The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission met Oct. 27, 2026, to discuss several items including a proposed vacant‑building ordinance, steps in the commission's strategic plan (including possible local designation for the "BoomTown" area), downtown façade grant outcomes, a plaque program rollout and potential comment on proposed revisions to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Discussion Points

•Agreement to test interest through mailings or a straw poll and to identify early willing participants.
•Commissioners confirmed tax-credit processes are complicated and often not directly useful to individual homeowners without professional assistance.
•Commissioners debated whether fines could accelerate demolition of non-designated yet locally important buildings.
•Commissioners discussed building-of-the-month article scheduling and student involvement.
•Commissioners noted visible improvements and asked staff to convey thanks.
•Commissioners suggested a small celebratory pickup and photo opportunity when plaques arrive.
•Commission reviewed proposed Section 106 revisions and related NAPC material.
•Debate over district-wide designation vs. individual homeowner designations for BoomTown.
•Heather advised council had completed a first reading and a second reading was expected.
•Heather presented a draft vacant-building registration ordinance and distributed related materials.
•Heather said all funds had been allocated and the city would request more next year.
•Owner David Rosten responded that he was not interested in designation and asked about tax credits and funding.
•Some commissioners suggested sending a letter and staff offered to draft one using model language.
•Ten plaques ordered; delivery delayed until around Christmas or early 2027.

Decisions

•No designation action taken for South Main School at this meeting.
•No formal action required; monitoring to continue.
•No formal decision or letter adopted at this meeting.
•No formal vote recorded; commission consent to staff drafting letter.
•No immediate designation; proceed with outreach testing.
•No vote taken; plan to revisit event logistics when arrival is confirmed.

Directions

•Chair to prepare sample outreach language for next meeting; staff to help draft mailing if needed.
•Staff to circulate the ordinance draft and related rehabilitation vendor information to commissioners.
•Staff to draft a concise letter for commission review and possible signature.
•Staff to forward thanks to program administrators.
•Staff to maintain contact with owners and pursue building-of-the-month research with student partners.
•Staff to notify commissioners and homeowners when plaques are ready and propose event logistics.

Oct

Board of Public Utilities Meeting – 10/26/2026

The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission met Oct. 27, 2026, to hear staff updates on a proposed vacant‑building ordinance, consider steps for a strategic plan and local designation for the BoomTown area, review downtown façade grant spending, and discuss plaque orders and Section 106 federal proposals.

Discussion Points

•All façade enhancement funds were allocated.
•Chair asked staff to draft a homeowner mailing and bring wording back.
•Chair asked whether the commission should comment on Section 106 revisions.
•Commission encouraged staff to forward thanks and to ensure projects finish before winter.
•Commissioners favored a letter; staff offered to draft the document.
•Commissioners noted tax credits are complex and often require experienced users.
•Commissioners worried fines could push owners to demolish non‑designated historic structures.
•Commission requested staff to plan logistics once delivery is confirmed.
•Commission will monitor council and consider outreach if needed.
•Funding came from the general fund rather than the SID.
•Heather circulated a draft ordinance to register vacant buildings; council has completed first reading.
•Heidi Reager raised concerns about regulatory burden and owner opposition.
•Jeff House proposed piloting individual property designations to build interest.
•No formal language adopted; draft to be reviewed later.
•Owner David Rosten replied 'no interest' in local designation for South Main School.
•Owner inquired about tax credits and funding options.
•Plaques will be standard 'historic house' markers; staff proposed a pickup/photo event.
•Ten plaques were ordered; delivery expected around Christmas/early 2027.

Decisions

•Begin with targeted outreach; no district was proposed formally.

Directions

•Staff to draft and circulate a comment letter.
•Staff to draft outreach mailing for BoomTown homeowners.
•Staff to forward thanks to partners and monitor project completions.
•Staff to notify commission on delivery and propose event plans.

Oct

City Council Meeting - 10/19/2026

City council heard public comments including a tourism award and an AI-related student event, received updates on infrastructure and public-power representation, amended a vacant-building enforcement ordinance by substitution, adopted an emergency ordinance to start the Wooster/Dunbridge roundabout project, approved several other items, and tabled a zoning map amendment until Nov. 2.

