(PHOTO BY SAMANTHA N. STRIPE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LEGISLATION … Members of the Wauseon City Council place Ordinance 2025-2, which affects permits for parades and gatherings, for a second reading.
By: Samantha N. Stripe
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held a meeting on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. It began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, and roll call, with all council members present. The February 3, 2025, meeting minutes were then approved with no edits.
Committee Reports
Council member Brandon Tijerina presented the Safety and Committee meeting details from Monday, February 3, 2025.
“We had a great meeting,” he said, noting that the Committee discussed the final code draft for food truck regulations, which includes a new section regulating the operation of food trucks with the City of Wauseon through required permits. The new material was passed by the council unanimously.
Tijerina also discussed a draft amending Chapter 337 of the city code, which would change the utility vehicle (slow-moving vehicles) renewal inspection fees.
The draft – which was also approved unanimously by council – will enact a $10 for utility vehicle renewal inspections before March 1st of each year and $50 after March 1st.
“17 people had actually registered their golf carts last year,” Tijerina said. “Hopefully this year we’ll have an increase of that.”
Also discussed was updating the city’s noise ordinance, as some residents have complained of semi-trucks idling close to residential areas throughout the nighttime hours.
While no action was taken at the meeting, the Committee plans to revisit the topic in the future.
Mayor Kathy Huner then discussed the Tree Commission Report from the Tuesday, February 4, 2025, meeting, stating that no action needed been taken to be presented; the meeting had included discussion of removal of trees and work done in the city parks.
A copy of the Wauseon Urban Forestry Management Plan was also provided to the Committee at that time.
The Finance Committee was then presented by councilperson Steve Schneider.
Their meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, included a presentation from representatives at Zoll Medical Corporation in regard to medical equipment for the Wauseon Fire Department, and a unanimous recommendation that the city moves forward with purchasing the equipment.
While the fire department currently uses heart monitors through Auto Pulse medical equipment, Fire Chief Phil Kessler stated that even though the equipment is still functioning, some of it is “older than others” and have less of a trade-in value than the newer ones.
“By making this trade-in now, we’re capitalizing on what value [is] left,” said Kessler.
Kessler also stated that the monitors that they want to purchase have not been released to the general market yet, so by purchasing them now rather than later – when the cost goes up – the city will save money.
Payments would be made starting in January 2026, over a span of five years, interest free.
“It takes us to…touch screens and a dial, which is a lot more user-friendly in the field,” Kessler said. “This presents the city for an upgrade, with the best value to the dollar.”
The devices will cost approximately $249,000 for five units, with trade-in values of the old equipment and locking in the current price for a total savings of $93,000.
Council voted collectively to move forward with the purchase of the Zoll medical equipment.
Department Head Reports
Fire Chief Kessler then presented his departmental report, remarking that there had been “no major issues” and city residents had remained “cautious” throughout the cold weather and snow, which he stated that he appreciated.
He also shared that the Heroes v. Heroes basketball game had been postponed in Wauseon until March 9, 2025, due to the weather at that time.
Finally, he said that four recruits have taken their Ohio Firefighter I exam and passed; some have already signed up for their Firefighter II examination, and others have signed up for the EMT certification. “These individuals have come in and hit the ground running,” he said.
Thomas McWatters III, Director of Law, stated in his report that they are continuing to move forward with the extension of the Glenwood Avenue assessments deadline.
Residents should expect to receive a letter explaining the details and inviting them to a meeting for review and discussion, and “emphasizes” that this will be the last extension.
While there was not a report from the Department of Public Service, Mayor Huner shared that she had received a phone call from a resident whose car had stopped working Saturday morning, during the inclement weather.
The driver, she said, had forgotten her cell phone, but Public Service employees, who were nearby with their trucks, were able to help her start her car again and get moving.
While she didn’t have any names of the employees, the mayor said the driver expressed appreciation and gratitude for their help.
“I was very proud of those two and wanted to share that with you guys,” Huner said.
Legislation
Ordinance 2025-2, which amends Section 311.02, which affects rules and procedures for obtaining a permit for parades and events. Motion to place the ordinance on second reading was passed.
New Business and Bills
Council then passed a motion to approve the mayor’s appointment of Bob Norris to the Planning Commission, as well as a motion to approve and pay the bills as presented.
Council was adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
