CANFIELD — City council had three first readings on legislation seeking zoning changes, which were recommended by the city planning and zoning commission, in a continuing effort to establish clear zones to coincide with the city’s comprehensive plan.

The legislation includes rezoning Lot 1185 at 580 W. Main St. from manufacturing to general commercial; Lot 2986 at 374 Newton St. from manufacturing to general commercial; and Preserve Plat 2 lots 2499 to 2528, and Preserve Boulevard lots 2598 to 2603 from three-to-four-family residential to single-family residential.

Separate public hearings on the three zoning requests were set 5 p.m., 5:05 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. June 1.

In another matter at Wednesday’s meeting, city manager Wade Calhoun told council about a joint effort in this year’s street paving program.

“We are fully funding our paving program this year,” Calhoun said. “To save money, we could join with other communities to have better buying power (for asphalt).”

The city of Struthers and the Poland village are looking to combine with Canfield’s paving program to seek bids for material.

Asphalt prices have gone up because of the rising petroleum market, and Calhoun said a plan like this could bring better prices. While it would be a combined effort, Calhoun said, each community could secure its own paving contract.

“It is important to note the overall bid may not be the best lowest bid for us,” Calhoun said. “At the end of the day, our city council can reject the bid.”

In response to Councilman Chuck Tieche’s question, Calhoun said each community could secure its own maintenance bonds.

In public responses, resident Frank Micchia said: “Not only did the school bond issue fail, it got a (butt) whipping … Apparently, the idea was ill conceived, ill planned and not in touch with reality.”

Michhia also commented: “City council in its haste to relieve the Red Gate albatross … was happy to support the issue by donating a large portion of Red Gate in exchange for the middle school property. Not one of council’s best

decisions.”

Mayor Don Dragish, however, gave a differing view, saying: “I think people need to do the research and get the right information. And everyone needs to get out and vote.”

Also, council President and fire board member John Morvay thanked the voters for approving the fire levy that will allow the Cardinal Joint Fire District to maintain its ambulance service. Morvay said during April, the district ran 189 calls for service and 103 were emergency medical transports.