City Council - Regular Meeting

I called to order the city council meeting of 04/28/2026. Clerk, please call the roll.

Jones? Here. Comives? Here. Kramer? Here. Martinez? Present. McPherson? Melden. Here. Morris. Here. Sorantu. Here. Williams. Here. Driscoll. Here. Gaddis. Here. Hobbs.

Here. Eleven present. Please stand for the invocation by pastor Jerry Booz, the pledge of allegiance to our flag, and the national anthem by Cole Cross, a sophomore at TSA, jazz major.

Let us pray. Eternal god, we come before you, Walter, saying thank you first of all for being god, for being our redeemer, our keeper. Father god, we come now before you and petitioning you god to watch over this council, father. That. That.

To to going that. We're that they lean on you to get the understanding to know what the next steps are. Father god, we thank you for our leaders. We ask you protect them, guide them. We thank you for those who are joined together in this room tonight. Whatever it is that they need, we ask you to grant it and we ask it now in the mighty name of Jesus. Thank you and amen.

Alright. Councilman Melden.

Thank you so much. Hey hey, Cole, before you run off, good job. Thank you. You know, shocker that TSA would put out, you know, develop kids who could play the national anthem about 18 different instruments. But I think if we had one, I mean, we could have them run it back with the pick a totally new instrument. So kudos. Good to see you. It was a wonderful surprise. That's all I wanted to say. Good job.

Thank you. Doctor Jones. Thank you, president. First of

all, just thank you to pastor Booth for saying prayer. Definitely a needed word at this time and just coming in at the last minute. Thank you for for doing that for me. And thank you to Cole. This definitely was a surprise, and you played beautifully. And I'm very proud of just what TSA has been producing as far as those who are really ingrained in the arts and culture and and really adding to Toledo as is. So thank you again, and thank you, chair. Thank you so much. We're gonna move forward with Clark, can you read

the first resolution in attendance?

Resolution one fifty four dash 26, recognizing Toledo Design Collective on their twenty fifth anniversary.

You guys wanna come on up? Everybody can come.

Yeah.

Yes. Roll Soda.

TDC rolls deep.

Come on up here.

Whereas Toledo Design Collective was founded in 2001 by Robert C. Fang and Dick Myers with a core belief that thoughtful urban planning and design has the ability to reshape lives, neighborhoods, and the city of Toledo. Whereas for twenty five years, TTC has strengthened and upheld Toledo's design standards by promoting aesthetic cohesion, engaging the community in decision making, and teaching the value of urban planning through thoughtful design. And whereas Toledo Design Collective has provided valuable opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and engagement through workshops, exhibitions, public programs, and partnership with the goal of giving back to the local community.

And whereas the organization has contributed significantly to the revitalization and beautification of the community by championing thoughtful, inclusive design as seen in their work on various neighborhood master plans, including Toledo Downtown Plan, Junction Neighborhood Master Plan, Vistula Neighborhood Master Plan, and many more. And whereas TDC works directly with neighborhood groups and organizations

residents to advocate for the vision and goals they have for their own communities. And whereas Toledo Design Collective's members, leadership, and board have demonstrated a sustained commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of design as both a profession and a public good. Whereas the celebration of its twenty fifth anniversary represents not only a milestone in the TDC's history, but also an opportunity to recognize its enduring contributions and envision its continued impact for future generations. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the city of Toledo that we recognize, congratulate, and commend Toledo Design Collective on the occasion of its twenty fifth anniversary and wish them many more years of service to the community.

Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Jones? Yes. Comites? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu? Yes. Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Resolution adopted.

Councilwoman Morris to kick it off.

Alright. Thank you so much. You know, this is odd because I just had lunch with a friend of mine, and we were just talking about Dick Myers today. And we were talking about the bridge project and all of the different land reuse and the design that that had to go in with the, the Glass City, Veterans Glass City Skyway. And, just the remarkable giants that we stand, on and and look at the beauty that we have in the city of Toledo truly comes from the genius brains, that that formed the Toledo Design Collective. So thank you. Thank you for making us a more beautiful, beautiful place.

Councilman Melden.

Thank you so much, council president. So, so good to see you all here. Thanks for coming. You know, you throw out these these resolutions, and you never know who's gonna actually show up, and you showed up in force. So thank you for being here. It's actually a secret ploy to wish a happy belated birthday to Ryan. Thank you. So I have Cole, if you could fire it up. No. I think Cole left. No. I just it's such an honor. I mean, I feel like this could have been cosponsored by, you know, 12 members of city council. No problem. Looking forward to the event on Thursday.

I think, you know, recognizing we have this arbitrary love for big round numbers, and so '25 seemed like a good thing to, to celebrate. But I appreciate, in particular, two things struck me. One is I love the gritty grassroots organizations and the work that they do. There's not, you know, millions and millions of dollars of overhead. But yet, as this sign campaign is about to kick off, I'm not trying to steal every comment you're about to make, I your reach is so expansive and everywhere.

Meaning not width, but also depth. And that's just a really remarkable thing. I know for me, I, have no interest in wishing you a happy twenty fifth anniversary if we can't say, what do we do as a community to see the next twenty five grow and be more and more prosperous? Because it brings me to the second thing that I think of. I think everyone, for the most part, when they run for office, what animates them and what drives them and what interests them the most is thinking about what this community will look like someday.

Government in a in a way is not exactly the best tool for immediate, like, crisis intervention. There are public safety, and the majority our dollars go there. You understand. Most of the time, we're thinking about what this community will look like for the young people seated behind you. And I think I mean, you gotta think about things in terms of decades. You almost think about things in twenty five year chunks. And the work that you do citywide for every part of our community is inspiring to me. And I'm on the record saying I wanna help you however I can see the next twenty five. So thanks for being here. Thank you,

I think it was councilman Driscoll.

