Label
DPW05262026COMMUNITYGARDENS2%FUNDS
Water Distribution
Todd Saums & Cindy Geronimo (x2832 & x2363)
Revised
Title
Approving the use of the Water Infrastructure Development Fund (2% Water Fund) to pay the cost of installing water infrastructure for community garden locations inside the City of Toledo upon the recommendation of the Director of Public Utilities; appropriating and expending $50,000 from the unappropriated balance of the Water Infrastructure Development Fund; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City of Toledo Community Garden Water Program expands access to reliable water infrastructure to support sustainable urban agriculture and address food access challenges across the community in collaboration with Toledo GROWs, Ohio State University Extension Service, and the Center for Innovative Food Technology. The program installs permanent water infrastructure at qualifying garden sites, including a tap, service line, meter pit, remote-read meter, backflow prevention device, and hose connection, removing a key barrier to sustaining community gardens by providing reliable water access and eliminating the need for temporary or manual solutions. The program provides a cost-effective way for residents to access fresh, healthy food while strengthening neighborhood connections and improving overall community well-being and supports economic development through education, job training, and small-scale urban agriculture opportunities. Funding in the amount of $50,000 will support approximately ten (10) community garden locations, with installation costs estimated at approximately $5,000 per site depending on site conditions, with locations prioritized based on community impact and need. Participants are responsible for establishing water accounts, paying ongoing usage costs, and maintaining the installed infrastructure.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That, pursuant to Toledo Municipal Code §933.11, the Water Infrastructure Development Fund is authorized to pay the costs of installing water infrastructure at up to ten (10) community garden locations in an amount not to exceed $5,000 per location unless otherwise approved by the Director of Public Utilities, with a total program cap of $50,000.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor is authorized to execute any necessary agreements for the purposes stated in Section 1 upon terms approved by the Director of Public Utilities and the Director of Law.
SECTION 3. That the appropriation of $50,000 is authorized from the unappropriated balance of the Water Infrastructure Development Fund into Account Code 6065-34000-4UI1726STDSTD and is authorized for expenditure for the purposes stated in Section 1.
SECTION 4. That the Finance Director is authorized to issue their warrant or warrants against the Account Code referenced in Section 3 in an amount not to exceed $50,000 in payment of above authorized obligations upon presentation of proper vouchers.
SECTION 5. That the disappropriation of any remaining budget to fund balance at project closeout is authorized.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and for the further reason that this Ordinance must be effective immediately in order to provide timely infrastructure improvements to community gardens throughout the City of Toledo.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council