C I T Y C O U N C I L C H A M B E R S - City of Youngstown

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 7, 2004
C I T Y C O U N C I L C H A M B E R S
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2004
CITY COUNCIL CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION
AND WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT FORTUNE.
ON A CALL OF THE ROLL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS RESPONDED TO
THEIR NAMES: MESS. ATKINSON, BOLES, GILLAM, HUDSON, MEMMER,
RAPOVY, RIGHETTI AND FORTUNE, 8.
COUNCIL SWORE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
THE JOURNAL OF THE LAST MEETING WAS APPROVED.
COMMUNICATIONS
COM-04-1 BOARD OF CONTROL SUBMIT AGENDA & MINUTES OF 12/24/03.
WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON WAS RECEIVED AND
FILED.
CARRIED
COM-04-2 BOARD OF CONTROL SUBMIT AGENDA FOR 1/8/04 MEETING.
WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON WAS RECEIVED AND
FILED.
CARRIED
COM-04-3 WATER COMMISSIONER SAMMARONE SUBMITS WATER RATE
INCREASES FOR 2004 & 2005. WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR.
ATKINSON WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.
CARRIED
COM-04-4 MUNICIPAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR McLAUGHLIN RE:
PRESIDING JUDGE DOUGLAS. WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR.
ATKINSON WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.
CARRIED
COM-04-5 LIQUOR CONTROL SUBMIT APPLICATION TO MILITARY ORDER
OF PURPLE HEART CHAPTER 186, 2840 MARKET ST. WAS READ AND UPON
MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON WAS RECEIVED AND FILED. CARRIED
COM-04-6 LIQUOR CONTROL SUBMIT APPLICATION TO OLLIES PUB, 2716
MAHONING AVE. WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON WAS
RECEIVED AND FILED.
CARRIED
COM-04-7 LIQUOR CONTROL SUBMIT APPLICATION TO OPEN HEARTH
GRILLE, 207 STEEL STREET. WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR.
ATKINSON WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.
CARRIED
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COM-04-8 OHIO EPA RE: WATER LINE EXT. IN FOX DEN TRAIL
DEVELOPMENT. WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON WAS
RECEIVED AND FILED.
CARRIED
COM-04-9 OHIO EPA SUBMIT CORRECTION OF WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL LOAN FUND. WAS READ AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON
WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.
CARRIED
ORDINANCES
ORD-04-1 TO REVISE THE YOUNGSTOWN CODIFIED ORDINANCES BY
ADOPTING CURRENT REPLACEMENT PAGES TO APPROVE AND ADOPT
CURRENT REPLACEMENT PAGES TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES; AND
PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE
IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM
AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE
FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL
WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-2 AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF CONTROL OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN TO ENTER INTO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT
FOR A GRANT COORDINATOR IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT NOT TO
EXCEED $10,000.00 FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD AT AN HOURLY RATE OF $9.91.
THERE WILL BE NO FRINGE BENEFITS WITH THIS AGREEMENT; AND FUNDS
ARE AVAILABLE IN FUND 106013; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE
EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD
ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF
YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-3 AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF CONTROL OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN TO ENTER INTO AN ENTERPRISE ZONE AGREEMENT
WITH SUPERIOR CHEMICAL PRODUCTS CO. FOR A TEN (10) YEAR,
SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT (75%) ABATEMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES
RESULTING FROM THE PROJECT; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE
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EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD
ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF
YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-4 AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF CONTROL OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,602.00, FOR
CONTINUATION OF THE FEDERAL HIV PREVENTION PROGRAM
(COMMUNITY AIDS EDUCATION INTERVENTION) FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004; AND
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF CONTROL TO EXPEND SAID STATE
GRANT FUNDS FOR SAID PURPOSE; AND FUNDS WILL BE DEPOSITED INTO
FUND 663003 THROUGH COMPANION APPROPRIATION LEGISLATION, AND
EXPENDED FROM FUND 663003; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE
EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD
ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF
YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-5 APPROPRIATING $96,256.00 FROM FUND 675 (PARKING LOTS
AND METERS) TO THE VARIOUS CODES WITHIN FUND 675 AS LISTED
HEREIN; TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND
ENFORCEMENT SERVICES OF CITY PARKING LOTS AND PARKING METERS
DURING 2004; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE AN
EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX OF
THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND BE
IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW.
WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON THE
RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS,
NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-6 APPROPRIATING $300,602.00 FROM FUND 663 TO VARIOUS
LINE ITEM CODES, HEREIN LISTED, IN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR
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CONTINUATION OF THE FEDERAL HIV PREVENTION PROGRAM
(COMMUNITY AIDS EDUCATION INTERVENTION) FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004; AND
FUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AND EXPENDED FROM FUND 663003
PENDING NOTICE OF AWARD; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE
EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD
ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF
YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-7 AMENDING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 00-5, PASSED IN
CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 7, 2000, WHICH ESTABLISHED THE MASTER
SALARY ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN. THIS BEING
AMENDMENT NO. 79 TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN THE
YOUNGSTOWN CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
CREATE THE FOLLOWING POSITION:
POSITION NO. 3813, DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST/NURSING
HOME INSPECTOR, $17,6626 HOURLY, $36,738.20 ANNUALLY; AND
FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE IN FUND NUMBER 654003/960574 (NURSING
DIVISION). PERMISSION FOR THIS POSITION WAS GRANTED BY THE
BOARD OF HEALTH ON NOVEMBER 3, 2003; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE
AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT
SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST
PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON
MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY
A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
READINGS
ORD-03-311 AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF CONTROL OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH
BELLERIA PIZZERIA, INC. #8, UNDER OHIO REVISED CODE 5722.11, THE
LAND REUTILIZATION ACT. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED ON WICK
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AVENUE AND IS KNOWN AS CITY LOT NUMBER 1426; AND PROVIDING
THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT
RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL;
OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER
THE EARLIEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE SECOND TIME
AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON WAS ADVANCED TO A THIRD
READING.
CARRIED
ORD-03-320 REMOVING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS (DEMOLITION), ALONG
WITH ALL RELATED PENALTIES AND INTEREST, FROM THE MAHONING
COUNTY TAX DUPLICATES; SAID COSTS TO BE REMOVED ARE LISTED IN
ATTACHED EXHIBIT “A”; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL
BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF
SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE EFFECT
AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY
LAW. WAS READ THE SECOND TIME AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON
THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS,
NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
LATE LEGISLATION
ORD-04-8 APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM VARIOUS POLICE
DEPARTMENT FUNDS TO VARIOUS CODES WITHIN SAID FUNDS, AS
DEFINED HEREIN BELOW: AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE
EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD
ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE SECOND TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF
YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-9 AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF CONTROL OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST AND
BEST BIDDER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE, AFTER ADVERTISING FOR BIDS,
FOR THE FEDERAL STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (MAH-501-1.07;
PID 20345); AND FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION IS AVAILABLE IN FUND
250013, THROUGH THE COMBINATION OF A FEDERAL HIGHWAY
ADMINISTRATION GRANT, AN OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
GRANT, AND AN OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION 20-YEAR, ZERO
PERCENT INTEREST LOAN; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
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SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF SIX OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE
EFFECT AND BE IN FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD
ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS READ THE SECOND TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE RULES OF COUNCIL WERE SUSPENDED BY A VOTE OF
YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN PLACED UPON ITS PASSAGE AND
PASSED BY A VOTE OF YEAS, 7. NAYS, NONE.
ORD-04-10 AUTHORIZING CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING FUNDS TO THE
FOLLOWING SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES DURING THE 2004-2005
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FISCAL YEAR FROM THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY PROGRAM INCOME FUND:
• $25,000.00 – GIVE THE CHILDREN A CHANCE, INC.
• $46,550.00 - YOUNGSTOWN AREA URBAN LEAGUE
• $25,000.00 - ASSOCIATED NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
• $32,488.00 – ORGANIZACION CIVICA Y CULTURAL HISPANA
AMERICANA, INC.
AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE AN EMERGENCY
MEASURE IF IT RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX OF THE
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL; OTHERWISE, IT SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND BE IN
FORCE FROM AND AFTER THE EARLIEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. WAS
READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF MR. ATKINSON THE
ORDINANCE WAS PLACED IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE.
CARRIED
A RESOLUTION
RES-04-1 EXPRESSING CITY COUNCIL’S INTENT TO AUTHORIZE THE
CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN TO APPROPRIATE FROM THE 30 TH YEAR
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, THREE HUNDRED FIFTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($350,000.00) IN THE YEAR 2004 FOR THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN MINORITY/WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE LOAN AND
BONDING PROGRAM. WAS READ THE FIRST TIME AND UPON MOTION OF
MR. ATKINSON THE ORDINANCE WAS PLACED IN THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
CARRIED
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
MR. FORTUNE: “THAT IS THE AGENDA FOR THIS EVENING GENTLEMEN
ANY COMMENTS? MR. ATKINSON AND THEN MR. GILLAM”.
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MR. ATKINSON: “MR. CHAIRMAN, FIRST I’D LIKE TO WELCOME OUR
NEW MEMBERS TO CITY COUNCIL, WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO
SERVING WITH YOU. I KNOW THIS CITY COUNCIL IS GOING TO BE A
GREAT CITY COUNCIL, VERY DIVERSE, WE HAVE A FEMALE, WE HAVE
BLACK MALES, WE HAVE WHITE MALES, WE HAVE REPUBLICANS, WE
HAVE DEMOCRATS AND FIRST OF ALL WE HAVE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME
MIND SET THAT WE WANT TO DO WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN. SO, ALONG WITH THE ADMINISTRATION AND THIS
COUNCIL I THINK WE’RE GOING TO DO GREAT THINGS AND I’M EXCITED
ABOUT THAT AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING. THE POINT THAT
I RAISED ABOUT MR. PRESIDENT IS THAT I GOT SOME COMMUNICATIONS
FROM MR. BOLES FROM THE SIXTH WARD ABOUT THE WEED AND SEED
CONTRACT I’D LIKE TO REFER THAT TO THE SAFETY COMMITTEE, MR.
