Blythe chief, Walker Twp. discuss possible deal

Frank DiMarco, chief of police for Blythe Township, spoke about a pending police agreement with Walker Township at their Thursday meeting.

At a meeting last month, DiMarco attended to give the board information on a deal that includes police coverage for all of Walker Township in exchange for $20,000 a year.

DiMarco attended Thursday’s meeting to answer any concerns and to give additional information, including shift examples of what a 40-hour work week covers.

“As the seasons change, your needs will change,” he said. “During the school year, there would be police presence at bus stops.”

A problem regarding teenagers loitering around Heisler’s at night was also promised to be addressed if Blythe was to take on coverage for Walker Township. DiMarco said there would be police presence until around 2 a.m. unless vandalism or other issues were to arise, in which the schedules would be adjusted.

DiMarco said there are only around 11 points to the agreement, making it easy to understand. He mentioned to his agreement with Middleport and Schuylkill from 2016 that has been working out well for both areas.

Bill N. McMullen, new township engineer and zoning officer, shared concerns that if New Philadelphia joined the agreement, Blythe would need more power or else coverage for Walker would inevitably decrease.

DiMarco assured McMullen, as well as the rest of the board, that Walker’s cost will never change and Blythe would remain responsible for hiring more officers to make up for the extended coverage areas.

Solicitor Chris Riedlinger shared concerns regarding overtime. DiMarco said in the agreement that Blythe would assume all responsibility for paying their officers if that happened.

In comparing the deal with West Penn, it was noted that West Penn would keep all fines collected within the township, while Blythe would give all fines and penalties back to Walker.

“If any supervisor wants to take a ride to see what we do, you’re welcome to,” DiMarco said. “Doug and I know the township like the back of our hands, and like we said, call volume isn’t here. We have crime out here, yes, but it’s mostly visibility and deterrence that’s important.”

Supervisors’ Chairman Craig Wagner requested a copy of the agreement as well as any other information DiMarco had regarding the police deal.

Former engineer David Horst from Benesch Engineering made an appearance to say goodbye to the rest of the board as well as the town residents, as Bill N. McMullen from Arro Consulting will serve as the new engineer.

Wagner thanked Horst for his nearly 10 years of service to Walker before welcoming McMullen to the board.