Toledo City Council Meeting - March 31, 2026

The Toledo City Council convened on March 31, 2026, at 9:00 AM with 12 members present. The meeting included an invocation, approval of an appointment, passage of numerous ordinances, and extensive discussion on the upcoming refuse collection contract decision and the city budget. The council also heard reports on lead hazard reduction, sidewalk programs, and infrastructure projects.

Appointment Confirmation

• Appointment 108-26 – Cody Brown was confirmed to the Troy Township JEDD Board, replacing Brandon Sellhorse, for a term expiring July 1, 2030. Approved unanimously (12-0).

Second Reading Items

• Ordinance 60-26 – Authorizing $100,000 for the Customer Assistance Grant Program (water/sewer/stormwater). Councilmember Martinez moved it to the Water Quality Committee for quarterly AMI progress updates. Approved without objection.
• Ordinance 71-26 – 2026 Sidewalk Program ($3.5 million total from Capital Improvement, Special Assessment, and Tree Assessment Funds). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 72-26 – Multi-Use Path Project on Parkside Boulevard (cooperative grant with ODOT, up to $1,116,495). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 107-26 – Crosstown Water Main Route Study ($1 million from Water Replacement Fund). Passed unanimously (12-0).

New Items from City Council

• Ordinance 109-26 – First reading: Biometric Data Collection (Chapter 557 of Toledo Municipal Code).
• Ordinance 111-26 – National League of Cities 2026 membership dues ($17,366). Passed unanimously (12-0).

New Items from Administration

• Ordinance 112-26 – Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program ($7,750,000 from HUD). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 113-26 – First reading: Five-year refuse and recycling contract with Priority Waste LLC (annual expenditure up to $13,560,000).
• Ordinance 114-26 – Rodent abatement and demolition at public nuisance properties ($40,000 annually). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 115-26 – Clean Toledo Center: collection, hauling, and processing equipment ($65,000). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 116-26 – Heather Downs Pump Station Repair ($100,000). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 117-26 – Sanitary Sewer Improvement 44D (loan up to $317,210 from Ohio EPA and OWDA). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 118-26 – Cybersecurity improvements ($154,900). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 119-26 – Cooman Drive Bridge deck replacement and abutment modifications (federal grant up to $2 million). Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 120-26 – Avenue Bridge over Buckeye Street project (federal grant up to $1,735,000). Passed unanimously (12-0).

Zoning and Planning Items

• Ordinance 121-26 – Zoning map amendment for 3360 and 3356 Monroe Street. Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 122-26 – Special use permit for community recreation at 2858 and 2860 LaGrange Street. Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 123-26 – Special use permit for used auto sales at 631 South Reynolds. Passed unanimously (12-0).
• Ordinance 124-26 – Amendment to special use permit for a school at 6004 Hill Avenue. Passed unanimously (12-0).

Council Member Comments & Discussion

• Budget (General Fund) – The 2026 city budget was passed during the meeting. Councilmember Meldon noted his amendment maintaining a police presence in West Toledo received seven votes. Councilmember Sarantu thanked the administration and colleagues, emphasizing the need to monitor revenues and expenditures.
• Refuse Contract Debate – Several council members addressed the upcoming decision between Republic Services and Priority Waste LLC. Council President Williams expressed support for Republic, citing improvements under local managers Sheryl and Rochelle, union affiliation, and a stable price. Councilmember Gaddis voiced strong opposition to Republic, detailing service failures in District 4 (e.g., bulk pickup delays, rat infestation), and stated she was initially leading the charge for replacement. She clarified that the proposed solid waste fee increase is not tied to the contractor choice. Councilmember Kramer thanked the public for feedback on the contract. The ordinance (113-26) received first reading; final vote is scheduled for April 14, 2026.
• Lead Hazard Reduction – Councilmember Jones highlighted the $7.75 million HUD grant and discussed a partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, noting that 60% of Detroiters carry the trait and Toledo data is pending. She also announced a tenant town hall (“Our Homes, Our Rights”) on April 6.
• Community Events – Councilmember McPherson invited the public to an Easter egg scavenger hunt at Nelson Grace Park on April 4 (2-4 PM). Councilmember Morris promoted a Point Place Business Association Easter Egg Hunt at Friendship Park on April 4 at 10 AM. Councilmember Colmes touted the Clean Toledo Center and free glass recycling program (GRIT) for bars and restaurants.
• Infrastructure Updates – Councilmember Gaddis reported that viaduct lighting in East Toledo is being repaired and that ODOT will host a meeting at Bowser High School on March 31 at 6 PM regarding the odor from the hole on Arlington Avenue. Councilmember Driscoll thanked the transportation department for approving a road closure on Delaware for the Old West End Festival.
• Youth and Safety – Councilmember Martinez provided an update on the Urban Air teen takeover incident, noting a productive meeting with management and urging parents to supervise children. Councilmember Kramer recognized Trans Day of Visibility and thanked police for safety at a weekend rally.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Approved – The 2026 city budget was passed. Additional amendments may be made throughout the year.
• Refuse Contract Delayed – Ordinance 113-26 (Priority Waste contract) received first reading; final vote set for April 14, 2026. Council members continue to weigh public feedback.
• Ordinance 60-26 Referred to Committee – The customer assistance grant program was moved to the Water Quality Committee for quarterly reports on AMI progress.
• Lead Grant Accepted – $7.75 million from HUD for lead hazard reduction was approved; implementation will include contractor recruitment and neighborhood targeting.
• Infrastructure Projects Authorized – Multiple projects (sidewalk, path, bridge, pump station, sewer, cybersecurity) were approved for funding and bidding.
• Appointment Confirmed – Cody Brown seated on the Troy Township JEDD Board.
• Meeting Adjourned – The council will reconvene on April 14, 2026, for the refuse contract vote.