By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
The Bucyrus Health and Safety Committee approved sending legislation on false alarm fees to City Council Thursday night.
Law Director Rob Ratliff presented the legislation which will remove the need for a permit for Bucyrus residents and businesses; however it will impose penalties if numerous false alarms are reported.
After the first two offenses a written warning will be issued, after five false alarms in a 12-month period a $50 citation will be issued, upwards to a $200 fine after 20 offenses. If an alarm receives 25 false alarms in a 12-month period the alarm will be deactivated, and a minor misdemeanor citation will be issued.
Repeat offenders could be charged with a misdemeanor of the third degree.
“This is a big payoff,” Ratliff said to the Health and Safety Committee. “We have gotten rid of the permits, but without permits we have to have an enforcement system for false alarms.”
A provision within the proposed legislation that imposed a ban on panic buttons in establishments where alcohol is purchased for consumption was removed.
As a result of the new legislation the need to set up an Alarm Review Board which would consist of the fire chief, police chief, and the chair of the Health and Safety Committee was created.
The Health and Safety Committee tabled the proposed legislation on indigent burials. The committee decided to hold off on the legislation until the county signs off on key issues. City Attorney Ratliff explained to the committee that County Commissioner Doug Weisenauer wasn’t keen on the city spreading ashes, but was alright with burying them.
The Finance Committee approved an appropriation of $413 from the general fund to the personal services fund for Victim’s Advocate services.
An appropriation of $25,000 to cover electric costs for the remainder of the year was tabled in order to investigate if there is a way to lessen the expense.