Village of Edgerton Council Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM
- Mayor Day called the meeting to order at 5:30PM with the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer.
- Y – Yes, N – No, A – Abstain, Abs – Absent
- Roll Call:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Absent |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
5 Members Present
Other Village Representatives Present:
- Denise Knecht – Fiscal Officer; Doug Zimmerman – Acting Administrator; Ken Jacob – Police Chief, Scott Blue – Fire Chief, Robert Adkins- Assistant Fire Chief, Jacob Steffes- Jr Firefighter
Media Present:
- Briana Balogh- Village Reporter, Brian Koehler – Bryan Times
Public Present:
-
- Roger Shimono, Gary Plotts, Joann Steffes, Bill and Charlene Swank, Marta Garcia
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 05.20.26:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Communications, Petitions, and Claims of Public
Fire Department Jacob Steffes– Fire Chief Blue and Assistant Fire Chief Adkins were pleased to announce that the department has now successfully graduated the second junior firefighter to volunteer firefighter. Jacob Steffes was congratulated on his recent high school graduation. Chief Blue recommended Steffes’ status be updated to Firefighter in training. Jacob will be enrolling in Firefighter 1 training in September. Congratulations Jacob!
Exchange Student Marta Garcia Davilla– Mayor Day presented exchange student Marta Garcia Davilla from Spain with a certificate of appreciation for her time spent in our community. Her father is a Mayor back home. Now Marta will have a picture with the Mayor of Edgerton to take home with her. While at EHS Martha participated in cheerleading, track, cross country and was Homecoming attendant and prom princess. She has had a great school year. Marta shared “When I first arrived in town I was nervous, but the people here were very welcoming and made me feel at home. This town has become a special place to me. I have met many wonderful people, made great friends, and experienced things I will never forget.” She thanked everyone for such a great year and she will always remember her time here. The Village of Edgerton sends safe travel wishes with Marta!
Administrator Update by Douglas Zimmerman: The last two weeks have been rather busy getting up to speed on many large projects and seeing if we can advance them.
- ODOT SRTS Sidewalk Project – a right-of-way consultant was selected by committee – EDG (Environmental Design Group) was selected using the criteria ODOT set forth. We are waiting for a proposal from EDG to bring before council for approval in the very near future. We met with ODOT today for an update.
- Water Treatment Plant Project – OPWC funding. The project is ready to bid. We have a meeting tomorrow to review the project status with Doug Dunn from Kleinfelder.
- Main Lift Station Project – OPWC requested an extension on funding (grants and loan) and are looking to get the right engineer for this special project.
- John W Lift Station Project – Emergency repair for pump failure at the station is needed. We understand parts cannot be obtained, which makes replacement necessary. Kip has done the homework and has been working with an engineer. We have a quote for this for $100K. This also requires a specialized contractor to stop the flow during repairs at an estimated cost of $23K. Later in the meeting we are going to ask for this emergency project to be moved forward per resolution, which has been reviewed and approved by legal counsel. They can get the project done in 6 weeks if you don’t have to go to bid. Having a pump down is cause for public health concern. This project also calls for the electric to be upgraded to 3-phase. Electrical work will be done in-house. The pump failure is due to demands on the infrastructure as well as age. Mayor Day reminded all, “even though wipes are labeled flushable please do not flush wipes down the toilet.”
Fiscal Officer Update by Denise Knecht
- The Village received the annual retainer refund from the Regional Income Tax Agency for year 2025 in the amount of $18,698.00. This retainer is based on total collections and the allocation formula.
- May 2026 Financials were emailed today. Please sign as received.
- TH3 debt is almost paid off! $91K payment is due this June and then only one more payment due in June of 2027 in the amount of $93K. This bond was for the renovations of TH3 when we took over the old high school.
- Motion to pay bills 06.03.26:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2ND |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y MOTION |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Police Department update by Ken Jacob
- New hire for consideration – Meet Roger Shimono, who is present. Roger is a Village resident and has expressed an interest in joining the Police Department as an Auxiliary member. He has been employed with Meijer in the loss prevention department for the last 3 years and recently got promoted to district manager for loss prevention.
Resolutions/Ordinances/Motions
- Motion to approve appointment of new Police Department employee, Roger Shimono, Auxiliary Officer effective 6/1/2026 at $25/month:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y 2ND |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Jacob Steffes– The Fire Department would like to request a status change for Jacob from Junior FF to Volunteer FF (uncertified) as of May 31, 2026.
