NEWTON FALLS — Mayor David Hanson’s no-show at the village’s Memorial Day ceremony generated comment from council members.

First Ward Councilman Brian Kropp noted the mayor’s absence at Wednesday’s council meeting,

Kropp said village officials and council members have the responsibility to attend community events. He said he was disappointed Hanson was not there.

“There was a breakdown in communication,” Hanson said. “I never received any communication or was ever told or notified of an event.”

Councilwoman Julie Stimpert said the village charter does not spell out the expectations for the mayor or council members on being at community events.

“We all have different expectations,” Stimpert said.

She said a Memorial Day service has taken place in the village annually for many years and officially should make an effort to attend.

MEETING RECORDINGS

In other business, members of council and Hanson expressed concerns that for the third meeting in a row the videotaping of the meetings for public viewing online did not work with no sound heard.

The technician recording the meeting Wednesday said about 20 minutes into the meeting that the sound was not working and would take time to get it working.

Interim village Manager Kathy King said the technician can come to the council meeting room earlier at future meetings if more time is needed to set up.

A message on the website showed the meeting but listed “technical difficulties.”

Stimpert said the village will look at recording equipment and wiring to see if it needs to be updated.

Also, 2nd Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis said the zoning/planning board has finally been able to meet with more members in attendance. They will be addressing nuisance laws, fee schedules and housing concerns.

Previously, the meetings have not taken place due to a lack of a quorum of the five-member board.

“It was nice the meeting was able to be held and things starting to get back on track,” Axiotis said.

He said the zoning board still has one vacant seat.

Assistant Law Director Gary VanBrocklin said he is reviewing zoning ordinances and other rules and regulations on nuisances and punishment for violators.

Also council approved by emergency reading to pay American Municipal Power’s generating station the balance it is owed.The village currently pays $7,825 per month totaling $93,900 annually.

Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said that by retiring the debt, the village would save approximately $24,000 in interest and decrease the village’s risk associated with variable interest rates.

Officials said by reducing the village’s future power supply expenses, all customers would realize the benefits through lower power cost adjustment rates.

The $93,900 equates to approximately 1.3% of projected 2027 electric sales revenue. The decrease each customer would realize would be specific to how much kilowatt hours a customer uses.

Lemon questioned why the motion and others are passed as emergencies making it difficult for residents to referendum on them.