STEUBENVILLE — The committee tasked with guiding the selection process for Steubenville’s next police chief has interviewed the three in-house applicants.

The three — Capt. Joe Buchmelter, Capt. Ettor Canestraro and Capt. Wes Crawford — met privately with the committee during Thursday’s special meeting.

Afterward, committee members were guarded in their comments.

“Police chief interviews were held, no action was taken,” City Manager Mike Johnson, who heads the committee, said. “A vote is expected to be taken on a new police chief Tuesday.”

Johnson said the hiring committee — comprised of Councilman Royal Mayo, Councilman at large Joel Walker, former councilman Bob Villamagna, Mayor Ralph Petrella and himself — must make its recommendation first, “then the whole council votes” on a successor to Chief Ken Anderson, whose retirement takes effect July 20.

“I believe all three are highly qualified,” he said.

Walker did not comment afterward, and Mayo said only that “interviews are done, we’ll vote on Tuesday.”

Council also opened bids for oil and gas leases for 19 parcels owned by the city.

Ascent Resources bid $1,112,209, with Pike Petroleum offering $249,456.

“No action was taken,” Johnson said. “A date for a vote on whether to accept any of the bids will be determined at a future council meeting.”