Despite efforts by the board of supervisors of Penn Forest Township, the matter of the possible misuse of funds dating back to approximately 2008 remains an issue. In recent months the supervisors have instituted rules for public comment which include strictly adhering to the 3 minutes per person rule and not permitting any discussion of a forensic audit.

"If you wish to comment or ask questions regarding the matter, you are welcome to put it in writing to the board's attention and we will respond, but we will not waste any more time at these meetings," Vice Chairman Phil Schedaker said at the July meeting.At Tuesday night's meeting township auditor Matt Schutter took the position that the township supervisors are violating the constitutional rights of township residents by denying them public comment on the issue of a forensic audit."I notified each of the supervisors personally on Aug. 12 by servicing each of them a "Violation Warning Denial of Rights Under Color of Law," a violation warning under 18

U.S.C sub. Sec. 245; 42

U.S.C sub. Sec.1983. I believe that my civil rights and that of my constituents are being violated," Schutter said."Making an ordinance that we can't talk about something is a clear violation," he said. "I believe that as an elected official who swore an oath on the same book that they did, if I see a violation of citizens' rights it is my duty to stand up and say something."Schutter says he will pursue that matter with the U.S. Department of Justice.The supervisors have consistently contended that there is not "missing" money and that the matter is closed.On a more positive note the new recreation park on Route 903 is almost complete."The contractor has reached substantial completion. We will be creating a punch list of small items that need to be addressed over the next few days. In addition, there is a pipe that requires attention according to PennDOT. Otherwise the first phase of the park is complete," project manager Greg Pavlic told board.Pavlic said 5 percent of the final contract payment will be withheld from Papillon & Moyer pending completion of the punch list.The township has applied for two additional grants for future development of the park: A DCNR, C2P2 grant for $1,191,300, which is a 50/50 matching grant, and a DCED Greenways and Recreation Program grant for $244,375. The DCED grant only requires a match of $36,000.Supervisor Schedaker said the new recreation committee should be ready to meet sometime next month.Last month the township held an electronics recycling program which yielded over 27,000 pounds of rubbish. The township is planning another electronics recycling on from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 15 at the transfer station.Supervisor Judy Knappenburger also said as a result of a meeting held last month the township will not begin selling new trash permits in January, but will instead extend the current permits through June 30, 2015. In May residents will receive a bill for 18 months of service. The bills will be for $150.00 and will not have discount for early payment.In the future the new permits will run from July 1 to June 30."It's just too much with everything that has to be done at the end of the year to have to worry about the garbage permits as well," said Supervisor Scott Lignore.Motions were made to pay the regular township bills in the amount of $38,046.79. Invoices for the park project were paid in the amount of $ 298,896.23. Of that amount two checks were for Papillon & Moyer in the amounts of $192,492.97 for payment no. 8 which was approved last month and $99,103.51 for payment no. 9 which was approved Tuesday evening.