Trending
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Bill Brooks would be charged following the altercation. Police said Tuesday that Brooks would not be charged. The story has been updated.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Divisions among the mayor, council members and residents exploded Monday evening when a meeting concluded with an apparent physical altercation between newly-elected Mayor Kathryn Thalman and resident Bill Brooks, who ran against her in the November election.
The confrontation came after a contentious two-hour meeting touching on matters including a new police chief, other staffing decisions, and the future of water service. Councilman Frank Sabatino had voiced opposition to Thalman throughout the meeting, questioning Thalman's adherence to the city charter in seeking applicants and filling positions including the police chief, finance director, safety and service director, and the mayor's secretary.
The meeting had recently adjourned and Thalman was attempting to continue to speak to Sabatino. She and Brooks then began to speak while attendants were leaving the crowded room. The speaker's podium that was between them was knocked to the floor during the altercation, with Brooks saying he took exception to Thalman pointing her finger at him and Thalman saying he had struck her. Brooks denied it.
"I got a whole room full of people who didn't see me touch you," Brooks said.
Police officers who had been in attendance during the meeting were called back upstairs and began to take statements from those present. Police said Tuesday that Brooks would not be charged. Among the points of contention was the issue of a new police chief. Thalman put forward Matt Arbenz, who had served as an officer in the city for more than 20 years. Council held the first reading of a resolution to place Arbenz in the chief's position at an annual salary of $67,163. Council had a divided vote and could not dispense with the three readings, requiring the ordinance to go through two more readings.
Council members Sabatino, Linda Jordan and Mark Bukmir voted against hiring Arbenz as an emergency resolution, while Perry Basile, Terra Butler, Mike Smith and Beth Oprisch voted in favor.
Lt. Mike Troullos has served as acting police chief since mid-December following the retirement of Jeff Henry.
Sabatino asked Safety and Service Director Jim Zucal about his role in the appointment. Zucal said he had made a recommendation.
"Matt's a very fine individual. I'm just questioning the procedure," Sabatino said. "Why was (Troullos) not considered? … I feel Lt. Troullos had paid his dues for this city."
"I'm sure he's a fine, fine officer," Jordan said. "Lt. Troullos is qualified, experienced and familiar with the position."