The minutes from the February meeting were reviewed and with no corrections/addition’s supervisor Davy made motion to accept minutes as presented with a second from supervisor Thompson. Bills were reviewed. Supervisor Davy made motion to approve bills as presented with a second from supervisor Thompson.
There were multiple correspondence items:
• William Baker has emailed a letter of resignation to the township, effective February 26, 2021. He did not state reasoning. Supervisor Davy accepted Baker’s resignation as Union Township supervisor with a second from supervisor Thompson.
• Dale Machmer presented the board with a letter of resignation as vacancy board and a letter of interest to fill remaining seat vacated by Baker until the end of 2021. Supervisor Davy made motion to accept both letters from Mr. Machmer with a second from supervisor Thompson.
• Email correspondence from Berkheimer about percentages of Earned Income Tax
collections throughout 2020 was discussed. Overall, the collection amounts were down as a direct effect from pandemic impacts but not as severe as they could have been. This is important feedback regarding incoming funds.
• The board also received a letter addressed to all Union Township Supervisors from Frank Watson, owner of Watson Diesel, Inc. This letter was verbally read to the board and all attending the meeting. Frank has informed the board of supervisors that due to the unfortunate situation that occurred at one of the maintenance shops on February 18, 2021 involving supervisor Davy, Mr. Davy will no longer be allowed on Watson Diesel premises. According to the letter, supervisor Davy was verbally bullying, yelling, and making accusations involving the maintenance, or lack thereof of one of Union Township’s vehicles. According to the explanation of the incident in the letter, Mr. Davy went directly into the shop and directed allegations at the employee about working on another township’s vehicles due to their recent purchases through Watson Diesel and ignoring Union Townships downed Freightliner.
The remaining board members questioned supervisor Davy on what happened and asked for an explanation. Supervisor Davy explained his recollections of this day and feels that he did nothing wrong. Both supervisors Thompson and Machmer stated that Union Township has had a long-standing relationship with local businesses like Watson Diesel and this is not how we do business. Supervisor Thompson felt that he needed to talk with Mr. Watson and express how sorry he is that an incident of this nature has occurred and apologized on behalf of the township. Supervisor Thompson stated that this should have never happened, “Even though this truck was down in the middle of winter, it didn’t have to take priority at that point in time because we were a man short anyhow.” As roadmaster Walt Thompson was in communication with Watson Diesel throughout that week regarding our truck and the work status. As it turns out Watson’s was waiting for parts, they could go no further with repairs at that point.
Members of the audience gave input. Pete Shinn stated to supervisor Davy “Bill, this is not how you do business. You do not go into a business and start raising hell.” Cathy Davy made mention that she was there at the time and all of this just isn’t true. Dale Jackson asked “If Bill Davy was conducting township business then why was Mrs. Davy there, in the shop?” Denny Jackson stated “We’ve had really good relations with Watson Diesel over all these years. They’ve been there whenever we’ve needed them, even on a Sunday afternoon. Denny recommends as an employee of the township, previous roadmaster for the township, and resident of the township that Mr. Davy doesn’t go back to Watson Diesel and hopefully we can repair the damage done.” Cathy Asbury asked “Who is responsible for the follow-up on machinery/equipment when its in the shop for repairs? That would seem like the roadmaster’s responsibility.” Supervisor Thompson stated “It is, and I was handling it.” Dale Jackson following up, “I recommend that the board send a letter of apology to Watson Diesel”
Supervisor Davy stated that he would go down to Watson Diesel and talk with Mr. Watson. The board recommend that he stay off the premises, as requested by the owner. If Mr. Davy felt that strongly to discuss this with Mr. Watson, he should try to call first. Supervisor Davy makes motion to write a letter of apology to Watson Diesel. Supervisor Thompson seconds.
Walt Thompson gave the roadmaster report. Plowing and cindering. Black cinder plant is still down so we are taking whatever red cinders/1 B stone that we can get. We are going to try a load of coarse red cinders and mix 20% so it will still be state certified.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Cathy Asbury asked about township cinder policy and how its enforced. She stated that she has seen and heard that some individuals come down with their tractor and take a tractor bucket full or some come down and fill the cinder spreaders on the back of their trucks. How do we know that we are not losing cinders to people that are not even residents? Supervisor Thompson said that this has always been open for the residents to use.
OLD BUSINESS
Lycoming Creek. Supervisor Davy states that we are trying to set-up time with Larry Brannaka to discuss where we are at and if we will continue to move forward or re-evaluate.
Liquid Fuels monies received - $151, 600.59.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisors discussed what material bids will be this year. Both supervisors Davy and Thompson agreed that Union Twp. will bid the following: 2A shale & 2A Limestone tailgate spread, 2RC shale & limestone tailgate spread, 1 B Limestone stock pile @ township building, 1800 ton +/- cinders to be stockpiled at township, and 6,000 gallon +/- diesel fuel delivered to township building. Supervisor Machmer said this sounds good. The board instructed secretary Asbury to write it up and get it advertised with dates/time frames.
With no further business supervisor Davy adjourns with a second from supervisor Machmer.