Outdoor alcohol consumption issue takes tiny step forward

After weeks of being stalled in the Health and Safety Committee, the outdoor consumption of alcohol in the Downtown Business District of Bucyrus was moved into the Platting Committee Thursday night.

All three members on the committee came to a unanimous vote to move the legislation for outdoor alcohol consumption, as well as the Downtown Business District use of the city sidewalks, to the Platting Committee to set guidelines of the legislation before being presented to city council to be voted on.

The Platting Committee will meet in special session at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Bucyrus City Hall to discuss the matter.

Councilman Bill O’Rourke stated he would be fine with the laws as long as they are ADA compliant.

Upon the argument, Councilman Steve Pifer, made his way to the dry erase board in Council Chambers to point out that the usage of the sidewalks would not be much of an issue unless the entire block would be used by the businesses. Pifer noted that current ADA requirements call for a five-foot turning radius every 100 feet of sidewalk for those with disabilities to have the ability to turn around.

Councilman Mark Makeever spoke about the ADA guidelines that have been at the center of the debate.

“If you read the ADA guidelines it contradicts itself numerous times,” Makeever said. “The ADA is a guideline not a law.

“You can’t make it ADA-proof,” Makeever continued. “City Hall isn’t even ADA compliant. Nowhere even in their own home can a wheelchair get around without obstructions. Even Bucyrus Hospital isn’t ADA compliant, are we going to go after them? The stores are it going to have it out seven days a week.”

“I am not going after anyone, I just don’t want anyone to go after the city if the business owners are in violation,” O’Rourke countered. “I am not against outside liquor sales, I am not against outside retail sales.”

With regards to the outdoor dining issue, City Law Director Rob Ratliff provided sample legislation from Cleveland Heights. Ratliff also spoke about DORA, which would allow the city to use upwards of 150 acres of the Downtown Business District for alcohol consumption. While that number made a few councilmembers scoff, Ratliff noted that with DORA, the city could limit it below the 150 acres. He added that it would be good in the event of the Art Park hosting a concert with alcohol sales, or if a wine tasting was held outdoors.

After approving the measure to the Platting Committee O’Rourke tried stalling the Platting Committee’s meeting on the matter by requesting that it not be held until the replacement of Wanda Sharrock had been appointed. Makeever countered that the committee needs to get started in order to have a public hearing for the matter to be finished in a timely manner.

During public participation of the joint committee session, Jeff Norman, co-owner of Norman’s Niche, challenged councilmembers to come to his establishment to see that their place is run as a classy place.

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The Health and Safety Committee also approved to not have a hearing on the Liquor Permit Request by Travelers Tap House.

Upon the issue of medical marijuana, the Health and Safety Committee approved to table the issue until the state releases its guidelines on the law. Those guidelines are expected to be released May 6.

The Platting Committee approved to draft legislation and hold a public hearing on the 1215 Hopley Avenue zoning amendment request as well as the Hopley/Whetstone alley vacation request by MMB Development. The public hearing on the matter is expected to take place at 4 p.m. on June 12.

The Public Lands and Buildings and Finance committees tabled the water tower proposal, which would cost the city over $1 million over a 10-year period for inspection and painting the city’s two water towers. Service/Safety Director Jeff Wagner noted that he would look for other quotes before the city moves on the measure.

Captain Gordon Grove gave his Property Maintenance report from February 15, 2017 through May 04, 2017.

In his report Grove noted that 59 inspections had been conducted, 45 re-inspections were conducted, 24 notice of violations were given after re-inspection. Of those Grove noted that 23 had been forwarded to the Law Director after re-inspection. Sixteen trash notices were given with five properties under review. Four properties were given demolish orders. Two manufactured home parks were under review with the State of Ohio. Three notice of violations had been corrected and the case on those were closed. Three meetings with property owners with two of those meetings are under review.