Public Meetings - Toledo, Ohio

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.

On 2026-10-28, the committee received updates on utility debt collection, September 2026 revenues and expenditures, 2027 budget scenarios tied to proposed ballot initiative Issue 16, and the city auditor's Flock system audit. No written agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based on the raw transcript. Utility Collection Update - Department of Public Utilities Director Patika Pope Bannister, joined by Megan Robson and Cindy Geronimo, reported on the matching debt relief write-offs and installment payment plans. The program ended September 30, with almost 1,500 website visits on the final day; write-offs are still being processed and are expected to be completed through the November billing cycle. - Through September, the department enrolled 6,958 customers (6,933 residential, 25 commercial) and collected approximately $8 million through installment plans. More than $5 million in scheduled future payments remains. - Active delinquent utility debt is about $38 million, with residential accounts making up the majority. In September, 114 disconnections and 65 reconnections were recorded. - In response to a question, the director said installment plan collection rates are above 90 percent. The chairman noted debt has fallen from roughly $61 million to about $38 million. September 2026 Financial Reports - Commissioner Zavisha reported income tax collections. September withholding fell $2.3 million (14.1%), including a $1.4 million timing effect from one fewer Friday in August 2026 compared with 2025. About $600,000 was attributed to the auto industry, $600,000 to government one-time events, and $150,000 to net-profit businesses. Year-to-date withholding was up $182,203 (0.1%). - The top 75 withholding companies were up $225,000, while all other companies were down $43,000. Business/net-profit collections were down $137,000 (4.3%) for the month and $7.7 million (31.2%) for the year; the top six companies accounted for $6.51 million, or 84 percent, of that decrease. - Individual income tax collections fell for a third consecutive month, down $217,798 (2.2%) for the year; third-quarter estimates were due and payment-plan defaults were rising. Overall income tax collections were down $7.8 million (4.7%) year to date, with a projected full-year income tax figure of $231.8 million. Refunds issued were $3 million, close to last year's $3.1 million. - Director Melanie Campbell reviewed general fund revenue and expenditures. With 75 percent of the year complete, collections were at 64.3 percent of the budget estimate. Property taxes were at 101 percent after the second-half settlement; homestead/rollback reimbursements were expected in October. General fund expenditures were at 75.6 percent of budget, slightly ahead of schedule. Fire overtime was ahead of budget, though total fire spending was on track. - The committee also heard that 97.3 percent of ARPA funds had been expended. Final invoices for the Starbase and Metro Parks Riverwalk projects were processed in October, and the projects will be closed in the next report. RIP/Undo Medical purchased a debt portfolio expected to provide $26 million in debt relief to approximately 6,400 Toledoans; the remaining ARPA balance is roughly $150,000 to $160,000. - The state audit was completed and released, and audit books will be distributed by the end of the week. Commissioner Morey reported over $2 million recovered in taxes, penalties, and interest, including wage theft cases for 39 workers totaling just under $40,000, with average unpaid wages of $1,011. 2027 Budget Development Update - Deputy Mayor Arnold and Director Campbell presented two working budget scenarios for 2027. Both include significant reductions, a 5 percent cut to contractual services, $1 million from leadership consolidations, and $1 million from holding or eliminating vacancies. No final budget decisions have been made. - If Issue 16, the proposed quarter-percent income tax, passes, the budget assumes $20 million in additional income tax revenue in 2027, growing to $25 million in 2028 and 2029. It would fund police and fire recruit classes of 40 each, add 10 officers to the gang task force, expand the fire investigative unit, create a residential speed enforcement program, keep three blight crews, continue nuisance mowing, demolitions, youth programming, pools, and violence intervention, and free $4 million for capital projects by reducing the CIP transfer from $24 