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The following is an AI Generated summary of the Celina City Council Meeting:

1. City Council Meeting: Project Updates, Community Events, Legislation, and Administrative Matters

• Opening Prayer and Pledge

  The meeting began with a prayer thanking for rain, safety during the Lake Festival, and guidance for the meeting, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Roll Call and Agenda Acceptance

  Roll call confirmed all council members present. The agenda was accepted, with point number 11 designated as an executive session to consider the purchase and/or sale of property for public purposes.

• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

  Minutes from the July 14th, 2025 regular council meeting and committee of the whole were reviewed and accepted.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Update

  Discussion on the wastewater treatment plant project included the approval of a 90-day extension for the NFA (no feasible alternative) phase to allow time to bring all aspects to council. This phase represents 30% of the total design, due by August, with a current engineering cost of $377,300, including a topo survey. Jones and Henry will assist with current sewer rates and financing options over 20, 25, or 30 years, based on customer affordability. Regulatory requirements for discharge elimination permits and potential fines for non-compliance were discussed. Councilman Baltzell noted the project addresses two-thirds of the cost for storm flow EQ, justifying investment in expansion and replacing 30-plus-year-old equipment. Councilman Clausen learned that this issue is common for communities of their size across the state.

• Overflow Event Due to Rain

  A council member inquired about overflow events due to recent heavy rain. It was confirmed that about 160,000 gallons overflowed.

• Greater Celina Area Soccer Booster Tournament - Bouncy Houses

  Request to add bouncy houses to the 2025 Greater Celina Area Soccer Booster Soccer Tournament. The law director confirmed that only a voice acclamation was needed, and the addition was approved unanimously.

• Fire Department Chief Appointment

  Announcement of Brian Davis as the new fire chief, effective Saturday, July 26th, 2025, with a position swap with Joel.

• Lake Festival Recap

  The Lake Festival experienced heavy rain, causing temporary flooding in parking lots and streets, but drained quickly. Despite the rain, the festival was successful, including the parade, which had over 120 units and was completed within a two-and-a-half-hour window. The Amphicar Drivers celebrated their 25th year returning to Grand Lake, offering 1,315 rides at $5 each, raising approximately $6,700 for local charities. Drivers traveled from states like Florida, Maine, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Other highlights included a ski show and a Ferris wheel by Rag Company. Michelle Miller and Kevin Pyle were commended as co-chairs, along with the large committee and hundreds of volunteer hours. Maharg's Trash Services was also thanked for picking up extra trash.

• Basketball Court Lighting and Fencing

  Board of control approved about $16,000 for basketball court lighting. Bids are being sought for fencing to help keep courts clean and deter geese.

• Eastview Park Sand Project

  A fall project is planned to add more sand to the beach at Eastview Park.

• Student Delegation from Manami Awaji, Japan

  A student delegation from Manami Awaji, Japan, visited the city, accompanied by adult chaperones. The mayor will meet them for a send-off barbecue. Most students, who first arrived in New York, had never been to America before and experienced much of the community, including seeing the parade. This visit was highlighted as a great international multicultural exchange

• Mill Street Project Update

  Mill Street project remains on schedule for substantial completion by the end of November, despite delays from gas company work.

• Westview Park Restroom and Playground

  New restrooms at Westview Park are under construction, with the roof structure in place. The existing structure will be reused as a shelter house, and a new playground is planned for next year.

• Pool Slide Installation Delays

  All pieces and parts for the pool slide, totaling three semis worth, have been delivered. While Miami County permits are secured, the project is awaiting an Ohio Department of Health permit, currently on day 21 of a 30-day review. The permitting process was unexpectedly long, delaying anticipated installation from early spring/summer. Installation is now expected by early September, weather and permit permitting, after which the water will be added for testing and use.

• Ordinance 30-25-0: Lease Agreement with Fizzy Sips

  Ordinance 30-25-0 authorizes a lease agreement with Fizzy Sips for a one-day, non-alcohol Fall Jubilee event at Bryson Park District on October 11th. The event will feature food and craft vendors, and kid activities. The agreement includes the closure of a portion of Ash Street (as shown in Exhibit 2) to reserve exclusive use of the park area. The lease is for $1 per annum plus the current rental fee for the Red Tent Shelter House No. 10 and other facilities.

