Girard takes a stand for American steel

Fire Chief Daniel Merwin will be retiring, effective Saturday.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The city administration and legislators have joined other Mahoning Valley communities in calling for an end to foreign steel dumping.
Council approved a resolution Monday that prohibits the use of foreign steel in projects that are totally or partially funded by the government.
Mayor James Melfi, who introduced the resolution, said the effort is designed to protect remaining steel and steel-related jobs in the Valley.
Melfi has also written a letter to the White House calling on President Bush for "assistance to halt the demise of the U.S. steel industry."
"A strong, competitive and vibrant domestic steel industry is critical to the U.S. economy. We owe it to the American people to maintain this industry and to avoid the future dependence on foreign steel that will result if we fail to stop the demise of our domestic steel makers," Melfi wrote.
Fire chief: In other matters, Frank Rich, director of safety and human resources, said he will serve as acting fire chief when Chief Daniel Merwin retires, effective Saturday.
Merwin, who has been on the department for 37 years, has been on sick leave for two weeks.
Rich told lawmakers he will serve as acting chief "for a very short time." Meanwhile, he will be asking the civil service commission to administer exams for the chief's position and ranks of captain and firefighter.
Four captains on the department are eligible to take the chief's test, Rich explained.
He noted that after he removes himself as chief, the captains will decide among themselves if one of them will serve as acting chief or if they will rotate the position until the post is filled permanently.
Junk cars: In another matter, Jerome Lambert, service director, told council that the police department and zoning office will begin a concerted effort to get rid of junk vehicles beginning next week.
Lambert said the city will use a 1993 ordinance that allows for the towing of vehicles that aren't in running condition or have expired registrations.
The city will put a sticker on such vehicles. If they aren't removed in 72 hours, the city will tow them, Lambert explained.