Thank you, president Williams. This is a a full circle for me moment for me, as many of you guys all know. But as many of you probably know, I interned at Toledo Design Center at the time in the summer of twenty seventeen. And so and I'll I'll never forget my job interview. It was with Bob Seefink and Shoemaker, Paul Hanbeck, and Mike Young. And we went through the normal stuff. And at the end, Paul Hanbeck said to me in in the way that he said things, he said, frankly, you're our only candidate, so I think that you'll be. So I I wouldn't have anything that I have, professionally if not for TDC, for them taking a chance on me. And, whatever trouble I get into, you're responsible, Bob. You started it.

I could I could talk for hours about, what this organization means to me personally, and and it means a lot. And and and I I know you guys know that. But professionally, I'll just say, without an organization doing the kind of planning work that TDC has done for many years, we we wouldn't have accomplished a lot of what we've been able to accomplish. TDC had the really reignited the conversations about reinvestment in Downtown Toledo. Mean, think about the the Broadway Corridor grant that we completed work on last year.

Think about, the Swan Creek planning grant that that we're undergoing later this fall to reconnect the Junction neighborhood to the warehouse All part of the master plan. The the grant that we received for the front main project that John Huston and others took away from us, but I'm sure for very good reasons. We're building a ballroom now. So I knew you'd like that one, Bob. But without without doing that work ahead of time, we would never would have accomplished what we have.

So you guys are the unsung heroes of a lot of the redevelopment and reinvestment that's happened in Toledo and and particularly, our core neighborhoods. And those neighborhoods for fifty or sixty years have been disinvested in. And to have folks reigniting those conversations, makes those communities feel heard. So there's a tangible aspect in all the grants reinvestment we're seeing, but there's this intangible quality, to what it does for the spirit of the neighborhood in terms of making people feel like they're valued and listened and and heard. And we're so lucky to TDC.

The the final comment I make is, knowing the people that founded this organization and those who have been, a part of its stewardship for twenty five years, this organization is good because those people are good. And it's woven into the DNA of this organization and and through every project that we worked on. There was a sense of caring about the community that maybe doesn't always come from professionals in fields like planning and architecture, but but the people, at TDC are fundamentally good through and through, and we're lucky to have you in our community. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, madam president. Wow. That's hard to follow-up on. But there's a a quote. A It's one of my favorite quotes, I I looked it up because I wanna make sure I got it just right. And it's by Margaret Mead. And it says, never doubt the small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. And without a doubt, you guys have helped change the trajectory of the city of Toledo. So many of you may or may not know, but, I was a CDC director and not knowing what I was doing. And I had some really great mentors show me. He's like, woah. Woah. Woah. Woah.

Let's think this a little bit more thoughtful. And at the time, there were a lot of CDCs kind of fighting for, you know, just, funding projects. Had a lot of great things going on, and I was on this little startup called Viva South Toledo CDC. And not really knowing what I was doing, trying to get funding, you know, being scrapping, trying to make a difference in the old South End. And, you know, I had a lot of help, a lot of guidance, a lot of mentorship from you guys.

And I've never forgotten that that, in fact, has helped guide me, not only be in public service because I got tired of yelling at the sky about public policy and urban planning and change and stuff like that, or about the impact of landscape architecture and safety design and all these great things that make neighborhoods wonderful. I would not ever had that opportunity. Because number one, didn't know about urban planning or anything like that going to college, but for you guys. And you guys have been a big part of who I became as a developer and making sure that I'm very intentional and not being afraid to get into the grassroots and talk to the people and knock on doors and actually explain things in a very easy, understandable manner versus very high level city policy type things. And sincerely appreciate your dedication, and willingness to take on some stranger in the Old South End and and really help us design a a beautiful community.

And I think it's finally blossoming after, you know, twenty five, thirty years of hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, tears, a lot to knows. And I sincerely appreciate all your hard work. He's not gone for and I cannot believe it's been twenty five years. I feel like I blinked. So thank you all for all of your hard work. And mister Jared, I don't if you know. He's a magician, and he forecasted accurately our first tax credit project yields out then. And it was, like, unbelievable. I think within a dollar maybe. So thank you for all you do, and believe me when I say that whole quote really epitomizes this small committed group of individuals that have really changed the city of Toledo. So thank you. Thank you.

Council member Gaddis. Thank you. I have been lucky in my time in office to have worked on two plans now. And, you guys really embody the power of with. Right? You can do something to a community and that that makes change, but people don't feel too good. You could do it for a community that's a little better. But you guys do it with the community. Countless hours of being out there, talking to folks, bringing them in, and then making this vision. And it's so it takes so much work.

And when when you hand that over to us and we turn into an audience, then it is it sets the vision for our city to move forward. And I love that. I use your plans all the time to advocate for more resources, to get them into our district, and just I'm always like, did you check the plan? Did you check the how is that how does that tie into the plan? I'm sure the administration is tired of me, but but it really that's the power of the neighborhoods, and you brought that together. So I wanna thank you for that, and, congratulations on twenty five years.

Thank you. Doctor Jones.

Thank you, president Williams. I mean, TDC, a lot of you have worked with just in the very facets of just my career and, of course, community development. And what was really unique about you all is the fact of making urban planning not only fun, but very informative and changing a lot as some of my colleagues have said. The focus on especially bringing in newer planners planners and really showing them the other side. It's not just check boxes and just standard.

This is really grassroots getting into the neighborhoods, talking to the people, and having their opinions and their wishes materialize. And I think that is really what TDC does the best at. And for these twenty five years, just all of the things that has been listed off right now, your accomplishments, Really excited to see where we will go for the next twenty five years. And I know me personally as an urban planner, it really shows that this career is something that can really impact people. And I'm supportive of you all, and like I said, just really putting it out there that, of course, urban planning exists as a career, but then also the different types and different facets and different scales in which it really can be ingrained in a lot of the community.

