By Brandie Gay
This update is intended to address several recent concerns raised by residents regarding various City of Vandalia matters. Our goal is to provide clear, factual information so everyone has an accurate understanding of these issues. At this time let us address three issues that have become topics of concern Playground equipment at our city parks, Cost of Power Adjustments COPA, and Farm animals inside city limits.
Our Parks: Over the past few years, our parks have undergone a remarkable transformation. We’ve made meaningful strides in creating places our community can enjoy and be proud of. And while there is still more work ahead, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate just how far we’ve come.
South Park Improvements
1. New Multi‑Use Play Set Installed - A brand‑new multi‑use play structure has been added to the park, featuring multiple slides and an integrated climbing element. This upgrade provides expanded play opportunities for children of various ages.
2. Basketball Court Renovation - The two aging basketball courts were removed due to significant deterioration. In their place, one new court was constructed with a completely resurfaced playing area and brand‑new goals.
While available funding did not allow for a second court at the time, adding an additional basketball court remains a priority for future development.
Tri‑County Park Improvements - Tri‑County Park has recently undergone several exciting upgrades designed to expand recreation options and make the park more inclusive for all residents. Highlights include:
1. Court & Recreation Upgrades - The tennis courts have been fully resurfaced, and one court has been converted into a dedicated pickleball court.
2. New Disc Golf Course - A brand‑new nine‑hole disc (frisbee) golf course has been installed and is open for play.
3. Fitness Along the Trail - Three outdoor workout stations have been installed along the walking trail, offering new opportunities for exercise and wellness.
All‑Inclusive Playground - A new $250,000 All‑Inclusive Playground—the largest ever installed in Vandalia—has been completed. The play set features multiple climbers and slides, an Alta Glide, and an Inclusive Ten Spin. Designed for accessibility, the entire structure allows individuals using wheelchairs to access every point within the play area.
Daniel’s Park Improvements - Daniel’s Park is beginning an exciting new chapter with several upgrades already completed and more enhancements on the way.
1. New Playground Features - A brand‑new multi‑use play set has been installed, offering a variety of activities for kids of all ages. A new teeter‑totter has also been added to expand the park’s play options.
Upcoming Enhancements for Daniels Park - More renovations are planned for later this year, including:
• A dedicated dog park to give four‑legged friends a space of their own
• A walking trail to support fitness and outdoor enjoyment
• New trees to enhance shade, beauty, and the overall park environment
We’ve received a few questions about why certain older pieces of playground equipment were taken out of our parks. The reason is simple: they were no longer safety compliant, and our city’s insurance provider recommended their removal to ensure the continued safety of all park visitors.
Just as important, we want residents to know that we have never removed playground equipment without replacing it with something bigger, better, and safer. Every update is made with the goal of improving the park experience for families and ensuring our facilities meet modern safety standards.
Now Let’s address questions about the Cost of Power Adjustment COPA.
First, what is COPA? It is a line item on your electric bill that accounts for fluctuations in the cost of purchasing or generating electricity. It is a "pass-through" mechanism, meaning the utility company is not making a profit on this charge; they are simply covering the real-time costs of energy that differ from their projected "base rate".
Because fuel prices (natural gas, coal, wholesale electricity markets, etc.) fluctuate constantly, utilities can’t perfectly predict their costs when they set base rates. So the COPA acts as a pass‑through:
• The utility does not profit from it
• It simply passes along the difference between projected energy costs (built into the base rate) and the actual energy costs they incur.
• It changes month to month, depending on these changes
Why It Exists - Without this mechanism, utilities would need to request frequent rate changes, a slow, expensive process. The COPA lets us adjust more smoothly and transparently.
COPA (Cost of Power Adjustment) has been part of your electric rates since 2001, when the city passed an ordinance adopting it. For years, COPA was bundled into the general “electric charges” line, so customers didn’t see it broken out separately. When the city switched to new billing software, each component of the bill began appearing as its own line item. As a result, COPA is now visible, even though it is not a new fee and nothing additional is being charged. This is mostly a transparency change, not a pricing change. The charge was always there; it’s just being itemized now.
Farm Animals Inside City Limits: Keeping Livestock/Farm Animals is address in our city code in Section 210. Again, this is not new ordinance. It was passed in 1991 and updated in 2013 and 2014
Section 210.160Keeping Of Livestock/Farm Animals, Generally.
[R.O. 1991 § 210.150; Ord. No. 13-1127 § II, 5-14-2013; Ord. No. 14-1145 §§ I – II, 10-14-2014]
The keeping of horses, cows, mules, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, or other domesticated animals commonly referred to as "livestock" or "farm animals" is hereby prohibited within the City limits, unless allowed by Section 210.170 of this Article.
The City of Vandalia makes decisions with purpose, always with safety, fairness, and legal compliance in mind. We’re not out to “get” anyone. Before assuming the worst, we encourage you to ask questions. We’re always willing to explain how things work and why decisions are made. We’re all part of this community, and we want Vandalia to be the best it can be.
If you have additional questions or would like more details after reading this update, please contact City Hall at 573‑594‑6186 and ask for City Administrator Darren Berry or City Clerk Brandie Gay. They are available and happy to discuss any concerns you may have.