New officer, lieutenant hired at Bellaire PD | News, sports, jobs

BELLAIRE – A police officer will rise to the rank of lieutenant while a part-time officer will take a full-time position with the Bellaire Police Department.

Village council, including members Mike Doyle, Jerry Olack, Janet Richardson, Bill Schmitt and Robert “Bubba” Kapral approved that Derek Peck, a part-time officer whom Police Chief JJ Watson previously recommended as a full-time officer, will fill that role effective Sunday. Councilwoman Elizabeth Dugmore was not present.

Richardson said Watson has been very satisfied with Peck’s performance during his time as a part-time officer, so the Personnel Committee supported and recommended the request to move Peck from part-time to full-time status. He will become a full-time officer, replacing the full-time officer position vacated by Brian Watson.

Brian Watson now becomes a lieutenant.

Counsel and attorney Paul Stecker discussed whether to approve Brian Watson’s transition from officer to lieutenant, or whether Chief Watson had a say in the decision. Ultimately they decided to vote by roll call. Doyle, Olack, Richardson, Schmitt and Kapral approved Brian Watson’s transition from officer to lieutenant effective December 1.

On October 24, the personnel committee met to interview a candidate for the position of village manager. The candidate was unable to attend the meeting for an introduction and detailed discussion, but will be present at the next meeting on November 21.

Another village employee, meter reader Zach Warner, has assumed duties until the distribution coordinator position is filled. Warner has taken on these additional supervisory duties for the Water and Sewer Department. The Council discussed his pay increase for the additional duties he will perform. The Council decided on a $6 per hour pay increase for Warner’s interim period. His current salary is $14 per hour, but this will increase to $20 per hour.

On October 18, the personnel committee met to review the manual, which had not been updated since 2013. The purpose of the meeting was to update the five-page draft human resources policy, which Richardson said needed numerous changes.

Some policy changes that have been updated include: social media use is limited to lunch and break periods only and only on employees’ personal devices; holiday pay is included in the general determination of overtime worked; and a hiring practice that requires a six-month probationary period and a valid driver’s license.

Clerk Mary Haglioizou was notified that the Bellaire Business Dash was starting Monday. If someone shops at at least nine of the 18 participating businesses between now and December 7 and makes a minimum purchase of $5, they will receive a stamp on their flyer. If they turn it in with the stamps filled in, a winner will be drawn. The winner wins $900.

This Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., the village will hold its second annual basketball camp at St. John’s Central High School, where children in grades 2 through 8 can participate. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the competition. Interested parties can register up until the days of the events by contacting Rick or Keshauna Leigh at 304-780-8436.

Bellaire resident Arnold Kuhl addressed the council to introduce himself as a volunteer civil and human rights agency for the village. He asked the municipality to think about it and gave his telephone number so they could get in touch.

“I am aware of the many dynamics that make Bellaire the village of choice for so many Valley residents,” he said. “Such an office would not only assure citizens of continued peace and tranquility, but also assist other departments, such as police, fire and sheriff, in creating and maintaining a peaceful, growing and happy citizenry.”

He added that the proposed agency could also provide support for community recreation and cultural activities and development as part of the village network, and that its authority would achieve all these purposes and more.

Richardson asked Kuhl to prepare a business plan for the council to examine.

Council discussed adding more signs to the streets of Bellaire and asked who approves of these signs being posted and what the process is. The council is now adopting the practice it has had for years, which is that approvals go to a council committee, after which the police chief investigates the request and brings it back to the council for approval.

The Council met behind closed doors to discuss lawsuits and adjourned after returning to regular session.

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