[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",6120321,"mediaKeyId","2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c","parentId",2708375,"title","Council opens application period for at-large vacancy, sets April 1 meeting for candidates","audioSeconds",92,"startMs",3398000,"endMs",3490000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c&start=3398&end=3490","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c/thumbnail_3398000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6120321/Ohio/Council-opens-application-period-for-at-large-vacancy-sets-April-1-meeting-for-candidates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120321-a8d36d27c1cf03fa8c2c3da58db12a30/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948774&Signature=Xpz4GCBD0znC8KvpGkg~hh100w8tdpdzc6YJz5G5H47nZo2kmwG3YYZQN8~kBLl1-z9rvYxJfRkVcIpe2y6Xl~VnygdIoUEuPVChCbYW2Mat1YxibxP2utK5C8e5OvGWNyIv~xgVfVKu6YUakLHNJFneuR~bruDISoMiW68XQi9-xLYU-7m4FQfarT7NwFJSvyRX34ZZ2eN~95GJyG6IlSrXSK7czHTx0KYe3iZf2an-wlxQrn8xjsuyDcdS01vc8XmhXNsYbg8ajOzb8V6tBnZiFDhd4ZoJVsc94nJbz9t3sMHU58x1EmqrMEHnG~AKQPTdOVje8zSPPEcTAz39kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fostoria OH","date","2025-03-19T00:18:29Z","article","Fostoria City Council announced the start of the application window for the at-large council vacancy created when Councilperson Hall tendered a resignation at the last meeting.

Officials said the vacancy clock starts this meeting and the city will accept letters of interest and resumes at the city office during business hours. Requirements for applicants were stated as residency within the Fostoria city limits and being an elector (having voted in a prior election).

The clerk and mayor told applicants to plan to attend the council meeting on Tuesday, April 1, to present their interest; council members indicated they may review submitted materials in executive session prior to the April 1 meeting and vote that evening so an appointee can be sworn in at the next meeting.

Why it matters: The process outlines a near-term timeline and eligibility rules for filling the at-large seat, giving residents a defined path to apply and appear before council members for consideration.

Meeting guidance and next steps

- Documents: Interested citizens should submit a letter of interest and resume to the city office during business hours; council expects the clerk to distribute submitted materials to members in advance.

- Timeline: Applications were requested to be brought to the city office with an expectation that council will consider candidates at the April 1 meeting and, if a vote occurs, swear in a new member at a subsequent meeting.

Ending: Council emphasized applicants must be residents and electors and encouraged anyone interested to deliver materials to the city office before the April 1 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fostoria City Council 3-18-25","oneSentenceSummary","Following a council resignation, the mayor and council opened the process to fill the at-large council seat. Interested residents must be city electors and bring application materials to the city office; candidates should plan to appear at the April 1 meeting for consideration.","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},6120326,"Residents urge caution on proposed floating solar at Reservoir 5, cite water and wildlife risks",1458,696000,2154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c&start=696&end=2154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c/thumbnail_696000.jpg","/articles/6120326/Ohio/Residents-urge-caution-on-proposed-floating-solar-at-Reservoir-5-cite-water-and-wildlife-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120326-c9de5c1b510a47bcd58fe1e57398e00c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948774&Signature=ULP21rEkB7bserU2NWDQqkrBBUdlOfFOk7lW-BY2tCx2TqCgUXQMfbB8T8tldHu7bUu1suxd0bovuKhjP~O9LE9mZU8ZtNs8aVjHEkox0m8DrzENKgqKhF5QReRfbeSEOYIs1ekysboQBwoIHrPV~Ye1qoPPxaB28yG5JgP2s3BjZ23XiaIK8rBW~KFuVaCLjqkjqWglthra535ENRA29vCDx9dWv1NDvClN6t-8fiLw~CYqlpcWnKRfAXJAv7ye7S7n11e9464VGWMGOrhE1UwtUowiXWXzzwY6QoLAHMsH~RFwtvxxskbZhYwFOkLUA4nBGJj2Ueju9SFiodvdaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A cluster of public commenters told the Fostoria City Council they oppose or want strict scrutiny of plans to locate large solar arrays — including floating panels — on Reservoir 5 and nearby farmland.

