Legislative Update #11

Yesterday, June 15th, City Council held its twelfth regular meeting of 2026.  I can’t believe we are already halfway through the year! Three pieces of legislation were introduced and three were adopted.

Ordinance 9363 authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into a contract with PowerSecure, inc. for the PowerBlock Voltage Conversion Project was introduced. This project involves replacing a transformer in order to use a generator at the Water Pollution Control Facility for back up power. The generator has been used for peak shaving and back up power in the past, but a voltage upgrade a few years ago necessitates a new transformer in order for use as a back up once again. Funding will come from the 2026 Electrical Capital Reserve Fund.

Ordinance 9364 authorizing the Utilities Director to sell surplus electrical equipment no longer needed for municipal purposes was introduced. This will allow the City to sell the transformer being replaced.

Ordinance 9365 amending and adopting changes to Section 150.44(J)(6)(b) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, regarding Accessory Uses was introduced. This legislation came from Council member Bill Herald. It will change the language under Specific Use Regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the zoning code. Currently, one of the dwelling units on any lot with an ADU must be occupied for at least 180 days per year by the owner of the lot or structure, or if it has multiple owners or is owned by a corporation, one of those owners or one of the members of the corporation must occupy one of the dwelling units for at least 180 days. The proposed change would require one of the units on a lot with an ADU be the principal residence of an owner. In the case of ownership by corporation, one of the dwelling units would need to be the principal residence of a member of the corporation who has at least 50% ownership in the corporation. A public hearing for Ordinance 9365 will be held July 20th at 6 pm in Council Chambers.

Ordinance 9361 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to seek qualifications, advertise for bids, and enter into contracts for design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and other services relating to the construction of a shared use path on North Main Street from Poe Road to Nims Road and declaring an emergency was given its third reading, after the rules were suspended, and adopted with an emergency clause. This shared use path is being funded through the Safe Streets for All program. The emergency clause and accelerated reading was needed to maintain the project timeline.

Resolution 3907 authorizing the Mayor to apply for, accept, and administer funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program, including the execution of agreements and adoption of required plans, policies, and procedures was adopted. CDBG projects include housing rehabilitation and repair, transitional housing for homeless, and public transportation.

Ordinance 9358 authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into an Electric Rate Stabilization Agreement with American Municipal Power, Inc was adopted. This is a part of the recommendations from Sawvel & Associates from the new Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study presented to the Board of Public Utilities. The recommendations included borrowing to meet required debt service ratio and stabilizing rates through AMP’s rate stabilization program.

Tonight is the Wood County America 250 Block Party  and I hope to see you there! From 4-8 pm there will be music, activities, food trucks, and treats at the Wood County Courthouse.

As always, contact me with any questions or concerns.

Next week is Pollinator Week! Feel free to drop your own pollinator pictures in the comments.