Board advertises ordinance to create director of public safety after extended public comment

The White Marsh Township Board of Supervisors on March 12 authorized advertisement of an ordinance to create the position of Director of Public Safety, a proposed staff role intended to improve communication and coordination among police, the township’s two volunteer fire companies and the ambulance service.

Chair JC Tull framed the vote as a procedural step to advertise the ordinance for public review — not adoption — and said there would be roughly three weeks for the public to submit comments before any future vote. Solicitor Sean Kulkenny and other staff explained the ordinance would not change operational command for emergency providers but would establish a position to translate study and survey findings into improved planning, reporting and interagency collaboration.

The board referenced a consultant report and an anonymous survey conducted after the Emergency Services Board requested a study. The consultant (Jerry Ozog, present via Zoom) and staff described recurring themes including a need for stronger cross‑agency communication, coordinated training and mechanisms to resolve shared operational challenges.

Public commenters raised multiple concerns: Lisa Dunlevy asked the board to present the full study findings at a properly advertised public meeting, provide a job description and cost estimates before advertising, and avoid adopting a framework ordinance that defers key job details to later administrative action. She said the study reportedly cost about $30,000 and warned that creating the position could carry long‑term salary, benefits and vehicle costs. Another commenter asked whether the consultant was hired through the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials and questioned potential conflicts of interest; the board clarified the consultant had been hired separately and that the consultant’s current employment with the association occurred after the hiring.

Supporters said the position would streamline reporting and improve safety. Fran McCausker said a director overseeing police, fire and ambulance could strengthen communication and public safety. Several residents urged transparency in job duties, salary range and budget impacts before the ordinance proceeds to adoption.

The board carried the motion to advertise the ordinance by voice vote; staff said the public could comment during the circulation period and at the April board meeting prior to any adoption vote. The board also said it may advertise for candidates at a later date and would appoint the director at a subsequent meeting if and when the position is established.