By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
BUCYRUS — Bucyrus business owner Mark Behm wanted to know why his business does not receive water and sewer services after 14 years of being inside the city limits.
“I know you are trying to expand water services to residents outside the city, but don’t you think you should take care of the people inside the city first,” Behm said during the Bucyrus City Council meeting Tuesday evening.
Behm, who owns and operates Bucyrus Tire on Ohio 98, northeast of the city, said he has been told by previous administrations that it is too expensive to run water lines to his business because it would require boring under the railroad tracks to accomplish it.
“I was told that trains would not be able to use the tracks for 24 hours, yet, I have seen it done in other areas and train traffic was not stopped,” Behm said.
Behm also wanted to know why he has been charged for water run-off for the entire 14 years of being part of the city.
“I am told that none of the water run-off from my business is going into city lines. It dumps into Carpenter Bottom,” Behm said.
Mayor Jeff Reser told Behm to leave his phone number and he will speak with him about the issue this week. Reser also said it will be expensive for the city to run water and sewer to the business.
Reser read the report to council of Bucyrus Safety Service Director Jeff Wagner during the meeting, which included an update on the Plymouth Street project, west of the area in which Behm’s business is located.
“The project is moving along with no major issues at this point. We would like to thank the residents that have relocated their parking off of Irving Street for the increased traffic,” Reser said.
Reser said traffic updates are available on the city’s website. He also said a video series, “What’s Happening in Bucyrus,” is in the works with the city’s communications coordinator Gary Hess as the producer. It also will be found on the city’s website.
Wagner noted in his report that several building permits were issued recently including one for Wendy’s. The current building will be torn down and a new one will be constructed in its place. The expected start date is Aug. 20, after the annual Bratwurst Festival.
Several pieces of legislation were passed by council including water installation and tapping fees for residents outside the city limits, traffic control map amendments, various appropriations and a contract with Ohio Regional Development Corporation to administer a grant for the construction of a stage at Schines Art Park.
Council agreed for the next meeting to take place Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. instead of the regular date of Aug. 7, since that is the day of the National Night Out events throughout the city.
A regular Joint Regular Committee meeting will occur Thursday, July 19 at 6 p.m. in City Hall council chambers, 500 S. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus.
Topics of discussion will include, but are not limited to:
* Economic Development Committee: Community Reinvestment Act for residential
* Public Lands & Buildings Committee: Swimming pool repair bid, Lane Street easement for AEP
* Service Committee: Amendment of airport improvement bid, Water line expansion
* Finance Committee: Swimming pool repair bid, Amendment of airport improvement bid
Also, Reser called a special council meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday to consider legislation for the swimming pool repair bid. All the meetings are open to the public.