Mark Lehnert

The proceedings included a notice for a Regular Meeting of the Council. Key discussion items involved the First Reading of an Ordinance authorizing the purchase of a new truck and plow for snow removal operations and declaring an emergency. Various standing committees (Committee of a Whole, Building & Lands, Economic Development, Finance & Budget, Police & Fire, Public Relations, Public Utilities, Gas & Lights, Sewer & Sanitation, Streets & Sidewalks, Waterworks -- Service) are listed as having no meetings scheduled for the specified time. The Traffic Commission and Board of Control meeting schedules are also noted.

The City of Defiance's Pro-Housing Development Policy outlines a comprehensive framework to increase housing supply, diversity, and affordability, reduce development barriers, and promote equitable growth. Key goals include increasing total housing units by 25% by 2030, producing 500 affordable units annually, and reducing permitting timelines. The policy achieves this through land-use reforms, streamlined processes, financial incentives, strategic infrastructure planning, anti-displacement measures, and inclusive community engagement, aiming to provide safe and attainable housing options for all residents.

The council addressed financial appropriations for the City of Defiance for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, setting aside specific sums for various departments including the Council, Municipal Court, Mayor's Office, and Finance Department. Adjustments were made to the funding source for a new truck and plow intended for snow removal. Compensation for non-bargaining personnel during calendar year 2026 was reviewed and adjusted, with salary increases approved for specific positions such as the Engineering Technician III and Project Manager.

The Planning Commission meeting included administrative items such as roll call, voting for member appointments for the 2026-2030 term, and voting for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Clerk, and Secretary for 2026. It also involved the approval of the November 17, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting minutes. Additionally, the meeting covered planning items such as a site plan review for a proposed industrial manufacturing building at 1795 Plummer Drive. The meeting also included discussion and a vote on a map amendment/rezoning request for 916 E. Second Street, and a map amendment/rezoning request, variance requests, and plat review for 0 Ayersville Avenue to allow for a private development with single-family housing.

The meeting included discussions and readings of several ordinances. These included declaring improvements to real property as a public purpose and exempt from taxation, authorizing the appropriation of real property for storm sewer construction, renewing a contract for legal services to indigent defendants, and making appropriations for the city's current expenses and expenditures for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Various committee meetings were announced as 'No Meeting'.