March 21 was proclaimed Cougarette Day in the city of Sylvania by Mayor Craig Stough during the regular city council meeting. The Southview dance team won Ohio state championship honors in two categories: large pom and large jazz. The team was recognized by the mayor and city council and honored with a proclamation. Team members include Ava Stoll, Ally Scharf, Elise Gravelle, Carly Nusbaum, Ashley Welt, Morgan Kwaitkowski, Bella Russen, Paige Britton, Alli Freels, Avery O’Loughlin, Sophie Golding, Samantha Obrist, and Allison Hood. Cougarette coaches are Lauren Gant Wilson and Emily Micsko Kreuz.
Following the reading of the proclamation, Sylvania Township Fire Chief Mike Ramm addressed council, bringing members up to date following his recuperation from knee surgery. He said the department is in the process of hiring four new firefighter/EMS candidates. He explained that the department is also awaiting delivery of an ambulance and an engine, both of which had been budgeted and were ordered the end of last year.
In other business, Director of Public Service Kevin Aller announced the start of the Maplewood Avenue reconstruction project. Helms and Sons Excavating Inc. of Findlay was the low bidder of $684,211, which had been budgeted from the Capital Improvement Fund. Construction beginning March 28 is to be completed by June 15. Work started replacing the water line between the railroad tracks and Richard Becker Place. The eastbound lane of traffic will be open as work is done on the north side of the road for the first part of project. Temporary roadway closures may occur for shorter periods of time to install the new water services to Police and Frontier buildings.
Once the water line work is completed about April 4, construction will begin on the south side of the road and the westbound lane will be open for traffic. In mid-May construction moves to the north side of the road with eastbound lanes open to traffic. Council unanimously approved the bid for the construction.
Aller also presented an update on the Monroe Street-Silica Drive intersection improvements and the Silica Drive bridge replacement, both of which are scheduled to begin in March, 2023. The two had been designed as separate projects but now are to be combined. Council agreed to an ordinance supporting this move.
He then outlined the plans for the Harroun Road pedestrian and traffic signal projects, to be underway before the start of the 2025 Monroe Street-US 23 interchange project. Council voted unanimously to authorize a Letter of Interest solicitation for these projects.
Upon a request from Ohio Governor Michael DeWine for surplus or expired body armor, Police Chief Rick Schnorr asked and was granted permission by council to donate surplus personal protective equipment to be sent to Ukrainian military. Chief Schnorr explained that body armor over five years of age is retired and usually donated for other uses.
Sylvania City Council also unanimously approved Chief Schnorr’s request to purchase two 2022 Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles for the cost of $73,810 from low bidder, Bauman Ford Oregon. Council also approved his request to purchase 13 new Panasonic Public Sector Specific WIN 10 Pro Mobile Data terminals for $72,407 from low bidder D. R. Ebel.
In other action, council approved an agreement for electronic monitoring services with Lucas County Commissioners.
The “Congratulations Lourdes Graduates” banner to fly across Main Street was approved by a unanimous vote.
A new D-2, wine and mixed beverages permit for Grumpy’s, 5629 Main St., was also approved.
The next Sylvania City Council meeting will be held April 4 at 7:30 pm in council chambers.