Development News for Tiffin, Ohio

City Council Considers Intern Pay and Discusses New Confidentiality Laws for Economic Development

The Director of Law, Zach Fowler, addressed two items: an ordinance to suspend the three-reading rule for establishing pay for a law school intern and a change in state law regarding the confidentiality of economic development assistance paperwork. Ordinance 2640 proposes to amend the city's pay ordinance to set a salary for an intern in the law school, noting that the part-time budget is already covered and will not affect the overall budget. Fowler also explained that a recent amendment to Ohio Revised Code Section 966 makes economic development assistance requests, applications (like CRA or tax incentive review council items), and related paperwork confidential. He noted that while this information is confidential before reaching council, it will differ once presented to council. The city administration plans to attend an Ohio Municipal League seminar on June 9th to understand these changes and may adjust processing procedures accordingly.

City Council Approves Stormwater and Sidewalk Easements, Discusses Parkway Development

The council considered several ordinances related to easements and property use. Ordinance 2026-36, authorizing the mayor to negotiate storm water easements from various property owners, was passed immediately with a 7-0 vote after suspension of the three-reading rule. Ordinance 2026-37 authorizes easements for sanitary sewers with Trilogy Real Estate Tiffen. Ordinance 2026-38 involves sanitary and stormwater sewer easements with Senica Industrial and Economic Development. Ordinance 2026-39, introduced by Council member John Hayes, authorizes accepting an easement from Tiffen Ra LLC for public sidewalk use on W Street. Hayes moved for immediate passage of 2026-39, citing that the company awaits permits before work begins. This ordinance also passed immediately with a 7-0 vote after suspension of the three-reading rule. The Law and Community Planning Committee also requested legislation regarding the 'tiff for Progress Parkway' without a committee meeting, as the issue was previously discussed.

Columbia Gas Outlines Noble Street Project Completion and Cove Street Infrastructure Upgrades

Columbia Gas of Ohio provided an update on ongoing and upcoming natural gas infrastructure projects. The Noble Street project is nearing completion with mainline and service line installations. The upcoming Cove Street AMRP project will focus on mainline upgrades in green sections and full mainline and service line replacement in blue sections, aiming to replace aging infrastructure with more durable plastic piping expected to last over 100 years. The project will involve pre-construction staking, underground camera work, and identification of other utilities by contractor Miller Pipeline. Service line installations will be appointment-based, requiring a resident over 18 to be present. Following service line work, appliances will be relit, with safety protocols in place. Temporary restoration with erosion control measures will be implemented, followed by final restoration to city ordinance standards, including topsoil and grass replacement. Road repairs will also occur if necessary, though this project primarily impacts the public right-of-way. The start dates for the Cove Street project were to be confirmed following a scheduling call.

City Council Considers Budget Amendments for Insurance Claims and Police Donations

The Director of Finance, Jill Lind Horse, requested legislative action to amend the 2026 budget ordinance (25-98). The amendment seeks to appropriate funds for the street maintenance department from three insurance claim checks received by the city. Additionally, $50 from a donation to the police department will be appropriated. This request was prepared as ordinance 26-42.