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The following is an AI Generated summary of the Celina City Council Meeting for 9-22:

Meeting Notes

1. City council approvals and planning for lagoons screening and fire department feasibility study

• Agenda amendment for 525R wording

  Council discussed a potential amendment to correct 'Local Transpiration Improvement Programs' to 'Local Transportation Improvement Programs' within Resolution 525R. It was clarified as a scrivener's error. A motion to pass the agenda was then made and seconded, followed by a roll call vote (Wolfe, Sanford, Gray, Fleck, Clausen, Buxton, Baltzell all voted yes).

• Approval of minutes for regular council meeting as of September 8

  A motion was made by Mr. Gray to accept corrections or additions to the regular council meeting minutes dated September 8, if there were no objections. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clausen and approved by roll call (Fleck, Buxton, Baltzell, Wolfe, Sanford, Gray, and Clausen all voted yes).

• Committee of the Whole (September 8) – Lagoons screening plan

  President King called the Committee of the Whole on September 8th at 6 o'clock to discuss the lagoons and fire department feasibility. Safety Service Director Hitchcock introduced the first topic: natural screening around the lagoons, presenting a map and a presentation from Unique Roots (Kendall Robinson) which included pricing and examples. Unique Roots discussed several plant tree options, with Blue Point Junipers identified as the best choice due to their disease resistance, growth habit, and ease of mowing around them. Councilmember Clausen inquired about the number of trees, and Kendall stated approximately 150 trees would be needed to cover 750 feet. Councilmember Gray asked about staggering the trees, but Kendall recommended against it, explaining that while they would be planted about two feet apart initially, they would not be staggered to allow for sufficient airflow between trees as they reach their potential growth, which helps prevent disease.

• Lagoons tree specifications and warranty

  Councilmember Fleck asked about the warranty for the trees. Unique Roots offers a six-month warranty covering any issues; if the trees are planted in October, this warranty would be extended into the spring to cover any necessary replacements. The trees will be balled and burlapped, roughly 30 inches in size, and weigh around 600 pounds.

• Lagoons site constraints and maintenance

  Safety Service Director Hitchcock confirmed that the current focus is on screening the west, north, and south sides of the lagoons. Mayor Hazel reiterated that there is no practicality in trying to move the lagoons. Councilmember Buxton asked if the site was a floodplain, which it is, making it difficult to build structures, but the trees should be acceptable. Councilmember Wolfe confirmed with Safety Service Director Hitchcock that the trees would be planted at the bottom of the slope. Councilmember Sanford inquired about known pests, to which Kendall responded that while isolated issues could occur, Blue Point Junipers are the most resistant of evergreens, with nothing frequent or catastrophic expected.

• Cost estimates and procurement for lagoons trees

  Safety Service Director Hitchcock asked Kendall for an estimated cost, which was $340 per tree, totaling $51,000 for the 150 trees. Discussion included the possibility of the city assisting with the work to reduce costs. Unique Roots provided an estimate of $111,200 if they were to handle the entire project. Councilmember Wolfef asked if the city had received any other quotes for a cost exceeding $75,000.

• Tree uniformity and mowing considerations

  Councilmember Baltzell asked if all trees would be the same type, and Kendall confirmed they would, ensuring uniformity and ease of care and maintenance. Councilmember Wolfe asked if the trees hover the ground, and Kendall clarified they grow straight up, which is beneficial for mowing.

• Committee of the Whole – Fire department feasibility study

  The committee meeting also included a discussion on a feasibility study for a firehouse with Architects. Council Member Clausen made a motion to enter an executive session for specialized details at 6:22 p.m., which was then attended by council members and adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

Conclusion

1. The agenda, after clarification regarding a scrivener's error in Resolution 525R's description, was moved to pass and approved by roll call.

2. Minutes of September 8 were approved by roll call.

3. Councilmember Wolfef recommended bringing the lagoons tree screening proposal out of committee to the council, seconded by Councilmember Buxton.

4. Agreement on tree specifications and warranty terms was noted, but no final purchase decision was recorded.

5. Site constraints and tree placement were acknowledged, with a suggestion from Councilmember Wolfe to plan for spring watering if trees are planted in the fall.

6. No final procurement decision was made; questions were raised about additional quotes for costs over $75,000 and potential city assistance to reduce costs.