So just thank you all, thank you for your dedication, thank you for the probably tireless nights and and conversations, and again, looking forward to celebrating that on Thursday as well.

Thank you, chair.

Thank you.

And I'll I'll leave the last message, and then I'll give the floor to you guys. So, I met you guys years the group and and the idea of TDC came. My best friend was actually a board member, and and she she just always talked about it. And I was like, I don't know what that is. I don't that doesn't mean anything to me at that at that point. I was like, I don't know what that is. And she was just jumping on all these boards, and then she said one that I was passionate about was TDC. And I was like, okay. And then I worked at LISC and came to LISC. And at the time I was there, there was a situation going on in District 3, Lido Lanes.

And this really kinda was the catalyst for me because when you think think about a neighborhood organization, they have a bite. Right? A neighborhood organization have a bite. You guys give teeth to that bite or even sharpen the teeth that that neighborhood has, and the fight was, does general dollar fit into where the old light o lanes was based off the neighborhood plan, and guess what? It didn't.

And guess where it is now? They opened and closed, and that was argument, and it's always an argument that is answered by a neighborhood plan that guess who did? The Toledo Design Collective. So thank you so much for what you do in sharpening the teeth or even giving the teeth to our neighborhoods, not just the the District 3, but District 4. Our neighborhood plans have soared. So thank you so much for what you do. Thank you, and here's to twenty five more years. The floor is now yours.

Thank you so much council president Williams and to each and every one of you. I'm incredibly moved right now and I just really really wanna say thank you. I certainly have some comments to share but I would be remiss not to turn it over first to our founder namesake, Robert C. Fang of the Robert C. Fang Studio, etcetera, etcetera. So Bob, will you please come up and share some words?

I will be brief. This is really an experience for me to see what was a dream at one time. Twenty five years ago, I retired from my firm on a Friday and on Monday, we opened the design center. And that was a kind of a goal. I've been working with neighborhood organizations since 1975 with Don Monroe in East Toledo.

And really learned the importance of neighborhood organizations and what what they can do. And it's just a proud experience. Mike Young and Bill Thomas were with me from the beginning. I really miss almost every day, Dick Meyer and Paul Hollenbeck. We were competitors for years and years and years as architects, and it really is moving that, you know, you get old enough to retire for one thing and then still maintain the friendships and use all our competitive experience in serving the community.

And when did we hire Elizabeth? She was the first person we paid. We operated out of our own pocketbooks for all those years. I thank you for recognizing the organization. I'm pretty much out of it now. Hitting 90 was a milestone for me. But we're we're hoping we go on for many many more years. And we're here to serve the city and the community. Thank you very much.

Thank you. We'll have you all come in for a picture. We'll come in here. Oh, someone else has something

Yes. To

I'll be I'll be very brief. I'm sorry, council president. I just wanted to share a quick anecdote. Well, one, I wanna make sure that you're all invited to our twenty fifth anniversary celebration this Thursday at Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center on the Broadway Corridor at 05:30PM. And you might see as you go home tonight some signs popping up around the city that say TDC was here.

So we are celebrating the many projects and places and spaces that we've worked. So, know that those are sanctioned, and if you need one moved, call me. But, I just wanted to share a quick anecdote as I was thinking about my experience. Walked into the special improvement district expansion meeting in Uptown a couple weeks ago, and I was shaking hands and ran into a few familiar faces. I was sitting in that little room at Manhattan's just looking around at all these people that had been on this long journey with together.

This is kind of where I was like, How did I get here? I was like, Oh yeah, this is my origin story. This is kind of where it started for me. I came into this work as a resident, as an advocate, as somebody who cared about their neighborhood and wanted it to be better, as an artist in the community. I had lots of ways I didn't know many people at first, and then I kind of built some friendships and things, worked on some cool things over time with some of you who are sitting up here.

But I didn't know I didn't have a place to put that drive until I got involved with this organization as a volunteer through that Uptown Master Planning process. That went on to turn into me joining as a board member, which I served as, and then eventually joining here as the director. To stand here today as the director of this organization, as somebody that came from that very resident driven space, I just can't say enough to Bob and those guys for providing an opportunity for people like me who want to know how things work. We have so many questions about our neighborhood. Why is this thing this way?

How does this thing get better? This agency for me was the one that provided that opportunity to know, to learn, to get access to that information. I just want to say your support today means so much because it's about celebrating this milestone of twenty five years, but I say all the time our work is not fast. A Broadway Corridor project is not fast. A Ryan Bunch coming into a community meeting not sure what a planning session is, is not fast work either. I thank you for your support, and I look forward to who we see and what we see in the next twenty five years. Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you. Now you guys can come on in so we can take a picture. You guys can come on in the pit and

so we can take a picture.

Alright. We have also moving forward with our agenda, and then we have one more resolution at that, but we have today our kid mayor, Jamie Howard from Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls and our kid council. We're gonna have each kid council member and our kid mayor come up and introduce themselves. Now is there a step stool down there?

Yes. Alright. So when you come up, you gotta come up, you say what your name is. Remember I said, what's the most important thing about you? So you come up, say your name, and then I need you to tell me what school you go to. The first one up is our kid mayor. I don't know why she acts shy every time.

Hi. My name is Jamie Howard, and I go to Elephant Store Academy for girls, and my district number is Number 3, and my district person is Theresa Gaddis. Yay. Thank you.

Okay. Okay then. We're gonna do districts now too. Can you pull the mic up a little bit, David, for them so they can speak in it? Alright. So then we'll have our next kid council.

Hi. My name is Bristol Watowicz, and I go to Shoreland Elementary, and my district is six. And I'm represented by three. Yeah. And fun fun fun fact, my parents actually did graduate at STAR STAR Academy too or STAR High School.

