PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SPEED LIMIT … Peggy Bjorlin speaks to Wauseon City Council during the Monday, June 15 meeting regarding concerns over the proposed speed limit change on South Shoop Avenue.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held their meeting on Monday, June 15. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for firefighter Tony Druhot, who recently passed away.
Mayor Kathy Huner spoke briefly about Druhot, recognizing his service with both the Wauseon and Napoleon fire departments.
Following approval of previous meeting minutes, council amended the agenda to allow residents to speak about concerns regarding the proposed speed limit change on South Shoop Avenue.
SPEED LIMIT CONCERNS
Residents spoke against the proposed change, which would raise the speed limit to 45 mph on State Route 108, South Shoop Avenue, between Leggett Street and Orth Road.
Those who spoke said traffic in that area has changed greatly since ODOT completed its most recent traffic study.
One concern brought forward was the increase in traffic near Fulton County Health Center.
A resident stated that the number of customers using the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy has tripled since Rite Aid closed and also pointed to the growth of the hospital and the relocation of urgent care services from North Shoop Avenue to South Shoop Avenue.
Residents also spoke about traffic near Special Grounds Coffee, the senior center, medical offices and hospital entrances, along with additional truck traffic from North Star Bluescope Steel.
Concerns were also raised about school buses, bicycles, pedestrians, emergency traffic and close calls that may not appear in accident reports.
Those speaking asked council to reconsider the matter and request another study from ODOT before approving the change.
One resident said drivers already appear to be traveling faster than the current 35 mph limit and worried that raising the speed limit would lead to even higher speeds.
Following questions from those who came to speak, council explained that the issue was brought forward by ODOT and was not something the city started on its own.
Officials said ODOT reviewed the area and gave the city three options, one of which would have removed the 35-mph zone completely.
The city chose the option that would create a uniform 45 mph speed limit through the area, with officials stating it was the best option available and would avoid higher speeds that could have come with another option.
It was also stated that a school zone sign is expected to be added near Special Grounds Coffee before the school year, and that the future roundabout should also help slow traffic.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
Council members thanked the residents for coming in and sharing their concerns before approving Ordinance 2026-6, requesting that ODOT establish the 45-mph speed limit.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The meeting then moved into its committees portion, with the Personnel Committee bringing several items forward from their June 3 meeting.
Council approved policy updates dealing with news media and community relations, facility security and educational assistance, per the committee’s recommendation.
Discussion on the news media policy included who would serve as the city’s public information officer and what training may be needed.
The facility security discussion included making sure the back door remains secure, including the possibility of using a fob for recycling pickup.
The educational assistance policy was also changed so there would not be a specific cap if multiple employees needed reimbursement in the same year.
Council also approved changes to the code administrator position’s point factor analysis. The changes were made to better reflect the duties of the position, including the complexity of the job and contact with the public.
The Finance Committee next brought forward one item from its meeting earlier that day.
Council approved an additional $9,250 for engineering work connected to the Chestnut and Vine Street project, bringing the total to $21,600.
Officials said the additional work is needed to move the project forward and involves the separation of sewer and storm water.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Department reports were then given, with the police department stating that a JAG grant request for radio equipment was not approved.
It was stated that new radios could cost more than $200,000, and other options will now have to be reviewed.
Director of Public Service Austin Abbott thanked residents for their patience during paving work the previous week, saying the work was mostly complete and went well.
Council also briefly discussed whether the red and blue markings for police and fire would be placed back on the roadway, along with ongoing fiber optic discussions in the city.
NEW BUSINESS
Council then approved several additional pieces of legislation during the meeting. Ordinance 2026-7, dealing with mobile food vendors, was approved as an emergency measure.
Resolution 2026-17, authorizing an agreement with Mercy College of Ohio, and Resolution 2026-16, authorizing an agreement with The SpyGlass Group for telecommunications audit services, were also approved as emergency measures.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-13, authorizing an agreement for Wauseon Fire Department billing services.
In new business, Mayor Huner said the city needs to make public participation requirements clearer as updates are made through CivicPlus and the city webpage.
Council also discussed adding clearer signage at city hall so residents attending meetings know which entrance to use.
Lastly, council approved payment of the bills before adjourning at 5:50 p.m.