Vandalia council approved towing contract, capital projects and zoning items; emergency appropriations passed

The Vandalia City Council on Sept. 2 approved a slate of resolutions, ordinances and other formal actions during a single meeting. All measures recorded by the clerk passed by unanimous roll-call vote (6-0). Highlights and official outcomes follow.

Sandy’s Towing contract (Resolution 25-R-37) The council awarded a two-year towing and impound service agreement to Sandy’s Towing after city bids were opened Aug. 11. City staff reported Sandy’s offered lower passenger-vehicle and flatbed towing rates ($145 per tow versus $195 at Inglewood) and was the only bidder with a storage facility within five miles of the Vandalia corporate limits as specified in the bid. Chief Soukur recommended awarding the contract to Sandy’s. Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lewis and seconded by Councilwoman Forrest; vote 6-0.

OPWC grant application for Pool & Randler/North Ave water main project (Resolution 25-R-38) The council authorized the city manager to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Pool and Randler/North Ave water main replacement and resurfacing project. Staff estimated total project cost at $1,685,000 (including $40,000 in in-house services) and said the city would request $500,000 in OPWC assistance, split into a $250,000 grant and a $250,000 zero‑percent loan over five years. Motion by Councilwoman Forrest; second by Vice Mayor Blakesley. Vote 6-0.

Personnel policies manual update (Resolution 25-R-39) The council adopted the city’s 2025 personnel policies and procedures manual, updated by human resources to reflect legal and organizational changes. Motion by Vice Mayor Blakesley; second by Councilman Folick. Vote 6-0.

Robinette Park splash pad bid award (Resolution 25-R-40) Parks and Recreation recommended awarding the Robinette Park splash pad, shelter and parking project to Double J Construction Inc. of Englewood, Ohio, as the lowest and best responsive bidder. Bids ranged from $1,479,880 to $1,835,000; funding includes $400,000 in federal grant funds and city capital funds for the remainder. Motion by Councilman Folick; second by Councilman Lewis. Vote 6-0.

Emergency operations plan amendment (Resolution 25-R-41) Council adopted amendments to the city’s emergency operations plan; the resolution was amended to correct a whereas clause that misstated the date of a prior presentation. Motion to approve as amended was made and seconded; vote 6-0.

Appropriations and emergency ordinance (Ordinance 25-21) An emergency ordinance revised 2025 appropriations and reclassified a water-fund project after the award of OPWC funding. Supplemental appropriations included: General Fund — Court +$15,000 (postage related to new court notice requirements); Police Operations +$5,000 (vehicle repairs); Police Support Services +$6,415 (Humane Society community program); Golf Fund course maintenance +$180,000 (rock removal contingency); and a $1,125,000 transfer related to the Randler/North Ave water-main project to OPWC accounting. Motion by Councilwoman Farris; second by Councilman Folick. Vote 6-0.

Ordinances (second readings) and conditional use -Ordinance 25-17: Repeal and replace Chapter 1044 (Sewers Generally) to align with state regulations and pretreatment documentation requirements. Passed 6-0. -Ordinance 25-18: Redwood Vandalia PUD major amendment (59 multifamily units) — passed 6-0 (see separate story for details and public comment). -Ordinance 25-19: Approve PUD preliminary development plan and zoning map change for land at 600 Corporate Center Drive (proposed by applicant listed in staff memo). Passed 6-0. -Ordinance 25-20: Rezoning of property at 3675 Wise Road (multiple parcels) from Office/Industrial Park to Highway Business and Industrial districts. Passed 6-0. -The council also approved a conditional-use permit (PC-25-0010) for a truck facility at 3675 Weis (Wise) Road with four conditions recommended by the planning commission: 1) conditional-use not effective until rezoning is effective, 2) parcels consolidated before building permit issuance, 3) required roadway improvements completed to public-service standards, and 4) no overnight lodging or sleeping in trucks on site. Motion by Councilman Folek; second by Vice Mayor Blakesley. Vote 6-0.

Process notes Most items were presented by city staff in the council packet with limited additional debate. Where staff reported competing bids or grant-request amounts, staff summarized comparative rates and funding sources for council consideration. Several measures required only ministerial action by council (e.g., second readings or budget transfers).