NEWTON FALLS — Village officials have begun the process to get a new village manager after Jamie Vernaccini’s resignation, effective April 13.

Officials said as an executive leadership position, the village manager will be required to be at the municipal building, overseeing the daily operations of the departments.

Council on Wednesday approved advertising in the next 30 days for the position.

Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said after the resumes are received, each council member will receive copies and individually rank the applicants before a decision is made on setting up interviews.

Vernaccini was hired as village manager in September 2025 after having served as interim manager for five months prior. She had also served as finance director for the village since August 2024 until she became village manager.

The village also has a vacant assistant law director position and zoning inspector position.

Stimpert said the assistant law director position will be addressed by Law Director Jeff Limbian and the zoning inspector position by the village manager.

COLUMBUS TRIP

In other business, First Ward Councilman Brian Kropp said he went last week to Columbus as part of a two-day Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce drive in which between 75 and 100 Mahoning Valley leaders and chamber officials spoke to state officials on how to help the Mahoning Valley.

“I was there to advocate for the village and listen to ways that could benefit the village and the Mahoning Valley with help from the state,” he said.

Kropp said he was able to interact with local officials from Youngstown, McDonald, Girard and Struthers who also traveled to Columbus.

He said many officials at the event were speaking on capital budget monetary requests for projects that would benefit the Mahoning Valley.

Kropp said he is working on a large-scale project to utilize community assets, such as the community center, the downtown business area and the covered bridge.

“The village has many historic assets. The historic sites can benefit the village both from an economic standpoint, a heritage standpoint and a tourism standpoint,” Kropp said. “I want to learn how the village can become successful in inquiring capital budget dollars for local projects.”

Kropp said he also attended a recent meeting hosted by the chamber and gained information on zoning and ethics issues, and dealing with public relations during crisis situations in a community.

In other matters, Kropp said the council office room at the administration building is where he went prior to the March 4 council meeting to do some work when he was removed by a police officer. He said he never spoke to anyone or bothered any employees while working in the room but was asked to leave.

Kropp said he and other council members should be allowed to use that office.

TREASURE HUNT

Also at the meeting, Mayor David Hanson said he has received calls from residents concerned with unknown vehicles and people in their neighborhoods and near the covered bridge.

Hanson said the village will be getting visitors taking part in the treasure hunt.

He said while he encourages all residents to be watchful in their neighborhoods, the visitors are mostly local and helping the community. Hanson said he did hope no individuals were using the treasure hunt as a way “to case the neighborhoods.”

Also, Third Ward Councilman Bob Burke said following a strong windstorm last weekend, there were many tree branches and limbs that came down. Officials said there was also a lengthy power outage following the March 13-14 storm.

Branches can be placed at the curbside through March 27 for pickup by the village street department.

Burke said for items to be picked up, residents need to contact the administration building at 330-872-0806.