WARREN Sale of Anthem stock is stalled

Council held off voting on legislation to change the name of Avalon South Golf Course.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- City Councilman Doc Pugh, D-at-large, got his way and stalled legislation to sell shares of Anthem stock and allow the city to pay off its short-term debt.
Council introduced legislation Wednesday to allow city Treasurer John Taylor to sell more than 39,000 shares of Anthem stock awarded to the city recently, and to authorize Auditor David Griffing to pay off the city's short-term debt and put the rest in a hospitalization fund.
The administration and some council members hoped to pass the ordinance Wednesday, but a sole "no" vote by Pugh ensured that council couldn't pass it as an emergency.
Councilmen Brendan Keating, D-5th, and Gary Fonce, D-at large, were absent.
Objection: Pugh objected to the clause that designates how the money would be spent, saying council needs time to discuss it more. Councilwoman Susan Hartman, D-7th, voted "yes" to the emergency clause but said she would have voted "no" if it came to passage.
The city had a policy with Anthem and paid into the system for years, making it eligible to receive stock. Anthem announced recently it will become a publicly traded company. Officials say the shares' worth will depend on the market. The city's shares last week were valued at more than $2 million.
Fred Harris, safety-service director, was disappointed, saying the value of shares could plummet between now and the time the ordinance is passed. Council has until May 1 to sell the shares.
Also tabled: Council held off voting on legislation to change the name of Avalon South Golf Course to Avalon Golf Park, and an ordinance to advertise for bids to lease or buy equipment to operate the course.
Tony Joy Jr., who runs the municipal course, has a lawsuit pending against the city, alleging breach of contract. The city tried to evict him for missing rental payments and defaulting on property taxes and a $425,000 loan. He is seeking an injunction to halt the eviction.
Actions taken: Council agreed to enter into a contract with the state auditor's office to perform a financial audit for 2002 and 2003, and voted to rezone 925 and 932 Columbia Place S.E. from Residential A to Commercial B.
This will permit the construction of a 6,000-square-foot building at a car dealership to be used as a warehouse. There was no opposition during a public hearing.
Terry Nicopolis, the city's director of Environmental Services, told council his department was awarded a roughly $30,000 contract, bidding against BFI, to be the refuse hauler for Trumbull County government buildings.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos announced his department has received a $375,000 grant to put officers in some city schools.
davis@vindy.com