Airport updates discussed

FOSTORIA – Fostoria City Council met Tuesday to discuss potential updates to the Fostoria Metro Airport. Issues regarding Fostoria Metro Airport fuel pumps have been occurring since 2021, according to Safety and Service Director Eric Keckler. "It all really hinges upon getting this fuel," he said, explaining that without fuel there cannot be planes coming in and out, and without planes coming in and out, there is no money coming into the city from the airport. "It just keeps dragging on until we're able to get fuel out there, getting them fueled and all those kinds of things," said Keckler. Councilman Bob Podach raised concern regarding the usage of the airport, noting that he sees pilots landing there during all hours of the day. Keckler said Fostoria is one of Bowling Green's preferred landing spots. "So we're paying that electric bill, but they're practicing landing on our field," Podach said. Keckler agreed and continued by stating, it is nice to see pilots still utilizing this airport, and that no one has damaged the runway yet. During the meeting, council discuss the restructuring of the Airport Committee, with the following individuals being appointed: Noble Hollis: two-year term Scott Wilson: two-year term Corey Bowes: four-year term Jared Hawkins: four-year term Brian Heck: four-year term Jerry Larry Strawman: member emeritus - in recognition of his many years of contributions to the Airport Commission Mayor Don Mennel began by sharing his report and suggestions for the council, recommending some of the agenda items be passed as an emergency. One of those items was an ordinance that would allow ODOT to complete the paving done on Finley Steet. The main topic of discussion for the evening though was the revisions made to the airport committee. On another matter, Keckler discussed a new Fishing agreement, which was approved. The agreement is a new 16-year mutual agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. According to the agreement, "The intent of this agreement is to provide free public fishing in the body of water commonly known as Mottram and Lamberjack, which is located in the city of Fostoria." The contract will expire on April 30th, 2040. Director of Law, Stephanie Kiser, shared an update on the Food Vendor Ordinance. Kiser said, "Our compliance manager had attended a training a week or two ago regarding language in legislation, and the state of Ohio refers to these things as is mobile food units as opposed to mobile food vendors." Kiser noted these corrections within the revised ordinance. Heidi Kaufman, finance director, noted that the finance committee will be presenting legislation at the council's next meeting to increase the amount of money they're advancing from the general fund into the airport grant fund. An additional $9,000 was appropriated to cover costs for updating Fostoria's codified ordinances. Public Portion Deb Tyson, a resident of Fostoria, continued to voice her concerns regarding the landfill. She also invited members of council and the public to attend the next Loudon Township Zoning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. June 20. Resident Ranae Voglesong, voiced concerns regarding the landlord and tennant ordinance that was recently passed. Voglesong said she feels as if council rushed this ordinance, adding that if the ordinance is to fix the eyesore properties in the town, it shouldn't only apply to rentals, but businesses too. "We as citizens shouldn't be worried to drive down it, that we're going to get flat tires from metal laying out in it, scrap laying all around, mud all over the place," she said. "It looks bad." Resident Jill Filliater, raised concerns about the splash pad project and the recent disbandment of the Parks Committee. Filliater said part of the language for the disbandment of the committee read, "whereas the city of Fostoria has limited funds to spend on parks and rec., and continues to be in fiscal emergency yet." She said there still has been a committee formed and a concept for a splash pad with donations flowing in, as well as plans for a pickleball court. Passed Legislation The following legislation was passed at Tuesday's City Council meeting: Ordinance 2024-36: To amend the traffic control map and file for the city of Fostoria, Ohio, and declaring an emergency to exist - Third Reading Ordinance 2024-37: Amending section 1127.05 of Chapter 1127 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled "R-3: MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT" - Third reading Ordinance 2024-38: Amending section 1125.01 of Chapter 1127 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled "BUILDING OR ACCESSORY BUILDING REGULATIONS" - Third reading Resolution 2024-39: Adopting and Amending ordinance No. 2023-66 (Permanent 2024 Appropriations) by appropriating for unappropriated funds in the General Fund - First reading Resolution 2024-40: Approving and ratifying the prior acts of the Department Heads and Safety Service Director and approving "then and now" certificates for said expenditures and declaring an emergency - First reading Ordinance 2024-41: Grants consent to the Director of Transportation of the State of Ohio and authorizes the Mayor, on behalf of the city of Fostoria, hereinafter referred to as the Local Public Agency (LBA), to enter into contracts with the Director of Transportation necessary to complete described microsurfacing projects, and declaring an emergency to exist. Resolution 2024-42: To approve a contract between the City of Fostoria and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources relating to renewal of a fishing agreement concerning Lakes Mottram and Lamberjack, and declaring an emergency to exist