Dickinson Township supervisors appoint Mike Kistler to zoning hearing board after debate over appointment process

The Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Mike Kistler to the Zoning Hearing Board on Sept. 18, filling a vacancy with a term to expire Dec. 31, 2023. The motion to appoint was made by Chairwoman Lorelei Coplen and seconded by Supervisor Rob Kole.

The appointment followed a broader discussion about how the township selects appointees to advisory and quasi-judicial boards. Supervisor Rob Kole argued supervisors should participate in interviewing and resume review for candidates because many boards act as extensions of the Board of Supervisors and therefore warrant supervisory ownership and accountability. "The Supervisors need to take ownership and accountability," Kole said.

Vice Chairman Robert Line said he was satisfied with reviewing candidate resumes and did not believe supervisors needed to join a separate interview process. Chairwoman Coplen cautioned against creating a more onerous process that might discourage applicants; she suggested supervisors instead actively recruit candidates. The board directed staff to hold a workshop in February to meet with board chairpersons, review expectations, and exchange ideas about board roles and recruitment.

The board's decision to appoint Kistler was unanimous. The supervisors also noted the township's standard practice of having candidate recommendations come from the relevant board prior to a supervisors' appointment and an invitation for candidates to attend a supervisors meeting before being appointed.

Next steps: Kistler's appointment takes effect immediately. The supervisors plan a February workshop to clarify appointment procedures and expectations for township boards and volunteers.