PROCLAMATION … Eagle Scout Robby Crossland (middle) stands with Scout Leader Daniel Lilly Sr. (left) and Mayor Huner (right) following a proclamation made in Robby’s honor. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held their meeting on Monday, June 3rd. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Council first moved to approve minutes provided from the previous council meeting held on May 20th, as well as the Committee of the Whole meeting held on May 30th.
It was then that Mayor Kathy Huner recognized Eagle Scout Robby Crossland of Wauseon Troop 8 and proceeded to issue a proclamation in his honor.
Robby had previously received the title of Eagle Scout, which is the highest achievement possible in the Boy Scouting Program. According to the proclamation, only around 4% of Boy Scouts are granted this distinguished rank.
To achieve this honor, Robby worked to complete his Eagle Scout project which included pouring two concrete pads and building two benches to be placed on those pads. The benches were placed in the Indian Hill Trails of Homecoming Park.
Next, Law Director Thomas McWatters III introduced Zach Robinson. Mr. Robinson is planning on pursuing a career in law and came to the meeting to see how some things are done.
He is a graduate of Wauseon and will be attending law school at the age of 20. McWatters stated the firm is lucky to have him interning with them this summer.
Department Head Reports followed next, with Fire Chief Phil Kessler speaking first. Chief Kessler stated the last three days have seen department members conducting live burn training.
This training was opened up to all departments in the county. The department also took advantage of Ohio Means Jobs during this training, with some promotional materials being made by the organization for recruitment purposes.
Assistant Police Chief Nathan Hartsock came next and gave council an update regarding the new Motorola Cloud Storage initiative undertaken at the department.
The program operates through a lease agreement and, according to Hartsock, saves the department money in the long run.
Moving on to personnel items, full-time officer Alexa Miller has started her FTO, and a new dispatcher was welcomed into the department. Last week, a new part-time axillary officer also began working at the department.
Public Service Director Keith Torbet spoke next and gave an update regarding the Fulton Street project. Due to the weather, the project has fallen behind slightly but is expected to be completed soon, barring any additional complications from the weather.
Council was then informed by Mr. Torbet that TTHM levels are within compliance standards. Torbet gave kudos to members of the water staff for the work they have done, and stated he appreciates all the work they do at the water plant.
Mr. Torbet then thanked City Clerk Korin Miller for all the help she has provided with upcoming and current ODOT projects.
Lastly, numbers for the city pool were discussed. According to Mr. Torbet, 59 pool passes were sold and 400 people came through the pool within the first week.
Also, 1,150-day-passes were sold within the first week, with the pool bringing in just shy of $13,000.00 for the first ten days it was open.
Finance Director Jamie Giguere was then recognized and stated work was being done on a contract with Everside. A meeting was also scheduled at a clinic where cost will be discussed.
Giguere also informed council that tax revenue for the month of May was down by 10%. This is compared to the previous month, which was down by 11%. It was further explained by Giguere that the budget still looks ok.
Law Director McWatters III stated that there are still things to follow up on with the EPA regarding the TTHM levels. Work will need to be done to find a long-term solution, which a company called Arcadis is currently working on for the city.
Following reports delivered from city department heads, council moved on to approve the following legislative items.
The first reading of Resolution 2024-18 to authorize the mayor to enter into the Employer Sponsored Direct Primary Care Agreement with Nexus Growth Solutions, LLC DBA Nexus Health Connect.
The first reading of Resolution 2024-19 to authorize the mayor to enter into the Clinton Township – City of Wauseon Annexation Agreement pertaining to the annexation of 13.92 acres in Clinton Township.
The second reading of Ordinance 2024-2 to amend section 159 of the Codified Ordinances of The City of Wauseon.
Next, council and the mayor spoke about the upcoming homecoming festivities, including whether or not fireworks would be at this year’s event. It was stated that nothing has come along at this time that would say fireworks would be used.
Council then moved to approve payment of the bills before moving to adjourn the meeting at 5:22 p.m.
The next council meeting will be held on June 17th at 5:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Wauseon Municipal Building.