Residents press commission for clearer bus shelter siting, ice‑rink options and Sunday transit stops

Residents used the public comment period at the Feb. 10 Sandusky City Commission meeting to press for clearer public‑transit facilities and to urge expanded Sunday service for food distribution.

Three concerns drew the most attention: requests that shelter location language specify placement at particular corners, whether resurfacing Whiteman Weber Park for pickleball would eliminate a winter ice rink, and a plea for one Sunday per month of Green Line transit service to help churches and volunteers deliver food to residents without rides.

Why it matters: Shelter siting affects accessibility for riders and can determine which homes and community services are within walking distance of transit; changes to park surfaces can change seasonal uses and recreational access; Sunday transit availability could affect food access for homebound or mobility‑limited residents.

What speakers said

- Tim Schwanger, a resident: Asked for clarification on several consent‑agenda items and specifically whether the proposed shelter work and the MacArthur Park funds are coming from a designated account; he also asked whether the Whiteman Weber resurfacing would allow continued use as an ice rink.

- Brian McCormick, a resident: Urged the commission to specify which side of the street and which intersection the new terrace (shelter) locations will use, noting multiple stops exist near the named cross streets and that the current language did not identify precise placements.

- Jessica Crowell, a resident representing a church: Asked the city to run the Green Line on the last Sunday of the month to provide transportation for food distribution and other services for people who lack rides. Crowell said the service would help people on walkers and bicycles and described ongoing church efforts to provide food and services.

Staff and commission responses

- Transit staff member Stacy confirmed four shelter locations and said funding for the purchases is secured. He gave addresses: near 1823 Hayes Ave (south side, near the rec center project), 1318 Tiffin Ave (relocating the shelter across from DICK’S carryout), across from the Boys & Girls Club near 1825 Remington Ave, and a shelter on the blue route near Huron Park.

- On the pickleball resurfacing question, Commissioner Murray asked whether resurfacing would eliminate the existing ice‑skating rink. Staff replied they are “waiting for a decision or some recommendations from the manufacturer about being able to freeze [the] skate rink” and that the city “is committed to looking for a solution for a real ice rink” if freezing is not feasible.

- The city manager and staff acknowledged Jessica Crowell’s request; a commissioner told Crowell staff would respond after the meeting.

What the commission will do next

Staff will proceed with procurement and bidding where authorized and will follow up with manufacturer guidance on whether resurfaced courts can be frozen. Transit staff will provide specifics about shelter siting and installation schedules. Staff agreed to respond to Crowell’s request about Sunday transit routing and service availability.

Ending

Residents at the meeting asked for clearer, more specific project language and for responsive follow up; commissioners and staff indicated they would provide further details after consulting manufacturers, procurement schedules and transit operations.