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Street Closures for Ohio Bike Week
Ohio Bike Week is returning to downtown Sandusky its annual Block Party.
The downtown block party event will take place June 1-June 3. Street closures and parking restrictions will begin on Wednesday, May 31. The closures and restrictions vary by day. Click KEEP READING below to view the full list of closures and to view the event map.

Spring Citywide Cleanup

Columbus Ave Underpass to Reopen One-Way
Click KEEP READING below for more information

Public Comment for E. Perkins Ave. Project
The City of Sandusky submitted a grant application to the Erie County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for funding resurfacing on part of E. Perkins Ave.
The city was successful in receiving the grant funds which will cover 80% of the eligible proposed improvements along Perkins Avenue. The project consists of milling existing pavements, resurfacing with intermediate and surface courses of asphalt, full depth and partial depth base repairs, as needed, limited curb and gutter improvements, adjustments of manholes, catch basins and valve boxes, new ADA curb ramps and pavement markings. Work includes some waterline replacement and extending the sidewalk on the north side of the roadway from Balconi Monuments to Remington Avenue, connecting pedestrians on the East side of town to the US 250 business corridor.
There is a 30-day public comment period for this project.
Click KEEP READING below for more information.

Special Election for Charter Amendment - February 28
There will be a special election on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 for a proposed amendment to the Charter of the City of Sandusky. This item, called Issue 1, will be the only item on the ballot. For information about your polling location or absentee voting, you can contact the Erie County Board of Elections at 419-627-7601 or visit www.boe.ohio.gov/erie.
The City Charter requires the City to mail the ballot language of the charter amendment to every registered voter in the city of Sandusky. The mailer was sent out to every voter the week of January 16. The mailer also includes a cover letter signed by six of the seven Sandusky City Commissioners.
Click KEEP READING below to view the ballot language and letter from the City Commission.

Sandusky Transit System Service Changes Begin February 1
The Sandusky Transit System (STS) is announcing operational changes to its fixed route bus service that will go into effect on February 1, 2023.
The following changes will take effect on February 1, 2023:
- The operating hours of the Green Line and Purple Line will be reduced from 6:00am-10:00pm to 6:00am-8:00pm. Both lines will continue to operate Monday-Saturday.
- The Orange Line will be consolidated with the Yellow Line, which will run once per hour from downtown Sandusky to the BGSU-Firelands campus. Select stops on the former Orange Line will be eliminated including Hancock/Monroe, Scott, Sandusky Plaza, Erie/Cleveland, Farwell/Cleveland, and the Cleveland Rd. stops just west of Rye Beach Rd. A map of the new Yellow Line route is posted at SanduskyTransit.com.
- The Yellow Line will run on an Off-Season and Peak Season Schedule. During the Off-Season (November 1- April 30) the line will run Monday-Saturday from 6:30am-8:30pm. During the Peak Season (May 1- October 31), the line will run seven days per week from 6:30am-12:30am.
In 2022, STS began the process of a creating a Transit Development Plan in coordination with the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Division of Transit. This planning process included multiple public meetings, interviews with stakeholders, and an operational and financial analysis of STS’s current operations. The final report will be issued in the coming weeks and STS will begin implementing these select recommendations from the report beginning February 1. These changes are intended to increase the efficiency of STS’s operations and reduce the cost of operating the system, while having minimal impact on riders. The changes are expected to reduce operating expenses by 10%, while affecting fewer than 1% of riders.
STS completed an equity analysis and held a public meeting in early January regarding the proposed changes. The service changes have been approved by ODOT’s Division of Transit.
More information about the changes is available at SanduskyTransit.com. STS understands the importance of public transportation and is committed to providing our riders with the best possible service.
For any questions related to the services changes, please contact James Stacey, Transit Administrator, at jstacey@cityofsandusky.com or 419-627-5715.
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Public Comment for E. Water St. & Monroe St. Projects
The City of Sandusky submitted a grant application to the Erie County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for funding construction for projects on E. Water St. and W. Monroe St.
The City has been awarded $474,477 in grant funding to cover a portion of the improvements along E. Water St. between Shoreline Drive/Franklin St. to Meigs St. The City has been awarded $340,823 in grant funding to cover a portion of the improvements along W. Monroe St. from Broadway St. to Camp St.
There is a 30-day public comment period for both of these projects.
Click KEEP READING below for more information.

Christmas Tree Disposal
- Trees must be placed on the boulevard by 7:00 am on the scheduled pick-up day. (Real trees only. NO artificial trees.)
- Do not place trees in the street.
- All decorative items must be removed. This includes bulbs, garland, tinsel, tree stands, etc.

City is Preparing for Winter Weather Event
Click KEEP READING below for more information

2022 Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony

New Action Sports Park Design Process
The City of Sandusky has teamed up with OHM Advisors and Spohn Ranch Skateparks to begin a design process for the Sandusky Action Sports Park, which will be located in the area currently known as the Skate Park and Pump Track. The first public meeting open house will be Thursday, November 17, from 5-6:30pm at the Mylander Pavilion at the Jackson Street Pier. Please join us to share your thoughts and help shape the design for this exciting new all-wheel facility!
We encourage people to fill out an online survey to give feedback as well.
Click for Survey

Sandusky City Manager Announces Departure for Position with Cuyahoga County

City Hall Closed on Election Day and Veterans Day
City Hall will be closed Tuesday, November 8 for Election Day and Friday, November 11 for Veterans Day.
City Hall will be open normal hours Monday, November 7, Wednesday, November 9, and Thursday, November 10.
City utility bill payments can always be dropped off at the drop box on East Washington Row or payments can be made online.

Update on Sandusky Charter Amendment Petition
On Friday, November 4, 2022, the City of Sandusky received notification from the Erie County Board of Elections that the Board has certified the signatures on the petition for a proposed amendment to section 25 of the City Charter meet the requirements for placement on the ballot. In accordance with the process outlined in the City Charter, an ordinance placing the proposed amendment on the ballot for a public election will be on the agenda for the November 14, 2022 meeting of the City Commission. Upon passage of the ordinance, the City will call a special election within 60-120 days of that date. The City will coordinate with the Board of Elections in determining the exact date of the special election. No less than 30 days before the election, the City will mail a copy of the proposed amendment to each person who voted in the previous general election, as required by the City Charter.
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Jackson Street Pier Receives "Great Places" Award
APA Ohio President Rachel Ray stated, “2022 designees were selected from submissions for great commercial districts, public places or spaces, and neighborhoods from communities large and small from across the state. The entries represented beautiful designs, inspiring stories, and community-led transformations that honor their unique histories.”
APA Ohio cited the Jackson Street Pier’s scenic views, daily recreational opportunities, dynamic festivals, and year-round entertainment in its decision to include it in the 2022 awards. They also noted how the pier continues to serve as a ferry terminal and its unique characteristic of being home to Ohio’s only international border crossing.

2022 Leaf Collection Program
The 2022 Leaf Collection Program for residents of the City of Sandusky will begin on November 14, 2022.
Leaf collection is performed in the fall to help prevent leaves from clogging the sewer system, create safe driving conditions and maintain a clean and healthy city. Streets & Traffic crews work together to service the city by zone and participants are asked to pay close attention to the dates and times to ensure they receive the best service possible.
Please click "Keep Reading" for collection guidelines and a schedule of collection zones and dates.

Now Hiring Firefighters
The City of Sandusky is now hiring Firefighters - No Experience Necessary
Application and Testing Period:
August 19 - October 3, 2022
Firefighter Original Appointment Posting 2022
City of Sandusky Civil Service Application
Visit the National Testing Website for Testing Process
Qualified Applicants Must:
Be between 18-40 years of age
Be a US Citizen
Have a valid Ohio Drivers License
Have a high school diploma/GED certificate
Benefits:
Starting Pay $43,302 and up based on certifications
Medical/prescription/dental/vision coverage
Participation in Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund
Uniform allowance
Contact:
Human Resources
419.627.5885

4th of July Weekend Events
Thursday, June 30th
Party at the Pier Presented by Firelands Auto Group featuring The Menus
7:00-9:00 PM
Jackson Street Pier
Friday, July 1st
Remember Cruisin’ Friday Night Car Show
4:00-8:00pm
Columbus Ave. & Washington Row
Saturday, July 2nd
Festival of Sail
10:00am-6:00pm
Jackson Street Pier
Sunday, July 3rd
Festival of Sail
10:00am-6:00pm
Jackson Street Pier
Monday, July 4th
Boy with the Boot 5K
8:30am
Washington Park
Stars & Stripes Fourth of July Community Festival
10:00am-4:00pm
Washington Park
Festival of Sail
10:00am-6:00pm
Jackson Street Pier
Firelands Symphony Orchestra Concert
Cedar Point Fireworks to follow concert
7:00pm
Jackson Street Pier
Street Closures
Jackson Street Pier
Closed to vehicles beginning 7:00pm Thursday, June 30 through Monday, July 4th
Festival of Sail ticketed area in effect from 10am-6pm Saturday-Monday. Pier open to all pedestrians outside of those times.

Party at the Pier Concert Series Begins June 30
- Thursday, June 30 - The Menus
- Thursday, July 7 - Red Corvette - Prince Tribute
- Wednesday, July 13 - Sugarhill Gang + Mele Mel, Scorpio from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 Sponsored by The Forest
- Thursday, July 28 - Rumors (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
- Thursday, August 4 - The Vindys
- Thursday, August 11 - Lt. Dan's New Legs
- Thursday, August 25 - An Acoustic evening with Crystal Bowersox & Emily Keener Sponsored by Shores and Islands Ohio
- Thursday, September 1 - The Family Tradition Band

Cleveland Road Project Open House
Click KEEP READING below for more information

Community Open House at Sandusky Rec @ Mills
On June 1, bring your whole family for an Open House event celebrating the new (temporary) home for Sandusky Recreation! Activities will include tours of the new (to us) space and the upcoming location of Safety Town, games and outdoor activities for kids, conversations with city leaders, information tables from community service providers, South Side Plan community engagement activities, information on Sandusky Rec summer programs, and more! This gathering is a city-wide event that focuses on bringing the community together to celebrate the Mills School as the home for Sandusky Recreation for the next three years.
Open House from 3pm – 7pm
Ribbon cutting at 4pm

City of Sandusky Celebrates Arbor Day 2022
The City of Sandusky will be celebrating Arbor Day on Friday, April 29 with two separate tree planting ceremonies.
At 9:00 AM, the City will be holding its annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the Sandusky Greenhouse, 601 Franklin Street. City Commissioner Dave Waddington will read the Arbor Day Proclamation before the planting of one crimson king maple tree.
At 11:15 AM, the City will be joined by third grade students from the Sandusky Intermediate School for the planting of six honey locust trees along Buchanan Street near Hayes Ave. Tree Commission member John Parker will read the Arbor Day Proclamation and speak to the students about Arbor Day and the importance of urban forest management.
Last month, Sandusky was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 32nd consecutive year. Sandusky achieved Tree City USA status by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree commission and forestry department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and commemorating Arbor Day.
To learn more about the City’s forestry program and to view the City’s online tree inventory, visit www.CityofSandusky.com/forestry.

2022 Local Street Resurfacing Project
- West Market Street, from Shelby Street to Decatur Street
- Shelby Street from West Market Street to West Water Street
- West Osborne Street from Lindsley Street to Campbell Street
- Carr Street from Johnson Street to Buchanan Street
- Carr Street from West Monroe Street to Polk Street
- Polk Street from Stone Street to Hayes Avenue
- Horseshoe Avenue from W Monroe St to Pleasantview Pl
- Marquette Street from W Monroe St to Dead End
- Decatur Street from W Washington St to W Water St
- Pearl St. - W. Monroe St. to W. Madison St.
- Elm St. - E. Monroe to Franklin
- Division St. - ALL
- West St. - ALL
- South St. - ALL
- High St. - ALL
- Jackson St. Ext. - ALL

Municipal Income Tax Filing Deadline is April 18
The municipal income tax filing deadline is April 18, 2022. City of Sandusky income taxes are processed through the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA). Municipal income taxes can be easily filed online by going to www.RitaOhio.com.
If you have any questions related to your municipal income taxes, you should contact RITA directly by calling 1-800-860-7482. You can also visit RITA's frequently asked questions page.
RITA has extended their Call Center hours through April 18th, which includes evening and weekend hours. You can visit their Call Center page for the full list of extended hours.

City Manager Eric Wobser Selected for Leadership Ohio's 2022 Class of Fellows

Sandusky City Schools and City of Sandusky Propose Lease Agreement for Mills Building Usage
Sandusky City School Board of Education meeting, the Sandusky Board of Education approved a lease agreement with the City of Sandusky regarding the recently vacated Mills Elementary School. This lease agreement is still pending approval by the Sandusky City Commission and is scheduled to be on the agenda for their meeting on March 28, 2022. If approved, the agreement will be in effect on April 1, 2022.
This lease agreement will begin on April 1, 2022, and will last 36 months. The City of Sandusky will primarily utilize the Mills Elementary Building to provide community recreational activities. As the temporary site for the City Recreation Department, the Mills Elementary Building provides a great opportunity for enrichment and access for all of the youth of Sandusky.

City to Purchase Land at Mills Creek Golf Course from Diocese of Toledo

Applications Open for Housing Development & Beautification Grants
- Substantial Redevelopment: New construction and eligible rehabilitation projects over $20,000
- Exterior Repairs: Improvements to the home that are visible from the street
- Home Purchase Assistance: For anyone purchasing a home in the city for owner occupancy

Warming Shelter to Open
A Community Warming Shelter will be opening at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in response to the upcoming low forecasted temperatures. The shelter inside New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church at 1920 Eddy Henry Way will be open at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10 until 8:00 a.m. January 11. A warm shelter, cots to sleep, and light food will be provided.
Those interested in volunteering or anyone that has questions regarding the shelter,
please call Dora Grant at 419.204-2201.

New COVID Protocols for City Commission Meetings
Meetings of the City Commission are always live streamed and the meeting video archives are available online at www.YouTube.com/CityofSanduskyOH. The agenda is posted online on the Thursday preceding the meeting at www.CityofSandusky.com/Commission.

City Hall Holiday Hours
City Hall will be closed on Thursday, December 23, and Friday, December 24 for the Christmas holiday. Offices will reopen on Monday, December 27.
Offices will close at 12pm Thursday, December 30 for the New Year holiday and reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022.
When City Hall is closed, City utility bill payments can be dropped off at the drop box on East Washington Row or payments can be made online.

Sandusky Hires Fire Chief
Sandusky City Manager Eric Wobser has announced the appointment of Mario D’Amico as the new Chief of the Sandusky Fire Department.
“Mario is a strong leader and we are excited to have him as Sandusky’s next fire chief”, says Wobser. “He brings with him years of experience as a Sandusky firefighter, as well as a strong commitment to our Sandusky community. We had great candidates to choose from, and it was a very difficult decision. We are very thankful to Jim Green for his many years of service to the city, especially in his role as interim chief.”
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Santa Claus - Hours & Locations
Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Sandusky! Sponsored by the Sandusky Community Celebrations Council, Santa will be coming to town every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting Friday, November 26 through Sunday, December 19.
Click Keep Reading for the full schedule.

Adult Fitness Area Opens at Shoreline Park
Dick Brady, the President of the Sandusky City Commission, says, “We’re grateful to Firelands Health for their partnership in helping us make the Shoreline Park Adult Fitness Area a reality. We look forward to continuing to partner with them on ways to promote health and fitness for our residents in Sandusky.”
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#RUNDUSKY Race Series continues with Rush to the Crush, Blue Streak Pride 5k
The fourth race of the #RUNDUSKY Race Series this weekend at Firelands Winery.
The Rush to the Crush 5-mile run and one-mile run walk will be this Sunday, August 22 at 9 a.m. and benefits OHgo. The cost for the run is $25 and $20 for the walk.
Registration for the Blue Streak Pride 5k is also open. The race will be Saturday, September 25 at 9 a.m. at Strobel Field at Cedar Point Stadium with a kids fun run at 8 a.m.
Participants in four of the nine #RUNDUSKY races receive a race series hoodie at the end of the year. Anyone participating in more than four races is entered into a drawing for a running package where two lucky winners will be drawn following the final race of the season.
For more information or questions regarding the Rush to the Crush, please call Angela at Firelands Winery at 419-625-5474 ext. 105 or Angelab@firelandswinery.com or the Sandusky Recreation Department at 419-627-5886 or 419-627-5833. Or contact Jason Werling at jwerling@ci.sandusky.oh.us

