Toledo City Council Formal Meeting - August 25, 2026
Toledo City Council Formal Meeting - August 25, 2026
The Toledo City Council met at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Council Chambers, One Government Center, to consider a lengthy agenda including appointments, resolutions, ordinances, and committee reports. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Robbie Davis of First Church of God, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance by the Cakewalkin' Jass Band. All 11 council members were present. The meeting concluded with announcements from council members and adjournment.
Appointment Confirmations
- R-331-26 – Recognizing the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band for nearly 60 years of musical excellence. Adopted unanimously.
- A-332-26 – Bruce Vidak appointed to the Toledo City Historic Commission (Eastern/Southern District) for a three-year term expiring August 25, 2029. Confirmed unanimously.
- A-333-26 – Karen Poore appointed to the Downtown Parking Lot Review & Improvement Advisory Committee, replacing Matthew Rubin, for a three-year term expiring August 25, 2029. Confirmed unanimously.
- A-334-26 – Reappointments of William Harbert, Michael Miller, Deborah Gregory, Michael Stencotty, Kathy Shrine, and Ryan Bunch to the Downtown Parking Lot Review & Improvement Advisory Committee for three-year terms expiring August 25, 2029. Confirmed unanimously.
- A-335-26 – Nathan Knapke reappointed to the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals for a five-year term expiring August 25, 2031. Confirmed unanimously.
- A-336-26 – Susan Postal reappointed to the Toledo Lucas County Health Board for a term expiring July 31, 2030. Confirmed unanimously.
Second Reading Items
All second reading items were passed unanimously under emergency suspension, except as noted:
- O-307-26 – Authorizing a contract with Flock Group Inc. for exterior camera systems at District 2 schools ($85,000 implementation, $50,000 annual subscription) was deferred to committee after discussion. Councilman Martinez explained the technology's purpose for children's safety (serving 6,500 students) and noted guardrails in place. Councilwoman Kramer cited resident concerns, including over 100 emails, and supported committee review. No vote was taken; the item was referred to the Safety Committee.
- O-310-26 through O-315-26 – Annual special assessments for street lighting (downtown and outside downtown), shade trees, street cleaning/snow removal, sidewalk improvements ($2,520,000 in notes), and issuance of notes for assessments. All passed unanimously.
New Items from Council
The following new items were introduced and passed unanimously under suspension and emergency, unless otherwise noted:
- O-337-26 – RightHear interpretive signage pilot at multiple city parks (five-year contract, $13,600 from DIP). Passed.
- O-338-26 – ConnectToledo wayfinding signs in District 3 ($50,000 DIP). Passed.
- R-339-26 and R-340-26 – Intent to designate buildings at 509 Oswald Street and 550 Clark Street as historic landmarks. Adopted.
- O-341-26 – Amending ordinance 276-26 for reappropriation of DIP funds. Passed.
- O-342-26 and O-343-26 – Amending Municipal Code Chapters 141 (appointments/terms) and 159 (Human Relations Commission). Passed.
- O-344-26 – Additional funds for E911 remediation and network optimization. Passed.
- O-345-26 through O-348-26 – Right-of-way dedication for Washington Street roundabout, amended JEDD with Troy Township (extended to 2049), and remediation/demolition of former Health Department building at 701 Cherry Street (grants up to $571,342 and $2,700,000 expenditure). All passed.
- O-349-26 and O-350-26 (from Finance) – Refinancing of water system revenue bonds and special assessments for noxious weed cutting. Held for first reading (not voted).
- O-351-26 – $278,000 for Reconnecting Communities Grant match. Passed.
- O-352-26 through O-356-26 – Sewer failure repair loan ($16 million for Arlington Ave Phase II), transportation planning fees, OPWC application support, Berdan Avenue bridge project ($2,093,046 ODOT grant), and Metroparks traffic calming project ($60,000). O-353 held first reading; others passed.
- O-357-26 and O-358-26 – Fire and Rescue grants ($2,944.56 for EMS supplies, $250,000 for specialty teams). Passed.
- O-359-26 – West Toledo Police Office lease at 1640 Sylvania Ave (7-year term, $500,000). Passed with one dissenting vote (Councilman Martinez voted no).
- O-360-26 and O-361-26 – Gang intelligence software ($35,000/year) and early intervention software ($120,000) for police. Passed.
- O-362-26 – Urban Agriculture Microgrant program with Reinvest Toledo ($15,000). Passed.
- O-363-26 and O-364-26 – EPA grants for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative ($2,600,000) and environmental site assessments ($500,000). Passed.
- O-365-26 through O-374-26 – Public Utilities items including Windermere Pump Station improvements, roofing, grit tank parts, emergency repairs, pumps/valves, settling tank drive, generator connection, vehicle/equipment purchases ($2,132,000 from sewer fund, $325,000 from stormwater fund), multi-sensor sewer inspection, and sewer/water disconnection services. All passed.
- R-375-26 – Intent to designate 1623-1629 Broadway Street as historic landmark. Adopted.
- O-376-26 through O-380-26 – Zoning map changes (640 Wyman St, 5860 Secor Rd), special use permit for cemetery at 722 E Bancroft, sign code amendments, and legal description correction. All passed.
