Vandalia council approves water‑main contract, audit extension, billboard leases and multiple ordinances

The Vandalia City Council on July 21 approved a series of contracts, ordinances and appointments, including a $1,042,800 contract to replace water mains, an audit contract extension through 2028, and two 20‑year leases for LED billboard signage on Airport Access Road.

City Manager Mr. Althouse told the council that “bids for the Damien, Soter, Ramonas and DeSales water main replacement and resurfacing project were opened on 07/08/2025 with 9 bids submitted ranging from $1,042,800 to $1,429,743.” The council awarded the project to CG Construction and Utilities Inc. as the lowest and best bidder and authorized use of the full appropriated budget for contingencies; the project is supported by $500,000 in OPWC funding. The measure passed unanimously, 7‑0.

The council also approved a multi‑year contract extension with Plattenburg and Associates Inc. for auditing and compilation services through 2028. Mr. Althouse summarized the extension and proposed fees: “a multi year agreement with Plattenburg and Associates Inc. for audit and compilation services in the amount of $160,480 for the city, $31,680 for NAWA, and $48,048 for TCA.” The extension passed 7‑0.

On a separate item the council authorized the city manager to negotiate and enter two 20‑year LED sign leases with Outfront Media LLC for existing city billboard sites on Airport Access Road, with annual rent starting at $37,500 and scheduled increases every five years; the legislation also authorizes an easement agreement with the school district to provide access to one structure. The leases include content restrictions for the digital faces and reserve back static signage for city use. That measure passed 7‑0.

Other actions approved by the council included:

- A motion not to request an O.D.C.L. hearing for a C‑1 liquor permit at 175 Northwoods Boulevard for Pilot Travel Centers LLC, doing business as Flying J Travel Plaza 097 (approved 7‑0).

- Adoption of Ordinance 25‑16 (first reading) amending the city code to add a capacity fee to be collected on behalf of the Tri Cities Wastewater Authority; council approved the ordinance in its first reading 7‑0. Mr. Althouse said the fee would apply to new residential and commercial customers at the time of connection and would not affect existing customers.

- Adoption of Ordinance 25‑13 (second reading), rezoning 0.919 acres at 3320 Benchwood Road from single‑family residential to highway business (approved 7‑0).

- Adoption of Ordinance 25‑14 (second reading), an update to codified ordinances incorporating legislation passed in 2024 and amendments to the Ohio Revised Code (approved 7‑0).

- Adoption of Emergency Ordinance 25‑15 assessing properties for delinquent stormwater fees, trash collection, delinquent sewer and water, weed cutting and property maintenance and directing the finance director to certify amounts to the county auditor for collection (approved 7‑0).

- Approval of BZA case BZA‑25‑007, a variance for accessory structure area at 842 Denora Drive to allow a proposed 160‑square‑foot shed combined with an existing detached garage; the board of zoning appeals recommended approval 4‑0 and the council approved the variance 6‑1 (Council member First voted no).

- Appointment and oath: James Carmen was appointed to the Vandalia Civil Service Commission; the motion passed 7‑0 and Mr. Carmen was administered the oath of office.

Council members asked few substantive questions during the votes. Mr. Althouse provided most of the project, contract and fee details; Mr. McDonald read titles where required. The chamber dispensed with the items in relatively short order and several measures passed unanimously.

The council also reviewed the June 2025 bill listing of $3,841,816.25, the monthly expenses over $25,000 and a purchase card detail of $33,767.83, which were provided to council for review.