Bowerston Village Council accepts resignation, fills vacant seats and updates utility policies

At the October meeting of the Bowerston Village Council, one resignation and two appointments were made.

Mayor Paula Beamer informed council members that she had received a letter of resignation from Council President Juliet Bryant. In her letter, Bryant—who was present at the meeting—thanked the council for the learning experience over the past few years and said she was resigning to pursue another opportunity.

Beamer then introduced two residents, Cindy Slentz and Frank Masters, as potential council members. Councilman Chase Bryant nominated Slentz for appointment, a motion that passed unanimously. Solicitor James Ong administered the oath of office to Slentz for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2027.

Council member Polly Wolfe then moved to appoint Masters to council, which was also approved unanimously. Ong administered his oath of office for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2025.

Beamer noted that the addition of Slentz and Masters filled all council seats for the first time in nearly two years. She also said Bryant’s resignation left the position of council president vacant.

Councilman Jon Humphrey nominated Chase Bryant to serve as council president for the remainder of 2025, and the motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote.

During her report, Beamer addressed misinformation circulating on social media, clarifying that the village’s trunk or treat event did not replace traditional trick or treat. Both events were scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. She also thanked Michael Warner and Derek Warner for their work in hanging veterans banners in the village.

Other council actions:

Council approved a contract with Bruce Beamer Jr. to perform cybersecurity work for the village; passed Ordinance 2025-11, approving a cybersecurity policy; and approved Ordinance 2025-12, correcting late fees for utility billing.

Council also passed Ordinance 2025-13, authorizing Beamer to enter into a RITA agreement; approved Ordinance 2025-14, amending the employee handbook to accommodate the 2026 pay scale; and heard first readings of Ordinances 2025-15 and 2025-16, establishing new sewer and water rates for 2026-27.

Ordinance 2025-17, approving a two-year utility rate agreement with Novo, was passed. Council approved Resolution 26-2025, transferring funds within Fund 5101 with no change to overall appropriations; and passed Resolution 27-2025, appropriating $1,000 into Fund 5781.

Council also approved Resolution 28-2025, authorizing the mayor to enter into contracts for the water distribution project; Resolution 29-2025, authorizing contracts for the sanitary sewer project; and Resolution 30-2025, authorizing the mayor to submit an application for the OPWC program. The fiscal officer was authorized to certify matching funds for the application.

Reports were given by Village Administrator Bart Busby and Solicitor Ong. Masters was appointed as the village’s representative to RITA, and Humphrey was appointed as the Public Entities Pool representative.

Council was reminded that Main Street would close at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, for trunk or treat setup. The event will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. alongside trick or treat.

The next regular meeting of the Bowerston Village Council will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. in the village hall.