Log In


Reset Password

Changes sought in Schuylkill Twp.

Schuylkill Township Supervisor Chuck Fayash wants a number of things to change, and he raised those issues during a meeting Wednesday.

Fayash said he'd like the minutes to include more detail. He also said that the township's police officer, Jennifer Dempsey, was not working enough hours. He suggested that the township rent a safety deposit box, and in it keep keys for various township doors as well as passwords used for the computer.He also asked as he has in previous meetings that township employee Joe Pedron get a raise. Fayash also questioned a recent charge of $2,855 to update a computer program the garbage account was changed to a QuickBooks program."I believe it was an outrageous price," Fayash said.He and several township residents also rehashed an issue from previous meetings regarding Supervisor Christine Verdier. Verdier was not present at the meeting.The township launched a website in January. On the website Verdier was listed as an appointed supervisor. Verdier, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term, was subsequently elected to the seat during the first municipal election following her appointment. The notation was corrected on the website, and the township held a special meeting Feb. 10 to enact a resolution that two supervisors had to submit any changes to the website to the township secretary, who would then send the changes to the webmaster.During Wednesday's meeting, Fayash said the error regarding Verdier was an honest mistake. Township resident John Zubris referred to a 2010 Times News article which stated Verdier had been appointed.Regarding the safety deposit box, Chairman Charles Hosler tabled the idea for discussion at a future meeting. He also said the minutes "didn't need to be a blow-by-blow" account. Hosler also tabled the issue of a raise for Pedron for a future meeting. Pedron presently is paid $15 an hour and receives medical benefits.Regular businessIn regular business, the supervisors renewed a contract through CoStars to purchase road salt; however, they are increasing their amount from 100 tons to 140 tons for the 2015-16 season. Hosler, who is roadmaster, said, "This year, we're knocking it down pretty good."Hosler said new lighting will be installed in the township building office and garage and some exterior areas next week.Through an ePower proposal from PPL, the township's cost will be $646 to upgrade the lighting.During public comment, residents Paul Benulis and Erin Donnelly questioned Hosler, asking who he reports to as roadmaster. Benulis said Hosler should report to all the supervisors. Donnelly said there should be more than one roadmaster."This isn't a dictatorship," Benulis said. "You are all equal how long is it going to take to get that through?"Benulis also referred to the bill to update the computer program for the garbage account, calling it "a misappropriation of funds." On that note, Hosler adjourned the meeting, over Benulis' protest of that action."I'm going to take this all the way," Benulis said.