Staff report

WARREN — City council convened for their regular meeting on Wednesday, beginning at 5 p.m., and shortly after, entered an executive session to discuss ongoing legal matters.

The council returned to open session shortly after 6 p.m. to address several agenda items.

Councilman Michael O’Brien, D-at Large, discussed the creation of a new intelligence analyst position within the Warren Police Department. The measure was approved by the council, allowing the former janitor / cook position to be repurposed into an intelligence analyst role.

O’Brien said that the role would enhance the department’s use of technology to solve crimes.

“This person will supplement the detective bureau, bringing the technology that the police department has to the next level,” O’Brien said. “It will result in a higher probability of arrests and improve public safety.”

OTHER BUSINESS

Warren Health Department Deputy Commissioner John May announced the availability of a new health vending machine located in the Gibson Building, 258 East Market Street in Warren. The machine offers free Narcan spray, fentanyl test strips, COVID-19 test kits and safer sex kits to the public.

“This is a way to promote health and safety for all residents,” May said. “It’s a new tool to measure and address the needs of our community.”

Jim Valesky, co-chair of the Warren Heritage Center and a U.S. Marine veteran, announced an upcoming Black History Month event. The event will be 6 p.m. Feb. 17-18 at the Trumbull County Veteran Services, 253 East Market Street in Warren, and will feature panels of veterans and community leaders sharing their stories.

“These individuals have some wonderful stories to tell,” Valesky said. “It’s going to be a meaningful and educational event for the community.”

PRESENT: President John Brown, Todd Johnson, 1st Ward; Andrew Herman, 2nd Ward; Greg Greathouse, 3rd Ward; James Shaffer, 4th Ward; Tiffany Stanford, 5th Ward; Honeya Price, 6th Ward; Ronald White, 7th Ward; and Michael O’Brien and Helen Rucker, at Large.

ABSENT: Gary Steinbeck, at Large (excused).

Council Actions:

•The council repealed a previous resolution and replaced it with a new statement of municipal services for the Howland Township annexation area. The resolution outlines services such as street maintenance, water installation and fire protection to be provided upon annexation to Warren. It also addresses zoning compatibility and buffer requirements for incompatible land uses.

•The council authorized the director of public service and safety to enter into an agreement with the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) for the 2025 Energized Community Grant. The grant will fund energy efficiency and infrastructure projects.

•The council approved appropriations from the city’s general fund and other accounts for various departmental expenses, including contracted services, supplies, and capital expenditures. Transfers within funds were also authorized to support ongoing operations.

General Fund allocations:

• $250,000 for administrative contracted services.

•$215,000 for police capital expenditures.

•$106,000 for operations contracted services.

Transfers:

•$68,850 shifted within the health department for capital expenditures.

•$180,000 allocated to the motor vehicle levy fund for supplies.

Approved payments:

•The council authorized payment for specific contracts and orders, including repairs, maintenance, and supplies for city departments. The fiscal officer certified sufficient funds for these expenditures.

• Total approved payments: $83,436.08

• $20,035.23 to Vac 2Go LLC for sewer repairs.

•$23,899.62 to Core & Main for water department parts.

•$9,557.23 to Ascendance Truck for vehicle repairs.