Defiance public meetings in 2022

Civil Service Commission

The December 2022 meeting of the Defiance Civil Service Commission has been cancelled because there were no agenda items to address. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items

City Council

The City Council will vote on a supplemental appropriations ordinance amending the 2022 budget, adding $3,353,649.30 across all funds. The largest items include $2.4 million for water treatment plant capital improvements and $460,950 for general fund expenses such as personnel, retirement payouts, and storm damage. The Council will also authorize monthly transfers from the General Fund to the Police & Fire Fund, Splash Pad Trust Fund, and Police Pension Fund for January through September 2023.

• $2.4 million for waterline river crossing and W. High Street project (Water Treatment Plant Fund)
• $100,000 for income tax refunds (General Fund)
• $50,000 transfer from General Fund to Police & Fire Fund for unanticipated personnel expenses
• $60,000 for police body camera grant/equipment (Police & Fire Fund)
• $21,000 for tree planting program and $26,100 for storm damage (Parks & Recreation)

City Council

The City Council is considering a Memorandum of Understanding with Local No. 918 of the International Association of Firefighters that would provide a 3% wage increase for 2023. In exchange, the union agrees to limit successor contract negotiations to wages only. The full collective bargaining agreement covering 2021-2023 is also included for review.

• 3% wage increase for firefighters in 2023
• Union agrees to limit successor negotiations to Article 19 – Wages
• Full collective bargaining agreement for 2021-2023 included as exhibit

City Council

City Council is considering two amendments to the zoning code that would extend the time limits for approved development plans. The first change would give developers up to 24 months (instead of 12) to submit a final plat after preliminary plat approval. The second would extend the deadline for final development plan applications in Planned Unit Development (PUD) districts from 6 to 24 months. Council says all deliberations were held in public session.

• Preliminary plat approval extended from 12 to 24 months (Section 1165.05)
• PUD final development plan deadline extended from 6 to 24 months (Section 1171.06)
• Council states all legislative actions and committee deliberations were in public session

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to approve minutes from the September 19, 2022 meeting and discuss entry-level firefighter testing. The meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2022 at 5:15 p.m. in the Front Conference Room at 631 Perry Street.

• Approval of minutes from September 19, 2022 meeting
• Discussion of entry-level firefighter testing

The Commission declared the existing entry-level firefighter list expired due to a low number of candidates. It approved new testing procedures for both entry-level and lateral transfer firefighters with a deadline of December 9, 2022. These actions aim to fill vacancies and utilize a grant for three full-time positions.

• Approved minutes from September 19, 2022 meeting (All aye)
• Declared existing entry-level firefighter list expired (All aye)
• Approved entry-level firefighter/paramedic testing via National Testing Network with Dec 9, 2022 deadline (All aye)
• Approved separate testing and interview process for lateral transfer candidates with Dec 9, 2022 deadline (All aye)

City Council

The City Council will consider three items: a shared maintenance agreement with Defiance Township for Carter and Ginter roads, a $905,000 bond issuance to fund reconstruction of Ottawa and Cleveland avenues, and a fund transfer ordinance moving over $500,000 between accounts for police, fire, pensions, and utilities.

• Shared maintenance agreement with Defiance Township for Carter Road and Ginter Road
• Ordinance authorizing $905,000 in bonds for Ottawa Avenue and Cleveland Avenue improvements
• Fund transfers: $347,250 from General Fund to Police & Fire Fund, $29,166 to Police Pension, $28,333 to Fire Pension
• Additional transfers from WPC, WTP, and Refuse funds to General Fund and Utilities Billing Office

City Council

The council is considering an ordinance to consent to ODOT's inspection of the Columbus Avenue Bridge over Preston Run. The state would cover 100% of inspection costs, while the city would pay for any additional services like posting weight-limit signs.