My name is Larkin Thompson, and I go to Hiawatha Elementary. And my district is five, and my district person is Sam Melden. And you love school. My name is Eleanor Eric. I go to DeVoe Elementary.

My district is five and my person is Sam Melvin. Yes. Hi, Emma. Hi. I'm Leah Mendoza. I am from Meadowvale Elementary. I go to District 6 and my person is Thyssen Morris. Yay. Thank you. Hi.

My name is Marley Marks. I go to MacGregor Elementary School. My district person is Theresa Morris, and I go to district six. And I like being on kid council because I like learning about the city of Toledo and helping my community. Thank you.

Hi. My name is Reese Hawes. I go to Greenwood Elementary, and my district is 6. My person representing that is Sam Hello. My

name is Alex Obu, and I go to Navarre Elementary School, and I'm not too sure about my district number. And my district three and my district person is Teresa Gaddis. Yes. Good job. Thank you. Good job. Uh-oh. Look at that hair.

My name is Lucy Adams Brewer. I go to Beverly Elementary School. My district is Number 4, and my the teacher is Lisa Williams.

Thank you.

Hi. My name woah. Is it working?

You're fine.

I can't hear is it good? Can you hear it? Uh-huh. Hi. My name is Ashton Snow. I go to Marshall STEM Academy, and my district is District 3. And my district person is Teresa. Teresa Gaddis. Gaddis. Hi. My name is Niamh Bagley. I go to Monac Elementary School. I am in District 5, and my district representative is Sam Melden.

My name is Maya Ramos, and I go to Bowers Elementary, and my district is 3,

and my district person is Gaddis. Yes. Good job. Is

that all of our kid council? That is so amazing. This is probably the best thing that we do. Thank you, commissioner Mahoney. This is amazing. So we welcome you all, and you'll be back soon to do a mock council. Right? And you'll be presenting soon to what you think we should do best, I think. So mayor Wade Kapsackavich.

I'm Wade Kapsackavich. I went to Virginia Chili School. I'm District 5, and my man is Sam Melden. That's all. But no. Good. That's all. The no. I just wanted to say that the mayor of Maumee and the mayor of Perrysburg are both relatively new in their jobs. And, they I noticed about a week ago that Maumee has stolen our good idea, and now they have a kid council.

And just today, the mayor of Perrysburg was up in our office. And one of the first things he wants to do is start a kids a a kid mayor program in Perrysburg. So, I think we're onto something good here that the folks in Maumee and Perrysburg wanna copy us, frankly, the way we copied some city in Indiana when we started this a couple years ago. But, this this really is one of the most wonderful things we do, and it's just it just always fills my heart with joy to see these young people and the energy and passion they have for their community. So that's all.

Thank you so much. And I think that this is, very important to get young folks excited about the legislative process and the legislative body and how our city works. So thank you for being here, and remember what we said. This is a very exciting meeting. Clerk, can you read the second resolution in attendance, please?

This resolution, 155 dash 26 from council president William and all members of council, recognizing Ashley Westgate for her contributions as Toledo City Council's twenty twenty five twenty twenty six legislative intern. Whereas Ashley Westgate is a dedicated and accomplished student her who earned her bachelor of arts in political science, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Toledo with college and departmental honors in May 2025 and is currently pursuing a master of public administration, expected graduation in May 2026. Whereas thanks to an ongoing partnership with the University of Toledo's Urban Affairs Center, Toledo City Council hosted Ashley as a legislative intern for the 2526 school year. Whereas Ashley has demonstrated a strong work ethic and versatility, gaining firsthand experience in public service through her internship where she supported day to day operations, completed numerous research elevated council's communication strategy and planning, worked with constituents, and deepened her understanding of civic engagement and policy making. And whereas Ashley is deeply committed to service, service, volunteering as Rockthon logistics chair, which makes her responsible for the run of show for the six hour annual dance marathon supporting children in hospice care, vice president of Bridge at U Toledo packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Toledo's unhoused population and SongFest director for her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pie, who just recently won second place at twenty twenty six SongFest and raised the most money.

Whereas her academic and civic achievements have earned her notable honors, including the excellence award for political science, McNamara scholarship for public administration, and the Eberly Center scholarship, in addition, Ashley served as the UT student body vice president her final year of undergrad. And whereas Ashley will continue her education at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law starting this fall, she will be missed in Toledo. And whereas Ashley's broad knowledge, customer service skills, and technical proficiency underscores her ability to lead and serve effectively in diverse and dynamic communities, and she embodies the values of leadership, service, and academic axe excellence, standing as an inspiration and role model for the next generation of public servants. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the city of Toledo that we recognize and commend Ashley Westgate for her achievements, dedication to the residents of Toledo, and commitment to public administration.

Suspension. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Kramer? Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Resolution adopted.

Councilman Comides.

Thank you so much. It sounds like you didn't need to be our intern to get commended because you had so many incredible accomplishments under your belt already. So kudos to you. Certainly appreciate all that you did for us, and having your energy in the office is always nice. It's good to see a friendly face when you're walking in, so I really appreciate that. I wanna take a point of privilege if it's okay to allow our chief of staff to maybe say a few words because Lucy really fought for this program to be included. We've had two excellent interns so far, and we just really appreciate her her drive to bring in really good people to work with us. So if I may. Yes, please.

Hello. I normally would not sit in a seat like this, but for Ashley Westgate, I wanted to take a moment to, say a few words, and I really appreciate council member Colmides giving me the space to do so. So once upon a time, I was a University of Toledo student and interned in mayor d Michael Collins' office. I later worked for Paula Hicks Hudson mayor, mayor Wade Kapsackavich, Columbus City Council, and now I'm the first ever Toledo City Council chief of staff. Internships, internships are critical to the college experience, and it's always been a goal of mine to give back to students at the University of Toledo.

