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Residents press supervisors over Recreation Board conduct; citizens seek collaboration on land‑preservation ballot
Summary
Public commenters urged the Board to address inappropriate language and disorder at a Recreation Board meeting and asked the Board to collaborate on newsletter material and town-hall meetings for a land-preservation ballot measure the Board approved sending to the ballot.
During the public-comment period, Supervisor David Hess said he received calls about inappropriate language used at a recent Recreation Board meeting. Attorney David Backenstoe said the Second Class Township Code allows removal of appointed members for neglect or dereliction of duty and suggested notifying the individual that profane language is unacceptable.
Multiple speakers, including Monica Brown and Mike Jones, said the Recreation Board chair failed to maintain order and that the meeting devolved into argument instead of focusing on the agenda. Janet Sheats asked that all Recreation Board members attend the next Board meeting so supervisors can address the conduct and expectations for civil behavior.
Resident Zack Szoke thanked the board for moving a land-preservation measure to the ballot and asked to collaborate on newsletter language and public informational meetings. Attorney Backenstoe said he will present an ordinance to the supervisors to place the measure on the ballot; if the measure passes, the Board must adopt another ordinance to authorize the tax and form the governing committee. Vice Chairman Jerry Pritchard said the Board must remain neutral while providing factual information for the public vote.
Announcements included National Night Out on Aug. 5 at Indiantrail Park and the Fire Company’s annual fund drive. The Board then moved to executive session on collective bargaining and personnel matters and adjourned without further open-session action.
