Stephanie Pearce - YS Village Council

06/01/2026

Tonight’s June 1 meeting will be our only meeting in June. We are skipping a meeting in the spirit of summer break, as all of us have school-aged kids in our regular lives. We do, however, still have a housing retreat scheduled for later this month on June 25.

We will start tonight with an Executive Session at 5pm. Executive Sessions are closed to staff and the public, unless a related party needs to be present. They are not recorded or streamed. This session is for discussing the evaluation or compensation of an employee.

At 6pm, we will move on to our regular meeting. We are typically approaching Citizen Concerns by 6:10pm, so keep that in mind if you are coming to speak. Signing in is not required, but do so if you want us to be able to reach back out to you if needed.

Here’s what’s on the agenda:

Ordinance 2026-09 This is just moving money (hence the emergency, so it can be done immediately). This includes the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (remember we have previously had a discussion and a work session on this), a reimbursement from Antioch for replacing a water main, donations to Parks and Recs, our new YSPD recruit’s academy fees, and a few other things. You can check out the spreadsheets here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_03a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

A little reminder to folks who wonder “where the money goes”… that spreadsheet, this ordinance, the monthly credit card reports, the budget sessions coming up in a couple of months… These are all public record and good checks and balances - and all made easily available online. I try to make it easier by linking directly to documents as they come up, but you just have to pay attention. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you have them. That’s what I do. You can also check out the proposed budget sessions calendar to put those on your radar. Our Finance Director just put one out here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_01b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH )

Ordinance 2026-10 - This is about prohibiting the digging of wells in the Village, for the sake of protecting the Village's water supply. You can read the specific language and the staff memo on this issue here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_03b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Ordinance 2026-11 - This one is about a moratorium on smoke shops in the village, being read as an emergency so that it may take effect immediately. We currently have 5 smoke shops. Details on the why’s and how’s of this moratorium are here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_03c.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Resolution 2026-23 - This is in order to address some payroll issues found during an internal audit. One employee was underpaid, and two employees were overpaid. This is to resolve those errors. (Just an FYI - these errors occurred before the current finance director was with the Village.) Read those details here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_03d.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Both the Manager’s Report and Old Business, will touch us back on the Council goals, led by Elyse (Asst VM). If you are following this progress, updated docs are here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_06a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH
clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_05.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Notable and upcoming in the goals - I will be organizing a Town Hall around rental issues very soon. Stay tuned for more on that.

Also in Old Business, Angie will open a Council discussion about that upcoming June 25 housing retreat I mentioned. The draft agenda is here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_06b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

In New Business, Carmen will open a Council discussion about feeding deer in the Village. This is a popular public topic, but this will not yet be a public discussion since we are taking no action. You can chime in at the next meeting during Citizen Concerns or email a letter to the clerk for the next meeting packet. See Carmen’s memo here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_07a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

If allowed, I will discuss my letter of recommendation to the County Engineer for a traffic study on E Enon Rd approaching the school zone. It was something I threw in last minute after the Active Transportation Committee met and agreed with this course of action. In hopes of having some safety plans moving forward prior to the start of school and the fact that we are only having one Council meeting this month, I’m going to ask them to let me bring up the discussion in New Business rather than Future Business. It isn’t guaranteed to be heard during this meeting, and should go on the July 6 agenda if it isn’t. Proper process is important, so it’s not an insult to me or the issue if they don’t let me drop it in here. It’s just government, ya’ll. You can read my letter asking for the traffic study in the Petitions/Communications section of the agenda, and here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260601_01a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

You can watch the meeting live or replay here: youtube.com/c/yellowspringscommunityaccess

See the entire agenda here: clerkshq.com/YellowSprings-OH

Be well! ✌️



*picture of the Village just villagin' on Thursday 💛

05/27/2026

State level Data Center hearing - LIVE

🔴LIVE: PUCO Chair Jenifer French testifies at the Ohio House and Senate Select Committee on Data Centers.

