Floating solar legislation for reservoir dies

FOSTORIA — Fostoria City Council untabled a controversial ordinance concerning the installation of floating solar panels at Reservoir 5 at its Tuesday meeting, and after a motion to suspend the three-reading rule was made, the legislation failed to advance as a result of no action being taken. The legislation has been a topic of controversy for several weeks, with members of the public voicing concerns against the proposed ordinance, some of whom returned Tuesday night to repeat those concerns to council once again. Public portion Rachelle Harmon, a resident of Arcadia, raised concerns again at the Tuesday meeting about potential fires caused by floating solar panels. Additionally, Harmon raised concerns about the qualifications of the person deciding on the highest bidder for the project, questioning whether they had a background in solar energy. Marie Corbin, owner of the only house on the Reservoir 5 side of TR 217, also spoke at the meeting. "My family has farmed this land for four generations, and it holds a great significance to us. While I wholeheartedly support renewable energy, I feel there may be a more logical location for this solar project, such as the deserted reservoir, perhaps?" Corbin questioned. Corbin said she sees residents of Fostoria walking, fishing and enjoying the area daily. "The impact on this quiet community, the local wildlife, and the overall peaceful nature of this land could be significant — which I'm sure someone has already told you," she said. Administrative reports Mayor Don Mennel noted that Safety Service Director Eric Keckler has returned to work part-time as of Monday, March 31. Director of Finance Steve Dandurand noted legislation regarding permanent appropriations on council's agenda had to do with installing electricity for RV's at the Fostoria Rail Park. "$10,000 of that $15,000 was donated anonymously, and the other $5,000 was matched by the Rail Preservation Society," said Dandurand. Additionally, Danduand noted a legislation item regarding the Police Donation Fund was on the agenda as a result of a misposting in 2022, something Dandurand noticed while catching up on reconcilements. "For us to move it out of the donation fund, we have to appropriate them first — but it is just a correction from a couple years ago," he said. Dandurand also said the Financial Recovery Commission will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8 in the mayor's office. Adopted legislation Several pieces of legislation were adopted at Tuesday's meeting, including: Resolution No.: 2025 - 24: Authorizing, empowering, and directing the Director of Public Service and Safety, acting as agent of the City of Fostoria, to execute and deliver to the Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation all necessary instruments to affect a good and sufficient conveyance of parcel of land from the City of Fostoria to the Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation in the vicinity of 537 South Poplar Street. (Third reading) Resolution No.: 2025 - 25: Authorizing, empowering, and directing the Director of Public Service and Safety, acting as agent of the City of Fostoria, to execute and deliver to the Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation all necessary instruments to affect a good and sufficient conveyance of parcel of land from the City of Fostoria to the Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation in the vicinity of 402 Ohio Avenue. (Third reading) Ordinance No.: 2025 - 26: Amending Section 1355.02 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, entitled "Additions, Insertions, and Changes", relating to fees and permissible grass height. (Third reading) Ordinance No.: 2025 - 27: Amending Section 917.02 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, entitled "Tree Lawn Maintenance", relating to permissible grass height. (Third reading) Ordinance No.: 2025 - 28: Amending Section 1307.02 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, entitled "Duties of Owner", relating to permissible grass height. (Third reading) Ordinance No.: 2025 - 29: Amending Section 1305.04 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, entitled "Yard Area Maintenance", relating to fees and permissible grass height. (Third reading) In other news During the meeting, Councilwoman Amy Mendoza — who serves as chairperson of the public affairs committee — said the Fostoria Easter Egg Scramble for kids ages 3-10 will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 12 at Fostoria Elementary School, 1202 H L Ford Dr. "There will be prizes, crafts, cookies and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. This event is free and open to the public," she said.