Proposed new department for parks, youth, and education programs on Toledo City Council agenda

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​Ordinance 42-21 which would establish a new Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth Services and Educational Engagement is on the agenda for Toledo City Council’s regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2. The new department would have responsibility for the operation of city parks and recreational facilities currently under the Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry within the Department of Public Service. The ordinance would also establish three divisions within the new department and direct them to develop various community programs, and appropriate an additional $2.5 million for services under the new department. The ordinance is expected to receive first reading and be referred to committee for further discussion.

Following a hearing on Ordinance 21-21 on Monday, Council may vote on the proposal which would authorize $75,000 for a contract with Campbell-Hill Aviation Group and KVA Consulting to conduct a study of the operations and governance of the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. Under the agreement, the Lucas County Commissioners would also contribute $75,000 toward the study.
 
Also at the meeting, Council is expected to vote on the following:

• Ordinance 49-21 which would approve $55,000 for D&I Solutions, LLC to conduct a study to assess the city’s level of awareness and organizational practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The consultant would also produce recommendations to advise the city on strategies for implementation to decrease inclusion barriers. 
• Ordinance 52-21 which would approve $507,000 to repair the seawall along the Maumee River near Promenade Park. The project would address safety concerns related to the riverfront multi-use path which would eventually be incorporated into the planned Metroparks Toledo Downtown Riverwalk. 
• Ordinance 53-21 which would approve $23,250 for the city’s share for design services for planned streetscape enhancements along Front Street between Main Street and the Craig Memorial Bridge. The ordinance would also authorize an agreement with Metroparks Toledo which would match the city’s contribution needed to cover the remaining 50 percent of project costs. Improvements would include traffic calming, crosswalks, planters, trees, and other amenities to compliment the Glass City Metropark.

 
The public may watch the council meeting online by visiting https://toledo.legistar.com and scrolling down to the February 2 meeting and clicking on “in progress”.

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​Tim Schneider
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​As Manager for Local Government Advocacy, Tim Schneider advocates for local policies and laws that safeguard and foster a pro-business environment in the Toledo Region. Tim has more than 10 years of legislative and public policy experience with the local, state and federal levels of government.