• Ordinance to allow ODOT to inspect Columbus Avenue Bridge over Preston Run
• State pays 100% of inspection costs; city pays for extras like weight-limit signs

City Council

The City Council is reviewing an ordinance to update the city's codified ordinances to align with State law. Additionally, the body is considering two contracts for infrastructure maintenance and public safety.

• Approval of 2022 Replacement Pages to the Codified Ordinances
• Contract for C.R. Hunt, Inc. to paint Clarifier Number 4 at the Water Treatment Plant for $29,998.00
• Contract for Goliath Tree & Lawn Services, LLC for tree pruning and removal for $37,400.00
• Proposed ordinance changes regarding fireworks, gambling, and concealed handgun licenses

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a contract for the City of Defiance Fire & Rescue Division to provide emergency medical services to Tiffin Township. The agreement covers services through December 31, 2022.

• Contract for EMS services between City of Defiance and Tiffin Township
• Annual readiness-to-serve payment of $12,000.00 from Township to City (prorated for 2022)
• City to retain all revenue collected from transported patients

Civil Service Commission

The October 2022 meeting of the Civil Service Commission was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal to issue bonds for the extension and improvement of Commerce Drive. The body is also considering a PUD overlay for a condo development and two contracts for river and wetland projects.

• Proposed issuance of bonds up to $1,305,000 for Commerce Drive reconstruction and utilities
• PUD overlay request for 6 two-unit condos at 150 E. River Road
• Change order of $93,610.15 for Biohabitats, Inc. regarding a wetland on E. River Drive
• Professional services contract of $59,600.00 with Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. for Maumee River stabilization
• Grant of $50,000.00 from Ohio Lake Erie Commission for riverbank restoration

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will review minutes from the August 11, 2022 meeting. New business includes discussions regarding a WPC Plant Operator I position and an update on police promotional testing.

• WPC Plant Operator I
• Police Promotional Testing Update

City Council

City Council is considering an ordinance to amend Section 1351.02 of the Codified Ordinances. The proposal establishes a five-member Rehabilitation Board of Review to oversee a fund for downtown building facades and roof replacements.

• Proposed amendment to Section 1351.02 regarding the Downtown Improvement District
• Creation of a five-member Rehabilitation Board of Review
• Establishment of a fund for downtown building facade and roof rehabilitation

City Council

The City Council is considering a tax incentive for Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. to build a fertilizer production facility. Additionally, the council is directing the City Administrator to apply for a $325,000 grant to replace water lines and resurface streets in the Darbyshire Drive area.

• Tax incentive for Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. involving $30 million in land acquisition and improvements
• 90% property tax exemption for 15 years for TKI within Community Reinvestment Area No. 4
• Grant application of $325,000 to the Ohio Public Works Commission for water lines and street resurfacing
• Infrastructure replacement for Bassard Drive, Glenwood Drive, Mayo Drive, and Darbyshire Drive

City Council

City Council is deciding on a design-build contract to replace a leaking waterline crossing the Maumee River. The body is also considering updates to fire hydrant maintenance fees and a short-term right-of-way lease for a visitors' bureau.

• Design-build contract for Maumee River Waterline Crossing Project No. 2206 with Hillabrand & Sons Construction, LLC for $1,850,000.00
• $5,000.00 stipend payments to Jones & Henry, HPH, Mosser, and OHM Advisors
• Amendment to Section 921.06 to increase annual maintenance fees for fire hydrants outside city boundaries (previously $37.50)
• One-dollar lease agreement with Defiance Development and Visitors’ Bureau, Inc. for right-of-way on Clinton, West 3rd, and 4th Streets from Sept 24-25, 2022

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will review updates on police promotional testing and address a candidate question regarding entry-level police officers. The commission will also discuss the Equipment Operator II position.

• Police Promotional Testing update
• Entry Level Police Officer candidate question
• Equipment Operator II discussion

City Council

The Council is reviewing ordinances for infrastructure repairs at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Additionally, the body is considering two contracts to purchase new playground equipment for Kingsbury Park.