Thanks to the amazing members of Toledo City Council and the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center, which is named after a former council member, Jack Ford, we are able to run this program and have Ashley here with us this past year. Ashley, you are fierce, intelligent, inquisitive, caring, and you're pretty funny. You work hard and it shows. Not only are you graduating with your master's degree this week and speaking at the Honors College medallion ceremony this Friday, you are moving on to law school, and really the sky is the limit for you. Thank you for your work and time with us.

I hope you keep experiences and memories with you throughout your life as I do. I wanna take a quick moment to say thank you to a few guests that are here. Jamie LaFever from the University of Toledo's Honors College, who has worked with Ashley over the last few years, and, doctor Daniel Boden, from the political science department, who also has worked with Ashley, and was one of the people who recommended her for this internship. And lastly, I wanna say thank you to doctor Daniel Hamill and doctor Sujada Shetty from the Urban Affairs Center, for partnering with us in this important program. Ashley, thank you.

Thank you, chief of staff Frank. Councilman Driscoll.

Thank you, president Williams. Ashley, it's it's gonna be hard to see you go. You did a great job, working for the city of Toledo. Something in the water at the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center. We've got two two two for two, two great interns, and and you followed up last year. We had a great intern. You followed it up well. Everything we asked you to work on, he did a fantastic job. He left no stones unturned. He dove right into the project every time, and it's not always an easy job.

You have to answer the you're the front line when take taking phone calls from residents. And, we had a number of heated issues while you were serving, so you definitely got more than a few phone calls that you'd probably like to take back if you could, but, but but you but it never you never wavered. You were here every day. You did a great job. And, wherever you're headed next, I know you're gonna make a difference because you you've done it here in Toledo. You did it here at city council during your internship, and I can just tell that's a that's the kind of person you are. So I I look forward to, whatever whatever awaits you in in your professional future, and, and, we were well served by you. Thank you.

Council member Gaddis.

Thank you. I'll keep it brief. I just wanna thank you for your hard work. You it was a joy to have you in the office, and the work that you provided to me is going to change the lives of so many people after you. You are making so many changes you don't even realize it. So keep going. Your future is bright. Thank you.

Well, Ashley, I will say one thing and then we're gonna turn the floor over to you. Come back. I will. Just come back. Listen. This is the talent that we want back into our city, and I'm sure you'll find a great position. Just come back. I I definitely welcomed you seeing you every day, your smiling face. We had had some rough calls, but we got through them and and just come back. The floor is yours.

Well, I wanted to start by, just thanking every single one of you. When I got the email that I had the interview for this position, I was over the moon, and rightfully so, now that I've been through it for the entire year because this has been one of the best opportunities I have had. While studying public administration, I have found so many connections between this experience and my studies, and it has completely enhanced my degree path. So this has just been I'm so grateful for this experience here. I have loved every minute of it, and I'm gonna be really sad to go.

I also wanted to thank the folks in the audience who are here, Jamie and Doctor. Boden. They've both been great supporters over the last few years, and I really appreciate them being here. I also wanna thank all of the council members and staff and the mayor for just everything while I've been here. All of the projects I've been assigned have been an enhancement to my experience.

If I didn't have anything to do, I wouldn't have learned anything, and I feel like I've learned so much through even just the phone calls and all of the research projects that I've been given. And then the biggest thank you goes out to Lucy. You have been a wonderful supervisor. You made me feel welcome as soon as I walked into the building, and you have taught inspired me. I am not going to forget this experience, and I certainly will at least be back to visit.

But, I really appreciate everything, and having this internship has given me better understanding of my academics, a better path into the future, and just a better understanding of the Toledo community and deeper love for it. So, thank you.

Clerk, please continue to with the appointment from the mayor's office.

Appointment 156Dash26 to the electrical board of controls. It's John r Solly junior, replacing Rick Berson for the remainder of a three year term expiring 01/20/2029. Does require a waiver of section 64, and the mayor requests council confirmation. Move to confirm. Jones?

Yes. Comipes? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs? Yes. Appointment confirmed. I now turn the meeting over to council councilwoman doctor Brittany Jones.

Thank you, president. Clerk, please begin with the second read items.

Ordinance one zero nine dash 26, amending Toledo municipal code by enacting chapter five five seven biometric data collection. Passage.

Jones? Yes. Komives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon? Yes. Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed?

Ordinance one forty seven dash 26, amending ordinance number three fifteen dash 94 as amended by ordinance numbers five eighty five dash ninety four and four eighty six dash 13, which declared improvements to the site of the Owens Corning world headquarters to be a public purpose and authorize the use of tax increment financing under Ohio revised code sections fifty seven zero nine point four one, fifty seven zero nine point four two, and fifty seven zero nine point four three with respect to improvements on the included property to extend the time period of the TIF authorized there under as permitted under Ohio revised code section fifty seven zero nine point five one one, authorizing amendments to the tax increment service agreement between the city of Toledo, Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, and Owens Corning dated 03/01/1995 as amended, and the execution of other necessary documents requiring a compensation agreement with Toledo Public Schools and declaring an emergency. Emergency.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris?

Yes.

Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes. Ordinance passed. Ordinance one forty eight dash 26 authorizing amendments or supplements to the development agreement for the middle grounds dated 06/01/1994 as supplemented 12/23/2013 and declaring an emergency. Emergency.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Ordinance one forty nine dash 26 authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo area in Owens Corning for the development of the Glass City Riverwalk project, making certain findings with respect thereto, waiving the competitive bidding process of Toledo municipal code chapter one eighty seven point one nine with respect to the conveyance of real property and declaring an emergency. Emergency.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorrento, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carry passage. Jones? Yes. Komives?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Clerk, please continue with

the new items from city council. Council president Williams presents the following two items. It's an appointment 01/2026. These are reappointments to the board of honor. Ramona Collins for a two year term expiring 04/28/2028, and Barbara Floyd, two year term expiring 04/28/2028. Move to confirm.

