Springfield City Council expresses need for action for residents

Oct. 4, 2018 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – One after another residents of the apartments at 303 Maple St. told the City Council about what they have had to endure for almost a month: no gas or water service to many of them.

Tenants spoke during the public speak-out of the meeting on Oct. 1 describing a lack of service and communication between them and the management of the apartment complex.

One tenant said there was a leak of “black water” which ruined the carpet in his apartment and has not been replaced.

Another tenant, who lives with her 96 year-old father, is still living without utilities.

Councilor Melvin Edwards, the ward councilor for the neighborhood, said the problems at the apartments “extend far beyond the scope” of water and gas service. He added the city is doing everything it can to resolve the problems.

Edwards apologized to the residents on behalf of the council.

Councilor Tim Ryan suggested the council send a letter to the Law Department to research what is happening at the apartments and added the apartments should be put up for receivership in housing court.

In other action, Councilor Tim Allen spoke of a discussion in the Finance Committee about the monies that MGM has already paid the city and expressed concern the casino company has advanced the city between $21 million and $22 million. These funds have been used to pay for city government and Allen expressed the concern the city will have to pay MGM back.

City Solicitor Edward Pikula corrected Allen by explaining that while these funds are advances, the credit they represent is spread over a nine-year period. Pikula compared what the city has done is “like borrowing money, almost.”

The city is receiving MGM payments from casino revenue on a daily basis, he added.

In other reports from committees, Councilor Jesse Lederman said the Green Committee was gathering information about a possible ban on one-time-use plastic shopping bags. He said once research is completed the committee would meet to consider options.

Councilor Justin Hurst spoke about receiving a draft of the general ordinance concerning recreational marijuana retailers. He said his committee would finalize the general ordinance at the next committee meeting and the committee would also consider a set of fees for violations of the ordinance. The entire council would have to approve of the final ordinance and the fee schedule.

The council also approved the transfer of $1,135,000 from the Stabilization Reserve to the Law Department Settlement Account for settling several outstanding lawsuits against including two involving police officers.

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