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NEWTON FALLS -- Newton Falls Police Department's newest member was sworn in Monday by Municipal Judge Phillip Vigorito.
Kato the police dog, working with detective Steve Lyden, started this summer with the department after both underwent several months of extensive training.
Police Chief Gene Fixler told village council that Kato is certified for finding drugs, tracking and apprehension, and runs 27 miles per hour.
"Kato has already been involved with 15 cases as a member of the department. He has been very active out there," Fixler said.
Kato sat at the front of council chambers with Lyden as he was sworn in.
Fixler said a stamp of Kato's paw will be placed on his official papers signed by village officials.
In other business, council approved an agreement with Express Underground Inc. of Petersburg for $109,000 for the Medley Avenue sanitary sewer project.
Village Manager David Lynch said the Ohio Public Works Commission project will be covered by a 10-year loan.
He said 10 bids were received for the project, which engineers estimated at $160,000.
Also, Second Ward Councilman John Baryak asked about the status of giving local businesses a discount on their utilities, just as residents were earlier in the coronavirus pandemic.
Fiscal officer Anna Musson said Lynch and council's finance committee will be reviewing this to see what percent discount could be offered, and when it possibly may be implemented to help businesses.
"The finance committee needs to review this before presenting it to council," she said.
Musson also reported that in addition to the $63,000 in CARES Act funds the village has already received, it's also getting $31,000 more for any coronavirus-related expenses.
In other action, council:
• Approved rezoning lots from residential district to industrial for 27.95 acres off Ravenna Warren Road annexed from Braceville and Newton townships into the village limits. Law Director Joseph Fritz said this rezoning gets the property in line with surrounding industrially zoned land per the comprehensive plan. The planning commission also recommended the land be rezoned;
• Recognized the staff of On Demand Counseling Services for the new outpatient center in the village, along with its services and treatment for residents while also providing jobs;
• Heard from Fourth Ward Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier that the park board this week was looking over the park tennis courts, which will be used for pickleball courts;
• Heard from Lynch he will be attending the International Association of City Managers annual worldwide meeting being held via Zoom.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com