Watch here on the Ohio Channel: https://www.ohiochannel.org/live/ohio-house-and-senate-select-committees-on-data-centers

05/18/2026

We will start things off this evening with a work session at 5pm. Please remember work sessions are open to public attendance, but not public comments. This work session will be a little different. We will have a rep from AMP (American Municipal Power) presenting information on contracts and capacity charges. I highly encourage folks to watch or attend - you (as in we) will hopefully better understand a few things about electric bills.

I have been attending monthly sessions with AMP to receive my Public Power Certification, which I will complete in June. I have learned a lot thus far and the information nerd in me loves it! I am glad everyone will also get to go on a deeper dive this evening.

Our regular meeting session starts at 6pm. Before we jump into the routine opening business, Gavin will swear in four new members to the Public Arts & Culture Commission.

I’m inserting another reminder that we hear Citizen Concerns prior to reading or voting on any legislation. Please come at the start of the meeting if you would like to speak. Signing in when you come to speak is helpful so that we can reach back out to you if it is needed.

- Emergency Reading of Ordinance 2026-08 - This is a revised version of what was presented at the last meeting, to accommodate language changes requested by the VM. This is being presented as an emergency so that it can take effect immediately. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_02a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

- Reading of Resolution 2026-21 - Batter up! This is about applying for a grant to revamp our softball field. If awarded, the grant will cover 75% of the cost, leaving the village with less $8k to cover, as it stands now, which will come from the Parks & Recs funds (or possibly from community donors). The staff included some pictures of the field’s issues along with the memo. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_02b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

- Reading of Resolution 2026-22 - This is for $20k that was earmarked for Home Inc. by the previous council during last year’s budget sessions. These funds are specifically for their Home Repair Program, and specifically for Yellow Springs residents only. The money will be disbursed over time as Home Inc. presents qualifying and approved receipts from repairs. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_02c.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

The Manager’s Report is packed with staff updates and work accomplished, from getting the pool open to painting curbs to repairing storm damage. (shoutout to ALL the crews keeping this village together!) We have a new YSPD recruit, Damion Day, who is almost a month into his training. The report also includes some very good news - we have a new Planning & Zoning Director! I am looking forward to meeting and welcoming Nia Holt to YS! She starts next week. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_05.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Touching on old business…

We will revisit our ongoing goal prioritization chart. Four council members submitted our priorities ranked by number. You can see that with Elyse’s (Asst VM) memo here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_06a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

We will discuss residential sidewalk maintenance/repair, and whether or not to take the staff recommendation of returning the responsibility to homeowners. In 2011, the then council voted to take over sidewalk repair. (Ordinance 2011-5 here: yellowsprings.gov/egov/documents/1661440988_07049.pdf ) Johnnie has included a rundown of data and reasons why staff recommends we should shift it back to residents here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_06b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH This discussion is not a time for public comments, but do pay attention, as it could directly affect your property. You can speak early in the meeting during citizen comments, or listen to our discussion in order to have follow up questions and comments ready for the next meeting (or submitting to the clerk online).

Carmen will open a discussion on Municipal Land Trusts and why we should look into the model as a contributing solution to specific housing needs in YS. That memo is here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_06c.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Last in old business, Gavin will open a discussion on having fewer council meetings in the summer.

In new business, Carmen is proposing a change in how the Village Mediation Program is run. A member of the program’s Steering Committee has also chimed in opposed to this proposal, however it didn’t get into the packet in time for publishing online. Scroll down on the link to see the proposal. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260518_07a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

After and update on Boards & Commissions and a review of future agenda items, we should wrap it up, hopefully having had a productive and insightful meeting.

If you pay an electric bill, do check out this 5pm work session.

Watch live or replay later: 🎬🍿 youtube.com/c/yellowspringscommunityaccess

Be well! ✌️



*The picture is a note someone left on a bathroom wall at Otterbein University on Saturday. I was there for my last class in the LEAD Ohio Good Governance Academy that I'd been attending since Feb.

