By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Wauseon City Council held their meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026, with members hearing an update on a planned water treatment improvement project, approving routine business, and moving forward with legislation related to special assessments and a loan application for future plant upgrades.
The meeting opened at 5 p.m. in council chambers with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The minutes from the prior meeting were then approved without opposition.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, council heard a presentation from Arcadis regarding the granular activated carbon project at the Wauseon Water Treatment Plant.
The city is working toward submitting a loan application to the Ohio EPA by August 7 for project expenses, design, and construction.
Council was told the project is aimed at addressing trihalomethane concerns, which form when chlorine used for disinfecting water reacts with organic material such as leaves and decay in the reservoir.
Granular activated carbon is expected to help absorb contaminants and organics while also improving odor and taste in the water. The treatment process, along with the generation and reactivation of the carbon, was also reviewed during the presentation.
Committee reports followed next. The Tree Commission reported it is finalizing preparations for the April 25 Arbor Day event at Reighard Park and is also working on changing its logo.
The Personnel Committee reported discussions involving updates to job descriptions for several positions, including Groundskeeper I, II, and III, Park Manager, and Director of Building and Zoning. The committee also discussed a policy change for Lexipol, though that matter was tabled until June following the election. No action was taken on either committee report.
Among department head reports, Assistant Police Chief Nathan Hartsock said the mock crash planned for April 15 had been canceled because of rain and fog.
He also reminded council that Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for April 25, with the department’s drop box located in the police department lobby.
Mayor Kathy Huner welcomed Austin Abbott as the city’s new public service director and said an outdoor area is being planned outside the municipal building for departments to use during lunch and breaks.
Abbott told council his first day in the role was April 20 and said he will be working with the mayor, boards and committees, and the water treatment plant. Law Director Tom McWatters also noted that Resolution 2026-12 represented the first step toward concluding the Glenwood assessment matter.
Council then moved into legislation. On first reading, members approved Ordinance 2026-3, which would terminate certain special assessments for improvements made to Glenwood Avenue, Wagner Street, and Banister Street and authorize reimbursement of assessment amounts to applicable property owners.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-12 on first reading, authorizing the mayor or her designee to apply for an Ohio Drinking Water Revolving Loan Account for design of the emerging contaminant treatment project at the city water treatment plant. Both measures passed by 4 to 0 votes.
In other business, council noted that the planned reenactment at Homecoming Park had been canceled. Members also acknowledged the upcoming May 5 primary election. Council later approved the bills before moving to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
