Akron.com

Barberton man questions diversion of insurance money



At the Barberton City Council meeting from May 15, Mr. [Shaun Rocky] Jaber [Ward 4] and Mr. [Thomas] Heitic [at-large], ([chair and member of] City Properties, Parks & Recreation Committee [respectively]) voted to sell College Park, [and committee member] Carol Frey voted no. This is after Mr. [Don] Patterson, Parks director, requested funding to replace the equipment at College Park April 28. This was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The insurance payment to the city of Barberton for $129,810.84 (paid to the city before April 28) plus possible GAP coverage is for College Park replacement equipment that was destroyed that the citizens want replaced — not for how Mr. Jaber and Mr. Heitic or the city wish to use this insurance money for, whatever that use is they want.
Mr. Jaber and Mr. Heitic and the city need to explain to citizens and Parks and Recreation Commission of Barberton why now on May 15 they voted and wish to sell College Park and risk losing any GAP insurance coverage the city may be entitled to due to rising cost. How long in days — 30, 60, 90, 120, etc., does the insurance company give the city to order the replacement equipment to cover any GAP in equipment cost for College Park?
What is the city’s, Mr. Jaber’s and Mr. Heitic’s plans for College Park and what does the city wish to use this $129,810.84 insurance payment with possible GAP coverage for if not the College Park rebuild. The new skate park or other parks? Or could it be because Mr. Jaber lost the May 2 mayor’s primary and he is mad at the citizens of Barberton? Where is all the funding that Mr. Jaber and Mr. Heitic say they have for their new city skate park?
There are many unanswered questions from Mr. Jaber, Mr. Heitic and the city that they are keeping from this last-minute deal to sell College Park. The citizens and members of Council deserve answers! Mr. Heitic should withdraw his request for the sale of College Park and replace the equipment that was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Will they?

Robert Augustynovich, Barberton