Fostoria councilman: City sees financial gains

FOSTORIA — Brian Shaver, Chair of the Finance Committee and Councilman at Large, shared with Fostoria City Council during a meeting Tuesday that while looking back on reports from previous years, council noticed financial gain within certain areas of the city. "To be able to look at this historically, we're seeing almost a six million dollar swing in how fiscally sound we are from 2019-2022," he said. The Finance Committee reported shifting investments for the water project taking place near SR 12 and Jones Road. The council pulled funds that were intended for the water treatment plant proposal to purchase supplies for the next steps of the SR 12 project. Shaver also announced the next meeting for the Finance Committee will be April 19 at 5:30 p.m. During the city council meeting Tuesday, Ordinance No. 2022-13 was approved, which gives authorization to the Mayor to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the 2022 Street Resurfacing Program. This will include pavement removal, surface planning, tack coat and surface course of certain streets within the city. The council also agreed to approve Ordinance No. 2022-14 after its first reading, which adopts and amends Ordinance No. 2021-68, by appropriating from unappropriated funds in the General Fund and transferring them to the Water Fund. An ordinance accepting the recommendations of the tax incentive review council was also passed as Ordinance No. 2022-15. During the meeting Mayor Eric Keckler also proclaimed March 2022 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month for the city of Fostoria, and presented an official certificate with members of the Seneca County Opportunity Center, including Adult Services Director Rodney Biggert, Superintendent Lew Hurst, Sean Allison and Emily Kleinfelter. Biggert and Hurst discussed the services offered at the opportunity center and the role it plays in the community. Due to leaks in the roof over the amphitheater at Foundation Park, Keckler announced the city signed a contract with Damschroder Roofing Inc. to replace it. He also said the city department is looking to finish various road construction projects throughout town. Additionally, Clerk of City Council, Tamara Drake, read a hearing from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for the city to renew its permit with DWT Inc. as a business partner with Butt Hut of America, which was then passed by the council. Safety Service Director Joshua Clark described the first hearing of a grant agreement between the city and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Fostoria Metropolitan Airport. Funds obtained from the FAA will be used for improvements and repairs at the airport, and Clark said he is hoping to pass the ordinance at the next council meeting. Clark also said a temporary powder activated carbon system within the city will be replaced and is estimated to be operating by the end of the year. Raw waterline testing will be taking place soon as well, he said. Fostoria City Council's Public Affairs Committee discussed the declaration of a Town Hall that will be hosted at Fostoria Jr./Sr. High School on March 24 to educate the public over the four main city issues that will be on the May ballot.