The members of the Bradford Township Planning Commission, a current supervisor and former supervisor will present a letter in which they express “no confidence” in Supervisor Chairman Mark Cline and Supervisor Laree Sue Behan.
The letter, signed by Bradford Township Supervisor Steve Mascho, planning commission members Steve Pettinato, chairman Don Cummins, Andy Eshrich and Lori Johnson and former township supervisor Dave Geitner, outlines issues in regard to the purchasing of township vehicles, unfulfilled Freedom of Information requests, open-ended contracts and staffing concerns.
“The Planning Commission as stated in the MPC is an arm of the advisory authority and as such is required to act with the highest degree of moral and ethical character in all of its matters as not to exude the slightest hint of impropriety and avoid even the appearance of what could be construed as immoral or unethical behavior,” the letter stated.
It continued, “In consideration of the aforementioned issues, the decorum at Township meetings, the treatment of Township residents who appear at meetings with legitimate questions and concerns, regarding financial dealings, Township purchases and the lack of transparency, and the lack of respect and consideration for those same residents… this board of volunteer public servants on the Bradford Township Planning Commission have affixed our signatures to a unanimous vote of ‘No Confidence’ regarding your ability to carry out the functions of this office in a manner worthy of this commission’s approval and support.”
The letter stated the no confidence vote would remain in effect until: “All in attendance at meetings are treated with dignity and respect; All Township business is conducted in the open; Fiscal responsibility and accountability are restored; and All outstanding issues are addressed.”
Cummins said the letter would be presented to Cline and Behan early this morning at the Bradford Township building, therefore no response was available from Cline and Behan at press time Monday night.
During the Monday night meeting, motions were approved to advertise for a part-time police officer and full-time road or garbage department laborer.
Applications for the part-time police officer position are due to Bradford Township Police Chief Rob Shipman no later than May 2. Applications for the full-time position with either the garbage or road department are due by April 20, with interviews to be held later that same week.
A motion to accept the resignation letter of Corey Black, a laborer with the township road department, effective April 22, was approved.
“I’d like to say he will be greatly missed, he is a great kid who comes from a great family. We wish him all the best in the future,” Mascho said.
Behan seconded that sentiment saying, “Excellent worker. He will be missed.”
Behan read the March police report for the township, reporting 190 calls, seven motor vehicle accidents and 44 hours of traffic enforcement. For the year to date, township police have responded to 500 calls, 15 motor vehicle accidents and conducted 18 criminal investigations.
An update on the delinquent garbage and sewer accounts reported that several accounts had been set up for payment plans as of Monday. The township will now proceed with the water shutoff procedure for delinquent accounts that have not been paid or in contact with the township.
Two motions concerning bids for the repository sale of two properties within the township were denied unanimously.
Bradford Township residents should note the township’s annual spring cleanup event will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14.
Also, the township office, road department and garbage department will be closed on Friday in observance of the Good Friday holiday.
The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the supervisors will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 9.
