Youngstown council oks Crickets liquor license, hears complaints about cop hiring

YOUNGSTOWN

After a meeting between the owners of a South Side bar and those who live near it who complained of noise resulted in an understanding, city council voted today not to object to the renewal of the business’ liquor permit.

City Law Director Martin Hume met with the owners of Crickets Bar & Grille, 1733 E. Midlothian Blvd., and neighbors to iron out the differences.

Don Holovatick, who co-owns the family business, points out that Crickets has never been cited for noise, and there’s a plan in place to enclose the area where live bands play.

Also today, council voted to accept a recommendation from a fact-finder on a new contract with the Youngstown Ranking Police Officers union, which approved the proposal Tuesday.

Council also approved a proposal to move ahead with a $14 million project to replace all its water meters — about 55,000 in homes and businesses — starting in late 2015 and ending in 2020.

Council heard from two retired police officers — former Chief Jimmy Hughes and Anita Davis, a former detective sergeant, who are both black — who expressed concerns about the lack of minorities on the police force.

Davis and Hughes asked that the city consider eliminating written civil service tests when hiring officers.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com