Council reappoints local commission members, hires three police officers and names law firm as hearing officer

Belleville — At its Dec. 15 meeting the City Council approved a set of personnel and appointment items, including reappointments to local boards, hiring of police officers and designation of an independent hearing officer.

Council approved reappointments: Tristan Gary to the Historic Preservation Commission (one-year term), Veil "Skip" McEwen to the Cemetery Board (two-year term), and Neil "Skip" McEwen to the Electrical Commission (three-year term). The motions were moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.

Separately, the council approved the hiring of three probationary police officers — Ryan Stone, Luke Davidson and Tessa Heskett — to be effective Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. The hiring motion came from the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners and passed on roll call.

The council also named the law firm Flynn, Guymon & Garibaglia to act as the administrative hearing officer for towing/impounding appeals and crime-free housing hearings, with the firm to serve as an independent, third-party decision maker and to be paid an hourly rate as needed. Council members asked about whether the hearing officer must be an attorney and were told that an attorney is recommended for the role.

Why it matters: Reappointments keep municipal boards staffed; hiring new officers affects department staffing and public safety capacity; naming an independent hearing officer creates a process for appeals in towing and crime-free housing cases.

What’s next: The police hires take effect Dec. 22; the city will finalize engagement terms with the hearing firm and schedule hearings as appeals arise.