- Motion to approve employment status change for Jacob Steffes from Junior Firefighter to Volunteer Firefighter in training effective 5/31/2026:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2ND |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y MOTION |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Seasonal Interns– Both Gunner Aldrich and Parker Elden have taken jobs elsewhere this summer. We need to term their employment. We did not do this previously based on not knowing if they would be returning this summer.
- Motion to term Gunnar Aldrich employment effective 8/5/2025:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to term Parker Elden employment effective 8/7/2025:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2ND |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y MOTION |
Motion PASSES 5-0
RITA Delegate- “Each municipal corporation which is party to the agreement has 1 representative to a Council of Governments, who shall be appointed by the Chief Executive with the approved of Village Council. Each municipal corporation shall similarly designate an alternate who may act in place of the representative in his absence.”
We are requesting council approval to update the Delegate and Alternate Delegate, so that we are able to cast a vote at the RITA annual membership meeting next week. We would like to name Denise Knecht as Delegate and Amanda Knecht as Alternate Delegate.
- Motion to approve Denise Knecht, Delegate and Amanda Knecht, Alternate Delegate for RITA:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2ND |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
ODD Brownfield payment: We are continuing with the same procedure we have performed since the beginning, for transparency and clarity. We have already received the revenue.
- Motion to approve and issue payment for invoice #93334 to August Mack Environmental in the amount of $17,985.22 for the Edgerton Metals Brownfield Remediation Project (Edgerton Revitalization DEV-2022-193553) for project invoices through May 10, 2026, request #34:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y MOTION |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
John W Lift Station– Denise explained that this document has been through Reid’s office for approval and Doug as well. We are coming to council for permission to move ahead with this project excluding the bid process, due to time constraints. This action can be taken with approval of council by resolution. This is not something we would typically ask for but in this case with an emergent situation we are requesting to move forward as soon as possible. Doug added this would be one of the reasons you would declare an emergency; for public health reasons.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO 2026-007
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE JOHN W LIFT STATION IN EXCESS OF THE VILLAGE BID THRESHOLD AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
- Motion to suspend the three-reading rule:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution No 2026-007:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y MOTION |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Downtown Crosswalk bump-outs– Councilman Bowsher asked if we know when they will be painted and the crosswalks installed? Mayor stated this is in the next phase of the project. We tried to find a quicker solution, but it didn’t fly.
Community Center Building – Council Member VanAusdale wanted to know the status of moving in. Mayor Day informed the group that we have 2 inspections scheduled for Friday. We’re getting there. Leslie stated she has been asked to assist with launching the opening of the Community Center. In her research she has discovered that lots of people are doing lots of different things; brochure, logo, etc. She thinks we need to filter this to one key person. There are many moving parts without others’ awareness. Can we please identify who is heading up the Center? Leslie is willing to put in the foot work and be the right hand, but we need to determine who the employee is that is heading the effort. “We need to know who the chief of the launch is.” Mayor Day agreed. We will determine this for the next meeting on 6/17. Leslie has also worked on signage with Stephanie at Tribune Printing. Leslie will keep moving forward on that with the blessing of council. Are we technically accepting reservations for Aug 1st? The response was “We have a tentative list, but with no confirmation. Need to pass inspections and complete the punch list. We need to be approved for occupancy first before we move forward with anything.” Leslie inquired if the goal was still to plan for the grand opening to occur with the senior center and bus barn? Mayor Day said it has not been determined. Leslie said she is willing to press forward with opening as long as we will have her. Mayor Day says we always take volunteers.
On Saturday, July 18th the Homecoming committee will be using the building. They have a really nice program lineup scheduled for the 250th Anniversary-Birthday party for America – Cake and Ice Cream, Patriotic sing-along on the patio with the Auburn City Band.
- Motion to enter into executive session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of a public employee or official at 5:59PM:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2ND |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to exit executive session at 7:21PM:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Action Taken after executive session:
- Motion to approve hourly wage increase for Casey Everetts, Administrative Assistant Intern I to $14.02 per hour as of June 1, 2026. Casey achieved her notary public certification:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y MOTION |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y 2ND |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to approve appointment of Ian Rhodes to the position of Full Time Patrol Officer at $24.49 per hour, start date to be determined:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y 2ND |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to place Ashley Plotts, Full Time Patrol Officer, on paid administrative leave effective 06/03/2026 and up to 06/17/2026:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y MOTION |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to adjourn at 7:23PM:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Brian |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0