million to $20 million. - If Issue 16 fails, no new police or fire classes would be funded; youth programming would be eliminated; pools would not open; blight crews would drop from three to one; demolitions would be limited to emergencies; nuisance mowing, curbside recycling, violence intervention, Clean Toledo Center, vibrancy, and legacy corridor grants would be eliminated or significantly reduced; and the CIP transfer would remain $24 million. The working budget contemplates approximately 73 layoffs of currently filled positions, roughly half from police and fire. The administration has not publicly identified specific positions and said ongoing health care negotiations could reduce layoffs. - Without Issue 16, fund balance is projected to be about $21.8 million at the end of 2027, under $6 million at the end of 2028, and negative by $3.5 million in 2029. - In response to council questions, officials said curbside recycling elimination would save about $1.5 million; the gang task force currently has 15 members and Issue 16 would add 10; the $25 million estimate from a quarter-percent income tax could change if collections decline, based on $25.6 million for one quarter-percent at the current $231.8 million projection; and organization-wide health care costs exceed $70 million. Director Campbell said planned expenditures would be about $390 million if Issue 16 passes and $380 million if it fails. Vice Chairman Driscoll pressed the administration on council's prior request for a $10 million expenditure reduction; the administration said it is meeting that target through reduced reliance on the fund balance rather than an identical expenditure cut. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Arnold criticized the cancellation and limited scheduling of public safety committee meetings, listing several canceled dates, and asked whether the fire department has enough funds to cover the more than $91,000 cut from dive and hazmat team physicals. The committee took the question by referral. - Joe Sarah, representing the Toledo Firefighters union, expressed support for Issue 16 and urged residents to vote yes. He opposed layoffs and described a staffing and response crisis: one West Toledo ambulance was out of service with no backup, and a previous engine was down after an accident. He cited an IAFF study suggesting the city needs two more stations in West Toledo and one in South Toledo, said run volume has tripled or quadrupled over 40 years while daily staffing increased by only 10 people, and stated 80 to 90 percent of fire calls are medical. He said there is "no fat to trim" from the fire department. In response to the chairman, he agreed that faster response is critical and referenced "time is tissue." City Auditor Report - City Auditor John Ravalski reported that the Flock license plate reader system audit is in fieldwork and testing. Audit planning and walkthroughs are complete, and data requests have been issued. TPD has asked the law department to review CJIS compliance before providing some data, which may include license plates and case information. - The tentative early November release date will be moved; a better estimate is expected in coming weeks. Councilman Martinez asked for a summary of audit scope; the auditor said the resolution covers areas such as searches, hot lists, and network sharing and took the detailed scope question by referral. Key Outcomes - No formal motions, votes, or resolutions were taken during this meeting; all items were informational. - DPU will continue processing matching debt relief write-offs through the November billing cycle. - Finance staff will continue monitoring withholding, individual income tax estimates, payment-plan defaults, and projected 2027 budget balances. The next monthly report will reflect October activity and second-half homestead/rollback payments. - ARPA-funded projects will be closed out in the next report after final invoices; RIP/Undo Medical's final invoice is expected after debt-relief letters are mailed. - The administration will continue refining the 2027 budget and bring an actual budget to council after the election; personnel decisions tied to layoff scenarios remain pending, and health care negotiations are ongoing. - Referrals: Richard Arnold's fire physicals funding question was referred; the city auditor will provide an outline of the Flock audit scope by referral. - The next finance committee meeting would normally fall the day before Thanksgiving, but scheduling will be announced later.

