FOSTORIA - Fostoria City Council heard a first reading on legislation at its Tuesday evening session which would repeal an ordinance and approve another in the codified ordinances regarding regulation of sweepstake terminal cafes.
The stated purpose of chapter 743 is to " establish standards for licensing, regulation and control of computerized sweepstake devices and sweepstake terminal cafes and similar operations " The objectives of the chapter as stated are to " prevent violation of state and local laws relative to gambling, safety and fire hazards, disturbances, disruption of pedestrian traffic, disorderly assemblies, theft of personal property, and truance with the City."
According to the ordinance, an annual, non-transferable license must be issued to each cafe and an additional license for each computer terminal. The fee for a cafe license was set at $4,000 annually and each sweepstakes terminal device at $100 annually.
A resolution was approved with one abstention requesting the Ohio General Assembly and state Supreme Court to draft legislation to modify Title 19 of the Ohio Revised Code regarding the merger of the Tiffin and Fostoria municipal courts. At large councilwoman Georgiana Widmer abstained due to being a relative of Judge Mark Repp, who would preside over the court.
The abandonment of SR 613 will be discussed at a public hearing scheduled by the Ohio Department of Transportation at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in council chambers.
Council also approved legislation:
Approving renewal of a fishing agreement between city and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources regarding Lake Lamberjack and Lake Motram.
Reauthorizing selling of obsolete and unneeded city equipment through internet auctions.
Augmenting the city's authority to draw funds from drug enforcement fund.
Second readings were heard on legislation authorizing license pay for supervisors in the Department of Public Service and amending an ordinance covering the mayor's staff and seasonal employees.
A first reading was heard on an ordinance making an alley one way between North Main and Perry streets.
The next city council meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in council chambers.
