By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council met for its regular session on Monday, February 16, 2026. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Council first recognized the swearing-in of Sarah Heising to fill the vacant council seat. The vacancy followed council’s action at its previous meeting to remove Harold Stickley from office after a public hearing.
After his removal, council moved to offer the position to Heising, who received the next highest number of votes in the most recent election. Heising also previously served on council.
Minutes from the previous council meeting were then approved before moving on to hear the Park Board report.
Council reviewed an updated athletic field rental contract. Officials explained that the revised contract is intended for game use and includes updated language that was not included in older agreements.
A separate contract for practice use remains under review. Council approved the Park Board recommendation to adopt the updated rental contract.
Police Chief Chittenden reported that participation in the annual Heroes vs. Heroes basketball tournament went well.
He also noted the city has learned of a potential radio communications grant that could allow school buses to communicate directly with dispatch.
Council was also informed of the passing of former assistant police chief Brad Weber, with funeral arrangements not yet available at the time of the meeting.
Law Director McWatters reported there were no major updates since the previous meeting but did state that a small update was available regarding water treatment planning. The city is awaiting a formal response from the EPA tied to its request to move forward with the GAC project.
Council then considered Ordinance 2026-2, an emergency ordinance modifying the city’s water rate schedule. Discussion focused on the need to fund water treatment improvements required by the EPA.
Council members emphasized the importance of explaining the reasons for the increase to residents and noted the change applies only to the water portion of the utility bill. The ordinance was approved on emergency, with the updated rates scheduled to take effect in March.
In new business, council approved revised committee assignments. During discussion, questions were raised regarding representation on certain boards, including whether those positions are assigned by council leadership or appointed by the mayor. Those items were set aside for further review.
The mayor also reported that she and city staff toured a newly constructed administration building in Grandview Heights that closely mirrors a project Wauseon has been discussing.
The visit was described as informative, particularly in seeing how another community designed a functional space for current operations and future needs.
An update was also provided on the search for a public service director, with interviews expected to be finalized soon.
Council then moved to approve payment of the bills before adjourning at 6:44 p.m.