City Commission: Harbor leases, State Theatre funding and Pathway updates

Oct 24, 2026

SANDUSKY — City Commission convenes Monday an agenda packed with significant waterfront lease modifications, infrastructure closeouts, and crucial economic development updates.

There’s also a a second vote on cutting a check to help pay for the restoration of the Sandusky State Theatre.

Here is a breakdown of the key items on Monday night’s agenda:

Highlights

Two weeks ago, two commissioners blocked an emergency vote on the city paying the other half of its 2023 $1 million pledge to help fund the restoration of the State Theatre, suggesting their colleagues were abusing the process.

Sandusky State Theatre Grant Amendment (Second Reading): Commissioners will consider a second reading to amend a 2023 grant agreement with the Sandusky State Theatre. The city previously pledged $1 million from the Economic Development Capital Projects Fund to assist with rebuilding the historic downtown landmark following severe storm damage in 2020. The proposed amendment authorizes releasing the final $500,000 installment into a Civista Bank account once matching contributions from local philanthropic foundations—including the Dorn, Erie County Community, and Schlink foundations, alongside EPIC and the Erie County Visitors & Convention Bureau—are verified.
Shoreline Park Concession Lease (First Reading): Up for a first reading is a proposed three-year lease agreement (2027–2029) with Ron Hile II, operating as Great Lakes Grinders, to continue running the concession stand at Shoreline Park. Hile, who has operated the sub shop concept at the park for a decade, submitted the sole responsive proposal following a September RFP. The lease terms call for an annual payment of $2,400 to the city and include an option for three additional one-year extensions.
Shelby Street Boat Launch Floating Docks (Phase II): The Recreation Department is seeking approval to advertise for bids for Phase II of the floating dock replacement project at the Shelby Street Boat Launch. Following a proprietary conflict during an earlier RFP attempt, the city is formally bidding a non-proprietary dock system. The estimated base cost is $142,000, with four potential alternate add-ons bringing the total scope to over $490,000 in Capital Projects Funds. The city aims to award the contract in December to complete work by May 21, 2027, ahead of the busy fishing tournament season.
Municipal Court Prosecution Services: Law Director Stewart Hastings submitted legislation to contract with the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office for legal services in Sandusky Municipal Court throughout calendar year 2027. The $130,000 contract covers felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, administrative support, and victim assistance services, delivering significant savings compared to staffing a full-time municipal prosecutor’s office.
New Police Utility Vehicles: Police Chief Jared Oliver requested approval to purchase two 2027 Ford Utility Police SUVs from Statewide Ford of Van Wert, Ohio, via the state cooperative purchasing program. The total cost of $88,068.80 (funded through Capital Improvement Funds) will replace retired patrol cruisers, which will subsequently be repurposed for other city administrative departments.
Sandusky Bay Pathway Design Amendment: Commissioners will vote on Amendment #2 to the professional design services contract with Akron-based Environmental Design Group (EDG). The amendment restructures remaining project billing to a time-and-materials basis at no additional cost to the city, allowing EDG to prepare Stage 2 and Stage 3 plans for the ODOT-funded pathway section stretching from Lions Park to Mills Street.

Consent Agenda & Current Business

Battery Park & Sailing Club Submerged Land Leases: Public Works Engineer Josh Snyder submitted two ordinances authorizing modified, long-term Submerged Lands Leases with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The first updates the lease boundaries for Battery Park and Marina (701 E. Water Street) to a 99-year renewable term to support upcoming subdivision developments. The second adjusts Parcel “B” near the Sandusky Sailing Club (814 E. Water Street) to accommodate the extension of Water Street at a nominal annual fee of $1.00.
2026 Local Street Resurfacing Final Closeout: Public Works is requesting final approval for Change Order #1 for the 2026 Local Street Resurfacing Project with Gerken Paving, Inc.. Due to lower field quantities used for asphalt and pavement repairs, the final contract price is being reduced by $219,629.88 (19.7%), bringing the total project cost down from $1,114,815.18 to $895,185.30.
City Electricity Supply Agreement: The City Manager is seeking authorization to execute a 12- to 36-month retail electricity agreement for approximately 124 municipal accounts starting in June 2028. Working with Buckeye Energy Brokers, Inc., the city aims to lock in a rate estimated at $0.08568/kWh (capped at $0.09/kWh) to safeguard against rising energy market costs.