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NEWTON FALLS -- A newly formed ad hoc committee will meet at 6 p.m. today at the village municipal building to discuss ideas for the future of the police department.
Third Ward Councilwoman Brenda Persino said at Wednesday's council meeting the discussion will include the pros and cons of trying to bring back the village police department, which disbanded Dec. 31, 2022 due to budgetary constraints.
The village currently has protection provided by the Trumbull County sheriff's department.
Persino said an initial committee meeting was held in March. There was a follow-up discussion at Wednesday's meeting.
In other business, several residents spoke against the reallocating and transfer of monies from the water, electric and sewer revenue funds into the general fund for administrative overhead costs.
Resident Rick Kerlin asked if there is extra money in the three revenue funds, why should it be placed in the general fund? "You seem to be going about this in the wrong way," he said.
Resident Tesa Spletzer also questioned taking the money from the three utility department funds, noting there are upgrades needed for buildings of those departments including the Church Street building, which is over 50 years old and in need of upgrades,
Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said there has been misinformation on what council is doing, indicating the village manager, finance director and law director do not generate funds of their own and are not self-sustaining, but need to be funded from other areas.
He said this is done every year and is not anything new by council.
Council was leaving $6,000 in the electric department fund, he said.
ANNEXATION FOR BUSINESS
Also, Interim Village Manager Mike Novotny said paperwork is being finalized for the annexation of land at the intersection of Routes 5 and 534 from Braceville into the village.
Plans are to construct a Dunkin' Donuts at the location.
He said the property was purchased for the Dunkin' Donuts, and as part of the agreement, it would be annexed into the village.
Novtony said the annexation would need to get the approval of the Trumbull County commissioners.
He said Thomas Folk and Associates is handling the matter.
Novotny said there have also been questions concerning putting in a crosswalk by the cemetery off Ridge Road.
He said he spoke to the street superintendent and was informed that to put in a properly installed crosswalk at that location, there has to be a sidewalk leading to it from both directions.
"There is no sidewalk there that leads to the road at that point from both directions. There could be liability issues with a crosswalk installed there," Novotny said.
Also, Persino reported the parks and recreation committee is dealing with the problem of people not keeping their dogs on a leash in the park.
"There are concerns of dogs running free in the parks. There have also been problems with dogs on the walkway." Persino said.
She said discussion has included posting "Please Keep Pets on Leash" signs.