OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Toledo City Council Agenda Review - August 18, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, August 18, 2026
BodyToledo, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 18, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:56:47
Transcript — Verbatim
0:36

All right, we want to do a little bit of housekeeping.

0:39

If you see our on the agenda, please make sure once this table clears from the last you jump in.

0:46

So make sure you know where you are your agenda, please.

0:50

I thank you all for being here and welcome back.

1:07

Go.

1:11

Go.

1:13

I call out to order the agenda review meeting of August 18, 2026.

1:18

Clerk, please call the roll.

1:20

McPherson, Meldon, Morris, Sarantu.

1:25

Here.

1:26

Williams here.

1:27

Driscoll.

1:28

Gaddis.

1:30

Hobbs.

1:31

Jones.

1:31

Here.

1:32

Comives.

1:33

Kramer.

1:34

Here.

1:35

Martinez.

1:36

Present.

1:37

Six present.

1:38

All right.

1:38

And Councilman Hobbes is on his way.

1:41

Items one and two are from the Department of Community Services.

1:46

Please introduce yourself and go ahead.

1:50

Good afternoon, Council members.

1:52

My name is Karen Maloney.

1:53

I'm the Commissioner of Civic Engagement in the Office of Community Services.

1:57

And I'm here to request approval for an amendment to Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 141.01 appointments to boards and commissions.

2:06

This amendment updates the chapter to include an annual review of boards and commissions to determine inactivity before the end of the fiscal year.

2:17

It establishes an inactive board as one who has failed to hold a meeting, conduct business, issue a report, or perform functions assigned to it in a calendar year.

2:27

A board who has been deemed inactive for five consecutive calendar years will be presented to council and elimination will be recommended.

2:44

Documentation that the board or commission has been inactive for five or four f five or more years, and a statement that the board or commission is not required by the city charter, Ohio revised code, or any federal law.

3:02

Okay.

3:02

Councilmember McPherson and Councilmember uh Gavis is not here, so we'll go forward with SEP.

3:09

Item number two.

3:10

Okay.

3:10

I am also here uh to request an amendment to Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 159 Human Relations Commission.

3:17

This amendment would implement recommendations from the BGSU boards and commissions analysis that was completed early this spring and presented to committee on May 28th.

3:28

This amendment specifically includes the thirteenth recommendation of the report to consolidate boards and commissions with overlapping missions to improve coordination and efficiency.

4:10

Um the executive board becomes three at-large members.

4:14

And so the initial makeup of the HRC is 13 mayor-appointed members approved by council and one member of council serving it uh as an ex-officio member.

4:24

Umbly encouraged to be ambassadors for the city, and the HRC meetings become a mechanism for residents to connect to city resources and unofficially report systemic concerns.

4:37

Um the HRC can then respond to residents' concerns with educational opportunities, resources, events, and so on.

4:45

The HRC then will become a living body um and that is goal driven in conjunction and c in conjunction with the city strategic priorities, where commissions, working groups, and committees can be popped up, dissolved, or put on hold as determined by the needs of our residents and the administration.

5:03

So while the initial makeup of the HRC of this evolved HRC includes the six district liaisons and four community advocates, it's intended not to stay that way.

5:19

Um initially.

5:26

All right, thank you, Councilwinner Sarantsu, and I'd like to recommend recognition recognize Councilman Hobbes as being in attendance.

5:32

Thank you.

5:33

Thank you, Madam President.

5:35

Uh, just a quick question is uh is attendance uh requirements included in these changes?

5:41

Not in the code, but I assume that they would be included in the bylaws.

5:45

I mean it would seem like you know, if we don't have people attending on these commissions and boards that it's a uh it's just not a good service to the city of Toledo and taxpayers.

5:56

So I would hope that that would be uh in the uh regulations that we do have attendance requirements and and if they can't make it after so many meetings, then I think they should be removed from the committee and others uh appointed.

6:11

I agree, absolutely.

6:13

Thank you very much.

6:13

Thank you, Madam President.

6:15

Thank you.

6:16

Um again, this is Councilman, I'm sorry, Councilman Martinez.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████████20%
Public Utilities Management██████████████████18%
Public Safety████████8%
Technology and Innovation███████7%
Public Health█████5%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Procedural████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Toledo City Council Agenda Review - August 18, 2026

The Toledo City Council held an Agenda Review meeting on August 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers to preview items for the August 25, 2026 regular meeting. Council reviewed over 30 legislative items, including appointments, zoning changes, infrastructure projects, and policy amendments. Key discussions revolved around the demolition of the former Health Department building, Phase II of the Arlington Avenue sewer repair, a new West Toledo police substation lease, and amendments to the Human Relations Commission.

