Watchdog Report Raises More Concerns

Residents packed the Catharine Township building and had lots of questions for the supervisors, some sparked by a Community Watchdog Report during Thursday evening’s meeting, January 16. 

A few months ago, eight residents of Catharine Township contacted the Hollidaysburg Community Watchdog with a plethora of complaints, such as poor financial management, improper maintenance of roads, and a “junkyard” type appearance of the municipal building storage and garages. 

Resident Bob Aurandt asked the supervisors about two items that stood out to him following the release of the report: the purchasing of equipment without authorization and the purchase of attachments for a backhoe that Roadmaster Michael Fay leases to the township. 

“This is taxpayer’s money being spent. If these claims are proven to be true, this should be grounds for removal,” Aurandt said. 

Supervisor Ken Brenneman said he had heard of the report but did not see a copy of the report until the night of the meeting.

Other residents in attendance said that supervisors should have researched, following receipt of the report, questions and answers that residents could bring to the township. 

“We will try to get answers for that,” Brenneman said. 

At the reorganizational meeting on January 6, supervisors were at a standstill when it came to appointing a new roadmaster. 

Ralph Rispoli, who was voted chairman at that meeting, made a motion to appoint Ross Brubaker as the new roadmaster and Brenneman made a motion to keep Fay in the position. 

The remaining Supervisor Heather Flaig, abstained from voting, citing conflict of interest. 

Solicitor Nathan Karn, who was present at last Thursday’s meeting, said that in a tie, Flaig can vote but is not obligated to vote.

Flaig, who was quiet much of the meeting said she did not want to vote.

Those in attendance praised Flaig for her position, her leadership at the job, and for being in a tough position as both Fay’s daughter and as a supervisor. 

“Are you willing to allow change in the roadmaster position?” Auditor Daryl Cole said. “Friendship is not our position on this board.” 

“This mess is all our fault,” Chairman Ralph Rispoli said. 

Members of the audience cited the lack of people wanting to work for Fay and the township. Audience members also pointed out the lack of a relationship with Williamsburg Borough and surrounding townships because of Fay’s demeanor and the state of the equipment kept in the township buildings.

Currently, the position of roadmaster is a $20/hour position with part-time hours and no benefits. 

“We should be glad that we have someone like Ross who wants to step up with those wages,” Resident Pat Bottenfield said.

Supervisors threw around ideas of demoting Fay to a laborer, and one of the supervisors taking on the role of roadmaster until someone else could be appointed.

With Fay being 74, retirement might be in his future. 

Brenneman suggested keeping Fay on as roadmaster until the March 20 meeting, when roadmaster business parameters would be defined. Rispoli seconded the motion, and the motion was passed.

Rispoli suggested a committee be formed to assess value of the equipment housed at the garages.

Rispoli nominated Jim Blough, Pat Bottenfield, Scott Baker, Ross Brubaker, and Bob Aurandt to the committee at $16/hour. The committee would present its findings at a later meeting. Flaig seconded the motion, motion passed.

Resident Wayne Baker asked for an update on rocks that need to be moved from the entrance of Blough Road as he along with others have noted damage to their vehicles and business vehicles. 

Rispoli made a motion to have B&W Construction fix the problem not to exceed the amount of $400 with Brenneman seconding, motion passed.

Sewer inspection reports were given to the supervisors with some residents refusing the inspection. It was noted during the meeting that the Act 537 plan can be started without all the inspections. 

“We need to get the ball rolling,” Brenneman said. The supervisors agreed to contract with their engineering firm, Keller Engineers, to instruct them to begin writing the 537 plan. 

“You will be hindered through a developmental standpoint,” Cole said if the township does not choose to start. The estimated cost for the Act 537 Plan, which the township said they have the funds for, was $35,000. 

Brenneman made a motion to instruct Keller Engineers to start, with Rispoli seconding, motion passed. 

Roadmaster Fay was absent from the meeting because of plowing snow during the snowstorm occurring during the meeting time.