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One step closer to revamp of lakes
Authority in awarding
contracts for grants also sparked a heated discussion among council.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD — City officials have moved one step closer to providing water and sewer lines to land near Upper Girard Lake.
Council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday authorizing the administration to seek estimates for professional services for the purposes of applying for grants to develop water and sewer lines in the area.
Mayor James Melfi has said the land around the lakes would become more attractive to developers if there were sewer and water available there. He said installing the infrastructure would fall in line with the city’s goal of making the land more valuable.
Debate over another grant issue was the backdrop for heated discussion between members of council and city administration Monday.
The debate
City council previously approved spending up to $119,000 to install waterlines into Liberty Township in conjunction with the township and Trumbull County. City administration sought bids and subsequently awarded a contract for the work to J.S. Northeast Co. for about $81,000.
Total cost of the project, to be borne by all three entities, is about $867,000.
Councilman Dan Moadus told council and city administration that he thinks the bids should have been brought back to council for consideration before a contract was awarded.
“I want to be on record as saying that there is never an instance when you spend above $15,000 that you don’t need the approval of council,” he said.
Melfi said that, as written, the ordinance gave city administration permission to spend the necessary funds up to $119,000 to participate in the joint effort with Liberty and the county. He points out that the amount spent is considerably less than that authorized by council.
Law Director Mark Standohar agreed that city administration operated correctly in awarding the contract. He said the ordinance, as written, gave them that authority.
jgoodwin@vindy.com