DiBartolomeo steps down as Weirton city manager, announces investigation against council

WEIRTON - Joe DiBartolomeo's second stint as Weirton's city manager came to an end Monday night, but not before he announced he had requested an investigation into members of city council for what he said are violations of the city charter and state law.

During the citizen's comments portion of Monday's Weirton Council meeting, it was announced 13 residents had signed up to speak and yielded their time to DiBartolomeo, providing him with more than 40 minutes with which to address council.

"Tonight is my last night as city manager," DiBartolomeo announced in the midst of his comments.

Among his accusations Monday, DiBartolomeo cited a special council meeting in November, during which the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau was discussed in executive session, even though it was not part of that night’s agenda. He also noted one member of council was appointed as an assistant county prosecutor, something he said violates the city charter.

He said the investigation is set to be handled by the Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office, citing conflicts of interest in Hancock County.

This was DiBartolomeo’s second stint as Weirton city manager.