Mayor: Fostoria 'the place to be'

TIFFIN — Fostoria Mayor Don Mennel shared an update on behalf of the city of Fostoria at the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Luncheon Wednesday. He began his presentation by noting the city of Fostoria remains in a state of fiscal emergency with the state because its enterprise funds (with Mennel specifically citing the water fund and sewer fund) "do not have the required reserves for us to exit." Mennel said the city's general fund is in "good shape," with funds that come from income taxes increasing yearly. "I'm talking revenues, not rates," he said. Mennel also shared an update on the city's long awaited Splash Pad, set to be located at the former site of the city pool. "This summer, the city of Fostoria will build a splash pad adjacent from the site where the park is to be constructed," he said, referencing the inclusive playground that Wood County Plays will be constructing adjacent to the Splash Pad. Mennel said the city is constructing a new terminal building at its airport this summer, formerly known as the Fostoria Metropolitan Airport and recently renamed to the Donald P. Miller Fostoria Metropolitan Airport. Miller was a long-term supporter of the airport and was instrumental in getting the runway extended to 5,000 feet, allowing corporate jets to land in the city that previously landed in Findlay. "The airport is officially open for business after being somewhat dormant for a few years, thanks to interns from BGSU's flight management program," noted Mennel. Mennel also spoke on the industrial state of the city, noting several entities with upcoming improvement projects. "Among those entities are ADM, Carolina Nonwoven, Charter Steel, Custom Glass Solutions, Mennel Milling, National Carbon, Poet, and WinWaste Solutions," he said. He noted five new homes will be constructed under the Welcome Home Ohio program. "Our plan development will allow for a total of 13 homes on this site," he said. Regarding future grants, Mennel noted two important items in the near future: the first being the city of Fostoria's Safe Route School program, which will provide sidewalks and crossing to FCS students going to and from school. The second is the city's third railroad overpass, planned to be constructed over the tracks on Town Street. "This will open up the Iron Triangle and allow safety forces to reach that part of town in case of emergencies," he said. Railroad companies will be picking up the matching portion of the grant that the city would otherwise have to provide. In closing, Mennel thanked the elected officials in attendance before saying, "Fostoria is the place to be."