Braceville

WHAT: Township trustees meeting Jan. 20

PRESENT: Jeff Tucker, Todd Garland and Dennis Kuchta

Trustees:

• Received two applicants for the part-time police chief position. Trustees held interviews with David Fay and Jerry Sulmer. Fay has been with the Braceville police department since 2018 and has been serving as interim police chief following the resignation of Chad Bernard. Sulmer has been a detective / sergeant with the Youngstown Police Department.

• Named Tiffany Beeson as an emergency medical technician.

• Approved Fiscal Officer Thomas Shay and Kuchta to the tax incentive review board.

Newton Falls

WHAT: Village council meeting Jan. 21

PRESENT: Brian Axiotis, Brian Kropp, Kevin Rufener, Julie Stimpert, Bob Burke and Mayor David Hanson

Council:

• Heard from Village Manager Jamie Vernaccini that meetings have begun with OHM Advisors of Akron to update the comprehensive plan and discuss short-term and long-term goals for the village.

• Heard from Vernaccini the village is addressing a $39,000 overdue water bill owed from the county for water service. Resident Jim Luonuansuu said the bill is overdue by two years. Kropp said the village will work with county officials on addressing any water use issues to make sure they have been paid.

• Heard from Vernaccini that draft site plans have been submitted by Circle K to move into a former Rite Aid building. The planning commission will address the matter.

• Heard from Kropp he has been in contact with state officials on seeking available capital improvement funds for projects in the community.

• Heard from Stimpert the fire district is in the process of selling the First Street property, which was donated to the fire district. She said the Environmental Protection Agency is checking for any gas wells at the location.

• Received a donation of an AED for the village park from Fire Chief Jim Williamson. The department also gave Newton Township one.