FOSTORIA - Fostoria Law Director Tim Hoover made no bones regarding Fostoria Municipal Court at Fostoria's city council meeting Tuesday evening. Concerning the possibility of a merger between the Tiffin court and Fostoria's, Hoover asked rhetorically "Are we best served by a merger plan? I submit not."
Hoover gave a presentation in which he spelled out disadvantages which may arise, including a savings to Fostoria of $26,040 with an increase in Tiffin's revenue by $39,704 after a 100-week period based on 2011 considerations. Other issues included police overtime, lack of local accountability for judges and prosecutors, witness travel costs and high business costs for landlords.
City prosecutor Barbara Dibble said the city has approximately $600,000 in fines that have not yet been collected and a collection company is seeking a third of that. She said $40,000 was collected in 2011. Some local attorneys also voiced opposition to the idea, while Mayor Eric Keckler said the Ohio Supreme Court frowns on the idea of a part-time court, and he would fight to save the court from being shut down.
In other news, the board:
Approved an ordinance allowing the safety-service director to advertise for bids and contract with lowest and best bidder for Spruce Street waterline improvements.
Approved an ordinance vacating a portion of an alley in yhe First Ward.
Approved an ordinance amending a section of codified ordinances related to registration of contractors.
Approved a resolution allowing the mayor to file application for FY12 CDBG funds.
Approved an ordinance allowing for the funding for the purchase of a generator and equipment for the municipal building.
Approved an ordinance to allow the safety-service director to implement the sidewalk improvement project along with a resolution adopting the Fair Housing Policy.
Voted down an ordinance to change Fostoria's public records
policy.
Heard first readings on legislation to amend the traffic control map with Wood, West Center, Perry and West High streets to become four-way stops via stop signs.
Heard the second reading of legislation to amend codified ordinances regarding registration of licenses of taxi drivers operating in the city.
Heard the second reading of legislation to approve agreement regarding multi-agency radio communications system program.
Council is to meet at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at the municipal building.
