CITY COUNCIL Lawmakers to take time on tax issue
The mayor says the income tax committee could have used the two weeks.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Despite urging by the mayor and city council president, lawmakers decided to wait two weeks before deciding whether voters will cast ballots on an income-tax issue.
Rather than skipping the third and final reading to put an issue on the November general election ballot to increase the tax from 1.0 to 1.5 percent, council did nothing Wednesday.
During a caucus session before the regular meeting, Council President John Darko said he saw no reason why the legislation to place it on the ballot shouldn't be passed.
Darko pointed out that residents haven't been attending council session to speak about the issue one way or another.
Mayor Arthur U. Magee, who is seeking the measure, asked council to skip the third reading and approve the legislation "so we can get on with our business."
Magee said a committee working for its passage at the polls has a lot of work to do because it will be a "person-to-person" campaign.
Other support
Darko and Magee were joined by Councilman Patton Gilliland, D-at-large, in seeking passage of the ballot ordinance.
Councilman John Marshall, D-2nd, chairman of the council finance committee, said it was his understanding that the legislation was to go through three readings so it didn't appear council was in a hurry.
When the legislation came onto the floor, no council member sought passage, and the ordinance was moved to a third reading.
Magee was irritated with council after the meeting, saying the committee could have used the two weeks until the next council meeting to work for voter approval.
Gilliland said he didn't speak up during the council meeting because he was told after the caucus that he wouldn't get a second from another council member.
Parking issue
On another matter, Magee and Darko said Law Director Gary Gilmartin and Robert Toth, assistant city engineer, will review the zoning regulations that govern the parking of vehicles on front lawns.
During the June 7 meeting, Gilliland and Councilman Edward Palestro Sr., D-4th, said they wanted to stop parking on front yards.
Magee said the regulations require a resident to construct a concrete or blacktop parking area in their yards before they can park.
Gilliland suggested new housing developments be required to have double-lane driveways to eliminate front-lawn parking.
Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, said she will discuss the problem with the Trumbull County Planning Commission for a possible solution.
Also, Magee said the city will have to buy a new street sweeper.
The city-owned sweeper broke down this spring. Magee said it would cost $39,000 to repair.
The mayor said all the streets were swept this spring and will be swept again in the fall. The company from which the broken one was purchased will allow the city to use another one without charge.
yovich@vindy.com