OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Toledo City Council Agenda Review – April 7, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 7, 2026
BodyToledo, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 7, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 56:25

Transcript — Verbatim
1:44

I call to order the agenda review of April 7th, 2026.

1:48

Clerk, please call the roll.

1:50

Jones, here.

1:51

Comyes?

1:53

Kramer?

1:54

Here.

1:54

Martinez.

1:58

Meldon.

1:59

Morris.

2:00

Saranto.

2:01

Here.

2:02

Williams?

2:03

Here.

2:03

Driscoll.

2:05

Here.

2:05

Gaddis.

2:06

Hobbes.

2:08

Six present.

2:10

We will start with items one through six from the Department of Public Service.

2:17

Joe Fosna, Director of Department of Public Service.

2:21

Item number one is brought to us by our solid waste division and will be uh presented by Commissioner Ryan Murphy.

2:29

Good afternoon, members of council.

2:31

This ordinance proposes authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Abdum Environmental for an amount not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars funded out of the solid waste fund and waiving competitive bidding.

2:43

A component of the landfill gas system unexpectedly failed, requiring immediate action for for repairs so that we can maintain regulatory compliance.

3:36

Okay with EPA.

3:41

Okay.

3:42

Uh Chairman Cowmise.

3:51

So we never leaked anything or that's correct.

3:57

We were we were within compliance of the EPA requirements.

4:00

Okay.

4:01

Just checking.

4:02

Thank you.

4:04

That was your recommendation.

4:05

SEP.

4:06

All right, thank you.

4:08

Item two.

4:10

Item two through five are coming from our fleet and facilities division and will pre be presented by Commissioner Rick Aikman.

4:18

Good afternoon, members of council.

4:20

Uh as Director Fosdall mentioned, item number two, uh my first piece of legislation is authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed 350,000 from the municipal garage fund for the citywide vehicle lease program.

4:36

This ordinance uh authorizes that annual expenditure to enterprise lease.

4:41

Uh this was uh originally authorized through ordinance two fifty-four-19.

4:46

It's a five-year agreement with a five-year renewal.

4:49

Uh the vehicle lease program reduces the demand on our capital budget while um by reducing uh purchases.

5:00

Uh this lease program also uh we kind of continue to replenish newer vehicles that uh reduce maintenance costs and we get more up-to-date efficient pieces of equipment.

5:08

Uh asking for SEP Chairman Coleman's your recommendation?

5:17

Happy to go SCP on these.

5:20

Uh are there any electric vehicles in plan?

5:23

Yes, sir.

5:24

Lovely.

5:25

We do have a question from Councilman Serantu.

5:28

Thank you, Madam Chair.

5:29

How many vehicles are we talking?

5:31

Uh Commissioner.

5:32

Uh we are currently leasing 61 vehicles.

5:36

Okay.

5:36

Uh three of which are uh Chevy Equinox, uh, five are mid-size uh SUVs, and 53 are various size pickup trucks.

5:46

Okay, and and these are non-safety division vehicles.

5:51

Yes, sir.

5:51

Okay.

5:52

All right.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████████21%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████20%
Economic Development████████████████16%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Safety██████████10%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Pending Litigation██████6%
Environmental Protection████4%
Technology and Innovation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Toledo City Council Agenda Review – April 7, 2026

The Toledo City Council held an agenda review meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers to discuss items scheduled for the April 14, 2026 council meeting. The meeting covered 20 legislative items spanning public services, public works, development, transportation, law, and communications, along with resolutions, appointments, and second-reading ordinances. Council members reviewed proposals, asked questions of department staff, and issued recommendations (typically sending to council with favorable recommendation—SCP—or scheduling a first reading). No public testimony was heard.

