GIRARD — Concerns about feral cats running loose and people setting off fireworks were brought to city council’s attention this week.

Patricia Baltic of East Kline Street told officials that she is very concerned about a neighbor on her street continually setting off fireworks for several hours, with sparks and parts of fireworks burning her backyard.

“The backyard of my house we had to have reseeded because there were so many large burn marks. I am worried one of the fireworks will hit the propane tank on my grill or burn the roof of my garage,” Baltic said.

She said she and other residents are upset that the fireworks have started already and said it will only get worse up to the July 4 weekend.

Baltic said she is especially concerned after hearing about the explosion in Liberty on Saturday evening that was reported to have been caused by fireworks.

“I do not want my house to be next. I need to know who to call and what to do,” Baltic told council members.

Mayor Mark Zuppo said the city is following its zoning codes and police officers have been patrolling on East Kline Street to check on the situation. The state does allow the use of fireworks on designated holidays such as July 4.

FERAL CATS AND TRASH

Annette Minniti of Stambaugh Street said there is a continual problem with stray cats roaming the neighborhood and noted one cat was hit by a car on a nearby street.

Zuppo said he has called the Animal Welfare League, which sent an animal control officer to the city to look for feral cats.

Minniti said there are also problems with three properties where the lawn has not been cut and the grass is getting high.

Zuppo said high grass has been addressed by the zoning department. Officials have tried to work with residents on getting their lawns cut on days when it is not raining.

In other matters, Councilman Thomas Grumley, D-4th Ward, said there continues to be problems with couches and other trash left at curbside for days on various properties.

Grumley said residents need to make arrangements for pickup of the items with Republic Services.

“These are the same repeat offenders who have trash laying around for days at the curb all the time. When there are storms, the trash ends up all over the neighborhood. This becomes a nuisance for the rest of the neighborhood,” Grumley said.

In other business, council:

• Heard form Zuppo who will be going to Columbus with other mayors to take part in the Washington, D.C. fly-in with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber to secure funds for Mahoning Valley projects.

• Gave second reading by a 4-2 vote waiving the residency requirement of the safety service director to live in Trumbull County. The previous ordinance stated the person must live in Girard. Grumley and Councilman Keith Schubert, D-1st Ward, voted against waiving the residency rule.

• Recognized Connor Strain of the city’s park and recreation department with the “Willie Constantino Employee of the Month” award.

• Set a caucus at 6 p.m. June 23 for road paving updates.