- 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, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
5 Members Present
Other Village Representatives Present:
- Denise Knecht – Fiscal Officer; Dawn Fitzcharles – Village Administrator; Amanda Knecht – Administrative Assistant
Media Present:
- Brianna Balogh- The Village Reporter, Brian Koeller- The Bryan Times
Public Present:
- John Courtney, Scott Wieging, Joey Boston, Erin Miller, Brian Bowsher, Stephanie Gary
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 10.01.25:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y MOTION |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y 2ND |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to Approve Special Meeting Public Hearing Minutes from 10.01.25:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y 2ND |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y MOTION |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
AMP & Efficiency Smart: Fitzcharles introduced Erin Miller with AMP and Joey Boston with Efficiency Smart. The Village joined Efficiency Smart program in 2017. ES provides different energy assessments and rebates for energy-efficient updates. Erin spoke first about how Edgerton has been a member of AMP since 1981 and is very well represented by Dawn and Mayor Day as active members of OMEA Board and AMP, and our partnership and support is very appreciated. In 2009 AMP Ohio expanded out to 9 states and is now labeled American Municipal Power. States such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Kentucky in this region have 130 municipal system members providing power and energy services. Some of the services provided include smart thermostat program, a voluntary green pricing program called EcoSmart choice, line worker training; all of these are available through a joint action that lowers the costs for everyone involved. Efficiency Smart is one of our Hallmark programs that has been around and successful since 2011. Edgerton’s contract is up on December 31, 2025 so if we choose to renew the contract, it would begin January 1 for 3 year term.
Joey Boston, is Edgerton’s account manager for Efficiency Smart. Joey has been the account manager for 8 years. Joey stated that it’s been a pleasure to work with Edgerton Village and many of the businesses here. The title of the presentation tonight is called Power Supply Plus. Energy efficiency is the most affordable way for us to meet our power supply needs. Additional benefits include increased customer satisfaction, a powerful engagement tool as well as increased economic development. Joey went over the costs of Efficiency Smart compared to electric market prices. Efficiency Smart is the most affordable way to meet power supply needs. Projected market prices compared to the Efficiency Smart Program show ES coming in at a discount of 66% which obviously is providing customer satisfaction. Ideally, we are out there working with customers, trying to get bills lowered for them. The program helps to increase customer loyalty, help make better decisions, and ways to make money. Increases customer engagement- ES acts like an extension of our utility. We are out there with customers meeting one-on-one. Promotes Economic Development- work towards lowering costs to make businesses more competitive, lowering costs provides the option of reinvestment for expansion, staff additions, or adding production. For example, to date, we have had 5 commercial/industrial projects completed with 4 companies. Before the contract closes in December, we expect to have 4 additional contracts with 4 additional companies.
What’s on the horizon? Promotion offering triple rebates on window ac units; new website has been launched; promoting October social media contest scavenger hunt; Trivia Tuesdays in November; and Black Friday online savings & discounts.
John Courtney, Courtney & Associates: John conducts an annual review of revenue requirements for all Village utility funds. Considering the proposed project at the electric substation, we asked John and Scott to come and present the revenue requirement information, but also to go through the RFP results. John’s presentation includes an analysis of electric, water, sewer, and storm sewer rates. He takes a look at the revenues of each fund to ensure that they are sufficient to meet near-term requirements, but also to make sure that plans are on target for future forecasts through 2029. The scope of services is similar for all funds. The first step of the process is data acquisition by collecting financial statements, billing records, and power supply data; do an analysis to make sure the data appears to be consistent. Next, the revenue requirement analysis is completed. Then we take a look at existing rate structures and conclude with recommendations. For each fund, John went over the projected water sales, projected revenue, and projected revenue requirements to determine the overall revenue adjustment. Both water and sewer projected revenues are nearly sufficient to meet near-term revenue requirements, and revenues only need to be increased by 2% to meet projected 2029 revenue requirements. Both water and sewer rates can continue to be increased by 3.5% each year. Storm sewer projected revenues are NOT sufficient to meet near-term revenue requirements. Revenues would need to increase by approximately 5% to meet 2029 revenue requirements. John suggested conducting an impervious surface area study to develop accurate storm sewer rates. The Electric rate review is conducted in the same manner as water, sewer and storm sewer. After reviewing projected sales, revenue, and current rate structures, it was determined that a 10% increase is needed to meet the projected 2029 revenue requirements (approximately $2.50 per month for electric residential). This increase could be taken over time.
