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Road Commission Engineer-Manager Robb Falls told the council the Buskirk building in the industrial park would meet their needs for a new maintenance facility, but they want to buy the two lots next to it for future expansion.

The road commission has been talking about building a new maintenance/office/storage building for a couple years, but can't afford it with falling state revenue.

"Rather than bonding for $5-$6 million, which would put us in debt, we hope to do it (buy these properties) through our savings," said Road Commission Vice-Chairman Ron Gerstenberger.

"The council needs to think about it. We need jobs and Numatics is promising jobs," stated Council member Lupe Vandercook.

Councilman Keith Costine proposed the council hold a work session at 5:30 tonight (Wednesday) to discuss the road commission's offer and whether Numatics will meet it.

"I do not know whether we could refuse the offer because it does not meet the needs for what we bought the land for. If Numatics met your offer...," said Costine.

Falls said he could not promise to add jobs.

"We've been short two years. We're getting down where we do not have enough people in the winter," Falls admitted.

Mayor Tom Lukshaitis announced Numatics has been bought out by Emerson Electric, which wants the city airport expanded so they can land their corporate jet there. The city is waiting for state funding for the airport extension, and Lukshaitis said he contacted State Senator James Barcia to ask if the funding can be moved up.

In other business, the council listened to Airport Manager Joe Allen chastise them for laying off a police officer and DPW worker.

Allen said they are playing with the safety of the citizens and spending money on other things.

Allen said the city spent $52,000 to buy a piece of property that is only 60 feet by 600 feet and they have bought back lots in the industrial park at a cost of $5,000 and $10,000 each.

Allen said later that in 1985 the police department had five officers and one chief and investigated 821 complaints. In 2006 the six-person department handled 2,218 complaints.

The city manager pink-slipped Officer July Rudy, who has been with the city for about two years. About a month ago, they laid off DPW worker Doug Guibord, who has worked for the city for five years.

City Manager Lou LaPonsie said the city will save $110,000 to $115,000 in salaries and benefits with the layoffs.

Vandercook asked why the officer was laid off and noted she would not have voted for it.

"I was told it was because of money," replied Police Chief Paul Cowley.

He explained to Councilman Rick Cook that they need to call for back up on the average of once a week at night. He schedules the most officers during the day because around 70% of the complaints come during daytime.