The City of Toledo City Council held its agenda review meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The session prepared the agenda for the November 11, 2026, Council meeting. No formal votes were taken; items were advanced, referred, or scheduled for later action. Roll call showed a quorum. Consent Calendar / Routine Agenda Advancements - Advanced without questions from Council members: $300,000 reappropriation in the Municipal Garage Fund Fleet Operations budget for vehicle repair parts and materials, using salary savings from unfilled positions. - Advanced without questions from Council members: $633,213 agreement with the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo to implement the 2026 Municipal Art Plan under the 1% for the Arts allocation. - Advanced without questions from Council members: $375,500 reappropriation within the Solid Waste General Fund to pay forecasted regulatory disposal fees, funded by vacancy savings and other identified 2026 budget savings. - Agenda items 4 and 5, including the emergency spent-lime hauling and disposal contract with BCA Express Co. LTD and the CAAS Cyanobacteria Analyzer preventative maintenance contract, were moved to the next agenda because no administration representative was present to present them. Presentations and Advancements - TARTA Youth Blast Pass academic-year pilot: Chief Impact Officer Tiffany Whitman and TARTA staff presented a $40,000 General Fund agreement to pilot an expansion of the Youth Summer Blast Pass program from January through May 2027. The investment would support up to 3,576 youth transit passes for Toledo youth. TARTA reported that the summer 2026 program served 3,576 youth and provided 40,000 fixed-route youth rides; the top zip codes of riders have consistently been inside Toledo. Council members praised the program, asked about measuring economic impact, and asked what happens if funds are underspent. TARTA said it has covered overage costs in previous years and has never underspent. First reading was requested. - Toledo Public Schools youth and family success initiative: A $40,000 pilot would provide $10,000 to each of four schools in Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas to address chronic absenteeism. TPS was not present but submitted a letter of support. The item was advanced without objection. - Toledo/Lucas County CareNet: A $10,100 agreement to support healthcare access, insurance navigation, and community health worker services for uninsured and underinsured residents was advanced without discussion. - Toledo Urban Volleyball Association: An additional $10,000 for 2026-2027 school-year programming was advanced. The administration stated the organization's original proposal was for $20,000, but the contract was mistakenly written for $10,000; sufficient funds remain. - Resolutions were announced recognizing James Hartung and the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. - Mayor's appointments were presented: David Mann to TCIC for a three-year term expiring November 4, 2029; April Welch to the Troy Township JEDD, replacing Cody Brown, for a term to July 1, 2030; and Andy Schaefer to the Plumbing Board of Control for a three-year term expiring November 4, 2029. Discussion Items - 2027 Council calendar: Second reading list included O-413-26 (ARPA-SLFRF reallocation), O-425-26 ($355,297 Healthy Food Small Market Program agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Board of Health), R-435-26 (Flock Group contract termination and equipment removal), and R-436-26 (2027 calendar). Council members suggested moving July meetings to August or late June. President Williams said the two July dates would be moved to August and directed the clerk to make the notation. - Electric police vehicles: A new item was announced authorizing $210,809 from the General Fund, transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund, for electric police vehicles and related charging infrastructure. Discussion clarified the vehicles would be community police/CSO vehicles, not general patrol units. Councilman Driscoll said CSOs have regular daytime schedules that fit EV use, and earlier this year the city piloted several electric police vehicles. - Flock and TPD technology: Councilman Martinez presented an ordinance codifying prohibited uses of Toledo Police Department technology. He said it codifies existing transparency commitments, reaffirms prior legislation, and creates officer accountability for misuse. Martinez cited prior hearing testimony that roughly 10.5-11% of shared Flock users had active 287(g) agreements and said the ordinance would require monthly review and removal of such users from camera-sharing access. He also said Flock has removed keyword search and now requires searches to be tied to FBI crime categories. He asked for co-sponsors and proposed a November 4 vote or committee referral. Councilman Driscoll called the ordinance a step in the right direction and suggested penalties for city-side misuse. Councilman Meldon said a broader data governance and data privacy policy is still in development. Councilwoman Kramer raised concerns about protecting civil liberties and protest activity and said the need to legislate around protests was alarming. President Williams asked whether the proposed pause covered cameras or only license plate readers, noting residents in her district have wanted cameras after shootings. Councilwoman Morris asked about contract-breach points, camera costs, and vandalism replacement liability and said she would submit referrals to legal and police. Martinez said the resolution would pause the Flock OS, including LPRs and cameras. Martinez also described a work-in-progress proposal to geofence sacred areas such as schools, houses of worship, libraries, hospitals, and community centers, keeping cameras off unless there is a 911 call for service. President Williams also said city auditor John Robowski has been compiling Flock data but has been delayed because access requires law-enforcement certification, and she noted the Ohio acting attorney general has proposed termination of any officer convicted of Flock misuse. Other Council Business - New items announced included $80,000 for the Code Blue Cold Weather Response Initiative, $67,000 for Connecting Kids to Meals, and $210,809 for electric police vehicles and charging infrastructure. - Councilman Martinez said he filed referrals regarding the Beverly subdivision school lot and its proposed use with Habitat for Humanity, arguing the property should have gone to market for market-rate, senior, or multigenerational housing; he also filed a referral to the school board. - President Williams said she would send a referral to the administration about scams in which constituents received emails claiming to represent the city's zoning department and were defrauded out of money; she urged residents to verify such emails. - President Williams announced a finance committee meeting for October 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM where the administration would present a blueprint for complying with budget restrictions if the police/fire safety levy fails. Key Outcomes - The two July 2027 City Council meeting dates will be moved to August. - The TARTA pilot and most new items advanced to the November 11, 2026, agenda; first reading was requested for the TARTA item. - Councilman Martinez's TPD technology ordinance will be open for co-sponsors and may be scheduled for a November 4 vote or referred to committee. - Council members announced referrals concerning Flock contract liability and camera costs, zoning application scams, and the Beverly subdivision property. - No formal Council votes were taken during this agenda review session.

