YOUNGSTOWN Proposal divvies up city project

The board would handle the project, but council would oversee all spending.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- One phrase carries the substance of the city's proposed contract to the civic center board.
The city would use the board "in an advisory capacity as to construction, management and operation of the project and facility."
That means the board would carry out the proposed downtown civic center project, but the city would have final say over all spending, officials say.
Controlling the money doesn't get much simpler. Most city council members indicated Wednesday night that's exactly the way they want it.
Council's finance committee voted 2-1 to send the proposal to the civic center board. It appears that six of seven council members support the proposal.
All seven were present Wednesday and only John R. Swierz, D-7th, a finance member, objected.
Contract: The arena board proposed a one-sided contract to start, he said, but the city's counteroffer is no better.
"There needs to be a partnership done with the arena board," Swierz said.
Richard Atkinson, R-3rd, however, said he likes the deal and council should wait to see if the 13-member arena board -- six of them appointed by the mayor or council -- finds the proposal acceptable.
"Let them make that decision," he said.
The one man who plays both roles agreed. Charles P. Sammarone became an arena board member a few weeks ago and also is city council president.
Speaking as an arena member, Sammarone said that board was looking for the city's position on the issue. Now that the board for sure knows the city's view, arena members can accept the deal or seek to negotiate, he said.
The city and board sparred at the end of last year over which controlled the project's money. The contract is meant to resolve that conflict.
The arena board meets this afternoon.
Slim negotiations: James E. Fortune Sr., D-6th, council's finance chairman, said the proposed contract doesn't have any wiggle room.
Council is responsible for what happens to the $26.8 million federal dollars secured so far, he said, therefore council must have final authority.
The proposal shows what a majority of council wants and recognizes that the city remains responsible for the money, said Mayor George M. McKelvey.
McKelvey said he wants a productive working relationship with the board. He declined to specify what that entails.
Asked if he supports the proposal, McKelvey said he gave no input into the document. Instead, he will wait to see what proposed contract council and the arena board ultimately bring to him through the board of control for his approval.
"The negotiating process continues," McKelvey said.
rgsmith@vindy.com