(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DEPOT … John Myles of the Fulton County Historical Society speaks during the Wauseon City Council meeting held on Monday, June 2nd. Mr. Myles informs everyone of all the changes recently made to the Train Depot in town, while also letting them know when the re-opening date will be.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, June 2nd. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Following roll call, council moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Council then welcomed John Myles of the Fulton County Historical Society, who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Myles provided an update on the ongoing renovations at the historic Wauseon Depot and highlighted the upcoming reopening of the site.
The depot, which has housed historical railroad items for decades, is now home to a completely reimagined exhibit telling the story of Fulton County’s rail and trolley history from the 1850s through present day.
Myles noted that new signage, enhanced lighting, and the use of the former baggage room have added to the presentation, creating a more engaging and educational experience for visitors.
In addition to the historical displays, the Swanton Area Railroad and Model Club worked alongside Historical Society members to install a new and expanded model railroad layout.
The depot also features a new watchtower space where children can climb up and view the layout from above. A special members-only preview will be held Friday, June 13th, with the public grand reopening taking place on Sunday, June 15th, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Council members expressed appreciation for the work being done and the importance of preserving local history.
Committee reports then followed next with Councilor Jeremy Simon sharing notes from the May 19th Building and Grounds Committee meeting.
The committee discussed ongoing vandalism issues at park restrooms and considered the possibility of installing additional cameras in high-traffic areas. It was noted that only Homecoming Park and its walking trails are approved for leashed dogs.
Extra trash cans and bags were requested to help improve cleanliness, and officers are now looking to possible check restrooms multiple times per shift.
Council members also discussed the rising cost of restroom maintenance and stated that access could be reevaluated if vandalism continues.
Department head reports were then presented, beginning with Assistant Police Chief Nate Hartsock. He announced that a new full-time officer, with eight years of experience, had officially started.
Additionally, the department hired a part-time dispatcher, a part-time School Resource Officer, and a new auxiliary officer.
Finance Director Jamie Giguere followed with her monthly report, stating that income tax revenue for May had decreased by 2.5 percent. Despite the dip, she remained optimistic about the city’s financial outlook.
Public Service Director Keith Torbet then informed council that Fulton Street repaving would begin the next day and should be completed quickly.
A full repaving project will follow later in the summer after the city receives and awards project bids. Torbet also updated council on the grant application process for improvements on West Chestnut Street and expressed gratitude to residents for their support and cooperation.
With no legislation up for consideration and no new business presented, council moved to approve payment of the bills. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
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