NILES — City council has approved 3-year contracts with the police department’s five full-time dispatchers as well as 85 workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Council members and the city administration met in executive session for about 30 minutes at the beginning of Wednesday’s council meeting to discuss the contracts and then voted 7-0 to approve them.

Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz said five full-time dispatchers represented by the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association will receive a 3% increase in 2025, 4% increase in 2026 and 5% increase in 2027.

The agreement also includes a health care premium contribution increase of 9% in 2025, 11% in 2026 and 13% in 2027. The health care waiver increased from $100 to $250.

Additional annual costs for the base salaries of all fire department employees is $7,000 in 2025, $15,000 in 2026 and $23,000 in 2027.

The 85 employees represented by AFSCME include clerical workers, road, water, sewer, park, cemetery and electrical department staff, who also will receive a 3% increase in 2025, 4% in 2026 and 5% in 2027.

Other changes in the contract are that in 2025, the base rate for linemen will increase by $3 per hour and base rate for groundsmen will increase by 85 cents per hour.

The agreement also includes a health care premium contribution increase of 9% in 2025, 11% in 2026, and 13% in 2027. The health care waiver increased from $100 to $250.

The starting pay step adjustment will be 70% to 85% at hiring, 80% to 90% after six months and 90% to 95% after one year.

Additional annual costs for the base salaries of all service department employees is $220,000 in 2025, $185,000 in 2026 and $240,000 in 2027.

MOSQUITO CREEK STUDY

Also, Mientkiewicz said the city was awarded federal funding for a feasibility study of Mosquito Creek to address downed trees and shoreline issues in different parts of the creek areas. The study will help to determine flood risk management for Mosquito Creek Lake and in Niles will be funded under a bipartisan bill approved by the U.S. House.

Thomas R. Carper said the Water Resources Development Act provides federal funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve the nation’s ports, harbors and waterways.

Mientkiewicz said U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, who represents Trumbull County, secured the funds.

“We are excited to be receiving this for improving Mosquito Creek,” Mientkiewicz said.

Councilman Todd Weddel, D-1st Ward, said the project has been talked about for a few years and now the area by the river will be cleaned up.

A Republican from Bainbridge, Joyce, co-chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, was able to get $16.8 million in funding for improvements in the 14th Congressional District, which he represents, into the bill.

The bill authorizes more than 200 feasibility studies throughout the country, including Mosquito Creek Lake and Niles. The Niles study will be for a project for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration and recreation.

Also, Mientkiewicz said Girard resident and veteran Ken David was honored in Washington D.C. by receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Joseph Biden.

“What he received was something very phenomenal honoring him for his bravery and service,” he said.

Mientkiewicz said Niles resident and veteran Robert Marino Sr. was also at the White House to see David receive the honor.