AMP Transmission Proposal – 69 kV AMP transmission was created a few years ago and is a subsidiary of AMP. Basically, it enables them to acquire transmission facilities and then roll the cost of facilities into the transmission rates of First Energy and recoup costs through them while we get paid for the facilities, all the while being able to make improvements to our reliability. We currently own the 69kV facilities’ high voltage side going into the facilities at the substation. Courtney & Associates put together a RFP and received one response from AMPT. The price they provided (net book value), which is basically utility costs less appreciation, was evaluated at $303,000.00. One of the conditions put into the RFP is that if we sell the facilities, our reliability has to be improved by 2 separate sources. AMPT put in a proposal that they would complete that option by 2027, or we would have the option to buy back if they did not perform. They requested to 2031. Courtney described this as a “Very fair proposal.” John has 6-7 clients participate in this type of agreement, so he is familiar with the process. He also stated it is truly a good program, with a more than fair price and makes sense to participate.
Courtney’s recommendation is to transfer ownership of transmission assets to AMPT with the understanding of improving the reliability of the 69kV feed by the end of 2031. We have already negotiated language for legal documents with previous clients and recommend getting John Bentine involved, whom we already have on retainer. The contract process shouldn’t take too long.
Dawn added that this conversation started after the train issues in 2022. We asked AMP to take a look at our power supply resources and what could be done for another source. They looked at interconnecting into Northwest Electric, but that was not feasible because they would have had to put a lot of work into their system, building over to JV4, which would have been a cost of 16-20 million dollars, or going towards Indiana or AEP, which was very cost-prohibitive. Did not make sense financially for a secondary source of power, so they came up with an alternative idea since then for a secondary source. We have been working with John Courtney, John Bentine, and talking with Troy on multiple occasions and essentially the proposal would be to take both the Bryan line and Edon line and switch them into 2. The other part of the proposal is to negotiate an operator agreement. AMPT would own the transmission line, the Village would be the operator and choose to bill as we do now. We would incur the costs but then would bill to AMPT. We would be able to recoup dollars already spent. John described this as a win-win situation, has worked very well in other communities. We have had a couple of conversations with First Energy as part of this process. First Energy would like to put breakers in the lines, and we will be between 2 breakers. This would be the best, most cost-effective way to have a secondary source of power. The other thing with doing this project is that we can look at incorporating some of the other plans we had at the substation with SCADA and security. We recently installed cameras and some other items at the substation. John doesn’t believe it would take formal action yet from council. The next step would be to negotiate and prepare formal documents. We will be gaining access to the transmission side that we wouldn’t normally be able to do on our own. We are not giving up anything, not surrendering maintenance. Now we can perform maintenance, bill for it and be reimbursed. AMPT is not staffed to go out and perform maintenance at the substation on the transmission level. We can complete maintenance and bill for our materials and time. First Energy has roughly 11 miles without a breaker, so although this will strengthen our system, it will strengthen Bryan’s as well so it makes a lot of sense. If we are not able to get reliability improvements, then we can consider buying it back, less depreciation.
Dawn Fitzcharles thanked John for all his and Scott’s effort with everything and added that John was inducted into the Public Power Hall of Fame at this year’s AMP Conference. John has dedicated many, many years of service to Edgerton and we are incredibly appreciative. Congratulations and thank you!
AMPT would like to have the agreement executed before the end of the year. Dawn added the electric rate information presented earlier in the meeting did not include this negotiation as it had not been improved but it will be considered.
