The Metamora Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Council members Rob Armstrong, Lee Ann Miller, John Pupos, Karen Siefker, and Sandy Witt were present, with Council President Gary Loar absent.
Mayor Cathy Mossing, Village Fiscal Officer Heather Lumbrezer, and Village Administrator Keith Torbet were also in attendance. Mossing opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council next approved the January 20 meeting minutes as written, on a motion from Armstrong, seconded by Siefker, with approval by council and an abstention from Pupos.
During visitors’ remarks, Nicki Clark, who was observing, raised an issue regarding the wording used for the executive session at the prior meeting. In response, council approved a clarification to specify the January 20 executive session as being for “personnel employment,” with Witt making the motion and Siefker seconding.
Torbet then provided the administrator’s report, including an update on the Garnsey Avenue bridge replacement project. Council was told final plans are expected to be completed by February 1, 2027, with construction projected to begin June 1, 2029.
Torbet also reported the village obtained a free cabinet for the AED, which has been mounted just inside the front door of the Village Office.
Torbet also discussed the possibility of completing an income survey with Maumee Valley Planning. Council was informed that the village’s current low-to-moderate-income figure is 46.5 percent, and if it increases to 50.1 percent, the village will qualify for additional grant opportunities.
It was noted that the village plans to wait until July to conduct the survey to better align with grant application timing and to maximize the benefit period tied to the results.
In the mayor’s report, Mossing shared upcoming meeting dates related to village planning efforts. The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee kickoff meeting was scheduled for February 3 at 6:00 p.m., and a meeting to review the first draft of zoning updates was scheduled for February 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Council also approved Mossing’s attendance at NOMMA’s annual spring meeting on March 24 for $45. Discussion also took place regarding an inclement weather policy.
During the fiscal officer’s report, council advanced several items, including three ordinances passed under emergency measures. Ordinance 2026-04, approving 2026 transfers for loan payments, was suspended and then approved on roll call.
Ordinance 2026-05, authorizing the village administrator to enter into a contract with Local Government Services of the Auditor of State’s office, was also suspended and approved on roll call, after council had earlier voted to enter into a contract with LGS for training and assistance in 2026 and 2027 for the fiscal officer if needed.
Ordinance 2026-06, directing the mayor to enter into an agreement with an electric supplier through Aspen Energy Corp. for the village electric aggregation program, was likewise suspended and approved on roll call.
Council also approved the Records Commission’s disposal of certain hard copy records from 2015 through 2018. Council later authorized payment of bills as read.
In old business, Lumbrezer clarified the village’s participation in ODOT’s sign program. Council was informed that the village opted out of replacement and maintenance of speed limit signs but remains under contract for ODOT to replace and maintain other standard and legal traffic signs along State Routes 64 and 120 within corporation limits. Council also noted that an insurance claim was filed for damage to the maintenance shop.
Under new business, council approved waiving the rental fee for the Metamora Chamber to use Shelter A on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Other business included concerns from residents about snowplowing occurring too late during the most recent snowstorm. Council noted maintenance employees have been instructed to report at 5:00 a.m. to plow when snowfall is under four inches and to work in tandem during heavier snowfall to keep roads clear.
Council also discussed the possibility of holding a town hall meeting, with timing suggested for some time after March 7. Possible topics mentioned included the income survey, the effects of having no property taxes in Ohio, and feedback from residents regarding village priorities.
Council adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m.