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WEIRTON -- More is being revealed on a personnel policy in dispute between members of Weirton Council and the city manager.
Weirton Council voted 7-0, during a special meeting Wednesday, on a resolution directing City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo to revoke the policy, which council said prevents municipal employees, including department heads, from discussing city issues and concerns with members of council.
The resolution states "the City Manager has a policy demanding Council not discuss issues directly with employees, including directors and/or department heads."
Failure to revoke the policy, according to the resolution, could lead to disciplinary action against DiBartolomeo, including the possibility of dismissal.
However an email, obtained by The Weirton Daily Times, indicates the policy was more about preventing the mayor or members of council from assigning tasks to city employees, while also alleging intimidation of employees.
The email, sent by DiBartolomeo to Mayor Harold Miller, all members of council and city department heads and directors, Tuesday afternoon, states that only the city manager can direct an employee to do any work.
"During work hours and or during work periods outside of normal hours no city employee will meet with any council person to discuss any work related items nor take any direction from them. However, if the Mayor or Council have any questions they can contact you for information," the email states.
Outside of work hours, the email says, employees can meet and do whatever they want.
The email also indicates DiBartolomeo is conducting an investigation against a member of council for "inappropriate discussions with one of my employees," adding he "will respond accordingly."
"If you have an issue that needs addressed please send me an email with the problem along with the pertinent facts and I will address it. I will not tolerate any intimidation nor disrespectful behavior towards ANY of my employees. You go through me and I will handle it," the email concludes.