Discussion Points

•3-D visualizations to be presented to council soon.
•Completed projects: Bridal Road shared-use path, 2026 residential paving, Conneaut sidewalk.
•Council agreed substitution would make examination simpler and scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 7.
•Dennis proposed 17 amendments and recommended substituting the document to allow public input.
•Henkelman reported the Ruby Award and website metrics and promoted the holiday parade.
•Maris thanked council for housing grant and vacant-building enforcement program support.
•Motion to adopt renewal agreement with the Wood County Public Defender.
•Motion to suspend rules and adopt ordinance; emergency clause adopted; ordinance adopted.
•Motion to table rezoning at 903 North Main until public hearing on Nov. 2.
•No substantive discussion recorded prior to votes.
•Project masonry progressing and schedule/budget on track.
•Roll call recorded affirmative responses.
•Students plan an AI walkout to express concerns about AI across multiple sectors.
•Upcoming projects: Crim & Scott Hamilton path, South College Drive waterline (6" to 8"), Brim & Bishop roundabout, Wooster/Dunbridge roundabout, Campbell Hill resurfacing, North Main path.

Decisions

•Ordinance 9384 tabled
•Ordinance 9388 amended by substitution
•Ordinance 9392 adopted
•Resolution 3917 adopted

Directions

•Notice public hearing
•Publish substituted draft and solicit public comment

Oct

City Council Meeting 10/19/2026

The Bowling Green City Council meeting included public comments on tourism recognition and AI concerns, staff reports on infrastructure projects and public power, and passage of an emergency ordinance authorizing an ODOT LPA agreement to start the Wooster Street/Dunbridge Road roundabout project.

Discussion Points

•AMP conference covered market and planning updates; RTO relevance noted (PJM).
•Award recognition for new tourism website and reported web-metrics.
•Brian O'Connell elected AMP board chair.
•Completion of Brim Road path and status of 2026 paving program.
•Construction progress and project readiness for council viewing.
•JV6 wind project at landfill is in decommissioning; foundations being removed.
•Longer-term projects dependent on right-of-way and design, including roundabouts and North Main path.
•Motion made to suspend rules for 2nd/3rd readings.
•Motion to adopt emergency clause to advance ordinance immediately.
•Plans to bid Crim/Scott Hamilton path and South College waterline next winter/spring.
•Promise to present a 3-D building model.
•Promotion of holiday parade and request for volunteers and sponsorships.
•Resident thanked council for grant and vacant building enforcement work.
•Student organizers planning an AI walkout to raise public concerns.

Decisions

•Ordinance 9392 advanced and emergency clause adopted; ordinance approved.

Directions

•Chamber to solicit volunteer support and sponsorships; staff to note award.
•None recorded beyond status reporting.
•None recorded; public comment only.
•Proceed to advertise for bids this winter as designs finish.
•Staff to advertise for qualifications and proceed with ODOT LPA processes.
•Staff to schedule a presentation when the 3-D model is available.

Oct

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting 10/14/2026

The Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals met on 2026-10-14 and approved three driveway-widening variances after applicants cited parking and safety hardships; the board instructed applicants to check in with the planning office.

Discussion Points

•Applicant cited safety and storage needs for widening; planner confirmed notices; board discussed sidewalk/apron and property-line setback.
•Applicant described 30 years of ownership and long-standing parking hardship; planner confirmed administrative limits and public-works curb-cut details.
•Applicants cited five-vehicle household and partial garage use for family business as practical difficulties; board asked about setbacks and apron; planner confirmed curb-cut and public-works consultation.
•Approval of minutes; three driveway variance requests; planner confirmation of notice requirements and administrative limits; applicants asked to coordinate with planning office.
•Neighbors expressed support; board discussed whether earlier approvals set a precedent.

Decisions

•Three variances approved; minutes approved; meeting adjourned.
•Variance approved by roll call.

Directions

•Applicants to check in with planning staff and public works on curb-cut details.
•Applicant to check in with planning office before construction.
•Applicant to coordinate with planning and public works on curb-cut and permits.
•Applicant to coordinate with planning staff on permit and curb-cut / apron details.

