NEWTON FALLS — Village council is preparing the job description for a part-time law director position. Officials plan to name someone to the job soon.

Council this month approved by a 5-0 vote the position description, duties and responsibilities.

Currently, Jeff Limbian is serving as the village’s prosecutor in Newton Falls Municipal Court and has asked council to separate the law director / prosecutor position into two separate positions.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis said the job description for the law director position includes duties and responsibilities.

The person serving in the position will provide professional legal services to the village, render written and oral legal opinions on a wide range of municipal matters and represent the village in civil litigation and administrative proceedings.

Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said council has interviewed individuals for the position with Samantha Ulrich, who has worked as an assistant prosecutor in Portage County, being asked to take the position, which would be for 30 hours per week.

Mayor David Hanson said council has been working on filling the position which should be done shortly.

Resident Julie Lemon said the position should not be separated, noting that past law directors of the village were able to handle duties as law director and prosecutor in court.

ZONING REPORTS

First Ward Councilman Brian Kropp expressed concerns of the absence of an informational zoning report to council, noting officials would like to know what zoning enforcement, activities and issues are being addressed in the community.

Axiotis agreed that there should be a monthly zoning department report.

Village Manager Jamie Vernaccini said starting in February various village department heads will attend council meetings to provide updates and answer questions about their departments and what has been taking place.

Also, council tabled a motion on establishing the standards for council to access municipal facilities, resources, records and staff.

Kropp said the motion is to allow council members reasonable access to resources at the municipal building to best be able to do their jobs.

Axiotis said any requests or items needed should first go through the village manager.

In other business, Axiotis said the village has many openings on various boards including two seats on the planning commission, one seat on the treasury investment board and and two on the park / recreation board.

Council did approve Patricia Benetis for the planning / zoning commission through December 2027 and Zachary Svette to the planning / zoning commission through December 2029.

Both Benetis and Svette have previously served as members of council. Svette has also served on the planning / zoning commission previously.

Kropp said getting the positions filled is a good step to get the village in the right direction.

Also, Police Chief John Barco said the police department began 2026 continuing to protect and serve the residents of the community.

He said he and the other officers will focus on professionalism, growth, investigating the facts in cases and accountability.

“There are no personal agendas. Our duty is to serve and protect this community,” Barco said.

Residents at the meeting said officials, council and the public should all show professionalism and be respectful when discussions are held.