VERMILION, OHIO — May 19, 2025
Vermilion City Council met Monday evening at the Municipal Court Complex to vote on a series of ordinances and hear from residents on matters ranging from recreational sponsorship to street parking and municipal spending.
Council members in attendance were Ward 1’s Patricia West, Ward 2’s Greg Drew, Ward 3’s Drew Werley, Ward 4’s Jeff Lucas, Ward 5’s Brian Holmes, At-Large Member Gary Howell, and Council President John Gabriel. Mayor Jim Forthofer and directors from finance, law, and service departments were also present. City Engineer Chris Howard was absent. Melanie Wood served as acting clerk. Longtime Clerk Gwen Fisher is set to retire; her final meeting was held May 12.
Public Participation
Jacqui Adkins and Amie Martin, representing the Kiwanis Club of Vermilion, raised concerns about a breakdown in communication with the Recreation Department. They reported that a youth baseball team sponsorship submitted in March was misapplied to the basketball program. Despite follow-up attempts, the group said they were unable to get clarity or confirmation of their sponsorship’s use.
Marc Zander, a South Street resident, spoke against Ordinance 2025-35, which would ban parking near his home. He argued the proposed 230-foot restriction exceeds state standards and would unfairly impact his household. Council members responded by clarifying the ordinance originated from driveway access and visibility concerns.
Alec Bonawit questioned the city’s use of general fund dollars to purchase vehicles for departments with independent revenue streams, such as the Water Department. He also asked whether the Port Authority had made repayments on a past city loan. Council President Gabriel confirmed that payments are being made.
Legislative Action
Council approved a series of major capital expenditures and budget transfers, including:
- Ordinance 2025-10: $350,000 transfer to the Wastewater Capital Fund – Passed 6–1 (Werley opposed)
- Ordinance 2025-33: $114,566 for a new truck chassis – Passed 5–2 (Howell, Werley opposed)
- Ordinance 2025-26: $138,044 for snow and ice equipment – Passed 5–2 (Howell, Werley opposed)
- Ordinance 2025-30: $950,000 to the Streets Fund – Passed 6–1 (Werley opposed)
- Ordinance 2025-31: Amended 2025 budget appropriations – Passed unanimously
- Ordinance 2025-32: Created the Senior Citizen Activity Fund – Passed unanimously
- Ordinance 2025-35: South Street parking ban – Tabled and sent to Legislative Committee
- Ordinance 2025-36: Created the Clerk Computerization Fund – Passed unanimously
- Ordinance 2025-37: Banned open fires on public beaches – Passed 6–1 (Werley opposed)
- Ordinance 2025-38: Approved cemetery management contract – Passed unanimously
- Ordinances 2025-39 & 2025-41: Received second readings; no vote held
Administrative Updates
Mayor Forthofer reported that the city received a $32,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to support river patrol operations. He also addressed questions about whether Vermilion Township may resume control of its own building department, indicating the city would cooperate if requested.
The mayor also noted that Yves Development is in the early stages of exploring a multi-unit housing project on the former Decatur Street school property, though no plans have been submitted for review.
He concluded by recognizing the success of the Main Street Beach and Park dedication held on May 18, which marked the completion of a major lakefront revitalization project.
Finance Director Amy Hendricks provided updates on fund appropriations, citing court costs associated with a state case and detailing transfers to funds supporting infrastructure, senior programming, and equipment purchases. The Service and Law Directors had no additional reports.
Executive Session and Upcoming Meetings
Council entered executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss labor negotiations. No action was taken following the session.
The next regular council meetings are scheduled for June 2 and June 16.
