(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
GOLF CARTS … Wauseon councilor Brandon Tijerina speaks to council regarding the recent Safety and Code meeting. During this meeting, a concern regarding the charging of an inspection fee every year came up, with the decision being made to hold further discussions on the matter.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Wauseon City Council members met for the first regular session of 2025 this past week. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6th, with council first moving to open the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.
Minutes from the prior meeting held on December 16th, Special Council Meeting held on December 30th, and Committee of the Whole meeting held on January 2nd were then approved before moving on to hear about the latest Safety and Code meeting.
This meeting took place back on December 16th and involved a few different items. First, a concern was brought up regarding the inclusion of gators in the newer golf cart legislation, as well as the need for the $50 inspection fee to take place every year.
It was stated that the original idea for the fee, as it pertains to being charged yearly, was to ensure the carts were in safe working order and that there were no inappropriate modifications made.
These sorts of modifications include removing the windshield, wipers, seat belts and more. The certification that comes from the inspection is also only good for the City of Wauseon.
It was stated that the issue may be looked at once again for law abiding citizens. Next, the committee looked over the revised food truck legislation and recommended some changes to employee personal days.
Council then moved on to hear Department Head reports, with Fire Chief Phil Kessler speaking first. Kessler stated the department worked on a structure fire that Saturday morning and that they family was ok but is displaced. Lastly, the annual Fireman’s Association dinner will be held on February 18th at Founders Hall.
Next, Police Chief Kevin Chittenden stated the department was getting back to the normal swing of things following the holidays.
He also informed council that a crossing guard position had recently opened up and that the department will try to help fill the void, when possible, until a replacement is found.
Public Service Director Keith Torbet was next and informed council that the new Hybrid Pedestrian Beacon was up on Shoop Avenue.
At that time, the only additional work needed was for Toledo Edison to hook up the power, along with some additional concrete work. The hope was for the lights to be up and running in the near future.
Torbet also congratulated a city employee for obtaining their class 3 operator’s license.
Lastly, Law Director McWatters III stated that work is being done to get a contract in place between the City of Wauseon and Wood County for residential inspection services. It is believed that this agreement will make things more convenient and cheaper for the citizens.
Under new business, council moved to approve several appointments to various boards and commissions as put fourth by the mayor.
These appointments were: Volunteer Firefighter Dependent Board – Brett Kolb; Park Board – Jacob Flores; Zoning Board of Appeals – Bob Norris; Civil Service – Bob Krumm.
The position for Revolving Loan Fund was marked incorrectly with the name Jacob Kessler and was removed from the items to approve.
The position will be revisited in the future. With no other business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned at 5:18 p.m.