By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The matter of intersections, paths, and sidewalks was a hot topic at Tuesday night’s Bucyrus City Council meeting.
Mayor Jeff Reser updated council on the issue at Irving Street and Sandusky Avenue, which has temporarily become a four-way stop. Reser explained that the light had a problem with sagging off and on, but recently it seemed to be lower than usual. He believed that the change was caused by it being hit by a semi.
Reser assured council that the four-way stop would only be temporary as they prepare to put in a new pole, which needs to be contracted out since the city does not have the proper pole. Councilman Steve Pifer suggested using poles left over from the downtown construction project, though he noted that the upfront cost may be higher due to needing a concrete pad for the heavier pole.
Reser, however, explained that the intersection would be completely redone in fiscal year 2019 by the Ohio Department of Transportation, which obtained a Small Cities grant for the project. He added that it would begin in July of 2018 and would include not only the Irving-Sandusky intersection, but also repaving from Plymouth Street to the city limits.
Councilman Bill O’Rourke questioned the costs of the light poles after the Irving-Sandusky intersection was redesigned, especially if posts similar to the ones at the square were installed. Reser said he would get an estimate from the city’s engineering firm Brandstetter Carroll.
Councilman Bruce Truka brought up the issue of the walking path along East Mansfield Street, a sore spot for him since there is no clear designation for pedestrians. The path currently does not meet width requirements to designate it as a walking path, according to Brandstetter Carroll, and Truka asked if symbols could be painted, instead.
Council President Sis Love presented another option. She suggested installing “Caution: pedestrian in the berm” signs, which she saw in a recent trip in Columbus.
Reser will be looking into both options.
Council set a public hearing for the outdoor seating issue in the downtown area. That meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 in Council Chambers at Bucyrus City Hall.
Auditor Joyce Schifer was given the Auditor of State Award with Distinction from the office of State Auditor Dave Yost.
“It’s a collaborative effort, but you all are very fortunate to have such an excellent steward of tax payer dollars,” stated Lindsay Kuhn Blair of the office of the State Auditor.
Two pieces of legislation were passed during the meeting: a transfer within the Waterworks fund and an agreement for ODOT to make bridge repairs on U.S. 30 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad.