Brett Bird

The meeting included the swearing in of Commissioner Luvada Wilson. Key discussions focused on the Consent Agenda items: a liquor license transfer for Still Havinfun LLC, the approval of the Final 2025 Budget via Ordinance No. 25-304, and the approval of temporary appropriations for 2026 via Ordinance No. 25-305. The commission also approved an amended Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement Agreement with LEWCO (Ordinance No. 25-306) and approved a funding source amendment to the Camp Street & West Forest Drive Utility Relocation Project (Ordinance No. 25-307). Under the Regular Agenda, the commission passed an ordinance authorizing a contract with the Erie County Prosecutor's Office for prosecution services for 2026 (Ordinance No. 25-308). They also approved a cost of living wage increase for administrative employees (Ordinance No. 25-309). Furthermore, the approval was granted for the construction agreement and final plat for the Battery Park Subdivision (Ordinances No. 25-310 and 25-311). Finally, the commission authorized the purchase and installation of playground equipment for Farwell Park (Ordinance No. 25-312). The City Manager reported on accepted donations and provided updates on the completion of the leaf collection program and the schedule for curbside Christmas tree collection. Several commissioners delivered farewell remarks as some members were concluding their service.

The meeting included a review of tree statistics to date, reporting on removals, stump removals, trimming, young tree training, complete trims, limb-ups, inspections, and plantings. Key new business items involved discussion of an Urban Forestry grant from ODNR funding fall tree planting in the Southside neighborhood and Oakland Cemetery, with Forestry staff responsible for ongoing care. There was an inquiry regarding residents planting trees in the boulevard, which requires coordination with a licensed contractor and approval from the Forestry superintendent. Additionally, the committee discussed lantern flies, noting limited issues on boulevard trees but presence in some park trees. It was agreed to maintain a schedule of six meetings per year on the third Tuesday at 4 PM in 2026.

The meeting addressed several key financial and planning matters. The committee first nominated and confirmed the chair and vice chair. The minutes from the December 5th meeting were approved. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the 5-year capital plan, detailing the 2026 project list totaling over $18 million across various departments including transportation, sewers, water, miscellaneous projects, planning, properties and public realms, transit, fleet, and fire department expenditures. There was discussion regarding the age of the SCADA system and mandated EPA requirements affecting sewer and water projects. The committee subsequently voted to recommend the 5-year capital project plan to the city commission for approval. An update was provided on the recreation center financing, confirming the city commission approved issuing $9 million in debt for the project, with an estimated annual debt service of $700,000, and the goal to finalize the debt sale in March. Finally, the committee reviewed the year-end December 2025 financials, noting a decrease of approximately $678,000 in income tax revenue compared to the previous year, but an increase in emissions tax and lodging tax. The expenditures for the general fund were also reviewed by department and by category, noting significant transfers to the capital fund.

The Board of Zoning Appeals commenced its meeting and addressed the absence of two voting members, deciding to postpone officer elections until a full quorum was present. The Board temporarily appointed a member as acting chairman to proceed with the agenda. Key discussions involved an adjudication hearing for a variance application at 747 Curran Street to construct a new single-family dwelling with a reduced front yard setback. Staff recommended approval, noting the proposed structure aligns with the existing neighborhood character, despite being zoned commercial recreation. The Board debated the precise definition of 'setback' concerning existing porch structures versus the dwelling wall before ultimately granting the variance. Subsequently, the Board addressed a tabled item from November 2025 concerning property at 831 Curran Street, which required variances for an addition to an existing boat house regarding front yard setback and total sideyard width. Staff provided an analysis reiterating the mixed-use neighborhood context and alignment with previous requests, along with updates clarifying an existing shared steel pilings agreement between the applicant and a neighbor.

The Tree Commission meeting included a review of annual tree statistics provided by the Parks Department, detailing metrics such as removals (87), stump removals (110), limb ups (277), complete trends (49), young tree trainings (210), deadwood removals (14), inspections (132), storm cleanup efforts (109 trees), and tree plantings (28). Current inventory backlog includes 117 trees scheduled for removal, 87 for trimming, and 64 stumps pending removal. A significant portion of the recent removals was attributed to storm damage cleanup following a major storm that impacted West Monroe and Lions Park, causing uprooted trees and downed power lines. The commission also discussed concerns regarding invasive species, specifically monitoring the spotted lanternfly, which has entered Ohio and affects various trees and grapevines, and the Asian longhorn beetle, which is present in Southern Ohio. The discussion clarified that the spotted lanternfly kills trees by damaging their vascular system, similar to the emerald ash borer.