August 25, 2025
Council President Thad Eikenbary called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
President Eikenbary gave the invocation.
On call of the roll: Ringwald, Kallas, Agler, Roberts, Moore and Marshall were present.
Marshall made a motion to excuse Bowers from the council meeting. Rigwald seconded; Ringwald, Roberts, Moore and Marshall voted yes. Kallas and Agler voted no.
Kallas made a motion to amend tonight’s agenda to remove Ordinance Number 25-08-036 and Ordinance Number 25-08-037 from the first reading. Ringwald seconded; all concurred.
Agler made a motion to approve tonight’s Consent Agenda and minutes from the August 11th meeting. Moore seconded; all concurred.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC SPEAKERS
NONE
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
MAYOR: Mr. Markward reported that so far, 206 vouchers have been picked up for the city clean up starting in September. In the past when the city has tried this, 153 were picked up and not all used. Moore asked how many vouchers will be given out; Markward answers that the city hopes to give as many as are requested.
SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR: Mr. Fleming reported that the small city grant from ODOT for reconstruction of Walnut St. from Ervin to Hospital Dr. was approved for $2 Million; this project will be in summer of 2030 .
Mr. Fleming presented a map showing a property on Brooks Ave. This property is the last home west of the water tower near the city’s street department. The home owner approached the city about an easement for 15 feet along the east side of their property–just grass–but after a survey and assessment, the city learned that the homeowners garage is crossing the property line by 2-3 feet. The homeowners are requesting to erect a fence, so the safety service director is proposing the city donate the requested land to the homeowner. An easement is being prepared if council would entertain a motion to allow Fleming to sign documents for the land donation.
AUDITOR: Mrs. Blackmore reported to opt in to the Purdue Pharma Settlement relating to the Opioid Litigation she needs a majority vote from council. The settlement would be a substantial amount of money that would be added as a line item and 100% of the budget would go to the fire department.
LAW DIRECTOR: Mr. Hatcher received information on ambulance rates from Chief Jones regarding a new ordinance to increase ambulance rates. A draft of the proposal was sent to council at the end of last week. Hatcher is requesting finance request preparation of this Ordinance to be ready at next council meeting. This ordinance will change rates to make a formula based off the medicare fee schedule.
Ms. Bowers arrived at 6:39 p.m.
COMMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
Mark Davis, 402 S. Tyler St., expressed concerns on the Washington/Bonnewitz intersection. At the light, there are two lanes. There is a right/straight lane and a left only lane. Currently, the left lane perfectly lines up with going “straight” to cross the intersection. It could be confusing to drivers who cannot see the painted arrows. Fleming stated although this is part of a safety project for the future, he would entertain a fix, maybe painted lane guides, to keep drivers safe until the project begins in a few summers.
Joe Jared, 113 W. Main St., reminds council about lead test strips and how serious he thinks the city should take handing out test strips; even if it’s not to the whole city, but to areas where a positive strip was already taken. Fleming states he understands the concerns Jared has, but is not ready to implement that testing as the city has their own state audited form of lead testing performed quarterly.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE: Ringwald made a motion to approve the city auditor’s proposal to move forward with receiving the Purdue Pharma Settlement Money from the Opioid Litigation. Kallas seconded; all concurred.
Ringwald made a motion to prepare an ordinance for the ambulance transportion rates for the city of Van Wert effective 1/1/2026 and declaring an emergency. Moore seconded; all concurred.
After reviewing the proposed ordinances for junk and rubbish, Ringwald is requesting a review due to some type-os before that comes to council. Hatcher will review before bringing to council at the next meeting.
STREETS AND ALLEYS: No report.
JUDICIARY AND ANNEXATION: No report.
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT: Agler made a motion for the law director to prepare an ordinance allowing the Safety Service Director to sign documents to donate land to the owner of 125 Brooks Ave. Kallas seconded; all concurred.
Agler made a motion for the law director to prepare an ordinance allowing the city to donate a property at the corner of Main and N. Franklin to the CIC. Moore seconded; all concurred.
Agler made a motion for the law director to prepare an ordinance allowing the city to donate a property at the corner of E. Crawford and S. Market to the CIC. Moore seconded; all concurred.
PARKS AND RECREATION: No report.
HEALTH, SERVICE AND SAFETY: Moore made a motion to prepare an ordinance to amend Van Wert Code of Ordinances section 96.99 penalty for violating the junk and rubbish ordinance. Roberts seconded; all concurred.
Moore made a motion to prepare an ordinance to amend Van Wert Code of Ordinances section 98.99 penalty for violating the nuisances ordinance. Bowers seconded; all concurred.
Moore requested an update on Blighted Properties. Hatcher stated one property went to court and now has a sales contract so the case was dismissed without prejudice. Another property also has a sale pending; however, the owner is having health issues so it is moving a little slower. One additional property may need added soon.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: No report.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL and PUBLIC: None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
Second Reading Advisory for Ordinance Number 25-08-034. All concurred.
Second Reading Advisory for Ordinance Number 25-08-035. All concurred.
Agler made a motion to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Kallas seconded; all concurred.