Village of Mount Gilead

The meeting included a presentation by the Vice President of Spire Development regarding a zoning change request for a proposed 65-unit senior housing complex, which will be subject to a future public hearing. The Police Department reported on recent Electronic Speed Measuring Device training and assistance provided during a hostage barricade situation. The Fire Department noted its Fire Academy charter renewal process. Financial actions included approving bills and advancing an ordinance regarding trash service bidding to the second reading. Council authorized the purchase of new diving boards using remaining loan funds and approved allowing the Administrator to use the remainder of his sick leave hours from a previous employer. Discussions were held regarding new U-turn signs and the prospective tenant for the old Family Dollar building.

Key discussions included the Police Department reporting no issues during the latest snowstorm and an update on Officer McIntire's training phase. The Fire Department reported 72 calls for January, an increase from the previous year. The Safety committee recommended the purchase of a combination fire truck (ladder/engine) for $1,464,402.00, with financing arranged through Community Leasing Partners, noting that the current ladder truck is out-of-service and the engine truck is also nearing retirement. The Services committee authorized bidding out the trash service and approved a one-time bonus structure for service employees who assisted with water main breaks and snow plowing. The Administrator reported on ordering pool starting blocks, advertising for a utility worker position open since late 2024, and noted that Safe Harbor withdrew a rezoning request. Significant attention was given to severe watermain breaks occurring in late January, including one rupture that drained a water tower, and the staff intervention to repair frozen backflow preventors at a mobile home park to prevent a public health crisis. Finance approved outstanding bills, and an ordinance regarding supplemental appropriations was passed.

Key discussions included the swearing-in of a new full-time police officer, Officer Cory McIntire. The Fire Chief presented the 2025 annual report, including organizational charts and incident data. The Administrator reported on two applications for a senior housing project seeking Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, one of which requires rezoning of specific properties, scheduled for review by the planning commission. Other service updates involved ordering pool starting blocks, planning the erection of 2025 State Championship signs, addressing a collapsed retaining wall on Arnold Lane, and scheduling the replacement of 49 flickering or out streetlights with LED bulbs at no cost. A major water main break on Lee Street was noted, and approval was granted for the repair of a manhole on Iberia for $16,833.00. The resignation of a garbage department employee led to a discussion regarding retiring the garbage truck and potentially contracting out trash and recycling services. The Mayor requested and received approval for a resolution recognizing the United States Postal Service on its 250th anniversary. Financial actions included approving bills, accepting county budget commission rates, passing a resolution to purchase a pickup truck, and passing Ordinance 2008 for supplemental appropriation. The Mayor announced a dedication ceremony for a history marker on May 1st, and clarification was provided that the Friends of the Village, not the village, is responsible for clearing the turf on the "green space".

The organizational meeting included the swearing-in of four council members, followed by a regular council meeting. Key actions included the nomination and appointment of Mark Phillips as Council President Pro Tempore for 2026. The 2026 council rules of procedure were approved, as were the regular meeting times for the upcoming year. The Police Department reported on a recruit's progress through field training. The council approved the bills and appointed two members to the Volunteer Firefighters Dependent Board. The Mayor announced a subsequent special meeting to explain council meeting procedures.

Key discussions during the meeting included a request from the pool manager to consider reducing free pool days next year due to high attendance, and updates on necessary repairs at the water treatment plant, including flushing lines due to an iron issue. The Police Department reported on the repair status of a Durango and the expected service date of a new cruiser. The Fire Department received approval to hire four part-time firefighters, approved the Franklin Township fire contract, and received authorization to travel to Wisconsin to investigate purchasing a used fire truck, including a deposit of up to $20,000.00. Finance Committee discussions covered economic and long-range planning, including the Sav-A-Lot building, and follow-up with the baseball/softball commission regarding field upkeep responsibilities. The Service Committee addressed water treatment plant improvements, sewer and water line upgrades planned for 2026, readiness for bid submission for resurfacing and recreation projects, and the potential purchase of a used street sweeper for $150,000.00. Various ordinances and resolutions were passed, including those regarding animals, supplemental appropriations, advertising for bids for resurfacing and recreation projects, and purchasing a street sweeper and a fire truck.