Maumee City Council Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Maumee City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. Council unanimously approved the consent calendar and took significant legislative action on street lighting assessments, police pension funding, sewer remediation board expansion, and a moratorium extension. The council also deliberated on whether to adjust its rules regarding virtual attendance to align with state law.

Consent Calendar

• Approved an amendment to the contract with Crestline Paving and Excavation Co. Inc. for delayed High Street improvements.
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 018-2026 adding Solar Regulations (Chapter 1147).
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 024-2026 amending Parks and Playgrounds (Chapter 965).
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 036-2026 establishing a unified licensing framework for medical and adult-use marijuana entities.
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 038-2026 establishing development agreement provisions within the zoning code (ZCA26-0003).
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 039-2026 amending the Environmental and Tree Commission chapter.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nan Welty, a West Wayne Street resident, asked about the city's plan to address standing water and pavement issues on the 700 block of West Wayne. The Public Service Director responded that it is in the five-year capital improvement plan, with design budgeted for 2027.
• Peggy, a resident, commented on concerns regarding artificial intelligence altering medical notes, diagnoses, and treatment plans, based on a conversation with a doctor. Mayor Ziss acknowledged the concern but noted it was not a matter for the council's data center commission to address.

Discussion Items

• Virtual Attendance Rules (Committee of the Whole): Council President Sund opened a discussion on whether to align council rules with the Ohio Open Meetings Act, which prevents elected officials from calling in for quorum or voting purposes. Councilman Kurt supported the current policy allowing call-ins, stating it was not broken. Councilman Gonzalez expressed opposition to virtual attendance, stating members should be present. No formal rule change was proposed.
• Sewer Remediation Review Committee Expansion (Ordinance 035-2026): Council debated an ordinance to increase the committee's membership from three to five voting members. The motion to pass it as an emergency failed (4-2, needing 5 votes for passage with one member excused). Council proceeded by passing a motion to waive three readings, approving it on first reading with a 30-day effective date. Councilmen Poeppelmeier and Huyghe strongly advocated for the expansion to avoid delays for residents awaiting sewer appeal hearings.
• Police Pension and Street Lighting Restructuring (Ordinances 033/034/037-2026): The council discussed paired proposals to levy an additional four-tenths (0.4) mills of charter millage for the police pension fund while reducing the street lighting assessment on properties. Council President Sund and Councilman Poeppelmeier explained the intent was to have a net-zero financial impact on residents while addressing an underfunded pension and refocusing the city's street light maintenance program.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items A-F): Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Ordinance 033-2026 (Street Lighting Assessment Basis): Passed as an emergency. (Kurt voted no on the emergency declaration, yes on the ordinance).
• Ordinance 034-2026 (Street Lighting Assessment Levy): Passed as an emergency. (Kurt voted no on the emergency declaration, yes on the ordinance).
• Ordinance 037-2026 (Police Pension 0.4 Mills Levy): Passed as an emergency.
• Ordinance 035-2026 (Sewer Remediation Review Committee Expansion): Failed to pass as an emergency; passed first reading with a 30-day implementation window after waiving three readings. Two new permanent members to be appointed at the next regular council meeting.
• Resolution 021-2026 (Moratorium Reinstatement): Adopted as an emergency for 90 days with an aggressive work plan for city staff to produce a firm proposal. (5-1, Councilman Barciz voting no based on the Fair Housing Act).
• Resolution 022-2026 (East End Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 4): Authorized the mayor to submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission.