Council to consider legislation to seek cleaning proposals

By David Skolnick | October 18, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

City council will consider legislation Wednesday to seek proposals for cleaning services at 20 Federal Place as part of a plan to reduce expenses at the city-owned office building.

The city is paying $76,800 annually for cleaning services at the downtown building.

The city’s board of control voted Sept. 1 to end a $75,000 annual contract with DeVicchio and Associates, effective Dec. 1. The building is cleaned through a third party paid by DeVicchio with city money.

Looking to further cut costs at 20 Federal Place, Mayor Charles Sammarone is asking city council to allow the board of control to seek proposals for the cleaning contract.

“We want to get the best price and the best service,” he said.

DeVicchio has managed the former Phar-Mor Centre, at 20 W. Federal St., since June 2007. The city has owned the building since June 2006.

Also Wednesday, council will vote to permit the board of control to seek proposals to spend about $130,000 in federal stimulus money for energy-efficient lighting at city hall and the police station.

The money would be used for the replacement and retrofitting of various light fixtures in the two buildings, which are attached, Sammarone said.

The city already did a similar project at 20 Federal Place.