Toledo City Council Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Toledo City Council met on March 17, 2026, with eight members present (Councilman Meldon absent). The meeting featured recognitions for Women's History Month, unanimous confirmation of numerous appointments, passage of infrastructure bond ordinances including a $19.8 million RAISE grant for Dorr Street, and adoption of immigration-related policies. Council members also voiced strong criticism of First Energy's response to widespread power outages affecting over 200,000 residents.

Recognitions and Proclamations

• Resolution 83-26: Recognized Stephanie D. Connard for Women's History Month, honoring her entrepreneurial excellence, community service, and leadership. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 84-26: Recognized Trevor Diane Thomas Black for Women's History Month, honoring her 27-year career in special education, fashion design, and co-founding the HBCU Tour. Passed unanimously.

Appointments

All appointments were confirmed unanimously unless noted:

• Eric Craig (reappointment) to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a 5-year term.
• Josh Abernathy (new) to the Electrical Board of Control for a 3-year term.
• Harold Davis (new) to the Municipal Golf Preservation and Engagement Committee for a 3-year term.
• Abby Arnold and Dr. Tiffany Whitman (new) to the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council for 3-year terms.
• Abney Carter and Suzette Cowell (new) to the Tax Incentive Review Council for 3-year terms.
• Dr. Brittany Jones and Councilwoman Teresa Gaddis (new) to the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council; both abstained from the vote. Confirmed unanimously.

Second Reading Ordinances (All Passed Unanimously Unless Noted)

• Ordinance 60-26: Appropriated $100,000 from water/sewer/stormwater funds for the Customer Assistance Grant Program. Passed.
• Ordinances 65-26 and 66-26: Authorized a loan agreement with Toledo Community Improvement Corporation for a shovel-ready sites fund ($18.7 million) and corresponding bond issuance for job creation and housing development. Passed.
• Ordinance 67-26: Authorized $19.8 million in bonds for the RAISE Grant Program to improve Dorr Street infrastructure (reconstruction, water lines, sewers, bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-use path, public art). Passed after Councilwoman McPherson clarified prior community engagement and the need to accept federal funding.
• Ordinance 68-26: Authorized $12.21 million in bonds for street system improvements in cooperation with ODOT. Passed.
• Ordinance 69-26: Authorized $7.49 million in bonds to refund certain capital improvement bonds (Series 2015). Passed.
• Ordinance 70-26: Authorized $1.1 million in bonds for fire apparatus and equipment. Passed.
• Ordinance 71-26: Authorized $3.5 million for the 2026 sidewalk program ($500,000 from Capital Improvement Fund, $1.75 million from Special Assessment Improvement Fund, $1.25 million from Tree Assessment Fund). Held to March 31, 2026 on motion of Councilman Martinez.
• Ordinance 72-26: Authorized cooperative grant agreement with ODOT for a multi-use path on Parkside Boulevard ($1,016,495). Held to March 31, 2026.
• Ordinance 78-26: Changed zoning maps for 188 parcels in the historic Vistula District. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 97-26: Authorized the Clerk of Toledo Municipal Court to purchase case file folders for $110,120. Passed.
• Ordinance 98-26: Authorized a $50,000 contribution to the League Toledo Lucas County Victim Witness Assistance Program. Passed.
• Ordinance 99-26: Authorized acceptance of $250,000 from ODOT for the drones for first responders program, waiving competitive bidding. Passed.
• Ordinance 100-26: Authorized contract for advanced life support/basic life support transport billing and collection services. Passed.
• Ordinance 101-26: Authorized $25,000 from the nuisance abatement trust fund for emergency repair at 3032 Warsaw Street, waiving competitive bidding. Passed.
• Ordinance 102-26: Appropriated $2.5 million for bulk chemicals at Collins Park Water Treatment Plant and $500,000 for bulk chemicals at Bayview Water Reclamation Plant. Passed.
• Ordinance 103-26: Expressed council support and authorized application for water pollution control loan funds for Bayview Water Reclamation Plant improvements. Passed with two no votes (McPherson and Morris).
• Ordinance 104-26: Appropriated $200,000 from the water replacement fund for low service pumping station well improvements. Passed.
• Ordinance 105-26: Authorized acceptance of $275,000 from Lucas County Commissioners for the 2026 county planning program. Passed.
• Ordinance 106-26: Authorized application for zero-interest loans for lead service line replacement ($2 million). Passed.
• Ordinance 107-26: Authorized $1 million for a crosstown water main route study. First reading only; no vote taken.

New Business from City Council

• Resolution 91-26 (Councilwoman Martinez and Dr. Jones): Requested the Toledo City Plan Commission to study the Reynolds Corners area for economic development. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 92-26 (Councilwoman Martinez): Requested a comprehensive analysis of light industrial zoning to streamline development. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 93-26 (multiple sponsors): Requested review of text amendments to Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 1104 regarding detention facilities and special use permits. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 94-26 (multiple sponsors): Urged federal agencies to conduct immigration enforcement in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and outlined recommendations. Amended for clarification; passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 95-26 (multiple sponsors): Enacted Chapter 115 of the Toledo Municipal Code entitled "Immigration Status and City Resources," declaring an emergency. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 96-26 (Councilwoman Gaddis): Sought to enact new sections on obstructing access to education and harassment of educators. Moved to the Community and Administrative Services Committee for further input.

Discussion Items

• RAISE Grant (Ordinance 67-26): Councilwoman McPherson addressed misinformation, emphasizing that prior community meetings were held, the grant is for infrastructure, and further meetings will occur. She strongly denied ignoring the Dorr Street community.
• First Energy Power Outages: Multiple council members criticized First Energy's response to widespread outages (from severe weather on March 14-15). Councilman Sarantu noted peak outages of 200,000, delayed restoration promises, and a family reliant on medical equipment losing power for nearly three days. Councilwoman McPherson called the response unacceptable and urged holding the utility accountable. Councilman Driscoll highlighted the need for infrastructure investment instead of rate increases. Councilwoman Kramer reported subpar communication and safety concerns (e.g., residents unable to charge wheelchairs or refrigerate medication).
• Harrow Road Project: Councilman Martinez announced cancellation of a planned community meeting because the administration (Department of Transportation) declined to send staff, citing sufficient communication. He expressed frustration and stated a transportation committee hearing would be hosted by Councilman Driscoll to ensure residents’ voices are heard.
• Immigration Legislation: Council members Comives, Kramer, Martinez, and Driscoll praised the unanimous passage of Resolution 94-26 and Ordinance 95-26, noting extensive community input and the importance of protecting all residents.
• Glass City Academy: Councilwoman McPherson and Dr. Jones reported attending a board meeting following a shooting at the school; they called for improved safety and thanked law enforcement for presence.
• Budget: Councilman Sarantu announced a special council meeting on March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM to discuss the city budget, citing the need for reductions as the budget stabilization fund approaches zero.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and ordinances on the agenda passed, with the following exceptions: Ordinance 71-26 and 72-26 held to March 31; Ordinance 96-26 moved to committee; Ordinance 107-26 on first reading only; Ordinance 103-26 passed with two dissenting votes (McPherson and Morris).
• Appointments were all confirmed unanimously, with abstentions by Jones and Gaddis on their own appointments.
• Council directed the Plan Commission to study Reynolds Corners and light industrial zoning.
• Council adopted policies limiting city resources for civil immigration enforcement.
• Council members committed to seeking accountability from First Energy and improving infrastructure communication.
• A special budget meeting was scheduled for March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM.