Board's OK sought for purchases

The board will consider spending $33,360 for fencing at the center.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city's board of control will consider approving the purchase of up to $120,825 in equipment, furniture and fencing for the Chevrolet Centre.
Seven of the eight requests made by the facility's management to the board for purchases are for additional items to existing equipment and furniture.
For example, management is seeking a second forklift costing $20,485, more audio and video equipment for $9,980, more office furniture for the arena's staff for up to $12,000, and more chemicals, soaps, paper products and other janitorial supplies for up to $8,500.
The lone request for a new purchase on Thursday's board agenda is $33,360 for perimeter fencing for the center. Harmon Fence Co. of Warren submitted the lowest of three bids for the work.
The chain-link fence is for the "back-house area" near the facility's loading dock that is used as the entrance and exit for entertainers and acts at the building, said Jeff Kossow, the arena's executive director. The fence will allow more space between the performers and their fans, he said.
"It was always part of the plan for the center, but was not a priority," he said.
The Chevrolet Centre opened in late October and the city-owned facility is expected to cost $45.38 million.
This would be the first board of control meeting in a few months without any requests for change orders to the center unless something is added to the meeting's agenda.
The board has approved almost $900,000 worth of change orders during the past two-and-a-half months.
Severance payment
Also at Thursday's meeting, the board will consider a $12,450.41 severance payment to Gregory Morgione, who resigned Nov. 11 as the city's deputy law director for an attorney's job at Youngstown State University.
Those who leave city employment are entitled to be paid for their unused vacation time and 35 percent of their unused sick time.
skolnick@vindy.com