Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Boards And Commissions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents criticize rec-board pick; council appoints Andrew Hutt after roll-call vote
Summary
A contentious public-comment period over a recreation-board appointment led to allegations of favoritism; council voted 4–1 with two abstentions to appoint Andrew Hutt to the recreation board, drawing both criticism and defenses from residents and board leaders.
At the March 2 Brookhaven Borough Council meeting, several residents criticized how the borough handled a recent recreation-board appointment, saying the process departed from past practice and favored acquaintances. That public pressure preceded a formal council vote that appointed Andrew Hutt to the Recreation Board.
Virginia McKee, a long-time volunteer, told the council she had volunteered for 19 years and said she expected the rec board’s higher vote would be respected. “I just don't know what the process was,” McKee said during the first public discussion, accusing the council of placing a personal friend over more-experienced volunteers.
Rec-board president Jim Lapera and others described the rec-board process: interviews were held and Pennsylvania borough code requires notice and certain procedures. Lapera said the board followed its bylaws and that the borough ultimately decides appointments.
Council moved to appoint Andrew Hutt to the Recreation Board with a term expiring in 2029. The meeting transcript records a roll-call vote: Burke — Abstain; Suwicki — Yes; Deplicky — No; Fovio — Yes; Mills — Yes; Zimmer — Yes; Hess — Abstain. The presiding official announced the result as "4 yeses, 1 no, 2 abstains; motion carries." After the vote, Hutt thanked the council and described his volunteer background, including youth sports and starting a local basketball program.
Council members said the borough has final authority over appointments and defended their approach as consistent with their obligations. Residents pressed for clearer communications and more transparent public involvement for boards and committees.
What happens next: Andrew Hutt will serve on the recreation board through 2029. Council and rec-board members said they will continue outreach to volunteers and will provide more opportunities for public input on committee work.
