By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Bucyrus Health and Safety Committee’s proposed marijuana legislation received the approval of Chief Dave Koepke Wednesday night.
During the combined committee meetings, Law Director Rob Ratliff noted that while the fines imposed could be heavier, one issue that is part of the Ohio Revised Code would be omitted in that the city wouldn’t (in most cases) pursue driver’s license forfeiture.
“Taking away a driver’s license can be devastating for some that need to drive to their jobs. This option wouldn’t have license forfeiture,” Ratliff stated.
Police Chief Koepke echoed Ratliff’s sentiments agreeing with the proposed change in misdemeanor classification.
“Most cases aren’t traffic related,” Koekpe said. “The officers are trying to maintain the drivers’ privileges.”
Councilmember Bruce Truka was worried that the fines would be too large with being placed under the new classification of unclassified misdemeanor. Ratliff explained that the $1,000 fines first discussed would be the maximum fines that could be levied.
“Typical fines will be $150 to $300, but ultimately it will be in the hands of the judge,” Ratliff explained. “As an attorney I would look at how the offender behaves during the arrest as to what fine I would suggest to the courts.”
The motion to request legislation passed. The legislation will then be presented at the next committee meeting before going to council for approval.
The newly-gated Pines Reservoir issue came before the Public Lands and Buildings Committee. The city had decided to close off the reservoir after an issue came up with people dumping their garbage at the site of the reservoir.
Don Tanner spoke before the committee requesting that if the city doesn’t take down the gates to at least allow it to be open from sun up to sun down.
“I have been fishing at the reservoir for 40 years. We are there four to five times a week because the boats are too small to be on Oathwaite Reservoir. We got five buttheads who are trying to ruin it for the rest of us. I am retired, this is my home, this is where I fish, and it is the only place for many of us to fish. Close the thing from dark to daylight. Just don’t let the idiots ruin it for the whole town.”
Council member Bill O’Rourke proposed to just leave the reservoir blocked off, but Truka countered with the idea of putting deer cameras out by the reservoir in order to catch the culprits.
“I can’t see us gating off all of the reservoirs unless Donald Trump pays for it,” Truka said.
The Public Lands and Safety Committee voted to take down the gates, but to have input from City Service/Safety Director Jeff Wagner prior to moving forward.
The Finance Committee approved the creation of a new line item within Victim’s Advocate fund to pave the way for a mini grant for training purposes. The Finance Committee also approved various appropriations requested by Joyce Schifer including $3,585 for maintenance to the playscape. Funding for the maintenance came from a $2,500 donation as well as $1,085 from the Community Foundation.