The Wauseon City Council held its meeting on Monday, September 15. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence before the council moved to approve minutes from the previous meeting and the agenda for the current meeting.
First, the personnel committee brought forward recommendations to update several city policies, including artificial intelligence, records maintenance, protected information, and personal appearance.
Council also heard from the park board, which recommended approval for a memorial bench to be placed near the pickleball courts at Homecoming Park.
The finance committee followed with a proposal to fund new flooring for the pool bathhouse, snack shack, and office at a cost of $23,650 from the Special Levy Parks and Recreation Fund. All recommendations were approved.
Department head reports were then shared, with Police Chief Kevin Chittenden announcing that Officer Dawn Bandeen had been promoted to Sergeant in August, making her the first full-time female sergeant in the department. He also noted that a public self-defense class called “Keeping Girls Safe” will be held on October 1 at Wauseon High School.
The fire department then reported that all full-time officers have been re-certified in CPR, AED use, and Narcan. Public Service Director Keith Torbet said work is set to begin on North Fulton Street, with milling and paving scheduled at night to reduce disruptions.
He added that recent waterline leaks, once responsible for 65,000 gallons of loss per day, have been nearly eliminated, with only about 5,000 gallons lost daily.
Law Director Tom McWatters said he continues working on assessments connected to Glenwood Avenue. Council was also reminded that a cross-country pre-league meet will take place at Homecoming Trails.
Council then moved on to legislation, passing three resolutions under emergency status. The first authorized an agreement with Fishbeck for engineering services.
The second allowed the city to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission funding for capital or transportation projects. The third approved an agreement with JP Mohler, LLC for state excise tax refund services.
In new business, Councilor Sarah Heising suggested creating a public notice area at South Park for garage sale signs and similar postings. With no old business, the council approved payment of bills through October 6 before entering executive session.
Following the council’s exit from executive session, the meeting was adjourned at 5:58 p.m.