HUBBARD Mold removal nets one bidder

Hubbard's acting police chief says the cleanup is a waste of money.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- A Youngstown company is the only bidder proposing to remove mold from the city police headquarters.
The bid was submitted by Environmental Services & amp; Construction and was opened Friday.
City Auditor Michael Villano said Environmental Services bid $17,995 for the first phase of the work, with the cost of a second phase to be determined.
Villano said the proposal will be reviewed by Robert Paterniti, safety director, who will make a recommendation to city council. Lawmakers will determine if the contract will be awarded.
The Trumbull County Health Department recommended the cleanup when it met with city officials in August.
The county recommended sealing the basement from the rest of the building, having a professional remove the mold and eliminating all water leaks into the basement.
If the water intrusion can't be stopped, county health officials recommended that the building be abandoned.
Since then, the basement has been sealed and tests completed to determine the volume of mold spores in the aged structure.
'It's foolishness'
Acting Police Chief Kenneth Oyler said the cost of the cleanup isn't making the best use of city funds.
"It's a waste of money. It won't eliminate the water source," Oyler said Friday, saying mold will return within 72 hours. "They may as well burn the money. It's foolishness."
The acting chief pointed out that the structure has a problem with asbestos, electrical deficiencies, an out-of-date heating system and a leaking roof that adds to the dampness.
Meanwhile, the city administration and city council members generally agree the police department should be moved out of the building.
Where the police department will be housed and how to pay for the move are still being debated, however.
Officials are discussing whether a new building should be constructed, an old building remodeled, or an addition built onto the city administration building.
Howland architectural firm Baker, Bednar & amp; Associates has estimated the cost of a new building between $1.3 million and $1.4 million.
The city has available to it a $1.1 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for construction.
yovich@vindy.com