GILLAM I’D LIKE TO GIVE YOU A COPY OF THIS FOR YOUR COMMITTEE TO
WORK ON”.
MR. GILLAM:
MR. FORTUNE:
“THANK YOU SIR”.
“MR. GILLAM”.
MR. GILLAM: “THIS QUESTION IS FOR OUR MAYOR, MR. MAYOR
WE’VE GOT, BACK WHEN MR. TRAFICANT GAVE US THIS 25, 26 MILLION
DOLLARS I THINK WE’RE ABOUT THREE YEARS INTO THAT.
MAYOR McKELVEY:
“$26.8 MILLION”.
MR. GILLAM: “$26.8”.
MR. FORTUNE: “GO THROUGH THE CHAIR, WHEN YOU WANT TO SPEAK
MAYOR YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS THE CHAIR AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT
UNTIL THE GENTLEMAN GETS FINISHED OVER THERE AND THEN WE’LL
CALL YOU”.
MR. GILLAM: “THANK YOU MR. CHAIRMAN. I’M, AT THIS POINT
ALONG WITH SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES ARE CONFUSED OF WHERE WE
ARE WITH THE CONVOCATION CENTER AND THE $26 MILLION, OF COURSE
I KNOW THERE’S NOT $26 MILLION LEFT. I DO UNDERSTAND THAT SINCE
WE RECEIVED THESE MONIES A LOT OF THINGS HAVE HAPPENED IN THE
LAST FEW MONTHS A COUPLE OF THINGS HAPPENED I WAS TOLD THAT
THE MONIES FROM SENATOR DeWINE AND SENATOR VOINOVICH THAT WE
POSSIBLY COULD REDIRECT THE MONIES AND THE MAYOR KNOWS HOW I
FEEL ABOUT THAT BECAUSE ONE OF THE THINGS IS IT’S THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS COUNCIL TO DETERMINE WHAT WE’RE GOING
TO DO WITH THE MONIES AS I UNDERSTAND IT, IT’S NOT THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR SENATORS. HOWEVER, AT THIS PARTICULAR
POINT I AM VERY, VERY CONFUSED ON WHERE, WHAT’S THE DISPOSITION
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OF THE CONVOCATION CENTER. IT’S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT MY
COLLEAGUES, MOST OF THEM WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CONVOCATION
CENTER, HOWEVER, ALL I’M HEARING FROM RADIO TALK SHOWS AND I’M
LISTENING TO YOU ON THE TALK SHOWS TOO, IS THAT WE’RE GOING TO
REDIRECT THAT MONEY AND CLEAN UP YOUNGSTOWN. ONE OF THE
THINGS IS I THINK OUR COLLEAGUES ARE LOOKING AT WE NEED TO HAVE
A CONVOCATION CENTER BECAUSE AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THERE ARE
MORE PERMANENT AND PART-TIME JOBS AT THAT THAN IT WOULD BE
ANYTHING ELSE. BUT MAYBE YOU COULD ENLIGHTEN US MAYOR.
THANK YOU”.
MAYOR McKELVEY:
(INAUDIBLE)
MR. FORTUNE: “GO AHEAD MAYOR, IS THERE A MICROPHONE DOWN
THERE FOR THE MAYOR?”
MAYOR McKELVEY: “BUDGETARY RESTRAINTS. . . YOU TRIED TO
TAKE AWAY THE MAYOR’S VOICE. NO POWER. COUNCILMAN GILLAM
THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND IT’S VERY UNDERSTANDABLE AND I
APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP BECAUSE AS THE FIRST WARD
COUNCILMAN IT’S YOUR WARD THAT WILL BE MOST SIGNIFICANTLY
IMPACTED BY THE FUTURE DECISIONS OF THIS FUNDING. THERE’S ONE
DYNAMIC THAT’S OCCURRING ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL WHICH I BELIEVE
ALL COUNCIL PERSONS ARE AWARE OF, AND THAT IS THE SENATORS FOR
OHIO, SENATORS VOINOVICH AND DeWINE ARE SPONSORING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING E.D.I. GRANT LANGUAGE TO ALLOW
COUNCIL THE FLEXIBILITY TO USE THE MONEY FOR A MULTIPLE
PURPOSES, THE PROPOSED LANGUAGE IS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OR REVITALIZATION EFFORTS IN THE RENEWAL COMMUNITY ZONE,
WHICH WOULD MOVE COUNCIL AWAY FROM BEING A PROJECT SPECIFIC
GRANT TO ALLOWING THEM TO TRY TO ACCOMPLISH A NUMBER OF
OBJECTIVES. THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY STATED PUBLICLY THAT THEY
WILL PASS THAT LEGISLATION IN THE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS BILL TO
THE OMINOUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL WHICH GOES THROUGH IN JANUARY
AND THE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS BILL I BELIEVE ANTICIPATED IN
FEBRUARY OF ’04 OF THIS YEAR. THEY CONTINUE TO SAY THAT AGAIN
THEY SUPPORT THE FLEXIBILITY BUT THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE
DECISION MAKING POWER TO REMAIN LOCAL, THEY WILL NOT MAKE A
DECISION ON HOW THE CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN WILL SPEND THE MONEY.
