Members of the Wauseon City Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting on April 21 at 5:00 pm with Mayor Doug Shaw presiding and all councilors present. After approval of the prior meeting’s minutes, Council moved on to hear committee reports and learned that the City of Wauseon has recently accepted its 21st Tree City USA Award. Councilor Rick Frey reported on behalf of the Tree Commission that the award was accepted on April 9 at the Tree City Awards held in Kenton, Ohio. Frey also reported that the commission met on April 10 and discussed marking and replacing trees to be transplanted out of the Mull property.
Councilor Kathy Huner reported on behalf of the Safety and Code Committee that the committee had met on both April 7 and April 21 regarding the Police Mutual Aide Agreement. The agreement, now in its final form, was recommended for approval. Councilor Huner also reported that the committee had met with Code Administrator Tom Hall regarding requiring state licenses be required for electrical, plumbing, and heating contractors. Hall explained that, when a contractor comes in to register, he or she will be asked to show his license. All contractors have to be registered to work within the city. Council accepted the recommendation of the Safety and Code Committee that Section 1301.08 be amended to require that all contractors are licensed by the state.
Moving on to hear department head reports, Regional Planning Director David Wright gave information regarding the Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) as well as the Downtown Revitalization Grant. The Fulton County Commissioners are the lead entity for CDBG funds totaling $100,000 allocated for the county. The Downtown Revitalization Grant is a highly competitive grant and one of several programs under the CDBG grant structure and carries a $300,000 ceiling. Wright is hoping to spearhead this grant to benefit the City. Councilor Shane Chamberlin echoed the importance of the grant to the City of Wauseon and moved that council offer their full support to Wright in the application process of the Downtown Revitalization Grant. Council unanimously agreed.
Fire Chief Rick Sluder noted that the Fire Department has responded to some field fires recently and that he would like to remind everyone to that there is no open burning within the city limits. A fire pit, 25 foot from any structure, is permitted for use but only with seasoned firewood.
Police Chief Keith Torbet would also like to remind everyone that Drug Take Back Day is April 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and that pills can be taken to Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart, and the Wauseon Police Department. Torbet also reported that canine training will be taking place on May 5 and May 6 in Wauseon. There are currently 20 teams from all over the state registered for the training, which allows for a maximum of 30 teams.
The Youth Police Academy for ages 14 to 18 will be taking place from June 9 through June 13 and Safety City will also be beginning on June 9. Torbet noted that it is expected that 70 children will be registered for the Safety City program this year. Torbet also noted that the department is looking into putting together a Citizen’s Police Academy in joint effort with the Fulton County Sherriff’s Office.
Code Administrator Tom Hall reported that he will be meeting with Housing Advisory committee of Henry County, Fulton County, and the City of Napoleon to discuss CHIP grants. CHIP grants are under the direction of Maumee Valley Planning, which will soon be having their annual meeting. Grant funds are used to bring houses up to code standards and are geared for low to moderate incomes.
Director of Finance Jamie Giguere reported that the link to sign up for electronic billing is now on the City’s website. Anyone who does not wish to sign up for the electronic option will still receive their bills in the mail.
In legislative matters, Council heard and passed on first reading Resolution 2014-5, which authorizes the mayor to accept the conveyance by Brenner Properties, LLP of a 4.091 acre parcel located at the southeast corner of the Arrowhead Trails. There were no legislative matters presented for second or third reading.
In new business, Councilor Fred Allen would like to remind residents to exchange their old refuse tags. The locations where residents can exchange the tags are listed on the City’s website.
With no other new business being brought before council, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting of Wauseon City Council will be held on Monday, May 5 at 5:00 pm in Council Chambers.