Vandalia City Council discusses city manager departure, honors city employees

VANDALIA, OH — The Vandalia City Council met Thursday, June 17, to address community concerns ranging from now-former City Manager Dan Wendt’s departure to the increased theft occurrences in the Vandalia community.

While in session, the City Council also passed a Vandalia Police Department (VPD) proposal for purchasing three new vehicles and honored VPD retirees Sgt. Todd Flynn and Officer Mike Hulbert for their service.

Additionally, Vandalia welcomed Heather Cross and Mike Stookey as the city’s newest public safety specialists. The city council meeting also included the following:

• Multiple residents appealed to the city council’s silence on former City Manager Dan Wendt’s resignation but did not receive a full explanation for Wendt’s departure.

• Council reminded residents to close and lock vehicles, as most thefts have come from unlocked cars. Additional patrols are being implemented nonetheless.

• Vandalia is spending over $1.8 M on an irrigation contract for the Cassel Hills Golf Course. This money comes in addition to a separate payment of more than $140,000 for a pump control station.

• Vandalia proclaimed June 17–23 “Pollinator Week” and honored pollinator Al Tuttle with a Bee City USA Proclamation for his service.

• After five years, Axogen, a nerve repair business, finally opened its doors, offering growth opportunities for employment and development within the city.

• Pending inclement weather, the Vandalia Sports Complex will host its Star Spangled Celebration on Wednesday, July 3, featuring live music, food, and fireworks. Poor conditions will result in fireworks on July 5, without additional entertainment.

As the Vandalia City Council enters its summer schedule, it will hold its next session on July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Vandalia Municipal Building. Before that time, locals are invited to the VPD Open House, which will be held on June 27 at the Vandalia Police Department.