NEWTON FALLS — Residents have submitted a petition with 162 signatures to have a referendum on the speed cameras placed on a future election ballot for the public to vote on.

Resident Jim Luonuansuu at Wednesday’s council meeting presented the petitions to clerk Michael Acomb.

He said when getting the signatures on the petition he said residents told him while they are glad the police department is back, but with speed cameras being such a big issue the public should have the right to vote on it.

Luonuansuu said residents also do not want to see cruisers sitting on Route 5 doing radar, but in the village neighborhoods and downtown area.

“Had the township residents been allowed to sign this petition there would be close to 500 signatures. The township residents are also not happy about the speed cameras,” Luonuansuu said.

The earliest the referendum would appear on the ballot if approved by the Trumbull County Board of Elections is the primary election in 2026.

Council approved the use of speed cameras in the school zones.

Police Chief John Barco said while currently the cameras are strictly used in school zones, they may in the future be used in other areas.

Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said where the police are patrolling whether in the village neighborhoods, downtown or on Route 5 they are doing their job.

“Once that property off Route 5 was annexed it became property of Newton Falls,” Rufener said. “We are obligated to provide police and fire and EMS services to that area regardless of whether people want them there or not. We are required to provide the services.”

Resident Julie Lemon said she supports the police and the use of speed cameras and if the issue is on the ballot for the public to vote on she will support the use of speed cameras.

“I want my opportunity to vote yes,” she said. “I think there are many other residents who also want the opportunity to be able to vote yes or no on this.”

Officials have said the photo traffic enforcement using speed cameras in school zones is to slow down traffic and also generate funds for the newly restarted police department.

Barco said while the speed cameras are in place in the school zone, officers will be on the road making traffic stops.

“Speed cameras are a tool to help us rebuild to a full-time police department,” he said, indicating he is against a police levy.

Barco said funds from the speed cameras can also be used for the parks or zoning, not just police.

“The funds can be used wherever needed,” he said.

Mayor David Hanson said there have been a lot of traffic issues with speeding, and the cameras are the best option.

“The cameras will help us to get people to slow down,” he said. “It is not safe in some places. There are drivers who are flying through the city.”

First Ward Councilwoman Patricia Benetis said the traffic cameras will not replace normal police patrols.

SETTLEMENT REACHED

In other business, council approved resolving all potential legal claims against the village with a settlement agreement with former village Law Director Joseph Fritz at $25,000.

The ordinance resolved all potential legal claims against the village pursuant to Fritz’s employment contract, which included an outstanding severance provision.

The ordinance notes that council recognizes that Fritz “was wrongfully terminated by the village after improper allegations were made about him by former village officials.”

The ordinance states council recognizes that Fritz has a justifiable claim for severance pay under the terms of his employment contract.

Current Law Director / Prosecutor Jeff Limbian was able to negotiate with Fritz and all claims or damages arising out of the matter can be resolved for $25,000 as a complete and final settlement.

Officials have said previous contracts from a prior council and administration contained no provision for removal of department heads except for committing a felony.

Rufener said in the past, bad contracts were approved and people were terminated incorrectly or without just cause.

“We have had multiple lawsuits against us because of the actions of previous councils. We were given this to clean up and we are doing our best,” Rufener said at a previous meeting.

In other matters, council:

• Heard from John Barco, who warned residents to be careful of recent scams of people asking for help and money for Nike gift cards. He said police have also been cracking down on speeders with one driver arrested for going 76 mphin a posted 25-mph speed zone.

• Approved participating in the secondary manufacturer opioids settlement. Rufener said the lawsuit is to help fight the opioid crisis.

• Announced upcoming events include Late Night in the Falls 6 p.m. today, Autumn in the Falls 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20, and Halloween costume contest and cake walk 1:45 p.m. Oct. 25 all in the village’s downtown area.