City staff updated the Strategic Planning Committee on several strategic initiatives: flood mitigation project milestones, an ongoing moratorium/annexation discussion, and a proposed urban‑prairie demonstration on East Main Cross.

On flood mitigation, staff said the city submitted a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for phase 1 and is waiting for federal sign‑off; staff estimated approval within about six months. Staff also reported Norfolk Southern has a final construction agreement pending signature and that the design for the Southbridge project will be ready to go out to bid once agreements are signed. Staff said the LOMR submission will allow affected property owners to receive documentation they need to work with insurance providers to lower flood insurance costs once formal FEMA approval is issued.

Staff also reported continued work on the cut moratorium feedback portal and noted a recent hearing on an annexation matter (case 212236) with county officials; no major commission objections were reported, though a township trustee raised concerns about safety services and confusion from changed service boundaries.

On neighborhood and placemaking initiatives, staff presented a proposal from Wild Toledo Native Plant Program, with Blanchard River Watershed Partnership listed as lead partner, to convert about five acres on East Main Cross (land recently transferred from the county to the city) into an urban prairie. The proposal the City received would cover design, installation, signage and the first year of management for roughly $98,000; staff also requested two additional years of management in optional budget scenarios to help transition maintenance to city crews. Staff said the prairie would reduce mowing needs over time, improve pollinator habitat and include walking paths and educational signage; staff committed to neighborhood outreach before advancing the project.

Committee members generally supported the concept contingent on neighborhood engagement and noted the City would need to confirm zoning/land‑use allowances, maintenance responsibilities and how the prairie aligns with the Woodland Lot proposal in planning code updates. Staff said the planning and public‑works teams are discussing practical maintenance handoffs and burn/management schedules and that several local partners and funders have expressed interest in early support.

Ending: Staff will pursue neighborhood outreach, finalize partner commitments and return with a recommended scope, budget and maintenance plan for committee review.