Bucyrus council calls special Dec. 12 meeting to meet airport grant deadlines after absences

The Bucyrus City Council on Dec. 8 scheduled a special meeting for Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. to consider three airport-related grant applications and a proposed transfer of the old YMCA to the CIC, after not enough members were present to complete all readings and votes.

The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m., with the Chair noting that Resolution 238‑2025 (transfer of the old YMCA to the CIC), Resolution 239‑2025 (application for an AIG grant) and Resolution 240‑2025 (application for an AIP grant) were on the special-call agenda. The Chair invited public comment; none came forward.

The Chair read a citizen email from Judy Hoffman of Dudley Street opposing awarding the $115,000 building, writing that the firehouse needed a place to house trucks and arguing the property "should be turned over to the firemen," the email said. The Council voted to accept and file the communication.

Several councilmembers said a lack of a full seven‑member attendance prevented waiving second and third readings and therefore prevented passage of the grant-related items that evening. One councilmember (Councilmember (S2)) defended a colleague and attributed the missing agenda item to "a simple error, a very honest mistake" by a staff or committee member; the Chair denied directing any omission.

"If this continues, we don't get this passed or we're gonna lose out on this grant," Councilmember (S2) said, adding that missing the deadline "is gonna end up costing the city 5%" of the grant opportunity. Staff said the grant office indicated the 17th would be acceptable; the next regular meeting is Dec. 16, when some members said they could not attend.

To avoid missing the grant deadlines, the Council voted to call a special meeting for Dec. 12 at 4:00 p.m. and to add a third airport-related grant item discussed in committee so all three airport grants would be considered together. The Chair also reported errors found in the legislation and — by agreement — the Council did not read the bills at the Dec. 8 session to avoid having to return to amend them later.

On attendance matters, the Council voted in roll call to excuse Councilwoman Deshaun (five yes votes) and voted not to excuse Councilwoman Slater after a motion to do so failed for lack of a second. The Council adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to accept and file citizen communication from Judy Hoffman — approved by voice vote. - Motion to call special meeting Dec. 12 at 4:00 p.m. — approved by voice vote. - Motion to excuse Councilwoman Deshaun — approved by roll-call (five yes votes); member excused. - Motion to excuse Councilwoman Slater — failed for lack of a second; member unexcused. - Motion to adjourn — approved; meeting ended at 6:13 p.m.

The Council will reconvene at the special meeting Dec. 12 to consider the listed resolutions and the added airport grant item.