Veterans Wall Project Discussed at City Council Meeting
DEBORAH SIMCOX
Correspondent
At the Monday, June 2 Vandalia City Council Meeting, Mayor Doug Knebel asked for a moment of silence for Robert (Bob) DePaolo, Sr., former Vandalia Business Owner and for Jack Johnson, former Vandalia City Attorney.
During Announcements & Concerns Vandalia Resident Donna Blair had concerns about three historical displays that are in the Tourism Center, “Please don’t destroy them,” she requested. Blair was assured that the displays would not be destroyed.
In New Business the following were approved:
•Request from Brad Bowman of Vandalia Capitol, LLC, to send Zoning Amendment Request to Planning Commission for review,
•Pay Estimate #1 – OSLAD Grant for $90,457.60,
•Pay Estimate #1 – Lead Service Line Project for $41,250,
•Pay Estimate #3 – Safe Routes to School for $223,321.39,
•Public Hearing on 2025/2026 Appropriation Ordinance,
•Resolution #2025-06-02-A approving a Cash Rent Farm Lease between the City of Vandalia as Lessor and Meyer Farms as Lessee, and
•Golf cart/Side by Side vehicles – to expand route.
In Unfinished Business, Council Member Andy Lester reported that work on the Veterans Wall Project was going to start this week. Mayor Knebel opened the discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan. He said that the Plan had taken lots of time and money (when it was developed in 2019) and that he was open for suggestions. It was decided to have more discussion at the next City Council meeting.
Individual Reports opened with Mayor Knebel’s report offering options for the video conference at the City Council meetings. The motion passed to allow the video presence. The Mayor also discussed the combining of the Zoning Committee and the Planning Committee. On the issue of the Tourism Center, the discussion was about the impracticality of restoring the building, due to lack of ADA compliance and the extensive need for repair. Dennis Grubaugh suggested that the building be torn down and rebuilt. Council Member Bret Brosman stated that since most tourists used their smart phones to address their needs when coming to Vandalia, the Tourism Center was redundant.
City Attorney Ryan Connor reported that since the property discussed in previous meetings had been cleaned up, there was no need to file a lawsuit. City Clerk Carla Huhnnoted those who had attended the retirement party for Melinda Garrison.
City Administrator LaTisha Paslay listed several events for the June 14 weekend: Grand Levee Saturday, June 14 (only) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the start of Farmers’ Market on June 14th, the Love is Love Pride Party Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, and then Summerfest on June 27th & 28th (fireworks on the 28th). Streets Chair Steve Barker reported that holes in the streets are being patched.
Lake Chair Russ Stunkel/Lake Manager Scott Workman reported on the Vandalia Lake Committee meeting prior to today’s City Council meeting.
The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting is Monday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Vandalia City Hall. The Public is encouraged to attend.
