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Penn Forest supervisors approve hires, equipment purchases and accept financial report
Summary
At its Aug. 5 meeting, the Penn Forest Township Board of Supervisors approved multiple personnel moves, ratified small equipment purchases and accepted the July treasurer's report showing total deposits of $10,357,856.48; several items were tabled and one resident raised personnel questions during public comment.
Penn Forest Township supervisors met Aug. 5 and approved a series of routine personnel actions, equipment purchases and the July treasurer’s report.
Chairman Roger Meckes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and, after roll call, the board accepted the treasurer’s report for July 2024 and authorized payment of the July bills. The treasurer reported total funds on deposit across accounts and certificates of deposit of $10,357,856.48.
Why it matters: The approvals maintain township operations and staffing for public services including the transfer station and road maintenance. The financial report provides the board’s current cash and reserve balances ahead of fall projects.
The board ratified a memorandum of understanding with Teamsters Local 773 to hire Michael Paparozzi as a full‑time transfer station employee with Tuesdays and Thursdays off, and separately ratified Paparozzi’s effective full‑time hire retroactive to July 17, 2024. Supervisors also approved hiring Joshua Kervick as a part‑time transfer station employee at $20 per hour.
Supervisors ratified small equipment and repair expenses: replacement of a Kubota windshield ($369.99 plus $200 installation) and welding of a mower deck for $400. The board authorized purchase of a cinder spreader for the new truck from West End Equipment for $6,500 and approved purchase of a 40‑foot pipe for Drakes Creek Road at $2,084.40. Several of these items were approved on motions made by Chairman Meckes and seconded by Supervisor Bartulovich or Supervisor Denier; roll call votes show three members voting yes and two absent on recorded motions.
Two items were tabled: a security expansion quote for the transfer station ($1,551 for cameras and alarm) and a request to purchase stain for the park fence. The board discussed a possible weight limit on township roads but took no action.
During public comment, resident Judy Knappenberger questioned whether portable toilets at the transfer station were for public use, asked about a $250 clothing allowance for Code Enforcement Officers compared with a $50 allowance for office staff, and inquired about an Administrative Assistant #2 position. Supervisors said those matters involved personnel and declined detailed discussion in open session.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. The board noted upcoming meetings and a municipal building closure for Labor Day.
