Council OKs gas-aggregation program

FOSTORIA — Fostoria City Council on Tuesday night approved an ordinance to reinstate the city's natural gas-aggregation program.The program returns after council ended its aggregation contract two years ago, Mayor Don Mennel said.Under an aggregation program, customers are automatically enrolled under a price rate agreed upon between a municipality and a provider but have the ability to opt out of the aggregation to register in a different program.Columbia Gas has long been Fostoria's natural-gas supplier.Council also approved an ordinance amendment allowing for overnight parking in the Iron Triangle Rail Park, which now has electricity connections. The rail park is a popular stop for those who enjoy watching trains.Also approved were: resolutions authorizing the mayor to participate in the Wood and Hancock county park grant programs; an ordinance establishing a speed limit of 25 mph on South Town Street between the Center Street underpass and Columbus Avenue; and the reappropriation between funds of $82,500.Mennel presented a proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fostoria to Executive Director Amy Kinney and Community Outreach Coordinator Marrisa Orzechowski of First Step Domestic Violence Services.Others addressing council were citizen Lori Hall regarding the recent placement of a prayer box, in which people may place prayer requests, near Lake Mottram; and Seneca County Health Commissioner Julie Richards regarding the $0.3-mill levy that will be on the November ballot.