The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Supervisor Long. All 3 supervisors, 3 auditors, and
the tax collector were present. Cody Mumau, one of our EMCs was present as a special guest. The
previous month’s minutes were read. A motion to approve the minutes as read was made by Stacy and
seconded by Bob. The motion carried. For correspondence, the board received a postcard from
someone who saw the Hellbent documentary. Stacy called Citizen’s Ambulance Service regarding a note
they sent asking for donations, but no one answered her call.
In regards to new business, Bob questioned the status of the guide rail project. All off the contract
paperwork has been submitted between the township and Green Acres Contracting and a manager was
assigned to our project. The contact person of the project was named as Ron and we are waiting to hear
back for a schedule. Next, Bob addressed the auditors regarding his wishes to receive additional
compensation for his time spent beyond the monthly meetings. He stated that the matter didn’t have
to be voted on right now but he wanted his wishes heard. He stated, “He gets calls to come to meet
with contractors and bid meetings during my time, I should be compensated.” JP, former chairman,
responded to Bob’s request stating that “for 8 years I did the same thing and then some and never
asked for money, I saw it as my civic duty and my way of keeping the township in the black.” Martha
Buckley, an Auditor, stated: “that the rule book, the township code, has a specific text as to how things
should be handled, we will follow the rule book when the time for a vote comes.” Stacy added that the
code allows supervisors of townships with our population to earn no more than $1875 a year, which
includes the monthly meeting pay. Convention pay is not included. She felt that all of the extra
meetings were just part of the job. She also suggested that it would be a good question to ask our new
solicitor once we name one. She also stated that it was discussed between the supervisors that they will
address this request in the year 2024 to take place, if voted for, in 2025. The 2024 budget will move
along as planned. With that said Stacy made a motion to adopt the 2024 proposed budget. Bob
seconded the motion and all were in favor. The motion was carried and the 2024 budget was adopted.
Next on the agenda was the supervisor's input period. Stacy addressed the board stating that Judith,
our current solicitor, is planning on retiring. She has done some leg work and found 2 very local
candidates who are interested in municipal law. The first candidate is Ryan Fritz, he came
recommended by Judge Welch. Mr. Fritz requires a 3-year contract with the municipality with a $2400
retainer upfront each year with an additional $400 per hour fee but is willing to only charge the
township $200 per hour. The next candidate is Jessie Daniels. Jessie came recommended by the
recorder, Maria Jack. Jessie serves the prothonotary office. He is not specifically a municipal lawyer but
does have experience in municipal issues. He is currently representing Perry Twp V. a coal company
Mr. Daniels fees for our township would be $500 retainer fee with an hourly rate of $250. Stacy gave
the guys informal information and has invited both candidates to our reorganizational meeting in
January where a formal vote will be had. Ron reported that the pole barn is looking good and is close to
completion, for now.
Next, the citizen’s input period was opened. Becky asked how the NEICECA went. During that meeting,
collectively, the group decided not to pull funds together to help offset any emergency events that may
or may not happen. Currently, the group funding request for radios is tabled until the group can figure
out how to apply for funding as a group and the legal paperwork associated with it.
Amy addressed all present stating that during grant research she found a program called the MAPS program which
encourages inter-governmental cooperation and helps fund projects with multiple applicants. She sent
the info off to the other secretaries of the group. William addressed Bob’s request regarding additional
funding for his time spent at the township. William stated that “seeing the township code and the
budgets, and even our solicitor not billing us for her time, shows how tight the funds are. To further
express the issue, CELDF did all of their work pro-bono and Donna did her work low-bono, I feel sad that
Bob is an elected supervisor to this township, and feels that he should be compensated for everything
outside of meetings.” JP chimed in stating that the new barn looks great and is happy to see the
township finally get something nice they needed. At that time the citizen’s input period was closed.
The treasurer’s report was read. A motion to approve the treasurer’s report as read was made by Stacy
and seconded by Ron. The motion carried and the report was accepted. A motion to pay all bills due
and that come due before the next meeting was made by Stacy and seconded by Bob. The motion
carried and the bills were paid. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Stacy and all were in
favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm.