(PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SQUIRREL CONCERNS … Mayor Schlade spoke on citizens’ concerns about thesquirrel population in the city.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan City Council met on Monday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. with the following present: Mary Leatherman from Ward 1, Richard Hupe from Ward 2, John Betts from Ward 3, Stephen Alspaugh from Ward 4, Jim Kozumplik At Large, Mayor Carrie Schlade, Treasurer John Lehner, city employees from various departments, as well as a few members from the community.
The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to follow. The minutes from the previous meeting held on July 7 were approved upon a motion by Kozumplik and seconded by Alspaugh.
The council then moved on to the hearing of public concerns. Leatherman welcomed Bryan resident Steve Cox to the podium, who expressed his concerns about the Huntington Drive/Eastland Estates Paving Project, which he was expecting to be done by the end of the month.
Leatherman and Mayor Schlade assured him that the time frame was an estimate and that Schlade had been in contact with the contractors, who indicated the project is likely to move forward next week. Due to rain and unfavorable weather conditions, projects have been delayed.
Cox went on to say that he was also concerned about gravel and other debris in the street and suggested that street sweepers should be used prior to pavement application.
Schlade stated that she felt that the department heads should be present to make that decision.
Moving on from public concerns, Mayor Schlade addressed the next item up for discussion. Recently, in Bryan, community members have expressed concern about an ongoing issue with the city’s squirrel population, sending letters to city hall asking what options are available to address the problem.
A suggestion from one resident was to have the city coordinate with the Parks Department to poison the squirrels so that the squirrels would no longer be a threat to cats or other pets and animals.
Mayor Schlade spoke with the ODNR officer about this, and the officer communicated that this would be considered an illegal procedure, so the Mayor wanted to address that this would not be a plausible solution.
Mayor Schlade stated, “We’re just going to have to know that they live in our environment and do the best we can.” She wanted to be clear that this will not be taking place in the city of Bryan.
The next item on the agenda was the Clerk-Treasurer’s Report. Led by Lehner, the council was advised that if they had any questions about the financial reports from the month ending on June 30, they should reach out.
Without further discussion, the council approved the report unanimously upon a motion by Kozumplik, which was seconded by Alspaugh.
Council addressed Resolution 35.2025, authorizing use of the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Revolving Loan Funds for TDK Holdings, LLC, for the rehabilitation of the building at 113-115 S. Main Street.
Mayor Schlade began the discussion by stating this is a renovation project for the upstairs of The Mad Ox Men’s Emporium and ElliAnn’s Boutique for the creation of “Fountain City Suites,” which will offer short-term stays targeting area businesses for various needs they may have for the space.
Back in 2023, the Revolving Loan Fund Committee met with Dennis Miller, Executive Director of Maumee Valley Planning Organization, to appropriate $300,000 at a 3% interest rate for 20 years.
“The deal is ready to be closed on this week, so we needed to get that to you for your approval,” Schlade relayed to the council. The council suspended the rules and approved the resolution unanimously.
Lastly, Mayor Schlade reminded the council that “Flair on the Square” will take place this weekend, along with the Fountain City Festival, which is presenting “Legally Blonde: The Musical”.
Due to the renovation of the Arts and Education Building, this may be one of the last musicals for a while, so she encouraged all who are available to come out and see it, as they will likely not be putting one on next summer.
Schlade also congratulated the Class of 1975 Baseball Team, who had the 50th Anniversary Reunion for their state championship.
With no further items to discuss, the council kept the meeting short and sweet, ending at 5:37 p.m.