Legislative Update #1

My first month on City Council is nearly complete! I continue to be grateful for this opportunity to serve.

During the first meeting of the year, January 5th, three ordinances were adopted. No new legislation was introduced. During the second meeting, Tuesday, January 20th, one ordinance was adopted and seven pieces of draft legislation were introduced.

Legislation adopted by City Council January 5th:

Ordinance 9331 authorized the Utilities Director to enter into contracts with Novotx for professional services. Ordinance 9332 accepted a deed from Bowling Green Economic Development. Ordinance 9333 dedicated a perpetual easement for highway purposes without limitation of existing access rights in the name and for the use of the City of Bowling Green. This easement is along part of Wintergarden Park on S Wintergarden Rd.

Legislation adopted by City Council January 20th:

Resolution 3899 approved agreements and authorized the Municipal Administrator to sign the agreements between the City of Bowling Green and Town and Country Animal Health Care, LLC to provide incentives available for project development in the Bowling Green Community Reinvestment Area east.

Draft legislation introduced for first reading January 20th (all ordinances receive three readings, the rules can be suspended in order for multiple readings to happen at the same meeting):

Transportation and Safety Committee

Ordinances 9335 and 9336 would be the next steps in two sidewalk projects. 9335 is for South Wintergarden Road from North Street to Wintergarden Park. 9336 is for Conneaut Ave from Cedar Lane to Wintergarden Road.

Public Utilities Committee

The City owns property that is currently leased for agricultural purposes. At the end of 2026, the leases on eight properties expire. Ordinance 9337 would allow the Utilities Director to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for the lease of those properties.

Ordinance 9338 would allow the Utilities Director to sell vehicles and equipment no longer needed for municipal purposes. The list of vehicles and equipment is available in the draft legislation which can be found on the City’s website under Government - Agendas & Minutes - City Council - January 20, 2026 - City Council Regular Meeting Materials.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

Ordinance 9339 would amend and adopt changes to Sections 38.02 and 70.41 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bowling Green regarding classification of civil offenses and storage of recreational vehicles.

Ordinance 9340 would amend the zoning district map of the City of Bowling Green for approximately 4.979 acres on W Newton Rd from IE Innovation & Employment to I Institutional zoning. This is next to the Community Center for one of the new fire stations.

Ordinance 9341 would amend the zoning district map of the City of Bowling Green for approximately 5.8 acres at 1168 N Main St from C Commercial to IE Innovation & Employment zoning. This property was most recently used as an office building for Poggemeyer Design Group.

The required public hearings for Ordinances 9340 & 9341 will be held March 2nd at 6:30 pm in City Council Chamber.

The agenda and draft legislation to be introduced at City Council’s next meeting, Monday, February 2nd, is currently available on the City’s website in the Agenda Center.

I have had a busy month working to get familiar with city operations and the legislative process. I have met with the Mayor, City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, City Attorney, Utilities Director, Assistant Utilities Director, Planning Director, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and additional members of the police and fire departments. I received a tour of the Court Street Fire Station, Police Station, and City Administration Building. In the spring, I plan to tour the Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment facilities as well as do a police ride along.

In addition to City Council meetings, I continue to attend Tree Commission and Parks and Recreation Board meetings. I plan to attend or watch recordings of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.

City Council President Mark Hollenbaugh assigned me to chair the Planning, Zoning, & Economic Development Committee and be a member of the Public Utilities Committee and Parks, Recreation, & Public Lands Committee.

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email. My best contact information is on the City’s website under Government - ELECTED OFFICIALS City Council - Katelyn Elliott, Council Member