LORDSTOWN Panel OKs pact for transport service

Officials want to continue contracting out the transportation service.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- Pending one more meeting for approval, there could be a pact between the village and the Antonine Sisters Adult Day Care Inc. in North Jackson to get transportation for the elderly and handicapped in the village.
Council unanimously gave its stamp of approval Monday to renew an agreement with the nonprofit organization at a cost of $16 per hour for six months. The Antonine Sisters' board is expected to discuss the contract at a meeting today.
Village Solicitor Paul Dutton said the only possible roadblock to getting approval from that board would be insurance concerns, which were a sticking point in an agreement last summer.
At that time, Cincinnati Insurance Co. -- which provides coverage to the Antonine Sisters -- was not willing to list the village as an insured third party on the policy.
Dutton told council that if the same concerns arise again this time, one option the village could pursue is buying its own vehicle and hiring a new employee to provide the services.
Potential problems
Councilman Richard Biggs said that situation had been considered before, but noted it came with its own set of obstacles: purchasing and housing an appropriate vehicle, liability concerns and difficulties in ending the program if interest ever waned.
"Ideally, I think we should continue to lease from the Antonine Sisters," said Councilman William Dray. "I think that's our best option."
Also at Monday's meeting, council gave the first reading to an ordinance appointing Brent B. Milhoan permanent police chief.
Milhoan was appointed acting chief earlier this year, after the March retirement of William A. Catlin. After a candidate search by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Milhoan was hired in July with a six-month probationary period.
Council is expected to approve the ordinance at its next meeting. Once approved, Milhoan will receive an annual salary of $50,950.
slshaulis@vindy.com