Why it matters: residents near Washington Township and Fostoria said floating solar could harm drinking-water quality, alter aquatic ecosystems and primarily serve offsite customers rather than local residents. Several speakers cited prior encounters with utility-scale lease offers and questioned long-term environmental and contractual risks.

What people said

Rochelle Harmon, a Washington Township resident and Arcadia farmer, said she and neighbors have monitored multiple proposed energy projects near Reservoir 5 and elsewhere in the township. She warned about water-quality risks and wildlife impacts and said: \"I don't care how many times it's filtered, the chemicals will still be on the water…this project will change the oxygen levels in the reservoir, causing a possible algal bloom.\" Harmon also warned of higher installation and maintenance costs for floating solar and said she opposed placing solar on a drinking-water reservoir.

Joy Walters, who identified technical concerns, described cadmium-telluride panels and potential toxicological and aquatic risks, noting that some researchers are seeking further study of long-term exposure and that broken panels can leach chemicals into water. She said: \"There are no environmental studies performed on floating solar projects yet,\" and urged more research.

Clay Wolf, who said he had discussed reservoir systems with a water expert, added that covers or extensive shading can reduce oxygenation: \"This could potentially change that…which could potentially…lead to algal blooms, which would be a really bad thing considering as many problems that we've had with our drinking water in Fostoria.\" He urged the city to proceed slowly and research mitigation and responsibility in case of damage.

Lanny Bose, a local landowner, described being approached by land agents seeking leases for large solar projects. He said the contracts he received asked for broad rights, indemnities and uncertain payment triggers, and warned the city to avoid becoming \"tangled up\" in contracts that leave property owners exposed.

Context given in comments

- Multiple speakers referenced prior and nearby projects by names given in public comments, including Cypress Creek Renewables and South Branch Solar, and cited a proposed Third Pillar/Glendale Capital project and a planned energy use at a landfill or waste-to-energy facility. Speakers said they feared the energy output would serve offsite customers rather than Fostoria residents.

- Speakers described local township zoning and county exclusions for utility-scale solar in many townships and said Washington Township had adopted rules limiting utility-scale projects.

Council response and process notes

Council members did not take action on the floating-solar topic during the meeting; the public comments were part of the public-comment period. The Director of Public Service and Safety earlier asked council to remove solar-solicitation legislation from the table and to authorize soliciting bids, subject to later council presentations by selected bidders. The mayor said council would not enter a contract until a bidder presents to council.

Ending: Residents asked the city to require careful environmental review, to clarify who would benefit from energy produced and to ensure any leasing or bidding process protects water quality and local property owners.","Several residents and nearby landowners urged council to oppose or carefully scrutinize a proposed floating solar project on Reservoir 5 and related transmission work, raising concerns about water quality, aquatic ecosystems, potential panel degradation and who would benefit from the power produced.",{"_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},6120331,"Mayor asks council to declare splash pad emergency as finance committee outlines $453,010 parks appropriation",3000,210000,3210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c&start=210&end=3210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c/thumbnail_210000.jpg","/articles/6120331/Ohio/Mayor-asks-council-to-declare-splash-pad-emergency-as-finance-committee-outlines-453010-parks-appropriation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120331-db9dc9dfaa8a7851972d0c0eff26bea2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948774&Signature=lexEQijpBV6Gh5gYvVm~wNes7uXDwvA5b-gAYofbcwviWCP9ER6-9qGmebJKJzXmOC2Yd4fhuxAxsrOhJlwnCCmEvSr5cDkD-Eo0kA5yrW~WeG9iGpT3PdT1THgaFIqtrVi4ImpH4kpeoCXyo4Op2gnTBchLXUFD4uhf2ag4hRZJRpUkWUhQ~~pgossWXLqd1dlOK1EiiIprpWyGHIfEUB8XP57tdNaEXoWy2Pi7wRD4IUNfG9QkAZx2xuDUvdcOcNBm3-eBvK-24LCnTJ14G9ZK4cAH1NjRMOVeDxG~Jp5jrQRV~33ZzbWvds3-5tq7x2Qe1mH5qHw46jLpOyTlyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor: I would request that you pass the legislation for the splash pad as an emergency so that we can enter into contracts immediately and keep that project rolling.

