MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Board of Control approved on Tuesday a request from Finance Director Linn Steward to purchase six laptops, docking stations and wireless printers at a cost not to exceed $25,000.
The money will come from the city’s CARES Act federal grant money, which is around $1.6 million.
Much of Steward’s office has worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March.
“I don’t see why not,” Mayor Tim Theaker said. “(COVID-19) is dictating we cannot have meetings face-to-face. We are planning a meeting next week to decide how the funds can be allocated.”
As a member of the board, Steward abstained from the vote. Theaker and Safety-Service Director Lori Cope both voted in favor.
Also on Tuesday, the board unanimously approved paying B.K. Layer, LLC, $89,005 for the replacement of a 16-inch water main in the vicinity of Fifth Street and Ashland Road.
The line broke beneath the Rocky Fork and the work was done as an emergency, city engineer Bob Bianchi said.
“If the Board of Control approves, pending City Council approval tonight, we can go ahead and get that paid,” Bianchi said.
The board also unanimously approved a request from Mansfield Assistant Police Chief Joseph D. Petrycki to accept a $49,061.98 grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.
Petrycki said the state office contacted the department in June to make them aware grant money was available for drug task forces such as METRICH to purchase phone software used in drug investigations.
There is no local match to receive the grant, Petrycki said, adding the issue will come before City Council on Tuesday night.
