DIVER … Mayor Kathy Huner presents a proclamation to Wauseon High School diver Kali Spengler in recognition of her recent state championship during the April 6 Wauseon City Council meeting.
PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NEW COUNCIL MEMBER … Kevin Hite is sworn in as the newest member of Wauseon City Council by Mayor Kathy Huner during the Monday, April 6 meeting.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council met for its regular session on Monday, April 6, 2026.
The meeting opened with the swearing in of Kevin Hite as the newest member of council, after which council also recognized Wauseon High School diver Kali Spengler for her recent state championship with a proclamation.
SEWER CONCERNS
From there, council moved into public comment, where much of the discussion centered on ongoing sewer and wastewater backup concerns in parts of the city.
Rebecca Sivick addressed council about repeated sewage issues affecting her home and others nearby, explaining that although major drainage and basement work had been completed at her property years ago, sewage backup during heavy storms has continued.
She said recent rain events caused sewage to enter her home, creating damage and health concerns, and she urged the city to take immediate and measurable steps toward a solution.
Mayor Kathy Huner said the city has been working on sewer separation projects and has brought in engineering assistance to further evaluate the matter.
Council member Sarah Heising also stated for the record that Sivick is her sister and said she has personally seen the problem and has been told there is nothing more that can be done on the homeowner’s side.
Later in the meeting, more residents spoke on the same issue. Teresa Hartsock told council she has dealt with sewer backup at her home since 2015 and described repeated flooding, damage, and the need to pump contaminated water from her basement.
She also said she believes grant funding may be available to help address the infrastructure problem.
Another resident said he had experienced similar flooding issues dating back decades and also voiced concerns about drainage and landscaping work connected to Burr Road.
In response, city officials said the issue is not being ignored and noted that sewer separation work has been underway in phases, with projects prioritized based on the worst areas and available grant funding.
FIBER POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Council then approved minutes from the March 16 regular meeting and the April 2 Committee of the Whole and special meetings before hearing a report from the Safety and Code Committee.
That report focused on the city’s efforts to develop formal fiber policy standards following past issues with Omni Fiber work, with officials saying they want standards in place as soon as possible.
The committee also discussed a proposed AT&T communications tower near 570 West Linfoot Street.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Department head reports followed next, with Fire Chief Phil Kessler reporting that AEDs are now installed in Biddle Park.
He also said the department had handled two small structure fires during the previous week and a half and noted that information would soon be released regarding the May 5 election and a one-mill fire levy through Clinton Township.
Assistant Police Chief Nathan Hartsock then reported that the department had received a grant for new body cameras and said installation would begin soon.
He also said a mock crash event is planned for April 15 at the Fulton County Fairgrounds with four schools expected to attend, and he reminded residents that Drug Take Back Day is upcoming while also noting the department continues to maintain a 24-hour drop box in the lobby.
Hartsock also added that the city’s Flock camera system has already helped generate several warrant-related hits and has also aided in theft investigations.
FINANCE AND LEGAL
Next, Finance Director Jamie Giguere reported that the March books had been closed and financial information provided to council.
She said income tax revenue was down around 18 percent compared to the same time last year and said business income tax collections would need to be watched closely in April.
Law Director Tom McWatters then said the city had successfully negotiated a settlement tied to fire department expenses from a turnpike accident that occurred about a year and a half ago.
He also explained legislation before council involving an overlay tied to the city’s proposed tax increment financing district and said future TIF legislation is expected.
LEGISLATION AND NEW BUSINESS
Council then moved into legislation and approved Resolution 2026-11, which approved an overlay for the creation of a second incentive district for parcels in the city and declared an emergency.
Under new business, council next approved updated committee assignments that incorporated Hite into the council committee structure. Council also approved Mayor Huner’s appointments of Jim Crossland to the Charter Revision Commission and Nadean Griffin and Kevin Hite to the Citizens Advisory Board.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Council was then informed that the bid for the 2026 summer street improvement project had been awarded to Gerken Paving.
City Engineer Tucker Fredericksen said three bids were received and the lowest came in at about $482,000, which was above the original estimate of about $454,000 but under the budgeted amount.
Officials said a small budget adjustment would be needed to move forward with the project.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Toward the end of the meeting, council approved payment of bills before entering executive session at 5:41 p.m. to discuss the hiring of an employee.
After returning from executive session at 6:28 p.m., council approved the mayor’s appointment of Austin Abbott as director of public service. That motion passed by a 6-0 vote.