Fostoria City Council approved an ordinance transferring funds from the general fund to the parks and recreation fund and appropriating money to cover a revised splash pad estimate, after the finance committee reported a projected increase of $453,010 to the parks fund when fiscal-year carryover is applied.

Why it matters: Council’s emergency declaration lets the city solicit bids and proceed toward contracting without waiting the usual three readings. The finance committee said the general fund remains in a solid position even as the city remains in fiscal emergency for the water funds.

Details from the meeting

- Finance committee report: The finance committee reported that when fiscal year 2024 carryover is applied, the parks fund requires an increase to appropriations of $453,010 to cover the splash pad and other park projects earmarked for 2025. The committee also noted the general fund’s revised projected balance for fiscal year 2025 is roughly $10,400,000 and projected to be about $9,600,000 by 2029.

- Mayor’s request: The mayor asked council to treat the splash pad legislation as an emergency so the city can enter contracts immediately and keep the project moving.

- Procurement steps: Council members and staff said the city will solicit bids and bring the selected bidder to council for a presentation and final approval; staff emphasized the city will not execute a contract until the bidder makes a presentation at council.

Public concerns about donated funds

Local donors who helped raise money for the splash pad sought clarification about what would happen to those contributions if the city paused or canceled the project. Jill Filliator, a resident who has participated in fundraising, said: \"I am still a little concerned that if you don't go with it, what happens to the donations that the community citizens raised? I don't have a very clear picture of how that monies will go.\" She asked whether donated funds are protected in a special fund and how they will be used if the project is delayed or canceled.

What council said about finances

Council adopted the appropriation and transfer ordinance under the three-reading suspension. The finance director also reminded council that the city remains in a fiscal emergency primarily because water funds are not reflecting three months of reserves, but that the general fund is positioned to support the splash pad costs.

Ending: Officials said they will proceed to solicit bids and return to council for final bidder presentations and contract approval; staff and the clerk were asked to provide clearer information to donors on how donated funds will be managed.","Council approved a parks appropriation and transfer to fund a revised splash pad estimate. The mayor asked council to adopt the measure as an emergency so staff can solicit bids and execute contracts quickly; public speakers asked for clarity about what happens to community donations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":92,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":95,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120336,"Council approves fiscal recovery, parks appropriation, urban forestry grant and other emergency measures",3170,3380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708375-35f0cd89a6b35f82dee25d77d6bedb5c&start=210&end=3380","/articles/6120336/Ohio/Council-approves-fiscal-recovery-parks-appropriation-urban-forestry-grant-and-other-emergency-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120336-99d2484e2944bf302e746485197c988d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948774&Signature=T331QHeZMp3-pFBq0RczRawJ7PlrzSldCZFtbO0AqKasJzXh-NKSFMjGrz924vLeFqwcl3sEa8L-0BXw394MPJSJ-ZR2f1fH9QgeEF-B3GBlsQByfrAwtIiiMIzooJlAgjl4Zpqd-HMYv3f2lVgAUfcDM42-WUn2PGeLX~miqWdZLxRQ1Mnb8ANhbK5MvDD8UU0MeDVhF0~Lvqzn~lMxagt~8JXNCEcsPTRlgm16yYxkoZ0p71upzR3~ycAaaTbYlyhNkinApKk8WS-LKB5xkdDvqibfw4ChZivrfSDzzLWuxv8QAOxCHvCIQo~df3RmTKa0JOWj0Qsnsoynz3yWEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fostoria City Council unanimously adopted several ordinances and resolutions Wednesday night, approving emergency measures and fund transfers tied to the city’s fiscal recovery and parks projects.