Oct

Planning Commission Meeting 10/07/2026

The Bowling Green Planning Commission held its October 2026 meeting, heard a staff report and voted to recommend several text amendments to Chapter 150 of the zoning code to city council, approved a 72‑lot preliminary subdivision (Stone Ridge Plats 10–14) with waivers, set a rezoning for public hearing, heard a zoning-board variance report, and received a planning-department update including a $1,000,000 residential economic development grant.

Discussion Points

•Active projects include fire station permits, Wood County Village 2 rebuilding, Antibus Scales and Barcode Systems warehouse, Tin Man warehouse, Chipotle, Menards, Parkway Place expansion.
•Add buffering requirement when commercial expands >20% GFA adjacent to multi‑unit residential or R‑3.
•Agent: Colin Deweese for WD Retreat Limited.
•Board found owner did not know pad intruded on setback and characterized the action as an innocent mistake.
•City received $1,000,000 grant for water and sewer extensions to support housing; staff credited pro‑housing zoning for high grant score.
•Concrete pad encroached 6 inches into west setback; pad used primarily for garbage cans.
•Permit activity increased year‑to‑date: 374 permits vs. 317 last year; 61 single‑unit dwellings.
•Preliminary plan otherwise complies with Chapter 151; developer must return with construction plans and financial guarantees for final plat.
•Project scope: ~72 lots, ~22.97 acres, expanding Saint Andrews Drive and entry from Mitchell Road.
•Proposed change: Pedestrian Residential -> Mixed Use Neighborhood.
•Relax mixed use neighborhood roofline/parapet requirement to better align with MUN intent.
•Remove 25 ft minimum building height in commercial zone; retain 45 ft maximum.
•Require computer‑generated drawings for commercial, industrial, institutional, mixed use, and multiunit residential zoning certificate applications.
•Revise outdoor lighting rules: remove dusk‑to‑dawn monitoring, prefer foot‑candle measurements and shielding, allow higher Kelvin but rely on lumens/foot‑candles for enforcement.
•Rezoning area ~0.88 acres at Kramer Lane and South Prospect Street.
•Waivers requested for lot depth/width ratios and reduced front/rear setbacks on specific lot groups.

Decisions

•Hearing scheduled; no substantive vote or recommendation made this evening.
•Motion to recommend zoning code changes passed unanimously and will be forwarded to council.
•Preliminary plan approved unanimously with waivers.
•Variance granted by 6–0 vote.

Directions

•Approve preliminary plan and grant waivers; direct developer to prepare construction plans and financial assurances.
•Forward recommended text amendments and staff memo to city council for public hearing and decision.
•Set public hearing for November 4; prepare notice and materials.

Sep

Board of Public Utilities Meeting – 9/28/2026

Bowling Green municipal meeting on 2026-09-28 covered routine approvals, two utilities resolutions (inventory/insurance contracts and a tree‑trimming contract), detailed capital-project updates from the utilities department, brief operations reports, and adjournment.

Discussion Points

•2026 budgeted amount $175,000; $112,000 spent to date; staff recommended $250,000–$300,000 for full‑year service.
•2026 hydrant flushing and routine lift‑station maintenance started.
•Inventory line usually covers water‑treatment chemicals; larger equipment may be bid separately.
•Low‑service pump station nearing substantial completion; membrane/clarifier work in progress.
•Membrane expansion design at 90% and under OEPA review; expected to be complete in 2027.
•O'Connell explained Alliance Insurance covers electric distribution/transmission lines and underground water and sewer lines.
•Pole replacements on North Enterprise; infrared testing at substations.
•Reservoir study completed in June identified potential to nearly double raw water storage on adjacent property.
•Staff recommended longer initial contract terms or a year‑round crew to improve bidder participation and service continuity.
•Substation transformer replacements planned at Bishop, Poe and Gypsy; manufacturing lead times may be six years or longer.

Decisions

•Approved Resolution 092021 authorizing contracting authority for 2027.
•Approved Resolution 092026 authorizing tree trimming and removal contracts.

