Published November 09, 2009 11:31 pm - Police Chief Rob Stell was in the house, but it was for budget talks by City Council Monday night, not a boxing match between council members, he said.
Kist says she ‘knows a threat’ Stell: I heard two people who are not happy with each other
By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
ASHTABULA — Police Chief Rob Stell was in the house, but it was for budget talks by City Council Monday night, not a boxing match between council members, he said.
Council Vice President Betty Kist filed a harassment complaint against President Rodger Altier after listening to a phone message from him in which he said her position that no revote should be taken on annexation until president-elect Chuck Brockway takes office is “a crock of (expletive).” He further said: “The gloves are coming off at the last (council) meeting (Nov. 16). I hope you are prepared for it because I’m coming after you now.”
By the time a police officer arrived, Altier had called five more times, but didn’t leave a message. Kist did not answer the phone either. The officer then answered and told Altier to quit calling — and he did, according to the police report.
Stell said he listened to Altier’s message.
“I heard two people who are not happy with each other,” Stell said. “I didn’t hear threats.”
Ward 2 Councilman August Pugliese said he heard a threat.
“If that’s not harassment, I don’t know what you call it,” he said. “It’s another slap in the face for Ashtabula and it’s not the first time ... just like Trashtabula,” Pugliese said.
City Solicitor Michael Franklin said the crime of “menacing” is a threat of harm to another person, or to that person’s property. He doesn’t believe any “reasonable person” could take Altier’s phone message, in the context of a dispute between two members of the same legislative body over the business of that body, as a threat of physical violence, he said.
Kist said she is a “reasonable person” and she knows a threat when she hears one. The phone calls upset her greatly, she said.
Altier’s message dealt with the annexation debate that ended a week ago with a negative vote by a majority of council members. The dissenting council members, including Pugliese, cited the need for a more-specific agreement with Saybrook Township over maintaining Wade Avenue.
Pugliese said council wants to better understand its financial responsibilities and have everything in order before annexation.
“I believe all of council is looking out for the best interests of the city,” he said.
Ward 1 Councilman Joseph Rose agreed with Pugliese.
Rose said he knows Altier can put pressure on council members when he wants them to vote a certain way.
Altier called a special meeting on Oct. 27 to approve a memo endorsing the Wade Avenue project. City Manager Anthony Cantagallo penned the memo, saying City Council would accept the Ashtabula Area City School District’s elementary building program, including architectural drawings and site work.
"WE NEED LAND!" Paying top prices for farms or acreage in OH, W. Virginia and PA. Call Bruner Land Co. at (740) 685-8138....>MORE
WANTED TO BUY Immediate Cash for unwanted items. Call for details 440-319-4274...>MORE
CHRISTMAS TREES PreCut or You Cut $25. Nov. 27th Saturdays & Sundays 9-5; 5926 Sidley Rd. Madison 440-298-1818...>MORE
BUYING JUNK VEHICLES WE PAY SCRAP OR BETTER Budget Auto Parts, 6015 Woodman Ave. 992-1111...>MORE
Cemetery Lots 2-lots Garden of Christus, Greenlawn. $400/both. 440-391-3795...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY!! Wanted to Buy Complete plow assembly for a 2002 Dodge pick up truck. 440-319-5510 lv msg....>MORE
MACHINERY & TOOLS SAFES- Large & small, Forklifts, extra forks, Pallet Jacks, air compressors, (1-20HP), complete torch sets, welding gass...>MORE
Christmas Trees! Spruce & Pine - Wagon Rides, Big Selection. (440)293-7330 www.logbarnfarm.com...>MORE
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
Unfurnished Apartments in Ashtabula Ash 2BR up, appl, heat incl, $450+sec. Also Ash lg 2BR up, appl incl. E.6th $400+sec (440)224-2368...>MORE
Grant Street Apartment Geneva Lg 1BR up $350/mo 280 Grant Street. (440)478-9343...>MORE
Apartments for Rent Nice 1 or 2BR apt. Buckeye or Lakeside, carpet, refrig/stove, pay only electric. No pets. $435/mo-$505+sec. 998-2332 or ...>MORE
House for Rent GOTL 3BR 2BA ranch, quiet, shed, $675/mo+util+dep. 440-285-4150...>MORE
House for Rent Geneva Lg. 4BR. Avail. now, new carpet $600+sec. (440)275-1292...>MORE
Fully furnished efficiencies $185 & up + tax. (440)992-8527...>MORE
ASHTABULA & CONNEAUT APTS. FOR RENT Ashtabula Free rent Bunker Hill Apartments 2BR starting $480 Call Patrick (440)993-7411 ...>MORE
GENEVA ON THE LAKE RENTALS GOTL 3BR house $550/mo+ sec. /utils/ trsh.; Also 1 room cottage $200+sec/utils/trsh (440)466-2677...>MORE
Ashtabula Unfurnished Apartment 2BR Ash. 116 W.42nd St. $550 + sec. (440)969-4259...>MORE
PLEASANT VIEW ESTATES, CONNEAUT 1BR suite Maple Ave, Conn, nicely decor, priv patio, quiet area near hospital, on site laundry, spacious parking, stove/...>MORE
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
