BELLAIRE — A patrolman will move up to the rank of lieutenant as a part-time officer moves to a full-time position within the Bellaire Police Department.

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

Richardson said Watson is very satisfied with Peck’s performance in the time he’s been a part-time officer, so the Personnel Committee supported and recommended the request to move Peck from part- to full-time status. He is becoming a full-time officer to replace the full-time officer position Brian Watson vacated.

Brian Watson will now become a lieutenant.

Council and Solicitor Paul Stecker discussed whether they would need to approve Brian Watson moving from officer to lieutenant or if Chief Watson had authority over the decision. They ultimately decided to take a roll call vote. Doyle, Olack, Richardson, Schmitt and Kapral approved of Brian Watson’s transition from officer to lieutenant, effective Dec. 1.

On Oct. 24, the personnel committee met to interview a candidate to fill the village administrator position. The candidate was not able to make it to the meeting for introductions and a detailed discussion but will be in attendance at the next meeting Nov. 21.

Another village worker, meter reader Zach Warner, has taken on duties until the distribution coordinator position is filled. Warner has taken on these additional supervisory duties for the water and sewer department. Council discussed his pay raise for the additional duties he will be tackling. Council decided on a $6 per hour pay increase for Warner’s interim period. His current pay is $14 an hour, but it will be raised to $20 an hour.

On Oct 18, the personnel committee met to go through the handbook that hadn’t been updated since 2013. The purpose of the meeting was to update the five-page personnel policy draft that needed a myriad of changes, according to Richardson.

Some policy changes that were updated include: the use of social media is restricted to lunch period and break periods only and on employee’s personal devices only; holiday time pay is counted in overall determination of overtime hours worked; and a hiring practice of a requirement for a six-month probation period and a valid driver’s license.

Clerk Mary Haglioizou received a notice that the Bellaire Business Dash started Monday. If someone shops at a minimum of nine of the 18 participating businesses between now and Dec. 7 and makes a minimum purchase of $5, they will receive a stamp on their flyer. When they turn it in with the stamps completed, a winner will be drawn. The winner is going to win $900.

From 5-7 p.m. next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the village will be having its second annual basketball camp at St. John’s Central High School, where children in grades 2-8 can participate. Cash prizes will be awarded to contest winners. People interested can sign up until the days of the events by contacting Rick or Keshauna Leigh at 304-780-8436.

Bellaire resident Arnold Kuhl addressed council to propose himself as a volunteer office of civil and human rights for the village. He asked council to consider and gave his phone number for them to reach out.

“I’m 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 the proposed office could also offer support for community recreation and cultural activities and development as part of the village network, and its authority would accomplish all these ends and more.

Richardson asked Kuhl to put together a business plan for council to examine.

Council discussed how more signs on the streets of Bellaire are being put up and asked who is approving these signs to be posted and what the procedure is. Council is now adopting its practice it had in effect for years that sign approvals will go to a council committee and then the police chief investigates the request and brings back to council for approval.

Council went into a closed-door session to discuss litigation and adjourned the meeting after returning to regular session.