THAT REMAINS A LOCAL DECISION BUT THEY FELT THAT THE CITY
WOULD WELCOME THE FLEXIBILITY ON THE FUNDING. MY GOAL, MY
STATED GOAL AT THIS POINT IN TIME AND I WOULD HOPE COUNCIL
WOULD SHARE THAT BUT ULTIMATELY THIS DECISION WILL BE MADE BY
THE MAJORITY OF COUNCIL, IS TO TRY AND ACCOMPLISH THE GOAL OF
BUILDING NOT ONLY A CONVOCATION CENTER IN THIS COMMUNITY OR
SUPPORTING A CONVOCATION CENTER PROJECT IN THE COMMUNITY,
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AND ALSO ACCOMPLISHING THE GOALS THAT I BELIEVE YOU’D LIKE TO
ACCOMPLISH ON WEST FEDERAL STREET AND DO SOME ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH THE MONEY FOR JOB CREATION ALSO. ON
THAT TRACK BECAUSE THE, AND I’M SURE THE IMPRESSION IS FAIR BUT I
HAVE TO CORRECT IT IS A MISIMPRESSION AND I ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
FOR THAT, IN TERMS OF TRYING TO DEVELOP A CONVOCATION CENTER
THAT INITIATIVE HASN’T STOPPED. YOU ARE ALL AWARE THAT FROM THE
BEGINNING WE ATTEMPTED TO LURE PRIVATE CAPITAL TO DEVELOP A
CONVOCATION CENTER AS A PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP. WE HAVE
BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN DOING THAT. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR THAT
THESE THINGS ARE PRIMARILY BUILT BY PUBLIC ENTITIES THAT THEY’RE
NOT INVESTED IN BY PRIVATE ENTITIES AND THAT’S BEING BORN OUT IN
THE EXPERIENCE THAT’S OCCURRING IN TOLEDO, OHIO, MASSILLON WAS
NOT SUCCESSFUL, ERIE, PA. THEIRS IS ON HOLD ETCETERA SO IN THAT
REGARD, WHAT WE’RE ATTEMPTING TO DO THROUGH DIALOGUE WITH
SOME OF THE INITIAL INTERESTED PARTIES COUNCILMAN, IS TO SEE IF
THEY CAN SECURE NON-RECOURSE TO THE CITY, PRIVATE FINANCING IF
IN FACT FROM DIFFERENT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES ON THE FEDERAL
LEVEL, IF IN FACT WE COULD INFUSE SAY FIVE, SIX OR SEVEN MILLION
DOLLARS INTO THE PROJECT COULD THEY SECURE NON-RECOURSE
FINANCING TO THE PROJECT WHICH DOES NOT THEN EVER THREATEN
THE GENERAL FUND OF THE CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN. THEY ARE GOING TO
GET BACK I BELIEVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE WITH THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
DAVID BOZANICH TO LET HIM KNOW HOW SUCCESSFUL THEY’VE BEEN
AND WHAT LEVEL OF DEBT THEY BELIEVE THEY COULD FINANCE NON-
RECOURSE FOR A FACILITY OF THAT NATURE. IF WE COULD ACCOMPLISH
THAT WE THEN BELIEVE WE THAT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE SEED
MONEY FOR A CONVOCATION CENTER AND ALSO DO SOME OF THESE
OTHER PROJECTS IN TERMS OF THE WEST FEDERAL STREET
REHABILITATION PROJECTS AND SOME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN. THAT IS ABOUT AS, I COULD
GET MORE SPECIFIC BUT THAT’S ABOUT THE TRACK THAT THINGS ARE
GOING ON NOW. ONE IS THE SENATORS INITIATIVE THE OTHER IS AN
ONGOING DIALOGUE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH THAT OBJECTIVE AND
TALKS ARE GOING ON TO TRY AND SEE IF WE CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN”.
MR. FORTUNE:
“MR. GILLAM”.
MR. GILLAM: “THANK YOU VERY MUCH MR. CHAIRMAN AND MAYOR.
