Road position downgraded to part-time

In a controversial move, a Lower Towamensing Township employee who had been administrative road foreman is now a part-time employee.

The situation manifested itself after a motion to change Kathy Wallace's position from administrative road foreman to assistant road foreman deadlocked on a 1-1 vote during the township's reorganizational meeting on Monday.

Supervisors Chairman Ron Walbert voted in favor of the motion, while Supervisor Glen Hahn was opposed. Newly-elected Supervisor Jesse Mendez was absent.

As a result, the motion died due to a lack of a second.

The matter was brought back up for discussion later at the board's regularly scheduled meeting, which immediately followed the reorganization.

Resident Peter Terp told supervisors he was an advocate of the position, which primarily deals with record-keeping on a computer to track township garage functions.

"It is very important for record-keeping," Terp said. "The employees are in, working, and working smoothly."

Terp then voiced his support for Wallace.

"I recommend Kathy Wallace be appointed," Terp said. "It's working, and working very well. Let's leave it alone."

Walbert said he would like to have a daily schedule of activities electronically sent to his home account.

"I think we can accomplish that," Walbert said. "It would sort of keep everybody informed."

Hahn offered a response to Terp's plea.

"Pete, what do you think is the most important job? I'll tell you; the roads."

Hahn said he believes more help is needed to maintain the roads.

"We got two people taking care of our roads, and three women on computers," Hahn said. "We don't need somebody to sit on the computer to play games."

Not to be dismayed, Hahn continued to get his point across.

"We need to hire somebody out there that can do the job," Hahn said. "We need workers down there; we don't need them working on the computer."

But, Terp reiterated his belief that record-keeping is an important component of the job.

Resident Herman Bollinger then suggested that one of the three supervisors should be the township's roadmaster.

At that, Bollinger and Hahn exchanged a series of verbal jabs in what has become a routine occurrence.

Wallace, who was in attendance, responded to what she referred to as "insinuations toward me" made by Hahn.

Wallace said she agreed completely with Hahn that the maintenance of the roads should be the top priority, but added there have been times where Hahn has instructed members of the road crew to tend to matters at the Stoney Ridge Recreation P.A.R.C.

"Either it's the roads or park that's more important," Wallace said. "Now, I don't feel that's right."

Walbert asked Hahn whether he felt the situation could be rectified, to which Hahn said he does.

"There's always room for improvement," Walbert said.

In other business, supervisors:

• Agreed to pay $5,612 to the Aquashicola Fire Co. for its LST Tax.

• Approved the change of signers on bank accounts.

• Tabled the matter that concerns Jeff Prinz and the payment of his garbage bill. Supervisors said they would talk to zoning officer Duane Dellecker before any decision is made.

• Announced the next regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 9.