WARREN Council to weigh pact for regulations revision

Paying the retainer would make the company's expertise accessible to the city.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- City council was expected to consider legislation tonight authorizing a central Ohio company to help update the city's 30-year-old civil service regulations.
The one-year contract is estimated at $8,300, which includes a $175 per month retainer to Clemans, Nelson and Associates of Dublin, a Columbus suburb.
The legislation is on tonight's council meeting agenda.
Mayor Hank Angelo told council's finance committee Tuesday that the outdated regulations have caused the city problems and the $175 monthly retainer would keep the company readily accessible to answer questions from the mayor, law department or human resources department.
Howard Heffelfinger, executive vice president, said the company specializes in public labor negotiations. The retainer means the city won't be charged for telephone conversations with the company.
New mayor
Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at large, is concerned about locking a new administration into a contract. Angelo didn't seek re-election, so a new mayor will take over in January.
Fonce also wants a revamp of the human resources department. He favors hiring a city attorney who specializes in labor issues.
"If you take what we've spent on arbitrations, down the road, we'd be better off," he said.
Angelo said there isn't a need for a city attorney to address labor issues on a daily basis.