Board meets despite ruling

4/22/2005

Even though a judge's ruling effectively dissolved the joint economic development zone set up by Monclova Township, Maumee, and Toledo, the zone's board of directors met last night to continue its business.

The board heard a brief report from Walter Celley, Monclova Township's attorney, who updated members on Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Charles Wittenberg's ruling this month. Officials of all three jurisdictions have said they plan to appeal the ruling.

The board briefly considered going into an executive session to discuss legal strategy but decided members instead would talk to their jurisdictions' attorneys individually.

The board also discussed setting up a joint economic development district for a proposed business park near U.S. 20A and Strayer Road. A district, unlike a zone, does not have to be approved by voters.

The Eclat Commerce and Business Park has been under discussion for several years.

Board Chairman Keith Trettin, a Monclova Township trustee, asked the board members to find out whether their jurisdictions are interested in creating the district.

The board voted 6-0 to accept John Loftus, a special assistant to Toledo Mayor Jack Ford, as a replacement for former board vice chairman Steve Best, who no longer is employed by the city.

Maumee Councilman Todd Zimmerman was elected vice chairman by a 7-0 vote.