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NEWTON FALLS -- Village officials discussed having a sheriff's deputy at every council meeting moving forward due to concern over offensive comments made on social media.
Brenda Persino, 3rd Ward councilwoman said at Wednesday's meeting that she is often appalled of the "ugliness on social media."
Persino said she was made aware recently of a social media posting which she said had an offensive statement and felt like "a threat."
Persino asked Interim Village Manager David Novotny to have the sheriff's department look into the matter and also asked Mayor David Hanson to make sure a sheriff's deputy is at each council meeting.
Hanson said he agreed that "social media has gotten out of control of what people are posting with no ramifications."
Persino said she feels such matters need to be taken seriously because she knows people who lost a child in a school shooting in Chardon. Six students were killed in the 2012 incident at Chardon High School.
"It makes me furious when adults get on social media and make jokes and comments like this," she said. "The ugliness of this. Children can't do this in school. Adults need to set an example."
Due to dangers in today's society, such as mass shootings in public places, Persino said she wants to make sure there is a deputy at council meetings to ensure public safety.
"We are here for the betterment of the community, it is disgusting the way some adults act. We should not put up with that. I know I get very passionate about this," she said. "Adults need to set more of an example. Children are held accountable for what they say and do in school."
Law Director Jeff Limbian, who had the comments sent to him, agreed "ugly comments" that are made online and cross the line, whether it is a joke or not, will be checked by the sheriff's department.
He said individuals could face charges of menacing, aggravated menacing or telecommunication harassment.
Novotny noted there will be a cost for a deputy to be at two meetings each month, but Hanson agree a deputy should be at each meeting.
Resident Adam Zimmermann suggested a metal detector be used at the door.
NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR
In other business, council approved advertising for a new full-time finance director.
Kevin Rufener, 4th Ward councilman, said the current finance director, Sean Housley, wants to move on, noting he works as finance director elsewhere.
Rufener said Housley never intended to be a long-term finance director but has become more permanent. Housley said he is willing to help the village with its search for his replacement.