Council voices opposition to cable measure

The city wrote off 278,000 in delinquent sewer bills.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- City council opposes a proposed state law that would eliminate local control of cable television providers and cost the city in excess of 100,000 a year.
Auditor Tina Morell said that Struthers will realize about 108,000 in 2007 from a cable franchise fee and that it increases slightly each year.
The proposed law, Senate Bill 117, amounts to "plundering and looting" the cable franchising process, added 2nd Ward Councilman Mark Sandine.
In a related matter, council authorized spending up to 1,500 with Local Voice Ohio, a coalition of local communities, to fight the law.
In another money matter, council adopted an ordinance that would terminate efforts to collect delinquent sewer accounts accumulated over many years totaling some 278,000.
Lawmakers took the action on the recommendations of the state auditor, because many of the accounts are old and deemed uncollectable, said Councilman Jerry Shields, chairman of the finance committee.
It is important to note that the ordinance specifies which accounts will not be collected, said Councilman Daniel Yemma.
"Going forward, we need to establish policies to handle delinquent bills on a consistent basis," he said.
Property issue
During public comments, residents of Center Street complained that it was taking the city too long to enforce property maintenance regulations for a property at 140 Center and that area of the city in general. The residents said poorly kept properties are unsafe and adversely affect property values.
Safety-Service Director John Sveda said the city has issued at least 30 citations to the owners of 140 Center over several years without success.
However, he said the property was recently purchased by a reputable firm that buys homes and repairs them for resale. Sveda said he is confident that the problem at 140 Center will soon be resolved.