Does the truth hurt? If the shoe fits, wear it!

Submitted by informedresident on May 10, 2008 - 8:19pm.

Jefferson Hills Council President, Chris King, Caught In His Own Web of Deception

Submitted by Starship_Trooper on May 1, 2008 - 11:04pm.
Tags:
Jefferson Hills
News Article from South Section of Post Gazette South - 5/1/08
Jefferson Hills' manager's ouster explained - By Margaret Smykla

Alleged political maneuvers in Jefferson Hills will cost taxpayers $25,000 and a game of musical chairs with borough managers.

After an April 23 special meeting of council in which members voted 5 to 1 to enter into an employment agreement with new borough Manager Douglas Arndt, council President Christopher King was asked how he learned that the manager, John Shepherd, planned to resign.
Mr. King said he and Solicitor Mike Adams paid Mr. Shepherd an office visit for no particular reason, at which time Mr. Shepherd informed them of his resignation plans.

Councilman Dominic Serapiglia, the dissenter in the vote, said it didn't happen that way. Mr. Serapiglia said Mr. King and Mr. Adams met with Mr. Shepherd on March 28 to inform him he no longer had the majority support of council, and that his employment was going to be terminated. Mr. Shepherd could either resign or be terminated and he was offered a settlement agreement if he resigned.
When told about that version of events, Mr. King's response was "no comment."

Give Councilmen, Domininic Serapiglia, a lot of credit for breaking the silence concerning the mysterious resignation of John Shepherd. We have all been speculating about the dirty politics involved, but council and Shepherd have been trying to keep an explanation from becoming public. Mr. Serapiglia, who stands alone in the midst of our corrupted council, has confirmed our fears. Shepherd is simply another victim of the King's wrath. Ironic, isn't it? Our sheepish council has slaughtered the Shepherd.

What bothers me the most is that Mike Adams was quoted as saying that this council's hands were tied and they had to pay Sheperd $25,000 due to a contract agreement arranged by the previous council. Adams specifically said the $25,000 was not a buyout. But now we know differently. Our new solictor that current council hired after firing our good and honest solictor, has blatantly lied to the general public. He tried to pin a $25,000 loss on the previous council, when it was clearly this council's responsibility.

I'm going crazy over hear. I can't believe that they are getting away with this crap. They are costing Jefferson Hills thousands and thousands of dollars of tax payers money with all of their head hunting and no one is doing anything about it. They should be put behind bars but instead they are still making all of our decisions. We have at least two to four more years of this. We need to find a way to make a stand.

You need to find a way....
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 2, 2008 - 11:47pm.
You could always "pull a Weber." Sue the borough, run for council and win, then get your own lawsuit settled in your favor by the other council members that are in your voting block $$$$$$$$$$ Sound like a plan??$$$

So the council prethident and the solicitor (at a $125/hour fee) just happened to wander in to Shepard's office (with the legal meter running) for "no particular reason." And Shepard just happened to "voluntarily" resign when they wandered in. And he "voluntarily" resigned without having another job to go to. And he has no job now. And they are giving him $25,000 plus benefits plus unemployment to "voluntarily" resign. And they did all this with taxpayer money inside a "confidentiality" agreement.

No comment !!!!!?????$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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Yo Starship and othe Bloggers!
Submitted by fishhead15025 on May 2, 2008 - 9:00am.
Show up next Wednesday and challenge this council with your complaints and concerns. Jam those chambers, get the press there and Speak up! Question Chris, Cmar, Adams, Tracy and Weber! Make them accountable! I will be there with others from the Community..What do you think?

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Meeting Time and Date
Submitted by footballmom on May 2, 2008 - 10:14am.
I think it's a great idea! I'm looking at the Mayor's newsletter right now and for anyone who wants to go, the Council Discussion Meeting is on Wed., May 7 at 7 pm. Then there is a "regular" meeting on the 12th at 7 pm.

Speaking of the Mayor, kudos to him for standing his ground and not signing that ordinance.

