BELLAIRE — After meeting behind closed doors, Bellaire Village Council unanimously approved legislation to hire outside law firms for potential litigation.

Following a roughly 40-minute closed-door session, Solicitor Michael Shaheen read a resolution during Thursday’s evening meeting authorizing Mayor Ed Marling to enter into service agreements with outside legal counsel, at his recommendation, on behalf of the village.

“The village of Bellaire is committed to ensuring the general welfare of its residents and from time to time the village is faced with actual or potential litigation or legal matters that may require assistance beyond that of its village solicitor. The village may be involved in litigation in various courts and therefore wishes to retain counsel to assist with representation when necessary,” he read.

The resolution states that the firms will be paid on an hourly basis.

Councilman Jerry Fisher made a motion to approve the legislation; it was seconded by Councilman Mike Doyle and unanimously passed.

“Over the last few months we’ve been faced with a couple situations that were beyond the standard scope based upon my relationships with other firms. The legislation makes the best use of those relationships should the need arise,” Shaheen said following the meeting.

Shaheen added that officials are “not at the point where further comment can be made” on the matter.

Meanwhile, council approved a lease with Navarro Trucking of Bristol, Connecticut, for a portion of the former St. John football field property. The contract is for $4,000 per month for the nearly 4.5-acre piece of land. The company plans to utilize the property for the next five years as a transfer station.

During the mayor’s report at the beginning of the meeting, Marling said he and Police Chief Dick Flanagan recently met with the new owners of the former 7-Eleven building along Belmont Street. The building’s new owner, Joe Gray, plans to open a new store named Elegant Borders in the coming weeks.

“It’s a concrete company. They’re from Jacobsburg. … His wife is opening an offshoot business there that has to do with concrete, whatever you need to buy,” Marling said, adding that they are hoping to open up shop in the next 10-15 days.

Marling also offered prayers to the family involved in Tuesday’s house fire in Powhatan Point. A father and his two juvenile children were transported by medical helicopter after sustaining burns and smoke inhalation.

Bellaire resident Cherri Miller also announced a school supplies giveaway will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bellaire Presbyterian Church.

A utilities committee meeting is slated for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the municipal building. The meeting is held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.