FOSTORIA - Fostoria Municipal Court was again front and center during a Fostoria City Council meeting Tuesday night.
Mayor Eric Keckler was adamant that it is his wish the Fostoria court stays in Fostoria with sessions on multiple days and a functional clerk's office.
Councilman Paul Feasel echoed those sentiments, saying he didn't know where the rumors of closure came from but that closing the Fostoria court has never been mentioned.
Finance director Steve Garner gave a presentation on the 2013 city budget, which estimated a four percent loss in revenue in the current year's budget and also for next year. Councilman David Bettenhausen expressed a concern regarding the negative balances forecast, but voted in favor of the budget plan.
City Engineer Dan Thornton announced sewer cleaning has begun this week and may inconvenience some residents. The Ohio EPA recommends sewer cleaning as a method to maximize flow while reducing sewer overflows. Sewer cleaning also is performed prior to televising sewers with a camera to observe defects in the line.
Thornton also explained some stop lights have been replaced with stop signs. A list of intersections had been developed, not on state routes, that are being investigated as to the number of vehicles using them. If a certain amount of traffic volume is not met, along with other criteria, lights may be removed. Older traffic lights have higher maintenance issues and parts costs according to Thornton, saying that some lights are more tham 25 years old.
In other news, council:
Approved a resolution to reconstitute DARE program under the supervision of safety-service director.
Approved an ordinance to amend traffic control map, modifying Wood, West Center, Perry and West High streets to be regulated as four way stops.
Approved an ordinance approving 2013 city budget.
Approved an ordinance authorizing safety-service director to advertise for bids and enter into contract with approved bidder for 2012 street program.
Council is to meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in the municipal building.