Directions

•Proceed with procurement authorization as described in the resolution.

Sep

City Council Meeting 09/21/2026

Council meeting of the Bowling Green City Council with public comment on a local "Week Without Driving" event, a lengthy economic development update with multiple prospective projects and grants, and several ordinances and resolutions adopted including emergency loan/finance authorization and infrastructure projects.

Discussion Points

•Cooper Standard plans to decommission Bowling Green operations by end of 2027; workforce transition assistance to be coordinated with Wood County.
•Council set a public hearing date; no substantive debate in this meeting.
•Multiple prospective private-sector projects (Bullseye, Maverick, Sprint, Ripper, Melt).
•Organizers described events and outreach plans, including a pledge form and GoBus voucher drawing.
•Procedural motions to adopt emergency clause and the ordinance were recorded.
•Procedural motions to suspend rules and adopt the emergency clause preceded adoption.
•Procedural suspension of rules and roll-call adoption of a joint-use agreement and authorization for contracting.

Decisions

•Ordinance 9,379 adopted with emergency clause
•Ordinance 9,383 adopted with emergency clause
•Public hearing set for Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.
•Resolution 3,916 adopted; Ordinance 9,382 adopted

Directions

•City to proceed with procurement and contract negotiations under ordinance authority.
•Staff to continue outreach and provide updates on timelines and marketing for vacated facilities.
•Staff to provide hearing notice and supporting materials.
•Utilities director authorized to pursue OWDA/WPCLF financing and proceed with design/engineering.

Sep

City Council Meeting 09/08/2026

City council meeting in Bowling Green covered public comments on neighborhood outreach, planning and permitting updates including a new online portal and rental registration, wind turbine decommissioning at the landfill, and multiple ordinances and resolutions (including property for a shared-use path).

Discussion Points

•Avoid duplicative authorization by attaching list of equipment from Ordinance 9376 to Ordinance 9372.
•Counts: zoning permits, housing starts, rental registrations, inspections.
•Enforcement: seven properties required third-party inspections; at least one for ignoring city communications.
•Introduction of joint-use agreement and authorization for procurement of design/construction services.
•Motion to suspend rules and add emergency clause for appraisal and acquisition steps.
•Number of projects and remaining budget in downtown façade grant.
•Plan to request program funding again for 2027.
•Portal features and upcoming SketchUp tool.
•Public gratitude for repaired sewer issues; volunteer-driven distribution of tenant resource packets and remaining volunteer needs.
•Removal of underground conduits and circuits.
•Roll call vote to adopt as amended.
•Scope and sequence of turbine removal (blades, nacelles, tower, foundations).

Decisions

•Adopt resolution and emergency clause to proceed with appraisal.
•Item presented for first reading; no vote was taken on final adoption.
•No formal council action; acknowledged by council.
•No immediate rate increase; project funds to be used for decommissioning.
•No new legislation enacted in session; staff to proceed with enforcement and registration outreach.
•Ordinance 9372 adopted as amended to include the equipment list.
•Staff will include before-and-after photos in the annual report and may request funding in 2027.

Sep

Planning Commission Meeting – 9/2/2026

The Bowling Green Planning Commission held a public hearing on Sept. 2, 2026 on a rezoning request for 903 North Main Street (two parcels) to allow a duplex; staff gave a neutral recommendation, neighbors raised parking and character concerns, the commission debated spot-zoning and precedent, and the commission voted to forward the item to city council with a negative recommendation (roll-call vote recorded).

Discussion Points

•Applicant asserts dual kitchens/baths and sufficient parking; neighbors contest these claims.
•Fence variance awarded due to contractor issues and homeowner expense; driveway variance approved; Chipotle height variance granted after deed restriction evidence.
•Neighborhood group said the 2023 code aimed to prevent conversion of single-family homes to duplexes in PR district; commissioners compared the present case to a prior spot zoning precedent.
•Neighbors presented parking photos and argued alley and curb space are already strained; speakers worried about spillover and snow-plow access.
•Staff described memo; commissioners opted to set hearing rather than review changes in detail at this meeting.
•Staff presented neutral recommendation and history of property use; neighbors raised parking and character concerns; commissioners debated precedent and occupancy definitions.

