ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A clash over mayor’s court and an update on temporary business licensure led Monday’s talks by city leaders.

Mayor Kathryn Thalman responded to some recent assertions that the city mayor’s court has not been conducting regular sessions.

“We are on a regular basis with the mayor’s court,” Thalman said. “Every third Wednesday, 4 p.m., we do mayor’s court.”

She also contested that mayor’s court had generated up to $45,000 in prior years. She said the highest amount mayor’s court has provided was $19,000 and so far has provided $13,494.50 this year.

“And in 2022 we brought in $12,362,” Thalman said.

In response to questions from council members, she said the majority of issues handled in mayor’s court are traffic tickets.

“The police department is not a profit-generating entity,” she said. “They, I know, with the (K-9s) are onto a lot of drug crimes.”

Councilwoman Linda Jordan, a candidate running against Thalman in the mayoral race to be decided on Election Day, Nov. 7, spoke. She previously had voiced concern that mayor’s court had not been regularly held.

“I know this is not a debate stage, but I want to clarify, but it was $44,000-$45,000 annually that it was previously generating,” she said, adding that this was during the prior mayoral administration and that mayor’s court was held twice a month.

Thalman said there is only a need for the court to be held once a month. She asked Jordan for the source of her numbers.

Jordan did not share her source but said she would provide information at an upcoming meeting.

Finance Director Annette Whealdon added that some funds raised by mayor’s court go to the state.

In other matters, the , and the next meeting of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area is at 6 p.m. today. Councilwoman Beth Oprisch encouraged members of the public to attend.

The city was approached about forming a DORA by the owners of the Newellstown Diner – Councilwoman Terra Butler and city police Officer T.J. Stewart. The committee, made up of council members Beth Oprisch, Kristi Lipscomb and J.C. Thrash, will make a recommendation to the council, which will then vote.

Also, the Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 1. Among the issues to be discussed is a request by Frosty’s Frozen Frenzy to establish a temporary business with a drive-up window. The owners of the ice cream business that had been located on a lot at 260 E. Main St. wish to transition into selling coffee during the winter months. The request has met delays, since city ordinances were unclear on the definition of a “temporary” business and whether Frosty’s Frozen Frenzy’s long-term operation would make it a permanent business.

Both meetings will be held at the city building, 100 N. Market St.

Oprisch said there is an open seat on the zoning appeals board. The four current members are Randy Burnard, Ed Reese, Mark Loy and Jared Sloan. A fifth member must be appointed by the mayor. Thalman said she has one candidate and is expecting more candidates’ resumes to review.

Oprisch hoped to have a fifth member on the board by the Nov. 1 meeting to avoid the possibility of a tie vote.

“That’s an important appointment that we need to make,” she said.

Thalman said there is interest in the position.

“I agree, and that’s why I want to see the two other candidates, too. I want to make a good decision.”