Doug Jackson

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the appointment of a Council President Pro-Tempore and the announcement of 2026 committee and board appointments for various bodies, including Finance & Audit, Street & Safety, and the Planning Commission. The Rules of Council for 2026 were approved. In legislative matters, the second reading of an ordinance concerning participation in the American Municipal Power, INC. community energy savings smart thermostat program occurred, alongside the first reading of an ordinance establishing zoning for the incorporated area. The Council awarded a contract for the Terry Street Water Tower Interior Coating Improvements Project, approved several Planning Commission cases related to replat surveys and a vacation plat for Reims Court, and authorized the purchase of a digger/derrick unit for the Electric Department. The Council also accepted a resignation and authorized a payment from the Wellfield Development Fund to the General Fund. Following an executive session, legislation was authorized to amend the Hourly Wage Scale. The Village Administrator reported on ODOT discussions regarding State Route 121 rerouting, ongoing sewer improvement projects, power line restoration, water plant maintenance, and the status of scheduled projects like the AMP Transmission Project and the W. Wood St. Reconstruction Project.

This document outlines the Village of Versailles' strategic plan for significant electric system improvements. It details the construction of a new, third substation, comprehensive upgrades to the transmission system through collaboration with AMP Transmission (AMPT), and measures to address increasing electric load and enhance grid stability. The plan aims to bolster system capacity, improve overall reliability, mitigate voltage fluctuations, and support the community's future growth through a robust and resilient electrical infrastructure.

The meeting focused on several legislative actions under New Business, including the approval of Ordinance No. 25-58 establishing an updated Hourly Employees Compensation Program, Resolution No. 25-59 accepting the annexation of 6.782-acres of land, and Ordinance No. 25-60 establishing zoning classifications for properties on Reed and Baker Roads. The Personnel & Policies Committee recommendations were approved, resulting in legislation for amended job descriptions for the Fire/EMS Chief, Utilities Administrative Assistant, and Refuse Collection Laborer, as well as updates to the Personnel & Policies Manual and Salary and Hourly Wage Scale, and approval of the Compensation Split Schedule. The Finance & Audit Committee recommendations included approval of wage rates for Part Time Emergency Medical Service personnel and approval of the Village's Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan. Other approvals included the 2026 pledge amount to the Darke County Economic Development Partnering for Progress Program and the updated Emergency Operations Plan. A Public Hearing was scheduled for the Police Department Feasibility Study. The acceptance of the retirement of a Street Laborer-refuse was also recorded. Operational updates detailed current infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewer lateral replacements, tree removals, manhole adjustments, electric underground extension work, and scheduling for water plant clarifier cleaning. The upcoming McGreevey Rd. Substation financing plan and a public meeting regarding the 69 kV transmission line construction project were noted.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered the amended agenda, approvals of previous public hearing and regular meeting minutes from December 17, 2025, expenditures for December 24, 2025, and several re-appointments to various boards and commissions (Planning Commission, Cemetery Board, Park Board, Income Tax Review Board, Tree Commission, Records Commission, and Utilities Policies Committee), along with one new appointment to the Utilities Policies Committee and Board of Zoning Appeals. The Council moved the January 28, 2026, Council Meeting to Thursday, January 29, 2026. Key legislative actions included the unanimous approval of several resolutions (25-61, 25-62, 25-63, 25-68, 25-69, 25-72) adopting revised job descriptions (Fire/EMS Chief, Utilities Administrative Assistant, Refuse Collection Laborer) and policy updates, as well as ordinances (25-64, 25-65, 25-66, 25-67, 25-70, 25-71, 25-73) related to employee compensation allocation, 2025 appropriation amendments, 2026 appropriations, fund transfers, and employment contracts for the Police Chief and Fire/EMS Chief. The Council also approved Ordinance No. 25-70 and 25-71 for new Police Chief and Fire/EMS Chief contracts, and Ordinance No. 25-74 regarding an energy savings program. New hires were approved for Utilities Administrative Assistant, Refuse Collection Laborer, and Street Laborer positions, effective January 4, 2026. The Council adopted a new Zoning Code recommendation from the Planning Commission and moved the Police Department Feasibility Study Public Hearing from January 28, 2026, to February 11, 2026. The Village Administrator provided updates on sewer projects, electrical work, the review of engineering reports, issues with the one-call notification system, and planned review of refuse operations.

The council meeting addressed several key areas, including fire protection contracts with York, Richland, and Wayne Townships, as well as emergency medical services contracts with the Village of Russia and Wayne Township. An ordinance amending the 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinance was discussed and approved. The council authorized an installment payment for an aerial fire truck and approved the 2026 Village of Versailles HSA contribution. Furthermore, a public hearing was approved for the presentation of the Village's 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan and a new zoning code. The council also approved a 3.5% increase for the 2026 Hourly Compensation Program and awarded the bid for the Greenlawn Cemetery Area Waterline Improvements Project. Bids for major equipment for the McGreevey Road Substation Project were also approved, with one bid item not approved due to the lack of a required performance bond. The resignation of an Electric Lineman II was accepted, and an executive session was held to discuss public employee matters. Updates were provided on electric department activities, yard waste management, flag and banner installations, leaf collection, fire hydrant replacements, and sanitary sewer improvements. The council also discussed a momentary power outage, safety equipment testing, drinking fountain installation, speed limit sign installations, underground utility locations, potential changes to NPDES discharge limits, water treatment plant maintenance, garbage truck repairs, and curbside yard waste collection. The removal and replanting of downtown streetscape trees were addressed, along with the addition of no parking signs on W. Main St. The meeting also covered the Tree City USA Award submission, the new Mexican restaurant's progress, and committee and board reports.