[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6298648,"mediaKeyId","2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e","parentId",2503203,"title","Mayor proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; Seneca County Opportunity Center outlines programs","audioSeconds",368,"startMs",992000,"endMs",1360000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e&start=992&end=1360","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e/thumbnail_992000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298648/Ohio/Mayor-proclaims-March-as-Developmental-Disabilities-Awareness-Month-Seneca-County-Opportunity-Center-outlines-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298648-c7ca143423fed09d3dd09df6a032f9c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159162&Signature=Gp~S7Zav1SjXjPBAgbWkaK5BoyHSEG~Dw2FRiRZABGZO7XZxvqLK1BYSTQ8RiL4tStQqXNCt9jdlIcYZCacKC5-p9yS5Q4JPraXTLJ392ZP0SsxItrYZfVHKMRrDFjtkYZhu5ORBKhQF5QAxd1AAfAXH9JYOznfnDi0PuUFO6k~I-FzXxeFme31fT3ok5WOrRVrDpSuPzFEcNF4CLYehpwIVzDwEtPwTA9bq1ulilSvXEv2FqZRQ3UnZUnbR7rp6TckPZAUXolYTOGbG85p0JnauCwnb5YH0avPedxHr~4PAmX7jG0Mu2lYl-WHQ5ldbPFwJbenWXMWWzrMPhYuKGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fostoria OH","date","2025-03-05T18:34:00.32Z","article","Mayor Donald L. Manel read a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and encouraged residents to support opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Representatives from the Seneca County Opportunity Center and the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities thanked the city for its longtime support and described several upcoming events: a Bakery Bingo on Thursday, March 13 (doors open 5:30 p.m., Opportunity Center gym), a celebrity basketball game in August, and a drive‑through Palm Sunday chicken and ham dinner on April 13 with pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Opportunity Center reported that Seneca Rehabs employs about 58 individuals with developmental disabilities and that the county board is expanding classroom capacity to meet rising local demand.

The proclamation and remarks highlighted local programs, volunteer and advocacy staff and asked citizens to become friends and supporters of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community.

Ending: Council presented the proclamation and heard a brief overview of services and events; no formal action was required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fostoria City Council Meeting 3-4-25","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Donald L. Manel issued a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; representatives from the Seneca County Opportunity Center described upcoming events and service expansions and thanked the city for ongoing support.","taxTitle","Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio","taxId",72296,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298653,"Council approves continuation of three tax‑incentive agreements; several first readings and one ordinance tabled",42,2529000,2571000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e&start=2529&end=2571","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e/thumbnail_2529000.jpg","/articles/6298653/Ohio/Council-approves-continuation-of-three-taxincentive-agreements-several-first-readings-and-one-ordinance-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298653-f82dd870dcf72eebb6a15e7a5cfecda6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159162&Signature=mdzsKaz-xyL4-QKz-0TMbtkst9HkF9zyiYNQu9tWA3SoqVhwMwA2BaRdj8lXzfEJdh5AikH6v7yYRRIOsGx1mrI-XE8bK3tYn~jM3x02BKYzJ-lpU7JTzDA1iBQLf9Vr9JKzjP~Jmwhq0ixMm1kP6Wi8VV8WkP0b3eZzLy0GaTwuuMhiz-jM15pyOx5-ZYIUawdPxjoNS8PE9v5Lcq1xYpTVCiTwZNOFA96fQgZVpdKifsDSqSVzjGNPpz~0WnZDdmKZ2QFJyNJUrHBMbdmIAq09ooNt9IoG2fnPekYig2HWtb-j0dR2CnJ2BkPp9jRN8w2CNIMl8Ni~VJcVnp6XDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City council voted to adopt an ordinance implementing the Tax Incentive Review Council’s recommendation to continue tax incentives for three entities that reported they are meeting the terms of their agreements.

Council first voted to suspend the three‑reading rule for the ordinance, and the suspension passed by roll call. The ordinance was then adopted and recorded as Ordinance No. 2025‑17.

Earlier in the meeting council approved the previous meeting’s minutes by roll call. Council also held first readings of several ordinances and resolutions, including two resolutions authorizing conveyance of parcels to the Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation (first readings) and multiple proposed amendments related to permissible grass height and yard maintenance (first readings). One new‑business ordinance related to a water‑body matter was moved, seconded and then tabled by council; the tabling motion carried on roll call.

Ending: The meeting recorded the formal adoption of Ordinance No. 2025‑17 continuing the tax incentives for three entities and the tabling of a water‑related ordinance; most other items in new business were at first reading and will return to a future agenda for further consideration.","Council voted to continue tax‑incentive agreements for three entities after the tax incentive review council found they met agreement terms; the meeting also recorded multiple first readings of code amendments, a conveyance first reading, and a motion to table an ordinance on a water‑related matter.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298658,"Residents press council on landfill leachate, PFAS testing and city oversight",182,1844000,2026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e&start=1844&end=2026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e/thumbnail_1844000.jpg","/articles/6298658/Ohio/Residents-press-council-on-landfill-leachate-PFAS-testing-and-city-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298658-1e83ba7eb50b1799c73d655001afe00b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159162&Signature=ckkC0oHcwiz4vWTxwlPd2aDte7ss7I9mVNZyrn2tRcoakl-nMHc3ZBu2Ab87MQQDs1EC0PRMLIvcRU7mi3tVqUHZTMG6kEXDHyCHkX7H-R~PDM0yzPscQWoz-G7QQPfAgegbu5SgL747wRAAqSycz8dxGrw2XoEG1rJ6zrvGA1RO9ixEipqEwr6tkr9ycIxsJi9FzSvAFXk-CW-nlSM0eKPErsRKcRmr6tBfh7XI-u0EJbNZndo95vnW9QKjVM4eqB0mSnv3GWrmghawu3PFcgl4Mi5rqO6l71MKhhFt7EphTQHdlGpE5WcbN4EmKnJlC2~rkAMhaibaagM0hiA2YA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents raised detailed questions about landfill leachate, testing for ‘forever chemicals’ and heavy metals, and whether the city’s acceptance of leachate could expose Fostoria to legal or environmental risk.

