NEWTON FALLS — Because of recent incidents of angry residents at the municipal building, village council on Monday approved hiring a security guard.

Interim village manager Kathy King said residents have been at the building arguing about their utility bills.

Village council entered into an agreement with Master Security Inc. for a security guard at $17.20 per hour for 40 hours per week. Law Director Gary Van Brocklin said the village’s part-time police department does not have enough officers to have someone stationed at the municipal building 40 hours a week.

He said there have been some irate and uncooperative residents in the building, with one person to have charges filed against him for threatening behavior.

Council also approved a multijurisdictional hazardous mitigation plan provided by Trumbull County. Fourth Ward Councilman Kevin Rufener said the plan would be in place to help with flooding and other disaster issues in the village.

Julie Green, director of the Trumbull County Planning Commission, said having the village approve the plan allows it to qualify for federal funding, if required.

Council also addressed public nuisances, such as junk vehicles. Council passed legislation that will give the zoning department more teeth to address these.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis said that with more enforcement, the zoning department can cite people and address the nuisances that detract from helping to beautify the village. Council also passed legislation that prohibits the planting of trees and bushes on the devil strip.

TORNADO SIREN

King reported that one of the tornado sirens on Main Street is not working. Repairing it will cost $18,000, while a new siren will cost $26,000.

King said the village owns the four sirens in the community and is required to take care of them. The Trumbull County 911 Center sets the sirens off when there is an emergency.

Axiotis said it was discovered that one siren was not working when the weekly test was conducted at noon Saturday. He said many residents also receive weather alerts on their cellphones.

Councilwoman at-Large Julie Stimpert said there are older residents who need to be able to hear the tornado warning sirens since they do not have warnings on their cellphones.

King said she will get more information on options for the disabled siren.

In other business, council:

• Heard from King that during exceptionally hot days, companies agreed to cut back on electrical usage.

• Announced that the weekly farmers market is taking place 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Four Corners Park at the intersection of Center and Broad streets.