Legislative Update #6

Welcome to the second quarter of 2026! I have another legislative update for you.

Bowling Green City Council held a regular meeting April 6th. Three pieces of legislation were introduced and one was adopted.

Resolution 3905 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to give consent, enter into contracts, and execute appropriate documents for Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for Project ID no. 114710 was introduced. This relates to work ODOT will be doing on the Napoleon Rd bridgedeck over I-75 in 2027.

Ordinance 9347 authorizing the Utilities Director to sign an agreement with Bowling Green State University for exterior painting of the Carter Park Water Tower and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Herald asked if the design BGSU chooses will be available. Utilities Director Brian O’Connell said he will share it with Council when he receives it. The City does have approval power.

Ordinance 9348 authorizing the development of a Solar Generation Project and authorizing the Utilities Director to negotiate and enter into required agreements for the project. The City is in the process of developing solar fields estimated at 10-12 megawatts. One of the benefits will be reducing our utility’s transmission and capacity costs.

Ordinance 9344 vacating a portion of Coleman Avenue and reserving a utility easement was adopted. The required public hearing was held before the Council meeting by the Planning, Zoning, & Economic Development Committee. We heard from the homeowner who had requested the change.

Also during the meeting, after the second reading of Ordinance 9346 amending and adopting Chapter 155 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of BG, regarding Community Reinvestment Areas, Councilmember Dennis suggested it might make sense to eliminate the owner occupancy requirement currently covering residential properties of 1-3 units in size. Mayor Aspacher was supportive. I want to hear from you on this issue.

Community Reinvestment Areas allow for a 50% tax reduction on the relevant improvements done to a residential property for 10 years. The reduction only applies to the value of the improvements. It can be new construction or significant renovation. The current required value of the renovation is $25,000. This legislation would increase it to $50,000 in order to qualify.

The City first approved the residential portion of this economic development tool in 2024. This is a way to spur development and improve our housing and neighborhoods. The majority of our residents are renters and the majority of our housing is 2+ units in size.

 Upcoming Events

14th Annual Community Earth Day Celebration April 19, 2-4 pm BG Montessori School 515 Sand Ridge Rd

City Council Finance Committee Meeting April 20, 6:30 pm Q1 report, Council Chamber

City Council Regular Meeting April 20, 7 pm, Council Chamber