CANFIELD TOWNSHIP Lawyer, Teamsters to discuss contract

Trustees will apply for money to renovate the sheriff's post.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- The township's attorney is expected to meet with representatives from the Teamsters today to discuss a new contract for township employees.
Mark Finamore is to meet with the union representative at 4 p.m. in township hall. Township trustees said they may attend.
The Teamsters represent township Zoning Inspector Dave Morrison and Road Superintendent Gary Cook, as well as the township's office manager and three road department employees. Their contract will expire at the end of this year.
"We certainly don't want to wait until the end of December and say, 'Oh, we didn't get it done,'" Cook said. He added that he doesn't think the discussions will be adversarial. The workers want to "fine-tune" their contract, not completely revise it, he said.
In the new contract, the workers want trustees to clarify when paychecks will be issued. Township paychecks have been issued Mondays, but some were late when the township switched clerks, Cook said.
He noted that health care shouldn't be an issue, as the workers are covered by the Teamsters' insurance.
The Teamsters began representing workers three years ago.
"We certainly feel that the trustees and employees came together on a real exciting contract the first time," Cook said. "We don't want to reinvent the wheel."
Renovations
In other township news, trustees approved a resolution Monday stating that they hope to spend up to $70,000 to renovate the Mahoning County Sheriff's post behind township hall. The renovations could include the addition of siding, office space and a restroom.
Money for the renovations would come from the county special projects' office in 2003. Trustees have to apply for the money.
The post is a white cinderblock building that was once the township maintenance garage. In 1997, the township gave it to the sheriff's department, and it was remodeled to include a small office. The building also houses sheriff's department cars and motorcycles.
A new maintenance garage was built on Messerly Road.
Trustees said they plan to work with the sheriff's department to determine what will be done to the post.
hill@vindy.com