Botkins council approves routine business; South Street Phase I set to begin around March 30

The Village of Botkins council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the minutes of Feb. 25, 2026 and the February financial reports at its March 10 meeting.

Mayor Lance Symonds called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and Councilman Christian Petek moved to approve the agenda, with Kevin Market seconding. Council later approved the minutes on a motion from Market and a second by Lucas Greve. Fiscal Officer Hannah Paul presented the financial statements and, after L. Greve moved and Craig Brown seconded, the council voted to accept the reports.

Village Administrator Randy Purdy told the council that South Street Phase I is scheduled to begin around March 30, weather permitting. Purdy said crews will begin by removing existing concrete and replacing a water line, then move to undercutting and road preparation; asphalt work and townwide asphalt patching will follow once the project reaches the paving phase. Purdy said Phase II funding updates are expected in April or May.

Purdy also reported that Air Tow will move all operations to Wapakoneta and plans to sell or rent buildings in the industrial park. He said the village may lose some income tax revenue as a result and recommended moving ahead with installing a road to improve marketability for existing undeveloped lots.

Council scheduled two upcoming public forums: a zoning public forum on March 18 at the Palazzo and a Rescue District forum on April 20, also at the Palazzo. The meeting adjourned after routine new- and old-business items and a unanimous adjournment vote.

Next steps: South Street Phase I work is to begin pending weather and Phase II funding decisions are expected in late spring.