DUBOIS – The DuBois City Council voted Monday night to hire special legal counsel to look into the city’s pension program with relation to past officials.
Solicitor Thomas Breth explained that procedurally previous councils changed aspects of how the pension plan works for certain elected and appointed positions, and it was done improperly.
This did include retroactive changes and the former City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio, he said.
As Breth has a conflict of interest with the pension plan, he recommended the council appoint special counsel to investigate the city’s plan. Then, they could suggest legal resolutions, if needed.
When asked by a member of the public, the possibility of recouping any improperly-allocated funds was something for the special counsel to determine upon their investigation.
City Engineer
Council also voted Monday night to accept City/Township Manager Shawn Arbaugh’s recommendation to hire Mike Haynes for its city engineer position.
Haynes has experience with his own consulting firm and PennDOT, as well as previous service as Sandy Township’s engineer.
Haynes will start July 15 with an annual salary of $115,000. He will work 40 hours a week over four,10-hour days.
Wards
Council voted to have a specific elected official represent one of the wards within the city.
- First Ward: Jennifer Jackson
- Second Ward: Elliot Gelfand
- Third Ward: Pat Reasinger
- Fourth Ward: Shane Dietz
- Fifth Ward: Jim Aughenbaugh