The October 21, 2026, Toledo, Ohio city meeting, scheduled for 09:00 UTC, produced no discernible agenda items, public testimony, or formal actions. The raw transcription consists almost entirely of unintelligible vocalizations and does not contain coherent statements that can be attributed to any speaker. Source Material - No agenda or minutes were provided. - The available raw transcription contains repeated, non-substantive utterances (e.g., "Hum," "Hold on,") but no discernible discussion. - Consequently, no decisions, votes, or directives can be identified or summarized.

City Council met at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers at One Government Center with 11 members present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Ruth Clinton of Christ Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Council adopted three recognition resolutions, held two second-reading ordinances and a Flock-related resolution, and unanimously approved a series of funding, grant, and contract ordinances. Recognition Resolutions - R-432-26, recognizing Chief Michael C. Troendle on his retirement, was adopted unanimously. Council members praised his 33-year career, leadership, accessibility, and use of technology such as intelligence-led policing and the real-time crime center. Chief Troendle thanked Council and said he planned to take time off before deciding his next steps. - R-433-26, recognizing TARTA on its 55th anniversary, was adopted unanimously. The resolution noted voters approved TARTA in January 1971 by 62,208 to 19,454, making it Ohio’s first regional transit authority. TARTA CEO Laura, Board President Kendra Smith, and a CAC member spoke about the agency’s partnerships, ridership, and upcoming free 55th anniversary event on Thursday, October 29, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Glass City Center. - R-434-26, recognizing the Toledo Blade for 190 years of publication, was adopted unanimously. Second Reading Items - O-413-26, authorizing reallocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, was held until the November 4, 2026 meeting. - O-425-26, authorizing an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health for the Healthy Food Small Market Program and appropriating $355,297 from the General Fund, was held until the November 4, 2026 meeting. Discussion: Flock Resolution (R-435-26) R-435-26 requested termination and non-renewal of all City of Toledo agreements with Flock Group, Inc., removal or deactivation of Flock equipment, and deletion of Flock-generated data consistent with applicable law. - Councilmember McPherson asked to hold the resolution until the previously authorized audit of Flock cameras was completed, saying she wanted data specific to Toledo before voting. - Council President Williams supported holding the item, noting that she had met with a Flock representative and that the city auditor had been given 30 working days to complete the audit, with a target date of November 4. - Councilmember Komives urged voting that day, saying the public had clearly spoken against Flock and citing examples of misuse and wrongful detentions elsewhere in the country. - Councilmember Meldon argued that action could be taken before audit results were complete, comparing it to stopping a suspected allergen while waiting for blood work. - Councilmember Driscoll described the resolution as largely symbolic because the decision ultimately rests with the mayor and police chief. - Councilmember Martinez called the resolution symbolic theater and preferred to wait for the audit; he also said he had legislation on prohibited uses in an upcoming packet. - Councilmember Gaddis said supporting residents is not theater, noted that her FOIA request had gone unanswered for more than 100 days, and asked that audit details be shared with the public. - On the vote to suspend the rules for immediate passage, the roll call appeared to show 7 yes and 5 no. The chair first said “motion carried,” then stated that nine votes were needed for suspension, so the resolution was held to the November 4, 2026 meeting. Ordinances and Resolutions Adopted Unanimously Each of the following was approved unanimously after council suspended the reading rule and, where applicable, declared an emergency: - R-437-26: Accepted the property tax amounts and rates for the 2027 budget as determined by the County Budget Commission, authorized tax levies, and certified them to the County Auditor. - R-438-26: Authorized the Finance Director to request advances from the Lucas County Auditor’s office. - O-439-26: Authorized a grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and Ohio Department of Transportation for the Front and Main Corridor Modernization project, with grant proceeds not to exceed $19,510,645. - O-440-26: Authorized expenditure of up to $15,000 for a walk-behind paint sprayer. - O-441-26: Authorized acceptance of a $58,035.77 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. - O-442-26: Authorized acceptance of a $55,535.77 Impaired Driving Enforcement Program grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. - O-443-26: Authorized amendment of the ESO Solutions, Inc. software license for Fire’s