Mantua – The final report was generated by Dean DePietro, who served as outside counsel for the Village. DePietro noted that while Mantua Village handbook does not prohibit personal relationships among village employees, there are certain restrictions that apply. The policy notes that personal relationships between employees may present a real or perceived conflict of interest in that an employee’s action, inaction, or decisions may be influenced by the personal relationship, particularly between a supervisor and their subordinate.
In fact, the village handbook states that employees “shall not supervise, occupy a position in the line of supervision or be directly supervised by someone whom they are involved in a personal relationship with. Chief Urso and Patrolman Brothers, both full-time Department employees, have indicated that Brothers is supervised by one of the department’s two part-time sergeants. The report surmises that in this small Department, “it appears that it is inevitable that there is going to have to be interaction and supervision by the chief since her direct supervisors are not always available in all or emergency situations.” The report notes that “there is a perception with some in the Department and outside the department that Brothers does not follow the chain of command in routine situations from time to time.”
In addition, another restriction was found in village policies that states that employees are prohibited from participating in, contributing to, or recommending promotions… or other personnel decisions affecting an employee…with whom they are involved in a personal relationship.” The report noted that according to both parties, the personal relationship between Urso and Brothers began in September 2021. Council meeting minutes show that Brothers was recommended by Urso for a full-time position in November 2021, subject to a six-month probationary period. In February 2022, Urso was involved in the disciplinary action of Brothers when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a department cruiser. In June of 2022, Urso recommended that Brothers be offered a permanent full-time position with the department.
The report noted that no other applicants were considered for the full-time position Brothers received. There has been no documented evidence that employees complained of special treatment for Brothers, though in the course of interviews with witnesses, the perception was given that Brothers does receive special treatment in the department. However, it was also stated in some interviews that the chief is more stringent with Brothers on many issues related to her work. There was no documented evidence that the situation created a hostile work environment. As to whether Brothers received special consideration with scheduling and overtime, the report found that as the department’s only full-time officer, Brothers does get more overtime than most officers, and is sometimes forced to take overtime if no other officers will work shifts. Similarly, as the department’s only full-time officer, it’s likely she would be asked to participate in a number of departmental initiatives as well.
As a result of this investigation several steps are currently being taken. The top three include updating a village-wide policy to address personal and business relationships between employees, subordinates, and supervisors. Another result of this investigation is that each elected and appointed official will receive Ohio Ethics Law training within 12 months to ensure that they have a better understanding. Another result is that council documented the chain of command directives in writing as they relate to Urso and Brothers, which occurred at the last council meeting. Other recommended actions are detailed in the full report that’s available via public records request.
In related news, The Police Department has a variety of items that have been lost, abandoned, stolen, or lawfully seized. Pursuant to ORC 2981.11(c), members of the public may visit the station (4650 High Street) on Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 am until 3 pm through May 15th to view and establish their legal right to the property which includes bags, boxes, backpacks, jewelry, cell phones, and more. Unclaimed items after this viewing period will be disposed of per the appropriate court order.
In other news, residential brush pick up began on May 9th and will take place the second Tuesday of each month through October 10th. Time may vary on holiday weekends; brush may be placed at the curb no more than seven days before pick up date. Mulch generated by the Village brush clipping program is available for free to Village residents who may pick it up at the Service Garage during regular business hours.
The next regular council meeting will occur immediately following a public hearing regarding the 2024 budget. Residents may inspect budget documents in the Fiscal Officer’s office during business hours, in advance of the May 16th meeting.
Lastly, letters of interest are being solicited to fill the vacant seat on village council, as Councilwoman Heather Paisley has resigned her position, which expires on December 31st of this year. Any interested applicant must reside in the village for at least a year, be registered to vote, and may not hold any other public office.
Interested parties may submit their letter to Mayor Linda Clark at mantuamayor@sbcglobal.net, by mail to PO Box 775, Mantua, OH or dropped off in person at Village Hall (4650 High Street). Deadline for receipt is 10 am on Monday, May 15th, as the position will be filled at the next regular council meeting on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30 pm.