THAT DATE THAT YOU HAVE OF FEBRUARY 4 TH I’M TOLD BY THE
CONGRESSMAN AT THE EARLIEST IT WOULD BE, WOULD BE IN MARCH.
AND AS I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS NOT AN EXTENSION FROM THE
CONGRESSMAN, HE TOLD US THAT WE WERE NOT EXTENDED AS FAR AS
HAVING A TIME LIMIT. SO THAT TELLS ME THAT THE WINDOW OF
OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS CONVOCATION CENTER IS VERY NARROW AND
GETTING CLOSER BY THE DAY. ALSO . . .
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MAYOR McKELVEY:
“IF I CAN RESPOND TO THAT?”
MR. GILLAM:
“YES GO AHEAD, OKAY”.
MAYOR McKELVEY: “GOOD QUESTION, THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR.
THE CONGRESSMAN IS CORRECT THE, AND THAT WAS A MAJOR CONCERN
OF MINE AND REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERN OF MINE ABOUT A TICKING
TIME CLOCK IN TERMS OF HAVING TO MAKE DECISIONS WITHIN THOSE
TIME FRAMES. THE TIMELINE IS NOT IN THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
THE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS BILL. SENATOR DeWINE AND SENATOR
VOINOVICH HAVE INDICATED TO THE CITY THAT THEY HAVE CONTACTED
PERSONALLY HUD OFFICIALS AND HAD BEEN ASSURED THAT UPON
REQUEST OF THE CITY AN EXTENSION WILL BE GRANTED FOR THE USE OF
THE FUNDS. THEY SPOKE ABOUT TWELVE TO TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS
ASSURED, IF IN FACT SUBSTANTIAL CONSTRUCTION WERE UNDER WAY IT
WOULD BE EXTENDED TO THIRTY-SIX MONTHS. THAT WOULD TAKE THE
PROJECT FROM THE SUM OF CLOSE TO TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS WE HAVE
CURRENTLY TO POTENTIALLY FORTY-EIGHT TO SIXTY MONTHS
REMAINING TO DO THE PROJECT. ON THE SECOND POINT THAT YOU
MENTIONED RELATIVE TO THE FEBRUARY, I’M SORRY IF I WAS DATE
SPECIFIC, IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IS COULD OCCUR IN
FEBRUARY OF 2004 AND NO LATER THAN MARCH, SO I STAND
CORRECTED”.
MR. FORTUNE:
“GO AHEAD MR. GILLAM”.
MR. GILLAM: “MR. CHAIRMAN, THROUGH THE CHAIR MR. MAYOR AS
I UNDERSTAND IT IF SENATOR DeWINE HAS TALKED TO HUD AND BEEN
ASSURED THAT WE WILL GET THIS EXTENSION, FOR OUR SAKE ALONE WE
NEED TO HAVE THAT IN WRITING, THAT’S NUMBER ONE. (MAYOR
RESPONDED: “I CONCUR”) “NUMBER TWO IS BECAUSE IT IS THE
FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY OF COUNCIL, COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE AN
INPUT AND AS YOU SAY THIS IS MY WARD DOWN HERE SO IF I DIDN’T GET
ANY INPUT I DON’T SEE HOW ANY OTHER COUNCILMAN GOT ANY. AT
THIS PARTICULAR JUNCTION, I’VE ASKED THIS A FEW MONTHS AGO, THAT
WE WORK AS A TEAM TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GIVE THE BEST BANG FOR
OUR BUCK FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS, IT’S JUST MY BELIEF AND THAT’S
JUST ME, THAT THE CONVOCATION CENTER WOULD BE MORE OF A BANG
FOR OUR BUCK BECAUSE IF THERE’S, FOR WHAT I UNDERSTAND THERE
WOULD BE A TWENTY YEAR CONTRACT AND WE’D HAVE SOME
PERMANENT AND ALSO SOME PART-TIME JOBS, BECAUSE THIS IS MY
WARD AND I’D LOVE TO SEE THE CITY CLEANED UP DOWN THERE
HOWEVER, I THINK THE ONLY REASON WE GOT THIS MONEY IS BECAUSE
OF THE PEOPLE IN THE AREA, NOT DOWNTOWN, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS
PARTICULAR AREA IS WHY WE GOT THE MONIES. IT’S MY FEELING THAT
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WE SHOULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS WE INCLUDE THE PEOPLE OF THE
CITY OF THE INNER CITY, AND FOR THEM TO BE INCLUSIVE FOR US TO
TAKE SOME BUILDINGS DOWN, DOWN THERE WOULD LEAVE THEM OUT
BECAUSE THE ONLY INCLUSIVE THAT WOULD BE THERE IS THE GENERAL
CONTRACTORS WHO WOULD BE MAKING THE MONIES, AS I SEE IT. DO WE
NEED THIS DONE? YES WE DO. I THINK IT COULD TAKE CARE OF ITSELF,
THIS IS MY OPINION AGAIN, I THINK IN MONTHS, PERHAPS EVEN A COUPLE
OF YEARS TO COME THAT COULD ACTUALLY TAKE CARE OF ITSELF.
