By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter

BUCYRUS — Bucyrus City Schools now will have an additional school resource officer through the Bucyrus Police Department.

During its regular meeting Tuesday evening, Bucyrus City Council approved a resolution to allow the city’s administration to accept $60,040 from the Bucyrus school district to pay the salary of the additional officer during the months school is in session.

Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke previously has said Officer James Matta will join Officer Jo Stahl at Bucyrus City Schools in the fall, so there will be an officer at each of the district’s two buildings.

In other business, council also approved two Ohio Department of Transportation paving projects scheduled for 2019, which include a portion of U.S. 30 and Ohio 4 South at no cost to the city.

Street closures throughout the city from Aug. 15 through Aug. 19 for the Bratwurst Festival also were approved.

City auditor Joyce Schifer said that April’s income tax revenue was increased four percent compared to April of 2017 and for the year so far, revenue is increased two percent.

Schifer had several appropriations to refer to the finance committee including a transfer of $9,000 from personal services to contractual services for a contract with the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office to handle city prosecutions for the next three months while current city prosecutor, Rob Ratliff, works as the administrator of the Village of Crestline.

“Rob is only filling in as administrator in Crestline temporarily which is why we need to contract with the county prosecutor’s office,” Schifer said.

Ratliff has said he will remain in his position as Bucyrus City Law Director during his employment in Crestline.

A letter was read by council clerk Todd Hill that was addressed to Mayor Jeff Reser from Kevin Lok, Bucyrus Airport Commissioner and pilot, requesting consideration of a commendation for the airport’s long-time manager, Kevin DeTray.

“Highway and airway are our economic infrastructure. DeTray’s performance is the best in this region, if not the best in Ohio,” Lok said. “As I’m a pilot, based at the Bucyrus Airport, I witness Mr. DeTray’s contribution and value to our community.”

Council president, Sis Love, said that the council should make sure DeTray is given a copy of the letter.

“And we should write one too. Kevin DeTray does an outstanding job in operating our airport,” Love said.

City service safety director Jeff Wagner was not present for the meeting, but in his report, requested several items to be considered by various committees including the city’s portion of $22,000 for a bike path and a bond anticipation note regarding capital improvements that are needed at Aumiller Park.

Reser said that next week, May 7 through 11, is the annual clean-up week for city residents.

“You will be allowed an additional six bags of garbage for a total of 12 bags. As a reminder, everything must be wrapped in plastic,” Reser said.

The council’s joint committee meeting is at 6 p.m., Thursday in council chambers at Bucyrus City Hall and the public is invited to attend.