Disagreements lead to pulled resolutions at Newton Falls council
NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Several disagreements disrupted Wednesday's Newton Falls council regarding nearly every topic and ordinance discussed. From resolution arguments to accusations made about why the previous council meeting was canceled, the meeting still brought change and new hires into the village.
"We have a right to be heard and we keep saying that," shouted one woman from the crowd.
Frustration amongst the Newton Falls community stirred Wednesday's council meeting, starting with accusations of why the last meeting was canceled.
"The only reason you guys did not show up is that you were afraid of backlash for taking the SRO out of our school," she added.
Some of the crowd turned their backs to Councilman John Baryak after he did the same in a previous meeting during public prayer. There was a lot of pushback with a resolution to give the city council complete control of the village ball fields.
"I wanted to come up first as the Chairman of Parks and Rec," said Tim Stinson, "Pull this, do not vote on this."
This led for Councilwoman Spletzer to make a motion to pull the agenda item and reevaluate the language. The park board told 21 News this would have given Newton Falls youth baseball league prioritization over every other group.
"It's a public city park," explained Joe Stutzman, Organizer with Outsiders Baseball League. "Most of the people on our team pay city taxes to use. It's kind of ridiculous and I don't think that this resolution is anywhere fair."
Baryak spoke on his disapproval to appoint Adam Zimmerman to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
"I want someone that's a uniter, not a divider," he said. "I'm not going to vote for someone who's constantly putting this community in a dispensary."
He was not able to table the vote and Zimmerman was voted into the role.
Resolutions passed gave the thumbs up on an agreement with Neighborhood Development Services for the implementation of the village revolving loan fund plans. This allows low-income families to apply to receive loans for improvements to their homes.
