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NEWTON FALLS -- As tempers flared and yelling between officials and residents took place once again at the Newton Falls council meeting Wednesday, two Trumbull County sheriff's deputies were called to remove residents, but most of the 35 people in attendance walked out on their own.
At Wednesday's meeting, 1st Ward Councilman Gideon Fetterolf said this would be his last meeting once the election votes were certified later this month by the Trumbull County Board of Elections.
Fetterolf was appointed to fill an unexpired term in that ward when former Councilman Mike Serotko resigned.
It also was the last meeting for 3rd Ward Councilwoman Tesa Spletzer, who was recalled by residents of that ward with 80% for removal and 20% for remaining in the post.
Spletzer did not attend the meeting.
When a motion was made to excuse her absence, a 2-2 split vote failed.
Fetterolf and Councilman John Baryak voted to excuse her, while councilmembers Kevin Rufener and Julie Stimpert voted against.
Law director Brad Bryan said once the general election votes are certified, Patricia Benetis, who won the seat for the 1st Ward will begin serving in December. He said for the 3rd Ward seat, council will have to find a replacement and will have 45 days to do so.
Baryak, who is serving as acting mayor, who will remain mayor until Dec. 31, which also is the end of his current term as 2nd Ward councilman, Bryan said.
The newly elected mayor, David Hanson, will begin Jan. 1.
Fetterolf said the voters say they want change and now that burden will be on the new council.
"There are people who do not want to see the city progress. I hope the new council does not experience the harassment that we have had to with those wanting to stop the senior lunches, the constant records requests and some members of council going out of the scope of their authority," he said.
Fetterolf said he was proud to be part of council and to be able to get things done for the village to move forward.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS
During citizens' comments portion of the meeting, tempers began to flare between Baryak and residents.
Resident Julie Lemon complained that Baryak kept interrupting her and other residents when they were speaking.
Baryak called for order and hit the gavel several times asking for silence.
"Take your gavel and shove it in your ear!" Lemon said.
Baryak called for the sheriff's deputies to escort Lemon out of the meeting.
"Get her out of here!" he said, as hit the gavel several times.
As Lemon was leaving, other residents also stood up and left, also yelling at Baryak.
Baryak said any resident who has allegations to make needs to talk to the law director.
Lemon said no one made any allegations at the meeting.
Resident Brian Kropp said some members of council have done nothing for the citizens and the community.
"You spend time bad mouthing and bashing the community when you have done nothing. … I can't wait that change is coming. I can't wait for you to go away. It has been eight years of chaos," Kropp said.
Baryak responded that Kropp no longer is on council because he would not take a drug test.
This led to calls for point of order by residents at the meeting and that the meeting should be ended.
Rufener called for adjournment of the meeting.
A vote of 2-2 failed to end the meeting so it continued with more residents leaving, Fetterolf and Baryak voted to continue the meeting while Stimpert and Rufener voted to end it.
Baryak said once his term is over he will return to the council meetings. "I will be back and be on the other side. Remember that," he said.
Baryak, who said he will be mayor at two more meetings, said residents criticize members of council but can't take the truth when they are criticized.
"I have been here 74 years and know a lot. They can't take it when you put it back at them. They get upset." he said.
Yelling and arguing could be heard outside council chambers, as the two sheriff's deputies were in the lobby area with several residents who had left the meeting.
Resident Catie Karl said to council and the administration that efforts need to be made to bring back the police department.
"We need to get our men back here," she said.
An income tax issue to raise funds for police was defeated by the voters in the general election.
Village Manager Pam Priddy said no decision has been made on what to do next following the income tax issue's defeat.
"Nothing has been decided at this point," she said.
Also defeated was an income tax issue to raise funds for the roads.