CLEARFIELD – Last night’s Lawrence Township Supervisors’ meeting was the last for Supervisor Bill Lawhead.
Lawhead did not run for reelection this year and will officially leave service as a supervisor at the end of 2017. Supervisor Randy Powell thanked Lawhead for his 18 years of service and said he would be missed.
Secretary Barbara Shaffner echoed the sentiment, adding that he was a pleasure to work with and his knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed.
After being presented a plaque, Lawhead thanked everyone he has worked with over the years. He said sometimes the job could be trying, but it was also educational and interesting.
He thanked Police Chief Doug Clark, Roadmaster Ron Woodling, Code Enforcement Officer Debra Finkbeiner and Shaffner for their hard work.
To Shaffner, he added, “You’ve been a blessing in disguise at this township,” and thanked her for the many things she has done to “bring the township into the 21st century.”
During the roadmaster report, Woodling said he needs for residents to understand that parking on roadways during a snow event creates problems for the plow trucks to clear the snow.
He asks that all residents park their vehicles in the driveways or off the road in some manner so the trucks can work efficiently.
Clark reported that the officers are continuing to do a “tremendous job.” One officer will be going to a class to be a field training officer.
Clark found funding to pay for the class and asked the supervisors to reimburse the cost of a hotel room and food.
The supervisors approved the 2018 advertised budget with no tax increase.
An executive session was held and afterwards Solicitor James Naddeo reported that negotiations on the police contract have reached a stalemate.
He recommended that the supervisors vote to contact the Teamsters Union and inform them the township will be taking the issues to arbitration.
The current contract will end Dec. 31 and Lawhead noted after the meeting that it has been over a decade at least since the township and police union needed to use arbitration.
Shaffner reported that there are now two openings on the planning commission board with the resignation of Randy Owens. Those positions will be advertised and anyone interested is asked to send a letter to the township.
The township reorganization meeting will take place Jan. 2 at 6:30 with the regular meeting to follow.