7. Consensus was reached on using a uniform tree species for ease of maintenance and appearance.

8. An executive session was held for the fire department feasibility study, with no public conclusions disclosed.

2. City infrastructure projects, funding approvals, and operational updates with community event coordination

• Final brush and limb pickup schedule and leaf collection

  The final brush and limb pickup is scheduled for October 6th and 7th, after which the city will transition to leaf collection. It was emphasized that different equipment is used for each, and materials cannot be mixed.

• Westview Park restroom construction and playground planning

  Restrooms at Westview Park are nearing completion, with the exterior largely finished and plumbers now on-site to complete the plumbing work. A meeting was held with the trustee folks at the Bryson concerning a new playground planned for Westview Park, indicating the project is moving forward.

• Mill Street project status and timeline

  The Mill Street project's asphalt work, originally scheduled for today, was delayed due to rain. Crews will proceed with trench filling and asphalt application for the section north of Wayne Street to Touvelle, where curbs and sidewalks are already installed. Substantial completion is expected, with grass seeding planned for the spring. Shinn Brothers has also begun working on the waterline south of this section. The ultimate completion date for the area is targeted around the end of November, with dry weather having aided progress.

• Community vigil regarding Charlie Kirk shooting

  A vigil was held last night concerning the Charlie Kirk shooting and broader issues of violence. The event was characterized as non-political, focusing instead on the need for unity across Mercer and Auglaize counties and the country. It lasted a couple of hours despite some rain.

• Outlook to next year’s projects

  As the construction season wraps up and fall approaches, the administration is continuing to push forward with planning for projects to be undertaken next year.

• Resolution 5-25R (OPWSC grant application for Sugar Street Water Line Replacement)

  Resolution 5-25R, authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWSC) for State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement Programs, and to execute contracts, was discussed. Initially, there was a note that the resolution should be 5-25R, not 525, which was later amended. Mr. Clausen read the resolution, which highlights that both programs offer financial assistance for public infrastructure capital improvements, and the City of Celina plans to use this for the Sugar Street Water Line Replacement Project, deemed a priority. The Mayor is authorized to apply for funds and take necessary actions. This was declared an emergency measure to meet the September 30, 2025, submission deadline. The administration explained this is a routine grant program, seeking $505,000 for a project estimated at $1.5 million. If awarded, funds would be available July 1, 2026, for a 2027 project. Sugar Street reconstruction is being kept separate from the waterline project in the application to avoid complications. Councilmember Clausen supported pursuing these state grants, noting their benefit to the city, citing a previous $504,000 OPWSC grant for the Mill Street project. Confidence was expressed in the city's grant management history. Mr. Bozell moved to amend the resolution to correctly be Resolution 5-25-R, which was seconded and passed (Wolfe, Sanford, Fleck, Clausen, Buxton, Baltzell all voted yes). A motion to suspend the rules for immediate consideration was made, seconded by Mr. Gray, and passed (Baltzell, Buxton, Clausen, Fleck, Gray, Sanford, Wolfee all voted yes). Finally, Mr. Wolfee moved to pass the resolution, seconded by Mr. Fleck, and it passed 7-0

• Resolution 625R (Accepting amounts and rates; tax levies)

  Resolution 625R, accepting amounts and rates from the Mercer County Budget Commission for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2026, and authorizing tax levies, was presented. This resolution outlines the acceptance of certified amounts and rates, including general property tax requirements approved by the budget commission and county auditor's estimated tax rates. Inside the 10-mil limitation, the General Fund is set at $416,792 with a 1.7 rate, Police Pension at $73,551 with a 0.30 rate, and Fire Pension at $73,551 with a 0.30 rate. It was declared an emergency measure to allow filing with the Mercer County Auditor. The administration clarified this is a routine annual approval of existing levies, enabling the city to receive revenue from the county, which distributes state funds. The city's percentage of these funds, including Wayne Township, remains at 48.57%. Councilmember Clausen noted this is an annual boilerplate process, with rates consistent with the previous year. A motion to suspend the rules for immediate consideration was made by Mr. Baltzell, seconded by Mr. Wolfe, and passed. Clausen then moved to pass the resolution, seconded by Mr. Wolfe, and it passed.

