Fostoria introduces new communication platform

FOSTORIA — Members of Fostoria City Council heard a presentation Tuesday regarding a new citywide notification system designed to improve how residents receive updates. Assistant Safety Service Director Madison Stearns introduced the system, which will allow residents to receive city alerts by text message, mobile app or email. The platform, provided through CivicPlus, is intended to expand communication beyond the city's current methods of social media (Facebook) and its website. Stearns said existing methods can be inconsistent, noting not all residents use Facebook or regularly check the city's website, and important updates, such as road closures or water main breaks, may not currently reach everyone in a timely manner. The system will allow users to select notification categories including emergency alerts, street closures, water service issues, winter weather updates and community events. Department heads will also have access to a mapping feature that allows alerts to be targeted to specific areas of the city, ensuring affected residents receive notifications even if they are not subscribed to a particular category. The system is one-way communication, meaning residents cannot reply directly to messages, but will be directed to contact city offices for additional information. Notifications can be delivered via SMS, email or a mobile app (or all three at once). To sign up, residents can visit https://portal.civicplus.com/OH-Fostoria/notifications. Administrative reports In other news, members of council heard an update from Councilwoman Amy Mendoza regarding the city's Arbor Day coloring contest, which invites children ages 3-17 to submit artwork highlighting the importance of trees, with winning entries to be displayed publicly and shared online. Coloring pages are available at the Water Office, Fostoria Learning Center and Kaubisch Memorial Library, and completed entries must be returned to one of those locations with a name, age and phone number. Entries are due April 29, with winners to be announced on Arbor Day (April 30). Additionally, Mayor Don Mennel recognized Assistant Safety Service Director Stearns for her work on the city's revised personnel policy manual. Safety Service Director Eric Keckler reported on the city's participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) road salt program, noting the city must submit its request by the end of April to remain part of the purchasing program. Finance Director Steve Dandurand discussed legislation related to a new urban forestry grant, which would fund tree planting efforts and require the creation of a dedicated fund and appropriations to support the project. During the public portion of the meeting, resident Deb Tyson raised concerns about conditions at Reservoir No. 1, including dead fish and complaints from fishermen. Tyson said residents should be encouraged to contact city administration directly with concerns before bringing them to council. Passed legislation Several pieces of legislation were also approved at the meeting, including multiple resolutions and ordinances, many of which were passed as emergency measures with the suspension of the three-reading rule. • Res. 2026-18: A resolution to authorize, direct and empower the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, to execute an application with the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Community Enhancements, for up to $1,050,000 in funds for Program Year 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program (CHIP) Funds. • Res. 2026-19: A resolution to authorize, direct and empower the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Fostoria, Ohio, to enter into a Joint Cooperating Agreement between Seneca County, the city of Tiffin and the City of Fostoria for the program year 2026 Community Housing Impact & Preservation (CHIP) program for the purpose of addressing local housing needs, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Res. 2026-20: A resolution to authorize participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation road salt contracts awarded in 2026, and declaring an emergency to exist (with suspending the three-reading rule). • Res. 2026-21: A resolution amending the salary range for the position of full-time appointed or hourly contracted Director of Finance for the City of Fostoria, Ohio, and declaring an emergency to exist (with suspending the three-reading rule). • Res. 2026-22: A resolution appointing Damon Smith as Director of Finance for the City of Fostoria, Ohio, and declaring an emergency to exist (with suspending the three-reading rule). • Ord. 2026-23: An ordinance to amend ordinance 2023-68 concerning compensation for the appointed Director of Finance, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ord. 2026-24: An ordinance establishing the City of Fostoria's Ohio DNR Urban Forestry Grant Fund, and declaring an emergency to exist. • Ord. 2026-25: An ordinance adopting and amending ordinance 2025-83 (Permanent 2026 Appropriations) by appropriating funds and advancing funds to the Ohio DNR Urban Forestry Grant Fund, and declaring an emergency to exist. Lastly, Council entered executive session for approximately 20 minutes to discuss personnel and collective bargaining matters. Following the executive session, council approved a labor agreement between the city and the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association covering full-time patrol officers and detectives for the period of Jan. 1, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2028. The next regularly scheduled city council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.