01/25/2026
To download the documents, go to Citizens of Maumee Action Community Discussion Page
CMAC @ Large
Meeting Minutes
Thursday January 22, 2026
6 PM – 8PM ~ Maumee Library
I. Welcome
a. New City Council and Mayor: The recent election brought about substantial changes, resulting in 80% of the Maumee City Council being replaced. This outcome demonstrates the active engagement of Maumee residents in the democratic process and their willingness to express preferences through voting. Additionally, the city also received a new Mayor! Now is the moment to allow our newly elected officials some space to settle in, learn all aspects of city matters, and begin steering things in the right direction. Scott, Dave, Isiah, Rosie, Andrew, and Chelsea were all actively involved with CMAC, which is a tremendous advantage; we know they are accessible, approachable, and open. This evening, Isiah stated, “We invite your valuable input regarding areas for change, improvement, and resolution in Maumee. Your perspective is essential, and we encourage you, as a member of our community, to share your insights.”
b. One effective way to remain actively involved is by attending city meetings. The mayor and council members are expanding and establishing new committees and commissions to help guide the direction of the city. Committee and commission meetings provide an open platform for residents to voice their concerns, ideas, and suggestions. This forum plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Maumee. Recommendations and proposals from these committees/commissions are forwarded to City Council, where they are debated and finalized into legislation. Participation at the committee or commission level has a direct impact on local decision-making directing our city’s future!
II. Sewer Remediation Updates
a. Not a lot has changed since the last meeting. Remember, the deadline for having your inspection scheduled and your Sewer Commitment Form to the city is Friday, January 30, 2026.
III. Sewer Remediation Checklist
a. Attached is a checklist to use a guide. If you have any questions, please contact the city officials for assistance, information, direction. The checklist is a tool to help navigate the process. The city is the best source of information.
IV. Sewer Commitment Form
a. Again, signed forms should be turned in by Friday, January 30, 2026, to qualify for the 2025 incentive grants.
V. Grant Application
a. At Tuesday’s January 20th City Council meeting, Councilman Gonzalez introduced a motion, which was subsequently approved, to refer the Grant Application requirements back to the Finance Committee for further review. The specific recommendation was to eliminate the requirement for every household member aged 18 or older to submit a Federal Form 1040. Councilman Gonzalez expressed that he considered this requirement an unreasonable request for information.
VI. Refuse – Republic Service Contact
a. Republic initiated discussions with Maumee regarding a proposed five-year extension of the current contract. Please note that refuse service is funded through the general fund, utilizing taxpayer dollars. The proposed extension would allow the city to continue financing this service rather than shifting the cost to residents. City Council authorized the mayor to sign the five-year contact. The matter of "bulk pickup" remains under consideration with Republic, and City Council will provide further updates on this topic at the February 2nd meeting.
VII. City Contacts
a. Attached are the email addresses for the City of Maumee officials. With the new administration in place, the city wants to hear from you regarding all aspects of Maumee. These are your go to people for answers. If no one tells you something is broken, how can it ever be fixed?
VIII. CMAC History/Accomplishments
a. It is remarkable that CMAC began as a grassroots movement just 19 months ago. In response to a city ordinance requiring homeowners to repair laterals prior to selling their homes—with repair estimates ranging from several thousand dollars to over $50,000—community members acted. 500 residents filled the Elks Club, with an additional 200 gathering outside, initiating a pivotal movement in Maumee. Founders Julie Koralewski, Alisha Wagner, and Patti Savage-McNamara led efforts to raising over $15,000 for legal fees and collect over 2,500 petition signatures in 24 hours to put the ordinance on the election ballot for possible repeal. As a result, city leadership rescinded the ordinance.
b. This marked the inception of CMAC. Subsequently, the group formalized its structure and obtained 501(c)4 non-profit social welfare organization status. By conducting monthly meetings, the group actively advocated for change, brought forth information regarding the sewer issues, educated the public, and led the charge for more transparent government.
c. CMAC leaders convened with municipal authorities to develop a plan for repairing the deteriorating sewer infrastructure in compliance with the 1972 Clean Water Act enacted by the U.S. Congress.
d. CMAC leaders and members maintained consistent pressure on city officials, advocating for increased transparency across all areas of government.
e. Numerous CMAC members began regularly attending committee and commission meetings, and many continue to participate actively today. By asking more questions and sharing meeting outcomes through detailed recap notes, we initiated positive changes within the city government.
f. Our community, brought about a major shift in Maumee’s leadership by electing and/or promoting five new council members and prompting a change in the mayoral position.
