Council votes against fireworks funding

The event's president says he's disappointed by council's decision.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A midnight fireworks display that concludes First Night Youngstown each year is in jeopardy after city council refused to provide 5,000 for that purpose.
Council voted 4-3 Wednesday against the request.
First Night Youngstown, advertised as an alcohol-free, family-fun event, could keep away those who want to drink at downtown bars and restaurants on New Year's Eve, said Councilman Michael Rapovy, D-5th, who voted against the funding request.
John Swierz, First Night Youngstown's president and a former city councilman, said the event, in its seventh consecutive year, doesn't hinder people from drinking alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants.
"It's more exposure for downtown," Swierz said of the event.
The other councilmen who voted against the funding -- Rufus Hudson, D-2nd; Paul Pancoe, D-6th; and Mark Memmer, D-7th -- said they never received information from First Night on its budget and want accountability before giving 5,000 to the organization.
Other complaints
Also, Memmer said First Night should have had someone at Wednesday's meeting to discuss the funding. He added that First Night already receives free rent at 20 Federal Place, the former Phar-Mor Centre, owned by the city.
Memmer also complained that the First Night request didn't come to council until a few weeks ago. Swierz said information about the request was first given to city council members in May. The city has funded the event since it began, Swierz said.
"I don't know why they waited until" Wednesday, Swierz said. "My reaction is one of disappointment. It's one of the city's premiere events... I can't say if the fireworks will go on, but the event is on."
First Night has a 45,000 budget with money coming from sponsors and the sale of admission buttons. First Night starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and features more than 30 acts, activities and events. About 2,200 to 2,300 people attended the last First Night.
Hazel Street study
Also Wednesday, council approved a resolution expressing its support of recommendations in a study that recommends Hazel Street be extended to create a link between downtown and Youngstown State University. Hudson was the only member of council to oppose the resolution.
YSU wants Hazel Street extended because it plans to build a 30 million College of Business Administration on West Wood, Phelps and Hazel streets. The building would host business seminars and symposiums and would provide a link to develop a stronger tie between YSU and the city's downtown, said Carmen S. Conglose Jr., deputy director of the city's public works department.
Councilman Artis Gillam Sr., D-1st, voted to support the study but said he needs more information before he can determine if the city will provide funding for the extension.
Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th, also supports the study but doesn't want the city to provide any money for the extension project.
Another study is needed to determine a cost estimate for extending the street, Conglose said.
skolnick@vindy.com