Saddler to mayor: Why is ’emergency’ house still standing? [Portsmouth Daily Times, Ohio]

Nov. 30--At Monday night's Portsmouth City Council meeting, Second Ward Portsmouth City Councilman Rich Saddler addressed several issues to Portsmouth Mayor David Malone.

"On Oct. 10, we had a suspension of the rule on three readings for $7,400 to come out of the CIP (Capital Improvements fund) for the emergency demolition of the property on (1646) Sixth Street," Saddler said. "It was for $7,400, and as of last night, that house was still standing. And I am questioning why. If we waived the three readings on that and it was done as an emergency -- it was stated that that house was in dire emergency of needing to be torn down so that it doesn't fall down on the property next to it -- I would say that ought to be taken care of."

Saddler also questioned Malone about another delay.

"On Oct. 24, we accepted an insurance check for $1,881 to repair the fence at the Service Department," Saddler said. "That has not been fixed either."

In response, Malone said he didn't think the check was for the fence at the Service Department, but rather one at the Wastewater facility.

"In the minutes it says for the Service Department," Saddler said. "A neighbor of mine was cutting a tree down and the tree fell on the fence."

Malone said he would look into it.

"Since we received $1,881, I'd like to see that repaired," Saddler said.

Saddler also asked the mayor what his office has planned to encourage new business or industry.

"I know that we have emailed back and forth," Saddler said. "And I was hoping that you would have something here this evening."

"I didn't get that communication," Malone said. "I did forward you the response that I gave."

Saddler said the question remains: What is the mayor's office plan to attract new business to town?

"Is there a game plan and any progress made on that to attract any business," Saddler said. "I think if you could get an answer on that, maybe next meeting."

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at [email protected].

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