Fired firefighter to get severance pay

The board also approved payments to two retired city employees.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

CITY HALL REPORTER

YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s board of control approved severance packages for three employees, including a fired firefighter facing felony drug-trafficking charges.

The city is required to pay severance packages to all employees leaving its service regardless of the situation. The board approved the severance proposals at its Thursday meeting.

Andre Johnson will receive a $1,646 severance package, primarily for unused vacation hours and hazardous duty pay. He was earning $9.43 an hour with the city. The city paid him 6 cents total for unused sick time.

When a person no longer works for the city, he is paid 100 percent of his unused vacation and longevity pay, and 35 percent of unused sick time.

Johnson, a firefighter since June 2006, was fired Dec. 8 by the city because he was indicted by a Mahoning County grand jury on marijuana possession and drug-trafficking charges with forfeiture specifications.

Johnson was shot in the face, stomach and leg while off duty at his North Fruit Street residence Nov. 14. Police said they found about a pound of suspected marijuana in a duffel bag as well as drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun at his home.

Also receiving severance packages were:

UCarmen S. Conglose Jr., the former deputy director of public works. The city paid $54,246 to Conglose, who earned $44.78 an hour. Of his severance amount, $45,437.77 was for unused sick time.

UNorma J. Marzano, a former deputy court bailiff. The city paid $19,888 to Marzano, who earned about $24.06 an hour. She received $13,447.75 in unused sick time.

Conglose and Marzano retired Dec. 31.

skolnick@vindy.com