• Contract with Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd. for $29,240.00 to design above-ground fuel storage tanks at the Water Pollution Control Plant
• Contract with Walker Process Equipment for up to $50,000.00 to rebuild a tank gear drive at the Water Pollution Control Plant
• Contract with Landscape Structures, Inc. for $145,896.00 for playground equipment at Kingsbury Park
• Contract with Penchura, LLC for $38,327.59 for playground equipment at Kingsbury Park

City Council

Council is reviewing an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 8360 to provide additional funding for city expenses. The body is also considering an ordinance to authorize several fund transfers between city accounts.

• Supplemental appropriations totaling $127,299.46 across General, Police & Fire, and Fire Damage Repair/Removal funds
• $30,000 appropriation for Economic Development
• $18,000 appropriation for Civil Service testing services
• $10,350 appropriation for a Fire MARCS Radio Grant
• Fund transfers including $250,000 from WPC Fund to Sewer Capital Improvements Fund

City Council

The City Council is considering an ordinance to accept the annexation of 52.371 acres in Defiance Township. Additionally, the council is reviewing a contract to engage legal counsel for the Maumee River waterline crossing project.

• Annexation of 52.371 acres in Defiance Township by the Aaron L. Zimmerman Trust
• Engagement of Bricker & Eckler as special counsel for a $20,000 fixed fee plus hourly rates not to exceed $40,000
• Maumee River waterline crossing construction and project delivery

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission is meeting to review personnel matters. The body will discuss updates regarding testing for police officers and fire mechanics, as well as part-time grounds maintenance.

• Part-Time Grounds Maintenance
• Entry Level/Lateral Transfer Police Officer testing update
• Fire Mechanic testing update

City Council

City Council is reviewing a resolution to place a property tax renewal on the November 8, 2022, ballot. The measure seeks to renew an ad valorem property tax for the Defiance Public Library to fund operational expenses.

• Renewal of property tax not to exceed 0.75 mill for five years
• Proposed election date of November 8, 2022

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to discuss new business regarding entry level and lateral transfer positions for firefighters and police officers. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from the May 10, 2022, meeting.

• Entry Level/Lateral Transfer Firefighter
• Entry Level/Lateral Transfer Police Officer

City Council

City Council is deciding on two emergency ordinances. One authorizes an application for federal CDBG funds for park improvements, and the other awards a design contract for a city-owned property.

• Ordinance 8413: Application for CDBG funds for shelter houses, basketball court, furnishings, and concrete pads at Kingsbury Park
• Ordinance 8414: $30,000 contract with Garmann Miller for design and renderings of 629 Arabella Street
• Defiance Area Foundation contribution of $15,000 toward the 629 Arabella Street design services

City Council

City Council is reviewing an ordinance to ratify the appointment of Lanie Lambert as Human Resources Manager. The measure establishes her specific annual salary and vacation leave terms.

• Appointment of Lanie Lambert as Human Resources Manager
• Annual salary of $84,500
• Vacation accrual rate of 6.1539 hours per bi-weekly pay period
• Lump sum balance of two weeks of vacation leave upon employment

City Council

The City Council is considering an ordinance to rezone property in Noble Township from R-2 to an R-3 Planned Unit Development overlay. The action also includes approving a preliminary subdivision plan for the 58.88-acre site.

• Rezoning of 1850 N. Clinton Street from R-2 to R-3 PUD Overlay
• Approval of a preliminary plan for property parcels 1060014002001 and 1060014003500
• Proposed multi-family housing development on 58.88 acres in Noble Township

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will review job descriptions for WPC Plant Operator II and Equipment Operator. The meeting also includes updates and feedback regarding Fire Mechanic and Fire Lieutenant promotional testing.