05/05/2026

VOTE today!

Here's what you need to know as a YS voter 👉 ysnews.com/news/2026/05/2026-primary-election-tuesday-may-5

05/04/2026

We will start with an executive session this evening at 5pm, to discuss the evaluation or compensation of a public employee. At 6pm, we will transition into a regular meeting. We have several items we will be discussing in old business, so there are memos linked to those below as well. Remember that we recently adjusted the agenda schedule to allow for citizen comments before any legislation is discussed or voted on during the meeting.

Second Reading and Public Hearing of Ordinance 2026-06 - This is the second reading on the same PPM update that has been working it’s way through the legislative process. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_03a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Emergency Reading of Ordinance 2026-07 - This is adjusting numbers based on things incoming and outgoing, budget wise. These are actually incoming items, and they reflect community supporters and engagement - always a positive thing to see. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_03b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Reading of Resolution 2026-20 - This is about a contract for tree trimming around utility lines. clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_03c.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

The Manager’s Report can be seen here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_05.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

The Council President and Village Manager will open discussions about…

Parking (memo from Johnnie) clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_06a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Economic Development (memo from Gavin) clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_06b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

And Strategic Planning (memo from Gavin) clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_06c.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

I will open a discussion about a moratorium on data center developments (memo from me) clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_07a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

If you want very clearly outlined info about the upcoming Street Fair, Phillip (YS Chamber) has a great detailed memo announcement here: clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260504_01b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

You can view the entire packet here: clerkshq.com/YellowSprings-OH
You can watch online here: youtube.com/c/yellowspringscommunityaccess

A lot of wheels are moving and I am feeling great about where they are going! If we could just get the warm weather to settle in here…

Be well! ✌️

04/23/2026

Yesterday I attended the Greene County Annual Report to the Community - a nice event hosted by Greene County Development sharing updates and stats on county-wide progress and development and celebrating some local folks and their achievements. It took place at the Greene County Career Center, and we had a wonderful buffet meal prepared by the students in the culinary program there. They honored about a dozen people/teams that have done some pretty impressive things. This young man in the video is Chandler Steele from Xenia - the no.3 yo-yo’er in world!

Tonight the Greene County Food Council meets. If you care about food access in the community and have a few hours a month, or if you’re just curious, come to Greene County Public Health in Xenia at 4:30pm.

Happy Thursday! ✌️

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! And what a beautiful day it is! I took these photos at Ellis Pond about 8:30 this morning.

The Environmental Commission has spots available. If you’d like to serve, send a letter of interest to [email protected] .

There is no shortage of events going on in the area this week and weekend!
Be sure to check out the YS Wildlife Habitat Community’s event on Sunday at the JBCC! https://www.facebook.com/events/john-bryan-community-center/2026-ys-earth-day-community-habitat-celebration/2118137985727740/

04/20/2026

Tonight’s meeting will begin at 6pm. Let me first give a reminder that Citizen Concerns now occur early in the meetings, before we vote on any legislation, so you’ll want to be on time if you intend to speak. Also, remember to sign in so that staff or council can follow up with you if it is needed.

The Mayor’s Report is included in this packet and can be viewed here: https://clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260420_01e.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

The links regarding legislation below contain Legislation Memos that are helpful in outlining related information.

First Reading of Ordinance 2026-06 - This is to approve the updates to the Personnel Policy Manual (PPM). You can see the details of that here: https://clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260420_03a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

Resolution 2026-19 - This is in regard to a request for grant money from the YS Senior Center. The previous council approved the funds last year during budget sessions, but the requested use for the funds has changed. They are asking to use the previously approved $32,000 towards the purchase of the old lumberyard on Cliff St. The resolution is here: https://clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260420_03b.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH *note, at the time of posting, some of the docs pertaining to the Senior Center grant are in the link above for the PPM*

You can read about the Senior Center’s plans from a YS News article here: https://ysnews.com/news/2026/04/senior-center-to-purchase-former-lumberyard

The Public Arts & Culture Commission will be adding several new members soon. Those folks, who were recently interviewed, will be nominated during the meeting.

