YOUNGSTOWN Board of control

Youngstown's board of control -- the mayor, law director and finance director -- approved these spending items and contracts Thursday:
A contract not to exceed $85,868 with MS Consultants to do phase I and II environmental studies on 30 acres of land for the expected downtown arena site between the Market Street and South Avenue bridges.
A contract not to exceed $15,000 with Youngstown State University's Urban Studies Department to provide the city with maps and demographic data to be used in the renewal community plan.
A 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement on real and personal property for Coronado Steel Co.'s expansion on Funston Drive.
Severance of $5,218 for Eleanor Owens, a planning department secretary who retired Dec. 30.
Severance of $3,238 for Bert Sheely, a detective sergeant in the police department who retired on disability Dec. 19.
Severance of $743 for Jeffrey Lytle, a police officer who resigned Dec. 14.