(PHOTO BY SAMANTHA N. STRIPE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LEGISLATION REVIEW AND APPROVAL … Wauseon City Council reviewed and passed two pieces of legislation on third and final review at the April 7, 2025, meeting. The ordinances dealt with food truck operations in the city, as well as renewal inspection fees for slow-moving vehicles.
By: Samantha N. Stripe
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Wauseon City Council held a meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, which was followed by roll call. A motion was then made and passed to excuse council member Brandon Tijerina due to work-related reasons.
A motion to approve prior meeting minutes – including the council meeting on March 17 and the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 3 – was then made and passed.
Committee Reports
Mayor Kathy Huner noted that some members of the Tree Commission will be attending the Tree City USA awards, held in Bowling Green on April 16, 2025.
Department Reports
Next, department head reports were then shared with the council members. Fire Chief Phil Kessler stated that Zoll Medical Corporation came out to reprogram the new advanced heart monitors the previous week. They are expected to return to finish programming addition monitors.
The programming ensures that all the monitors are covered under warranty, in case they need to be fixed in the future.
He also noted that the position of executive assistant to the fire chief has been posted externally to the public, with three internal candidates expressing interest in the position. Additionally, there are several individuals working on firefighter and EMT certifications.
Kevin Chittenden, Wauseon Police Chief, reminded council that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and that city employees are encouraged to wear blue to honor it on Wednesday.
He also stated that an unmarked vehicle had been returned and ready to hit the roads, while the Durango patrol vehicle was taken to Defiance for repairs.
Chittenden also added that while more participants than expected turned out for the “Hands Off!” political protest/rally the previous Saturday, April 5, but there were no major issues. He estimated that there were approximately 140 participants, with eight to 15 on the counter side.
The pavement stripes are in, and the electricity is installed at the pedestrian hybrid beacon, located near the Dollar General on Fulton Street, according to Keith Torbet, Director of Public Service.
Next steps include testing the system and dealing with signage, but it should be up and running in the next few weeks.
He also added that Resolution 2025-8 up for first reading – which involves the resurfacing of North Fulton Street – is a fiscal year 2026 Ohio Department of Transportation project, so the bid will not be awarded until August 1, 2025.
The department is also currently involved in brush pickup, he added, with the schedule available on the city’s website.
Next, Jamie Giguere, Director of Finance, shared that the March income tax report shows revenue is down $50,000, or 2.78 percent compared to last year. Taxes are due on Monday, April 14.
Legislation
-Resolution 2025-8, which allows the mayor to advertise, accept and enter in a contract with the lowest and best bidder to resurface North Fulton Street was unanimously placed on a first reading.
-Ordinance 2025-4, which adds Section 721 pertaining to food trucks and their registration and operation in the city was passed on the third and final reading.
-Ordinance 2025-5, which amends the slow-moving vehicle ordinance, reducing the fees for renewal inspections before the first of March of each year, was passed on the third and final reading.
New Business
Under new business, Huner said that a meeting will be organized for the Buildings & Grounds Committee to discuss vandalism at the parks, as well as issues with dog excrement at Homecoming Park and feral cats in the city. Additionally, Huner noted that Operation: Homecoming, a World War II reenactment event, will be held the first weekend of May.
With no old business to discuss, council passed a motion to pay the bills and enter into executive session at 5:30 p.m. The meeting ended at 5:18 p.m.