×

Warren council approves ARP funding proposal

Members to recommend up to $500K in projects after 10-0 vote

WARREN — City council unanimously voted Wednesday to approve allowing its members to direct $5 million of the more than $28 million in American Rescue Plan funds allocated to the city to projects in their wards.

Council members will be able to recommend projects that may be needed in particular areas and, once they are vetted by the city using federal government guidelines, be able to direct up to $500,000 to get the work done.

Prior to the vote, dozens of mostly 6th Ward residents spoke in support of the legislation and praised Councilwoman Cheryl Saffold, D-6th Ward, for pushing it through the legislative process.

At least one participant said the amount being voted on was too low and should have been $1 million for each ward. Youngstown City Council recently voted to allocate each ward $1 million, but its ARP funding is more than double the amount of Warren.

Adrian Charlie Wilson said the last time she spoke before city council, she brought what she believed was a solution to the high grass problem the city faces every spring and summer, but was told there was not enough money for her suggestion.

“Now I know there is money,” Wilson said. “I would still like to do that. The grass is growing high already. We nearly cannot see around the corner now because of the grass height. It should happen now.”

Elder Martha Conyer Allen, a 6th Ward resident, told council members she supports allowing them to direct some of the ARP funds because they should know the needs of their wards.

“Cheryl knows where every pothole is and knows where every boarded up house is located,” Allen said. “She met with many of our residents. I don’t know how anyone can determine the best use, unless they live in the area.”

Gary McElroy said the 6th Ward has seen a lot of violence and that is because of a lack of funding.

“We have programs, such as adult education classes and recreation for kids in the summer,” he said. “We can do more.”

Jacqueline Gore said she would like some of the money from the ARP funds to be used to place cameras across the city.

“I can hear pop, pop, bang, bang around my neighborhood,” Gore said. “You don’t know if these sounds are guns, firecrackers or M-80s. I’m in agreement with cameras and anything else that will help end the violence around the city.”

Richard Williamson said the money should be allocated to council members.

“They know best how to spend it and our side of town needs it,” he said. “We need everything on the southwest part of the city.”

Bob Weitzel said the police chief has put together a wish list and it should come out of the ARP funds.

“We have a chance, with this money, to bring our police department to the 21st Century,” Weitzel said. “I hear gunshots almost every night. Our police department is undermanned and does not have the money to take care of all of us.”

Rob Luscik said the police substation in the 6th Ward should be either repaired or torn down.

“We need increased police presence in the neighborhood,” he said.

Saffold said she was surprised and overwhelmed by the unanimous vote to support the legislation.

“This shows we can work together,” she said.

Also Wednesday, city council unanimously passed a resolution that criticized Gov. Mike DeWine for signing a bill that allows qualifying adults to carry concealed handguns without a license or the necessary training to handle the weapon.

“In light of the violence that is happening in Warren, across the state and throughout the nation, it appalls me that the governor, who came into our city to present $200,000 to the police department, and then put their lives at risk by signing legislation that arbitrarily allows people to carry weapons,” Councilwoman Helen Rucker, D-at Large, said.

Rucker emphasized that she is a gun owner.

“I like guns,” she noted. “I like the Second Amendment.”

But she said it comes with responsibility.

“This piece is fully irresponsible,” she noted. “I can’t only blame them. We keep putting these people back in office. Our kids are here dying in the streets. Enough is enough.”

The council vote will be sent to the Ohio House and Senate.

Mayor Doug Franklin agreed the legislation is irresponsible.

“To allow permitless carrying of firearms serves no purpose other than to strip away the few protections we do have, simply to please gun extremists,” he said. “Things are going to get worse.”

Franklin said states that weaken the firearm permitting system have experienced an 11 percent increase in handgun homicide rates and and a 13 to 15 percent increase in violent crime rates.

“We have to keep guns out of the hands of irresponsible people,” he said.

Councilman Ken MacPherson, D-at Large, who described himself as pro-gun, said he supported voting against the signing of the state legislation.

“Carrying guns is a huge responsibility,” he said. “This is reckless.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today