Huron council approves packet of ordinances and resolutions including police rifles, sidewalk repairs and two OPWC grant applications

Huron City Council used its Aug. 26 meeting to approve a series of ordinances and resolutions spanning public safety purchases, street maintenance, grant applications and property actions.

Rezoning and land use: The council placed Ordinance 2025-19 on second reading. The ordinance would rezone approximately 15.49 vacant acres on River Road owned by OJD Holdings LLC from I-2 (General Industrial) to B-3 (General Business); staff said the Planning Commission approved the application on June 18, 2025 and forwarded it to council.

Solid-waste rates: Council moved and approved Ordinance 2025-21 setting the residential solid-waste collection rate for Jan.–Dec. 2026 and authorized emergency placement so the county can receive certification by its deadline. Staff noted the rate discussed was approximately $27.07 and that the city is in a contract with Republic with a 5-year term and two optional renewal years.

Public-safety procurement: Resolution 52-2025 authorizes the interim city manager to contract with Tactical Assault Specialists for 15 replacement patrol rifles and related equipment at a purchase price of $30,020. The police chief said the department’s current patrol rifles are nearly 25 years old; trade-in and confiscated-weapons credits totaled $12,710 and the department budgeted $30,000 for this purpose.

Roads and maintenance: Resolution 53-2025 approves roadway crack-sealing services with Maintenance Systems of Northern Ohio for an amount not to exceed $45,680. Staff said work will prioritize Cleveland Road West, parts of Mudbrook Road and Bogart Road. Resolution 54-2025 authorizes payment to the Ohio Department of Transportation of up to $68,813.66 under the annual maintenance agreement for FY 2024–25; staff explained ODOT’s lane-mile allocation increases the city’s share when Route 2 work is heavy.

Assessments and collections: Council adopted Resolution 51-2025 to certify mowing charges to the Erie County auditor and Resolution 55-2025 to certify delinquent water charges for collection. Staff said some entries could be removed from certification if owners pay before the county deadline (Sept. 8).

Sidewalk repairs: Resolution 56-2025 orders repair of public sidewalks abutting certain premises and declares an emergency; Hamilton said certified letters will be mailed and the city will carry out work within 60 days if owners do not act. For District 1 staff estimated an assessment total of about $9,960; assessments will be spread over a four-year period.

Grant applications: Resolutions 57-2025 and 58-2025 authorized the interim city manager to submit applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for US 6 Phase 2 and the South Main Street streetscape project. Each application seeks up to $600,000 (staff said typical combinations include a $425,000 grant and $175,000 low-interest loan); Hamilton cautioned the projects may not score highly but said submission is necessary for a chance at funding.

Property forfeiture: Ordinance 2025-23 ratified a petition filed in Erie County Common Pleas Court seeking forfeiture of a vacant parcel at 531 Berlin Road to the City of Huron after prior sheriff-sale efforts produced no bidders. Staff said the property had been declared a nuisance, the city has spent money maintaining it (staff referenced approximately $28,000), and ORC procedures allow a local petition to take possession to prevent prolonged blight.

All listed measures were approved by roll call at the Aug. 26 meeting as recorded in the minutes. Several items (solid-waste ordinance, sidewalk repairs and the police procurement) drew brief staff explanations about contract status, budgeting and timelines. Council also scheduled routine upcoming meetings and noted openings on committees for residents interested in serving.