Decisions

•Motion to recommend approval failed; commission voted to forward with a recommendation of denial.
•Public hearing set by voice vote.

Directions

•Forward record to City Council for final decision.
•Set public hearing for October meeting.

Aug

Traffic Commission Meeting - 8/26/2026

The Bowling Green Traffic Commission met to approve minutes, certify temporary traffic control at Fairview Avenue near Bowling Green schools for the coming school year, certify no-left-turn traffic control devices at two East Worcester Street businesses, discuss a proposed change-request process for on-street parking removals, and hear public comment urging pedestrian-safety improvements and a local Week Without Driving event.

Discussion Points

•Access-management committee recommended no-left-turn due to driveway geometry and potential backups.
•Announcement of Week Without Driving (Oct. 1–8) and partner outreach.
•City staff asked whether city-initiated parking removal requests should trigger the same resident letters and supporting packets as citizen requests.
•Commissioners favored maintaining transparency and resident notice for city-initiated requests.
•Commissioners requested accident reports and service-provider reviews (police, fire, public works) be included when available.
•Immediate pedestrian-safety concerns: faded crosswalks, push-button signals leaving pedestrians waiting extra cycles.
•Main Street study proposes a long-term shared-use path but is years away.
•Median/roundabout geometry supports right-turn then roundabout as approved movement.
•Police noted risky behavior by drivers attempting left turns near crosswalks.
•Prosecutor requested formal approval to permit enforcement.
•Resident raised concern that drivers increasingly ignore the signal, requesting enforcement.
•Staff described bus drop-off geometry and need to prevent queuing that blocks bus movement.
•Staff will certify sign to enable enforcement.

Decisions

•Commission certified the no-left-turn signage for enforcement.
•Commission certified the sign to enable enforcement.
•Commission certified the temporary traffic light and traffic control sign; approval enables enforcement until start of next school year.
•Commission expressed preference to notify residents and include supporting service reviews for city-initiated parking removals.

Directions

•Commission acknowledged Week Without Driving dates and outreach.
•Device to be removed once school implements permanent traffic pattern.
•Staff to consider pedestrian-safety conversations in future agendas.
•Staff to coordinate enforcement with prosecutor and police.
•Staff to include requested data (accident reports, police/fire/public-works review) when feasible for city-initiated requests.
•Staff to prioritize and moderate the number of such items on agendas.

Aug

Historic Preservation Commission – 8/25/2026

The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission met to review administrative items, reports from the planning department, and several local preservation projects including a proposed BoomTown survey, a downtown facade grant award, plaque orders, and a request for local historic designation; a motion to approve July 28 minutes passed by voice vote.

Discussion Points

•Auditor verification required for build dates before placing plaque orders
•Discussion of outreach to business community and procurement (three bids)
•Heather will obtain GIS address list to define scope
•Heidi to assist with exterior walk-through
•Janet Knapp's application and need for exterior description
•Motion made to approve prior minutes; typographical corrections to be made later.
•Number of plaques debated (ten vs eleven)
•Possible grant funding sources to support more detailed inventories
•Proposal to perform a visual walk-through survey of BoomTown to identify contributing/noncontributing buildings
•Public hearing scheduling and notice requirements
•Report of remaining facade grant funds and recent Finders Building award

Decisions

•Agreed to pursue an initial walk-through and gather data before seeking grant funding
•Minutes approved by voice vote
•Public hearing to be held at next meeting; no vote taken at this meeting

Directions

•Commissioners to plan a short initial walk within 1–2 months
•Commissioners to suggest potential projects and contacts
•Heather to provide BoomTown nomination materials and GIS address list
•Heidi to walk exterior with applicant; staff to schedule and publish public hearing notice and notify adjoining owners
•Staff to advertise remaining funds and solicit small project proposals
•Staff to await auditor response and proceed with ordering once dates are confirmed or use approximate dating if necessary

Aug

Board of Public Utilities Meeting - 8/24/2026

The Board of Public Utilities met to approve minutes, authorize two resolutions for a pump-station screen replacement loan and corrosion-protection work, discuss a proposed income-tax redistribution that could reduce utility capital revenues and prompt rate changes, and review an EPA orthophosphate notification and ongoing capital projects in Bowling Green.

