By Kathy Laird, Crawford County Now Contributor
It was a quiet evening in Bucyrus City Hall chambers without any new business and no questions or input from the public. But seemed apparent that council has been busy preparing for the future of the city of Bucyrus.
Mayor Reser announced the dedication of the new water treatment plant will be on September 16th. There will be tours of the new facility so everyone can get a close up view of how the water is produced. Reser also recognized Carolyn Shireman and Joe Graham for the organization of another “wonderful day at the park—Red, White, and Blues.” The Mayor also expressed thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors for the event.
The Crawford County Land Bank is set to demolish the first round of condemned properties in Bucyrus. The Mayor will provide council members with a list of houses to be demolished. Council also approved the appointment of four members and two alternates to the Board of Zoning Appeals in Bucyrus. The board approved Floyd Farmer, Glenn Achtermann, Ron Bores Mike Schifer and Bill Stuckert to the board and Tom Rarick and Ed McCarthy as alternates. Their terms will be retroactive to January 1, 2016 and expire on December 31, 2018, then to a four-year term ending December 31, 2022.
The Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club will receive the prestigious 2016 Beautification Award at their annual conference. Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club are responsible for the flowers around the square and in the downtown area.
In other council news; Councilwoman Monica Sack asked that the city look into ways to reduce speeding drivers down Walnut Street. She noted many children are out playing and traffic is moving too fast. The Mayor will speak with Police Chief Keopke to see what measures can be taken to deal with the problem. This is a concern for many streets as noted by council members.
Councilman O’Rourke discussed the problem of trees trying to take root at the Outhwaite Reservoir. According to O’Rourke, if these trees are allowed to grow it could weaken the walls of the reservoir and create potential dangerous conditions. Mayor Reser noted that one billion gallons of water are stored there. The Mayor explained that he would make efforts to secure the spraying for weeds.
In another exchange, O’Rourke inquired about lighting or a bike path to be placed along Beal Avenue near the Baja Boat area. There is no sidewalk and he noted that people need lighting for night time or a bike path to safely travel the area. The Mayor said he would refer investigate possibilities.
Lastly, O’Rourke inquired about his request to contact the Army Corp of Engineers regarding the log jam in the creek at the golf course. Mayor Reser promised to make the call to the Army Corp of Engineers to investigate.
The Bucyrus Diner has made an application to obtain a liquor license for their restaurant located on Sandusky Ave. Council approved a motion waiving a hearing on the matter.
In celebration of the 50th Annual Bratwurst Festival August 17-19; the Mayor’s office will be placing a float in the parade. The float will feature former mayors from the past fifty-years who are still living and representatives from the families of those who are no longer living. The mayor announced that all the former mayors and/or family members have been contacted.