Jones? Yes. Comaevs?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes. Appointment confirmed. Ordinance one fifty eight dash 26 authorizing the mayor to enter into a grant agreement with the University of Toledo, Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center for the purpose of covering in part the cost of a legislative intern partnership authorizing expenditure not to exceed $15,000 from the general fund to be paid to the University of Toledo, Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center in declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Clerk, please continue with the item from the Toledo Municipal Court. Councilman Hobbs presents the following item from Toledo Municipal Court, ordinance one fifty nine dash 26, authorizing the expenditure not to exceed two hundred and one thousand three hundred and fifty seven dollars and sixty one cents from the general fund for the purpose of upgrading the audio, visual, and recording equipment in three of the court rooms in the Toledo municipal court authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for said purpose, waiving the competitive procurement requirements of TMC chapter one eighty seven and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comaibes?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Clerk, please continue with

the new items from the administration.

Councilman Martinez presents the following item from the Department of Public Utilities, ordinance one sixty dash 26, authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of the fire alarm system and related components at the water reclamation facility, authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $50,000 annually from the sewer operating fund, waiving the competitive bidding provisions of TMC chapter one eighty seven, and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorrento, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comibes, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comibes? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed.

Councilwoman McPherson presents the following item from the Department of Human Resources, ordinance one sixty one dash 26, authorizing the mayor to enter into a one year agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the provision of specific stop loss insurance services, authorizing the expenditure of funds waiving the formal competitive bidding requirements of TMC chapter one eighty seven and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes. Ordinance passed? Councilman Melden presents the following two items from the Department of Development, ordinance one sixty two dash 26, authorizing the mayor and Department of Economic Development to implement a property readiness evaluation grant program, authorizing the mayor to enter into a program grant agreements authorizing $80,000 from the general fund for the property readiness evaluation grant program authorizing subject to annual appropriations the expenditure of funds from the general fund for the property readiness evaluation grant program and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comibes, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs, motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comibes?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorrento?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs? Yes.

Ordinance passed? Ordinance one sixty three dash 26, approving a community reinvestment area real property tax exemption for Zalmay Sedaj, 4455 Secor Road, Toledo, Ohio 43623 for the remodeling of an existing commercial facility into a multifamily residential unit located at 5744 Southwick Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio 43614, property in the Hawthorne Hills Community Reinvestment Area authorizing the execution of an agreement and other documents related thereto making certain findings and determinations in connection therewith and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed? Councilwoman Williams presents the following three items from the office of the mayor, ordinance one sixty four dash 26, authorizing the mayor to enter into a sponsorship agreement with Destination Toledo for the twenty twenty six party in the park series at Promenade Park, authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the general fund and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorrento?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Ordinance one sixty five dash 26 authorizing the expenditure of $12,500 from the general fund for the 2026 Ohio Mayor's Alliance annual membership and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Ordinance one sixty six dash 26 authorizing the expenditure of $15,257 from the general fund for the twenty twenty six United States Conference of Mayors annual membership and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, William, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Councilman Driscoll presents the following item from the Department of Transportation, ordinance one sixty seven dash 26, authorizing the mayor to enter into contracts utilizing cooperative purchasing agreements for the purchase of one tandem axle plow truck, authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $375,000 from the capital improvement fund and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu? Yes. Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Councilman Hobbs presents the following item from the Department of Law, ordinance one sixty eight dash 26, authorizing the mayor to purchase a cyber liability insurance policy from Coalition Insurance Solutions Incorporated for the purpose of protecting the city's cyber network for a period of one year with an option to renew for three additional one year periods subject to annual appropriations authorizing the annual expenditure of a $109,813 from the risk management fund waiving the competitive the formal competitive bidding requirements of TMC one eighty seven and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu? Yes. Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. Councilman Hobbs presents the following two items from the Department of Fire and Rescue Operations. Ordinance one sixty nine dash 26, authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed 1,250,000 from the capital improvement fund for the purchase of fire and rescue department vehicles and emergency equipment, authorizing the mayor to accept bids and award contracts necessary to complete said purchases and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives?

Yes.

Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorrento?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed? Ordinance one seventy dash 26 authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $250,000 from the capital improvement fund for fire station improvements, authorizing the mayor to accept bids and award contracts for said improvements and declaring an emergency. Suspension. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez? Yes. Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed?

Clerk, please continue with the items from zoning and planning.

Councilwoman Morris presents the following four items from the zoning and planning committee, ordinance one seventy one dash 26, changing the zoning maps attached to part 11 planning and zoning, Toledo municipal municipal code for the property located at 2500 Collingwood Boulevard, the city of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorrento?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed? Ordinance one seventy two dash 26, changing the zoning maps attached to part 11 planning and zoning, Toledo municipal code for the property located at 4019RoanokeRoad in the city of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorantu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comives, Cramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Meldon?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes. Ordinance passed. Ordinance one seventy three dash 26, changing the zoning maps attached to part 11, planning and zoning, Toledo municipal code for the property located at 2855Through2857LaGrangeStreet in the city of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comaevs? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed.

Ordinance one seventy four dash 26, granting a special use permit for major public utility Schneider Park Water Tower for the property located at 0 South Detroit Avenue in the city of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, subject to certain conditions and declaring an emergency. Suspension.

Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Meldon, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Jones, Comives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Cerontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Comives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorantu?

Yes.

Williams? Yes. Driscoll?

Yes.

Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed. I move for immediate consideration of proposed ordinance one seven five dash 26.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, madam president. Before you is a new moratorium, that we that just recently, expired last week. This is slightly different where it does include public buildings. This will give us sufficient time to make sure that all of the, items are being thoroughly studied. The, $125,000 consultant, contract or funding for the contract, has gone out to bid.

