By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held their meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026. Mayor Kathy Huner called the meeting to order at 5 p.m., leading the Pledge of Allegiance before a moment of silence was observed.
Roll call was then taken, with Councilors Tijerina, Simon and Hite present. Council President Shane Chamberlin and Councilors Galbraith and Heising were excused. With only three members present, council did not have a quorum and was unable to take formal action during the meeting.
No one was present wishing to address council. Because there was no quorum, minutes from the previous meeting could not be approved.
The Safety and Code Committee report followed, with an update given on discussion involving a proposed cellular tower in the M2 district at 570 W. Linfoot Street.
Council was told the proposed new tower would not interfere with the current tower, would be for conditional use and would follow all aviation standards.
The committee recommendation was to move forward with editing the tower height to 275 feet, while still requiring the tower to meet the necessary standards for lighting.
The fiber optic policy was tabled after officials noted that corrections, clarification and an application for construction companies are still needed.
Department head reports were then given, beginning with the fire department. Bryan Groves, filling in for Fire Chief Phil Kessler, noted that voting was scheduled for May 5 for the Clinton Township fire levy, county EMS levy and pool levy.
Assistant Police Chief Nathan Hartsock reported that the department’s new Durango has been added to the fleet. He said the department hopes to use the vehicle as an asset rather than as a replacement.
Hartsock also reported that he and Rebecca traveled to Columbus for a presentation on Put A Lid On It, a project through the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The program will provide 60 bicycle helmets for children.
Director of Public Service Austin Abbot reported that both Arbor Day events went well. Two trees were planted, with one placed at the primary school and one at the middle school. He said the students enjoyed taking part in the plantings.
Abbot also reported that, on Saturday, April 25, the city gave away a tree, planted a tree in the park and held a raffle for a free tree.
He added that the GAC project is moving forward, and streets are expected to be paved within the next couple of weeks.
Director of Finance Jamie Giguere reported that she had closed out the month of April. She said income taxes are down 15 percent, mostly from business income, while withholding taxes are down $30,000.
It was also stated during the meeting that the pool levy would save residents money going forward.
Director of Law Tom McWatters reported that three pieces of legislation on the agenda were time-sensitive and would need to be considered as emergency measures. Since council did not have a quorum, a special meeting will be needed in order to pass the legislation.
Engineering updates were then given by Tucker Fredericksen, who reported that the city is getting close to completing contracts with Gerken for the paving of city streets. He also said the Recker waterline project is continuing to move forward.
Fredericksen also reported on a meeting with Teresa Hartsock and Rebecca Sivic regarding sewage backing up into a basement. He said further investigation is still needed, but he is continuing to work with both women on a possible solution.
He stated that there may be an issue with a check valve and that changing the valve could help correct the problem. Fredericksen added that he continues to work with public works on projects, as well as with the utilities committee on fiber optic regulations.
Due to the lack of a quorum, council had no legislation for first or second reading, and there was no legislation listed for third reading. Approval of the bills also could not take place.
Under new business, the May 14 joint meeting with Clinton Township and City Council was noted, along with the May 5 primary election. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.