PHOTO BY SAMANTHA N. STRIPE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
EMERGENCY LEGISLATION … Wauseon City Council members discuss emergency Ordinance 2025-6, which amends Section 147.26 of The Codified Ordinances and Compensation plan at the May 5. 2025, meeting.
By: Samantha N. Stripe
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Wauseon City Council held a meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Roll call was then taken; Council President Shane Chamberlin led the meeting in place of Mayor Kathy Huner, who was unavailable to attend.
Meeting minutes from the April 21, 2025, council meeting were then unanimously approved, as well as minutes from the May 1, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting.
Chamberlin then introduced new water treatment plant superintendent Ryan Zimmerman to the council, describing it as “a very important moment.”
Keith Torbet, Director of Public Service stated that Zimmerman is taking over for previous superintendent Lou Thourot, who retired from his position at the end of the previous month.
Zimmerman shared that he is from Wauseon and worked as an auto mechanic before he started at the water treatment plant nearly nine years ago.
“I know that a lot of study has gone into getting where you are today, so thank you for that,” said council member Sarah Heising, who then requested a tour for the council members, so they are up to date on what is going on at the plant.
Committee Reports
The Finance Committee report from Monday, April 21, 2025, was then shared with council members. During the committee meeting, the city’s first quarter investment statements were reviewed. It was recommended by the Finance Committee that the council accept the statements which they unanimously agreed to.
The Glenwood assessment fee reversal was also discussed, as well as the letters going to residents with updates.
Department Head Reports
Department head reports were then brought to council for review and discussion. Fire Chief Phil Kessler stated that they are starting the second round of interviews for the open position of executive assistant to the fire chief; a final decision should be made by the end of the week. A civil service was also requested to promote a part-time employee to full-time.
Sitting in for Wauseon Police Chief Kevin Chittenden was Assistant Chief Nathan Hartsock. He shared that everything went well during several weekend events, including the World War II reenactment, a “Fulton County Democratic event” and prom for Wauseon High School.
He did note that parking was an issue for prom, which was held St. Caspar Catholic Church. There was an event taking place at the church at the same time as the dance, and traffic was backed up with students being dropped off at the red carpet for entrance; however, “we got it all worked out and everyone made it home OK.”
Torbet, noted that the waterline project on Fulton Street is going well, and they are now up past the bike trail to the north, at Hickory Street.
During the first part of June, there will be paving for what has been “cut out”; in September the road will completely be repaved. They are also working on getting an accurate count on how much re-striping needs to be completed on the streets.
Torbet also noted that there was another vandalism incident at the Homecoming Park – not related to the prior weekend’s World War II reenactment.
The restrooms near the new playground equipment were “completely trashed” and will be closed for a few weeks while undergoing repair.
There was “a couple thousand dollars’ worth the damage,” Torbet said, adding that the sinks were broken, and they will have to put up a porta-potty in the meantime.
“We’ve had issues in the past, but not to this point,” Torbet said. “When we find [the vandals] we will go after them both criminally and civilly for the damages that were done.”
Next, Jamie Giguere, Director of Finance, stated that income tax revenue for the city is down 2.54 percent or $66,000 from the previous year.
Finally, Law Director Thomas McWatters III, stated that letters have been sent to residents regarding the Glenwood assessments, letting them know that they are working on the issue and will be in touch in the future with additional information when it is available.
He also shared that he will be reviewing a bond council information packet for the Finance Committee to review. Additionally, they are working with the health department on a house in the city that is an issue, which, he said, is standard.
Legislation
Ordinance 2025-6, which amends Section 147.26 of The Codified Ordinances and Compensation plan, was placed on emergency and final reading by council. The ordinance addresses longevity pay for 54-hour employees.
Resolution 2025-8, which authorizes the mayor to advertise, accept the lowest and best bid and enter a contract with said bidder for the resurfacing North Fulton Street was unanimously placed on third and final reading by council.
New Business
Under new business, council member Sarah Heising shared that she takes the Ohio Turnpike each day and noted that the new Tru by Hilton hotel that recently opened is “very, very, very busy. I love seeing that. I just want to say that’s fantastic.”
She added that it would be a good idea to have information about Wauseon’s businesses, such as the local restaurants, available for those staying at the hotel.
Council President Chamberlin stated that The Table on Fulton is open again. The restaurant opened on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to serve first responders only, then opened to the public the following day.
There was no old business brought up for discussion. A motion to approve and pay the bills was then made, seconded and approved by all members. Motion to adjourn was made at 5:21 p.m.