This gives us sufficient time to make sure that, all of, both private and public structures are being reviewed in-depth. This really came about with the, Tulip Public School system and announcement of closing some schools, specifically the Harvard, school. And I did speak to, the president of t p, TPS, and there is no immediate plans of demolition. However, I think as they decide, what to do moving forward, I still I still believe it's prudent for us to continue moving forward with this, making sure that the building is, preserved, and used for our future. So, I would appreciate your support on this, and thank you, president Williams, for letting me walk this on.

I think it was more of a timing issue since, the previous moratorium did expire, last week, so that's why I'm asking for this for the emergency consideration. Thank you.

Suspension? I

see no objections. So ordered.

Okay. Suspension. I have to read it. Ordinance one seventy five dash 26, issuing a moratorium on the acceptance, review, and approval of demolition permits for buildings of historical community importance until 12/31/2026, Requesting plan commission to study protection of historic school buildings and potential redevelopment of sites and declaring an emergency.

Suspension. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Emergency. Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Melden, Morris, Sorontu, Williams, Driscoll, Gaddis, Hobbs. Motion carried. Passage. Jones? Yes. Komives? Yes. Kramer? Yes. Martinez?

Yes.

Melden?

Yes.

Morris? Yes. Sorontu? Yes. Williams? Yes. Driscoll? Yes. Gaddis? Yes. Hobbs?

Yes.

Ordinance passed?

That completes our agenda. Councilwoman doctor Jones, first call.

I move to dispense with the reading of the Toledo City Journal for the city council meeting of 04/14/2026.

Seeing no objections, no order.

I moved to excuse Councilwoman Doctor Jones for non attendance at the housing, community development, and public health committee of 04/23/2026. Councilman Martinez for non attendance at the housing community development and public health committee of 04/23/2026 and the finance debt and over budget oversight committee of 04/28/2026. Councilwoman McPherson for non attendance at the city council meeting of 04/14/2026. Public safety and criminal justice reform committee of 04/16/2026. Agenda review meeting of 04/21/2026 and housing community development and public health committee of 04/23/2026.

Council member Melden for non attendance at the city council meeting of 04/14/2026 in the housing community development and public health committee of 04/23/2026. Councilwoman Morris for non attendance at the city council meeting of 04/14/2026, zoning and planning committee of 04/15/2026, and the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee of 04/16/2026. Council President Williams for non attendance at the Transportation Committee of 04/22/2026, and councilman Hobbs for nonattendance at the finance debt and budget oversight committee of 04/28/2026.

Seeing no objection. So ordered.

I have nothing right now. I claim my time.

Council member Comice, first call.

Thank you, clerk. I just wanna I'll be brief. I just wanted to, mention that I had a good time on the East Side this past Saturday doing a cleanup with some folks from One Voice for East Toledo. Thank you. It was really nice. We cleaned up along Main Street. There's still a lot to do. If you get a chance to pick up litter, please do so. Afterwards, I went to Pickle Fest. I don't know if anybody else did, but it was a good time.

I saw somewhere that maybe 20,000 people came through at altogether, which is kinda wild to think about. There was a there were many events happening downtown. I did hear from a couple of, bar owners and restaurant owners. They were happy because so many people poured into their spaces because there wasn't enough there weren't enough vendors at Pickle Fest. So good problem to have.

Last, just wanna mention that this Saturday is, what's called Ramp It Up with KTLC, keeps the Lucas County beautiful. Along many of the on ramps exits from our interstate system, there will be crews that are doing litter cleanups. I'll be at Detroit in 75 at 9AM. So if you wanna come pick up litter with me there, you can do so. Thanks.

Councilwoman Kramer, first call. I will echo that about Pickle Fest. It was pretty amazing to see everybody downtown, and there were lots of very long lines and happy, food truck owners and restaurateurs. So, yeah, it was it was crazy downtown. So it was good. Kudos to all the planners. I do wanna just mention, we had a press conference last week, and you can now get free gun locks at every library in Lucas County, which is really exciting. They look like this, but I think it opens up a larger conversation about storing your guns and storing your weapons. We are a store safe community, and so I just encourage everyone. If you have a firearm at home, make sure it's locked up in some way.

And if you need a gun lock, go to the library. The library is a great partner. I also wanna mention that these are all free. So these are not being paid for with any taxpayer dollars. They've been donated by the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System. So that's really important. I also want to wish a early happy birthday to my colleague, councilwoman Teresa Morris. She has a big birthday coming up, so I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday.

Councilman Martinez, first call.

Thank you, madam clerk. Just one quick announcement. Tomorrow, the Heather Downs Library at 06:00, we will be having the d two roads construction meeting. So if you're interested in coming, please, come. It'll be more of a quick intro by myself, and then it'll be more of an open house style with, all of the appropriate administrative, directors so we can get your questions answered quickly and easily. So, hopefully, it's easy peasy, and everyone can get informed, signed up to make sure that you know what's going on for new road constructions in your neighborhood. Thank you.

Councilman Melder Melden, first call. Member Melden.

Thank you so much, clerk. No. I like I like it. You know, it's funny. I was mentioning I open you know, I get my mail when I sit here, and there's Meldan and Meldan on three different envelopes. So I'll take whatever, apparently. No. Things. One, let's start with the the most kinda serious and heavy. I just wanna wish and I feel like I'm channeling a little bit of councilwoman McPherson.

I'm sure she would this as well. Just wish, our condolences as a body to, to the family of James Daniels. So my good friend anyway, Jason Daniels, but then also if you think about officer Daniel's, brother, who recently passed. Really lovely obituary. Seemed like quite quite an amazing life of impact that I probably don't even know anything about, but my heart goes out to to Jason and Kelly and the family, and I'm sure it's true for all of us.

