Council approves raise in pay for sanitation workers

At its Feb. 26 meeting, New Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution that will raise pay for the city’s sanitation workers. Approved was a memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Local 1959 and the Ohio Council 8 Service Maintenance and Technical Employees Chapter.

The measure was voted out of the salary committee with the recommendation for council to approve the emergency legislation on its first reading. Committee Chair Kris Kreinbihl said the current sanitation labor rates are $15 per hour for employees with zero to five years of employment, $16 per hour for those with five to 10 years, $17 for those with 10-15 years and $18 for employees who have accumulated 15-20 years.

The proposed resolution would change the starting rate to $18 per hour. Kreinbihl said the city currently employs 10 full-time sanitation workers, but 12 workers are considered a full staff. The increase in wages will cost the city about $6,240 annually, not including bringing back the two additional employees.

Funds for the increases will be taken from the enterprise fund, according to Kreinbihl, and will not affect the general or master capital funds nor the annual budget the city is currently preparing.

City Service Director Ron McAbier said the rate increase is necessary in order to attract and keep workers. “I think this is the best way to overall equip the city, and that’s also the way the union leaders felt.”

Council member Steve Rippeth brought up the issue of workers needing to procure commercial drivers licenses, which cost about $3,500. McAbier said employees are required to pay for those licenses up front and get reimbursed later by the city.

“It might make it a little easier to come up with that money with $3 more an hour,” McAbier said.

Council also passed legislation to rezone a parcel of land in the city from business to industrial.

Reports to council

Mayor Joel Day reported progress on the budget and said no staff reductions will be included in the budget this year. Day also said RTY is bringing three new kiddie rides to Tuscora Park. Inoperable batting cages are being removed to make room for the rides.

President Pro-tem Dan Lanzer reported on an earlier airport commission meeting to discuss increases in hangar rental fees as Harry Clever Field. He asked Law Director Marvin Fete to prepare legislation for a council vote at the next meeting.

Tom Simmelink said the health board presented an annual summary of communicable diseases for the last year in the city. COVID topped the list, but in fifth place was Lyme disease, which is caused by tick bites. Simmelink also reported a 38% increase in vaccinations, excluding COVID, which is due in part to the board receiving a grant to promote childhood vaccines as at least 25% of children entering school in the city are not getting vaccinated.

Public comments

Resident Dale Burke addressed council for a second time opposing the establishment of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area downtown. Council member Cheryl Ramos distributed a list of what Burke sees as the downside to having a DORA downtown.

Jodi Salvo addressed council regarding her candidacy for District 51 Ohio House representative.

Council comments

Ramos asked if anything could be done about private drones flying in neighborhoods. She was advised by Fete and council member Steve Rippeth that drones are regulated by the FAA and described the requirements.

“I see where you’re going, though,” Rippeth said. “It could be an invasion of privacy, but the FAA doesn't really get too concerned about that. They are concerned with safety.”

Ramos then asked if the city could do anything. Day said she should tell residents who are having issues to contact the police department.

Council meets the second and fourth Monday each month at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers at the John Knisely Municipal Centre, 150 E. High Ave.