Waterville preps for new plat, expanded Industrial Park

WATERVILLE – A new “village” will soon be under way along Pray Boulevard, as Waterville City Council held the first of three readings, during its Oct.12 meeting, to approve Plat 1 of Stonefield Village at Waterville Landing.

The plat includes 19 lots, zoned R-2, just east of the Steedman Apartments. While the lots are smaller than the original preliminary plan, they all meet the R-2 zoning, said Municipal Administrator Jon Gochenour, noting that the plat was approved by the city’s Planning Commission.

Greg Feller of Feller Finch & Associates explained that the trend is toward smaller lots with homes that still contain all of the amenities. The homes will range from 1,300 to 1,800 square feet, in both ranch style and two story, with two-car garages. Nationwide, there’s a push for more affordable housing, but keeping the price point down with a 2,000- to 2,500-square-foot home is difficult. He expects that the Stonefield Village homes will sell in the $300,000 range. “To keep young folks here, the price point has to be manageable,” agreed Mayor Tim Pedro, noting that most younger buyers cannot afford a $400,000 home.

Council also held a first reading on a rezoning of two parcels, at 8451 and 8551 Neapolis Waterville, from Agricultural to M-1 Light Industrial. The land, totaling 48 acres, was recently annexed into the city from Waterville Township. The Toledo Lucas County Port Authority owns those properties, along with another 48 acres just west of Farnsworth Industrial Park. The Port constructed the 1,800-foot Big Lucas Drive and installed a retention pond and all utilities, and is marketing the property for industrial development.

“The Planning Commission recommended approving the zoning change…based on its compatibility with the adjacent land,” Gochenour said, adding that when property is annexed from the township, the city requires rezoning so that it is in line with a city zoning classification.

Second and third readings on these two ordinances, for Stonefield Village and the Port-owned land, are scheduled for Oct. 26 and Nov. 9.

During the meeting, council also:

-Listened to resident Daniel Rieske share his concerns about Flock cameras. He cited several national cases where these license plate readers led to false arrests, or where the information was used to stalk people. Council Member Mary Duncan recommended that Rieske set up a time to speak with Police Chief Joe Valvano about the use of cameras in Waterville.

-Heard about the Drug Take Back Day planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station, which will offer a drive-thru for people to drop off unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications.

-Learned that the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Boo to Do on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downtown area, with businesses passing out candy to costumed kids. The Waterville Historical Society’s River Road campus will also be open with activities and treats.

-Discussed a tax sharing agreement with Waterville Township, in which the city shares 50 percent of tax revenue in some areas that were previously annexed. The 2026 payment to the township is $132,125.65.

-Agreed to Wayne Wagner‘s suggestion that the 2027 budget include a $25,000 increase, from $75,000, for both tree removal and planting, as the cost to have large trees removed is increasing.

-Heard Nick Sargent ask about the status of a DORA, or Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area. Gochenour said he’s spoken with chamber representatives, who are in favor of putting on into place, and the law director is getting legislation drafted for council to review.

-Heard an update on progress on the Roche de Boeuf Interurban Bridge work from Pedro, who said it’s going as planned.

-Heard Pedro suggest that the city host a coffee hour on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, for veterans to stop by council chambers.

-Held a first reading on an amendment to an ordinance regarding solid waste and recycling, to reflect how services are actually provided under the city’s new contract with Archbold Refuse Service, and also addressing concerns about proper storage of refuse and recycling containers. 

-Approved a third amendment to the 2026 annual appropriations, including additional expenses for police and fire overtime; inspection fees, part time salaries, engineering fees, water meters and municipal court costs, among others.

-Approved resolutions requesting the auditor release property taxes collected in advance of the March and August 2027 distribution dates; and to accept the amounts and rates set by the Lucas County Budget Commission for inside and outside property tax millage. The city has 3.25 outside mills and 3.7 inside mills. This is not a vote to raise taxes, Gochenour explained, but rather to certify millage that is already approved.