BUCYRUS — Bucyrus attorney Pat Murphy came to the Bucyrus City Council’s special meeting Thursday evening to speak about his desire to purchase Pines Reservoir from the city.

The city was recently issued a chief’s order by officials of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in November due to the danger of the number two reservoir failing and needing major repairs.

The city’s options are to sell it, drain it or repair it.

According to Mayor Jeff Reser, to make all the necessary repairs to the reservoir and its cement dam, it will cost the city approximately $1 million.

“The money would have to come from somewhere, so it could mean higher utility costs for residents,” Reser said. “We are already paying on the new water treatment plant.”

Murphy said he met with ODNR officials, along with the city law director Rob Ratliff, with his plans for the property. Murphy said he worked with Lyn Makeever and another engineering firm on creating plans to repair the failing property.

“ODNR seems to be amenable to his plans,” Ratliff said.

Ratliff said the city only has until October to come up with a plan and has appealed the chief’s order by ODNR. He said the city can sell the property to Murphy through the newly created Community Improvement Corporation.

Council member Andrew Shoch said the CIC was not created to do a sale like this one.

“The reservoir is city property so shouldn’t it have to be put up for auction,” Shoch asked.

Ratliff said anyone who would purchase the property needs a plan in place first before ODNR will approve the sale.

“Pat already has that and is willing to move forward,” Ratliff said.

Murphy said he grew up near the reservoir on Stetzer Road and his ancestors have ties to the land that the reservoir is situated on.

“I am willing to take on the financial responsibility of the property and assume liability in making the necessary repairs,” Murphy said.

He said he has several ideas for the property but will keep it as a wildlife area.

“I may construct a pavilion for people to have weddings and parties,” Murphy said. “I have no plans to develop the land.”

Murphy said that in his studies of the area, he has learned there are many dead and rotting trees that pose a danger to people visiting the popular fishing location.

“Those trees need to come back before someone is injured,” Murphy said.

The issue still is with the council’s public land and buildings committee and will be discussed further at the upcoming meeting Monday at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

Ordinances for an appropriation to accept a donation for Safety Town and for the state tax collection contract and resolutions to authorize the city to pay a bill without a purchase order, the group 3-A sewer project bid and for the citywide CRA board membership were held to first readings. The council did not have a quorum with two members absent from the meeting  to pass legislation as an emergency.

The next regular council meeting is Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at Bucyrus City Hall.