City officially opposes landfill expansion

FOSTORIA—During the regular Fostoria City Council meeting Tuesday evening, council voted to officially declare opposition to the Sunny Farms Landfill expansion permit, despite the landfill's efforts to persuade members to table the resolution. "I just wanted to first, again extend the invitation to all of you that haven't been to the landfill and even those of you that have been, there's been a lot of changes and we're on schedule with everything that we promised the community back in 2019," said Ben Nutter, community engagement manager for WIN Waste Innovations. "Since purchasing Sunny Farms, WIN Waste has turned Sunny Farms Landfill into one of the most technologically sophisticated landfills in the United States." Nutter continued to urge the council members to come out to the landfill for a tour, and table the resolution. The resolution declares opposition to the landfill due to noncompliance with EPA regulations and current consent orders and agreements. "Not only have we fulfilled the promises we agreed to under the consent order we inherited when we purchased the landfill, we continue to make improvements that are making Sunny Farms an environmentally advanced landfill that the community and state can feel good about," he added. "Not only has the EPA not had to take any enforcement actions, the agency has stated that WIN Waste is in compliance with all applicable regulations." Nutter expressed their team works "every day to protect the environment." He said by the end of August, they will be outside of the consent order that required them to fulfill certain criteria. "I would ask the council to consider tabling this until after August, and if we're not where we said we would be, do whatever you gotta do. But, we know that we're doing the right thing," he said. With no further discussion or questions, all members of the council proceeded to vote "yes" in opposition to the landfill expansion permit, with the exception of Councilperson Thomas Baker, who was absent. The council also voted to approve Ordinance No. 2023-41, to adopt and amend Ordinance No. 2022-75 by appropriating from unappropriated funds in the General and Airport Grant funds. In other news, Tiffin attorney Jim Fruth approached the council members and noted that he is running for political office this fall for the next judge of the Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court. "I've had an opportunity to work in this court, and I enjoy working in this court and serving this community," Fruth said. "If I'm fortunate to win the election, you will see me on a regular basis because I want to hear what's going on, I want to get feedback from you." During his mayoral report, Eric Keckler presented upcoming city events including a free concert from the Fostoria Community Arts Council at 7:30 p.m. Sunday with The Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus at Wayne Wright Amphitheatre; Lunch on the Lawn at noon July 26; and the free Heritage Day Car show downtown from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 29. With no further business to be discussed, the meeting was adjourned. The next Fostoria City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 1, in the Fostoria City Council Chambers.