Council approves mayor search process

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said farewell during his last Tiffin City Council meeting Monday before he takes the reigns at T-SEP in July. Montz's term expires at the end of 2023 and council approved the process in selecting his replacement. "It has been a pleasure working with all of you," Montz said. "This is a way for me to remain in Tiffin and continue to work with the city and city government. "This is the best small community around." According to the City of Tiffin Charter, the council president is to step in to act as mayor for 30 days. Council President Bridget Boyle said during the meeting that she will act as mayor for the allotted time, but does not intend to seek to fulfill the full term. Boyle said she intends to continue to serve in her role as council president, but said "it is not the right time" for her to lead the city. According to the process council approved, from now until 4:30 p.m. June 27, voters registered in the City of Tiffin may submit their self-nominations with a cover letter and resume to Tiffin City Council to take over the remainder of the mayoral term, which ends Dec. 31, 2023. Applications can be emailed to aforrest@tiffinohio.gov or physical copies may be delivered to Tiffin City Hall, 51 E. Market St. Council is to have a special meeting at 6 p.m. on July 1 to review and interview nominations in council chambers at Tiffin City Hall. Council intends to have a special meeting at 6 p.m. on July 11 in the chambers to allow for additional follow-up comments and vote on the nominations. Council bade farewell to Tiffin's mayor of 10 years. "You will be missed and not just by council, but by the residents also," Councilman Zack Perkins said to Montz. Councilman Steve Lepard said he has worked alongside Montz for 15 years and he has cultivated a strong friendship with Montz. Councilwoman Dawn Iannantuono said she knew Montz when he was 18 years old and said he is a "proud product of Tiffin." Also during the Council meeting Monday, a moment of silence was held for two recently passed firefighters: Firefighter/Paramedic Sean Tyler, who served from 2007-2019, and retired Fire Chief Thomas Huss, who served from 1962-1995, and was chief from 1977 until his retirement, were each honored. During the meeting, a resolution was approved appointing John Bing to serve a term on the Planning Commission. In another matter, the council approved an ordinance with the suspension of the three-reading rule to correct a typographical error made in Ordinance 22-49 in the fund number for the Street Improvement Bond Fund. The approval was made to make sure the budget is corrected in a timely manner. In addition, an ordinance was approved to appropriate $35,668 into the Capital Improvement Budget for the City Hall Annex renovation project. The approval was done with the suspension of the body's three-reading rule for the purpose of accepting bids to move forward with the work to get ahead of supply and material costs.