The Wellman City Council met in special session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 7:00pm. Mayor Ryan Miller presided with the City Attorney, City Administrator, City Clerk and following Council Members: Marc Pennington, Steve Slaubaugh, Doug Powell, and Johnny Schwartz; absent: Fern Bontrager. Also present were: David Hotle from the news media and Sheriff Jerry Dunbar. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss disciplinary action concerning the City Administrator.

Schwartz moved to approve the agenda, Slaubaugh seconded and all present voted aye.

At 7:06pm Pennington moved to enter into closed session, Powell seconded and upon roll call there were four aye votes; Bontrager, absent.

At 8:50pm Pennington moved to return to open session, Slaubaugh seconded and upon roll call the vote was four ayes; Bontrager absent. Sheriff Dunbar and David Hotle joined the meeting. Dunbar was thanked for his presence but the Council had decided not to hear from him at this time.

Schwartz then moved to suspend Administrator Baker with pay until the next City Council meeting on Monday, January 9, 2012. Baker stated that would not be acceptable with him. Powell then seconded the motion. Baker stated that would interfere with any negotiations with Kitchen. Kitchen then asked Schwartz to clarify his motion, that instead of suspend did he mean administrative leave with pay until the full council is in session. Schwartz agreed that was his intention. Powell stated his second stood with the amended motion. The roll call vote resulted in four aye votes with Bontrager absent.

There being no further business Slaubaugh moved for adjournment at 8:54pm. Pennington seconded the motion and voted aye.

Minutes transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.