STAUNTON – The regular meeting of the Staunton City Council was called to order at 7 p.m. with all members being present.

Retiring council members Rick Fey and Reva Bowen were presented plaques honoring their years of service.

Next, council members Bart Yakos, Randy Brown, and Craig Neuhaus renewed their oaths of office while Bronson Painter and Bob Schwander took the oath for the first time.

The council then heard from guests.

Dustin Hoog from The Cooler addressed the council about extending the hours for the sale of liqueur. Hoog stated that currently customers are leaving Staunton at 2 a.m. to go to areas that remain open till 3 a.m. He says by extending the hours this would keep money in the community.

The issued was referred to committee.

Next, Gary Gusewelle addressed the council about the pre-annexation agreements. He questioned the legality of his agreement. He said that his agreement is titled annexation agreement and that alone changes what the agreement is.

City Attorney Phil Lading told Gusewelle the title on the document does not change the meaning of what is contained in it and that by the city’s position it is a legal document. He also told Gusewelle that he can get an attorney to challenge the issue.

The council then approved VFW Post 1241 request to hold a Memorial Day parade. The parade will start at 11:15 a.m. and go from St. Michael’s Church to the Veterans Memorial at city hall. The council also agreed to provide food for a luncheon following the event.

Council member Fred Lotter told the council that a survey has been completed in Ward II. The survey will be used to help get a grant to perform water line upgrades in the ward.

The council then decided to table payment of $1,862 to D-N-P Plumbing until charges are explained.

The council approved a letter to send to Main Street property owners. The letter informs the owners of changes that need to be made due to the upcoming upgrade of the water main on Main Street. Approximately, 53 meters will need to be moved as part of the project.

The council then agreed to start a project to extend 12 inch water main to the sludge lagoons near the Staunton Soccer Complex.

Approval was also given to enter into an agreement with Ascent Power for the maintenance of two generators. The company has been servicing the generators for some time and Lotter noted the generators worked flawlessly during the recent ice storms.

Council member Yakos requested that a dead end sign be placed on North Easton Street. The council approved the request.

Approval was then given to purchase $7,500 of culverts.

The council approved the purchase of 100 cubic feet of mulch for the use in city playgrounds from Hutchinson and Associates, Inc at a cost of $1,693.

The council then passed numerous pre-annexation agreements.

The first reading for ordinances authorizing pyrotechnic and consumer displays, adding Duda Park to list of city parks, and mileage reimbursements were held.

The council then appointed Debby Nicholas, Mary Hochmuth and Dr. Rajneesh Jain to the library board.

The council also appointed Cindy Hundley to the police Pension Board.

The council then went into executive session at 8:23 p.m.