And Whitehouse Fire response times drop
ANTHONY WAYNE – Waterville City Council approved a conditional use permit for a new Meijer store and gas station at the corner of Pray Boulevard and S.R. 64 during its Nov. 10 meeting. In Whitehouse, Mayor Rich Bingham honored long-time Tree Commission member Sheri Luedtke, employees James Forrest and Mike Hill. In addition, Fire Chief Jason Francis reported a drop in response times over the past decade. Here is a recap of the two AW-area meetings.
Waterville
Meijer will begin site work for a 159,935-square-foot retail store and 3,660-square-foot gas station and convenience store at the southwest corner of Pray Boulevard and S.R. 64, after Waterville City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for the project during its Nov. 10 meeting.
Brian Smallwood of Wolpert, Inc., an agent for Meijer Stores, presented updates to the site plan, facade and traffic study, based on prior input from council and the city’s Planning Commission. The main store will have two main entrances for the grocery and home good areas, as well as a garden store, e-commerce pickup and customer service area.
“I think you will be a great addition to this community,” said Anthony Bruno. “It will be nice to give our citizens options.”
During the meeting, council members asked questions and made suggestions for how Meijer could best fit into the community. Wayne Wagner suggested that Meijer consider accommodating the county recycling bins that were displaced by the construction of Auto Zone in the Kroger out lot several years ago. He also asked if the lights could be dimmed in the evening so as not to affect the growth rate of the nearby soybean field, as growth typically occurs at night.
“We have the ability to shut off or dim a significant number of lights,” said Smallwood, explaining that while the store will not be open 24 hours a day, some lights will need to be left on for the safety of employees who do overnight stocking.
Both Wagner and John Rozic shared concerns about adding another fuel station to the city – which already has Speedway and Kroger gas stations at the same corner, plus a Circle K downtown.
“This will be a huge hurt to their business,” Wagner said about the existing fuel centers.
The M Express gas station is a significant portion of the Meijer business now, Smallwood said, explaining that about 25 to 30 percent of Meijer customers cross shop, using their M Perks credits for discounts on fuel.
Resident Scott Jahns spoke in favor of the gas station.
“The competition will drive the cost down,” Jahns said, noting that Waterville tends to have higher prices than elsewhere in the area.
Rozic also urged Meijer to create a facade that is distinctive to Waterville.
“It’s a beautiful store, but it’s a Meijer store – not something that’s Waterville or Anthony Wayne,” Rozic said, suggesting that Smallwood look into utilizing Carruth designs or materials used throughout the city. “I want it to look like it belongs here, not just dropped in from Maumee or Sylvania.”
Meijer takes a lot of pride in building stores with high-quality construction and believe in the look of the store, but will incorporate local landmarks and history inside its community area, Smallwood said.
“Meijer truly does want to be a part of the community and puts a lot of emphasis on trying to do that,” he said.
Another one of Rozic’s suggestions – to ban overnight parking of semis and campers – was accepted and included in the permit during the vote.
As part of the permit, Meijer agrees to complete traffic improvements as recommended by a traffic impact study, including a right-in, right-out driveway on S.R. 64 similar to the one at the Kroger gas station; three driveways on Pray Boulevard; a 480-foot westbound right-turn lane on the north side of S.R. 64 onto northbound U.S. 24; and, when approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation, the installation of an eastbound U.S. 24 ramp traffic signal within 24 months after an occupancy permit.
The Meijer signage will be smaller than the Kroger sign, blending in with the site, said administrator John Gochenour. Lighting will be downward directed to prevent light spillage in the 526-space lot. Site work is expected to begin soon and includes filling in the current pond and constructing two stormwater detention facilities.
“I’m thrilled you are coming,” said Council Member Mary Duncan, noting that many have asked for a pharmacy.
Council members asked about two outlots available for development. Smallwood said Meijer is in discussion with a possible tenant but cannot reveal the name at this time.
Resident Nick Sargent asked about security to prevent thefts. Meijer has onsite security, as well as cameras that continuously monitor the parking lot, front of store and interior, but will work with local law enforcement on prevention.
Pointing to the recent land use plan update, resident Paul Miller said that those who responded to a survey of wants answered that they didn’t want townhomes, apartments or industrial.
“Meijer we want,” he said.
