Fostoria Public Access Ordinance FAILS due to lack of clarification & support

“Ordinance No.: 2025 – ____: Enacting new Section 109.02 of Chapter 109 of the
Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled “CONTROL OF ACCESS TO CITY-
OWNED, CONTROLLED AND LEASED PROPERTY” to establish regulations for conduct
within and upon City property. (Third reading)”

FOSTORIA: During the Fostoria City Council meeting on June 18, 2025, Councilman Greg Cassidy was the only member in favor of moving forward with enacting the Public Access Ordinance. Councilwoman Amy Mendoza objected to the ordinance, which led to a mild argument between the two. Cassidy stated, “Apparently, you don’t know what goes on,” as he emphasized his position.

Councilman Alexander Grine raised concerns about Section B of Ordinance 109.02. He also pointed out a spelling error in the “vaping” line of text.

Cassidy expressed concern about the lack of control over individuals entering the building with cameras or audio recorders. He highlighted the potential for private conversations to be recorded without consent, which could lead to misuse.

Councilman Robert Podach stressed the need for an alternative decision-maker besides the Safety Services Director. “We’re setting ourselves up for failure if we don’t have the I’s crossed and T’s dotted,” he said. “I hate passing things through and then having to fix them.”

Ordinance 109.02 was tabled due to the lack of a motion.