BELLAIRE - After a lengthy executive session that lasted more than two-and-a-half hours, Bellaire Village Council finally got down to official public business.
Twenty minutes later, the meeting concluded.
In that short span, three pieces of legislation were approved and an appointment was made.
However, a major issue that's been discussed in recent weeks - that of the potential for a raise for part-time employees for the service department - failed to pass.
After hearing arguments both for and against the measure, Councilwoman Patricia Thomas motioned to approve a raise to $12 an hour for service department employees.
These employees do not receive benefits. Thomas, when asked about whether or not her measure included a raise for full-time employees, responded, "No." She remarked that full-time workers have health insurance, and she is glad that they do not have to pay for it out of their paychecks.
Councilman Jim Piatt seconded the motion, and it came to a vote.
Council members Jerry Fisher, Lou Ann Bennett and Josh Meyer all voted against the motion.
A 3-3 tie forced Mayor Vince DiFabrizio to make a decision. His decision was that any talks of a raise, whether full or part-time, must be sent to committee.
"I'm not voting on this," the mayor said. "I'm sending it back to council, and it can decide what it wants to do. I want a majority vote on this, one way or the other."
In other business:
The Belmont County Port Authority will now work with the Paolinas on the next steps for their plans for the building. Those plans were not revealed during open session.
At the time, Siebieda had not been informed of the appointment and eventually declined.
Hughes may be reached at mhughes@timesleaderonline.com
