NEWTON FALLS — Village council on Wednesday decided to remove from the agenda a motion to approve a contract with Blue Lines Solutions for speed cameras in the community.

The decision comes a few days after the Trumbull County Board of Elections approved placing a referendum on the ballot in 2026 that would allow Newton Falls residents to decide whether they want to have speed cameras used in the community.

Residents submitted a petition with more than 160 signatures seeking a referendum on council’s previous decision to use speed cameras in school zones.

Council President Julie Stimpert made the motion to remove the speed camera item from the agenda, noting there needs to be more review and discussion on the topic.

“I don’t feel it is appropriate to move forward with this at this time,” Stimpert said.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axoitis said he was glad the ordinance was removed from the agenda, but said it should never have been placed on the agenda in the first place.

“I was appalled that it was even on the agenda in the first place. These people went out of their way and got signatures so they had the ability to referendum this and vote on this themselves. Someone thought they should not have that right and tried to change that. That is appalling, and strikes me as shady and terrible,” Axiotis said.

He said the residents should be allowed to vote on whether they want speed cameras.

“If they want the cameras or don’t want them, let them vote,” Axiotis said.

Residents at the meeting said they were glad the ordinance was pulled from the agenda.

Resident Julie Lemon said the village originally was only going to use the speed cameras in school zones, but a new agreement with Blue Lines Solutions would be for other areas of the village.

She said the elections board approved the speed camera referendum for the ballot.

Resident John Baryak said the speed cameras are not a money maker for the police department.

He said rescinding a prior ordinance on speed cameras will not prevent a referendum.

Resident Charlotte Simmons said the referendum gives residents the right to vote on the use of speed cameras.

Third Ward Councilman Bob Burke said the speed cameras are a deterrent to get people to slow down because they can see the signs announcing that cameras are in use.

He said residents who walk children to school have told him that vehicles go 45 mph or faster in school zones.

“The cameras add an extra element so law enforcement officers can focus on other issues. People do slow down when they see the signs and cameras,” Burke said.

Mayor David Hanson said most local residents do slow down in the school zones, but those who travel through the village often do not. He said he has spoken with police about vehicles that go 50 mph in posted school zones, which he said is ridiculous.

“That is a big deal in a small town like ours,” Hanson said.

In other business, Hanson reported the village has been in contact with the governor’s office seeking grant funding for police body cameras.

“In this day, the police need to have body cameras,” he said.