Fostoria Council-member advocates for TRANSPARENCY During an Attempt to Pass a Resolution Without Clarity on The $ Ammount

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FOSTORIA

Fostoria City Council attempted to pass a resolution before council-member Bob Podach asked for the $ amount on said resolution.

The amount was not listed and many did not know the amount.

Council-member Amy Mendoza handed Podach  a document showing the amount in question as $50K.

Podach continued with his time while stating some of the following:

“It’s not going to be me thats concerned, because I am going to be able to see it. Its going to be anybody of the other 13K residents in the city.

“If I don’t get numbers on them I will vote No on them”

“For the sake of transparency, lets get it done! –  I don’t know who’s job it is but it’s somebody’s to put it on there. ”

Many members of Fostoria City Government did not pay attention to Podach. Instead they “read” and shuffled papers around.

The Council-meeting continued afterward.

City Council Appropriates Funds

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The Fostoria City Council took early action during its recent meeting at the municipal building, with newly-elected member Bob Podach stepping in ahead of schedule. Council members approved funding allocations for various projects and salaries, including $1,155,000 for the fourth and final phase of the North Main Street sewer-improvement project. The council also passed ordinances authorizing Mayor Eric Keckler to extend agreements related to sewage and water provision with Seneca County, Jackson Township, and Loudon Township.

In addition to addressing legislative matters, the council expressed support for Senate Bill 119, advocating for stricter regulations on interstate trash transportation. The meeting also included the first readings of ordinances related to salaries. Council President Brian Shaver congratulated fellow council member Don Mennel on his victory in the mayoral race, and Mennel is set to succeed Mayor Keckler in 2024.

Acknowledging community contributions, Ed Schetter from the ABATE of Ohio motorcyclist organization presented Mayor Keckler with gratitude for his support in events like the recent Toy Run benefiting children’s Christmas charities. Mayor Keckler highlighted upcoming city events, including Veterans Day ceremonies and a ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Iron Triangle Railpark.

City Government Diversity Shrinking as 2nd Mennel Milling Employee Will Join Fostoria City Council

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Whether there be (3) Roppe Rubber, or three Sunny Farm Landfill Employees, the diversity concerns would be the same.

Fostoria’s City Council’s composition will take one of two paths following the ’23 election. Should Don Mennel assume the position of Mayor, the council will include (2) Mennel Milling employees, alongside the Chairman of the Board serving as Mayor. However, if Elliott Shaffer is elected Mayor of Fostoria, there will be (3) council members with Mennel Milling as their source of livelihood. These scenarios present potential conflicts of interest, which are subject to annual disclosure requirements submitted to The Ohio Ethics Commission. Council members in question must abstain from voting when decisions arise that could financially benefit The Mennel Milling Co., as their roles within the company make them potential beneficiaries of such decisions.

WATCH: Brian Shaver Sworn In As Fostoria City Council President | 10/17/23

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Mayor Candidate Don Mennel & City Council Accused of NOT Representing Fostoria Citizens

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Mayor Candidate Don Mennel and Council faces strong accusations from City Council president.  Fostoria City Council President Jon “Steve” Kauffman resigned Tuesday evening during council’s regular meeting.

Kauffman was appointed to the position of president of the city council in 2016, and was later elected in 2019. He said he plans for his tenure to run through the end of September.

“It is with mixed emotions that I am resigning as of tonight,” Kauffman said at the end of the meeting. “I had a fun time and I appreciate all of the support.”

In a letter, Kauffman wrote the city had become a second home to him, and he wanted to make a difference by being president of the city council.

“Over the course of the last several months, I have watched this body stray from its primary function, to represent the best interest of the citizens of Fostoria,” his letter reads. “Many on the council and the city administration hold the residents in disdain, as is apparent from lack of accessibility to city officials, the eye rolls when members of the public speak at meetings, and the refusal to act as the check and balance for the administration.”

“The concerns of the city residents are being ignored, and the signs are evident throughout our city,” the letter reads. “Therefore, I am resigning my seat as City Council President of Fostoria, Ohio as of Sept. 30, 2023.”