TRUMBULL OFFICIALS Mulling new place to meet

Moving the meeting place isn't a simple decision, the council president says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City lawmakers are trying to figure out if they should change their meeting room.
They can remain in their old city hall council chambers or move to the new municipal court.
Council President Renny Paolone received a May 17 letter from Judge Michael A. Bernard offering his courtroom as the new council chambers.
"It's not just as simple as [saying] 'let's move,'" Paolone said.
He has referred the issue to Councilman Thomas Seidler II's employee welfare committee because of the lack of any appropriate committee.
The city hall chambers doubled as the municipal courtroom for years until October 2000 when the court moved into the $5 million justice center along with the police department.
"At this time, I would like to invite council to conduct its meetings in the courtroom," Judge Bernard wrote.
"I believe all councilmen would agree that the courtroom would provide council with a more professional atmosphere in which to conduct the public's business," the judge continued.
"Further, it would provide the public with better accessibility to council," Judge Bernard wrote.
Issue of accessibility
The judge pointed out Wednesday that there are only stairs leading to the council chambers, and the restroom is not handicapped-accessible.
The lack of accessibility is one reason the justice center with its elevator to the second-floor courtroom was constructed.
Paolone said one of the problems is the courtroom was designed for court functions and not as a meeting room.
Some of the problems are logistical, he added.
About 20 chairs would have to be moved from the city hall to the adjoining court before each meeting. A storage place for five tables which administrators and councilmen sit at during the meeting would have to be found.
Paolone is also concerned with the possible loss of council's identity if the move is made.
Although the courtroom can hold a larger audience, Paolone said he thinks the current facility has adequate space.
An advantage is that the courtroom is air conditioned. The chambers become very warm in the summer, while the room is sometimes cold in the winter.
"I just think the time is right," Judge Bernard said of the offer, noting that he wants to promote better relations with council and the administration.
He said the courtroom would add security and professionalism to the meetings.
yovich@vindy.com