The mouse that roared fell curiously silent Monday as North Irwin Borough Council approved all agenda items by unanimous vote.

The unusual circumstance for a board used to conflict, outbursts, finger-pointing and political posturing played before a packed, standing-room-only crowd.

All the public attention might have been too intimidating for some members of the audience and several board members, who chose to remain silent and not bring up a topic that has residents of the tiny borough talking.

An incident last month outside the North Irwin firehall led to a request by a resident for an investigation of police Chief Peter Henderson.

Resident Chris Ostrom, son of Councilman Mel Ostrom, sent Mayor Leonard Santimyer a letter demanding a closer look at the situation involving him and the officer.

The letter, according to Santimyer, accuses the officer of provoking a standoff and acting inappropriately.

According to Henderson, he noticed a man on the sidewalk peaking from around the corner of the firehall on the evening of Feb. 16. When he went to investigate, a confrontation ensued. Henderson learned the man was the son of a councilman. No arrest was made and no charges were filed. Because the man had been drinking in the firehall, a member of the fire department drove him and his wife home, Henderson said.

Six witnesses accused Chris Ostrom of being intoxicated and said they thought Henderson was correct in all his actions, said Santimyer. Feeling there was no basis for further action, and none asked for in the letter, Santimyer did not bring it up at the council meeting.

The letter said three councilmen were already contacted -- Ostrom, Bernard Reynolds and Edwin Anthony. Santimyer notified the remaining members and made them aware of the situation.

At Monday night's meeting, Councilman Gordon Stoves began to bring up the subject twice during "The Good of the Borough" but stopped. He later said he wanted to get through the meeting without controversy.

As far as Santimyer is concerned, the matter is over.

Lines were drawn, however, in the meeting room. A delegation of North Irwin firefighters stood along one wall. Two women, who had signed in to speak during the public comment section of the meeting, withdrew their requests, saying they would wait until next month.

One of the women was Paulette Ostrom, mother of Chris Ostrom.

Tom Harrison, North Irwin fire chief, said he was there to support Henderson if need be. He said he has lived in the borough for 43 years and never has felt as safe as he does with the modern police presence.