By Logan Andrew | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
BUCYRUS, OH — A series of committee meetings on July 10 revealed behind-the-scenes maneuvering on everything from abandoned homes to broadband towers, culminating in several disclosures that could have major implications for city finances and ethics oversight.
Public Lands Committee: Ethics Questions and Wavelinc Scrutiny
The Public Lands and Buildings Committee opened with a presentation from Keith French regarding the city’s agreement with Wavelinc, a company owned by Council President Kurt Fankhauser.
French clarified that the 2018 agreement allowing Wavelinc to lease access to five city towers for $35 per month was not itself unethical and had been approved administratively at the time. However, he stated that ethical concerns arise from more recent actions: specifically, the city’s 2024 acceptance of internet service and security cameras from Wavelinc without a formal bidding process. French argued this created a “public contract” under Ohio law, and that the city’s failure to solicit competitive bids potentially violates procurement requirements.
As part of his complaint to the Ohio Ethics Commission, French submitted a packet of documentation including a 2022 video clip in which Fankhauser discusses the camera donation and expresses a desire to claim a tax deduction. French noted that the video pertains to the camera system installed by Wavelinc, not the original tower lease.
The committee confirmed that the 2018 tower agreement remains a month-to-month arrangement and can be renegotiated or terminated by the city at any time. French added that Fankhauser has consistently paid and submitted proof of insurance, but reiterated that the 2024 camera and internet deal raises separate legal and ethical questions. The full packet of documents is now part of the public record.
[This section has been updated for clarification.]
Dangerous Buildings and Inaction: Swan Building in the Crosshairs
Property Maintenance Inspector Gordon Groves updated the committee on the Swan Building at 428 E. Mansfield Street, which was damaged during a 2024 tornado and subsequently declared dangerous. Groves said the building remains unfit for occupancy and lacks both insurance coverage and a structural certification. Though it was referred to the law director for court action, no progress has been made.
Groves added that demolishing the structure could cost upwards of $250,000, and that a growing number of homes throughout the city—many abandoned and now illegally occupied—are in similarly dire condition. Most are tied up in legal limbo with deceased owners and no probate filings.
Mayor Bruce Truka said the administration is identifying funds to board up these homes and is also pursuing $1.5 million in EPA grants for environmental remediation, including potential asbestos removal from the Swan Building. The city’s insurance provider is scheduled to inspect the property to determine if any portion of it is salvageable or insurable.
Airport Lease Nears Expiration
The Air Scouts lease at the city airport was also discussed. The lease expires in October 2026 and was originally granted in 1996 with two 10-year extensions. That means the current agreement is the last allowable extension, and a new lease will be required if the group wishes to remain at the property.
Platting Committee: Redlines and Rewrites
The Platting Committee reviewed two ordinances: one to vacate a portion of Pleasant Hill Drive and another to formally dedicate a new street named Remma Place. Both required live editing after multiple inconsistencies and formatting issues were discovered, including mismatched measurements and duplicated clauses.
The committee approved both ordinances with amendments and moved them to full council. Members also noted that they are seeking a new Board of Zoning Appeals member after a recent resignation.
Economic Development Committee: Tourism Funds and Delinquent Hotels
The Tourism Bureau’s second-quarter report was accepted with little debate, but it did highlight that both Quality Inn and Holiday Inn remain behind on bed tax payments. The bureau’s balance decreased from $68,000 to $61,000 due to event promotion and marketing expenses.
While itemized expenses are public, the bureau’s leadership clarified that donor information remains confidential unless explicitly waived.
The committee also announced a joint JEDD/CEDA presentation scheduled for August 28 at the Crawford Success Center from 5 to 7 PM.
Service Committee: Water Testing on Hold
The Service Committee briefly met to discuss water testing regulations but opted to table the item while further research is conducted. The topic has been added to the committee’s open projects list.
No Quorum for Finance or Health & Safety
Both the Finance and Health & Safety Committees failed to meet due to lack of quorum, pushing all agenda items to a later date.
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