NEWTON FALLS — Since taking over the position of village manager last summer, Jamie Vernaccini has worked with council and other officials to get several things accomplished this year including bringing back the police department and adding two full-time officers.

Vernaccini, who served one year as finance director, said accomplishments of the village included the return of the police department with Chief John Braco and the adding of two full-time officers effective Jan. 1.

She said the paving of Church Street and several side streets were completed.

Vernaccini said the village is moving forward with an updated comprehensive plan to include various infrastructure.

“This plan will serve as a guide and establish a vision for moving the village forward in the next eight to 10 years,” she said.

Vernaccini said a comprehensive plan steering committee of herself, Mayor David Hanson, members of council, and representatives of the local business community will be formed in January.

She said the village is working with OHM Architects on the plan with a meeting set for Jan. 5. Plans are to seek grants.

3RD WARD SEAT

Village council at its meeting Wednesday approved reappointing Bob Burke as the 3rd Ward councilman for 2026.

Burke said he chose to serve again after being appointed earlier this year to replace Brenda Persino.

Brian Axiotos, 2nd Ward councilman, said no one had filed for the position in the general election, and no one submitted an application for the position.

He thanked Burke for continuing in the seat.

Officials said it is important that people in the community to become in public service step up and serve.

Resident Julie Lemon said Burke should have run in the general election and even if he was unopposed that is following the charter and getting a decision based on the will of the people.

Council also thanked Patricia Benetis, 1st Ward councilwoman, who is leaving her seat on council Dec. 31. Brian Kropp who won in the general election will begin in January.

Benetis, whose late husband Harry Benetis was a member of council years ago, said she ran in 2023 wanting to give back to the community and to bring back the police department and address the village manager situation.

Benetis had replaced Bud Fetterolf in the position after running in a four-person race for the seat.

She said she will serve on the zoning board.

LITIGATION

Council also approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with the law firm of Grossman and Kelly LLP to participate in the national PFAS water settlement and prosecuting claims for water contaminants and water pollutants.

The village has a water system that may have been impacted by some level of contamination from PFAS and through the multidistrict litigation is pursuing the cost of recovery from mandatory cleanup, testing and long-term water treatment.

Kevin Rufener, 4th Ward councilman, said there is no cost to be part of the lawsuit but if there is a settlement the village would pay the law firm their share.

Ken Day of Hubbard, who is in charge of that city’s water distribution system, said Hubbard had joined the lawsuit and recommended Newton Falls also to address any contaminants in the water.

He said the Mahoning River water would be tested for any contaminants.

“The treatment to remove PFAS is not cheap, but this area is in the low levels. The funds will help provide treatments to get the contaminants out of the public water system and relief to the water system,” Day said.

In other business, council:

* Heard from Lemon who said while she is glad the police department is back, some of the officers were fired from former police departments and questioned why they were hired in Newton Falls. She said she received information through a public records request.

* Heard from Axiotis that Circle K is interested in the former Rite Aid building and has presented variances and stormwater plan revisions.