• Resolution 725R (Local Government Fund acceptance)

  Resolution 725R, accepting the local government fund amount and rate as determined by the Mercer County Budget Commission, was presented. This resolution confirms the City of Celina's eligibility to receive monies from the state's local government fund and accepts the certified amounts and rates for the 2026 budget year, specifically $281,664 at a 48.57 percent distribution. It was declared an emergency measure to allow filing with the Mercer County Auditor by the first of the month. The administration noted this is another routine annual resolution to accept local government funds from the county, originating from the state. Mr. Fleck moved to suspend the rules for immediate consideration, seconded by Mr. Clausen, and it passed

• Ordinance 33-25-0 (Lease with Veterans Forever, Inc. for Bryson Park District)

  Ordinance 33-25-0, authorizing a lease agreement between the City of Celina and Veterans Forever, Inc. for the lease of the Bryson Park District, was introduced. Mr. Wolfe moved to pass the ordinance, stating it's a good program for next summer's boat races and other events. The motion was seconded by another council member who expressed enthusiasm for the event and its benefit to the community and use of the lake. The ordinance passed

• Ribbon cutting for Celina City Schools West Elementary

  The official ribbon cutting for the completion of the West Elementary schools is scheduled for October 10th at approximately 10:00 AM. Dr. Gessler of Celina City Schools is very excited about this 'once-in-a-lifetime' project, which is a massive undertaking for the school district, with ongoing work also at the high school.

• Residential street damage near West Elementary due to construction traffic

  Reports have been received regarding street damage north of West Elementary, particularly along Wild Cherry, where construction traffic did not always adhere to designated routes. Some older residential streets, not built for heavy construction traffic, have experienced quicker failure and may require reconstruction. While these streets are not on the current repaving list for next year, the administration is aware of the issue and has added them to the radar for future consideration.

• Lagoons relocation discussion: costs, regulations, and floodplain mitigation

  Following calls from council members regarding the lagoons, the Safety Service Director, in consultation with engineering, provided preliminary ballpark cost estimates for relocating the lagoons. Building new lagoons at the shooting range is estimated at approximately $3.9 million, though this figure is considered low and does not account for potential floodplain mitigation, which could involve a two-to-one wetlands creation ratio (e.g., 3 acres built requiring 6 acres purchased elsewhere). Relocating the lagoons could also trigger new EPA regulations, as the existing lagoons, built in the mid-1970s, are currently grandfathered. The property where the current lagoons are located is about 12 acres, entirely within a floodplain, making development costly due to elevation and mitigation requirements. Selling this property to fund relocation is not straightforward, as a buyer would also face significant mitigation costs (e.g., 12 acres requiring 24 to 36 acres of new, non-existing floodplain elsewhere). Additionally, the current lagoons are not lined, a feature new ones would likely require. No legislation has been introduced, but staff is open to further research.

• EPA considerations on lagoons

  Regarding EPA requirements, it was clarified that upgrades would only be triggered if the lagoons are moved, as they are not currently considered part of the plant system under existing grandfathering rules. Relocation would necessitate new permitting and adherence to current EPA regulations. No impending regulatory changes are known that would affect the current lagoons.

• Finance update

  The auditor is currently working on closing the books for August and anticipates emailing financial reports to council members sometime this week upon completion.

• Bryson Park District playground equipment issue

  Mr. Wolfe reported that the merry-go-round in the center of Bryson Park District is difficult to spin, with residents indicating it has been an issue all summer, possibly due to bearings or a broken rubber piece. Administration stated they would investigate, noting a similar past issue was caused by a broken rubber component.

• Tree removal bids around lagoons

  Councilmember Sanford inquired about additional quotes or bids for the trees around the lagoons. It was confirmed that the project has not yet been put out for bid, and council will be informed once it is.

• Stray animals (cats) handling

  Councilmember Clausen raised a resident's concern about stray cats damaging outdoor property. It was clarified that cats are protected; they can be live-trapped but cannot be harmed. The suggestion to live-trap and relocate them to a farm was initially made but then retracted, indicating a need for more appropriate solutions.

Conclusion

1. Final brush and limb pickup is scheduled for October 6th and 7th, followed by leaf collection using separate equipment.

2. Westview Park restrooms are nearing completion, and playground planning is advancing after a meeting with trustees.

3. The Mill Street asphalt project was delayed by rain but is proceeding, with substantial completion targeted by the end of November and grass seeding in the spring.

