Benjamin W. Lewis

The meeting included the presentation of a plaque honoring Jim Pope for his retirement after many years of city service. A request for business tax funds from Uniquely Rustique for window replacement was presented and forwarded to the committee for recommendation. The Council held a public hearing and subsequently approved the sale of property along SW 10th Street to Budds Contracting for $10,000, granting a right of first refusal for remaining lots. Key ordinances were adopted: implementing a non-home rule municipal retailers' occupation tax and services occupation tax at 0.75% (effective April 1, 2026), and lowering the Business District tax from 1% to 0.25% (effective April 1, 2026). A Business District Redevelopment Agreement was approved for Samantha Baker dba 6-Juan-8 Bakery for façade program funding totaling $1,000. The Mayor explained the criteria for storm siren activation, a notice of an awarded grant for water line replacement was shared, and the December financial report was presented. Year-end reports for police and fire departments were distributed, and follow-up actions regarding the collapsed wall at the old El Mexicano restaurant were discussed. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss closed session minutes and employee matters, followed by a return to the regular session.

The meeting addressed a petition to disconnect property from the city limits, which was ultimately denied. An ordinance was approved to vacate an easement in the Industrial Park for Frontier Community College. Street closing requests for the Christmas Parade, Fall Fun Fest, and a pickleball tournament were approved. A resolution was passed approving a revolving loan for Grace & Bloom. Bids were awarded for general maintenance of various roads and the council agreed to seek bids for water filtration chemicals and the city's liability insurance. An agreement for radio and transmitter maintenance at the Airport was approved. Trick or Treat dates were set, and recreation fund expenditures for various projects were approved. A property was declared as a dangerous building. The council also received a financial report and updates on the Wayne County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a road closure by Norfolk Southern Railroad, the Pond Creek-Little Wabash Watershed Project, a groundbreaking ceremony for a new gymnasium at Frontier College, and the South First Street project.

The council meeting included a presentation on feral cat overpopulation and a request for financial assistance. Agreements were approved for Fairfield Memorial Hospital Association and Crossfit Rax. The council also discussed highway authority agreement with Green Wave Consulting, declared a property on W. College Street as a dangerous building, and approved street closing requests for upcoming parades and celebrations. Bids were awarded for the South First Street General Maintenance Project, and MFT funds were appropriated for road maintenance. A petition for disconnection of property on S. First Street was discussed, and a request to renew an agreement with IDNR for Atkinson Forest was considered. Additionally, funds were approved for the Fall Fun Fest, and the financial report for July was presented.

The council meeting addressed several key issues, including the approval of the Fairfield Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year, accepting a bid for the sale of property on SW 10th Street, and approving a leachate disposal agreement with Wayne County Landfill, Inc. A business district redevelopment agreement with Farmer's Daughter and Classic Pizza and Pasta Restaurant were approved. The council also approved resolutions regarding the release of executive session minutes and authorizing the destruction of audio recordings for closed session meetings. An easement for Ameren, appropriating MFT funds for a road project, and street closings for the Fall Fun Fest and First Baptist Church Vacation Bible School were also approved. Discussions were held regarding street signs, properties in violation of city ordinances, the Wayne County Humane Society, diesel fuel in Johnson Creek, and the Lakeside Park restoration. An executive session was held to discuss specific employees.

The meeting included the swearing in of newly elected officials, approval of appointments including City Attorney, City Treasurer, City Collector, Zoning Officer, Zoning Board Members, Board of Fire & Police Commissioner, Police Pension Fund, Library Board, and Recreation Committee. The council also discussed and approved a contract with RJ Marketing, a resolution of support and commitment of funds with Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission, authorization to advertise for the sale of property along SW 10th Street, a Business District Redevelopment Agreement with Feed My Sheep, and an ordinance providing for the abatement of nuisances on private property. Other topics included a financial report, a clean-up day, sidewalk repair bids, and reports from the humane society, fire department, and police department.