YOUNGSTOWN | Council items

City council handled these items Wednesday:
Heard Artis Gillam Sr., D-1st, chairman of council's safety committee, ask that all police agencies work together to reduce a recent spate of gunfire in the city. Police Chief Robert Bush reminded Gillam that police can't prevent most shootings. Bush said only a couple dozen people in the city are responsible for much of the gunfire and police are focusing on those types of people.Authorized the board of control to spend up to $100,000 to pay outside lawyers to handle the school board tax lawsuit against Corrections Corporation of America, which includes the city. Council previously authorized spending up to $50,000.Authorized the board of control to accept from the federal government 4.8 acres, the former Army reserve center on Miller Street, and transfer the property for $1 to the Diocese of Youngstown for expansion of Mooney High School's grounds.Heard Patrick Brown, a mechanic in the sewer department, ask the city to make changes in its policy on donating sick time to other workers.Authorized the board of control to seek the lowest and best bidder and award a one-year garbage collection contract with two renewal options. The existing contract expires Feb. 3.Waived water, sewer and building permit fees for St. Andrews AME Episcopal Church on West Earle Street.Authorized one-way traffic westbound on Essex Street, between Breaden Street and Oak Hill Avenue.Authorized the prohibition of parking on the west side of Jefferson Street, between Virginia Avenue and Clyde Street and the installation of "no parking, bus loading and unloading only" signs in front of Jefferson School.