Youngstown council postpones action on several items

YOUNGSTOWN

City council postponed votes today on creating policies to protect whistle-blowers, address violence and bullying in the workplace, and the improper use of city cell phones and computers.

“We’re in support of these policies, but members had some questions,” said Janet Tarpley, D-6th, council president pro tem, about not voting on the four proposals.

City council could vote on all four plans at its next meeting, Feb. 4.

Council heard today from Don Crane, president of the Western Reserve Building & Construction Trades Council, who said the city isn’t doing enough to collect its 2.75 percent income tax from all construction workers.

In the coming months, a law department employee will be tasked with monitoring income-tax collections and prevailing-wage issues in addition to that person’s existing duties, city officials.

Council approved a new contract today with its firefighter union to give its members a 2.5 percent raise starting with the next pay period and then a 1 percent raise in January 2016.

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