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

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

An ordinance that 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, March 2. The new department created by Ordinance 42-21 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 and operations. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has encouraged Council to delay a vote on this proposal to provide adequate time to determine the need for this proposal. 

Also at the meeting, Council is expected to vote on the following: 

• Ordinance 102-21 which would approve $124,113 to Open Counter Enterprises, Inc. for a one-year agreement, with an option to renew for two additional years, for a web-based commercial and residential permit portal. According to the city, the new portal would streamline and add accessibility and transparency to the process for complying with building and zoning permit requirements. 
• Ordinance 112-21 which would require licensed tow truck operators to remove spilled vehicle fluid when removing a vehicle involved in a collision. The ordinance would also require use of city approved floor-dry products for fluid cleanup and allow for associated costs to be charged by the tow truck operator to the vehicle owner.

 
Ordinance 73-21 is expected to be referred back to the administration. The ordinance would approve a two-year contract with a one-year renewal option with the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education to provide recruiting and hiring services for internship positions within City of Toledo departments. According to the city, the contract will support the city’s plans to expand internship opportunities at the city for both college and high school students. The City has expressed a desire to renew its relationship with the University of Toledo on a potential internship program.
 
The public may watch the council meeting online by visiting https://toledo.legistar.com and scrolling down to the March 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.