TOLEDO, Ohio — The lead ordinance introduced by Toledo City Council Member Larry Sykes passed and was signed into law by Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz on Tuesday evening.
Before this ordinance, the city didn't have an active lead ordinance, which would help make sure properties in the city are safe from the chemical element.
Four council members voted against the ordinance. Their concern is that a lead ordinance council previously passed is going through the courts and they expressed they would like to wait and see what happens with the case.
After signing the ordinance into law, Kapszukiewicz wrote a letter addressed to the members of council listing his concerns with the legislation piece.
"This ordinance invites a number of new questions that we must now resolve. Who will staff this new division in the Department of Neighborhoods? How will this whole effort be properly funded? How will we partner with the county auditor on rental registration? And will we transition all of the work the health department has already done do this new exclusively city enterprise?" The mayor wrote.
The city law director spoke at the council meeting Tuesday and said he believes the Toledo actually has a good chance of winning the case. So, the question remaining is what would happen now that council members have approved the ordinance and could win the court case.
The goal of this ordinance is to make sure that rental properties and daycares are certified safe so tenants know that lead is not a concern where children are living or spending time.
During the discussion, Councilman Rob Ludeman brought up his concern that it’s been two years since an ordinance of that type has existed in Toledo.
He was a “no” vote Tuesday along with Council Members Sandy Spang, Matt Cherry, Chris Delaney and Rob Ludeman.
Spang said she has concerns and wants to make sure that whatever legislation ends up passing sticks and is enforceable.
