Huber Heights council adopts refreshed city seal, approves weekly recycling contract and multiple grant applications

Huber Heights — The Huber Heights City Council on March 9 adopted a refreshed official city seal and approved a set of resolutions that include switching to weekly recycling under an amended solid-waste agreement and seeking multiple grant awards for trails and officer safety.

Councilors voted 9–0 to waive a second reading and adopt an ordinance updating Section 103.01 of the city code to refresh the visual city seal. Staff said the change preserves the existing elements but simplifies shading and lines to make the seal easier to reproduce on apparel and small-scale materials; council members asked that a color mockup be shown to the public before it is widely released.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to amend the current solid-waste contract with Dempsey Way Systems 2 Inc., doing business as Republic Services of Dayton, to move to weekly recycling service. City staff described the contract as a three-year agreement with annual rate increases capped at 5 percent. Staff said the standard monthly rate (including the cart) will be $19; a senior discount of 10 percent will apply for qualifying accounts (staff stated the qualifying age is 55, making the discounted rate $17.10 per month), and a second cart rate will be lower than under the previous contract. Staff explained that residents already enrolled for the senior discount do not need to reapply; others must validate eligibility via the city’s customer-care center or through the city representative.

During public comment, Shonda Rohrer, municipal and public-sector representative for Rumpke Waste and Recycling, said Rumpke hopes to bid on future curbside services and intends to compete in 2029. The council asked staff to ensure clear instructions for residents about how to register for discounts and how to speak during meetings for newcomers.

Councilors also voted unanimously to authorize applications for several grants: a $25,000 Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance to replace outdated body armor; a $500,000 Clean Ohio Trails Fund grant (with a required 25 percent local match of $125,000) for trail projects in Community Park and Canal Heights; and a $150,000 recreational-trails grant with a 20 percent match ($30,000). City staff described the trail grants as companion projects and recommended adoption.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance to adopt refreshed city seal (Section 103.01): motion carried — 9 yes, 0 no. - Resolution to amend solid-waste agreement with Republic Services (weekly recycling; new rates): motion carried — 9 yes, 0 no. - Resolution to apply for Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant (~$25,000): motion carried — 9 yes, 0 no. - Resolution to apply for Clean Ohio Trails Fund grant ($500,000; 25% match): motion carried — 9 yes, 0 no. - Resolution to apply for Recreational Trails Program grant ($150,000; 20% match): motion carried — 9 yes, 0 no.

What happens next

Staff will provide a color mockup of the refreshed seal before public release, implement the recycling contract changes and senior-discount enrollment procedures, and proceed with grant applications. The zoning text amendment discussed separately will return for a second reading at a subsequent meeting.

Sources: City council meeting transcript (March 9, 2026); staff presentations and public comment.