• WPC Plant Operator II Job Description
• Equipment Operator job description
• Fire Mechanic Promotional Testing Update
• Fire Lieutenant Promotional Testing Feedback

City Council

The City Council is authorizing several emergency contracts to address infrastructure needs. These include sidewalk repairs caused by tree growth, geotechnical investigations for a river waterline replacement, and shoulder repairs on E. River Drive.

• Contract with Powell Creek Tree Service for $42,987.10 to repair 26 damaged sidewalk locations
• Contract with Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. for $88,210.00 for Maumee River waterline geotechnical investigation
• Contract with R.G. Zachrich Construction, Inc. for $74,573.00 to repair a 200' section of E. River Drive shoulder

City Council

City Council is ratifying the conveyance of municipal property on Quality Drive to the Community Improvement Corporation. The body is also authorizing a purchase agreement to extend Commerce Drive to provide access to the Harmon Business Park.

• Ratification of property conveyance on Quality Drive to the Community Improvement Corporation (Ordinance No. 8402)
• Purchase of 1.037 acres from Richland Stryker Generation, LLC for $10,000.00 and one free water connection (Ordinance No. 8403)
• Acceptance of right-of-way dedication to extend Commerce Drive from Carpenter Road to Domersville Road

City Council

The City Council is considering an ordinance to amend the salary ranges for various non-bargaining positions. The proposed changes aim to adjust compensation levels that have not been updated since 2017.

• Ordinance to amend Section 147.16 regarding salary ranges for non-bargaining positions

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will review several human resources and staffing items. Discussion includes a WPC Plant Operator II job description and Fire Mechanic promotional testing.

• WPC Plant Operator II – Job Description
• Fire Mechanic Promotional Testing
• Classification Schedule Update
• Human Resources Manager

City Council

The Council is reviewing ordinances for new police video recording systems and body cameras. Additionally, the body is considering a contract for waterline replacement and street resurfacing on West High Street.

• Purchase of 11 Focus H1 mobile video recording systems from Safe Fleet for $66,526.00
• Purchase of 14 Focus X2 body worn cameras from Safe Fleet for $74,270.00
• Contract with Hillabrand & Sons Construction, LLC for West High Street waterline and resurfacing for $1,339,620.15

City Council

The City is considering an ordinance to establish eleven redevelopment districts in the downtown area. These districts would provide a 70% property tax exemption for ten years on certain improvements to encourage economic development and historic building rehabilitation.

• Creation of 11 Downtown Redevelopment Districts (DRD 1 through DRD 11)
• 70% exemption from real property taxation for a period of ten years
• Requirement for service payments in lieu of taxes to fund economic development and job creation
• Establishment of individual funds for each redevelopment district

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will review the WPC Crew Leader–Collections job description. The meeting also includes discussions regarding entry level/lateral transfer fire testing and an administrative secretary position.

• WPC Crew Leader–Collections job description
• Entry Level/Lateral Transfer Fire Testing
• Administrative Secretary

City Council

City Council decided on contracts for street maintenance and emergency medical services. The body also authorized the purchase of a replacement ambulance to be paid from the 2023 budget.

• Contract with Ward Construction Co. for 2022 Street Resurfacing Project No. 2201 for $520,977.00
• Contract with Highland Township Trustees for EMS service at a minimum reimbursement of $10,000.00 for the first 50 calls and $250.00 per call thereafter
• Purchase of a Horton 603F-4 ambulance on a 2022 Ford F-550 chassis for $259,305.00
• Authorization to sell Squad 212 as municipal surplus upon delivery of the new ambulance

City Council

City Council is reviewing an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 8360 to provide additional funding for city expenditures. The proposal includes re-appropriations of 2021 projects and funding for unanticipated expenses.

• Water Treatment Plant Fund: $3,164,000 for GAC project with Peterson Construction
• Capital Improvements Fund: $180,000 for demolition of 100 Clinton Street building
• Capital Improvements Fund: $156,640 for Commerce Drive engineering with Mannik & Smith
• Sewer Capital Improvements Fund: $151,560 for IWIP/long-term control plan with Strand Associates
• General Fund: $10,000 for GoGov messaging software and $50,000 for County Auditor Fees

City Council

The City Council is considering Ordinance No. 8382 to authorize a contract with Ohio CAT. This equipment is intended for the City Water Distribution Division to repair and maintain water lines.