HOWEVER, I THINK PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATED LIKE I AM. WE’VE HAD THIS
MONEY FOR THREE YEARS SOMETHING SHOULD BE HAPPENING NOW,
JUST SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN. WE GOT A GIFT AND WE’VE HELD
ONTO THAT GIFT, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW. THE ONLY WAY
THAT WE COULD DO THAT MAYOR IS WE WORK AS COUNCIL AND
ADMINISTRATION AND I’D LIKE TO SEE MORE, I’D LIKE TO SEE THAT
DONE, NOT MORE OF IT DONE, I’D LIKE TO SEE IT DONE. WE HAVE TO DO
SOMETHING, WE’RE GOING TO LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS THE WAY
WE’RE LOOKING NOW THAT THREE YEARS A $26. MILLION GIFT AND
NOTHING HAS BEEN, NO GROUND HAS BEEN BROKEN, NOTHING, SO
MAYBE YOU COULD RESPOND. THANK YOU”.
MAYOR McKELVEY: “THOSE ARE FAIR COMMENTS, I DON’T HAVE A
PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THEM. YOU AND I HAVE SPOKEN NUMEROUS
TIMES AND I’VE REFLECTED THAT IT’S DIFFICULT TO CONTINUALLY
REPORT TO YOU THAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE PROGRESS THERE IS NO
PROGRESS AND THAT’S ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE REPORT WHEN
YOU’RE IN FACT DISCUSSING WITH PEOPLE AND ATTEMPTING TO GET
THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN A PROJECT WHICH HAS BEEN OUR GOAL ALL
ALONG. THE COMMITMENT OF THE CITY AND THE REQUIREMENT OF THE
ADMINISTRATION IS THAT ALL CONTRACTS FIRST OF ALL WERE
INITIATED AT CITY COUNCIL, SO THEREFORE MY COMMITMENT REMAINS
THE SAME. IF AND WHEN WE ARE SUCCESSFUL IN FINDING A WAY TO
BUILD A CENTER THAT PROPOSAL WILL BE MADE TO YOUNGSTOWN CITY
COUNCIL FOR EITHER THEIR APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THAT
PARTICULAR PROJECT. THAT CAN’T CHANGE AND OF COURSE THERE WAS
NEVER ANY INTENTION TO CHANGE IT BECAUSE ONE WOULD THEN HAVE
TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE OF THE CITY OF
YOUNGSTOWN AND THAT OF COURSE IS NOT GOING TO OCCUR. SO I
LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ON THAT, I KNOW THERE ARE
DIFFERENT OPINIONS; DIFFERENT IDEAS WILL COME FORWARD OVER THE
NEXT FEW MONTHS AS THIS LANGUAGE IS AMENDED, ULTIMATELY FOUR
MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL WILL DECIDE HOW EVERY DOLLAR OF THIS
FUNDING IS GOING TO BE SPENT. I COMMEND YOU FOR YOU PASSION,
YOUR DESIRE TO SEE THE CENTER BUILT. I VERY MUCH, I DON’T BELIEVE
ANYBODY INVESTED MORE TIME AND EFFORT THAN MYSELF AND JOHN
McNALLY AND DAVE BOZANICH AND YOURSELF. IT WOULD’VE BEEN
NICE WHEN THE R.F.P.’S CAME IN HAD THE DEVELOPER AT THAT TIME
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WHO PROPOSED THE FIFTY MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT MATCHED OUR
TWENTY-FIVE MILLION WITH THEIR TWENTY-FIVE, BUT THIS MAYOR
KEPT ASKING THE QUESTION “WHERE’S THE MONEY?” AND AT ONE POINT
I WAS TOLD “WELL DON’T WORRY ABOUT THAT JUST SIGN THE
CONTRACT MAYOR AND THAT’LL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF”. WELL I DON’T
DO BUSINESS THAT WAY, AND I WILL NOT JEOPARDIZE THE TAXPAYERS
THAT WAY. SO WE CONTINUE TO TRY TO GET TO THAT POINT. AND AS
YOU WELL KNOW WE’VE GONE FROM THAT LEVEL TO DOWN TO NOW I
BELIEVE WE’RE WORKING WITH THE $25 MILLION TO ACCOMPLISH THE
SAME GOAL INSTEAD OF THINKING, AND I OFTEN HEAR PEOPLE SAY WELL
JEEZ THEY NEED TO BUILD A TEN THOUSAND SEAT ARENA, WELL THAT
WOULD BE WONDERFUL BUT THE ESTIMATE FOR THE TEN THOUSAND
SEAT ARENA IN TOLEDO, OHIO IS $63.8 MILLION, WE HAVE $25 MILLION,
THIS MAYOR AGAIN IS ASKING AS MAYOR FORD IS IN TOLEDO “WHOSE
PAYING FOR THE DIFFERENCE?” AND IF YOU CAN’T PAY FOR THE
DIFFERENCE YOU CAN ONLY BUILD WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUILD
AND THAT HAS BEEN MY POSITION AND IT WILL REMAIN MY POSITION
AND I BELIEVE YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY”.
