City council handled these items Wednesday, the last regularly scheduled session before summer

City council handled these items Wednesday, the last regularly scheduled session before summer recess:
Passed a series of ordinances under which the city will buy the vacant Edgewood Apartments elderly housing complex at 55 E. Dewey Ave. from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $10 and arrange for its demolition at HUD's expense, with demolition estimated to cost between $700,000 and $1.3 million.
Appropriated $2 million for a no-interest loan to Metropolitan National Realty Holdings, the real estate development arm of Metropolitan National Bank, for remodeling of the vacant, former McCrory's Building next to the bank's downtown office for office or retail use.
Authorized purchase of 240, .40-caliber pistols to replace the police department's 9mm pistols, which have been in use for more than 10 years, and which will be traded in to achieve a lower cost for the new pistols. Funds for the purchase will come from a Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grant.
Approved a resolution supporting the striking nurses at Forum Health Northside Medical Center in their effort to reach an agreement with the hospital. The resolution says council supports the hospital as a vital part of the community and encourages both sides to reach agreement.
Expressed council's support for the proposed Arlington Heights housing project. Also expressed council's intent to provide about $285,600 of in-kind services by waiving water and sewer tap-in fees for 255 new housing units if the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority receives funding for the project.Authorized the board of control to grant a 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement on real and personal property to Millbrook Distribution, which plans to relocate a warehouse and about 50 jobs from the Cincinnati area to the Ross Industrial Park.Authorized the board of control to grant a 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement on personal property to Direct International, a wholesale distributor with about $175,000 in inventory.
Authorized waiver of water and sewer tap-in and building-permit fees for FBL Enterprises for construction of a $3.65 million plant at the former Ohio Works of U.S. Steel.
Created the part-time management position of examination writer in the civil service department, which will pay $21.36 per hour. The position is created to rehire former civil service administrator Richard Groucutt, who retired at the end of last year. The civil service board wants Groucutt to write several specialized exams needed soon, plus train a new administrator, also to be hired soon. State law doesn't let the city bring Groucutt back as an independent contractor.
Created a full-time combined housing and demolition inspector and enforcement officer position at an annual salary of $29,983.Amended the city salary ordinance to eliminate 24 vacant, nonunion positions that have no funding source.Authorized the board of control to contract for the design of a storage barn at the street department.Authorized the board of control to allocate $3,000 for the city's participation in the Community Cup.