NEWTON FALLS — The village has begun the process of getting a new finance director to replace Sean Housley, who is leaving at the end of August.

Housley, who has served in the position since late 2021, stated he is preparing for retirement in a letter to Mayor David Hanson.

“During my tenure, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented colleagues and contributing to the growth and success of this community. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained here … It has been an honor to serve the residents of the Village of Newton Falls,” Housely wrote.

Housley was appointed to the position by council after former Finance Director Anna Musson was fired from the position in 2021.

Interim Village Manager Mike Novotny said at Wednesday’s council meeting applications are being accepted for the position.

At-Large Councilwoman Julie Stimpert said Novotny and Housely will review the applicants and select the top five based on how many applicants.

Council will interview the recommended top applicants, she said.

“We are moving along now and should be able to have someone in place by September,” Stimpert said.

PROPERTY TRANSFER

In other business, council voted to table until the August 7 meeting an ordinance recognizing Jackson Street, located east of Warren Road, as an unimproved street, vacating the easternmost section of the street and transferring ownership of the vacated section to Dentron Cottrill and Carolyn Flint.

Law Director Jeff Limbian said tabling the legislation will give him time to make sure there is no conflict of the transfer of village property since Cottrill serves on the Zoning Commission.

“I am asking council to slow this down a bit so that I can check to make sure there is not a problem. I am not suggesting there is a problem, but if Mr. Cottrill is involved with zoning, I want to check on this to make sure a zoning board member is not acquiring something of value in an inappropriate way. I am not suggesting that he is, but want to check on this so no one is put in a compromising situation,” Limbian said, adding there was a complaint from a resident who lives near the property.

First Ward Councilwoman Patricia Benetis said Cottrill is willing to take care of the property and cut the grass there.

Cottrill said he has been upset with people throwing garbage and grass on the property and also concerns of people trespassing.

“I want to help and clean up the property and make it look nice. The property is not worth anything and can’t be used for anything,” he said.

He said the property abuts railroad tracks.

Cottrill said after the meeting he will be resigning from the zoning board so there is no issue.

Limbian said the matter is minor and should easily be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. He said he is just checking to see if what is being requested to take place is appropriate and not brought up later as unethical.

Hanson told Cottrill if he can be patient the matter will be resolved at the next meeting.