Canton responds to current financial challenges
CANTON − City Council has approved two ordinances that respond to vehicle supply chain issues and greater gasoline prices this year.
The board on Monday authorized Purchasing Department employees to directly purchase vans, trucks, SUVs and other vehicles if they're available at a dealership ― rather than undergo the typical bid process or cooperative contracts. The ordinance declared 20 vehicles for various departments as "sole source purchases."
Service Director John Highman said the unusual request was prompted by difficulty obtaining vehicles. The city's requests for bids have received no responses and vendors often can't answer questions about pricing or availability. He said two orders were canceled because the vehicles weren't able to be built.
"The hope was just to try to have a little more flexibility," Highman said.
City Council already approved and appropriated money for the purchases, which can not be exceeded without returning to the council for approval, Highman said. He did not have the total appropriations at the meeting.
Councilman Frank Morris, D-9, questioned whether the previously approved amounts would be enough, and Councilman Louis Giavasis, D-at large, asked whether some of the purchases could wait. Highman said the measure gives staff members the opportunity to make a "judgment call," and vehicles used for snow removal would be best to have sooner rather than later.
Morris and Giavasis cast the only votes in opposition to the ordinance. Councilman John Mariol II, D-7, was the only member absent.
Councilman Bill Smuckler, D-at large, said he'd "like some more help" when it comes to snow removal and Councilman Jason Scaglione said it's important for the city to continually replace vehicles to avoid breakdowns. He also acknowledged difficulties across industries.
"The truth is, things are tough right now," Scaglione said.
After the meeting, Giavasis said he thinks the city could hold off to see what happens with the market rather than compete with people and companies willing to pay a premium. "I just think we should wait," he said.
Separately, council approved more money for fuel because Canton "has experienced the same 'pain at the pump' as the rest of the world," according to a memo from Finance Director Mark Crouse. The group gave an additional $125,000 from the general fund for the police and fire departments and $50,000 from the refuse operating fund for the Sanitation Department
Other action:
With a resolution, the council honored Ida Ross-Freeman, Mable Gordon, Linda Campbell, Georgia Daniels and Mark Bigsbee for hosting the city's Juneteenth celebration for more than 40 years.
Heard from the Affairs of the Community Neighborhood Association president and members who requested the city do more to invest in the area north of Tuscarawas Street E between Belden Avenue NE and Hamilton Avenue NE.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton City Council addresses supply chain issues, 'pain at the pump'