Discussion Items

  • Emergency Repairs at Hoffman Road Landfill (O-133-26): Joe Fausnaugh and Ryan Murphy presented an ordinance authorizing a contract with APTIM for up to $15,000 from the Solid Waste Trust Fund to repair a failed component of the landfill gas system, maintaining EPA compliance. Councilmember Komives asked whether any leaks had occurred; staff confirmed the city remained within compliance. Recommended SCP.
  • City-Wide Vehicle Lease Program (O-134-26): Rick Akeman presented a $350,000 expenditure from the Municipal Garage Fund for leasing 61 vehicles (53 pickup trucks, 5 midsize SUVs, 3 Chevy Equinoxes) through Enterprise. The program reduces capital demand and provides newer, more efficient vehicles. Councilmember Sarantou asked for the vehicle count. Recommended SCP.
  • Major Mechanical and Building Improvements (O-135-26): Akeman detailed a $500,000 authorization for projects including plumbing, roofing, HVAC, fire suppression, EV charger installation, and re-armoring the police gun range (replacing 200–300 deflection shields). Councilmember Komives suggested using 1% environmental funds to lower the carbon footprint. Recommended SCP.
  • Non-Emergency Vehicles and Equipment (O-136-26): A $1,000,000 authorization for replacement of non-emergency vehicles and equipment, including a $315,000 rebuild of a 2012 landfill compactor (first rebuild at 12,000 hours, expected to last another 8,000 hours). Councilmember Sarantou asked about equipment lifespan. Recommended SCP.
  • Police Department Vehicle Replacement (O-137-26): A $1,000,000 authorization for 14 pursuit-rated Ford Interceptors. Staff noted test drives of electric Chevy Blazers were positive but more time is needed for infrastructure; the administration is monitoring EV platform changes by the Big Three automakers (Ford Lightning cancellations affecting plans). Councilmember Driscoll discussed the possibility of using 1% funds for additional EV purchases later in the year. Police vehicles are currently cycled every three years or at ~126,000 miles. Recommended SCP.
  • Park Infrastructure Revitalization (O-138-26): Karen Ranney Wolkins requested $300,000 for benches, picnic tables, grills, pathways, parking lots, and drinking fountains in city parks. This is the sixth year of a seven-year program. Councilmember Driscoll requested a referral for a comprehensive list of park capital needs, and Councilmember Morris added a request for park visitation data to prioritize improvements. Recommended SCP.
  • Air Grant Adjustment (O-139-26): Abed Semaan presented an ordinance to accept an additional $81,624 from Ohio EPA and reduce $89,987 from US EPA for a prior air grant, adjusting account balances. Recommended SCP.
  • Grit Collection Parts and Equipment (O-140-26): Christine Minor requested $184,000 from the Sewer Replacement Fund to buy OEM parts from Amwell to bring two of six out-of-service grit tanks back online at Bay View Water Reclamation Plant. Recommended SCP.
  • Hach Process Control Equipment (O-141-26): Minor requested $65,000 from the Sanitary Sewer Operating Fund to replace dissolved oxygen, pH, and other process control probes to maintain compliance. Recommended SCP.
  • Property Acquisition for Reynolds Area Pump Station (O-142-26): Minor requested $125,000 in loan funds to purchase two-thirds of an acre from a dollar store adjacent to the pump station for improvements. Councilmember Sarantou identified the owner as one of two dollar stores. Recommended SCP.
  • Source Water Protection Grant (O-143-26): Andy McClure presented a $15,129 Ohio EPA grant (reimbursable) for an educational campaign with Ohio State University on nutrient management and Lake Erie health, including a train-the-trainer program for OSU Extension agents. Councilmember Komives asked about scope and duration. Recommended SCP.
  • Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Meters (O-144-26): Noah Ganger requested $105,000 for one inline and one benchtop TOC meter. The current meters are obsolete, and the inline meter is actively failing, critical for tracking organic content due to algae and runoff, especially after heavy rain. Recommended SCP.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) 254 Meters (O-145-26): Ganger requested $145,000 for four UV254 meters to measure organic compounds throughout the water treatment process, improving ozone treatment efficiency and chemical use. Recommended SCP.
  • City Website Enhancements (O-146-26): Rachel Hart requested $35,000 for ADA compliance updates (new guidelines effective April 2026) and replacement of the content management system nearing end of life, to mitigate security risks. The current vendor, Madhouse (selected through a 2020 bid), will continue work. Councilmember Kramer asked about timeline; ADA updates by end of April, CMS upgrades by early summer. Councilmember Sarantou questioned the competitive bid waiver; Hart cited IT advice to stick with the trusted vendor. Recommended SCP.
  • Owens Corning TIF Extension and Riverwalk Agreement (O-147-26, O-148-26, O-149-26): Brandon Sehlhorst presented a generational opportunity: Owens Corning will invest over $250 million in its downtown Toledo world headquarters, retain all current jobs (1,036), create at least 25 new jobs, enter a PILOT with Toledo Public Schools, and support the final phase of the Glass City Riverwalk. The city would extend the existing TIF for 30 years (performance-based). Councilmember Sarantou strongly supported, recalling the 1990s retention effort. Councilmember Komives praised the solar array and requested five years of annual reports. Councilmember Morris highlighted the community benefits aspect. President Williams expressed relief and appreciation for the company's community work. All three items recommended for first reading.
  • Craig Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation (O-150-26): Christy Soncrant presented an ODOT-funded project to upgrade electrical and mechanical components of the lift bridge, with single-lane closures and a 180-day full closure in 2028–2029. Councilmember Komives asked about the detour route (likely Cherry Street) and requested average daily traffic counts. Recommended first reading.
  • Arlington Avenue Sewer Repair Supplemental Loan (O-151-26): Soncrant requested an additional $2 million loan from Ohio Water Development Authority for pumps needed due to wet spring weather on the sewer replacement project. Total project cost now $18 million. Councilmember Komives asked about cost per pump and suggested engaging state lawmakers for funding. President Williams emphasized the need to focus on infrastructure. Recommended SCP.
  • Personal Injury Settlement (O-152-26): Law Director Dale Emch and litigation chief Jeff Charles presented a $750,000 post-judgment settlement for a personal injury claim. Councilmember Hobbs recommended SCP.

