Bethesda Councilwoman Cindy Foose calls for civility Thursday, with council members in deadlock about the future of law enforcement and frustration boiling over among guests. Councilman Rod Miller observes.

BETHESDA — The frustration among residents was palpable Thursday when Bethesda Village Council and the mayor remained at a deadlock about whether Pete Busack should be promoted to police chief or be fired.

More than 20 residents attended the meeting in the community hall across Main Street from the municipal building. Tempers flared, with many speaking both against Busack and in his favor.

In December, Busack was given a six-month probationary period as acting police chief, because some council members doubted he was suited to the role. In July, Mayor Samantha Burkhead recommended his termination. She alleged that Busack has made veiled threats to her and council members.

The July vote was deadlocked, and discussion of the matter has since continued. Thursday the police committee — including council members Rod Miller, Cindy Foose and Jordan Castello — was in favor of promoting Busack, and members shared their evaluations and reasoning. Council members Ruth Saffell, Jay Van Horn and Carol Merritt said they still have reservations.

“I did not think at the beginning that Pete was the right man for the job. Then I began to change my mind,” Miller said, adding that he believed personality conflicts between Burkhead and Busack have contributed to the impasse. “We as the police committee … tried to get the mayor and Pete to communicate together appropriately. The responsibility for this problem lies with both of them. Neither one is innocent of blame in this matter.”

Miller said both are very amiable individually.

“When we put them together, we can’t make it work. … I think Pete can work out as police chief, given the opportunity and support of the village administration,” Miller added.

Miller said he has received negative calls from residents about Busack.

“I’ve asked them to file reports or show up for council meetings and neither has ever happened. Without that, I cannot take statements into account when they will not back up their statements with documentation and record,” Miller said.

“I understand the impatience. I actually don’t enjoy putting a community through this,” Foose said. “I know this has to end, and it has to move forward. … If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen, and at this time I have no written documentation of complaints against the police department that are viable. … I can’t go on hearsay. … This is all secondhand information.”

Foose made a motion to promote Busack to police chief and Castello seconded, but Burkhead made no recommendation so council could not take a vote.

Guests voiced their displeasure, often directing harsh language and accusations toward each other and village officials and noting the question of Busack’s status has continued for close to a year. In answer to a guest’s question, Burkhead said she continues to feel threatened by Busack.

Resident Tim Orr read a statement from his mother, Lana Orr, taking issue with Busack’s involvement in removing a dog from her property for reported humane reasons, which she said were unfounded. Lana Orr alleged that Busack and Castello have overstepped their authority.

Another resident said he believes Busack has selectively enforced the law in matters such as junk vehicles. Other accusations included deception and intimidation on Busack’s part.

Those speaking in favor of Busack countered that Orr and the other resident were spreading misinformation, half-truths and rumors, with some motivated by personal animosity against Busack.

Burkhead and Foose both called for civility in the meeting.

In answer to a resident’s question, village attorney Jeff Menoski said the village bylaws state that in the case of a police chief, a mayor must make a recommendation and the majority of council decides. The mayor cannot act as a tie-breaker in this matter.

He said the situation could continue indefinitely until village leaders change their minds.

Foose suggested taking more time to consider.

“We’ll revisit this in the future,” Busack said after the meeting. “Things need to be settled.”