BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT WRIGHT -- It was standing room only Wednesday when the mayor convened a much-anticipated disciplinary hearing for embattled Police Chief Mark Brown.
But while spectators in this city of 6,667 packed council chambers to witness a rare public hearing for a suspended police chief, the only action took place behind closed doors.
Both sides plan to continue settlement talks this morning and hope to announce an agreement today.
On Wednesday, Fort Wright Mayor Paul Hiltz, the police chief and lawyers for both sides met privately for nearly eight hours in an effort to resolve a 2 1/2-month-old dispute casting a shadow over the police department and indirectly prompting the resignation of a previous mayor and city administrator.
"We're almost there," said City Attorney Pete Summe, soon after the group broke off talks at 4:30 p.m. "We've agreed in principle. We just have a few details to work out."
Mr. Summe declined to elaborate, saying both sides had agreed not to discuss the matter until it was resolved.
Chief Brown's lawyer, David Barth, could not be reached for comment.
Administrative charges filed against Chief Brown allege the three-year police chief routinely screamed at officers and threatened Fort Wright's outgoing city administrator with abusive language. Chief Brown faces charges of inefficiency, abusive or obscene language, immoral or improper conduct, and discourtesy to the public or fellow employees.
In addition, former Officer Julie Walker had criticized the chief for allegedly threatening her after she claimed sexual discrimination by officers in the department.
A city investigation found no evidence to corroborate Ms. Walker's claims against the officers. However, the former officer has complaints pending with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Chief Brown's supporters praised the former Cincinnati police sergeant.
"I know the chief and respect him," said Bob Hebbeler, 79, a longtime resident and retired Fort Wright fire captain. "He's the best police chief we've had in this city, bar none."
Last weekend, Mr. Hebbeler said, he and several Fort Wright residents passed out 1,000 fliers, urging residents to attend Chief Brown's hearing.
Chief Brown has been suspended without pay since June 11, when City Administrator Marc Bergman filed administrative charges against the police chief and recommended the mayor fire him.
Instead, five-year Mayor Cindy Pinto, who acknowledged "having a very good working relationship with both Mr. Bergman and Mark Brown," resigned.
Four weeks ago, Mr. Bergman announced his intention to resign Sept. 1, citing personal reasons and that he had come to Fort Wright to work with Mrs. Pinto.
