By Kimberly Gasuras

Bucyrus City Council’s Joint Committee meeting was a busy one Thursday evening with several issues being discussed and legislation approved to go before council to be voted upon.

Kevin DeTray, manager of the Port Bucyrus-Crawford County Airport, updated the service committee on improvements at the airport.
DeTray said the airport received $150,000 in grant money from the state. Last year, the airport underwent a total rehabilitation of the runway through a $750,000 federal grant.

DeTray explained that the costs of projects using the grant money include 90-percent federal funds, five percent from the state and five percent from city funds.
Detray said the rotating beacon at the airport is old and has needed several repairs over the past few years.

“We want to replace the rotating beacon at a cost of $15,000. The local share is $750,” DeTray said.

DeTray said the apron areas at the airport need crack-sealing and seal-coated.
“The cost will be about $70,000 and the local share will be $3,500,” DeTray said.
He said that crack-sealing also needs to be completed on two taxi-ways at a cost of $65,000 with the city’s share being $3,250.

The service committee approved the requests along with material bids for a variety of supplies for water treatment by Bucyrus Safety-Service Director Jeff Wagner. The issues were sent to the finance committee which also approved them for legislation.
The finance committee also approved a request from the Bucyrus Public Library to be the taxing agent for a .5-mill levy.

“The money will be used for operating expenses and programming at the library,” Bucyrus Public Library Director Brenda Crider said.

Two appropriations submitted by Bucyrus Auditor Joyce Schifer regarding a carry-over balance from Operation Hope in the amount of $1,450 that was not included in the 2018 budget and funds in the amount of $7,600 received from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on Jan. 2 were also approved for legislation. Enterprise fund reimbursements also were approved.

Laura McGinnis of Arcadis and Bruce Brandstetter of Brandstetter Carroll were on hand to update council members on the long-term plan for the separation of the ongoing storm-sewer separation project.

There was a lengthy discussion by the public lands and building committee about tower space contracts.

Currently, the city has a contract with Kurt Fankhauser of Wavelinc to use the city’s two water towers and city hall to place his towers for customers to receive internet service through Wavelinc. The city has indicated that they have received other requests and may not renew the contract with Fankhauser that expires on April 18.
Dan Wirebaugh, chair of the committee, will be setting up a special meeting with the city’s administration to address the issue.

All legislation approved during the joint committee meetings will be considered by council at their next meeting Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at Bucyrus City Hall.