BUCYRUS — At the request of the Bucyrus City Council economic development committee, Crawford Partnership Director Gary Frankhouse gave an update to council during its joint committee meeting Thursday.

Several council members had asked why Galion seems to get more innovation from the Partnership than Bucyrus.

“I want to make Crawford County the strongest it can possibly be, and it does not matter where I live,” said Frankhouse, who councilmember Lisa Alsept previously insinuated was partial to Galion since he lives in that area of the county. “I am not originally from Crawford County, but I work hard for this entire county.”

He said community development is a large part of attracting new businesses, including things like sports complexes, downtown business growth and industry and housing, which the partnership constantly is working on developing.

Councilmember James Mee said some residents have asked him what the Partnership is doing for Bucyrus.

“People put pressure on us and ask why we are giving $50,000 to the Partnership. What are we getting on our return,” Mee asked.

Frankhouse said when it comes to attempting to bring business and industry into the city, his job it to plant seeds, fertilize, water then harvest.

“It is not like a farmer’s harvest in October though. It takes four to five years, on average,” Frankhouse said.

He said he currently is working on a four-county project to bring business and industry to the U.S. 30 corridor.

Mayor Jeff Reser said one example of a deal the Partnership was instrumental in making happen was the origin of Ohio Polytech, located in Bucyrus.

“Ohio Polytech would not be in Bucyrus if not for the Partnership,” Reser said. “That building was going to be torn down and we had to jump through hoops to get them to sell to Polytech and the Partnership was a big part of that. Ohio Polytech hires second chancers and our community needs that. We are so blessed to have it.”

Frankhouse said he also is currently working with a state agency in securing seed money for local business owners to borrow from for business re-growth and the renovation of older buildings.

Erin Stine, Community Development Director at Crawford Partnership, said the partnership was able to garner a deal recently with AEP Ohio for a grant to have a charging station installed for electronic vehicles near Picking Park. The charging station is open, and she said people came into town on the first day it was installed to use it.

“Change is difficult sometimes, but we are laying foundations to help Bucyrus and the community grow. This is part of workforce development and attracting business to the area,” Stine said.

She thanked council for supporting the charging station by providing two parking spots for the installation. The $91,000 project was completely funded through the grant from AEP Ohio with no city funds being used.

Stine also leads the Community Opportunity online database-style website that connects job seekers with employers in the area.

Council member Doug Foght said many of the potential deals the Partnership is working towards cannot be talked about publicly as companies do not want others to know what they are planning until the deal is in place.

For more information about the Partnership, visit the Crawford Partnership website.

Also during the meeting, a program by Servline for city residents to purchase water and sewer leak protection was discussed by the service committee.

The finance committee approved draft legislation to mirror AFSCME raises for city employees as it pertains to their current pay scales. The motion passed.

The next council meeting is July 21 at 7 p.m. on July 21 at Bucyrus City Hall and will be available online for public viewing.