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NEWTON FALLS --Village council has approved establishing two committees with one to focus on police protection services and the other on community and senior activities provided by the village.
Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said at Wednesday's meeting each committee would include representatives of council and residents.
Stimpert said the community services and activities committee would solicit, evaluate and recommend options related to community and senior activities.
The police committee would evaluate options and costs related to police services.
Two representatives of council appointed by council and three residents appointed by council will serve on the police committee, and two representatives of council and five residents appointed by council for the community services committee are needed.
First Ward Councilwoman Patricia Benetis said she would like to see the village police department brought back but understands the timing issue with the start of a new year. The contract with the sheriff's office expires Dec. 31.
According to a proposed ordinance, $399,636 for 160 hours per week of protection for 2024 is being considered.
Council postponed, until the Dec. 19 meeting, acting on a new contract with the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office for police protection.
Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said the committee can look at options such as a part-time police department, a full-time police department or a blended or joint police district.
"What can Newton Falls provide to best protect the city? We will see what options there are and present them to the public," he said.
Rufener said he wonders what assets are remaining since the police department was closed in December 2022.
Rufener said the committees would be for advisory purposes and would have no administrative purposes.
Residents interested in serving on either committee can let officials know by 4 p.m. Dec. 14 by submitting letters of interests and qualifications to council clerk Michael Acomb.
Stimpert said those interested in the community services and activities committee shall be tasked with soliciting ideas, evaluating options and providing recommendations for how to best provide, fund and sustain desired community and senior services through volunteers and without the use of taxpayer funds.
Council shall consider the applicant's knowledge and experience in the areas of charitable or senior services and activities, fundraising, food service, and the resident's enthusiasm for this task.
The council clerk is accepting letters of interest and resumes from residents interested in serving on this committee. Applications will be accepted until all seats are filled.
Rufener said there are many openings on other committees and boards.
The village is accepting applications for openings on planning and zoning, civil service commission, and parks and recreation. Applications will be accepted until the seats are filled. Email to clerk of council at cityclerk@newtonfallsoh.gov.
Village Manager Pam Priddy said the senior kitchen has been self sustaining through donations that are given to SCOPE, which takes them to the village finance department.
She said no tax dollars are being spent for the senior kitchen.
Stimpert said she wants to see the senior programs sustained, which is why the committee is being formed. The kitchen provides meals Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Council plans to discuss the status of the senior kitchen early next year.