Joy Walters read a list of citizen questions that asked whether the mayor had authorized additional discharge to the Portage, whether testing will include PFAS and all heavy metals, whether mandated treatment (hydrogen peroxide) is being applied before disposal, and whether the city could face litigation if unlawful pollution occurs. Walters also referenced prior remarks by then‑Mayor Eric Hechler in 2020 that the city could not safely process that type of leachate and asked what has changed.

Walters said she had discussed the situation with Harold Huffman, a landfill inspector employed by the Seneca County General Health District, and reported conflicting statements about whether the cleanup was complete. She also asked whether accepting leachate is being proposed as a way to offset rate increases or to help customers replace lead service lines.

Other speakers urged council to ensure the city is complying with federal EPA requirements and to seek clarity from state and county regulators. Jill Filator said she had been in contact with BG EPA and had been directed to state contacts in Columbus to confirm the full scope of testing and treatment required.

The council did not take formal action on the topic during the meeting. No staff presentation or council response resolving the technical or regulatory questions appears in the meeting record; residents asked for clarification and for the city to confirm the testing and treatment regimen and legal exposures before any agreement to accept leachate.

Ending: Residents requested explicit testing plans (including PFAS), confirmation of mandated treatment practices, and clear statements on who bears liability if contaminants enter the Portage. Council will need to respond in a future meeting or through staff follow‑up to address those outstanding questions.","Multiple residents urged council to verify testing and treatment of landfill leachate before the city accepts it into its system; speakers asked whether PFAS and other contaminants are being tested, whether mandated treatment (hydrogen peroxide) is used, and whether the city could be liable for pollution.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298660,"Fostoria officials discuss covering roughly $550,000 shortfall to complete splash pad",91,221000,312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e&start=221&end=312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503203-629c934654df3d32764c7e07c111668e/thumbnail_221000.jpg","/articles/6298660/Ohio/Fostoria-officials-discuss-covering-roughly-550000-shortfall-to-complete-splash-pad","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298660-e9238ed6dabfa635ebb1f5112f88721e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159162&Signature=QKfgRptlU6p5SMODzf8F8BzdrmsjgmZGJy-LjWhPpoThzZubI8f8Gb87gpS44aNKzwXAJyVDWCnRc04xICMh129MGOS0CMH9i6SP22Ta3jAnJ41HWhRe0BxyUzTlJiR3njkAAKPm0bvUDzYqxn9o7xpVHT-X1F0P5Yuqbln-CYiKxc66rB0~etBpq51~ejN3d~Oa3yVZij3hRXyn-QGSnGncceblKsCR-bpqC4zAoEiMSoRVuVVM8pHK~CBDvTFcIUd7RtKJQYg3qGO3KGbfhZesevWmWaDisFhe7yZuQNkvWn8QVFH2hqZH-4Kdpe8H5HVZN-8HHzYIYn~qFt97UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fostoria Mayor Donald L. Manel told city council that the splash pad project has $1,037,775 committed from a mix of local donations and grants but that the lowest responsive construction bid came in at $1,297,500, leaving the city about $550,000 short of the amount needed to begin construction.

The mayor said local funders have raised $321,075; the city holds a $150,000 capital budget grant from the State of Ohio; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) awarded $466,700 to pay for restrooms; and the city has pledged $100,000. He noted demolition is underway and estimated demolition costs at $57,000. He said the low bidder, Albedo Construction, is ready to begin work immediately after demolition finishes.

The potential additional cost arises from four bid alternatives that the administration says “must be done,” which would raise the total to about $1.36 million. Mayor Manel told council, “If we walk away from it, we're walking away from almost $600,000 of grant money.” He recommended bringing two pieces of legislation to the next council meeting if council wishes to proceed: (1) a resolution to revise and resubmit the city’s five‑year fiscal recovery plan to the oversight committee and (2) a separate resolution to appropriate the additional money from the general fund and transfer it to the park and recreation fund. Both, he said, would be presented as emergency measures so the contract could be signed and work started promptly.

Finance staff told council they will prepare an updated five‑year forecast showing the effect of adding the splash pad debt and share updated revenue trends (income tax receipts, real estate settlements) before any appropriation. Councilmembers asked for those forecasts and for clarity on how the city would repay any general‑fund advance; staff said the enterprise funds would need a documented repayment method if an advance from the general fund were used.

No formal council vote to fund the gap occurred at the meeting. If council directs staff to proceed, the administration proposes emergency legislation at the next meeting to appropriate the roughly $550,000 shortfall and to revise the recovery plan before signing the construction contract.

Ending: The administration said delaying the project could raise costs due to inflation and that the city could forfeit sizable state and ODNR grants if it declines to proceed. Council did not take final action on funding at this meeting; staff will return with a five‑year forecast and recommended legislation if the council requests it.","Council heard that a low bid for the planned splash pad exceeded available funds by about $550,000; mayor and finance staff outlined grant and local fundraising sources and said an emergency appropriation and a revised fiscal recovery plan would be required to proceed quickly.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; Seneca County Opportunity Center outlines programs

Council approves continuation of three tax‑incentive agreements; several first readings and one ordinance tabled

Residents press council on landfill leachate, PFAS testing and city oversight

Fostoria officials discuss covering roughly $550,000 shortfall to complete splash pad