At-large councilman resigning

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

NILES — Councilman Thomas Scarnecchia, D-at large, a fixture on council for 15 years, has resigned effective at the end of this month.

In a letter to council President Robert Marino, Scarnecchia cited his own health and his “family’s health, [which] has been critical the past year.” Scarnecchia had missed a number of council meetings last year due to personal and family health issues.

“I hope I have made a solid and productive contribution for the betterment of Niles,” Scarnecchia wrote in his resignation letter.

Before serving on council, Scarnecchia had served four years as safety director.

“His service has left an indelible impression on Niles,” Marino said. The council president said he believes Democratic precinct committee members will choose Scarnecchia’s replacement.

In other council items Wednesday, the Niles Historical Society tried unsuccessfully to get council to allocate license-plate tax revenues for repairs to the Ward-Thomas Museum. Mayor Ralph Infante said the fees, which are considered permissive taxes, cannot be used for that purpose.

Council also scheduled a “roundtable session” next Wednesday to meet with Chief Engineer Thomas Holloway of the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District, which provides water for Niles and Youngstown. Council was told Holloway wants to discuss the next “three-year rate structure.”

“I think we know what that’s about,” Marino said. Members indicated they expect the MVSD to seek higher rates.