Cadiz council approves bid process for reservoir property

Councilmember John Vermillion asked council at its Nov. 13 meeting if members wanted to put the village’s reservoir property out for bid. He said he felt the village was ready to make the move. Mayor R. Kevin Jones followed by asking, and receiving confirmation, that the village owns the left side of Reservoir Road near the back end and said the village should retain that portion. Vermillion agreed.

“If we can develop that and make more water,” Jones said.

Vermillion then made a motion, which council approved, for the Cadiz Community Improvement Corporation to put the property in question out to bid until Dec. 5. In a packet obtained from the village, the minimum purchase price is listed as $263,350, with offers to be no less than that for 52.57 acres.

A selective advisory committee to review written proposals will include the CCIC president, village administrator, fiscal officer, a representative from the fire department, the chair of the planning commission and the executive director of the chamber of commerce.

Village Administrator Brandon Ludwig gave a brief update during his regular report, telling council that half of the North Main Street sidewalk project is complete, with the remainder to begin in the next two weeks. Regarding the Phase II water project, two sections of line remain to be completed, with meter replacement expected to be finished by Thanksgiving. Ludwig also said village employee health insurance will see no increase for the coming year.

Under cemetery matters, Councilmember Erik Miller said burial lots are for sale in the new section.

Near the end of the meeting, an exchange between Vermillion and former council candidate Jim Schladetsch took an ugly turn. Schladetsch asked if there was a reason why there was no mural welcoming people to Cadiz. Vermillion said there were two, but Schladetsch said one was tan and black and called it “boring.” He referenced a sign that included the words “proudest city” but did not say “Cadiz.”

“You’re in Cadiz, why would you have to say Cadiz?” Vermillion asked. Schladetsch responded, “never mind.”

Schladetsch then asked again why there was not something welcoming people to Cadiz, noting that it is the county seat. Vermillion said the village cannot paint on someone’s building without permission.

Schladetsch asked whether funding would be available for a mural. It was unclear what prompted the next exchange, when Vermillion said, “excuse me?” Schladetsch then responded with an insult.

“This village is never going to change with these people,” Schladetsch said. “I’m glad some of them are out.”

Councilmember Derek Sefsick then objected to Schladetsch’s comments, first asking whether he had an issue and then telling him he was out of line.

“Is that right? Well, let's write an ordinance against it,” Schladetsch said, ending the exchange.

Before adjourning, council agreed to hold its December meetings Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 instead of the second and fourth Thursdays.