Staff Writer

EAST PALESTINE– Monday night’s village council meeting served as the final meeting of the year and the final meeting for several members of council. Acting Mayor Alan Cohen welcomed Trent Conaway as mayor and Flay Stewart as incoming councilman. Councilman Mark Walker was also sworn in as he was elected to another term.

The new councilmen will be replacing D.J. Yokley and Brett Todd, who did not run for re-election. Cohen will return to his council seat at the beginning of the year.

“Finding people that are willing to serve in any capacity is not an easy thing to do,” Cohen said. “Both Mr. Todd and Mr. Yokley stepped forward and wanted to serve their community. They have done a great job serving the town, and they deserve our thanks.”

Conaway is excited to become mayor, as he will try to build the relationships with the employees and businesses.

“I look forward to working with council and employees on continued improvement of the village and bring pride back to the community,” Conaway said. “I would like to improve the relationship between the village and businesses, because there hasn’t seemed to have been much of a working relationship between the two in recent administrations.”

In other business, Village Manager Mark McTrustry announced that the village will be searching for a building and zoning inspector, part-time EMTs and water and wastewater employees.

Rube Ginder, who has served as an employee for the East Palestine water and sewer department for 25 years, will complete his employment at the end of the month. McTrustry said the village is very grateful for his years of service and dedication to the village.

Colin Trayes has resigned from his position as a patrolman, as he has been offered a full-time position at the Salem department.

“The village is sad to see Officer Trayes leave, but we wish him all the best in his new position,” McTrustry said. “Officer Trayes was an asset to the community and a dedicated patrolman.”

The next regularly scheduled meeting is at 7 p.m. Jan. 13.

slendak@mojonews.com