On the record: Girard
WHAT: City council meeting Monday
PRESENT: Reynald Paolone, Sam Zirafi, John Moliterno, Jeff Kay, Lily Martuccio, Thomas Grumley and Mayor James Melfi
ABSENT: Mark Standohar and Keith Schubert
Council:
l Heard from Melfi, who reminded downtown business owners they are responsible for clearing snow from the sidewalks at their properties;
l Heard Safety / Service Director Jerry Lambert on the need to get a new backhoe for the water department to replace one that is over 20 years old. Council will act on getting a new backhoe not to exceed $150,000 at the Feb. 13 meeting;
l Heard from fire Chief Jim Petruzzi that the fire department had 21,044 calls in 2022, compared with 20,032 in 2021;
l Discussed looking at ways to improve the safety of residents who live in apartment complexes where there is one main front door used by many people. Martuccio said officials have met with some residents of apartments concerned over security.
Melfi said the city has more than 30 apartment complexes that fit the criteria of one main entrance.
On the record – Girard
Girard
WHAT: Board of Education meeting Thursday
PRESENT: Diane Alejars, Vincent Ragozine, Joseph Datchuk, Sue Ellen Davis and Mark Zuppo
The board:
• Named Zuppo as president and Alejars as vice president for 2023;
• Approved committee appointments: Ragozine, athletic / activities council, and curriculum; Alejars, facilities; Zuppo, labor relations and legislative liaison to Ohio School Board Association; Datchuck, safety; and Davis, recognition committee and Trumbull Career / Technical Center representative;
• Approved Dr. Paul Rich of Western Reserve Health Education Inc. as school physician at $4,000 for 2023;
• Discussed accomplishments in 2022 which include a new gymnasium floor at the intermediate school, and new fencing and gates at stadium. Officials said in 2023 plans are to use a $400,000 safety grant for safety enhancements in the district, resurfacing school parking lots and moving forward with performing arts center at high school with talks to resume this month.