Struthers council meets on projects, resignation

By William K. Alcorn

The Fifth Street culvert replacement project could cost up to $100,000.

STRUTHERS — City Treasurer Constance Shaffer has resigned after serving about 18 months of her first four-year term, effective July 1.

In a letter addressed to Struthers residents, Shaffer, who is also executive director of the Youngstown YWCA, cited “additional personal and professional challenges and responsibilities” as her reasons for leaving.

Mayor Terry Stocker said the Mahoning County Democratic Party will have first chance to replace Shaffer. He said the party has from five days after July 1 until 45 days after July 1 to chose a successor. If the party fails to pick her replacement, the task would fall to the state legislature.

In her letter, dated June 3, Shaffer “thanked the citizens of Struthers for the opportunity to serve our community. It is an experience of a lifetime.”

She urged others to run for election and get an inside view of government at work. Most of all, she said she wished to thank the men and women with whom she worked as city treasurer. “Each cares for our city and does their best every day to bring value to our town.”

Shaffer, who was elected in the November 2005 general election and took office in January 2006, offered to help the new appointee during July to make the transition in assuming the responsibilities of the office.

At Wednesday’s city council meeting, Stocker said she would be missed.

In other action, council authorized the board of control to enter into contract with MS Consultants for engineering design services for the Fifth Street culvert replacement project, and to repair or replace water and sanitary sewer lines in the area of the culvert. The design costs will reach $12,500. The culvert is between Creed and Spring streets.

The consultants reported that construction of the project could cost up to $100,000, and recommended that the weight limit on the culvert be limited to 10 tons because of its deterioration.

The MS report said the sanitary sewer had been constructed with a “bump” in the line to go over the water line, and “likely contributed to sanitary back-up problems experienced by the city for many years.”

Stocker said the city would seek Ohio Public Works Commission money to help pay for the project.

The first Movie in the Park night will be June 18 in Mauthe Park on Smithfield Street, said 1st Ward Councilwoman Sherri L. Hartzell. She said the free showing of the movie, “Shrek the Third,” will begin at 8:30 p.m. She said residents should bring blankets and chairs to sit on and any snacks they want.

alcorn@vindy.com