Consent Calendar

  • All items under the Clerk's report and appointments were moved forward without debate.
  • Items TMP-12757 (recognizing Cakewalkin’ Jass Band), TMP-12814 through TMP-12818 (appointments) were noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments were received.

Discussion Items

Human Relations Commission Amendments

  • Commissioner Caryn Maloney (Department of Community Services) presented two ordinances (TMP-12801 and TMP-12803) to update TMC Chapters 141 and 159. The amendments add an annual review of inactive boards, consolidate commissions with overlapping missions, and restructure the Human Relations Commission (HRC) to include district liaisons and community advocates.
  • Councilman Hobbs asked about attendance requirements; Commissioner Maloney stated they would be in bylaws. Councilman Martinez questioned subcommittee sizes and financial impact; no immediate budget increase was identified.

Telecommunications Audit Amendment (TMP-12688)

  • IT project manager Josh Rosso requested an additional $50,000 (total $217,900) for remediation of E911 issues and network optimization, noting $147,000 in savings and $145,000 in cost avoidance to date.
  • Councilwoman Jones asked if this was a response to a past 911 network outage; Rosso clarified it was discovered during optimization work on the phone system at One Government Center.

Troy Township JEDD Extension (TMP-12799)

  • Chief Growth Officer Brandon Sehlhorst presented a 10-year extension (to 2049) of the Joint Economic Development District with Troy Township. The JEDD generated $552,000 in city revenue in 2024 (60/40 split with township).
  • Councilmembers questioned the timing and ability to alter terms; Sehlhorst confirmed the agreement can be amended by the board.

Former Health Department Building Demolition & Parking Lot (TMP-12797 & TMP-12798)

  • Sehlhorst presented both items: a $571,342 state brownfield grant (Item 6) and a $2.7 million CIP expenditure (Item 7) to demolish the 73-year-old building at 701 Cherry Street and construct a 200-space employee parking lot. The building requires $10 million in repairs; average annual operating costs are $112,000, plus $240,000 in emergency repairs over three years. The parking lot is expected to save $180,000 annually.
  • Councilman Martinez expressed “real consternation,” noting the loss of historic fabric but acknowledged financial realities; he requested decorative fencing, lighting, and landscaping. Councilman Sarantou supported the plan, noting the building’s poor condition. Council President Williams called the building “atrocious” and supported demolition.

Arlington Avenue Sewer Phase II (TMP-12768)

  • Deputy Director Jeremy Mikolajczyk requested a $16 million OWDA loan for Phase II repairs to a collapsed 48-inch sewer main, following Phase I’s $16 million cost. Crews are bypass pumping; additional deficiencies were found from Francis to Point. Work is expected to continue through 2027.
  • Councilman Martinez asked about resident assistance (backflow preventers, communication). Mikolajczyk noted weekly updates and inspections of alleys and potholes. Councilman Hobbs urged financial relief for residents, citing ruined appliances and smells, and compared it to the $5,000 grants for Broadway businesses during construction.

Lake Erie West Regional Council Dues (TMP-12769)

  • Mikolajczyk presented $182,186 in total dues and fees for 2026 (transportation assessment, stormwater coalition, and general membership). Councilman Sarantou noted an ad hoc committee recommended keeping Toledo’s dues flat with a 5% cap/floor for future changes. Executive Director Sandy Spang explained the formula review and workforce initiatives.

West Toledo Police Substation Lease (TMP-12790)

  • Lieutenant Brianne Holmes presented a 7-year lease (with 5-year renewal option) at 1640 Sylvania Avenue, Suite A, with $45,000 annual rent cap and $471,000 for buildout and equipment from the General Fund. The current D. Michael Collins building has flooding and mold issues.
  • Supporters (Councilman Hobbs, Martinez) stressed community need and lack of suitable purchase options. Councilwoman Komives questioned total cost ($789,297 over 7 years) and whether buying would be cheaper; Lieutenant Holmes noted the city would not be responsible for major repairs. Councilman Sarantou asked for cost breakdown by referral.

Gang Intelligence & Early Intervention Software (TMP-12791 & TMP-12792)

  • Lieutenant Holmes requested 3-year contract extensions: $35,000/year for Netlucent gang intelligence software and $120,000 total for Versaterm early identification/intervention software.
  • Councilwoman Jones requested data on effectiveness and correlation with complaints; Lt. Holmes agreed to provide records. Councilman Martinez supported the technology.

Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program (TMP-12762)

  • Food Policy Manager Momo Mimi presented a $15,000 agreement with Reinvest Toledo, matched by the land bank for a $30,000 fund. The program will award microgrants for urban agriculture, with applications this fall and awards in early 2027.
  • Councilman Martinez suggested allowing grants for permitting/utilities. Councilwoman Jones praised the pilot and requested data tracking.

Other Notable Items

  • O-307-26: D2 school safety cameras (Flock Group) – $85,000 installation + $50,000/year subscription – SEP recommendation.
  • O-310-26 through O-315-26: Levies for street lighting, tree maintenance, street services, and sidewalk notes – all moved to first reading.
  • TMP-12787: Windermere Pump Station improvements ($1.67 million) – discussed progressive design-build approach – SEP.
  • TMP-12785: DPU vehicle purchase/lease ($2.457 million) – moved to first reading to allow vehicle list to be provided; Councilman Martinez requested EV consideration.
  • TMP-12767: North Summit traffic calming grant ($60,000 from Metroparks) – SEP.
  • Historic designations: TMP-12806 (509 Oswald St.), TMP-12811 (500 Clark St.), TMP-12812 (1623-1629 Broadway St.) – declared intent to designate.

Key Outcomes

  • Most items were recommended for either SEP (Same Effect as Passed) or first reading. No final votes were taken (this was an agenda review).
  • Referrals were made on several items: cost breakdown for West Toledo substation, data on police software effectiveness, breakdown of weed assessment costs, and grass seed standards/timeline for reseeding projects.
  • Several items were held for further information: DPU vehicle list (to be provided before Tuesday), roof repair details at Water Reclamation Facility, and total lease cost for West Toledo substation.
  • Council President Williams reminded members to submit referrals promptly to ensure answers before the August 25 meeting.
  • The next scheduled meeting is the Zoning and Planning Committee on August 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we want to do a little bit of housekeeping. If you see our on the agenda, please make sure once this table clears from the last you jump in. So make sure you know where you are your agenda, please. I thank you all for being here and welcome back. Go. Go. I call out to order the agenda review meeting of August 18, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. McPherson, Meldon, Morris, Sarantu. Here. Williams here. Driscoll. Gaddis. Hobbs. Jones. Here. Comives. Kramer. Here. Martinez. Present. Six present. All right. And Councilman Hobbes is on his way. Items one and two are from the Department of Community Services. Please introduce yourself and go ahead. Good afternoon, Council members. My name is Karen Maloney. I'm the Commissioner of Civic Engagement in the Office of Community Services. And I'm here to request approval for an amendment to Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 141.01 appointments to boards and commissions. This amendment updates the chapter to include an annual review of boards and commissions to determine inactivity before the end of the fiscal year. It establishes an inactive board as one who has failed to hold a meeting, conduct business, issue a report, or perform functions assigned to it in a calendar year. A board who has been deemed inactive for five consecutive calendar years will be presented to council and elimination will be recommended. Documentation that the board or commission has been inactive for five or four f five or more years, and a statement that the board or commission is not required by the city charter, Ohio revised code, or any federal law. Okay. Councilmember McPherson and Councilmember uh Gavis is not here, so we'll go forward with SEP. Item number two. Okay. I am also here uh to request an amendment to Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 159 Human Relations Commission. This amendment would implement recommendations from the BGSU boards and commissions analysis that was completed early this spring and presented to committee on May 28th. This amendment specifically includes the thirteenth recommendation of the report to consolidate boards and commissions with overlapping missions to improve coordination and efficiency. Um the executive board becomes three at-large members. And so the initial makeup of the HRC is 13 mayor-appointed members approved by council and one member of council serving it uh as an ex-officio member. Umbly encouraged to be ambassadors for the city, and the HRC meetings become a mechanism for residents to connect to city resources and unofficially report systemic concerns. Um the HRC can then respond to residents' concerns with educational opportunities, resources, events, and so on. The HRC then will become a living body um and that is goal driven in conjunction and c in conjunction with the city strategic priorities, where commissions, working groups, and committees can be popped up, dissolved, or put on hold as determined by the needs of our residents and the administration. So while the initial makeup of the HRC of this evolved HRC includes the six district liaisons and four community advocates, it's intended not to stay that way. Um initially. All right, thank you, Councilwinner Sarantsu, and I'd like to recommend recognition recognize Councilman Hobbes as being in attendance. Thank you.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com