COUNCIL MEETING Mayor won't issue permits for billboards

Rezoning makes way for a more than $2 million project on North State Street.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Mayor James J. Melfi says he will not issue any permits to erect billboards, despite the threat of a lawsuit.
"This community wants to look better every day," Melfi told city council.
The issue reached the floor of council Monday night when Michael P. O'Brien, vice president of GO Outdoor Advertising of Girard, informed lawmakers that the mayor won't issue five permits to erect billboards in the city.
Atty. Larry Richards, who represents O'Brien, threatened a lawsuit, arguing that his client's constitutional rights are being violated.
Council had approved legislation to put a temporary ban on billboards and other signage, but it has since expired.
Although the moratorium has lapsed, Melfi has refused to sign a permit giving O'Brien authority to erect four billboards. Melfi said he's concerned that every business will want to put up a sign.
"I don't want to pollute this town," O'Brien said.
O'Brien explained that he's had difficulty getting an answer as to the position of the city. "Quite frankly, I'm tired of it," O'Brien said.
Some of the signs would be placed along State Street (U.S. Route 422) that is being widened with underground utilities.
Concerned about sign pollution, Melfi said he won't sign a permit until council votes to actually lift the ban.
Councilman Thomas Seidler II, D-3rd, argued that there is no reason O'Brien shouldn't be issued the permits because the ban has expired.
Law Director Mark Standohar said he believes the mayor is on sound legal footing because city council is currently reviewing its zoning regulations, among other reasons.
During the meeting, council approved legislation to pay SBC $122,000 to remove 19 remaining telephone polls along State.
Rezoning
On another issue, lawmakers approved rezoning eight lots from residential to commercial to allow the construction of a more than $2 million strip mall and a professional building at North State and Norwood Avenue.
Dr. Michael Martuccio, a chiropractor, wants to build on the approximate three acres across from Creekside Golf Dome, where he has an office and home.
Martuccio's plans call for him to construct a professional building that will house his office and other professionals. A separate strip mall will accommodate seven to 10 stores.
Also, council moved to a second reading an ordinance creating the position of part-time zoning inspector.
Councilman Larry Williams, D-2nd, said the $7-an-hour job would benefit the city because houses need to be brought up to building code and construction is going on without permits.
Councilman Frank Migliozzi, D-1st, said he is against the position for now because the city has an accumulated $1.8 million deficit and some police and firefighters remain furloughed.
yovich@vindy.com