PARMA, Ohio -- A Cleveland Heights council candidate is accused of pulling the hair of the Cuyahoga County Public Library's executive director, after the library board voted to sell the historic Telling Mansion Tuesday night.

was cited for assault in an incident with library Executive Director Sari Feldman minutes after the meeting concluded at the library's headquarters. Mentch and others had come to the meeting to protest the sale of the Mayfield Road mansion, which for years served as the

As Feldman spoke with a reporter, Mentch sarcastically congratulated Feldman on the sale of the mansion, then took a step toward the executive director. Feldman told Mentch not touch touch her, but Mentch continued towards Feldman and reached behind Feldman's head.

Feldman let out a yelp and library board President Robert Varley immediately approached, telling Mentch she had pulled Feldman's hair, that it was a case of assault and that he was calling police.

Varley ordered Mentch to leave the room, which she did. Library Marketing manager Hallie Rich, who stood near Feldman, witnessed the attack and confirmed that she saw Mentch pull Feldman's hair.

"We are considering it an assault," Feldman said. "She did take hold of my hair and it's not just that she pulled on my hair, she jerked my head."

Feldman said she feels discomfort in her neck and will consult with her doctor.

"We are looking into this and taking it very seriously," Feldman said.

Feldman has had dealings with Mentch over the past year as talk of sale of the mansion has moved forward. The hair pulling incident, Feldman said, must be pursued for the safety of library personnel.

Rich added that Mentch is now banned from all county library buildings.

A police car was on the scene just a couple of minutes after the incident, but Mentch had left the library grounds.

Parma police Sgt. Kevin Riley said Mentch's car was stopped on Snow Road at 8:41 p.m. She was cited for assault and released. A date in Parma Municipal Court to hear the matter has yet to be scheduled.

did not return a phone call for comment.