In his report at the April 3rd city council meeting, Public Service Director Dennis Richardson told council that bids are now actively being sought for a general contractor to build the community pool at the previous long standing location on East Oak Street that was closed in 2009.
“At long last the pool bath house bids will be advertised starting tomorrow,” he said, referring to the lengthy timeline leading up to the current status.
Grassroots organizations such as the non-profit New Pool 4 Wauseon raised thousands of dollars towards the project as early as 2010, but the project was halted following lengthy discussion between the organization, residents, and the city regarding whether a new pool was wanted, and if so, where it would be housed.
After numerous plans were reviewed by council and a special city committee, it was ultimately decided that the pool would be built at the original site next to Reighard Park, while the original bath house would be restored. A five-year 2.6 mill tax levy was approved by Wauseon voters in November, 2015, fully funding the $1.4 million project.
Richardson also reported that work is continuing on a new recreation department at Biddle Park, the Fulton County Regional Planning Commission is updating the Comprehensive Plan, and the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation will host their annual meeting on April 27 at Founder’s Hall in Archbold with Judge Jeffrey Robinson as the keynote speaker.
Mayor Kathy Huner confirmed that there will be no spring unlimited trash pick-up day by the city. They are typically held bi-annually, although the scheduled differed after the recently completed Linfoot Street construction project.
Fire Chief Rick Sluder told council that the department purchased a $40,000 fire apparatus in Blue Ash, OH for use as a reserve water supply pumper in Clinton Township.
Police Chief Keith Torbet told council that a Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th from 10 AM to 2 PM with locations at Rite Aide, Walmart, and the police department. A “Coffee with a Cop” event is scheduled for the same day at Biggby Coffee from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Chief Torbet also reported that Safety City registration is open for kindergarten-aged children at a cost of $20 for early registration. The $5,000 event is funded each year primarily through business and individual donations, with no cost to the city for the past few years.
He also issued a reminder to drivers, saying “It is getting nice out. Keep an eye out for the kids. We’ve had some close calls. We have kids on bikes and people on motorcycles, so that few extra seconds to watch and double check”.
Assistant Law Director Kevin Whitlock told council that May Huner, Administrative Assistant Trudi Mahnke, and City Law Director Tom McWatters will soon meet with Mike Rudey, Wood County Chief Building Official, to discuss the residential building inspection process the county has been contracted to complete for the city.
The sole piece of legislation passed was the second reading of Ordinance 2017-1, amending Section 523.04(M) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Wauseon, prohibiting smoking in the city’s public parks.
In new business, council approved the resignation of longtime Public Works Superintendent Dave Murray, effective May 31st. Murray has served the city for over 30 years.
The next council meeting will be held April 17, 2017 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers.