NEWTON FALLS Council has yet to set special vote

Debate about filling an open council seat dominated village council's meeting.
NEWTON FALLS -- City council has yet to set a date for a special election that could unseat two council members.
Citizens collected enough signatures in May to force a special election calling for the removal of Lester R. Irwin, 2nd Ward, and Thomas W. McKee, 4th Ward, alleging they have failed to "fully and properly represent the citizens of Newton Falls."
It's up to council to set the election date for sometime between June 23 and July 10, according to the county board of elections.
Bud Fetterolf, the man behind the petition drive, said Monday that candidates have 20 days before the election to register with the board of elections, and if council waits too long, it will not give those running a chance to put in their requests.
Debate about filling an open council seat dominated village council's meeting.
Councilman Steve Stephens debated with council members Ralph Gillespie and Irwin on Monday about why council has not yet named a replacement for Harry Benetis, who left council in late April.
Council had said it would interview candidates and fill the position by May 7.
Reason given for delay
Gillespie said of the delay, "We thought it would be best to wait for Mr. Stephens' return from his vacation than to go forward without him."
During this time, Councilman Tom McKee was scheduled for a heart operation.
Stephens said, "Let the record show that I did not ask council to wait for my return before they could decide on a replacement. They acted on their own. I would have been happy with whomever they choose to fill the vacant seat."
"They [council] knew I was going to be on vacation during that time, but set that date regardless," Stephens said.
The city's charter states that if a council member resigns council "shall" find a replacement, but it sets no time limit.
Stephens put a motion on the floor to hold interviews after an executive session but the motion died. Immediately after, Irwin moved to again accept applications for the council post until June 17. Gillespie seconded his motion and it passed.
Spectators at the meeting gasped and talked among themselves when Irwin's motion was passed, and Stephens' motion died.
Leaves meeting
At this point, Stephens began to collect his belongings, stating he was feeling ill, and left.
Because no business could be conducted with only two members of council, the meeting was adjourned.
City Manager Robert Eberhart noted that he and Stephens will meet with area youth at 5 p.m. next Tuesday in council chambers to get their input on the Harry Richter Skate Park. The public is invited. Stephens said the park should be ready by Sept. 1.