by Logan Andrew | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
Bucyrus City Council committees met Thursday evening in a surprisingly brisk and drama-free round of sessions that saw progress on multiple infrastructure projects, including a major street study, stormwater easement, and rezoning plans tied to Avita Health’s expansion. With several of the more vocal critics absent and a notably light public comment period, council members were able to move through the evening's agenda with a rare sense of order.
Economic Development Committee: CIC Appointments Finalized
Vice Chair Vicki Dishon opened the evening by confirming that emergency legislation passed earlier in the week officially seats new members on the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). With no new items introduced, the meeting adjourned within two minutes.
Public Lands & Buildings: Two Items Tabled
C. Aaron Sharrock presided over a short meeting where discussion items—1308 Fremont Street and the Air Scouts lease—were postponed due to absent sponsor Clarissa Slater and incomplete documentation. The committee made no formal motions.
Service Committee: CSX Easement Approved Through 2049
Chaired by Christopher Mauritz, the Service Committee approved emergency legislation authorizing a long-term easement agreement with CSX. The agreement allows stormwater infrastructure to pass under the Whetstone Street railroad crossing, ensuring uninterrupted flow through May 2049.
A brief discussion also addressed questions about whether water rate tier restructuring might be coming. Service-Safety Director Tommy Starner clarified that while internal models had been reviewed, changes were not being pursued due to minimal financial benefit.
Health & Safety Committee: Traffic Study and Galen Street Realignment
Chair Vicki Dishon guided the committee through two major transportation items:
📊 Traffic Study for South Sandusky Avenue
- A $18,500 traffic study by Smart Services, Inc. is scheduled for late August, when school is in session.
- The study will gather real-time data during peak hours to assess the potential removal of the center turn lane and determine if protected left-turn signals are needed.
- Signal upgrades, if recommended, could cost $300,000 per intersection.
🚗 Galen Street to Become One-Way
The committee unanimously approved a motion to convert Galen Street to one-way westbound between Walnut and Spring Streets. The change will support railroad upgrades and preserve residential parking.
During public discussion, the committee also addressed questions about the feasibility of sidewalks along South Sandusky Avenue. City Engineer Mike Ziadeh explained that right-of-way limitations and utility conflicts—along with funding restrictions—make sidewalk installation difficult in the area.
Platting Committee: Avita Expansion Clears First Hurdle
Led by Chair James Mee, the Platting Committee took several steps forward on Avita’s development project off Pleasant Hill Drive:
- Requested draft legislation to:
- Vacate part of Pleasant Hill Drive
- Dedicate a new connector street
- Rezone adjacent lots from Residential (R3) to General Business (GB)
A special meeting is expected next week to review revised legislation and schedule a public hearing. Staff confirmed that Avita has accepted all Planning Commission recommendations, including sidewalk and curb improvements tied to the new street.
The committee also removed the Tiny Homes project from its open items, as that initiative is now under review by the special ad hoc zoning committee.
Finance Committee: Routine Cleanup
Under the leadership of Chair Kevin Myers, the Finance Committee met briefly to confirm the removal of the ODNR grant item for Almiller Park Trail from its project list. The emergency ordinance passed earlier in the week, completing that action.
A Productive Night at City Hall
Thursday’s meetings marked a rare moment of quiet efficiency at Bucyrus City Hall. With several outspoken figures absent and little in the way of controversy, committee members were able to conduct business quickly and without derailment. Projects moved forward, priorities were clarified, and council operated with a sense of focus that has sometimes been missing in recent months.
As Bucyrus continues to weigh infrastructure upgrades and long-term development strategies, it was a welcome reminder of what council can accomplish when the process isn’t bogged down by distraction.
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