electronic patient care and national fire incident reporting software for an additional three years, with two one-year renewal options, at up to $105,000 annually, and waived competitive bidding. - O-444-26: Authorized acceptance of a donation not to exceed $13,000 from Elevance Health, Inc. for EMS supplies and equipment. - O-445-26: Authorized an amended agreement with The Fair Housing Center for source of income testing services and a $5,000 General Fund expenditure. - O-446-26: Authorized acceptance of $89,272 in settlement proceeds from Ford Motor Company for a pursuit-ready vehicle and patrol outfitting. - O-447-26: Authorized a hazardous materials training grant agreement with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and acceptance of $10,650 in grant proceeds. - O-448-26: Authorized appropriation and expenditure of $1,500,000 from the Water Replacement Fund for raw water main tile restoration. - O-449-26: Authorized a supplemental agreement with Promise Network Inc. for $400,000 to support the Department of Public Utilities Fresh Start Debt Relief Program and waived competitive bidding. - O-450-26: Authorized a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Development for up to $2,000,000 to support redevelopment of the historic Spitzer Building at 520 Madison Avenue, including a subrecipient agreement with 520 Madison LLC and the Lucas County Land Bank. - O-451-26: Authorized an amended Joint Economic Development Zone contract among Toledo, Maumee, and Monclova Township, and authorized use of up to $210,000 from Toledo’s JEDZ income tax share for the Riverfort Drive Roadway and Utility Extension Project. Other Business - R-436-26, adopting the 2027 City Council calendar, received a first reading only and was not voted on. - Council approved the consent items dispatching with the reading of the October 6, 2026 Toledo City Journal and excusing certain council members from missed meetings. - Councilmember Gaddis raised concerns about the accessible parking permit process, citing roughly 10 recent complaints from residents, including a single mother with children who elope and seniors asked to wait in alleys. She called on Councilmember Driscoll to hold a meeting on the issue. - Councilmember Komives noted that the council had approved bringing in $21.7 million in grants that day, praised the Front and Main project, and expressed concern that the PUCO hazardous materials training grant had fallen from nearly $30,000 five years ago to $10,650 now. - Councilmember Kramer reminded residents that early voting was open and that Election Day was November 3. Key Outcomes - All three recognition resolutions and all 15 finance, grant, and contract items on the agenda were adopted unanimously. - O-413-26, O-425-26, and R-435-26 were held to the November 4, 2026 meeting. - R-436-26 was introduced on first reading and will be considered at a later meeting. - The Flock resolution did not receive the necessary nine votes to suspend the rules and proceed to immediate final passage.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Toledo City Council Committee of the Whole met to review the 2026 Toledo Municipal Art Plan with the Arts Commission. Seven council members were present. No agenda or minutes were available for this summary, so it is based on the meeting transcript. The commission presented completed and upcoming public art projects, accessibility and conservation initiatives, and economic impact data. No formal vote was taken. Discussion Items Arts Commission overview and citywide programs - Mark Folk, president and CEO of the Arts Commission, said the commission was created by the city in 1959 and works to treat artists’ labor as work, activate public spaces, and support the arts ecosystem. - He cited Artematic 419 at the Erie Street Market, which drew more than 400 artists and over 5,000 attendees, and the upcoming Art Loop at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library with the Ohio Poet Laureate and Lucas County Poet Laureate Sandra Rivers Gill. - In the past year, the commission invested over $607,000 in 733 artists. Through American Rescue Plan Act dollars, it distributed $865,000 in joint city-county funding to 41 organizations; about 27 small organizations, or roughly 75% of cultural organizations, have budgets under $300,000. - Only two supported organizations closed during the pandemic, and the one influenced by it was Ballet Theater of Toledo, led by Nigel Burgoyne. Completed public art projects - Nathan Matimo, director of the Art in Public Places Program, reviewed completed projects, including the Kaleidoscopio sculptures on Broadway by Cecilia Luaza, dedicated in July 2025. - Installations at the new Lucas County Canine Care and Control Building on Monroe Street were created by local artists Hannah Lehman, Jack Wilson, Kathy Padani, and Graphite Design and Build. - At Inez Nash Park, a painted court by Andrea Bergart included hoops and backboards for children; about 85 of 100 artist-designed basketballs were given away at the dedication, and staff said every child who wanted one received one. - Blessing Hancock’s Starburst was installed at International Park along the Glass City Riverwalk; an