State Audit
I share City Council’s frustration regarding the State Audit of 2003/2004. I had hoped the issue(s) would have been satisfactorily resolved by now. I am not sure what to make of the delays in releasing the audit, or whether the issues are limited to the payroll issue.

As indicated in the letter from the Auditor of State dated March 23, 2005, the matter was referred to the City Law Director for determination. On June 1, 2005, as per the Auditor of State direction, the Law director informed the City Auditor of her findings that city employees were overpaid in 2004. Despite the Law Director’s ruling, and the State Auditor’s direction to proceed with the correction and collection of said overpayment to avoid adverse effects on the employees and city, City Auditor Morell refused to do so until the State Auditor directed her to do so.

Over a year later the payroll issue remains unresolved and the audit of 2003/2004 has not been completed and released, despite repeated assertions that it would be forthcoming. It is particularly disconcerting that the Law Director, who was to be point of contact regarding the matter, has not been informed or advised as to why the 2003/2004 audit has not been finalized.

Clean Ohio Assistance Fund
The resolution on the agenda will enable the City of Struthers to file for a Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grant on behalf of the CASTLO CIC to perform additional Phase II assessments at the industrial park.

On a related note, my office has filed the necessary paperwork requesting our situational distressed city designation be renewed by the Ohio Department of Development. Said designation permits us to access COAF grants in a more timely manner and waive the match requirement.

2006 Improvement Program
The city street crack sealing contract has been awarded and the bid opening for the 2006 Street Improvement Program is Friday, June 30, 2006.

As discussed with City Council, the lot next to city hall on Terrace Street will be prepared for additional parking in conjunction with the street resurfacing program.

Demolition of condemned structures on Elm Street, Sexton Street and Pine Street will commence shortly.

The downtown improvement project should also be proceeding within the next week.

I will keep Council apprised of progress on the various projects and any other developments with status updates during the Council recess.

Board of Health
The Board of Health and administration are working with two residents to address sanitary sewer issues. Hopefully, we will be able to rectify both problems in the immediate future.

I am requesting Council to confirm the reappointment of Margaret Giura to the Board of Health for the term beginning July 1, 2006 through June 20, 2011.

Congratulations
Congratulations to Captain Ed Villone and Charlie Shaffer on their recent retirements from the City of Struthers Police and Street Departments. Their service to the community are appreciated and we wish them well.

Respectfully Submitted,
Daniel Mamula, Mayor