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Council appoints Christopher McCormick to zoning board; motion on recreation-board nominee tabled amid concerns
Summary
The council appointed Christopher McCormick to the zoning hearing board and tabled a planned appointment to the recreation board for applicant Corey Roma to allow additional posting time and follow the borough's appointment policy. Public commenters debated background checks and appointment transparency.
Crafton Borough Council on Jan. 23 appointed Christopher McCormick as an alternate member of the zoning hearing board and delayed action on a recreation-board appointment amid public concern about vetting and posting timelines.
Council moved and approved the appointment of Christopher McCormick to the zoning hearing board alternate seat for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2025. "So moved," a council member said; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council recorded no further discussion on the selection at the meeting.
Separately, the council asked to table consideration of appointing Corey (Cory) Roma to the recreation board. Pam (staff) and the recreation chair told council the seat is being filled after a resignation and that borough policy normally posts vacancies for a minimum of 15 days (and up to 45 days) before appointment; although the item had been on agendas since Nov. 28 and posted on Savvy Citizen on Jan. 14, the chair and staff requested the council let the formal 15-day post period elapse to ensure full opportunity for applicants. Council agreed to table that motion; the item will return to a future agenda. Roma, who spoke during public comment, said he volunteers with 1Hood and asked council to judge him on his overall record and contributions.
Public comment included disagreement about vetting and whether applicants' criminal histories should bar appointments. Resident Eric Sheets (identified in public comment) urged consistent background checks; Roma responded that his protest-related charges were unresolved and asked the council to consider rehabilitation and community service. Pam summarized the borough's appointment process: postings appear on the Crafton Borough website and Savvy Citizen, applications are reviewed by staff and the chair, interviews are held (about 30 minutes), and recommended appointments are placed on the council agenda for formal vote.
Council took three formal steps related to appointments at the meeting: it approved McCormick's appointment, tabled Roma's appointment to the next council meeting to allow the posting period to complete, and reviewed the appointment process and current vacancies on multiple boards.