accompanying event drew about 120 people and collected words about home that were translated into 14 languages. - A new aluminum version of Matthew Hoffman’s “You Are Beautiful, You Are Doing Great” was installed at International Park for the same cost as repairing the old temporary wood version. Projects underway or planned - Uptown Green by local artist Mersey Culp is completing engineering and moving toward permits. - The Swain Field project, funded through a Greater Toledo Community Foundation grant, includes two shade structures with room for up to 300 laser-etched community photographs on the underside of the canopies; the artist will update colors after a community-sensitivity concern. - For the new city water towers, a local artist was selected after an RFQ and proposal process; designs include a TOL logo and site nods such as a soccer ball and a panther mascot for Schneider Park and Silver Creek locations. - A lighting installation by Irwin Rettle is planned for the Water Street underpass of the Martin Luther King Bridge along the Glass City Riverwalk. - The Dorr Street Culture Trail project is expected to create six art nodes along the multi-use path from near Collingwood to the Mott Branch Library, honoring neighborhood history. Education, accessibility, and conservation - The Bloomberg Connects app serves as a mobile hub for the city’s collection and includes translation and accessibility features. Staff cited a roughly 900-page accessibility report from the Ability Center and a first round of 28 signs with Braille, QR codes, and tactile representations. - The Arts Commission received an Access Summit Award from the Ability Center in June for accessibility work. - The commission participated in the upcoming Public Art and American Story series for Amazon Prime, one of six cities selected; five local artists were featured. - Conservation work included moving Kabuki Dancer from Levis Square to Bicentennial Park, reinstalling the Art Tatum celebration column, storing pieces of The Family during Festival Park construction, updating lighting for Blue Lupin and Toledo Rise, and planning repainting of Prospect Arcade and Major Ritual for spring 2027. Economic impact and advocacy - Folk said more than $1 million of work from sources outside city investment is coming into public art infrastructure because of the city’s investment. - He cited a 2024 Creative Ohio study showing about $2.6 billion in economic output from arts and culture in Northwest Ohio, almost 14,000 creative-industry jobs, and nearly $800 million in annual labor income. - He also noted a two-year, $400,000 Hewlett Foundation grant to explore cultural policy, with Toledo as the hub and fiscal agent. Council questions and positions - Council President Williams asked about supporting Levis Square and the iDance Studio; the commission said conversations are ongoing and the approach is still being worked through. - Councilwoman McPherson raised a concern that the preliminary Swain Field design looked like two watermelon slices and stressed cultural sensitivity; the commission acknowledged the concern, said the artist would adjust colors, and described the 12-foot-tall structure as an event space with a home-plate sign and community-history components. - Councilmember Goldmai requested a budget breakdown and a five-year conservation lookback. Staff said the plan contains a breakdown and they could provide the five-year conservation information. Goldmai also encouraged multilingual accessibility; staff noted the Bloomberg Connects app has built-in translation. - Councilwoman Gaddis expressed concern about the end of ARPA funding and recession impacts on artists, and asked how to support artists once they are “launched.” Folk described grant tiers, professional development, and national advocacy work. Gaddis also put on the record youth requests for a downtown week of school colors for graduation photos. - Councilwoman Kramer asked about the Young Artists at Work program; staff said enrollment is 45 to 70 young people per year depending on funding, down from more than 100 in early years, and acknowledged there are not enough slots for all interested youth. She also relayed residents’ excitement about the water tower art and asked about the old “You Are Beautiful” sculpture; staff said the earlier version was temporary and the new one is aluminum. Public Comments & Testimony - Claude Fixler, co-chair of the Art and Public Places volunteer committee, praised the Arts Commission staff’s skill and commitment and thanked council members for their long-standing support of the arts. Key Outcomes - No formal council vote was taken; the presentation was informational. - The commission will provide council members with the Municipal Art Plan and a budget breakdown, plus a five-year conservation breakdown if requested. - The Swain Field artist will update the color scheme in response to the community-sensitivity concern, and the final design may continue to evolve. - Repainting of Prospect Arcade and Major Ritual will be bid over the winter and completed in spring 2027. - Council President Williams said the meeting was adjourned after thanking the commission for its presentation.

