10/21/2026
Community Meeting | Public Summary
October 20, 2026 | 7:00–8:22 PM
Constantine High School LGIA
Attendance: 23 attendees, including Village Manager Jim Bontrager; Administrative Assistant Kassandra Hochstetler; Police Chief Dan Thayer; Council President Gary Mathers; Trustees Myra Mathers, Cathy Piper, and Richard Larrance; Billing Clerk Crystal Adams; DDA Secretary Katie Fisher; and local business owners and residents.
Meeting overview
• Village Manager Jim Bontrager provided updates on Village operations and projects, followed by a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) update and an open question-and-answer discussion.
• The Village hopes to continue community meetings on a quarterly basis to share progress and hear from residents and businesses.
Wastewater treatment
• The Village’s wastewater treatment plant is operating with its own staff. The Manager discussed earlier operational challenges, recent stabilization, and continuing work to meet environmental requirements.
• A revised sewer use ordinance has been adopted and will proceed through the applicable state review process.
Water system improvements
• The Village is implementing a cross-connection inspection program to protect drinking water. HydroCorp will coordinate inspections and residents will receive information about scheduling and requirements.
• The Manager described water tower maintenance, water supply and firefighting capacity, backup power, and future infrastructure planning as important needs. The Village is exploring technical assistance and funding options.
• Water meter upgrades and utility rate planning were discussed; no new rate change was announced at the meeting.
Village operations and community projects
• The Village is working to modernize billing and payment services, improve administrative processes, and manage costs.
• The fire station project continues to move forward through planning and funding steps.
• Property maintenance, code enforcement, and opportunities to improve commercial properties remain areas of focus.
Downtown Development Authority update
• DDA Secretary Katie Fisher highlighted facade improvement grants, support for downtown businesses, Music in the Park, and the recent Oktoberfest celebration.
• The DDA shared preliminary positive results from Oktoberfest and expects additional storefront improvements as grant projects move forward.
• The planned downtown social district is awaiting final signage steps; no opening date was announced.
• Residents interested in serving on the DDA were encouraged to get involved. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 AM.
Questions and feedback from the community
• Residents raised questions about downtown business retention, vacant or neglected properties, and ordinance enforcement.
• Suggestions included improving drainage/access at the Village yard-waste drop-off area and considering Saturday availability.
• Residents asked about senior utility discounts, industrial odors and parking, and earlier text notifications for scheduled siren tests.
• Village representatives welcomed residents’ reports of specific concerns and encouraged continued communication with the Village Office and Council.
Looking ahead
• Village leadership emphasized transparency, practical problem-solving, and partnerships with residents, businesses, community groups, and schools.
• Residents are encouraged to attend future meetings, share constructive suggestions, and volunteer in community improvement efforts.
