Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Northwood city council members rejected a resolution that would have authorized the city to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The meeting featured the third reading of the resolution, which preceded the vote, which was 4-3 in support of rejection.
Louis Fahrbach, Randy Kozina and James Barton voted in favor of it, while Dean Edwards, Mark Stoner and Michael Melnyk voted against. With councilman Patrick Huntermark not present, mayor Edward Schimmel cast the deciding vote against the resolution.
Fahrbach, who introduced the measure, made a statement before the vote, stating that the resolution is not an administrative directive, and that it’s a policy statement.
“We’re affirming that the city supports (cooperation) with ICE, and this is exactly the kind of empowerment that city council is directed and, in my opinion, obligated to take,” he said. “There was a question last week in regard to whether this was even in the realm of our authority and section 3.10 clearly gives us that authority. Why council action is essential (is that) leadership changes. Leadership will change.
“Mayors, city administrators and even police chiefs will come and go. Right now, we do fully cooperate with any federal and state law enforcement. The question is without a resolution in place, nothing prevents future leadership from shifting away from ICE cooperation. Resolution 25.03 ensures Northwood’s policy is codified, public and enduring.”
While three non-residents spoke on behalf of those against the resolution, including someone on behalf of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) President Baldemar Velasquez, the lone local resident to speak at the meeting, Gary Dunbar, urged support of the resolution.
“I like Northwood,” he said. “It’s a safe city, and I’d like it to remain a safe city.”
City administrator Kevin Laughlin said the resolution won’t move forward unless a reconsideration is made by the next meeting on April 10.
Chicken situation
Cody Dunbar requested that council review the city ordinance on the number of chickens allowed per home for potential reform.
In the city administrator’s report, Kevin Laughlin addressed it, recommending a service committee meeting to address the ordinance.
“Chickens have kind of been one of those things that we knew was there and it wasn’t really a problem” Laughlin said. “With inflation and egg pricing, it’s becoming a lot more attractive for folks to get a group of chickens. I think the prevalence has increased around town.”
Laughlin said Northwood will look at local communities to see what is best for Northwood, and they will discuss those options at the service meeting.
That meeting is set for April 10 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the next council meeting at 7 p.m.
Also addressed at the meeting is the street department’s request for part-time seasonal help, which was something removed from the budget last year, but is being urged for reconsideration.
There are also options to be presented at the meeting regarding additional quotes for the Brentwood basketball courts and hoops.
Fostoria-Williston Roundabout
In the city engineer’s report, it was said that ODOT has completed its safety study for the intersection of Fostoria and Williston, and the organization is recommending a roundabout. ODOT will work on securing grant money for the project, which would be entirely funded by them and not the city.
ODOT is also currently doing a study on the intersection at Bradner and Williston to see if any safety features might be warranted.
Proclamation
Council made a proclamation for Treu House of Munch, located at 8,000 Arbor Dr. in Northwood, for proudly celebrating its 150th year in business, which is “a remarkable achievement that reflects a legacy of resilience, growth and commitment to excellence.”
The full proclamation said: “This milestone is a celebration of the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, hard work and innovation, which have defined it for generations. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at Treu House and their loyal customers. We look forward to seeing the company grow and succeed.”