The City Council of Toledo, Ohio, held an agenda review on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to prepare for the October 20, 2026 Council meeting. Nine members were present. The council reviewed 15 administrative items, two resolutions in attendance, two second-reading items, and three new council items. No final votes were taken; members recommended suspension of the rules (SEP/SCP) for most administrative items. A lengthy discussion focused on a resolution to terminate the city's Flock camera agreements. Administrative Items Reviewed (Items 1–15) - (Item 1) Finance: Accepted 2027 property tax amounts/rates set by the Lucas County Budget Commission, estimated at $20,210,000 total. Councilmember Gaddis asked about a roughly $170,000 change; Finance's Melanie Campbell said the city was checking with the county. Recommended SEP. - (Item 2) Finance: Authorized the Finance Director to request advances on property tax payments so funds arrive before the normal twice-yearly settlement. Recommended SEP. - (Item 3) Mayor's Office: Authorized acceptance of a $19,510,645 BUILD grant from FHWA/ODOT for the Front and Main Corridor Modernization project. Includes resurfacing, medians, street trees, lane/intersection reconfigurations, and pedestrian improvements on Front Street (Oak St to I-280) and Main Street (MLK Bridge to Nevada). No local match. The original 2025 grant was rescinded; the revised project replaces a proposed roundabout at Main and Starr with a signalized intersection and adds accessibility elements at two TARTA bus stops. Construction expected summer 2027 through end of 2028. Councilmembers asked about traffic impacts; staff said a traffic plan will be shared. Recommended SEP. - (Item 4) Transportation: Authorized up to $15,000 for a walk-behind paint sprayer for crosswalks, lane markings, bicycle lanes, and handicap markings; replaces equipment beyond service life. Recommended SEP. - (Item 5) Police: Accept $58,035.77 STEP grant from Ohio Department of Public Safety for overtime speed/restraint enforcement; no local match. Recommended SEP. - (Item 6) Police: Accept $55,535.77 IDEP grant for overtime impaired-driving enforcement; no local match. Recommended SEP. - (Item 7) Fire: Extended ESO Solutions software license for three years plus two one-year options, at up to $105,000 annually; waives competitive bidding for compatibility; emergency. Recommended SEP. - (Item 8) Fire: Accept donation up to $13,000 from Elevance Health, Inc. for EMS supplies/equipment; no match. Recommended SEP. - (Item 9) Housing: Amended agreement with Fair Housing Center for Source of Income Testing, adding $5,000 and nine months. Testers check whether landlords discriminate against renters using vouchers, VA benefits, or Social Security. Preliminary results show larger landlords generally compliant, smaller landlords often unaware. Recommended SEP. - (Item 10) Public Service/Fleet: Accept $89,272 Ford Motor Company settlement for a 2025 Ford Explorer police vehicle destroyed by fire in April 2026; funds will buy a pursuit-rated vehicle and equipment. Fire cause still under investigation; Ford will perform failure analysis. Recommended SEP. - (Item 11) Public Utilities: Accept $10,650 PUCO Hazardous Materials Training Grant for annual OSHA hazwoper refresher training. Recommended SEP. - (Item 12) Public Utilities: Authorize $1,500,000 from Water Replacement Fund for raw water main tile restoration along a 1940s-era main replacement; includes repairing drainage tile on agricultural land. Councilmember Komives requested an overall water system plan overview. Recommended SEP. - (Item 13) Public Utilities: Authorize supplemental agreement with Promise Network Inc. for Fresh Start Debt Relief Program, adding $400,000. Officials reported installment plans more than doubled and Fresh Start collected an additional $6 million in three months; total spending since 2021 was $1.3 million with $13 million returned. Recommended