The council suspended the three-reading rule and approved an amendment to the city’s fiscal recovery plan, an appropriation and transfer to the parks and recreation fund that funds the splash pad project, an opioid-settlement appropriation, an Urban Forestry Grant application, and a \"then and now\" resolution authorizing prior expenditures.

Why it matters: the actions remove procedural barriers so staff can proceed immediately with contracts and grant applications the administration said are time-sensitive. The council voted on the measures by roll call, and each recorded vote was unanimous in favor.

Key adopted items

- Ordinance 2025-18 (CHIP LAP fund correction): Council approved a correction to ordinance 2023-14 related to the CHIP LAP fund, adjusting an advance and transfer; the ordinance was approved on roll call and becomes Ordinance 2025-18.

- Ordinance 2025-19 (Opioid settlement appropriation): Council approved an ordinance appropriating opioid-settlement funds; this passed on roll call and becomes Ordinance 2025-19.

- Ordinance 2025-20 (Amendment to the Fiscal Recovery Plan): The council adopted an amendment to the 2025 financial recovery plan and declared an emergency to expedite implementation; the three-reading rule was suspended and the ordinance was adopted as Ordinance 2025-20.

- Ordinance 2025-21 (Appropriations and parks transfer): Council adopted an ordinance appropriating funds from the general fund to the parks and recreation fund to cover a revised splash pad estimate and related costs; the three-reading rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as Ordinance 2025-21.

- Resolution 2025-22 (Urban Forestry Grant application): The council authorized the mayor to work with the Tree and Beautification Committee and submit an application for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Urban Forestry Grant; the three-reading rule was suspended and the resolution was adopted as Resolution 2025-22.

- Resolution 2025-23 (Then-and-Now certificates): Council approved and ratified prior acts of department heads and the safety service director and approved then-and-now certificates for expenditures; it was adopted as Resolution 2025-23 after suspending the three-reading rule.

Vote records (roll-call responses recorded in the meeting transcript):
All recorded roll calls for the adopted items show unanimous recorded support from the council members present. The clerk called each member by name and each member answered \"Yes.\" The roll-call names as recorded in the transcript were: Layman (called variably as \"Layman\" or \"Lehman\"), Podak/Podek (recorded inconsistently as \"Podak\"/\"Podek\"/\"Podag\"), Cassidy, Baker, Mendoza, and Lake.

Context and next steps

City officials said time constraints linked to contracts and grant deadlines motivated the request to suspend reading rules. The finance director and finance committee reported the general fund remains stable and that the parks fund will receive a $453,010 increase to support the splash pad project once carryover calculations are applied. Council directed staff to proceed with the implementation steps enabled by these adopted ordinances and resolutions.

Ending: Adopted ordinances and resolutions take immediate effect under the emergency declarations; staff said some items will still require subsequent procurement steps, presentations, or approvals (for example, bringing selected bidders to council for final contract approval).","Fostoria City Council unanimously adopted multiple ordinances and resolutions on emergency measures, appropriations and grant applications, including a parks appropriation to fund a splash pad, a fiscal recovery amendment, an opioid-settlement appropriation, an Urban Forestry Grant application and a \"then and now\" certification.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council opens application period for at-large vacancy, sets April 1 meeting for candidates

Residents urge caution on proposed floating solar at Reservoir 5, cite water and wildlife risks

Mayor asks council to declare splash pad emergency as finance committee outlines $453,010 parks appropriation

Council approves fiscal recovery, parks appropriation, urban forestry grant and other emergency measures