Harmony Commissioners have eliminated the position of sewer clerk/assistant secretary, and created a new position of administrative assistant.
Officials said the assistant position was done away with because the township no longer has a secretary, a role that was eliminated last year. Former secretary Lyla Swan is facing charges, accused of stealing more than $190,000 from the township over the course of eight years.
Commissioners hired Hedy Marinaccio of Ellwood City on Wednesday, Sept. 17 to fill the new administrative assistant position on a temporary-to-hire basis.
Some residents criticized the township for not advertising the job before approving the hire Wednesday night.
Resident Maryann Mahlen reminded the board that there is a criminal investigation in the township.
"As a result, there is a level of trust that has been lost between the people of this township and the council," Mahlen said.
Solicitor Bill Rodgers said the position wasn’t advertised due to the temporary basis and the emergency nature to fill the vacancy.
“Normally there would be a formal vetting process. That’s not to say the commissioners may not elect later to advertise the position,” Rodgers said.
Glenn Angus, commissioners’ chairman, said the position carries new qualifications and has an entirely new job description. He said problems in the township went on for many years prior to the current board.
Residents also asked for better communication on updates such as the recent change in garbage fee collections.
Manager Janet Miklos said officials are working with the various departments to put systems in place to be more open in how township business is communicated with residents.
Part of that includes creating a new township web site. Once the web site is launched, Commissioner Mike Marticek said information will be posted there.
In other business, commissioners:
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Commissioners hired Hedy Marinaccio of Ellwood City on Wednesday, Sept. 17 to fill the new administrative assistant position on a temporary-to-hire basis.
Some residents criticized the township for not advertising the job before approving the hire Wednesday night.
Resident Maryann Mahlen reminded the board that there is a criminal investigation in the township.
"As a result, there is a level of trust that has been lost between the people of this township and the council," Mahlen said.
Solicitor Bill Rodgers said the position wasn’t advertised due to the temporary basis and the emergency nature to fill the vacancy.
“Normally there would be a formal vetting process. That’s not to say the commissioners may not elect later to advertise the position,” Rodgers said.
Glenn Angus, commissioners’ chairman, said the position carries new qualifications and has an entirely new job description. He said problems in the township went on for many years prior to the current board.
Residents also asked for better communication on updates such as the recent change in garbage fee collections.
Manager Janet Miklos said officials are working with the various departments to put systems in place to be more open in how township business is communicated with residents.
Part of that includes creating a new township web site. Once the web site is launched, Commissioner Mike Marticek said information will be posted there.
In other business, commissioners:
- Hired Michael Thomas as a full-time laborer on an interim basis.
- Authorized a sign management plan that allows the Harmony Public Works Department to maintain regulatory and warning signs, such as the reflective stop signs and speed limit signs.
- Approved support to the Ambridge Area Veterans Service and Information Center with a $525 contribution.
- Set the township's burn days for Nov. 1 and Nov. 8.
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