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Many Americans look to the Labor Day holiday weekend as the unofficial end of summertime. No matter how you plan to celebrate the end of the season this year, make sure you plan it safely.
This Labor Day weekend, law enforcement in Sandusky are participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign, which runs from August 18 through September 6, 2021.

Special City Commission Meeting Scheduled
There will be a special City Commission meeting on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 beginning at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 240 Columbus Avenue, in the Commission Chamber. The Commissioners plan to discuss legislation pertaining to issues to be placed on the November 2021 General Election ballot.
The meeting will be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel and can be viewed later at: https://www.youtube.com/cityofsanduskyoh
For those unable to attend the meeting in person, questions or comments from the public regarding this legislation, to be read at the meeting, may be sent to CommissionClerk@ci.sandusky.oh.us. We ask that comments be received by 12PM on the day of the meeting.

National "Click It or Ticket" May 24 - June 6, 2021
The City of Sandusky is kicking off the national "Click It or Ticket" seat belt enforcement mobilization. Click It or Ticket isn't about citations; it's about saving lives. This event will be taking place May 24 - June 6, 2021.
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City to Restore In-Person Public Meetings
The City of Sandusky will resume in-person public meetings at City Hall beginning with the City Commission meeting on Monday, May 24 at 5:00 pm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related safety protocols, all public meetings up to now have been conducted virtually.
The City will continue to live stream all public meetings on the City’s YouTube page allowing the public the ability to watch public meetings from the safety of their homes.
For more information about City Commission meetings and other boards and commissions of the City of Sandusky, visit www.cityofsandusky.com.

2021 Water/Sewer Rate & Billing Changes
Water and sewer rates for 2021 have increased by 3%. This measure was approved in 2015, and additional information can be found in Codified Ordinances 939.13 and 933.25.
Also effective January 2021, all billing statements will be sent only to the property owner. Tenants are still welcome to pay the bill.
Bills can be paid through the City’s free automatic bill pay service. Payments are also accepted online (for a fee), in-person in the city hall lobby or by mailing the payment to the City of Sandusky at 240 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Payments can also be dropped in the drop box located curbside at the corner of Columbus Avenue and E. Washington Row.

City of Sandusky Receives $750,000 in State Capital Dollars
The City of Sandusky was recently awarded $750,000 in state capital dollars for the Sandusky Bay Pathway and The Landing. These state capital dollars will be used for the portion of the Sandusky Bay Pathway that runs from Cedar Point Drive through The Landing. The city prioritized this funding to provide additional public waterfront access. The Landing, which will be adjacent to and the third phase of the Cedar Point Sports Center Project, is in partnership with Cedar Fair and Erie Metroparks.
The Sandusky Bay Pathway is a multi-use trail that stretches along the waterfront from the east corporation limit to the west corporation limit, connecting along the way to the new Cedar Point Sports Center Project. The goal is to eventually connect each neighborhood to the Sandusky Bay Pathway via neighborhood connector trails, safe pedestrian crossings, bike infrastructure, and multi-use pathways linking residential neighborhoods to the waterfront.

City Announces Holody as Director of Community Development
The City of Sandusky recently announced that Jonathan Holody will be joining the City of Sandusky in January as the Director of Community Development. Selected from over 40 applicants, Jonathan’s responsibilities will include overseeing staff and activities related to planning, zoning, recreation, Sandusky Transit, community development and economic development.
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Capital Improvement Plan
The Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a comprehensive plan for proposed spending over the next five years, created for the people who have invested in Sandusky. Those who spend their time and money to benefit this city, including residents, business owners, civic servants, tourists and those who work and volunteer throughout the city, help to make this vision a reality.
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