4. A community vigil was successfully held, emphasizing unity and civility.

5. Resolution 5-25R was amended, suspended, and passed 7-0, authorizing the Mayor to apply for an OPWSC grant for the Sugar Street Water Line Replacement Project.

6. Resolution 625R, concerning tax levies, was suspended and passed.

7. Resolution 725R, for Local Government Fund acceptance, was suspended and passed.

8. Ordinance 33-25-0, authorizing a lease with Veterans Forever, Inc. for Bryson Park District, was moved, seconded, and passed.

9. The ribbon cutting for Celina City Schools West Elementary is scheduled for October 10th at 10:00 AM.

10. Street damage near West Elementary due to construction traffic was acknowledged and added to the future repaving list.

11. Preliminary information on lagoons relocation costs and regulatory implications was provided, indicating no immediate action but ongoing research.

12. EPA upgrades for lagoons would only be required if they are relocated.

13. The administration will inspect and address the Bryson Park District merry-go-round issue.

14. Guidance was provided on handling stray cats, emphasizing live-trapping without harm.

3. City council discussion on animal management, traffic signal timing, and campaign sign regulations

• Potential presentation by Celina Cares at the next council meeting

  It was suggested that Celina Cares, a private entity focused on addressing local cat population issues, could be invited to make a presentation at the next council meeting.

• Clarification on Celina Cares’ mission and neighborhood cat concerns

  A claim that Celina Cares might have introduced many cats into a neighborhood was countered, with clarification that their mission is 'trap, neuter, and return' (TNR), not to increase cat populations in specific areas.

• Feeding animals and city ordinance

  The question of whether residents can leave food out for animals was addressed. It was stated that currently, no city ordinance prohibits this, though such a prohibition could be enacted. For now, it remains a decision for individual homeowners.

• Benefits and challenges of local cat populations

  A council member acknowledged that while cat populations can become overwhelming, they also offer certain benefits, suggesting a balanced approach to managing them.

• Traffic light timing issues at Fountain and Wayne; Echo and Logan

  Concerns were raised regarding traffic light timing at Fountain and Wayne, and Echo and Logan, particularly in the early mornings (5-6 AM) when traffic is low or one-way, making timing difficult. It was explained that some signals, previously tied to Holly and Wayne, are currently fully timed because their proximity sensors are not working and will be reinstalled once the Holly and Wayne signal is reconstructed for the new school project. The timing at Echo and Logan would need to be reviewed separately.

• Campaign sign regulations: timing and placement

  A question was raised about campaign sign regulations, specifically regarding timing limits (e.g., 30 days before an election). It was clarified that such timing limits are not enforceable under the First Amendment, meaning signs for future elections (e.g., 2030) are permissible. However, strict rules apply to placement: no signs are allowed in the public right-of-way, regardless of purpose (campaigns, garage sales, etc.). Staff either picks up signs in violation, takes them to public works, or contacts candidates to have them moved. It was also noted that some regulations regarding where signs can be placed are governed by state election law, not local ordinance.

• Meeting adjournment

  The meeting was adjourned after all questions and topics were addressed.

Conclusion

1. A council member will discuss with Celina Cares the possibility of them presenting at the next council meeting.

2. Traffic lights at Fountain and Wayne are fully timed due to non-functional proximity sensors, awaiting reconstruction of the Holly and Wayne signal; Echo and Logan timing requires further review.

3. Campaign sign timing restrictions are not enforceable under the First Amendment, but placement in the public right-of-way is prohibited and enforced by staff, with some regulations stemming from state election law.

4. The meeting was adjourned.

Next Arrangements

• Plan for watering trees in spring if trees are planted in October (specific plan and responsible party not defined).

• Bring the lagoons tree screening proposal out of committee to the council for further action.

• Final brush and limb pickup on 2025-10-06 and 2025-10-07; leaf collection begins afterward.

• Mill Street asphalt and trench work to proceed after rain delay; ultimate completion targeted around end of November.

• Ribbon cutting for Celina City Schools West Elementary on 2025-10-10 at around 10:00 AM.

• Administration to inspect Bryson Park District merry-go-round and repair as needed.

• Auditor to email August financial reports within the week.

• Staff to notify council when tree removal around lagoons is put out for bid.

• Talk to Celina Cares about presenting at the next council meeting (exact meeting date not specified).