Discussion Points

•Council member Harrell argued the incremental shift targets street repair but warned about long-term pressure on dedicated funds.
•Members asked about prevailing-wage implications and long-term pipe replacement vs continued barrier repairs.
•Members questioned life expectancy and whether technology upgrades were part of replacements.
•North Circuit bid award recommended to FET Construction at $2,800,000.
•Solar project agreements with developer Etree remain under negotiation.
•Staff identified a failing handheld device as the root cause of misleading field results and replaced it with a spectrophotometer.
•Staff presented $140,000 proposal and said some test stations are below protection standards.
•Staff presented $4,000,000 estimate, explained discrepancy from earlier $1,200,000 budget line.
•Staff presented revenue projections showing reductions to the water & sewer capital improvement fund under the proposed ordinance.
•Staff received an EPA violation letter for orthophosphate monitoring and must notify customers within 30 days of the Aug. 11 letter.

Decisions

•No emergency; compliance notifications and planned sampling to proceed.
•No formal board action recorded in this segment; awards and agreements proceed through procurement.
•No formal board action recorded; staff to update studies.
•Resolution 08202601 approved; loan pursuit authorized.
•Resolution 08202602 approved to authorize contracting with Corporal.

Directions

•Calibrate new spectrophotometer monthly and retain verification samples.
•Include emergency clause in resolution to align with EPA loan schedule.
•Incorporate the ordinance scenario into upcoming wastewater and water cost-of-service and rate studies.
•Issue EPA-prescribed customer notices in bills; complete 60-site lead-and-copper sampling by Dec. 31.
•Proceed with contract award process and finalize solar agreements as engineering and legal items are resolved.
•Proceed with resolution authorizing agreement contingent on final scope.
•Staff to clarify prevailing-wage inclusion in the proposal and confirm exact site locations.

Aug

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting 08/12/2026

The City of Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals met on Aug. 12, 2026 and heard three variance requests: a fence height variance for 210 West Wooster (approved), a driveway-width variance at 1622 Treetop Place (approved), and a height variance for a proposed Chipotle at 1187 South Main Street (approved).

Discussion Points

•Applicant presented new REA on title that limits parapet/outlot heights to ~23 feet.
•Applicant said the widening would improve maneuverability and reduce backing incidents.
•Board debated whether practical difficulty was met given roots and site conditions versus economic hardship.
•Board discussed private deed restrictions versus municipal code and concluded the recorded REA created a practical constraint for the developer.
•Board noted neighborhood outreach (HOA meeting with ~24 attendees) and lack of written objections.
•Chase presented evidence of fill placed under fence and prior enforcement actions.
•Owner cited security, fumes and contractor issues.

Decisions

•See case‑by‑case actions above.
•Variance granted as submitted (approved by roll call).
•Variance granted for building height at 22 ft 8 in.
•Variance granted unanimously.

Directions

•Planning staff to confirm outstanding permit work with the owner.
•Planning staff to confirm permit details and finalize approvals.
•Planning staff to coordinate permitting and confirm any conditions following variance approval.

Aug

City Council Meeting – 8/17/2026

A meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call was taken, and the minutes from the August 3 meeting were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with two members recorded saying "aye."

Discussion Points

•The Chair asked whether there were additions or corrections to the August 3 minutes; none were offered.

Decisions

•Minutes from the August 3 meeting approved by voice vote.

Aug

Planning Commission Meeting - 08/05/2026

The Bowling Green Planning Commission on Aug. 5 set a public hearing for a rezoning request at 903 North Main, heard a zoning-board report on three variance cases, and received staff updates showing an uptick in zoning permits and several large projects under review.

