Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Members of the Oak Harbor city council debated raises for village employees and a potential birding designation, while the police chief recognized multiple officers for their positive actions in the community at the latest council meeting on March 16.
Police chief Eric Parker opened the meeting by presenting a certificate of commendation for officer Vincent Bocardo, who recently saved a young woman’s life.
The commendation read as follows: “In recognition for outstanding courage, professionalism, and decisive action displayed on Feb. 2, 2026. On this day, Officer Bocardo demonstrated exceptional situational awareness and immediate recognition of a woman in crisis. His rapid response and swift, deliberate actions directly resulted in saving a young woman's life. Faced with circumstances requiring urgent intervention, Officer Bocardo acted without hesitation, his composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment to duty prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. Officer Bocardo’s actions reflect the highest standards of law enforcement service and bring great credit upon himself, the Oak Harbor police department, and the community that he serves.”
Chief Parker also said that Sergeant Travis Logan, the department’s community officer, worked with the Ohio Department of Transportation to secure 60 bike helmets to give out for free at the department’s next event as part of a program called, “Put a Lid on It.”
“This is something that he's done in the past,” Parker said. “He does a great job doing community outreach with the kids and the rest of the community.”
Parker also commended two officers who helped a resident on Park Street gain access to her home after a broken door handle prevented her from doing so. A pair of officers on separate shifts helped the resident, and the second one even went above and beyond by buying her a new door handle.
“She really appreciated that,” Parker said. “That’s the culture that we want to create for our community, and I appreciate that.”
COLA raises
Members of council then debated Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) raises for village officers and employees, specifically the percentage of a raise. After discussion with the finance committee, the two options were three percent or 80 cents, whichever is higher or 2.4 percent or 80 cents, whichever is higher. The first option was struck down via vote by council, while the second one, 2.4 percent or 80 cents, was approved.
Warbler Capital debate
Suzan George, the president of the Friends of Magee Marsh spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting in response to council’s recent decision to pursue designating Oak Harbor as the “Warbler Capital of the World.”
“While we appreciate your eagerness to support small businesses and have a thriving downtown, we must object to this title,” she said. “We want to go on public record as such. Oak Harbor is within the area of the Warbler Capital of the World and is the address associated with the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, but it is not the global capital of the world. And a concentration of warblers cannot be seen here.
“Welcoming birders to your town is a great idea since the entire northwest Ohio area benefits from monies brought in during the spring migration season. I would assume that Oak Harbor benefits as well. The town does not need to be the Warbler Capital of the World to attract birders. Being close to great birding areas, which it is, having good food, and lodging available are wonderful perks for a community. And especially to attract birders. We're happy to work with you, but we would really like for you to come up with a different name.
“Warbler Capital of the World is already the nickname for an area very close to Oak Harbor. And this place earned this title because all 36 species of warblers can be seen there in the spring. And we strongly feel that to name your town as such is a false claim. Maybe you could go with Oak Harbor Birder Friendly or Oak Harbor The Bird Friendly City. We just wanted to make our feelings known before any further action is taken. And I also wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to share this evening. Our group, I don't know if you realize, we did participate as a donor in the Oak Harbor mural project at the corner of Route 19 and Route 163, so we want this community to thrive.”
A council member then asked where in the region already had that nickname. George said that it is the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
“Isn’t that address Oak Harbor, though?” the council member asked.
George said yes, that is their business address, the Friends of Magee Marsh, and that they work out of the visitor’s center there.
“I guess that's where I'm getting confused,” the council member said. “It seems like it would work for everybody. If you’re already nicknamed the Warbler Capital of the World, you’re in Oak Harbor. Your mailing address is Oak Harbor.”
George said that only their mailing address is Oak Harbor, but Magee Marsh is actually in Lucas County.
The council member said he didn’t think people were going to Toledo or seeing Warbler Capital of the World in a brochure and think of Toledo as the warbler capital after going there. They’re going to go to Oak Harbor and think of it as Magee Marsh.
“I don’t think they’re going to think of Oak Harbor as being Magee Marsh,” George said. “Magee Marsh is a wildlife area.”
“Isn’t it on all your mailing, your address?” a council member said. “I mean, even the letter you sent us said Oak Harbor. Because your address, every time you write your address, it says Oak Harbor.”
“Well, our business address is Oak Harbor. Actually, our mailing address is Port Clinton,” George said, adding they have a P.O. Box in Port Clinton.
A council member then asked George what connection she has with Kim Kaufman, the executive director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, who originally brought this idea to council.
“Black Swamp Bird Observatory, I guess we consider our neighbor in Magee Marsh,” George said. “They have that first building when you come into the Magee Marsh area on the left that has been under renovation for ... it hasn't been open for several years because of the renovation, but her group what I would say in comparison to ours, hers is more into research. Whereas the Friends of the Magee Marsh, we are partners with the Division of Wildlife, and that is who runs the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and the visitor center.
“We partner with them and work on projects to enhance the visitor experience at the Magee Marsh wildlife area. And some of that was during the bird season. One of our biggest projects was updating the boardwalk down at the lake. So those are the kinds of things that the group that I am representing does.”
After more discussion, council members wondered how adding this designation wouldn’t benefit George’s group, adding that if someone were to look up where they can see warblers in Oak Harbor, it’s not going to say downtown Oak Harbor, it’s going to say Magee Marsh.
“I don’t want to overstate it or understate it,” Oak Harbor mayor Quinton Babcock said. “I think the resolution obviously indicates our approval. I don't want to understate that, but I also think it's a resolution about collaborating with the BSBO and identifying in that way. You’re certainly a great organization. I wouldn't want there to be any ill will, and just speaking my personal opinion, I think it’s all in alignment with the vision that our community members have for Oak Harbor to be more aligned with the kind of visitors that are brought with birding tourism and ecotourism in general. I think we're going to cut farther down that road, and I would certainly want to head farther down that road with your sort of continued advice and consultation and all that and working with you guys on that, but I think with that said, I think this is ... I'm speaking out of turn, but I think this is our first step. I can also appreciate that you may have an objection to it.”
Council then voted to pass the resolution, which “supports collaborative marketing with Black Swamp Bird Observatory and accepts designation as the Warbler Capital of the World.”
