Message from Mayor Kapszukiewicz
I want to thank everyone for helping us making it through the dangerously-cold temperatures this week.

Our safety forces, water and sewer employees, and others toughed it out in the cold to make sure we were all safe and the water was flowing for everyone. Wednesday and Thursday were not easy days to be outside but they did it with distinction.
I also want to thank our residents who were patient with us as we did things like attempting to clear and treat streets in temperatures that render road salt basically useless. We also know trash collection was disrupted for two days, but we will be back on track by early next week.

Toledoans are resilient and we are back to business with the high quality of services you all deserve.

Also this week, I want to remind everyone that Black History Month begins today. I invite you all to attend one of the many events at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and the University of Toledo honoring this important period.

Black History Month was adopted in 1976 to honor and affirm the importance of African American history and to focus on the stories and teachings of those who helped build our nation, advanced the cause of civil rights, and strengthened families and communities. I urge everyone to join me in celebrating the significance of Black culture in its past, present, and going forward into the future.
Public Utilities
There were nine water main breaks and 20 frozen service lines that city of Toledo employees responded to Wednesday and Thursday - the coldest part of the week.

This video is a brief look at work on Stickney Avenue when the windchill had climbed to about negative 11 degrees, up from about negative 30 the previous day.
Neighborhood and Business Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development commended the city of Toledo for its HOME program achievements for the July 2017-June 2019 program year.

The city exceeded performance goals and was within budget in all categories, with exception of program income - which is repayment of HOME Loans.

"Your community continues to perform in a timely manner, meeting program thresholds for public service," said Jorgelle R. Lawson, HUD Office of Community Planning and Development. "In addition, benefits to low and moderate income persons exceeds HUD's 70 percent requirements. Progress under your Emergency Solutions Grants Program program is also acceptable, and we note you have exceeded your goals for providing homeless assistance."

HUD's HOME Program Snapshot report for the period that ended on June 30, 2018, showed Toledo ranked first in Ohio in one category and 13th overall when compared to the other HOME participating jurisdictions in Ohio.
Office of Community Planning and Development, CPD Cross Program Funding Dashboard
Human Relations Commission
Mediation
Mediation is a free, fair, and positive way to resolve issues between and among neighborhoods, businesses, or any two or more disputing interests. All parties must voluntarily agree to participate in the process and arrive at a solution.

How to Apply
You can apply to participate in the Human Relations Commission Mediation Process one of the four ways:

Next Steps
Once your mediation application is submitted, you will be contacted by a member of HRC’s Mediation Staff for a follow-up. You will be scheduled to attend mediation within 30 days after your follow-up.

Location
All mediation sessions will be held at the United Way Building, 424 Jackson St. Parking is free.
Mark Your Calendars
Black History Month at the Toledo Library
Join the Toledo Lucas County Public Library during Black History Month, paying tribute to the generations of African-Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.

For more information on Black History Month visit: www.toledolibrary.org/blackhistory
Ottawa Park Ice Rink 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the Ottawa Park Ice Rink's 50th Anniversary from 6-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8.

There will be an open skate from 6-8 p.m., TFD vs. TPD hockey match from 8:30-10 p.m., autographs with Spike and Toledo Walleye players, 50/50 and other raffles, celebratory cake, popcorn, hot cocoa, and much more.

This a FREE event so bring your entire family and all of your friends and enjoy as we celebrate Ottawa Park Ice Rink's 50th anniversary.
By The Numbers
(year to date)
1,483 potholes filled
53  water main breaks repaired
154,669  feet of sanitary sewers cleaned
1,140  feet of storm sewers cleaned
830  vehicles towed
541  fire runs
4,287  EMS runs
10,029 tons of salt used for 2018-19 season
67,548 gallons of brine used for 2018-19 season
54,997 cubic yards of leaves collected during 2018-19 program
146  trees trimmed
423 illegal signs removed
699 building inspections
876 contractor licences
Read Last Week's Newsletter