Fostoria named Tree City for 44th year

FOSTORIA — Members of Fostoria City Council met for a rescheduled meeting as a result of Election Day, approving several pieces of legislation and to address concerns from residents on a variety of topics. Additionally, Safety Service Director Eric Keckler announced the city has again been recognized by Tree City USA, marking Fostoria's 44th year receiving the distinction. "We also, for the first time, have gotten a Growth Award, and a lot of that is connected to the U.S. forestry grant and the ODNR forestry grant that we received," Keckler said. Mayor Don Mennel reported that the city cleanup held Saturday was successful, noting that because some residents did not follow the rules, the way the city conducts the event may be reexamined in the future. "The big projects downtown and the elimination of the hazard trees and all that great work really was Maddie's work on that grant." Upcoming events Public Affairs Chairperson Amy Mendoza highlighted the city's upcoming Touch a Truck event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Fostoria on Saturday. She said the event includes a sensory-friendly hour from 10-11 a.m. Mendoza also noted that registration for this year's glass pageant has opened, with an entry fee of $30 and submissions due by noon on May 20. Public concerns Michelle Harmon, of Arcadia, addressed council in regards to city-owned farmland near Reservoir No. 5, saying her husband's family had previously farmed the property and her family currently farms nearby. She explained that her family would like to lease the property again, raising concerns about past maintenance issues– including weeds and damage near a drainage area. "We just ask that regardless of who gets the bid this year, please follow the contract guidelines" said Harmon. Members of council responded, saying that if Harmon had been in contact with Assistant Safety Service Director Maddie Stearns then she would likely receive a bid packet following the legislation's approval. Jeff Cantrell, a Fostoria native, addressed council with concerns about workers who had been marking and taking measurements near his property– potentially related to the installation of sidewalks. City officials responded and said the work may be connected to planning for the Safe Routes to School project, though they would need to confirm the project limits. Passed legislation Several pieces of legislation were passed, including the following: • Ordinance No. 2026-31: Adopting the revised Fostoria Personnel Policy Manual, repealing prior inconsistent policies, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ordinance No. 2026-32: Authorizing the Mayor to advertise for bids and enter into a contract with the lowest and best bidder for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Program, including pavement removal, surface planing, tack coat, and surface course of certain streets in the city of Fostoria according to specifications to be on file in the office of said Mayor, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ordinance No. 2026-33: Granting consent to the Director of Transportation of the State of Ohio, and authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the city of Fostoria, Ohio, hereinafter referred to as the Local Public Agency (LPA), to enter into contracts with the Director of Transportation necessary to complete described pavement repair projects, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ordinance No. 2026-34: Authorizing, directing, and empowering the Director of Public Service and Safety to advertise for bids and to enter into a contract for the lease of 16.5 acres of farm land adjacent to Reservoir No. 5, the terms of which are now on file in the Office of said Director, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ordinance No. 2026-35: Amending ordinance Number 2025-77 correcting the legal description and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ordinance No. 2026-36: Adopting and Amending ordinance No. 2025-83, Permanent 2026 Appropriations, by appropriating from unappropriated funds in the General Fund and transferring appropriations in the Fire Donations Fund and declaring an emergency to exist.