SEP. - (Item 14) Economic Development: Accept $2,000,000 state REDD grant for the Spitzer Building at 520 Madison Avenue for exterior stabilization/weatherproofing, supporting rehabilitation into approximately 160 residential units. No match. The grant is part of a new state pilot program (10 of 32 applications funded). The project is being bid; completion depends on closing the funding gap. Recommended SEP. - (Item 15) Economic Development: Approve amended JEDZ contract with Maumee and Monclova Township for the Riverfort Drive Roadway and Utility Extension Project. A manufacturing company weighing relocation would build a $21 million facility with 95 jobs and about $6.4 million annual payroll. Infrastructure cost is $1.58 million; after $950,000 state assistance, the gap is $630,000. Each JEDZ partner will contribute $210,000; Monclova will advance the full gap and Toledo and Maumee will reimburse from future JED income tax revenue, with Toledo repaid in about seven years. No upfront city cash. Recommended SEP. Resolutions in Attendance - Recognizing Chief Troendle on his retirement; Chief's last day is October 30, 2026, after nearly four decades of service. President Williams invited co-sponsors. - Recognizing TARTA for its 55th anniversary; Councilwoman Kramer invited co-sponsors. Second Reading Items - O-413-26: Reallocation of ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds among eligible projects. Councilmember Komives requested legal guidance on continued compliance with ARPA rules. - O-425-26: Agreement with Toledo-Lucas County Board of Health for Healthy Food Small Market Program, appropriating $355,297 from the General Fund. New Council Items - Resolution recognizing the Toledo Blade for 150 years of publication (sponsored by Williams and Morris). Williams noted community concern about the Blade's current difficulties and emphasized its importance. - Resolution requesting termination and non-renewal of all City agreements with Flock Group, Inc., removal/deactivation of equipment, and deletion of data (sponsored by Komives, Jones, Gadus, Driscoll, Kramer). - Resolution adopting the 2027 City Council calendar; first reading, with President Williams inviting comments. Flock Camera Discussion - Councilmember Komives thanked the public for attending, said council is divided, and urged listening to the public. - Councilmember Driscoll cited AI-driven hacking risks and concern about mass data collection; he supported public safety but cautioned against collecting driving-pattern data. - Councilmember Melden linked the issue to the city's forthcoming responsible AI and data governance policies, and asked why the vendor's practices should not be expected to fit city values. - Councilmember Sarantou said neighboring cities with lower crime keep Flock; the mayor supports retention; and police, prosecutors, and a judge have testified that Flock helps solve crimes. - Councilmember Martinez called the termination resolution premature and political theater, noting an ongoing audit, and said he would introduce legislation to prohibit certain searches and require a warrant for the searchable database. He cited Schmidt v. Norfolk as pending litigation and suggested state or federal rules. Key Outcomes - All 15 administrative items received recommendations from the reviewing councilmembers to suspend the rules (SEP/SCP) for the October 20 meeting, with no formal vote taken at agenda review. - No action was taken on the Flock resolution; members identified follow-up proposals, including warrant requirements and search restrictions. - Councilmember Komives requested a legal review of ARPA reallocation compliance. - Councilmember Driscoll requested a referral or briefing on the Ford settlement and vehicle fire investigation. - Councilmember Komives requested a broader overview of the Public Utilities water system plan and raw water main project; Councilmember Martinez announced an upcoming water quality year-in-review meeting.