Discussion Points

•Alan Davis driveway-widening variance at 1723 Wexford Drive passed unanimously.
•Applicant's representative stated the property has historically been used as a duplex and plans full rehabilitation.
•Council passed short-term rental program May 18; effective in 90 days.
•Joseph Development variance for 1187 South Main failed 3–3.
•Neighbor said property 'hasn't always been a duplex' and reserved comment for the public hearing.
•Permits issued for Fire Station Nos. 1 and 3; Village 2 rebuild; Chipotle proposal and Menards application noted.
•Program tied to historic-preservation and planning recommendations.
•Six facade grant agreements awarded; approximately $3,000 remaining.
•Staff to implement online registration, owner notification and fee collection linked to income-tax office.
•Staff will prepare a formal staff report and notices for the public hearing.
•Vandico Signs monument-sign variance for 1072 North Main failed 4–2.
•Year-to-date permits up: 268 vs 247 last year; single-family permits up.
•Zoneco finalizing Chapter 151 subdivision-regulation draft.

Decisions

•Motion approved to set rezoning for public hearing
•ZBA outcomes recorded

Directions

•Staff to continue implementing online system and outreach.
•Staff to continue reviews and prepare materials for commission review on subdivision updates.
•Staff to prepare a staff report and send legal notices and adjoining-owner letters.

Aug

City Council Meeting 08/03/2026

Bowling Green City Council held a regular session where council approved a supplemental appropriation, adopted rules for low-speed micro-mobility devices, approved an ODOT-funded roundabout grant application, and heard a multi-topic public works update including sidewalk projects and a sidewalk 50/50 program expansion. Council also introduced legislation to reallocate income-tax funds for street repair and discussed potential impacts on utility rates.

Discussion Points

•Asphalt rejuvenation pilot design with control section for performance monitoring
•Cemetery digitization nearing completion
•Completed sidewalk/ADA projects, 50/50 program results and proposed funding increase
•Debate over whether speed or motor engagement should be the regulatory focus
•Introduction of Ordinance 9,373 to reallocate income-tax funds for street repair
•Introduction of resolution to apply for local park improvement grant program
•Motion to suspend rules to give Ordinance 9,371 second and third readings
•No substantive debate at first reading
•Noted advantage of outside funding from ODOT CMAQ
•Recognition of ordinance purpose as supplemental appropriations
•Requests made for updated water/sewer impact figures and discussion of fixed vs usage-based charge
•Substitute bans motor-engaged micro-mobility devices on sidewalks and creates a downtown ban regardless of motor engagement
•Whether the roundabout is needed and the trade-offs of committing city street-repair funds

Decisions

•No final action taken; first reading only
•Ordinance 9,367 adopted as amended by substitution
•Ordinance 9,371 adopted
•Resolution 3,911 adopted; proceed to apply for CMAQ funds
•Resolution introduced for first reading
•Staff will evaluate properties for 2027 50/50 program and proceed with planned projects

Directions

•Adopt substitute and update codified ordinances; city attorney/police to coordinate enforcement guidance
•Follow-up on pavement striping schedule and crosswalk visibility
•Increase 50/50 program funding to $125,000 for 2027 (staff recommendation)
•Ordinance adopted; Finance to implement appropriations
•Proceed with grant application and potential contract upon grant approval
•Public infrastructure director to refresh figures and provide updated estimates
•Staff to prepare grant application and return with project and match details

Jul

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting 07/28/2026

The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting to introduce two new commission members, review staff reports on grants and historic‑preservation programs, approve using a small donated fund to replace and add BoomTown boundary signs, review downtown facade grant projects and discuss the South Main School property sale and local plaque program.

Discussion Points

•Approval to use donation for signage; grant and program updates; facade grant awardings; plaques ordered.
•Estimate per sign and map of current sign locations reviewed.
•Five awarded projects; three completed; largest current award $16,200 for 133 East Booster Street.
•Heritage Ohio offered to apply on the commission's behalf for a CLG grant and administer it if awarded.
•Large Fidelity/Foundation grants (up to $6,000,000) target nonprofits and businesses and may not be city‑led.
•Need to use BoomTown donation to replace deteriorated signage and to add missing boundary markers.
•New members introduced; new members bring architecture and local preservation experience.
•Program budget $40,000; remaining balance $12,093.
•South Main School listed for sale; initial listing showed wrong zoning (institutional).
•Staff contacted realtor and listing was corrected to Mixed Use Neighborhood.

