WARREN Probation extended for building official

The city building official has a DUI charge pending in Trumbull County Central District Court.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city has extended the probationary period for its building official -- again.
Gary Cicero, human resource director, said Wayne DaBelko of Fowler has until Sept. 21 to pass the required test for the position. DaBelko was hired April 2, 2001.
In April 2002, Dabelko's probationary period was extended to Friday.
"He's passed two parts of the test, and he's taking the third part on Sept. 10," Cicero said.
After passing probation, an employee has six months to move into the city, Cicero said.
A residency requirement passed by city council in 1991 says any city employee hired after that date is subject to a six-month probationary period.
"We can't make someone move into the city until they're a permanent building official," Cicero said.
Selective enforcement?
Lee DeJacimo, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 74, which covers city workers, believes it's an example of selective enforcement of the city's residency requirement.
"They should enforce it across the board or do away with the ordinance," he said. "I don't think it's fair to discriminate in residency requirements."
The city suspended DaBelko in January for five days for failing to maintain a valid driver's license -- a requirement of the job. He has a DUI charge pending in Trumbull County Central District Court.
The case is set for trial Sept. 18.
The suspension was for four hours a day because the city must have a building official in place to sign necessary documents, officials have said.
DaBelko did paperwork from his desk during his four-hour shift.
Cicero said DaBelko's suspension lasted until Feb. 1, when he was granted driving privileges for work only.