TIMBER SALE Logger plans to sue Girard over contract

A logger says he's now scrambling for work because of the rebidding.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- William Spithaler thought he had the contract to harvest trees on city-owned property.
Now that Mayor James J. Melfi says Spithaler doesn't have the job, Spithaler is preparing to take the city to court.
Spithaler, owner of Gustavus Hardwood, said that he was going to begin harvesting the city trees in September or October, and has passed up other work because of the Girard timber cut.
"Now I'm scrambling," Spithaler said Tuesday.
The city had received three bids from logging companies.
What happened
Melfi told city council's community development committee June 24 that the city's board of control was going to award the bid to Gustavus.
The following day, the mayor said the controlling board -- which comprises the mayor and safety and service directors -- did award the contract to Gustavus.
But because only city council has the authority to award contracts, the issue remains before lawmakers. The controlling board can make only a recommendation to council.
The Gustavus bid called for the city to receive 60 percent of timber sales during harvesting, which could take two years to complete.
For its 40 percent, Gustavus would take the timber out of the woods and grade and seed the paths left behind.
Why the change
On Monday, Melfi announced that the harvesting would be rebid based on the recommendation of a forestry consultant the city has hired since the bids were open.
David Coldwell of Salineville, a 28-year Ohio Department of Natural Resources employee, said an inventory of the trees should be made first.
He is conducting the inventory based on species, condition and number of board feet in a tree. For this and managing the harvesting, Coldwell will receive 10 percent of the gross sale price.
The city will receive 50 percent of the sale price of timber within 10 days and the balance within six months.
Spithaler said a consultant should have been hired before the work was bid.
Wasted time
The lumber company owner complained that he put in about 100 hours walking the woods and preparing the bid, Also, he asserted he has given up four timber-cutting jobs in anticipation of working in Girard.
Spithaler said he was out looking for work on Tuesday in what he terms a "risky business."
"It's like any other business. I make a buck at it. It's hard work," Spithaler asserted.
Sometimes, he explained, his work is for naught. He may cut down a tree only to find it's worthless -- rotten and hollow inside.
yovich@vindy.com