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

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.