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NEWTON FALLS -- After a lengthy executive session, village council on Wednesday named Jeff Limbian, former Youngstown city law director, as the new interim law director in the village.
Brad Bryan previously served as law director for Newton Falls. He resigned from the position last fall, but when village officials could not find a replacement, he agreed to return and serve through Dec. 31, 2023.
Village council at their Dec. 20 meeting did not vote to extend Bryan's contract into the new year.
Council has been looking for a new law director. Bryan indicated he would stay in the position until someone else was found.
The ordinance to enter into an amended law director agreement with Bryan was on Wednesday's council agenda; however, it did not receive any motion for support and died for a lack of a motion.
Councilmembers Brian Axiotis, Patricia Benetis, Brenda Persino and Kevin Rufener voted to have Limbian work at no compensation for the month of January as interim law director.
Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert abstained from the vote, as she has a lawsuit against the village on the legality of a meeting held in September when village manager Pam Priddy's contract was voted upon by three of the five members of council serving at that time.
Limbian was asked questions during the council meeting on issues involving ordinances and procedures to follow when seeking residents to serve on council ad-hoc committees for police and community
Limbian met briefly with council in executive session before council took their vote.
Resident Julie Lemon thanked council for their decision and staying in compliance with the charter rules
Limbian served as Youngstown law director for nearly six years, which is the longest time for anyone in that job in more than 25 years.
Limbian resigned in November, saying it was time for him to move on and go back into private practice.