Fastest session since November brings clarity, conflict, and cautious cooperation
In an efficient turnaround not seen in months, Bucyrus City Council’s committee meetings on May 8 wrapped faster than any session since at least November. Despite the brisk pace, council members didn’t shy away from tackling major topics—from regulating tiny homes to advancing plans for Avita’s new rehabilitation facility. The evening struck a rare balance between speed and substance, offering residents a clearer glimpse at upcoming developments.
Platting Committee Chair Jim Mee opened the meeting with council members Clarissa Slater, Vicki Dishon, and Aaron Sharrock present. After handling approvals of four sets of meeting minutes (split into separate votes due to changes in membership), the committee turned its attention to zoning rules for tiny homes.
Planning Administrator Mike Keefe outlined six types of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), noting the need to get ahead of demand as other cities adjust their ordinances. Emphasis was placed on permanent foundations, separate utility hookups, and prohibiting units on wheels unless located in mobile home parks. The committee agreed no standalone legislation was necessary at this time, since the topic is already in the ad hoc committee’s zoning overhaul.
Avita Expansion Spurs Debate The bulk of the conversation centered on Avita’s request to vacate a 325-foot stretch of Pleasant Hill Drive to make room for a new sports and rehabilitation center. Keefe pushed for urgency, warning, “I just don't want you guys to wait until there is a dedication plan or a set of plans for the roadway until you start draft legislation for this because I really don't want to delay this project. It's going to delay all the utilities and everything for this project if we delay it.”
Mee echoed the sentiment, saying, “This increases the value of the city. It's new buildings. It's a new rehab facility.” Slater motioned to request draft legislation, which was seconded by Dishon: “I understand where you're coming from, Aaron.”
But Aaron Sharrock voted no, voicing pointed frustration: “They hadn't okayed it, but then as soon as they did, they were bringing it to us... That’s not transparent at all. I mean, we're supposed to do this in the dark, cover your eyes and just go with it... That’s very frustrating. That's how a lot of things happen, then everybody gets mad at all of us.”
Slater and Mee reassured her the vote was only to begin the legislative process, not to approve any final deal: “It’s a gesture of goodwill.” The measure passed 3-1. Avita will present the full plan to council on May 20.
Other Committee Highlights
- Economic Development: Members discussed the AOFF grant for site improvements and a planned JEDD/CEDA workshop with a Columbus attorney. Legal advice was requested on how many council members could attend without violating Sunshine Laws.
- Public Lands & Buildings: Trails Committee Head Ray Thitoff thanked Family Farm & Home for tree donations and promoted an upcoming mushroom-hunting event. Discussion of splash pad repairs was deferred.
- Service Committee: Title IX ordinance cleanup continued. Members refined language around trash hauling, building material storage, and zoning compliance. Council member Chris Mauritz suggested tying renovation timelines to valid building permits, with help from Law Director Brandon Gobrecht.
- Health & Safety: Clarissa Slater criticized paying overtime for an officer to attend meetings. Greg White raised concerns about contract approval transparency. A draft ordinance for the IAFF contract passed 4-0.
- Finance Committee: Emergency legislation passed for a $139,000 bond transfer in the waterworks fund. The IAFF contract was tabled due to pending ordinances related to fire staffing and leadership.
Conclusion While transparency and procedural clarity remained hot-button issues, the May 8 meetings were unusually efficient. Members tackled weighty topics with civility and forward motion, making it the fastest and arguably smoothest committee night since last fall. Whether that trend holds going forward—especially as zoning and infrastructure debates heat up—remains to be seen.
We corrected the passing of the IAFF contract to 4-0. We had incorrectly published that it was 3-1 with councilwoman Dishon voting in opposition.
I DID NOT oppose the motion made in the Health and Safety Committee meeting approving the passing on to the Finance Committee of the IAFF Contract Ordinance. Vote was 4-0.