CASA important in community

TIFFIN — Michelle Hess, tri-county assistant and communications coordinator at CASA, was a special guest of Mayor Lee Wilkinson at Monday evening's Tiffin City Council meeting. Hess spoke to the council on the role of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) within the community and the importance of CASA services in the lives of at-risk children. Currently, CASA serves 257 children in the ti-state area, and has helped more than 4,000 children since it began 34 years ago, Hess said. Hess noted the organization's need for volunteers, funding and advocacy and said while the number of children in need is increasing, volunteers are getting more difficult to find. During the meeting, Mayor Wilkinson said area residents should be mindful of yard signs during the election season and keep them "out of the boulevard." He also said that while street paving is complete for the season, sewer work continues, and drivers are urged to use caution around workers. Wilkinson clarified to council members the schedule of the Educators' Breakfast Thursday. Doors will open at 7 a.m., breakfast will begin at 7:15 a.m., and the program will begin at 7:30 a.m., he said. Wilkinson also addressed a recent complaint received by his office regarding Rumpke services. Nick Dutro, the city administrator, said, "A citizen was frustrated by the city's contract with Rumpke for trash collection services." Dutro said the mayor "provided some information from the Tiffin Codified Ordinances and an excerpt of the contract with Rumpke." Details were distributed to council members if additional concerns were voiced. Dutro said the city council renewed a contract with Rumpke in 2022, which extends through March 31, 2028. The council scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 19 to consider Alley Vacation Petition 2024-03 off of Front St., as proposed under Ord. 2024-66. An official notice will be distributed. Council passed the following ordinances at Monday's meeting, all of which were passed under suspension. 24-55 - Amending the 2024 Budget Ordinance 23-94 to appropriate funds into the Police Budget and Parks Department Budget. 24-59 - Amending the 2024 Budget Ordinance 23-94 to appropriate funds into the Capital Improvements Budget. 24-60 - Authorizing the City Administrator to accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant for purchasing protective equipment and declaring an emergency. 24-64 - Amending the 2024 Budget Ordinance 23-94 to appropriate funds into the Street Budget and Park Budget.