City rethinks relationship with agency

The mayor has 'concerns' with the agency's performance.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city is re-examining its longtime relationship with the Youngstown Area Development Corp., an agency that provides representation and support to minorities and women.
Mayor Jay Williams said he's had "concerns" for a while about the YADC's performance regarding the quality of service provided by the agency.
Williams, who's served as mayor since Jan. 1, said with a new administration, it's appropriate to take another look at how things are handled in the city. He raised the issue of re-evaluating the city's contracts with the YADC during his first week in office.
Contracts
The city has three contracts with the agency: to oversee the city's human relations commission, to oversee its fair housing program and to handle potential violations of the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission laws and other discrimination issues.
The agency is paid about $70,000 to $80,000 a year.
The contract related to the EEOC has expired, and the city board of control voted Thursday to retain the YADC on a month-to-month basis. The two other contracts can be terminated if the city gives 30 days' notice to the agency, Williams said.
William Carter, the agency's executive director, has handled those responsibilities for the city since 1979.
Carter and Jim Glenn, YADC's chief executive officer and secretary-treasurer, said Williams has expressed concerns about the agency, and that one option being considered by the mayor was to have those services done by the city.
"It's the mayor's decision," Glenn said. "We feel we provide a good service to the city. We'll respect the city's decision."
skolnick@vindy.com