The Toledo City Council held an Agenda Review meeting on May 19, 2026, to prepare for the May 26, 2026 regular meeting. Council reviewed over 20 agenda items, including new legislation, second-reading items, and items likely to be relieved from committees. Key discussions centered on a proposed moratorium on new gas stations, the award of a spent lime removal contract, and a $5.5 million grant for a railroad grade separation project in Point Place. Several items received recommendations for placement on the agenda, while others were held pending additional information.
Spent Lime Contract (O-185-26) Councilman Martinez expressed concerns about the current vendor (Consol) and proposed amending the contract to award it to the second lowest bidder (approximately 40-55 cents per ton difference) with a one-year term to allow for scaling and improved oversight. He noted that the debarment language is weak and that referrals to the administration are pending. Councilman Sarantou requested a status update on Consol's cleanup and emphasized the need for written responses before voting. Council President Williams urged moving forward but acknowledged the need for referral answers. Martinez plans to share the amendment by Friday, May 22.
Gas Station Moratorium (O-213-26) Council members Driscoll, Sarantou, and McPherson proposed a moratorium until November 30, 2026, on permits for new gasoline and fuel sales to allow a Plan Commission study on zoning issues, particularly whether gas stations should be allowed in neighborhood commercial districts. Council President Williams strongly opposed, citing a prior moratorium on convenience stores and arguing that it hinders business and deters investment (e.g., Sheets, Buckys). She noted that a local gas station owner had requested the moratorium, raising concerns about stifling competition. Councilmember Gaddis supported the moratorium, highlighting that large gas stations do not fit existing licensing regulations. Councilmember Martinez and Jones expressed being at a crossroads, suggesting that a study might be needed but questioning the necessity of a moratorium. Councilman Driscoll clarified that the legislation was drafted before the letter from the business owner and suggested a shorter three- to four-month moratorium. The item was referred to the Zoning and Planning Committee for further discussion.
Point Place Railroad Grade Separation Grant (O-222-26) Simon Nyi, Commissioner of Government Affairs, presented a $5.5 million grant from the Ohio Rail Development Commission for design and engineering of an overpass at either Manhattan or Summit Street in Point Place. The project aims to address frequent train blockages that impede emergency responders and daily traffic. No city match is required. Council members expressed strong support, noting the long-standing need. The project timeline is approximately 10 years or more due to coordination with CSX and FirstEnergy. SCP was approved.
Community Gardens Water Infrastructure (O-218-26) The ordinance authorizes $50,000 from the Water Infrastructure Development Fund to install water infrastructure at up to $5,000 per garden location. Councilwoman Jones and Councilman Martinez discussed the need to distinguish between community gardens and urban agriculture, and requested metrics on water usage, follow-up on existing gardens, and a breakdown by district. The item received SCP approval with referrals for additional information.
Family House Merger Funding (O-224-26) The administration requested $145,899 from the General Fund to complete the second half of funding for the merger between Leading Families Home and Family House. The first half was disbursed in 2025. Councilman Driscoll expressed support but questioned why the expenditure was not in the 2026 budget, submitting a referral to the finance department. The item received SCP approval.
Tow Lot Management Agreement (O-197-26) Councilman Sarantou noted that referrals on this issue are still pending and requested answers before voting. Councilwoman Morris provided contact information for the current contractor, Patrick McKinney, who will attend the Safety Committee meeting on May 21.
Other Items
No, that's fine. I tried to do it for the fine. I'd rather hear the other. Good afternoon, everybody. I call this agenda review of Toledo City Council May 19th, 2026 to order. Clerk, will you please call the role? Com Ives. Kramer, here. Martinez. McPherson. Here. Meldon. Here. Morris here. Sarantu. Here. Williams. Driscoll. Here. Gaddis. Here. Hobbs. Jones. Here. Forum present. Thank you so much. Uh items one and two come from the Department of Public Service. Welcome. Hi, good afternoon, Council. Thanks for having us. I'm Sarah Stacy, Commissioner of Urban Beautification, and I'm here with Director Joe Fosna of Public Service. Item number one is to authorize the expenditure of an amount not to exceed 26,000 from the general fund for the collection hauling and processing of materials collected at our 2026 clean Toledo recycling events and some additional things that may be collected at the Clean Toledo Center, mostly e-waste. This is to authorize the mayor to accept bids and enter into this necessary contracts for recycling disposal services. This ordinance will help cover costs for three scheduled clean Toledo recycling events and support a large volume of materials collected by vendors for proper recycling and disposal. I'm happy to try to answer any questions, and we're asking for SEP, please. Thanks. Could you just remind us where the events are going to be? And we will have two events at Central Avenue 1189 Central Avenue, our um transportation building. And one event is planned at Ravine Park 2. Okay, thank you. Thank you, Chair. All right. SCP is Shelby. Thank you. Um item number two. This ordinance is to authorize an expenditure of $75,000 from the general fund as an annual contribution paid to keep Toledo Lucas County beautiful, KTLCB. Um this is to help cover costs for neighborhood cleanups, their litter league, and recycling programs. Uh KTLCB is a great partner of ours. They provide supplies and logistical support for cleanups in neighborhoods, parks, public spaces, and key corridors. And they annually distribute approximately 9,000 bags, 4500 pairs of gloves, safety vests and litter tongs all help keep Toledo clean and beautiful.