In first reading, council votes to give abatement to company

Council will schedule special meetings for the second and third readings.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- City council gave the first reading to legislation that would award a tax abatement to a city company.
Of six councilmen present Wednesday, three voted in favor of the measure, while three abstained, forcing council President Fremont Camerino to cast a fourth vote in favor of the reading. It must pass three readings to become law.
The abatement was requested by Jet Stream International, 931 Summit St. It seeks a 75-percent break on real and personal property taxes for 10 years. The company plans to invest $1.875 million to expand the business, as well as create 35 full-time jobs within the next three years.
Jet Stream International is the former Michigan Hanger Co. and produces support pipes for commercial use.
The vote process was meant to conform with a 1991 Ohio Ethics Commission opinion that says council members who work for the local school district should not participate in granting tax breaks.
Councilmen Frank Fuda, Paul Hogan and Reggie Giancola voted to pass the first reading, while Robert L. Marino, Michael Lastic and Stephen Papalas abstained. Councilman Thomas Scarnecchia was absent.
Marino is principal of Niles Middle School, Lastic is principal of Niles McKinley High School, and Papalas is a teacher at the high school.
Special meetings planned
At the request of Mayor Ralph A. Infante, council will schedule special meetings in the next week to give the legislation its second and third readings, instead of waiting for the next regular meetings. Once approved by council, Trumbull County Commissioners will vote on the abatement.
Infante said commissioners had already scheduled the item for their meeting next week, but pulled it from the agenda until council can act on it.
slshaulis@vindy.com