CANFIELD — Police Chief Chuck Colucci joined the nationwide movement to condemn the actions that took the life of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis.

“Our officers would never use the neck or throat techniques,” Colucci said at Wednesday’s virtual council meeting. “Our officers are also required to step in when an officer is going too far, and stop it. We have to ensure people have their civil rights protected.”

He said three Canfield officers were part of a county-wide team that was called into action in Youngstown during the recent protests. The officers served on the front lines and reported no incidents during the protest.

Colucci was asked about Canfield’s ability to videotape police. In 1997, he said, Canfield obtained dash cameras for all the patrol cars. In 2019, those were updated to include integrated body cameras. He said those body cameras work with the cruiser camera. The cruisers also have a back seat camera because a lot of action takes place there during an arrest.

The department was budgeting for new body cameras for 2020, which would cost approximately $20,000 to $30,000.

Council also discussed the fire department lease. The city now leases part of city hall to the Cardinal Joint Fire District for $1 per year. The district recently requested some door and plumbing repairs in the building, but City Manager Wade Calhoun was looking into amending the lease and dealing with items such as electric and other utilities.

Attorney Mark Fortunato said council would not need to tie up a lot of time looking at the lease.

“Would council mind if I and City Manager Wade Calhoun were to sit down with the fire chief and the fire district’s council and negotiate a new lease?” Fortunato asked.

All council members agreed it would be best and Fortunato said he would have a report on the issue within two weeks. He also noted a negotiated contract could then be presented to council for approval.

In other business, council:

l Heard from Calhoun the City Building was again open to the public, but all employees dealing with people are wearing masks and those entering the city building are asked to do the same. As for City Council meetings, Council President John Morvay said the June meetings will be virtual and open public meetings should return for July;

l Mayor Richard Duffett reported a gross collection for Mayor’s Court for May of $4,645.09 and a net collection to the city of $4,388.09;

l Approved three resolutions dealing with the annexed 23.276 acres in the area of U.S. 224 and South Palmyra Road that consented to the annexation, requiring a possible buffer, and stating the available public services that would be provided to the annexed land. Fortunato said the three resolutions were all following requirements and the Ohio Revised Code;

l Changed the summer meetings as follows: July 15 and Aug. 19, both at 5:30 p.m. The city will go back to two monthly meetings in September;

l Approved the appointment of Bruce Neff to serve on the Millennial Moments JEDD (Joint Economic Development District) Board.

jtwhitehouse@tribtoday.com