- O-182-26 – Bulk collection and set-out regulations (eviction property removal). Relieved from Sustainability & Beautification Committee and passed unanimously.
Discussion Items
- Flock Camera System (O-307-26): Councilman Martinez detailed the system's purpose for school safety and data-driven policing, noting the technology is already used by TPD with guardrails. He stated that the project came from a need for better police response in District 2, citing recent violent crimes. Councilwoman Kramer acknowledged receiving many resident emails with concerns about surveillance, cost, and oversight. The item was referred to the Safety Committee for further hearing.
- Brent Industries Fire: Councilman Sarantu reported a tragic fire at Brent Industries in South Toledo that killed two employees and destroyed the plant. Over 100 Toledo fire personnel responded, requiring mutual aid from Oregon and Maumee. OSHA is investigating. Councilwoman Gaddis noted neighboring residents reporting health symptoms (headaches, respiratory issues, soot) and requested a committee hearing. Councilman Comives scheduled a Sustainability & Beautification Committee hearing for Wednesday, September 2 (5 PM) to address environmental impacts, chemical inventory, air dispersion modeling, and resident concerns. He also called for a certified list of chemicals and a technical expert team.
- Vision Zero Progress: Councilman Meldon highlighted a Blade article showing traffic fatalities dropped from 44 in 2021 to 23 in 2025 (48% decrease), outpacing the national average decline of 15%. He expressed optimism about the initiative's trajectory.
- Upcoming Events: Multiple council members announced meetings and events: Finance Committee hearing (August 26, 4 PM), Housing Committee presentation by Dr. Valerie Walston (August 27), Women's Equality Day events (August 26), Sickle Cell Blood Drive (August 29, East Toledo Senior Center), German Festival (weekend of August 28-30), Greek Festival (September 11-13), and District 4 Town Hall (September 10, Zablacki Center).
Key Outcomes
- All appointments confirmed unanimously (6 total).
- All second reading ordinances passed except O-307-26, which was deferred to committee.
- 30+ new ordinances and resolutions passed, most on unanimous emergency suspension. O-359-26 passed 10-1 (Martinez dissenting).
- O-349-26 and O-350-26 (water bond refinancing, noxious weed assessments) had first reading only.
- O-353-26 (transportation fees) had first reading.
- The clerk approved excused absences for several council members from prior meetings.
- The meeting adjourned after closing comments.
Meeting Transcript
I call to order the city council meeting of August twenty-fifth, twenty twenty six. Clerk, please call the roll. McPherson. Here. Meldon. Here. Morris here. Surround two. Here. Williams. Here. Driscoll. Get us. Here. Hobbs. Here. Jones. Here. Coal Mines. Here. Kramer. Here. Martinas. Present. Eleven presence. Please stand for the invitation by Pastor Robbie Davis of First Church of God, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and the performance of the national anthem by the Cake Walking Jazz Band. Let's bow our heads and pray together today. Our Father and our God, we give you thanks and praise for another day that you have made. Thank you for the convening of the city council here in Toledo. Thank you, Lord, for the promised wisdom that you said you would give us. You said you would provide wisdom liberally and you would provide it without finding fault. Thank you for that wisdom today and every decision that will be made. Thank you for these leaders who have given themselves to public service. Bless them, protect them and their families as they serve. And we thank you that indeed the righteousness that you have called us to here in Tolid Toledo, the glass city, we thank you that that righteousness will indeed prevail in such dark and challenging times. Thank you, President Williams. Thank you, Reverend Davis, Pastor of First Church of God, we want to thank you for praying for us today, and we want to welcome you to our city. We are excited to see what God has in store for not only First Church of God, but for the city of Toledo through your ministry and your leadership. We also want to say thank God to Father Cope for coming and being with us on today. Thank you and God bless you. To the jazz cakewalking band, thank you. Thank you. And we'll be hearing from you in a little bit. Thank you so much for Councilwoman McPherson. Clerk, please begin with the resolution in attendance, recognizing the Cake Walk and Jazz Band on Sixty Years of Music, band members Ray Heider, Heiger, Clarinette, Vocals, Leader, Dave Kuzma, Cornet, Vocals, Russ Dan Schroeder, Trombone, Buddy Lopez, Drums, Bob Miller, String Bass, Betsy Graffin, Banjo, Rick Graffin, Piano, Nick Heiger, I'm sorry, Nicole Heidker, Vocals. Just a second. And whereas under the leadership of founder Ray Heiker, alongside dedicated members, past and present, the band has earned regional and national recognition through recordings, television and radio appearances, and publications, highlighting its commitment to musical excellence and the preservation of America's original art form. And whereas for nearly sixty years, the cakewalk and jazz band has served as a cultural ambassador for the city of Toledo, enriching the community through its exceptional musicianship, unwavering dedication and passion for keeping the spirit of New Orleans jazz alive. And whereas the band's enduring legacy reflects the power of music to unite people, celebrate cultural heritage, and create lasting memories for audiences of all ages, leaving an immeasurable impact on Toledo's arts and cultural community. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo that Toledo City Council probably proudly recognizes and honors the Cakewalk and Jazz Band for its nearly 60 years of preserving and performing the traditions of New Orleans style jazz and for its outstanding contribution to the arts, culture, and quality of life in the city of Toledo.
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