- Motion to proceed with contract negotiations with AMP Transmission:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y MOTION |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Mayor Update by Robert Day:
- Thank you to all involved with Mainstreet’s Fall Fest and Southern Rock concert at Fleo’s Flicks
- Thanks to the ladies that participated in decorating the bandstand
- Make sure we are sensitive and aware of late-night noise
Administrator Update by Dawn Fitzcharles:
- Apologize for long meeting, lots of business to cover!
- Received certificate from Williams County Health Department for supporting breastfeeding employees, items are set up in training room, so we can close that project out; The Health Department has additional funding and is happy to provide Williams County businesses with the resources to put a site in if anyone knows of a business that is in need
- Received notice tonight that US 6 is expected to close on Oct 20 for 45 days at the Ohio/ Indiana line
- Fall health fair Oct 24-25 at Town Hall from 6-10 am in the Training room
- Mainstreet Edgerton’s annual Santa parade on Saturday, November 29 – line up at 5pm at Town Hall, parade starts at 6pm and will go from Town Hall to the Downtown bandstand
- Transformer field service will soon be completed on the substation; we do not anticipate any problems. John and Scott have been involved in the process and the work being completed is based on the annual test done on the transformer; the estimated cost is around 15k and includes additional training for our employees
- ODOT released salt contract figures for 2025-2026 at $61.69, which is an increase of $5.35 from 24-25, since 2019 prices reflect a range of $81-$61 per ton, Council approved participation in April for a 110-ton contract
- Received a request today from a training officer at Williams County EMS, they have an Edgerton student wanting to participate in the EMR class, once completed they will run with the Edgerton crew. The County has requested that the Village support the cost of the course for the student. This interested student has been vetted but does not have the means to pay for it. Leslie asked if we could write up a letter of understanding that the student would be willing to work for us for a certain amount of time. Dawn stated that the tricky part is their employment would not be with Edgerton, it would be with the County, but we can look into it.
- Motion to contribute $750.00 to Williams County EMS for cost of EMR books & necessary supplies:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y 2ND |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y MOTION |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- With an additional employee in the electric department, Troy has located a 2024 Ford F 150 truck with 13k miles for 45k at Jim Schmidt’s, it came in much lower than the comparable on the State purchasing contract- Mayor Day suggested tabling the discussion after members of Council asked some questions.
- Motion to table discussion/purchase of a truck for the electric department:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2ND |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Council will meet in regular session on Nov 5th from 5:30-6:10, Finance Committee meeting will follow to discuss Capital projects with department heads.
Fiscal Officer Update by Denise Knecht:
- September 2025 Financials emailed 10/3/2025
- Motion to pay bills 10.15.25:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y MOTION |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Efficiency Smart Agreement: This agreement is for a 3-year term. Energy Efficient Project provides rebates, discounts for residents, energy and lighting audits, smart thermostat program, light bulb sales at Village Market, a rebate recycling program for old appliances and much more.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO 2025-014
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE EXECUTION OF AN EFFICIENCY SMART SCHEDULE WITH AMERICAN MUNICIPAL POWER, INC
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution No 2025-014:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
2025 Supplement: This appropriation includes an increase for Park personal services, a budget transfer in the Fire Fund from Capital to Salaries and an increase in ODOT/SRTS Capital fund.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1159
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A SUPPLEMENT TO THE 2025 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
- Motion to pass and adopt Ordinance No 1159:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y 2ND |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Zoning reclassification: The Planning Commission adopted a motion authorizing the rezoning from R-2 moderate density residence to C-2 general business of certain real property owned by Terry and Teri Fritch located to the East of 313 W Railroad St and identified by Parcel No 061-280-13-002.001. A public hearing was held with no contests proclaimed. We now bring to Council this 1st reading of the Ordinance giving authorization to amend the zoning map to the requested classification.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1160
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY UNDER THE VILLAGE ZONING CODE
- Motion to give 1st reading to Ordinance No 1160:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y MOTION |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y 2ND |
Motion PASSES 5-0
- Motion to adjourn at 7:40PM:
|
Blinzler, Sharon |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Bowsher, Lance |
Y |
|
VanAusdale, Leslie |
Y MOTION |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
ABSENT |
|
Wampler, Pam |
Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0