Mayor does not sign marijuana legislation

FOSTORIA—On Tuesday evening, the Fostoria City Council gathered for their regular meeting, where Mayor Eric Keckler commented on the city's new marijuana ordinances that were passed at the Sep. 20 council meeting, as he has not yet signed the legislation to put the ordinances into place. The ordinances passed by council, state that cannabis penalties will change according to the regulations based on Chapter 513 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria. "There are some real concerns that I did not sign that legislation," Keckler said. "That was not a veto of your legislation." "By me not signing those at this point, does not stop the legislation from going through," he continued. "I too support the idea of small amounts of marijuana not being considered illegal. "The police chief had a lot of concerns that he would have liked to have seen addressed within the marijuana legislation," Keckler said, adding that he would like to publicly address the concerns of the Chief of Police, Gabe Wedge, and potentially make an adjustment in order to proceed with the legislation. Also during his report, Keckler explained the city will be undergoing bridge inspections provided by the LPA, and that the city has enough funding for a year in advance for bridge inspections. During his report, Director of Public Service and Safety Josh Clark, said during the next city council meeting, he and Keckler arranged for a representative of NOPEC, a nonprofit energy supplier in Ohio, to speak at the Oct. 18 meeting at 6 p.m. The representative will "shed some light on any questions and concerns that people may have on their electric bills," Clark said. Next, Clark announced that on the city's website, there is an EPA-approved FAQ sheet that Clark and a member of the city's water department put together. The FAQ sheet provides answers to some questions community members may have over the city's water, specifically the taste and smell. Clark went on to explain the city's new water filter should be installed by Nov. 11, and within 7-10 days of the installation, the water should be flushed through the system, hopefully improving the current issues. During the law director's report, it was announced that the city administration received correspondence from UV LLC, about an economic development transfer form for a Trex Liquor License. "In municipal corporations or in areas where there are no existing, available liquor permits, Trex provides for a transfer of unused liquor permits from other municipalities or other locations," said Law Director, Stephanie Kiser. "In order to apply for that, the UV LLC needs to submit this application, with your (council) or the Mayor's approval." "It is an economic development project," she added. "The project as listed on the form is at 157 W. Lytle St.," Kiser said. "And the form indicates that the total amount invested in the project would be $300,000, it would create five new jobs, and $2,000-3,000 in sales tax." "This is just to begin the application process," she continued. "This is not approving or rejecting the license coming into the city, just determining if it would be an economic development project." More information over the topic will be discussed at the next city council meeting. In other news, the council reminded the community there will be a public hearing meeting on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers within the City Building. During the meeting, the council and public will talk about "enacting new Chapter 1357 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled, Registration of Rental Property." The council proceeded to pass an ordinance entitled grease control, and an ordinance to increase the dollar limit for the use of a blanket purchase order for expenditures. Additionally, the council approved the petition to vacate an unnamed alley in the Third Ward of the city. Later in the meeting, council members passed an ordinance to authorize the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Fostoria, to work with the Tree and Beautification Committee in executing an application for the Urban Canopy Restoration Grant Program, which would plant trees throughout the city. Finally, the council motioned to approve consent to the Director of Transportation of the State of Ohio, and authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Fostoria, to enter into contracts with the State of Ohio relating to bridge inspection program services the LPA has determined. The city also mentioned an announcement to the community sent by The Review Times. The newspaper is collecting cards for Micah Hyde, who plays for the Buffalo Bills, and is out for the rest of the football season due to a head injury. Get well soon cards can be dropped off to The Review Times, 322 N. Main St., or mailed by the end of the week. For more information email terriblack@thecourier.com. Lastly, the city addressed that Oktoberfest that will be hosted this weekend by The UrbanWoody Brewery on Oct. 8 at 3 p.m., with the Beer Mile at 2 p.m.