Youngstown mayor wants more say over parks

YOUNGSTOWN — Mayor Jay Williams wants voters to approve a charter amendment to remove the park and recreation commission’s autonomy and place the agency under the control of the city administration.

Williams first needs the go-ahead from city council to place the proposal on the Nov. 6 election ballot — and he needs it fast. The deadline to file charter amendments with the Mahoning County Board of Elections is Aug. 23.

Williams wants city council’s parks and recreation committee to hold a special meeting later this week, and for council to approve his proposal at its Aug. 22 meeting. If council wants more time, the charter amendment request can wait until next year, Williams said.

Denise M. Skowron, the commission’s chairwoman, refused to comment on the mayor’s proposal.

The commission is primarily funded through the city’s general fund, receiving $3.1 million this year, and the city’s Community Development Block Grant fund, $250,000 this year.

But the city administration and council have very limited authority over the commission, Williams said.

The mayor says the commission “has been plagued by numerous deficiencies over the past several years,” and oversight by the administration is greatly needed.

The most significant change under Williams’ proposal is to require commission contracts and purchases to follow the same procedure as other departments; going through city council and the board of control. The proposal also includes making the mayor, and not the commission, the appointing authority for all permanent department employees.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator or vindy.com