Mike Gelsinger was sworn in as the new mayor of Sandoval at Tuesday night’s village board meeting, taking the position previously held by his mother, Pam Gelsinger. Mike said that as mayor, he hopes to honor the family members who served as mayor before him and stay focused on the needs of the village.
Mike Gelsinger is sworn in as mayor of Sandoval. Photo by Austin Williams.
“It’s a little surreal. My mother and grandfather were both mayor before I was. I like to think my grandpa would be proud,” Gelsinger said. “We’re trying to continue the projects that we have and then getting the budget straightened out. We’re going to be needing a wastewater plant sooner probably than later.”
Gelsinger was elected unopposed in the April consolidated election. Two new trustees, Garrett Bates and Beverly Jett, were also sworn in at the meeting, having also run unopposed.
New Sandoval village board trustees are sworn in. Photo by Austin Williams.
In the full meeting, the board passed an ordinance increasing water tap on fees and water/sewer rates. The tap on fees increased from $300 to $1332, and water and sewer rates increased by three percent.
Sandoval received a letter from SolarStone asking the village to confirm that it has no interest in annexing land on Jolliff Bridge Road where a new solar development is planned. The village has the option to zone and annex the land, which could provide tax revenue but could also create new expenses. The board decided to wait and gather more information before responding to the letter.
