Waterville, City Of

The regular meeting included the administration of the oath of office to a newly elected Council member, followed by the election of a Vice-Mayor. Key discussions involved a citizen update regarding efforts to delay the demolition of the Interurban Bridge. Staff reports included a review of the November 2025 Month End Finance Report, highlighting fund balances and income tax revenues, and the reconciliation of all City accounts for November 2025. Council communications included Mayor Pedro's discussion of "Waterville Forward," an invitation to the "State of the City" luncheon, mention of his participation in a 'Monday with Mayors' program, planning for the 250th Anniversary celebration, and the process for appointing new council members. Old Business focused on the Second Reading and Public Hearing for Ordinance 11-25, the ordinance adopting the Annual Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026, which was recommended for approval by the Finance Committee. New Business included the adoption of Resolution 01-26, declaring intent to sell municipally owned personal property via internet auction in 2026, and the adoption of Resolution 02-26, authorizing an agreement with Proudfoot Associates, Inc. for engineering services related to the Anthony Wayne Trail Shared Use Path Extension Project. The Council moved into Executive Session to consider the appointment of a public employee, after which two new council members, Scott Jahns and Nicholas Sargent, were appointed.

The regular meeting included discussions with citizens regarding proposed data centers in the Waterville area, with concerns raised about potential location and awareness of related county-level discussions. Staff reports covered the Finance Committee's recommendation for the 2026 Operating Budget, finalization of a property purchase, review of the October 2025 financial reports, and departmental updates including police commendations, fire department support for local schools, and ongoing leaf collection. During old business, Council held a lengthy discussion and passed a motion to place a resolution imposing a 12-month moratorium on data center construction on the next agenda. They also adopted Resolution 32-25, approving and adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Five-Year Capital Planning Program. New business involved adopting Resolution 33-25, authorizing the Municipal Administrator to award the contract for the 2026 Waterville-Monclova Road Widening Project to Helms and Sons Excavating Inc. Other business included a request for earlier distribution of council meeting packets and discussion about future city events.

The council discussed several topics including an update on efforts to delay the demolition of the Interurban Bridge, the 3rd Annual Run de Boeuf 5K run, and the Annual Fishing Derby. A request to prohibit the use of downtown buildings as warehouses was also discussed, along with a donation from the Waterville Community Foundation to the Toledo Free Press. A donation was pledged by the Waterville Community Foundation for the purchase of a public safety drone for the Police and Fire Departments. The council also discussed the 2026 Budget, the Roche de Boeuf Festival, and the City of Waterville's Trick or Treat event. Amendments to the Operating Agreement of the Lucas County Regional Combined Health District were also discussed.

The council approved a budget for the "Christmas to Remember" event and a donation for the "Save the Bridge" organization. The city's leaf collection was announced, and the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce's "Boo to Do" event was scheduled. A revised preliminary plat for Columbian Village at Waterville Landing Plats 2-6 and Farnsworth Village at Waterville Landing Plats 7-10 was approved. The 2025 City of Waterville Comprehensive Plan was formally adopted and approved. An application for a conditional use permit and site plan review for the construction of a Meijer retail store and gas station was discussed. Concerns were raised about an item not included on the agenda, specifically regarding a potential moratorium on data centers.

The council meeting included a presentation on the proposed 2025 Waterville Comprehensive Plan and a proclamation for Arbor Day. The City of Waterville was awarded a grant for the Roche de Boeuf Overlook and Shared Use Path Improvement Project. There was discussion regarding a zoning moratorium on future gas station construction. The council also revised ordinances related to industrial districts and regulations for data centers, and amended the FY 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. Additionally, resolutions were passed to request advance payments on taxes and accept tax levies. An executive session was held to discuss the purchase or sale of property for public purposes.