CONNEAUT — Owners of a Conneaut auto repair shop, upset because they have been excluded from the police department’s tow rotation, have consulted an attorney, City Council learned at Monday’s regular meeting.
Stephanie Baumgardner, of Community Auto Center, said she and her husband have become frustrated in their unsuccessful efforts to secure a spot on the tow list. They have talked to an attorney to discuss possible restraint-of-trade issues, she said.
Community Auto wants a shot at some of the towing business generated by the police department. The city has resisted, saying four businesses already are involved, one for each week of the month. That schedule eliminates confusion and makes it easier for dispatchers, Police Chief Jon Arcaro has said.
Ward 1 Councilman Dave Campbell, who has championed the Baumgardners’ cause at council meetings, said the business has been “wronged” by the city.
“You are asking very little of us,” Campbell told Baumgardner. “We are betraying you.”
Councilman-at-Large Jacob Chicatelli defended the city, saying the tow rotation policy in effect for years has worked well, minimizing conflicts among tow operators.
Campbell said the city will try to assist Community Auto, although it may “take until Election Day next year,” when at-large member and council president’s seats are up for grabs.
“Mr. Campbell wants to change policy, like he would me, on City Council,” Chicatelli said, earning laughs from the audience.
City Manager Douglas Lewis said there has been some movement on the tow rotation situation and recommended the matter return to council’s public safety committee.
The meeting featured some 80 minutes of public participation, including an exchange between Ward 2 Councilman Charles Lewis and a visitor shortly after a long emotional exchange on the poor condition of Conneaut’s secondary roads. Resident Mike Skufca tried to point out that budget problems hamper the city’s repair efforts. Skufca’s comments led to lively dialogue involving Campbell, Charles Lewis and other audience members. Lewis became irritated at Skufca’s comments.
“You’re starting to get on my nerves a little bit, “ Charles Lewis said.
Skufca in turn urged council to show more civility toward the audience and one another.
Local News
Police tow list situation may involve an attorney
- Local News
-
-
Sports, academics to come together
SPIRE Institute will expand its educational base and accept international students into its sports performance programs through a partnership with the Andrews Osborne Academy, Ted Meekma, SPIRE management team member, announced Wednesday.
-
Grand Valley sixth grader wins Ashtabula County Spelling Bee
James Elliott, a sixth grader at Grand Valley Middle School, clinched his win of the 29th annual Ashtabula County Area V Spelling Bee by successfully spelling the words “physique” and “daffodil.”
-
Conneaut Chamber lauds top citizen, ‘Champions’
Nicholas Iarocci, Conneaut’s 2011 Citizen of the Year, needed plenty of gulps of water to complete his acceptance speech Tuesday night.
-
Conneaut’s unpaved roads will get priority status in 2012
Secondary roads in Conneaut will get the lion’s share of attention from the Public Works’ Department this year, said City Manager Tim Eggleston.
-
Felony charge filed in robbery
An Ashtabula woman who police said grabbed a woman’s purse inside a Conneaut supermarket late Monday afternoon faces a felony charge in Conneaut Municipal Court, according to reports.
-
Ashtabula County building projects readied for bids
Up to four improvement projects for county-owned buildings are being lined up for bids in the next month.
-
City of Ashtabula looking for new auditor
Six candidates have applied for city auditor, which City Council President J.P. Ducro IV says he hopes to fill by the end of March.
-
Red Cross holding breakfast for ‘Community Heroes’
The Red Cross Community Heroes Breakfast will honor 12 county residents March 3 at the Bernard Vacca Community Center.
-
New film showcases county’s scenic rivers
Ohio’s Scenic Rivers program, which protects stretches of 14 waterways — including three in Ashtabula County — is the focus of a new movie by a Dayton-based independent filmmaker.
-
Students can donate clothing to Goodwill
Many Ashtabula Area City Schools students will find themselves cleaning out their closets this week.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sports, academics to come together
