Council hears gas solicitation warning

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Council learned of some aggressive — and possibly unethical — tactics by a company soliciting city residents for their natural gas services, while also approving a number of financial-related measures during its regular meeting Monday in Council Chambers.

Mayor Don Farmer said he had received several complaints from local residents about people in bright yellow jackets soliciting for natural gas transmission services. The mayor said residents first thought the solicitors were from Dominion Gas, the area’s natural gas supplier, but later discovered they were from Dublin-based IGS.

Although it’s perfectly legal to change natural gas suppliers, the mayor said it appears as if IGS is using unethical or possibly even illegal tactics in trying to get people to change suppliers, possibly without their permission.

“I want to warn people not to give your gas bill to anyone at your door soliciting,” Mayor Farmer said, noting that solicitors can get a customer’s SID account number from the bill and can then change a person’s gas supplier without their permission. “Do not, do not let anyone see your gas bill.”

One local resident said the company’s tactics are very aggressive, noting that solicitors ignored a “do not solicit” sign at his residence and continued trying to sell the man until he called the police. Officers later discovered the IGS sales people did not have a city permit to solicit.

“This borders on an illegal procedure in my opinion,” said Councilman At-Large Stan Agler, who asked Law Director John Hatcher’s opinion.

Hatcher said he thought the solicitation procedures sounded “shady” but said he couldn’t comment on the legality of the tactics without reviewing regulations on solicitation.

The mayor said city officials would do everything they could do to deny or delay IGS’s permit, but he noted that he does not know exactly what can be done at this point without reviewing related city ordinances.

On a brighter note, Mayor Farmer said the local business outlook “looks very positive” from retention interviews he and others are conducting with local companies.

He also noted that bids for asbestos work are being sought for a house on North Wayne Street purchased earlier this year by the city. The mayor said it is hoped that demolition work on the house can begin sometime in July.

Mayor Farmer said the Jobs Ready Site is also moving forward, but sought Council’s approval of amendments to the agreement between the city and the Ohio Department of Development, which Council granted later in the meeting.

City Auditor Martha Balyeat said the city’s financial outlook is also positive this year, but noted she had some concerns about 2013, with the loss of the state inheritance tax, which ends this year, and cuts in Local Government Funds – which could cost the city approximately $200,000 in revenues next year.

She also requested passage of a number of financial-related measures, which included fund transfers and supplemental appropriations. Council also approved those legislative items later in the meeting.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming said brush pick-up will begin Monday, April 30 and reminded city residents not to put brush in plastic bags, since bags will not be collected. Fleming also noted that the city’s tornado siren system would be tested on May 2, with sirens sounding briefly that day.

Prior to the regular meeting, Council’s Health, Service and Safety Committee revisited the junk vehicle/trash issue, with another meeting set for June 11 on the subject.

A meeting was also scheduled for May 30 to discuss the Van Wert County Comprehensive Plan.