• Fall Jubilee Event Details

  Fizzy Sips representatives, owners of a new 'Dirty Soda mobile business,' described the Fall Jubilee as an annual event for the community. It will feature local food trucks, crafters, and kid activities such as a possible petting zoo, pumpkin patch, face painting, and balloons. They discussed potentially charging a small fee to vendors, with proceeds to be donated to a charity yet to be determined. It was clarified that the lessee (Fizzy Sips) is responsible for cleaning and disposal of trash and debris from the event, aligning with a recent change in policy for most park events.

Conclusion

1. Agenda accepted unanimously.

2. Minutes approved unanimously.

3. 90-day extension approved; 30% design phase due by August; further rate structure and financing analysis ongoing.

4. Overflow event of 160,000 gallons confirmed.

5. Addition of bouncy houses approved unanimously by voice acclamation.

6. Brian Davis appointed as fire chief.

7. Lake Festival deemed successful; Amphicar event raised $6,700 for charity.

8. Lighting approved; fencing bids in progress.

9. Sand addition scheduled for fall.

10. Delegation visit ongoing; send-off event scheduled.

11. Project on schedule for November completion.

12. Restroom construction progressing; playground planned for next year.

13. Slide installation delayed; expected by early September pending permit.

14. Ordinance introduced; event planned for October 11th.

15. Event details presented; cleanup responsibility on organizers.

2. City Council Legislative Actions, Community Events, and Infrastructure Management

• Event Registration and Activities

  Discussion confirmed that no pre-registration or public sign-up is needed for the Fall Jubilee; attendees can simply show up. The council considered adding a petting zoo, which was determined to fall under 'kids' activities' and would be permissible if it fits within the scheduled events, similar to how bouncy houses were approved.

• Ordinance Passage: Public Works New Building Construction Fund

  Ordinance 31-25-0, establishing Fund 320 for Public Works New Building Construction, passed its first reading and was declared an emergency measure. The rules requiring three readings were suspended by a 7-0 vote, and the ordinance passed unanimously (7-0). This fund will account for the sale and construction of the Public Works Building, with $500,000 appropriated from its unappropriated balance.

• Sale and Transition of Public Works Building

  The Public Works Building at 308 Portland Street was sold to the Celina City School District Board of Education (in accordance with Ordinance 40-24-0). Two of the three payments have been received, with the final payment due upon the city's move to its new facility. This transition was part of a three-year process, allowing the city time to construct its new building while the school district has already begun utilizing parts of the lot for buses, ensuring a smooth transition.

• Ohio Revised Code Compliance for Sale Proceeds

  The establishment of Fund 320 complies with Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.10(f), which requires proceeds from the sale of a permanent improvement (such as the Public Works Building) to be deposited into a special fund for construction or acquisition of other permanent improvements. Previous sale proceeds had been incorrectly deposited into Fund 221 (the street fund), necessitating this new fund.

• Ordinance Passage: Supplemental Appropriations

  Amended Ordinance 29-25-0, authorizing supplemental appropriations, passed its second reading and was declared an emergency measure. The rules requiring three readings were suspended by a unanimous vote, and the ordinance passed 7-0. Appropriations include Civica software cost allocations, capital improvements to the CMU administration building, general insurance increases, Ohio urban and community forestry grant participation, disc golf course improvements (including $2,677.66 for planting trees and equipment repairs), and final trail fund disbursement. Corrections were made to previously incorrect totals.

• Disc Golf Course Improvements

  Disc golf course improvements, totaling $2,677.66, were appropriated from the remainder of a 2023 donation. These funds are for tree planting, which adds obstacles and more trees to the park, and minor equipment repairs, such as signs or baskets, potentially due to vandalism.

• General Insurance Increases

  General insurance costs increased due to a reevaluation of city building assets for replacement cost values, following tornado damage that took out poles at the fairgrounds and behind Menards.

• Parking Restrictions During Fair Week

  A resident requested additional 'no parking' signs on the north side of the 600th block of West Wayne and the south side of the 500th block during fair week. Council noted that the north side of the 600th block already has permanent no parking signs, established by council a couple of years prior, and will look into the request.

