PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
COUNCIL … Members of the Wauseon City Council listen as the “roll” is called for the passing of legislation. During this time, their names are called, and council members say whether or not they choose to vote for the item.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Wauseon City Council members held a meeting recently on Monday, December 16th. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence before moving on to approve minutes from the council meeting held on December 2nd and Committee of the Whole meeting held on December 12th.
The meeting then transitioned over to committee reports, with the latest tree commission meeting being discussed first. It was stated that there have continued to be issues in regard to obtaining new members for the committee.
Law Director McWatters has been asked to look into allowing individuals outside of the city limits to join. Work will be done to decide how far outside the limits would be allowed, with one possibility being just within the school district.
For the finance committee, the meeting was held on December 10th and consisted mostly of budget discussions. The two-hour meeting saw fifty-seven items looked over that consisted of various items within the budget.
It was stated that this budget is lower than it was the previous year. The committee also approved a longevity pay scale for employees. Following presentation of the report, the council moved to approve both the 2025 budget and longevity pay scale.
Department head reports were next up on the agenda. Both Police Chief Kevin Chittenden and Fire Chief Phil Kessler expressed their happiness for how well the Shop with a First Responder went this year. Chief Chittenden even stated, “Personally, I think it was the best one we’ve had so far. It worked out nicely.”
The fire chief also informed council of the resignation of a part-time employee, and the police chief discussed a new full-time position coming available.
Public Service Director Keith Torbet went next and spoke about the pedestrian beacon that has been running behind. The crew that was supposed to have it installed over a month and a half ago has run into delays. It was stated that the current hope was to have it completed that current week.
Councilor Brandon Tijerina then asked about land that may have been donated to the library and what was planned to happen with it. It was stated that some options are being looked at, along with the possibility of a new library being built.
Mayor Kathy Huner then addressed the media that was in the room and informed everyone that some changes were taking place in the building.
Due to size constraints within the building, office changes are being made that will see the mayor’s office and administrative offices relocated to the bottom floor.
This change is being made in an effort to get as much use out of the building as possible. Following those comments, council moved to approve the following legislative actions.
Ordinance 2024-10 – amending Section 521.13(G)(2) of the codified ordinances to increase the impound fees for vehicles.
Ordinance 2024-11 – amending Section 709 of the codified ordinances to increase the application fee for solicitors and require that each individual solicitor file an application.
Ordinance 2024-12 – to approve annual appropriations for 2025. Ordinance 2024-13 – amending the codified ordinances and the compensation plan to increase the longevity pay of non-bargaining, full-time employees and declaring an emergency.
Resolution 2024-37 – authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement for human resource services with HR Premier Consulting, LLC; and declare an emergency.
Resolution 2024-38 – authoring the mayor to enter into an agreement with Pareto Captive Services, LLC, Mertian Health Smithhrx, and Tokio Marine HCC for the provision of health insurance for 2025-2026; and declare an emergency.
Resolution 2024-39 – authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with The Standard to provide life insurance and voluntary dental and vision insurance for full-time employees and declare an emergency.
Resolution 2024-40 – approving a wage increase for non-bargaining, full-time employees for 2025; and declare an emergency.
Resolution 2024-41 – authorizing the mayor to enter into agreements with CivicPlus for software management services for city meetings and for publication of municipal code and legislation; and declare an emergency.
Council then moved to approve the appointment of councilor Shane Chamberlin and Council President Harold Stickley to the Volunteer Firefighter’s Dependent Board, as put forward by the mayor.
The following additional agenda items were also approved by council. The encumbering of funds for a Burr Road Water Project, the setting of an employee Christmas gift for both full-time and part-time employees, the setting of the meeting and holiday schedules for 2025, and approval to pay bills through December 31st, 2024.
Lastly, Mayor Huner and Council President Stickley each put forth a motion to the council for their consideration.
The mayor’s proposal involved the giving of an additional 3% raise to department heads due to lower-rank employees’ pay catching up with that of the administrators.
This 3% raise was on top of the previously passed 5% raise. The council moved to vote to approve, with the vote ending 4-1 in favor, with Stickley being the no vote.
Then, Stickley’s motion put forward was in reference to Clerk of Council Korin Miller. Due to her job code being passed through council, the 5% increase previously voted on would not include her.
The motion put forward was to ensure that she also saw the 5% increase in wages. Each measure passed, and the council went on to approve payment of the bill list.
With no other business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m.