Veronica Motley, D.Ed., superintendent of Sylvania Schools, opened the April 6 Sylvania City Council meeting with a State of the Schools presentation, outlining district progress and future priorities.

She was followed by Tara Haye, chair of the Committee for Sylvania’s Future, who spoke in support of the school levy scheduled for the May 5 ballot.

Arbor Day

Mayor Mark Frye issued a proclamation designating April 27 as Arbor Day in Sylvania, noting the city’s Tree City status and the importance of maintaining a healthy urban tree canopy. Frye invited council members and staff to attend a 1 pm ceremony on the lawn of the city administration building, where a Heritage Ohio white oak will be planted.

“As part of America 250, a Heritage Ohio white oak tree will be planted in each of the state’s counties,” Frye said. “Sylvania was selected to be the home of the Lucas County tree.”

SUPs approved

In other business, Councilman Doug Haynam requested that two special use permits tied to The Ability Center expansion plans be approved following a public meeting held prior to the regular session. The permits cover a proposed building expansion and a new parking lot.

City Council also authorized the payment of two invoices from the Lucas County Engineer for the City of Sylvania’s portion of the Ten Mile Creek/Ottawa River Watershed Ditch Petition #1053. The right-of-way assessment amount was $41,798.06 and property owner assumed assessment amount was $126,249.58. This is the first of six annual payments through 2031 due to the County according to their six-year work plan.

Infrastructure projects

In infrastructure matters, council accepted a $67,700 proposal from Fishbeck for engineering design services for the Monroe Street waterline improvement project, which will span from Silvertown Drive to Whiteford Road.

Roundabouts

Progress also continues on planned roundabouts. Council authorized right-of-way acquisitions for the Erie and Monroe streets project, including the purchase of 0.41 acres, one tree, and a temporary construction easement from Sylvania United Church of Christ for $52,907, as well as a smaller parcel and temporary easement from Julie Watkins for $300. Construction of the Erie Street and Monroe Street Roundabout Project is scheduled for 2027.
In addition, council approved a $387,700 proposal from Tetra Tech for engineering services related to the Main Street and Convent Boulevard roundabout project, scheduled for construction in 2029.

Municipal Building

Several Municipal Building upgrades were also authorized, including an $86,608.52 contract with Friends Office for new office furnishings, an $8,484.37 proposal from Reemsnyder Decoration for carpeting, and a $1,475 contract with Erard Custom Painting.

Appointment

In personnel matters, council confirmed Frye’s appointment of Claudia Witkowski as clerk of council. She replaces Laura Smith, who has moved into the manager of human resources and communications role.