Niles council holds off on city hall security recall

NILES — City council chose to take no action on legislation that would have recalled a laid-off police officer to provide security for city hall.

Mayor Thomas Scarnecchia had pushed for the recall in the wake of what his administration believes to be threats against city employees.

The decision to hold off apparently resulted from a 20-minute executive session tonight in which council and the administration discussed the proposal, which had been drafted by the city law director for presentation at the meeting.

Councilman Barry Steffey, D-4th, finance committee chairman, said that council was influenced by Auditor Giovanne Merlo who provided members with a grim picture of city finances during the closed session. Niles has been in fiscal emergency since late 2014.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com