Vandalia City Council Discusses Street Project
DEBORAH SIMCOX
Correspondent
At Monday’s April 7 City Council meeting, Mayor Ricky Gottman asked for a moment of silence in memory of David Reeter – former Public Works Director and 2nd Assistant Fire Department Chief, Ross Kershaw – Father-in-law of Wastewater Treatment Plant Employee Kevin Elam, and Alex Cearlock – former Firefighter and Business Owner.
In New Business, these items were approved:
•Bid for Randolph Street Project – Boxmeyer Construction @ $693,517.77 – Contract #95971,
•Repairs to Caboose on Johnson Street, estimated at $10,800 and will be funded by Tourism Budget (There are only five of these cabooses of that style left in existence.),
•Ordinance #2025-04-07-A, amending Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment extension for Bryon Hosick of Hosick Motors,
•Request for closure of Fourth Street on May 17 for car event Bond County “Cruise-Ins,” and
•Resolution #2025-04-07-B, a professional services agreement between the City of Vandalia and Milano & Grunloh Engineers, LLC (regarding the 120 acres on Main Street near Wal-Mart).
In Unfinished Business, these issues were discussed: still waiting on the pricing of the Tourism Center Digital Sign, and that Mayor Gottman is still seeking funding opportunities for the Veterans Memorial Park wall.
In Individual Reports, Mayor Ricky Gottman related that:
•The company which provided Employee’s insurance has closed and he has met with three companies to provide replacement,
•The White Foundation at FNB Community Bank has contributed $2,000 to fund tasers for the Vandalia Police Department,
•City Clean-Up Week is May 12-16, on the day of each Resident’s regular trash pick-up.
City Attorney Ryan Connor reported on the dismissal of the lawsuit involving Scott Hablutzel.
City Clerk Carla Huhn noted that there had been 25 applications for the position of Office Staff Employee for the City Clerk’s Office and interviews are to begin the week of April 14.
Streets Chair Steve Barker noted the areas of street flooding.
Public Safety Chair Mike Hobler reported that Fire Department Employees attended 140 hours of fire training.
Building & Grounds Chair Andy Lester reported that the tuck pointing and the exterior painting at the Interpretive Center is under way and that the minor exterior sealant at City Hall has been complete.
Lake Chair Russ Stunkel reported that two issues passed at the Vandalia Lake Committee Meeting: a) boat races scheduled for September 4th through the 7th OR September 11th through the 14th depending on the dates of the fishing tournaments, and b) authorization for Lake Manager Scott Workman having authority (along with Mayor Gottman and City Administrator LaTisha Paslay) to close Vandalia Lake in the event of emergent conditions. One issue was denied: Giving Camping Lot #62 a permit to build on. This was not allowed due to having too many structures on the lot and not meeting the ten foot setback from the sides.
Railroad, Economic Development & Tourism Chair Ken Hubler listed upcoming tourist related activities a) Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 (@11 a.m. SHARP) at Vandalia’s Sonnemann Park which will have five different categories for children, b) opening of the Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday in June.
Personnel, Finance & Insurance Chair Bob Bowen stated that he had gotten an email from one of his constituents who felt that monies ear-marked for National Road would be better spent on the Interpretive Center. Resumes are still being taken for the position of Economic Development Director position through May 9.
During Announcements & Concerns Council Member Kenny Lewey discussed the frequent speeding at 800 block of 6th Street and requested some attention to that area from Chief of Police Jeff Ray. Several aldermen raised issues with the audio/video at the City Council meetings. City Attorney Ryan Connor commented about the necessity of an ordinance. Council Member Bob Bowen asked about time limits for audience participation and said that he would like to see a set policy for the audio/video broadcasting. Council Member Steve Barker asked about “one way broadcasting”. It was decided that further discussion regarding audio/video was to take place at a Special City Council meeting Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The next regular Vandalia City Council meeting will be Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall. The Public is welcome to attend.
