NEWTON FALLS — Village officials are seeking ways to work more closely with nearby communities and local organizations to help benefit Newton Falls in various ways.

First Ward Councilman Brian Kropp said at Wednesday’s meeting he has attended “Good Morning Newton Falls and North Jackson” gatherings and other events sponsored by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber where he has met officials from other communities who have shared similar concerns that Newton Falls has been discussing.

“It is good for Newton Falls to be there with other communities and agencies and regional partners. It is good for the village to build and have relations and contacts with them,” Kropp said.

He said there was one meeting on home construction and noted he has seen little home construction in the village in recent years. Kropp said it is important to make contact with others who can help the village grow and attract new business while maintaining its historic identity.

Warren Councilwoman Tina Milner, D-2nd Ward, said she came to the meeting to see how the village videotapes their meetings for public viewing because Warren is considering videotaping their two monthly meetings.

Milner said she spoke with Kropp, who asked her to attend a meeting and see how the videotaping process is done.

“Warren officials have discussed wanting to livestream their council, caucus and committee meetings. This is the last stop in my research of livestreaming,” said Milner, who is chairwoman of the livestream and media committee.

She said Warren should begin livestreaming meetings soon.

Milner said Paul Makosky, Warren’s engineer, will be available to meet with Newton Falls officials on wastewater treatment plant issues. She said Makosky told her he could discuss a plan related to wastewater treatment plants to help the village save money.

“It is good to build relationships with other communities since the village is not in this alone. Other communities may be able to help us and provide input,” Kropp said, noting he has spoken with Milner about other issues that affect Warren and Newton Falls.

“It is mutually beneficial for communities to help each other,” he said.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

In other business, council recognized Chad Rankin, athletic director at Newton Falls schools, for earning the “Tim Flannery Award” from the Northeast Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. The award is one of the highest honors recognizing exemplary leadership, service and dedication to interscholastic athletics.

Mayor David Hanson declared May 6, 2026, as “Chad Rankin Day” in the village.

Hanson said Rankin is like “a hometown hero of the community” for all he has done for the schools and the village.

In other business, resident Julie Lemon questioned why council is passing several pieces of legislation at recent meetings as emergencies. She said doing this limits public input on ordinances and feels this is not how a charter government should be run.

“We are seeing too much use of an emergency declaration to pass items. This is not how a charter government is supposed to function. You need to make sure you are following the charter,” Lemon said.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis said council is always being accused of not doing things correctly or not following the charter when in fact council is following the charter.

In other business, council:

• Heard from Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert that warning sirens in the community have been worked on and are functioning with one remaining on Main Street that still needs repaired.

• Heard from Interim Manager Kathy King that Circle K will be moving into the former Rite Aid building and plans are being finalized.