Toledo City Council Agenda Review - May 19, 2026

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.

Consent Calendar

• Resolutions recognizing the 2025-2026 ACES foreign exchange students (R-205-26) and 58th Annual Debutante Cotillion recipients (R-206-26) were presented for approval.
• Ordinance O-180-26 repealing a prior ordinance and authorizing $25,000 for street furnishings in the Warehouse District (District 4) was approved.
• Ordinance O-210-26 amending the account code for a $80,000 Friendship Park basketball court renovation (District 6 DIP) was approved.
• Ordinance O-211-26 amending the account code for a $175,000 pickleball court installation at Fort Meigs Sertoma Park (District 6 DIP) was approved.
• Ordinance O-212-26 amending the account code for $77,440 for speed feedback signage in District 1 DIP was approved.
• Street renaming resolutions for Searles Road (Dr. Crystal Ellis), Wilmot Street (Kei’Mani Latigue), and Junction/Indiana (Lee & Vernon Liddell) were recommended for approval after Board of Honor review.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

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

• Clean Toledo Recycling Events (O-214-26): $26,000 authorized for collection, hauling, and processing of e-waste at three events.
• Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful Contribution (O-215-26): $75,000 annual contribution for neighborhood cleanups and recycling programs.
• Maintenance Hole Repair (O-216-26): $99,000 for repair of MH #31234 near Sherwood and South Detroit, damaged during a 2025 overflow.
• Ohio Utilities Protection Service Membership (O-217-26): $40,000 annual fee ($20,000 each from sewer and water funds).
• Raw Water Main Real Estate Acquisition (O-219-26 and O-220-26): $183,806 reappropriation from bond funds and $873,605 from water replacement fund for easements and property purchases.
• Source Water Protective Strategies Grant (O-221-26): $4,841 additional grant funds for educational materials with Ohio State University.
• Lake Erie West TIP Applications (R-223-26): Authorizing applications for future roadway projects (80% federal, 20% local).
• Customer Assistance Grant Program (O-60-26): $100,000 for utility customer assistance, relieved from Water Quality Committee.
• HUD Grants (O-200-26, O-202-26, O-203-26): Acceptance of ESG ($619,354), HOME ($1,971,147 plus $5,759,943 carryover), and CDBG ($7,026,026 plus $985,000 carryover) funds for 2026-2027, relieved from Housing Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Most items received recommendation for placement on the May 26 agenda (SCP). Notable exceptions: O-185-26 (spent lime) was held pending amendment and referrals; O-197-26 (tow lot) was held pending referral responses; O-213-26 (gas station moratorium) was referred to the Zoning and Planning Committee.
• Councilman Martinez will present an amendment to O-185-26 by Friday, May 22.
• Referrals were made for: spent lime cleanup status, tow lot referral answers, community gardens metrics, and Family House budget inquiry.
• The Railroad Grade Separation grant and other utility items were approved for agenda placement.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:30 PM.