By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

The effects of last week’s rains are still being felt around town, especially by one couple and their tenants.

Stephanie and Scott Fackler appeared at Tuesday night’s Bucyrus City Council meeting to voice their concerns over an incident that occurred on Jan. 13. The Facklers own a rental property at 312 E. Mansfield St., but the addition foundation of an adjacent residence collapsed and led to the cement porch of their rental cracking. The property at 308 E. Mansfield St. is owned by John Malone.

Another concern was the fact that the incident occurred after business hours on Friday evening and the Facklers had problems reaching anyone within the city administration. After a number of calls, the Facklers finally reached Council President Sis Love, who put them in touch with Mayor Jeff Reser. He, in turn, prompted the Bucyrus Fire Department to check out the situation.

“If it rains anymore, the ground gives away anymore, it’s going to cave more,” Stephanie Fackler said. “It’s a pretty big deal. It’s a dangerous situation.”

Stephanie Fackler acknowledged that her tenants saw Malone working on the property Monday, but she noted that the property is still in bad shape if the foundation issues were taken away. She said that Malone’s tenants allegedly bring trash out onto the roof below, forcing the Facklers’ tenants to pick up trash. Stephanie Fackler also noted the rotted OSB boards on the outside walls.

“It’s just not good,” Stephanie Fackler said.

Reser acknowledged such properties were ongoing problems in the city, but countered that with a building inspector being added to the budget for 2017. He said they also talked about having certificates of occupancy to avoid such issues.

“I’m sorry you had this problem,” Reser told the Facklers. He assured them he will be following up on the matter Wednesday.

Councilmen Dan Wirebaugh and Bill O’Rourke stressed the fact that clear procedures were not in place if another such incident occurred after hours.

City council passed two pieces of legislation that dealt with salaries. Council members and the council president will see a $500 raise – from $6,179.29 this year to $6,679.29 in 2018 and 2019. The salaries will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The city treasurer will also see raises over the next four years: a $500 raise in 2018 for a salary of $8,892.14 and a $250 raise each year beginning in 2019 until 2021.

Reser said a work order was placed Monday for the utility pole at Sandusky Avenue and Irving Street. Kiess Electric will be doing the work and will contact the city this week when the project will be scheduled.

The city will also be going out to bid this month for the Schines Art Park, which has an expected completion date of June 30.