The Eldred Township supervisors hired a new township secretary last week. The former secretary, Ann Velopolcek, retired earlier this year.

The supervisors unanimously ratified the appointment of Maurin Ritinski to the position. She began working in the position on Aug. 3 and is being paid an hourly wage of $22 an hour.

“Just a little bit of background,” said Supervisor Scott Clark, chairman. “Maurin does come with government experience. She was a township administrator for several years, so she comes with some experience. It’s very nice to have that.”

Ritinski wasn’t able to make the meeting that night, but she will be serving at the supervisors meetings and the planning commission meetings. Clark said her duties will include the required township secretary responsibilities, as well as additional administrative duties, as described in her job description.

“We weren’t quite sure what we were going to get,” Clark said about the search process to fill the position. “Took us a while to get there, but I think we’re well on our way to moving forward. I wish she was here. I’d say congratulations again, but I think you’ll all get to know her, and we’re looking forward to a long relationship.”

The supervisors also appointed a resident to fill a vacancy on the planning commission. Alyssa Meadows was appointed to fill the vacated seat, which has a term that ends on Dec. 31.

Clark said Meadows has been coming to the planning commission meetings and expressed an interest in becoming a member of the advisory group.

“Alyssa Meadows has been coming to the PC meetings and participating in providing feedback,” Clark said. “Alyssa has been speaking to residents throughout the township, has been constructive in conversations. The PC members that I’ve spoken to are in support of Alyssa being appointed.”

Clark asked Meadows, who was in attendance of the supervisors meeting, if she had any comment before their vote on her appointment.

“Just excited to be a part of it, if you guys will have me,” she said.

Clark said that Meadows coming on board fills all of the planning commission seats. After serving on the board for the remaining of the year, Meadows has the option to reapply for a new four-year term or leave the board.

In other business, the supervisors approved the following purchases and received these reports:

• Move from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise Diamond Edition accounting software at a charge of $1,985 a year to QuickBooks Online at a cost of $1,380 a year.

• Kunkletown Thrift Shop is closed during August and is not accepting donations this month. Residents are reminded not to drop donations outside. Wait until September to bring any donations.

• Donation of $100 to the Eldred Township Historical Society for its Gift Card Bingo fundraiser on Oct. 11 at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Congregational Church. The organization is accepting monetary donations and items for the tricky tray for the fundraiser. Call the township office for more information.