Decisions

•BoomTown sign expenditure approved; other items informational.
•Motion to use donation approved by voice vote; no opposed members recorded.
•No changes to program funding were made at the meeting; future funding would be addressed during the city budget process.
•No formal action taken; item to be watched for future agenda.
•No formal votes related to membership; introductions and welcomes only.
•No immediate application approved; commission to consider options at a future meeting.

Directions

•Consider hosting a CLG training and identify ideas to support a CLG application.
•Monitor listing and consider outreach or articles to build redevelopment interest.
•New members asked to review strategic plan and participate in inventory tasks.
•Public Works to install signs and retain extras for replacements.
•Staff to include project summaries and before/after photos in annual report.
•Staff to notify sign shop and place order.
•Staff to place sign order; staff to continue grant follow-up; include facade project photos in annual report.
•Staff to provide more information on grant requirements and deadlines.

Jul

Planning Commission - 7/1/2026

Bowling Green Planning Commission met July 1, 2026; commissioners heard two public hearings (access management policies and a rezoning for a 120‑unit assisted living), approved several subdivisions and an annexation recommendation, and advanced plans for two new fire stations.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described two starter homes of ~1,600–1,700 sq ft and parking plan.
•Applicant described unit types, staffing and internal program operations.
•Applicants and Stone Ridge Partners described a negotiated plan to preserve ~10 wooded acres.
•Commissioners debated whether to require a recorded conservation easement as a condition of approval.
•Decision: approve waiver to permit two infill homes.
•Neighbors expressed support; commissioners raised parking concerns.
•One commissioner questioned noise impacts from adjacent truck stop; applicant described screening and inward‑focused courtyards.
•Parcel contiguous on three sides; owner requests water and sanitary service.
•Parks & Rec reviewed Station No. 3 with no objections; staff working on minor tweaks.
•Some commissioners preferred relying on the landlocked status and future review powers rather than imposing a condition now.
•Staff characterized the recommendation as neutral-to-positive given some inconsistencies with the future land use map.
•Staff emphasized required traffic/access studies have not been submitted.
•Staff noted county approval on 06/09/2026 and city receipt on June 18.
•Staff summarized previous in‑depth review and attached materials to the minutes.
•Stations sizes and locations: Station No.1 — 4‑bay/20,780 sq ft; Station No.3 — 3‑bay/13,506 sq ft.

Decisions

•Commission recommended rezoning to council (approved 8–1)
•Motion to recommend the guidelines to city council passed
•Recommend annexation and interim R‑1 zoning to City Council.
•Site plans approved; construction schedule set (start July 23, 2026)
•Waiver approved; applicant to proceed with building permits.
•Waiver approved as presented (8–1).

Directions

•Proceed with approval as presented; staff to monitor future proposals affecting back parcel.
•Proceed with permitting and construction planning.
•Staff to notify City Council and request traffic/access study if not submitted.

Jul

City Council Meeting - 7/20/2026

Bowling Green City Council held a regular meeting that included public comment urging the council to honor an owner-occupancy expectation for accessory dwelling units, the consideration/introduction of several zoning and annexation items, updates on city projects, the appointment of Carrie Phan to the Historic Preservation Commission, and unanimous adoption of three ordinances (9363, 9364 and 9365).

Discussion Points

•Resident Rose Drain argued the 2023 zoning-code rewrite established an owner-occupancy expectation for ADUs and said ~650 people signed a petition asking council to honor that intent.
•Staff updates noted fire station construction beginning and improvements to the Port Marshall pump station odor controls.

Decisions

•Adopt Ordinance 9363 (PowerSecure contract)
•Adopt Ordinance 9364 (surplus equipment sale)
•Adopt Ordinance 9365 (accessory uses amendment)
•Approve appointment of Carrie Phan to the Historic Preservation Commission

Directions

•Planning Department to update zoning code records and notify permitting staff after Ordinance 9365 is codified.
•Staff to provide a groundbreaking date for fire station work to council at the next meeting or sooner.

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