ordinance 25-12 (first reading): “An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of notes in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $865,000 in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to provide monies for the retirement of the city's outstanding various purpose notes series 2024 and declaring an emergency.” Staff said the combined outstanding balance on the fire apparatus notes was $1,053,000 (fire engine $96,000; ladder truck $957,000). The 2025 budget includes principal paydowns of $48,000 (engine) and $140,000 (ladder truck) and an interest payment of $63,004.40; maturity scheduling places the engine debt paid in 2026 and the ladder truck in 2031. Motion by Councilman Dugan; second by Councilwoman Farce; roll call 7-0; outcome: approved on first reading.
- Ordinance 25-09 (second reading and adoption): naming the Vandalia Art Park Amphitheater in honor of Bill Jurgens. Staff referenced an ad hoc Van Day Arts Council committee recommendation and a request letter from the Vandalia Rotary Club. Motion by Vice Mayor Blakesley; second by Councilwoman Forrest; roll call 7-0; outcome: ordinance adopted.
- Ordinance 25-10 (second reading and adoption): expressing the city's intent to negotiate jointly with other cities on a single price schedule for street-lighting services. Staff explained the current contract with Miami Valley Lighting and DPL Energy Resources (AES Ohio) expires 12/31/2025; the estimated professional services cost for negotiation is $60,000, one-third covered by MVCC and Vandalia's estimated share $1,195; staff recommended participation in the regional coalition. Motion by Councilman Folick; second by Vice Mayor Blakesley; roll call 7-0; outcome: ordinance adopted.
- Zoning variance 25Dash005 (221 North American Boulevard): the applicant sought to construct a 640-square-foot shed that, combined with an existing 160-square-foot shed, would total 800 square feet — exceeding 40% of the principal building footprint (512 sq ft). The Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval 4-0 with the condition that the applicant obtain a building permit and comply with permit standards. Motion to approve by Councilman Lewis; second by Councilwoman Avalotus Weaver; roll call 7-0; outcome: approved with the stated condition.
- Executive session: Council voted 7-0 to enter executive session to discuss pending or imminent court action. The transcript records a motion and roll call; no substantive discussion of the matter occurred in open session.

Details and limits
All motions and roll calls in the transcript were recorded as unanimous (7-0). Where the transcript supplied specific dollar amounts or maturity dates (debt schedules, budgeted paydowns, professional services estimates), those figures are reported here as stated by staff. The transcript does not show named roll-call votes listing every council member consistently, so tallies are presented as recorded (7-0) rather than attributing individual yes/no votes to named members.

What’s next
Adoption of ordinances that were in first reading may require further formal actions in upcoming meetings if second readings or formal adoption are required by ordinance type. The transcript included staff dates and maturity schedules for the debt instruments; implementation will proceed through the city’s finance and bond issuance processes.","At its May meeting the Vandalia City Council approved naming the Art Park amphitheater for Bill Jurgens, authorized first readings on two debt notes, agreed to join a regional streetlight negotiation, approved a zoning variance and confirmed an arts council appointment. All recorded votes were unanimous.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Vandalia swears in new police officer, welcomes public works technician; council notes retirements and upcoming events

Vandalia proclaims support for Veterans Parkway banner program, honors volunteer designer

Vandalia council approves amphitheater naming, streetlight negotiating plan and several financing measures; multiple votes unanimous