Eagle Rock land sale approved

TIFFIN — Tiffin City Council approved the sale of roughly seven acres in Eagle Rock Industrial Park to Botics Inc. Monday and took up a budget amendment that would push the city's high rate treatment sewer project to $30 million after bids came in over the original $25 million budget. Ordinance 2026-27, authorizing the sale of about seven acres carved out of an 11.971 acre parcel in Eagle Rock Industrial Park to Botics Inc., passed unanimously on third reading 7-0. Councilmember Dennis Snay, who introduced the ordinance, called it "definitely a win for the city of Tiffin" that would benefit "all different types of industries. "For the future, it's going to be cool to see the progression of this company," he said. Finance Director Jill Lindhorst introduced a budget amendment that would push the high rate treatment project from its current $25 million budget to $30 million after the bid came in at $27,698,000. Lindhorst said the higher ceiling "allows us to adjust the contract as needed when change orders occur." Mayor Lee Wilkinson reminded residents that the North Sandusky Street reconstruction project is scheduled to begin May 18 if weather cooperates, and that the CSX railroad crossing at Wall Street is expected to reopen today. Aqua Ohio is conducting spring water system flushing across the city this week, which may cause temporary water discoloration but no service interruptions, Wilkinson said, adding that residents may want to hold off on laundry until their water clears. Wilkinson presented two proclamations. He proclaimed May 2026 Motorcycle Awareness Month, with representatives from ABATE, the American Bikers Aimed Toward Education organization, accepting. The ABATE representative, who said he is from Fostoria, told council that Tiffin holds the second longest continuous string of motorcycle awareness proclamations in the area at 20 years. He announced the group's Christmas in July toy run will end at the Tiffin Eagles on July 25, with a goal of raising $15,000 to $20,000 for Seneca County Toys for Tots. "We usually only gather up in big groups for two reasons: ones we're raising money for somebody, the others we're going to a funeral," he explained. Wilkinson also proclaimed May 2026 National Historic Preservation Month, accepted by Tim McKee and Carlene Hitchcock of the Tiffin Historic Trust. McKee said the trust is marking its 50th anniversary and is undergoing what he described as "a major revamp" to become more active in the community. He said one of the trust's biggest upcoming initiatives is a facade grant program for both businesses and residences citywide. "We're excited to roll that out," McKee said. Law Director Zachary Fowler told council that a new countywide group, the Seneca County Violence Prevention Task Force, has formed in the wake of a November 2025 incident on Huss Street that claimed the lives of 7-month-old August, 7-year-old Wrenn and Wrenn's father Dustin Willey. About 22-23 people attending its first meeting May 1. Fowler said the task force has been spearheaded by Magistrate Ken Clason out of Judge Steve Shuff's common pleas court and includes Judge Shuff, Judge Damon Alt, Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Jay Meyer, Municipal Court Judge Rhonda Best, Fowler himself, Police Chief David Pauly, Fostoria Police Chief Gabe Wedge, Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens and several nonprofits working with victims. Fowler said he expects council may see future budget requests tied to the task force's work, including a planned speaker in October. "It has caused a group to come together to more address what we can do for victims of violence, whether it's domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse," Fowler said. City Administrator Nick Dutro also addressed the tragedy Monday, thanking both the police and fire departments for their response. He called it "an incredible teamwork" that he said deserved council's recognition. The next council meeting is scheduled for May 18.