Mick Murray

The meeting addressed several continuing business items, including the codification of the 2026 meeting schedule to cancel the July and December meetings. A significant discussion focused on the recent City Council ordinance amendment regarding micromobility devices on sidewalks, where the Commission's recommendation to restrict them to the street was largely disregarded, although downtown sidewalks were excluded. Updates were provided on the Ohio AAP Put a Lid on It grant, planning for helmet distribution, and the completion of Second Walk Audits with subsequent meetings scheduled with BGPD and City Administration. The Commission noted that the Community Foundation denied their grant request for a Fix-It station. New business included researching national Bicycle Friendly Businesses programs, exploring ODOT funding opportunities via the SRTS grant for kindergarten bicycle curriculum purchases, and planning to review the Main Street Bike Study and provide recommendations.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence acknowledging the passing of former Council Member Sandy Wicks. Key activities included the introduction of an ordinance regarding supplemental and/or amending appropriations for the City's 2026 fiscal year expenses. Official reports detailed a recent significant snowfall event, leading to a Snow Emergency, and the Public Works Department's response, including sending personnel to Virginia for mutual aid. The Public Infrastructure Director also reported fewer water main breaks than anticipated this winter. Committee reports covered upcoming Sustainability Committee follow-up and scheduled Finance Committee meetings. Legislation passed included the adoption of Ordinance #9342 concerning appropriations, and emergency adoption of Ordinances #9335 and #9336 related to sidewalk projects with ODOT. Other ordinances read for the second time addressed leasing municipal property for agricultural purposes, the sale of unused vehicles, changes to codified ordinances regarding civil offenses and recreational vehicle storage, and zoning map amendments for properties on West Newton Road and North Main Street.

The meeting included the pledge of allegiance and a roll call. Key discussions involved the introduction of new legislation, including an ordinance amending appropriations for the 2025 fiscal year expenses and a resolution to approve agreements with Town and Country Animal Healthcare LLC regarding incentives for project development in the Reinvestment Area East. Official reports covered year-end remarks from the Mayor reflecting on 2025 as a successful year and acknowledging the service of departing council members. The municipal administrator provided updates on upcoming city service and building hour changes for the holidays. Several ordinances were adopted, including the 2025 appropriation amendment (Ordinance 9334), the 2026 appropriation ordinance (Ordinance 9328), an ordinance related to employment policies (Ordinance 9330), and an ordinance authorizing disposition of unneeded equipment (Ordinance 9327). Additionally, resolutions were adopted concerning renewal of the Wood County Public Defender agreement (Resolution 3896), establishing new funds (Resolution 3897), and authorizing applications for the Community Development Block Grant entitlement program (Resolution 3898). A contract renewal for the promotion and publicizing of the city with the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce was also adopted as an emergency measure (Ordinance 9326).

The meeting addressed administrative and project-related matters, including the announcement of a commissioner's resignation and the appointment of temporary officers (Vice Chair and President). Key discussions involved the potential removal of the University Hall plaque from future agendas due to lack of response, and a proposal to combine the courthouse historical plaque with a designated informational sign, pending approval from County Commissioners. Furthermore, the commission spent significant time reviewing and coordinating inputs on a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document related to the proposed historic designation for the North Maple Street area within Boomtown, establishing a timeline for compilation and attorney review. Finally, updates were provided on the ongoing signage project, which plans for 14 signs across downtown areas, including sections for early Bowling Green history, the Black Swamp, schools, and the courthouse square, with an estimated cost of $3,000 per sign. A gentle request to the new owners of the former Bowling Green Women's Club property to consider replacing aluminum siding with historically appropriate materials was also introduced.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes from the September 5th meeting were approved. Correspondence included the receipt of the financial budget summary report for August 2023. Public commentary included a resident discussing issues related to new fencing and a gap near their property from a construction project, requesting the fence be extended to six feet for neighborly consideration. A representative from the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce provided an update on the completion of a new calendar platform and announced a launch party scheduled for October 10th. New legislation introduced included a resolution accepting budget commission determinations and authorizing tax levies, an ordinance for supplemental appropriations for 2023 expenses, and an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to sign an LPA agreement with ODOT for services related to a pedestrian hybrid beacon at West Wooster Street and Maple Street. The Planning Zoning and Economic Development Committee introduced an ordinance establishing interim zoning for a 1.52-acre parcel on South Dunbridge Road and an ordinance accepting its annexation. The Community Improvement Committee presented a resolution adopting an amended Community Development Block Grant housing policy and procedures manual. The Mayor's report included recognizing representatives from Bowling Green State University and the Center for Regional Development who presented findings from the 14-month Downtown Forward planning process, which focused on enhancing the pedestrian experience through alley beautification, public art, and signage/wayfinding, utilizing case studies from various cities. The Municipal Administrator reminded attendees about scheduled zoning training for the upcoming Thursday.