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SALEM -- Paint the town teal -- that's what a domestic violence awareness spokeswoman asked council members to do in the form of O-shaped teal-colored static clings they can place in their car, office or home windows.
Then when people ask what's with the "O," she wants them to talk about the No More campaign against domestic violence.
"Help us to spread the message only by color," Catholic Charities Regional Agency representative Dottie Kane said.
Kane left behind several of the teal-colored static clings for council members to take with them Tuesday night.
The idea behind the static clings is to get people talking and send the message of No More Domestic Violence. The program is sponsored locally by the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services, but she explained it's actually part of a larger, nationwide effort started three years ago to put an end to domestic violence.
She's been visiting as many meetings and gatherings as possible to bring attention to the problem and change the conversation about domestic violence. She's still waiting for someone to ask about her teal "O" in her car, but said at least 4,500 have been distributed so far. For additional information, she can be reached at the Catholic Charities Regional Agency office in Lisbon at 330-420-0845. Other agencies staffed by experts who can do presentations about domestic violence include the Christina House women's shelter at 330-420-0036 or Ozer Ministries at 330-426-2147.
City council held first reading on a clarification of the city's new rule for registering vacant properties. Councilwoman Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey explained that the only change is to make it clear that all vacant properties must be registered -- exemptions have to do with whether or not the fee must be paid.
The change was recommended during a Rules & Ordinances Committee meeting last month to make sure the intent is clear, that all vacant properties must register, but not all will have to pay the fee if they qualify for an exemption.
Dickey chairs the committee and took the lead regarding the registration of vacant buildings in an effort to make sure something is done with the properties instead of having them sit empty for years until they become dilapidated. The whole idea is to get the vacant properties repaired, sold or in some form of acceptable use. Exemptions exist related to active construction or renovation, fire or weather damage, or being actively on the market for sale or lease.
Council also held first reading on an ordinance to place a combination 1-mill renewal/additional .3-mill recreation levy on the fall ballot for the city parks. Parks Commission members had approved recommending a renewal for the current 1-mill levy being collected and then asking voters to chip in a little more cash for an additional .3 mills.
Both pieces of legislation will require two more readings for final approval.
In other business, council held second readings on ordinances authorizing the city service/safety director to advertise for bids to sell a used 1997 1-ton Chevy dump truck, a used 2000 Ford F250 Super duty pickup and two used 35-foot extension ladders.
Treasurer Dr. John Conrad readdressed a question that was raised previously by Councilman Geoff Goll regarding the 1 percent income tax revenue lagging behind by $213,100 when compared to last year's numbers in February. Conrad said city Auditor Betty Brothers gave Goll the correct answer in saying it had to do with the timing of the income tax receipts.
"It's all in the collection dates," he said.
The overhaul of the municipal income tax law included changing the dates when money is collected, which is turn changes the dates when the money comes into the city coffers.
He was happy to report that the city is practically caught up for now even though it looks like the receipts are still behind by about $16,000. As of March 21, the receipts this year totaled $1,438,881. Last year at this time, the amount totaled $1,455,426. In February, the figures were $787,403 for this year and $1,000,504 for last year.
Council met in executive session briefly regarding a property issue, but took no action. Possible meeting dates announced for committees included 6:30 p.m. April 4 for Utilities and 6:30 p.m. April 5 for Rules & Ordinances regarding accessory buildings on single lots and expanding the area for the International Property Maintenance Code which currently covers the downtown.
Councilman Brian Whitehill, who chairs Finance, said his committee will meet sometime next month regarding a possible maintenance repair project for the city hall basement and the hiring of a provisional firefighter to help cover while a firefighter is off on medical leave.
The next council meeting is 7 p.m. April 4.
mgreier@salemnews.net