Councilwoman supports International Towers resident over bedbug contract

By Lee Murray

TheNewsOutlet.org

YOUNGSTOWN

Residents at International Towers have been told by the building’s management to sign a contract that some believe will make them financially liable for future bedbug infestations — or their apartment will not be treated by exterminators.

Mark Hubbard, a resident at International Towers, said he initially refused to sign the three-page “Pest Control Management Plan for Bed Bugs” because the language of the plan implies that he could be responsible for paying future extermination fees should his unit become reinfested.

“He doesn’t want to sign that paper, and I don’t blame him,” said Councilwoman Annie Gillam D-1st. Gillam attended a June 5 meeting between Hubbard and Millennia, the building’s management company, at Hubbard’s request.

“I don’t think any of the residents should be held responsible like that,” Gillam said.

Hubbard pointed out that the preamble to the plan says that not cooperating would lead to eviction proceedings.

“Failing to cooperate and/or being fully prepared for treatment will result in termination of your tenancy and cause you to be liable for the cost of extermination,” the plan says in bold type.

Hubbard added that most residents are either disabled or seniors and could not comply with the furniture- disposal instructions. The plan dictates that infested mattresses must be bagged and couches must be slashed and removed to an on-site trash bin.

“Some of these [residents] don’t have the mental capacity to understand what they’re signing,” Hubbard said, “and they’re scared of being evicted, so they just sign.”

Hubbard consulted Community Legal Aid in Youngstown, who advised him that he should sign the plan and get a doctor’s note if he needs assistance moving furniture.

Neither Linda McConnell nor Greg Bierbaum, the representatives from Millennia present at the meeting, responded to requests to comment. Alan Weckerley, vice president of operations at Millennia, also did not respond to phone calls or emails seeking input from the management company.