WARREN - A county health board hearing that could result in the revocation of a contractor's license to install septic systems in Trumbull County abruptly ended Friday, an action the contractor's attorney called ''bizarre.''
Attorney David Engler said the decision to end the hearing with his client, installer Berry Meadows, amounts to them running away because ''I think they saw this thing was getting away from them.''
But the county's health commissioner said the proceeding had turned into a ''dog-and-pony show'' over issues not relative to the proceeding.
Health Commissioner Dr. James Enyeart said the tone of the hearing was not about mounting a defense to the proposed administrative sanctions, but an effort to raise issues contained in a lawsuit filed against the board ''and that's not germane.''
The hearing, which began with a day in September, and a second day on Thursday, is being held to determine if Meadows' license should be revoked.
The charges against Meadows, who owns and runs Digging Dirt LLC in Warren Township, accuse him of doing faulty work or not working on projects for which he accepted money.
Written arguments are due by Jan. 11 and then a hearing officer will make a recommendation for the board to consider on Meadows' license.
The lawsuit filed in federal court against the health department and many county officials alleges there is a conspiracy to drive Meadows out of business and violate his civil rights.
Engler said he would add stopping Friday's hearing to the damages sought in the suit, already in the multi-millions of dollars.