BUCYRUS — During Bucyrus City Council’s meeting Tuesday evening, Mayor Jeff Reser said work is complete on repairs of the Aumiller Park Pool and the city is now awaiting final inspection by the Ohio State Board of Health.

“We will open when we pass inspection, but our opening will be in line with mandatory requirements from the board of health due to the coronavirus,” Reser said.

He said split sessions were going to be implemented to comply with social distancing rules released by the board of health, due to the coronavirus, but is now leaning towards simply opening the pool from 1-8 p.m. each day except Sunday, which will be 1-6 p.m. Admittance of the number of people allowed in the pool area will be kept to 150 people.

“We will also have the baby pool open for the first time in several years,” Reser said.

He said staff members, including lifeguards, have been hired and as soon as the inspection is complete, the pool will be open.

Reser said people may call Kelli Patterson at the mayor’s office to book the pool for parties during evening hours.

Reser also said the First Amendment to the to the Constitution of the United States was on full display June 6 when approximately 200 people peacefully gathered at Millennium Park to protest racism.

“The age group in attendance was from one to about 100 years of age,” Reser said. “The event was organized by local folks and largely attended by local citizens who marched from city hall to Liberty Street and back. The event was peaceful as expected. Thanks to all who took part and made their voices heard and thank you to our peace officers who were present to protect our citizens and property if needed.”

He said Bucyrus Police Capt. Joe Greathouse oversaw security and he worked closely with area police departments, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office during the week to coordinate security and he was very grateful for the support and professionalism of the area departments.

“Our country has made much progress in the advancement of minorities in the last 65 years since Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education, but much work remains to be done to eliminate all elements of racism in our homes, city and country,” Reser said. “As I said in media interviews, all citizens must be treated with dignity and respect. This is the key to a peaceful community. I ask that you, as city leaders, speak out against racism when you see it in our community. Do not tolerate it in any form.”

He congratulated Police Chief Dave Koepke on his retirement and his new venture with North Central State College as the program coordinator and instructor of the criminal justice program.

“We had a wonderful send-off for him on Friday,” Reser said. “Work is complete on the pool repairs and we are awaiting final inspection by the Ohio State Board of Health. We will open when we pass inspection, but our opening will be in line with mandatory requirements from the Board of Health due to the coronavirus.”

Reser also presented the report to council for city service safety director Jeff Wagner.

Dirt Dawg will begin their plan to start restoration in June for all three projects (Group 1, Group 3A and Group 2) whether it will be fill dirt, planting grass and/or street repairs. They are also doing the work at the Pines Reservoir when it is breached in mid-July.

City auditor Joyce Schifer submitted a letter to council informing the members that she will no longer be attending council meetings unless there is something specific that she needs to address.

“I’m available to meet by appointment during the week or by phone if anyone has questions,” she said in her letter. “I will continue to provide monthly reports and updates as needed. My husband’s health and family obligations prevent me from being present at all meetings.”

She said the city’s 2019 audit has been delayed by one month due to COVID-19 restrictions.

On third readings, a resolution for street closures during the Bratwurst Festival were approved and the first reading of the street closures resolution for the annual car show, now postponed until October, were completed.

The council joint committee meeting will be Thursday at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Bucyrus City Hall.