So the second thing, I just wanna you know, there are these moments where we especially when they're second read, they just kinda they kinda buzz right past us. And I just wanna draw our attention to one forty seven twenty six, and it's just a really, big deal. I think about the long lasting effect and impact that it it's going to have and what we're doing by keeping OC here. You know, it's interesting. We had really, like, a a future youth theme at the front end of our meeting.

But I think that that vote and that that effort and that work that we're doing, that partnership with OC is a really great example of that. I mean, you know, you look at this kid council and they're all bright and brilliant, and we want them to have the best possible employment opportunities in this community, and that's certainly one of them. You know, what's the c suite level role that Ashley Westgate could find herself in? You know? When we have more companies like this, it that's that's what gives opportunity.

So just a really, really good thing. So kudos to chief Selhorst and and all of his hard work on that. And then lastly, kinda echoing councilman Martinez. There's another community, town hall. The last of my four spring town halls, It's at Meadowvale Elementary, home of one of our kid council members. I think that's right. And, yeah, we've had we've had three of these. It's just good to get in the neighborhoods and different parts of District 5 and talk about all the great projects that are going on. The agenda is short. It's sure to be an evanescent meeting, and that's all.

Councilwoman Morris, first call. Okay.

So that's all I have to say about that. Just wanted to say thank you to our chief of staff, Lucy, and all the staff for working very hard on the, Lock Save Lives press conference. And thank you to councilman Driscoll, councilman Sorontu, president Williams, and and my my colleague over here, councilwoman Kramer. It was a yeoman's, job, and thank you to all of you, for helping, with that project. I sat in on the STORE IT SAFE, Metro Toledo chapter meeting, and I'm just amazed at all of the people who really wanna lend a hand.

And we're going in the right direction, gang, and I'm really proud of that. Thank you to the, water reclamation staff. We got a wonderful tour of the of the processing plant there, and thank you for that. And then, tonight, I know it's last minute, but tonight is the Greater Northwest Ohio Workers Memorial event tonight at 06:00 at Local five hundred. I hope you can attend.

Thank you to the Point Place Shoreland Block Watch. They gave me a birthday card and all signed it, and, I miss them as much as they've missed me. And it's just nice to be able to come back and lead that community. It's quite an honor. And then lastly, I don't know what you're doing Friday, but it's the Uno de Mayo.

And that means it's going to be a fun time at Friendship Park, and we're gonna gonna have a taco and nacho bar. It's nacho bar. And come on in and there we go. And come on over five to eight Friendship Park and just say, ole. That's all. You've missed me, don't you?

Councilman Sarantu, first call.

Well, thank you very much. I just wanna thank Owens Corning, a great Fortune 500 company, for their efforts, in staying in Toledo. You know, they could have gone anywhere. And in the late nineties, they were looking all over the country, but they chose to remain in Toledo. And the person that helped make a difference on that was mayor Finkmeiner.

So we appreciate his efforts in retaining that company because today, we wouldn't have this issue before us if they had left, for other places. They could have gone to 50 other locations in The United States. So I appreciate that. And, let us also not forget, the workers, that we've lost. So many people have done their jobs, and it's it's a shame when they can't return home safely, and healthy. So we must never forget. Thank you.

Councilman Driscoll, first call.

Thank you, clerk. I too was on the tour at the water rec plant. I appreciate our staff, taking us through there. I've had it's the first time I've been, and, it's quite an operation. They do a very capable job, maintaining operations there. I wanna thank councilman Cramer, chief staff, and our my legislative aide, Mackenzie, for coming out to Grace Community Center and helping with a little property cleanup that took place on Saturday, and, everything's looking great over at Grace. And, that's all I have. Thanks, Quirk.

Council member Gaddis, first call. Thanks. I just wanna give a a thank you to One Voice. They they cleaned up. They got over a 100 bags of garbage and 12 tires along, main and front. So kudos to them. And then I, wanna remind everybody that doctor Jones and I will be hosting this Wednesday, Our Home, Our Rights in West Toledo Library, Branch Library at 6PM. So inviting the public to come out. We still wanna hear from, the renters in that area. Area. So please come out. With that, I yield my time. Thank you. Councilman Hobbs, first call.

I just want to say thank you to director Muth and the Lucas County Children's Service Board who allowed me to be their speaker on last week, And it was a great turnout. And a lot of our workers, a lot of important people in our city. It was just great to see so many different entities come together to take time out of our day to show how much they really care about our children and what they're going through. Our council president Williams works with children every day. We have people that are working tirelessly whether it's a grandmother, whether it is a aunt, whether it is teachers, it is services board.

We went on a tour a few weeks ago at Ronald McDonald House, and our mayor became immediately engaged with a young lady that was there and that is extremely important that our children know that they matter to us and that they are our future and so I'm thankful for that opportunity and hopefully all of us will continue to work as hard as we can towards our children. I also wanna say to councilwoman Morris, since councilman Melden is now writing your lines, maybe he can write some for me. Thank you.

Council president Williams.

Thank you so much. Thank you, councilman Melden, for always giving us context for the word of the day. Thank you. We have to use them. We are expanding our vocabulary.

I also wanna say, you know, so I am so in awe of our transit service in Tarta this week. Today is only Tuesday, but I have ridden the bus two days this week, and it has been great. And I and that's because my car is damaged right now and in the shop, and I refuse to put gas in someone else's car with the way they the prices are. So I've been riding the bus from the day care to here, It has been amazing to ride the bus, and I'll probably do that even when my car gets out the shop because gas is expensive. So I wanna shout out Tarda.

Please go out to the transit, rapid transit that'll be coming up. It's going to be amazing to have rapid transit here. I'm excited to see it, especially because it will be on the bus route that I'm actually been taking this week. So I'm so excited. I do, wanna thank, just Ashley again. Ashley Westgate has really show like, she's amazing y'all, and, like, to have her in our be in the midst of greatness in this young lady and watch her grow has been an honor and a privilege. With that being done it, this meeting is adjourned.