Erby said she believed the legislation was superfluous since the Dooley executive order in effect had already created the diversity office.

County Counselor Patricia Redington and council aides consulted the rule book to determine if the sponsor of a bill — in this case Erby — could ask that the legislation be struck after it had already been introduced for passage.

Whispered advice ensued.

And eventually the issue was back on the table, where it received preliminary council approval by another 5-1 vote.

Erby — a staunch proponent of the diversity office — cast the lone dissent.

Quinn later explained that, unlike the executive order, the council vote will allow the establishment of the diversity office in the county code.

The West County councilman accused Dooley of confronting him about his support of the two bills after the meeting.

“I honestly think the county executive is out of control,” Quinn said. “He was calling me names I can’t repeat on the air. He was much louder tonight than he normally is, although that’s been pretty loud lately.”