Key Outcomes

  • Recommendations for Full Council (April 14): All items received either SCP (send to council with favorable recommendation) or first reading designation, as noted above. No votes were taken at this agenda review.
  • Referrals:
    • Councilmember Driscoll requested a comprehensive list of park capital needs and a report on the EV police vehicle test drive results.
    • Councilmember Morris requested park visitation data by park.
    • Councilmember Komives requested five years of annual reporting on the Owens Corning TIF.
    • Councilmember Sarantou requested copies of the current Republic Services contract and the proposed Priority Waste contract for the refuse and recycling agreement (O-113-26).
  • Second Reading Items: O-109-26 (Biometric Data Collection) and O-113-26 (Priority Waste contract) were noted as second readings for the April 14 meeting; councilmember Sarantou requested contract documents before voting.
  • Resolutions and Appointments: Resolutions honoring National Arab American Heritage Month (TMP-12408) and recognizing the Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive (R-128-26) were presented, along with the appointment of Karen Poore to the Civil Service Commission (A-129-26).
  • New Items from Council: O-130-26 (Glass City Jazz Fest sponsorship, $40,000) and a walk-on resolution designating National Community Development Week (April 6–10, 2026) were added for the April 14 agenda.
  • Alley Vacation: The clerk reported a vacation for the alley behind 2024 Champlain Street (O-153-26), previously heard by the zoning committee.

Meeting Transcript

I call to order the agenda review of April 7th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Jones, here. Comyes? Kramer? Here. Martinez. Meldon. Morris. Saranto. Here. Williams? Here. Driscoll. Here. Gaddis. Hobbes. Six present. We will start with items one through six from the Department of Public Service. Joe Fosna, Director of Department of Public Service. Item number one is brought to us by our solid waste division and will be uh presented by Commissioner Ryan Murphy. Good afternoon, members of council. This ordinance proposes authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Abdum Environmental for an amount not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars funded out of the solid waste fund and waiving competitive bidding. A component of the landfill gas system unexpectedly failed, requiring immediate action for for repairs so that we can maintain regulatory compliance. Okay with EPA. Okay. Uh Chairman Cowmise. So we never leaked anything or that's correct. We were we were within compliance of the EPA requirements. Okay. Just checking. Thank you. That was your recommendation. SEP. All right, thank you. Item two. Item two through five are coming from our fleet and facilities division and will pre be presented by Commissioner Rick Aikman. Good afternoon, members of council. Uh as Director Fosdall mentioned, item number two, uh my first piece of legislation is authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed 350,000 from the municipal garage fund for the citywide vehicle lease program. This ordinance uh authorizes that annual expenditure to enterprise lease. Uh this was uh originally authorized through ordinance two fifty-four-19. It's a five-year agreement with a five-year renewal. Uh the vehicle lease program reduces the demand on our capital budget while um by reducing uh purchases. Uh this lease program also uh we kind of continue to replenish newer vehicles that uh reduce maintenance costs and we get more up-to-date efficient pieces of equipment. Uh asking for SEP Chairman Coleman's your recommendation? Happy to go SCP on these. Uh are there any electric vehicles in plan? Yes, sir. Lovely. We do have a question from Councilman Serantu.

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