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NEWTON FALLS -- Newton Falls village is working with Trumbull County commissioners to seek funds for a sewer project to help protect the Mahoning River, officials said.
Village manager David Lynch said at Monday's meeting that to secure Ohio Public Works Commission money for the much-needed sewer project on Scott Street, the village and county are filing a joint application.
"We have multiple government entities working together to protect the Mahoning River. We want to get the Scott Street project done to stop any raw sewage from going into the Mahoning River. This project will help protect the environment," Lynch said.
He said at past meetings that the village has been fortunate to secure many OPWC funds.
Lynch said the Medley Avenue sewer system improvement project also will take place. The project partly is covered by OPWC funding of $41,089, he said. The Medley Street sewer project has a local share of $90,000, with the rest covered by the state grant.
The village sought bonds not to exceed $98,000 to pay the cost of the land acquisition and installation of sewer improvements on Medley Avenue.
Lynch said the citizens of Medley Avenue have been waiting a long time for the project, which is mandated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
In other business, Second Ward Councilman John Baryak asked the status of possibly giving a 30 percent utilities discount to local businesses to help cover losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Third Ward Councilman Lyle Waddell answered that the council finance committee tabled the discussion last Friday for further review and to gather more information on what would be involved.
"We need to see if this can be done. We want to do due diligence with our funds," Councilman at-Large Tarry Alberini said.
Finance Director Anna Musson said she will compile a financial analysis. It will be up to the council members on the finance committee to bring the matter to council for consideration, she said.
In other business, Baryak said the council meetings have returned to a maximum of 10 people allowed to attend, with residents allowed to call in questions. He asked if something can be done to allow residents to attend, such as taking temperatures at the door and spacing people apart.
Meetings this year first were held at the former municipal court chambers, where there was a 10-person limit due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meetings were moved outdoors to the football stadium and then to the larger new municipal building inside the former First Congregational Church, which accommodated more people while having social distancing.
Law Director Joseph Fritz said local and state health departments set guidelines and rules to protect residents, which often change on a daily basis.
Mayor Ken Kline said officials will brainstorm ideas on ways to get residents back to the meetings in-person in a safe manner.
"We will work together to see what we can do," Kline said.