NEWTON FALLS — Village council has welcomed new attorney Gary Van Brocklin of Boardman as the new part-time assistant law director.

Van Brocklin, who made his first appearance to council on Wednesday, will work with Law Director Jeff Limbian. As assistant law director, Van Brocklin will work 30 hours per week on legal matters for the village.

The assistant law director position was created after Limbian, who was handling duties as both village prosecutor in Newton Falls Municipal Court and law director, asked that the position be split in half. Limbian will handle the prosecutor duties for the court, where there has been an increase in cases since the return of the Newton Falls Police Department last summer.

Van Brocklin will focus on reviewing village council legislation and contracts. He said he looks forward to serving the village and assisting where he can.

In February, council approved a new contract with Limbian for $70,000 as prosecutor for two days per week. Council also approved an assistant law director position for 30 hours per week, also at $70,000.

Mayor David Hanson said the village is pleased to have an assistant law director in place to answer council’s questions on different issues.

Van Brocklin said he has been looking into different matters facing village officials, including recent council legislation,

First Ward Councilman Brian Kropp said it is “exciting for the village to have an assistant law director in place” who can be at meetings to answer questions by council on legislation. He said there are often times when council needs a legal opinion on a matter at meetings.

Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said council has spent time trying to fill the assistant law director position since Limbian made his request.

The village also is seeking a new village manager as Village Manager Jamie Vernaccini is leaving later this month. Council is advertising for the position and has met in executive session to discuss the role.

TRASH COLLECTION

In other business, Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said the village will seek quotes this year for trash collection.

He said he and other council members have received calls from residents with concerns about the current trash collection. Rufener said when council’s contract with Kimble is up this year, there will be input sought from residents about trash collection.

“We have held discussions in the past where the public was able to provide input, which will be done again. People will be able to speak whether they are for or against different companies. We want input. Council is not on an island here,” Rufener said.

He said input from residents will help guide council with decision making.

BOARD OPENINGS

To help fill openings on village boards, council approved Samantha Kropp to the park and recreation board and Patty Wentworth to the planning and zoning board.

Both will serve unexpired terms. Kropp previously served on the treasury investment board.

Officials said there are two openings now on the treasury investment board and one on the planning and zoning board. Council members have said there is concern when there is not a quorum or the board meetings have to be canceled.