• Ordinance No. 8382: Purchase of a 2022 Caterpillar 420XE backhoe
• Contract with Ohio CAT for $124,494.00

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission is meeting to discuss updates to the classification schedule and specific job descriptions. The body will also address promotional testing for Police Sergeant and Lieutenant positions.

• Parks and Cemetery Director job description
• Street Superintendent job description
• Updates to Classification Schedule
• Collections Supervisor WPC
• Police Sergeant/Lieutenant promotional testing

City Council

The City Council is reviewing an ordinance to modify the compensation of Seth Johnson. The measure ratifies a new annual pay rate of $55,000 for the G.I.S. Technician position effective February 7, 2022.

• Salary increase for G.I.S. Technician Seth Johnson to $55,000 per year

City Council

The City Council is reviewing Ordinance No. 8380 to authorize the purchase of a police vehicle. The proposal uses the 2022 capital improvements budget to replace a cruiser as part of an annual rotation.

• Purchase of one 2022 Ford Interceptor sport utility vehicle from Mark Moats Ford for $33,230.00

City Council

City Council decided to annex 1.557 acres of land in Richland Township and vacate a public right-of-way in the North Defiance Addition. The annexation involves land petitioned by Jaxson Enterprises, Ltd. and Cash Dog Enterprises, LLC.

• Ordinance No. 8378: Vacating right-of-way between Lots 21 and 22 at 403 W. High Street
• Ordinance No. 8379: Annexation of 1.557 acres in Saunders-Snyder Addition, Richland Township
• Authorization for City Administration to provide water and sanitary sewer services for the annexed territory

City Council

City Council is considering a request to rezone 0.552 acres at 1018 Ralston Avenue from Office-Residential to Highway and General Business District. The meeting also includes a review of pedestrian and bike improvements for Ottawa Avenue and Cleveland Avenue.

• Rezoning request for 0.552 acres at 1018 Ralston Avenue from O-R to B-3
• Proposed installation of 14 ADA curb ramps and 16 crosswalks on Ottawa Avenue (SR15)
• Proposed installation of 8 ADA curb ramps and 4 crosswalks on Cleveland Avenue
• Proposed new sidewalks and shared use path improvements at Ottawa Avenue and Cleveland Avenue

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve previous meeting minutes and address new business regarding the Water System Supervisor. This body manages civil service personnel matters for the city.

• Approval of December 16, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Water System Supervisor position

City Council

The City Council is reviewing an ordinance to authorize monthly transfers of funds between city accounts from January 2022 through September 2022. These transfers are intended to meet current city expenses and expenditures.

• Monthly transfer of $347,250 from General Fund #101 to Police & Fire Fund #201
• Monthly transfer of $29,166 from General Fund #101 to Police Pension Fund #732
• Monthly transfer of $28,333 from General Fund #101 to Fire Pension Fund #733
• Monthly transfer of $39,500 from WPC Fund #590 to General Fund #101
• Monthly transfer of $35,000 from WTP Fund #591 to General Fund #101

City Council

City Council decided on several land leases and a professional services contract. The body also approved a participation agreement for a legal settlement regarding opioid production and distribution.

• Contract with Reveille, Ltd. for $149,500.00 to develop a comprehensive plan and update Planning & Zoning Code
• Three-year lease of 98.9 acres adjacent to the municipal reservoir to Singer Farms, LLC for $15,000.00 per year
• Three-year lease of 37.1 acres adjacent to the Water Pollution Control Plant to Kenny Theisen for $5,550.00 per year
• Approval of a Participation Agreement for a settlement with Johnson & Johnson regarding opioid litigation