Council continues petition discussions

TIFFIN --- At the Tiffin City Council meeting, council continued its discussion regarding Article X of the City Charter. While there are several changes throughout Article X, the portion that is causing issues with petitions reads as follows: "Such petition and statement of candidacy shall be accompanied by a designation of a three-member committee composed of qualified electors of the city to represent the candidate." David Koehl, who is a board member of the Seneca County Board of Elections, spoke as a private citizen at the meeting regarding the issue. He explained that the committee of five is in state law, however, it is optional. Koehl further explained that council, the Charter Review Commission and the voters made the committee of three a requirement. He continued by saying that as a member of the board of elections, he wished to follow the legislative intent of council, the Charter Review Commission and the voters which is why he voted not to accept the petitions of current councilmembers Vickie Wilkins and Ken Jones. Koehl also suggested that in the future, those who are looking to file petitions for office seek advice from elected officials and other politically active members of the community. "I totally agree," said Tiffin Mayor Dawn Iannantuono. "My whole problem with this whole (situation) that really irritates me from the get-go is that you (the board of elections) gave people two different petitions. That's what I cannot get passed. Some people got screwed and some did not. And you (the board of elections) knew you gave out two different petitions. So, I don't understand why you didn't give them (Wilkins and Jones) the benefit of the doubt." "Take a hit and make sure next time they all get the same petition," Iannantuono continued. "They should have all been passed if that (was) the only thing wrong. Some people had it (committee of three) while others didn't. To me, that just is not fair. They should have all been treated exactly the same. I have no problem with all the other things you're citing, it's all true." Council then scheduled a Committee of the Whole meeting for 6:30 p.m. April 3, in council chambers to continue the discussion. Earlier in the meeting, Law Director Brent Howard brought up the laws surrounding utility vehicles and golf carts, which lumps the two along with other vehicles deemed slow-moving. These vehicles are not allowed in the city. However, Howard explained council could vote on a change and could do so for all slow-moving vehicles or choose from the list as they are separate vehicle types. Council member Ken Jones said that some of his constituents had approached him regarding the issue of golf carts. He said they plan on attending a council meeting to advocate for the approval of golf carts to be driven in the city. The discussion came after the last council meeting in which a local couple came to bring up issues they were having with their utility vehicle in town. The issue was then referred to the Streets, Sidwalks and Sewers Committee for further discussion. The committee scheduled a meeting for 5:15 p.m. on March 27 in council chambers to discuss utility vehicles, golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles and any other business that comes before it. Also at the meeting, council approved the following ordinances: Ordinances: 23-10: approving and authorizing the mayor to sign a 3-year contract with the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce for marketing and tourism-related services and declaring an emergency. 23-19: amending the 2023 budget ordinance 22-108 to appropriate $12,400 into the General Administration budget and $10,000 in the City Administrator capital budget for computer expenses. 23-20: amending 2023 budget ordinance 22-108 to appropriate $49,253.72 of reimbursements, grants and donations received into the Park budget. 23-21: amending 2023 budget ordinance 22-108 to appropriate $50,870 into the City Administrator and Finance Office budgets for retirement and other expenses. 23-22: amending 2023 budget ordinance 22-108 to appropriate $2,500 into budget for Fund 284-TIF II S. Shaffer Park Drive for income tax revenue sharing with Hopewell-Loudon School District. The next city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 3, at council chambers.