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Resident alleges borough manager blocked inspection at 37 Thomas Street; mayor and staff deny interference
Summary
At public comment, resident Terry Fox alleged Borough Manager Jim Price prevented the fire department and building inspector from addressing an alleged electrical fire hazard at 37 Thomas Street. The mayor and borough staff denied interference; the building inspector said he was directed by the fire chief to treat the situation as a code issue and inspected the property.
During the public comment portion of the July 23 meeting, resident Terry Fox identified himself and raised a detailed, time-sensitive allegation concerning 37 Thomas Street. "My topic tonight is the fire hazard that needs addressed in Crafton... What is the borough of Crafton going to do about the immediate hazardous fire threat that exists at 37 Thomas Street?" Fox asked, and accused Borough Manager Jim Price of preventing the fire department and building inspector from addressing the hazard and of "severely abus[ing] his position."
Council members and staff responded in sequence. The mayor said he could "assure you that Jim Price has no and has in no way interfered with the police department or the police chief." The building inspector later told the council he called at about 2:46 p.m., was told by Chief Crown that the situation was a code matter (not a fire response), inspected the property and concluded the work was permitted; he said his interaction that day was limited to that inspection and that he "directed no one aside from people within our department what to do." Following the exchange, the chair cautioned the speaker about conduct and the meeting moved on. No formal disciplinary action or vote occurred during the meeting.
