Toledo City Council Meeting Summary – November 4, 2026

The Toledo City Council convened on November 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting included the adoption of resolutions honoring community leaders, a deeply divided and failed vote on terminating the city's Flock license plate reader contract, the referral of a police technology ordinance to committee, and the passage of funding for homelessness response and youth programs. Councilmembers also addressed the failure of Issue 16 and outlined philosophies for the upcoming budget process.

Consent Calendar and Unanimous Approvals

• Confirmed appointments to the Toledo Community Improvement Commission, Troy Township JEDD, and Plumbing Board of Control.
• Passed the 2027 City Council calendar.
• Approved $80,000 for the Code Blue Cold Weather Response Initiative.
• Approved $67,000 for Connecting Kids to Meals.
• Approved $210,809 for electric police vehicles and charging infrastructure.
• Approved $300,000 for fleet operations and $365,500 for solid waste disposal fees.
• Approved $40,000 for youth and family success initiatives at Toledo Public Schools.
• Approved $10,100 for health care access via Care Net.
• Approved $10,000 for youth programming with the Toledo Urban Volleyball Association.
• Passed the reallocation of ARPA funds, the municipal art plan agreement, and the Healthy Food Small Market Program ($355,297).

Memorializing James H. Hartung (Resolution 452-26)

The council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the life and contributions of James H. Hartung, former President and CEO of the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, who passed away at age 84. Councilmembers delivered tributes celebrating his economic development leadership and mentorship. His wife and grandson attended to accept the resolution. The vote was 10-0.

70th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 (Resolution 453-26)

The council unanimously adopted a resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Councilmember Colme spoke on the importance of remembering the fight against oppression. Mr. Peter Yavagi, a refugee of the revolution, delivered a speech warning against overpromising aid and stressing the immigrant contributions to Toledo. The vote was 10-0.

Discussion Items

Resolution 435-26: Flock License Plate Reader Agreement Termination The resolution requesting the termination of the city's agreement with Flock Group Inc. prompted extended debate.

• Councilwoman McPherson requested to hold the resolution for two weeks pending an audit. The motion to hold failed (6-5).
• Councilman Martinez shared a personal story of his daughter, stating the incident shifted his perspective to favor keeping the cameras for public safety and accountability.
• Councilmember Colme advocated for an immediate vote, stating the audience's primary demand was elimination, and that recent election results were a repudiation of surveillance state policies.
• Councilmember Meldon urged colleagues to vote their conscience rather than wait for audit results.
• The vote on the resolution failed (5-6).
• Councilwoman Dr. Jones arrived late and motioned for reconsideration. A motion to pull the resolution from committee failed in a 6-6 tie.

Ordinance 460-26: Policing Technology and Privacy Safeguards Councilman Martinez presented an ordinance to codify prohibited uses of police technology. Councilmember Colme requested the ordinance be sent to committee for oversight discussions, which was agreed upon.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 435-26 (Flock): FAILED (5-6). The matter is stalled in committee after a failed tie-breaking motion.
• Ordinance 460-26 (Police Technology): Sent to committee for further deliberation.
• Issue 16 Levy Failure: Councilmembers expressed deep concern over the failed levy. Councilman Sarantsu warned of difficult budget reductions to comply with state law. Councilmember Gaddis cited a homeless count of nearly 650 and a 44% rent increase since 2021, arguing for robust safety net funding. Councilmember Meldon urged strategic cuts prioritizing long-term growth and protecting residents from disproportionate burden. Council President Williams called for shared sacrifice.
• Upcoming Hearings: Councilmember Colme announced a hazmat committee hearing for November 19th. Councilwoman McPherson called for a hearing with Republic Services. Councilman Martinez requested improved crisis communication protocols after a bomb threat.
• First Call Remarks: Members celebrated the election of Ohio's first female governor and progressive local wins. Councilmembers Kramer and Colme expressed outrage over the four-month detention of LJ Chris Carr, calling for a full investigation. Councilman Sarantsu noted the administration has not released $20,000 budgeted for the Police Athletic League program.