• Downtown Park Arches Project

  An inquiry was made about the status of privately donated arches for the downtown park, a project led by Cody Muhlenkamp. While the design is reportedly state-approved, ODOT approval for the signs is still pending. Council approval will be required for both the design and location of the arches once all necessary state approvals are received.

• Traffic Signal and Turn Arrow Safety

  Discussion centered on expanding 'no turn on red' policies at intersections with left-turn arrows throughout the city for consistency and safety, following the positive impact observed at Grand Lake Road. Specific intersections mentioned for review include Logan and Main, Ash and Market, and two locations near Walmart/Menards (including Irmshire Boulevard). It was noted that ODOT has not yet approved a 'no turn on red' at 29 and Hattman Road, despite ongoing requests to reduce accidents.

• Upcoming Community Events

  Reminders about First Friday event and Saturday Farmers Market.

• Traffic Enforcement at Buckeye and Warren

  Concerns were raised about drivers rolling through the stop sign at Buckeye Street and Warren, leading to reported near-accidents. The issue was identified as an enforcement matter, and officers will be assigned to monitor the intersection, with increased traffic enforcement already underway.

• Fire Chief Transition

  Outgoing Chief Lange was thanked for his wonderful service, and new Chief Davis was congratulated on his start.

• Golf Cart and E-Bike Usage in City

  Observations noted a significant increase in golf cart usage, appearing to have doubled from the previous year, with the 360th permit recently issued, mostly within city limits. Concerns were raised about a large increase in e-bikes and other electric vehicles (scooters, dirt bikes, mini bikes) and blatant ordinance violations, stemming from a misconception that electric vehicles are inherently legal. Officers have been instructed to strictly enforce relevant ordinances.

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• Executive Session for Property Matters

  Council moved to enter executive session to consider the purchase of property for public purposes and/or the sale of property at competitive bidding.

Conclusion

1. No pre-registration required; attendees can just show up. Petting zoo can be included under kids' activities if it fits within scheduled events.

2. Ordinance 31-25-0 establishing Fund 320 passed 7-0 as an emergency measure.

3. Two of three payments received; final payment upon city’s move to new building. Transition process is smooth and allows time for both parties.

4. Special fund (Fund 320) created to comply with state law; previous deposits to Fund 221 will be corrected.

5. Ordinance 29-25-0 passed 7-0 after corrections to amounts and addition of $2,677.66 for disc golf course improvements.

6. Repairs are minor (signs, baskets); funds appropriated to complete improvements.

7. Insurance appropriations increased to ensure replacement cost coverage.

8. Council will review current signage; north side of 600th block already has permanent no parking signs.

9. State approval from ODOT not yet received; council approval required for design and location once ready.

10. City will review additional intersections for possible implementation; ODOT has not approved changes at 29 and Hattman Road.

11. Events scheduled as planned; public encouraged to attend.

12. Increased enforcement will be implemented at the intersection.

13. Transition recognized and appreciated by council.

14. Police will strictly enforce ordinances regarding e-bikes and similar vehicles.

15. Event praised as the largest parade attended by Fort Wayne media; committee commended for year-round efforts.

16. Motion passed to enter executive session; council to adjourn afterward.

Next Arrangements

• Executive session (agenda point 11) to consider purchase and/or sale of property for public purposes.

• 30% design phase for wastewater project due by August.

• Lighting installation for basketball courts approved; fencing bids to be sought.

• Sand addition at Eastview Park scheduled for fall.

• Mayor to attend send-off barbecue for Japanese student delegation.

• Mill Street project to reach substantial completion by the end of November.

• Westview Park restroom construction ongoing; playground installation planned for next year.

• Awaiting Ohio Department of Health permit for pool slide; installation expected by early September.

• Fall Jubilee event at Bryson Park District scheduled for October 11th, 2025.

• Council to review and possibly add or clarify no parking signage on West Wayne during fair week.

• Council to review additional intersections for 'no turn on red' implementation.

• Increased enforcement at Buckeye Street and Warren intersection.

• Await council approval for downtown park arches design and location once state approval is received.

• Auditor to email July budget changes to council members.

• Executive session to discuss property purchase/sale.