Gavin will lead a discussion around all Boards, Committees, and Commissions. You can view a (still in progress) chart that breaks that down some here: https://clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260420_06a.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH

We will also be reviewing the priorities that were set during our all-day housing retreat on Apr 9. I encourage you to review Angie’s summary if you did not catch any of the retreat. It’s an easy to follow outline about what we discussed and who is taking on the next related tasks. Check that out here: https://clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/YellowSprings-OH/260420_06c.pdf?clientSite=YellowSprings-OH
You can watch the Apr 9 Housing Retreat here:
part 1 https://www.youtube.com/live/dg9zWwStmZ8?si=SRktnAqpN2RJONeu
part two https://www.youtube.com/live/Rg6Exiv2VKQ?si=xOENJIMRa3npFTj7

Attend tonight’s meeting in person at the JBC at 6pm or watch online here: https://www.youtube.com/c/yellowspringscommunityaccess

View the complete agenda and packet (with all petitions/communications) here: https://clerkshq.com/YellowSprings-OH

Be well! ✌️

04/11/2026

The second event in the YS Public Arts & Culture Commission Speaker Series is at 7pm tonight at the Senior Center.

AMERICA 250 SPEAKER SERIES CONTINUES WITH JEREMY TURNER ON APRIL 11

The Village of Yellow Springs Public Arts & Culture Commission invites the community to join us on Saturday, April 11 at 7:00 PM in the Yellow Springs Senior Center Great Room for the next installment of its America 250 Speaker Series.

This program welcomes Jeremy Turner, Vice President of Caesar's Ford Theatre, a cultural educator and storyteller whose work calls us to look more closely at the ground beneath our feet - and to ask who has known it longest. Turner was also featured in Ohio Country on WYSO, where he contributed to conversations about place, memory, and the layered history of our region.

In this talk, Turner will speak to the enduring relationship between the Little Miami River and the Shawnee people, a relationship not confined to the past, but alive and insistent. Long before roads and property lines, the river carried life, language, and story. It shaped our movement and sustained communities. It witnessed histories that are too often forgotten, or worse, overwritten.

This event is part of Yellow Springs' participation in America 250, a national commemoration marking 250 years of American history. Through this speaker series, the Village seeks not just to celebrate, but to add depth to the story so that it begins to resemble the truth.

The program will conclude with a screening of the trailer for 'Stomping Freedom', a production by Kane Stratton, Caesar's Ford Theatre resident playwright and project manager.

04/08/2026

MVRPC is having a final public participation meeting on Zoom this evening at 5, to present the final draft of the Long Range Transportation Plan projects and strategies prior to the adoption by the MVRPC Board of Directors on May 7. They will take public comments during the Zoom meeting. You can see the plans and view the slideshow here: https://plan2050.mvrpc.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRDVr5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMVXlzeVd0eFg2OUZDSjRRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpo9-Z8GmvEGHiAn1PpHyuprauh50LjowCItgcrpMeu25Rv_VZyPkiGDJQSS_aem_taef206k1eloWvAotOwcnQ

(Summary from link above) "MVRPC, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Miami Valley, develops a Transportation Plan every 5 years to guide the effective investment of public funds in the regional transportation system. The Plan is “long-range” and supports all modes of transportation in the Region – roadway, freight, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian. The Plan is developed through a collaborative process and lists projects that reflect the shared values of regional stakeholders, including elected officials, planners, engineers, businesses, special interest groups, and the public."

Today, MVRPC will host a virtual public participation meeting regarding the FINAL DRAFT 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan. You can attend via Zoom link or call-in number. Visit plan2050.mvrpc.org for meeting details and access information. The meeting will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.