An ongoing dispute in Rush Township boiled over at a board of supervisors meeting Thursday.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, an exchange between resident Joe Shamonsky and Supervisor Robert Leibensperger turned heated.Shamonsky once again questioned the board about an undermined pine tree in front of his home which he said he wants cut down, and wondered why no action has been taken."It's getting terrible," Shamonsky said. "If it does come down, it's going to hit my home."Leibensperger told Shamonsky there are between 30-40 people in the township who want trees cut down.Shamonsky said, "Do you think if the tree wasn't threatening my home, I'd be saying something?The two again butted heads later when Shamonsky told Leibensperger to "Shut up until I'm done" (talking).That prompted board Chairman Shawn Gilbert to tell Shamonsky that one more outburst from him would result in his being removed from the meeting.Afterward, Leibensperger told Shamonsky, "I'm sick of hearing your (expletive)."Shamonsky then told Leibensperger "all you are is a supervisor," and that Gilbert was the board chairman.Other businessIn other action, supervisors:• Hired Tanner Noecker as a part-time police officer at the rate of $17 an hour.• Agreed to advertise for garbage and recycling collection bids, and to open the bids at the board's Sept. 15 meeting.• Announced that Schuylkill County awarded the township $12,882 in Act 137 Grant funds toward its home program.• Accepted the proposal received for grant consulting services for the township's Home Grant money from Prodesign Plus.• Approved the Hometown Fire Company's request for fire police to secure the grounds and close the road in front of the fire company for its community day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 20.