City council handled these matters Wednesday:

City council handled these matters Wednesday:
Agreed to rebuild Tod Avenue between West Market Street and the southern corporation limit. The $1.1 million project will be paid for by state and federal grants.
Agreed to spend $80,000 in Community Development Block Grants to improve Highland Avenue. Officials said state money will be used to make improvements to Trumbull, Larchmont and Eastland avenues, Lovers Lane and Perkinswood Drive.
Transferred CDBG money that was never claimed or was unable to be used by various community organizations to improve Niles Road and Dana Street, among others.
Introduced legislation to prohibit vehicles with engine retarders in the city. The trucking industry uses engine retarders, known as Jake Brakes, which the legislation defines as a nuisance.
Agreed to enter into a contract for the maintenance of various electrical systems throughout the city, including traffic and fire signals. Councilwoman Susan Hartman, D-7th, said the state auditor's office has recommended the city rebid its contract for electrical system maintenance, which has been in place since 1988 and expires March 22.
Held off voting on legislation requested by Hartman that trims several hundred-thousand dollars in wages and benefits for some city positions. She said savings within the 2001 budget would be transferred to the police and fire departments. The legislation also leaves out funding for positions including equal opportunity coordinator and a supervisory position in the operations department.