MR. GILLAM: “THANK YOU MR. MAYOR, NOW WE HAVE TWENTY
REMAINING MONIES OF THE $26. MILLION, WE KNOW WHAT WE CAN
BUILD WITH THAT. I’VE BEEN IN MEETINGS AND I THINK THE CONTRACTS
ARE READY TO SIGN, AS I UNDERSTAND IT. I’M AFRAID TO SAY MONTHS,
WHEN YOU SAY MONTHS IT SCARES ME TO DEATH, IT SCARES ME TO
DEATH BECAUSE WE HAVE ONLY SO MUCH TIME TO DO WHAT WE HAVE
TO DO. I’D LIKE TO SEE MAYOR US SIGN A CONTRACT IN THE NEXT
COUPLE OF WEEKS SO WE CAN GET THIS THING ON THE ROAD. YOU NEED
TO TELL ME AND MY COLLEAGUES WHY WE’RE NOT DOING THAT, YOU
DON’T HAVE TO DO IT NOW BUT WE NEED TO KNOW THAT, WE NEED TO
KNOW WHY WE’RE NOT SIGNING A CONTRACT, AND WHY WE’RE NOT
PUTTING AS FAR AS THE TEN, WE KNOW WE CAN’T BUILD TEN THOUSAND
SEATS, THAT’S DONE. MR. FORTUNE AND I TOOK A TRIP, THROUGH THE
PAIN THAT I HAD IN MY BACK TO GO TEXAS TO FIND OUT WHAT CAN WE
BUILD AND WE CAN BUILD THE ARENA WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE
HAVE WE CAN DO THAT. THERE’S OTHER THINGS THAT I’VE BEEN
TALKING TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TO COME IN AND TALK TO US ABOUT
DOING THAT PROSPECTIVE BUILDING THAT COULD BE DONE. MAYOR, I’M
ASKING YOU HERE AND NOW AND MY COLLEAGUES CAN CHIME IN OR
NOT CHIME IN HOWEVER THEY WANT. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING
WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. WE HAVE A DEADLINE, I’M
TALKING TO THE CONGRESSMAN AND AS YOU SAID SENATOR DeWINE
TALKED TO HUD, I WILL BE CALLING HUD TOMORROW MORNING BUT, IF I
WAS YOU ANYTHING AT THIS JUNCTURE, AND I’M GOING TO SHUT UP
AFTER THIS, ANYTHING AT THIS JUNCTURE SHOULD BE IN WRITING, IF
THEY SAY THEY’RE GOING TO GIVE US AN EXTENSION, PUT IT IN WRITING.
BECAUSE WHAT THEY SAY AND WHAT THEY DO COULD BE TWO
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DIFFERENT THINGS. I’M SAYING WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW AND
MAYOR I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU SEEING THE PASSION, NOT ONLY
PASSION I’M SO FRUSTRATED IT’S UNREAL. HERE I AM AN ELECTED
OFFICIAL TO SIT HERE AND TO ALLOW THIS TO GO ON FOR THREE YEARS
THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME, AND I THINK WE NEED TO DO
SOMETHING AND WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW. THANK YOU”.
(APPLAUSE FROM THE AUDIENCE)
MAYOR McKELVEY: “I DON’T BELIEVE THAT THERE’S ANYTHING
WRONG WITH YOU. I BELIEVE THAT YOU’VE BEEN FISCALLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WAY THE BALANCE OF COUNCIL HAS BEEN
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT, I’M GOING
TO TAKE YOUR ADVICE, I APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE. I WAS WAITING FOR
THE SENATORS TO AMEND THE LEGISLATION TO REQUEST THE
EXTENSION OF THE TIME. I’LL BEGIN WORKING WITH JAY WILLIAMS TO
GET ADVICE FROM THE SENATOR’S OFFICE AS TO HOW THAT REQUEST
SHOULD LOOK SO WE’RE NOT FORCED TO MAKE A HASTY DECISION OR
CHALLENGED BY THE CURRENT TIMELINE THAT WE FACE SO WE HAVE
AN ANSWER TO THAT QUICKLY, I APPRECIATE THAT AND AGAIN I WILL
CONTINUE THOSE EFFORTS”.
MR. FORTUNE: MR. MAYOR I CAN APPRECIATE, I’LL GET RIGHT TO YOU
MR. BOLES IN A MINUTE, I CAN APPRECIATE BOTH OF YOUR COMMENTS
HERE THIS EVENING AND I THINK THEY’RE WELL NOTED. IN THE FUTURE
MR. GILLAM AND WHOEVER ELSE IS WORKING I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW
I WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ALONG WITH YOU AT THIS POINT DUE TO
THE FACT THAT I’VE GOT SO MUCH EXPERIENCE WITH THIS THING AND I
AGREE THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENING TO US AT THE
PRESENT TIME, WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD AND WE NEED TO BE ON
TARGET, WE NEED TO KEEP MOVING WITH THIS PROJECT IF SOMETHING
ELSE HAPPENS ALONG THE WAY AND WE CAN MAKE HAY OUT OF THAT,
THAT’S FINE BUT RIGHT NOW WE NEED TO STAY FOCUSED ON THAT
PROJECT. MR. BOLES”.
MR. BOLES: “THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING ME MR. PRESIDENT HERE AT
MY FIRST CITY COUNCIL MEETING. I THINK THAT THIS IS NUMBER 84, IF I
UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY THE 84 TH SESSION OF YOUNGSTOWN CITY
COUNCIL. I WANT TO THANK THE INCUMBENT COUNCILMEN FOR MAKING
ME FEEL COMFORTABLE COMING IN. I’M CERTAIN THAT MY COLLEAGUES
HAVE THEIR OWN FEELINGS AND SENTIMENTS ON THAT ISSUE AND
CERTAINLY AS WE PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THEY CAN AND
WILL SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. BUT ON MY BEHALF I WANT TO THANK
THE INCUMBENT CITY COUNCILMEN AND THE STAFF HERE IN THE
COUNCIL OFFICE FOR MAKING US FEEL COMFORTABLE AND ANSWERING
ALL OF OUR QUESTIONS AND MAKING THIS TRANSITION AS SMOOTH AS
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POSSIBLE. I AM IMMEDIATELY IMPRESSED WITH HEALTHY DIALOGUE,
ANYBODY THAT KNOWS ME, KNOWS THAT. I BELIEVE THAT DIALOGUE,
DISCUSSION AND DEBATE IS NECESSARY BEFORE DECISIONS ARE MADE. I
AM SITTING HERE; SOMEWHAT IN AWE LISTENING TO THE REPARTEE
BECAUSE I THINK THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT BEFORE DECISIONS ARE
MADE. CERTAINLY THIS BODY COMES TO THE FLOOR WITH ONE PURPOSE
AND ONE OBJECTIVE, WE WANT TO KEEP IN MIND AND I CERTAINLY WILL
KEEP IN MIND OUR PRESIDENT PRO TEMP PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
OF ESPREE DÉCOR. WE WILL MAINTAIN ONE PURPOSE AND ONE
OBJECTIVE; I DON’T EXPECT US TO MAINTAIN ONE MIND. I COME TO THE
FLOOR WITH MY CULTURAL HERITAGE INTACT; I WILL NOT LEAVE IT AT
THE DOOR. I DON’T EXPECT ANYBODY ELSE TO DO SO, SO WE CAN HAVE
HEALTHY DIALOGUE AND DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATE BEFORE DECISIONS
ARE MADE. WE EACH COME FROM A WARD OF THE CITY THAT HAS ITS
OWN UNIQUE BASE, MAINTAIN THAT, MAINTAIN THAT. NEVER LOSE
YOUR BASE OR THAT HERITAGE AND THAT CULTURE THAT BROUGHT
YOU TO THIS POINT IN YOUR LIFE. I COME FROM AN AREA OF THE CITY
AND I AM SITTING IN THIS SEAT AFTER THE INDIVIDUAL THAT I CONSIDER
TO BE THE WOODY HAYES OF YOUNGSTOWN POLITICS, THE JOHN
WOODEN OF CITY COUNCIL. I GOT SOME BIG SHOES TO FILL, SOME VERY
BIG SHOES TO FILL BUT AS ONE OF THE POLITICIANS IN THIS ROOM SAID
TO ME AT ONE TIME I’M UP TO THE TASK, I GOT A GOOD SUPPORT TEAM
AROUND ME, WE WILL MAINTAIN THE ESPREE DÉCOR, PRESIDENT PRO
TEMP HAS SET FORTH AND WE WILL GET ON WITH OUR BUSINESS. I AM
IMPRESSED WITH MY FRESHMEN COLLEAGUES, THE DIALOGUE, THE
DECISION AND THE DEBATE IS HEALTHY, I WISH YOU ALL WELL. GOD
BLESS THE 84 TH COUNCIL, LET’S KEEP IT REAL.”.
MR. FORTUNE:
MR. ATKINSON:
“THANK YOU”.
“I MOVE FOR ADJOURNMENT”.
MRS. RIMEDIO-RIGHETTI:
“SECOND”.
MR. FORTUNE: “IT HAS BEEN MOVED AND SECONDED, WE’RE
ADJOURNED”.
UPON MOTION COUNCIL THEREUPON ADJOURNED.
APPROVED: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2004.
CLERK
PRESIDENT
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