June 8, 2026 Minutes passed June 22, 2026
Council President Thad Eikenbary called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
President Eikenbary gave the invocation.
On call of the roll: Ringwald, Johnson, Block, Agler, Roberts, Moore, and Hurless were present.
Ringwald made a motion to approve tonight’s consent agenda and regular meeting minutes from the May 27th meeting. Moore seconded; all concurred.
Scheduled Public Speakers:
NONE
Administrative Reports:
Mayor: Markward reported on Chapter 115 which permits door-to-door sales. Markward reported that commercial door-to-door sales are allowed to be prohibited if the council chooses; “non-commercial” cannot be banned. The mayor does not give a recommendation at this time.
This Thursday, QTS (data center end user) is having an informational meeting at Vantage from 5:00-6:30 and the public is encouraged to attend.
Lastly, Markward is requesting an Executive Session at the end of the meeting regarding a Property Transaction. No action will be taken after the executive session.
The bags around the sewage drains in regards to the gas restoration will be removed once a sufficient amount of grass growth is present to prevent erosion from entering into the catch basins and the gas restoration project is considered complete.
A draft of the tax budget has been prepared, and Markward is requesting council go through first reading of that tonight.
Hurless made administration aware of the large Lassus sign within the city limits that is “in disarray”.
Safety Service Director: Not present.
City Auditor: Not present.
Law Director: Hatcher will do more follow up on junk & rubbish citations that reach court level (charges). Hatcher will speak with the Court Clerk to obtain data on history of charges that were incurred once a junk/rubbish citation reaches court that match the time frame of data The Police Chief provided for door hangers (2024-present).
Comments, Communications, and Petitions:
NONE
Committee Reports:
Finance: Auditor reported to Ringwald that financial reports will be sent out to council by the end of the week. Ringwald made a motion to approve a Then & Now paid to Go Green for wood and dirt removal in the amount of $474,500.00 discussed from last council meeting. Agler seconded; all concurred.
Economic Development: Johnson encourages council and public to attend the meeting hosted by QTS (the new data center) at Vantage Career Center on Thursday. Any information including environmental effects, construction, infrastructure and community involvment may be asked in a “station” style event in the main lobby.
Streets and Alleys: Block provided council a draft of proposed changes to the noise ordinance to review for a later council meeting which covers residential and industrial areas.
Additionally, Block is proposing changes to the private well ordinance within the city limits by prohibiting any new wells be drilled within city limits; existing wells within the city limits will be grandfathered in. Council agreed this may be necessary to more clearly define an existing ordinance in which it is not clear if industrial areas are covered.
Block made a motion for the law director to prepare an ordinance to prohibit any new wells be drilled within the city limits. Agler seconded; all concurred.
Properties and Equipment: No report.
Parks and Recreation: The fountain at Fountain Park is waiting on new parts but should be operational at some point this week.
Pickleball court construction is underway and should be open and operational at Smiley Park yet this year.
Lastly, Roberts expressed thanks for the successful Peony Celebration and parade that occurred last weekend.
Ringwald brings up discussion of Franklin Park vandalism as it has occurred yet again since the last council meeting. Eikenbary proposes obvious signs to warn people that the property is fully under surveillance. Roberts plans to reach out to Parks Director Kyle Klinker to get his opinion on the effectiveness of the signs.
Moore proposed a splashpad at the Smiley Park location. The mayor reminds council, in general, parks only cost money and make no profit year after year. While the city is doing well financially, it would be a large cost to put another splashpad in.
Health, Service, and Safety: Moore reported enjoyment and thanks for the Peony Festival from over the weekend.
Judiciary and Annexation: Hurless provided council with the updates on the door-to-door sale with suggested changes from last meeting. A summary of changes: Application fee would change from $50 to $100, permits would expire 12 months from the date of issue, ID badge requirement issued from the city, $100 estimated tax payment would be exempt for residents of the city, delivery drivers would be exempt, max fee would be changed from $250 to $500 per violation.
Ringwald wants council’s input on banning Commercial door-to-door sales. Hurless is opposed to banning commercial door-to-door sales.
Follow up from the Mayor will ensue on capabilities on printing ID badges before it is being required within the ordinance.
Hurless summarized the changes to the proposed junk & rubbish changes and will present a new draft to council.
Questions and Comments from Council and Public:
Joe Jared, 233 Burt St., is also proposing council consider banning industrial areas where nuclear energy is created. Jared also gave input on the junk and rubbish changes, reiterating some of the changes council plans to make.
Mark Davis, 402 S. Tyler St., questions if the splash pad at Franklin Park’s water is metered. The mayor compared the splash pad to a fire hydrant running, meaning, it’s not metered. Davis is also proposing the council make more specific changes to the well prohibition.
Lisa Luginbill, 137 Keplar St., expresses grave concern of sewer backups for her and many neighbors on Keplar Street. Luginbill stated the city has tried to assess the issue in the past and did not find anything that was able to be fixed from the city’s standpoint. At that point, the city directed Keplar Street homeowners to hire a plumber for their home. Luginbill states there are no internal issues and wishes administration would re-assess as the problem is recurring after large rain events for several residents. Talks of the combined sewer overflow project occurring over the last few years was part of the conversation since Keplar has not been addressed as part of the project.
Unfinished Business:
No Updates.
New Business:
NONE
Resolutions and Ordinances:
Third and Final Reading for Ordinance Number: 26-02-010; AN ORDINANCE GRANTING FRANCHISE TO OHIO POWER, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE IN THE STREETS, THOROUGHFARES, ALLEYS, BRIDGES, AND PUBLIC PLACES OF THE CITY OF VAN WERT, STATE OF OHIO, AND THE INHABITANTS THEREOF FOR LIGHT, HEAT, POWER AND OTHER PURPOSES, AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTISON OF THE SAME WITHIN, THROUGH, OR ACROSS SAID CITY OF VAN WERT, STATE OF OHIO THIS AGREEMENT IS AN EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT SET OUT IN VAN WERT ORDINANCE NUMBER 5270-75 PASSED OCTOBER 15, 1975. All concurred; Ordinance passed.
Ringwald made a motion to introduce Ordinance Number: 26-06-033. Agler seconded; all concurred.
First Reading Advisory for Ordinance Number: 26-06-033. All concurred.
At 7:44 p.m. Agler made a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of a property transaction to discuss the sale or lease of real property owned by the city. Block seconded; all concurred.
Council came out of executive session and resumed regular meeting time at 8:12 p.m.
Agler made a motion to adjourn at 8:12 pm. Block seconded; all concurred.
MINUTES PASSED AT JUNE 22ND MEETING.