BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus City Council held a series of committee meetings Thursday evening in the city council chambers, where significant proposals and community concerns were discussed.
Mayor Bruce Truka took the floor as a citizen to present a proposal to donate the building located at 233 E. Mansfield Street, adjacent to the Fire Station, to the city. He emphasized that this donation would pave the way for future fire and EMS services. The building housed the former YMCA and more recently a skating rink.
Truka expressed concern over the city’s financial crisis, stating that long-term investments must be approached with caution. He noted that the current fire department is nearing the end of its operational lifespan and that emergency services need to be prepared for future demands. “The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. We must act now to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Truka said.
He urged the council to vote in favor of accepting his donation, highlighting the strategic location of the old YMCA building for potential future improvements. If the building proves unviable, he proposed the land could be utilized for short-term solutions and long-term city planning. Key opportunities under his proposal include demolishing the structure, expanding fire and EMS services, and evaluating surrounding properties for future development.
Truka also shared the results of an asbestos evaluation conducted on the old YMCA building, along with cost estimates for its demolition. He told the committee the building came with a new rubber roof and that he is currently providing the building with heat and electricity. He assured the committee the building could safely sit empty until the city is ready to utilize it. He suggested that historical materials from the building could be preserved and repurposed for future use.
“I recognize the city is facing financial challenges, and every decision must be carefully evaluated. However, if we don’t plan for the future, we risk falling behind on essential public safety infrastructure. The firehouse will not last forever, and by taking action now we can ensure Bucyrus is prepared for the next generation of emergency services,” Truka concluded.
In other committee business, resident Kurt Fankhauser raised concerns about the removal of security cameras he had previously donated to the city, warning of the risks posed by their absence in areas including some parks. Committee Chairwoman Aaron Sharrock cautioned Fankhauser against discussing specific locations. That statement caused Fankhauser to remind Sharrock that she supported all the public discussions regarding the donations of his cameras and their locations during public meetings “in the name of transparency.” He told her he was being transparent as well. Fankhauser said he always supported such discussions being held in executive session. He inquired about the amount of donations the city has received to purchase different cameras since his critics had offered to fund security services and camera replacements. There was no response to his inquiry.
The Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival submitted a letter requesting street closures for its upcoming 58th Annual Festival, scheduled for August 14, 15, and 16 in downtown Bucyrus.
During the Economic Development Committee meeting, resident Greg White encouraged members to reconsider the Crawford County partnership agreement, asserting it does not adequately serve Bucyrus’ needs at this time. He suggested withdrawing from the partnership and reallocating the $50,000 membership fee towards hiring a grant writer to better identify and secure funding opportunities. White expressed optimism that the partnership could play a more productive role once the water treatment plant is completed.
Kurt Fankhauser addressed the Health and Safety Committee regarding proposed legislation for taxi cab insurance, arguing that state requirements should suffice for the city. “With a population of 11,000, Bucyrus is essentially a large village. We are fortunate to have any taxi service here. Unnecessary laws create red tape and government overreach. If it’s good enough for the state, it should be good enough for us,” he stated.
Other committees continue to work on issues including rules for peddlers and solicitors within the city, reclassifications of utility jobs, the sale of public lands and buildings, and the sale or leasing of city-owned farmlands as well as airport issues.
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