Streets Committee Public Meeting
Several Sylvania residents and business owners attended the Sylvania City Council Streets Committee Public Hearing held at 6:30 pm before the regular Feb. 18 City Council meeting. Concerns regarding Main Street traffic safety issues and the elimination of the Main Street/Maplewood Avenue traffic signal were voiced. City of Sylvania’s Service/Safety Director Joe Shaw explained the ODOT process used to determine the need for traffic signal, noting the Main Street/Maplewood Avenue intersection does not warrant a signal. He and residents discussed pedestrian and crosswalk safety issues and the need for slowing traffic. Residents also expressed their concerns regarding the diversion of traffic to Summit Street.
Planned Energy Improvements
Dana Clark, Administrator for the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, provided information on the planned energy improvements for the commercial building located at 5520 Monroe Street (Premier Bank). The property owner, PMA Investors III, LLC, would like to replace the boilers using PACE financing as part of the Northwest Ohio Advanced Energy Special Improvement District with a cost of $404,130.98. The City of Sylvania is a partnering member to the District and approved the property tax special assessment request required by Ohio Revised Code for PACE program financing.
Main Street Reconstruction
In other business, Service Director Joe Shaw’s request to approve a second change order for the Main Street reconstruction was approved. Shaw explained that additional pipe needed to be removed and an additional sidewalk had to be replaced in front of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and School.
Shaw was also given authority to advertise for bids on a roof replacement project involving the water pumping station at the intersection of Brint Road and Main Street, the Monroe Street sanitary sewer pumping station next to Burger King, and the water meters building on Maplewood Avenue adjacent to Burnham Park.
L.E.A.D. Mascot
Upon the successful completion of the first 12-week session of the new Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.) program, Sylvania Police Chief Dannilynn Miller was given approval from City Council members to purchase the trademarked Leo the Lab mascot costume for $10,445. According to Chief Miller,   drug funds recovered from the courts and settlements from opioid lawsuits will be used to pay for the costume.
She explained the L.E.A.D. program replaced the D.A.R.E program, with the approval of Sylvania Schools and Sylvania Prevention Alliance personnel, and was rolled out last fall.