HUBBARD Councilman asks official to resign

Hubbard's safety director says he's been needed more by the federal government since the Sept. 11 tragedy.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Councilman Richard Keenan has called on Safety Director Robert Paterniti to resign.
Keenan, D-4th, chairman of council's safety committee, contended during Monday's council session that Paterniti is unable to put enough time into the part-time job.
Before Keenan could call for the resignation, Paterniti said he would stay on the job.
Paterniti, a retired schoolteacher, is an FBI firearms instructor. The amount of out-of-town work he does for the federal government has increased since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he explained.
Pay raise
Keenan said Paterniti had promised to work "full-time" when he received a pay raise, effective January 2001. His salary was increased from $6,000 to $12,000.
Keenan, who accused the safety director of "double-dipping," asserted that Paterniti's increased absence has become a problem because Paterniti can't attend meetings dealing with city business.
Mayor George Praznik threw his support to Paterniti, noting that his safety director puts in long hours when in town and keeps in contact with him when he leaves.
Police station mold
In another matter, Keenan said he will ask for legislation to advertise for bids to clean the police station of mold.
"The mold is all over the place," Keenan said during a caucus session before the regular meeting.
Three tests have shown mold is in the aged building.
Keenan said he realizes some council members don't want to put any more money into the building while they decide if they want to construct a new police station or remodel another building.
Paterniti said water seeping into the basement -- the source of the mold -- must first be corrected. The basement is currently sealed from the rest of the two-story building.
Paterniti said he has received quotes that the mold removal in the basement would cost $22,400 and $17,100 for only a portion of the first floor.
Other business
Also during the caucus, city Auditor Michael Villano suggested that the city's four crossing guards receive a pay increase.
The guards are currently paid $7 daily. Their hours have decreased to two hours -- one in the morning, another in the afternoon -- because kindergarten is in session all day.
Councilman William Williams, D-at large, pointed out part-time police officers are paid $9 an hour.
Praznik told council that he's looking to enforce the building permit requirement before work can be done on private property.
He especially called attention to the construction of sheds and swimming pools without fencing as being built without permits.
Permits are required, the mayor explained, to ensure the construction complies with zoning regulations and property-deed restrictions.
yovich@vindy.com