During the meeting, council also:
-Listened to Mayor Tim Pedro say that Waterville residents who are interested in filling two seats on council that will be vacant as of Jan. 1 should send in a letter of interest by Friday, Dec. 5. Anthony Bruno decided not to run for a third term, and John Rozic is term limited. Mary Duncan was the only candidate for the three open seats and will serve a third term.
–Listened to residents Paul Miller and Lisa Urie speak about community planning and data centers. Miller said the area proposed for a data center doesn’t fit in with what he read in the recently updated land use plan. He urged council to consider a ban rather than a moratorium, which is up for discussion during the Monday, Nov. 24 meeting. Urie compared Waterville to the town in It’s A Wonderful Life and pointed out that wealth doesn’t necessarily bring joy to a community.
-Heard that Helms and Sons of Findlay was the low bidder, at $1.5 million, for the Waterville-Monclova Road widening project slated for 2026. The city will pay just 6 percent, or $88,339, for construction, as a federal grant of $1.1 million and Ohio Public Works Commission grant of $293,283 will cover the majority.
-Learned that the Ohio Department of Taxation has approved, after several months, the city’s plans for a downtown redevelopment tax incentive district. The first payments should come through in March 2026.
Whitehouse Council Nov. 4
Whitehouse Fire Department response times have dramatically dropped in the past decade, Fire Chief Jason Francis announced during the Nov. 4 Whitehouse Village Council meeting.
In figures comparing 2015 to 2025, both the turnout time – how long it takes between dispatch until a vehicle is on the way – and the response time, which is from the dispatch to arrival on scene, dropped significantly. The turnout time for fire dropped from 4:18 to 1:10 and for EMS from 3:19 to 1:09. Response times went from 9:52 to 5:57 for fire and from 6:40 to 5:13 for EMS.
“These improvements aren’t just numbers – they represent real outcomes in our community,” Francis said.
A 3-4 minute reduction in fire response time can mean the difference between a small, contained fire and a fully involved structure.
“That’s tens of thousands of dollars in property save and, more importantly, lives saved,” Francis said.
Saving 1-2 minutes on EMS calls can double survival chances for cardiac arrest victims and dramatically improve outcomes for trauma patients.
“These are minutes that matter. And they’re minutes we earned through strategic operational investments, not by chance,” he said.
He thanked council for supporting improvements in staffing and deployment enhancements; increased Advanced Life Support personnel; investing in training and readiness; upgraded technology and station alerting systems; and co-op partnerships and mutual aid improvements that expand response capacity and regional support.
“These changes have cut precious minutes off every phase of response, improving our performance and strengthening public trust,” Francis said.
During the meeting, council also:
-Recognized Sheri Luedtke for her years of serving the community, as a member of the Tree Commission and other boards. Mayor Rich Bingham said her quiet leadership has made a difference in the village. With the Tree Commission, Luedtke was integral in securing Tree City USA status and annual Growth Awards, and actively educated the community on invasive species, proper tree planting and other topics. Over the years, she has served on the Whitehouse Library board of directors, organized the summer farmer’s market and volunteered with the Anthony Wayne Community Food Ministry.
-Heard about plans for the Saturday, Dec. 6 holiday celebration that is estimated to bring in 4,000 residents and guests for a 5k race, parade, tree lighting, vendors, crafts for kids and a visit from Santa Claus. The event takes place from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The 5k, hosted by Run Toledo, will benefit Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
-Recognized Public Service Director Mike Hill and employee James Forrest for their 25 years of service to the village.
-Learned that RX Solutions will be opening a pharmacy in early 2026, based out 6729 Providence St. The pharmacy will offer free delivery of medications. Contact them at 419-558-0800.
-Heard that a Toys For Tots collection competition between Whitehouse and Waterville is underway as of Nov. 10.
-Listened to Bingham say that he met with representatives of Carlyle Group, which is purchasing BASF Coatings, to discuss growth opportunities for the Industrial Drive business. Carlyle will take over in the second quarter of 2026.
-Discussed options for assisting residents impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits and government workers, including those at the 180th Fighter Wing, who had not been paid. Council authorized administrator Jordan Daugherty to look at options and use up to $2,500 to provide assistance either through local food banks or other methods.
-Agreed to move forward with plans to have murals painted on walls in town.