IX. Where is our next Journey?
a. CMAC will be dissolved. However, there is no need to worry—plans are underway to launch a new 501(c)(3) organization called "We Are Maumee." This group aims to strengthen the sense of community in Maumee by addressing its core needs through programs and projects designed to support our neighbors. Under “We Are Maumee,” we will further develop the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative that CMAC began with the rain barrel project. Our goal is to build a strong and meaningful community all the way around Maumee.
b. John Scott will serve as Board President while Ric Hardy takes on the role of Executive Director. We are seeking volunteers to help build a strong community-driven organization. If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to John or Ric.
X. Adjournment
01 22 2026 CMAC @ Large Meeting Minutes.docx
Sewer Remediation Checklist
Call or go online to schedule free city inspections
o https://maumee.org/building-and-inspection/sanitary-sewer-separation-project/
o Curser to the bottom of the web site and complete the inspection form
Inspection appointment set
Complete Inspection
Receive inspection report from the city. Also, typically the Grant Application is emailed along with the inspection report.
IF no work need to be completed:
o Sign and submit “Sewer Commitment Form”
o https://maumee.org/building-and-inspection/sanitary-sewer-separation-project/
• Even if no internal corrections are required, homeowners still need to sign the commitment form giving the city permission to come onto your personal property to line the lateral.
IF work need to be completed
Obtain 2 quotes from Licenses and City approved plumbers
o Licensed plumbers can become “approved” to work in Maumee by applying to the city and paying a $75 application fee.
Submit your quotes, signed Sewer Commitment Form and Grant Application to the city at [email protected], or deliver to the office located inside the Maumee Police Department.
Obtain city approval for the CITY selected quote and the Purchase Order Number (PO #).
For plumbers who will agree to receiving direct payment from the city, sign the and submit “Property Owner/Contractor/Maumee Payment Agreement” to [email protected] (this form is signed by both the homeowner and the plumber)
Sign the contract with plumber and schedule work to be completed
Once the work is complete, contact the city to schedule an inspection of the plumber's completed work.
o City official signs off on the work OR
o IF additional or corrective action(s) needs addressed, call plumber back to complete
o Possibly a second city inspection might be required.
If the homeowner elects to pay the plumber directly, they must submit the following documentation for reimbursement (the homeowner will still need to contact the city for a final inspection upon completion of work).
o Proof of building permit
o Proof of payment
o Copy of the plumbers paid invoice
• All documents may be dropped off at Maumee’s Police Department, mailed to 400 Conant St., Maumee, or emailed to [email protected].
• For detailed information regarding the sewer remediation program and/or to download official documents go to: https://maumee.org/building-and-inspection/sanitary-sewer-separation-project/
Mayor and City Council Contact Information
Mayor Chelsea Ziss [email protected]
Andrew Huyghe [email protected]
Dave Poeppelmeier [email protected]
Gabe Barrow [email protected]
Isiah Gonzales [email protected]
Rosemarie Barciz [email protected]
Scott Sund [email protected]
Ted Kurt [email protected]
All City Council Members [email protected]
Committees Chairman Members
Finance and Economic Development Poeppelmeier Gonzalez, Barrow
Employee & Community Relations Sund Poeppelmeier, Kurt
Building, Lands, & Recreation Committee Gonzalez Sund, Poeppelmeier
Public Service Committee Barciz Huyghe, Barrow
Public Safety Committee Huyghe Barciz, Kurt
City of Maumee Contact Information
Jennifer Harkey [email protected]
Donna Helle [email protected]
Kasey Van Wormer [email protected]
Matt Miles [email protected]
Nancy Gagnet [email protected]
Matt Griggs [email protected]
Sewer Department [email protected]
Building and Inspection [email protected] (419) 897-7075
Alan Lehenbauer [email protected]
Human Resources [email protected]
Zoning Department [email protected]
Building Permits and Forms: https://maumee.org/building-and-inspection/permits-and-forms/
Construction Permits and Forms: https://maumee.org/environmental-sustainability/construction-permits-forms-swp3/