Residents press council on sidewalks and youth Explorers program; auditor presents finance award

At the Feb. 9 Rossford City Council meeting several residents raised local concerns and council recognized long-serving municipal staff.

Scott Sands, northwest regional liaison for the Ohio Auditor of State, opened the meeting’s ceremonial portion by presenting an "award with distinction" to Finance Director Chris Kirk and Rossford’s finance team. "Less than 4% qualify for the Auditor of State award with distinction," Sands said while presenting the honor to Kirk and staff.

During audience remarks, resident Reagan Strong (818 Lime City Road) asked the council about sidewalks across the street from her apartment and whether the city had designated areas for public cannabis smoking; city staff said they would follow up. Strong also asked for leads to local container manufacturers for a business opportunity and was given a suggestion of a Wood County company.

Diane Wolfe told council she was disappointed the Explorers program — a longtime youth mentoring program tied to fire‑service experience — is no longer hosted in Rossford. Chief Siroca (identified in the transcript) responded that the program is open to regional participants and that multiple reasons contributed to how the program is currently hosted; the council did not list the three specific reasons Wolfe requested.

City counsel and several councilmembers recognized Captain Andrew Vasek for 25 years of service to the department and noted Chief Kitzler announced his retirement; councilmembers offered gratitude for their service. Later in the meeting the mayor said he intended to promote Lieutenant Veil to be the next police chief and councilmembers expressed support.

The meeting closed to an executive session to consider purchase of property for public purposes under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(2).