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Spread the word!...Accountability !
Submitted by fishhead15025 on May 2, 2008 - 12:54pm.
Lets make these folks accountable with their actions and misrepresentations! We should not give them any excuse to have us removed from the meeting. Just ask questions and try to get responses. Based upon the newsletter, Mr. King is inviting public parcipation. Rally the Troops! Where is Star Ship Trooper....

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Positive from a Negative
Submitted by JHResident on May 2, 2008 - 1:01pm.
All this negative commenting directed towards our current council may actually lead to something positive. People of this community are planning on attending council meetings. This is what needs to happen in order for residents to really keep informed and become involved. I suppose it is very easy to "bash" council members when you are forming your opinion on hearsay and you are biasedly informed. These comments are not only counter productive but damaging to the community as a whole. It is irresponsible to assume that what you hear is fact. It is lazy behavior that leads to false assumptions. So I say, good, lets take all this negativity and channel it into something positive. Go to council meetings, become involved. Form your own opinions on facts not on someone else's judgement. Let us not forget what building a strong community requires and who we are building it for. Our residents, especially the children, deserve a community that manages to find solutions without all the dissension.
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Very true JH Resident, however...
Submitted by fishhead15025 on May 2, 2008 - 3:12pm.
There is not to much positive press or discussions about the workings of the JH Council. It is sometime embarrassing to read what takes place in this boro. I have lived in other communities and involved with commissions and rarely saw counterproductive work to personally injure and insult peopl, who volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of the community.

Political posturing, backstabbing, yelling at people in the audience and at each other on Council has been and continues to be the same old song and dance with our local government. Sure, people are invited to speak and get involved, but what happens if you disagree with the majority side..nothing good! You become targeted as a threat.

I would guarantee that if persons appeared before Mr. King and guestioned the recent moves with the solicitor, manager and EDC nothing would be said or done to work things out. I am sure his parents would try to publicly embarrass the individual(s). My observations over the past 5 months with the handling of the solicitor and manager is...back door politics with no accountability to public inquiry. I pray things change fo the better.

peace
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Lazy Behavior?
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 2, 2008 - 4:20pm.
Then we are all being "biasedly" (is that a word?) informed via news coverage in the Daily News, South Hills Record, and Post Gazette. And our local reporters must be involved in a "vast right-wing conspiracy" that is out to takeover the "king"-dumb. And when a member of the audience hears another member of the audience called a "clown" by the hecklers and gavelled out by the President, they must be hearing voices and experiencing hallucinations.

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The Jefferson Hills-Bullies - Encore! Encore!
Submitted by tobywannabe on May 2, 2008 - 4:33pm.
Come & listen to our story bout a gal named Jan,
Cleanin house in Jefferson to fill it with her clan,
Lookin for some folks to fill the empty seats,
In retaliation for her husband's sound defeat .....

Now we got the likes a Jim, Kathleen, ‘n Lil’ Tracy,
‘Tendin’ to be lookin out fer lil’ ol’ you ‘n me,
But what dey really aim ta do is not really very nice,
Cus ther votin’ “yes” ta dem bad things without thinkin twice.

Now the nex thing ya know, Lil’ Chris has the Big Chair,
With Reynolds, Cmar, ‘n Weber, they say “Bye Bonnie & Dare.”
Said ta Adams never mind a cap on legal fees
We’ll jus' bring Arndt in ta hide ‘em in “other” categories.

George the Tailor has been absent, legal problems, ah ya see,
Used by Jimmy & the others to mail cards anonymously.
Poor ol’ gent has been discarded now that all have been sworn in.
Maybe ol’ boy Ron ‘ll pay the fines when finally they come in.

Jus’ when we thought that we were dun with Ol’ Mary,
Unsuccessful candy-date fer district JP,
She shows up in da audience with good ol’ Vinnie
Hopin’ fer a bonus from her “R” committee.

With Chris’s mom & daddy in the front row on the scene
With his gavel and a second vote from Godmamma Kathleen
If you dare ta mess with sonny boy, the woodshed you will see,
Lordy, Lordy, please bring back Doc, Brian & Denny!

Lil Chrissy & Mike go fer a ride one day,
JH Boro Buildin is along the way.
Claimin "NO PARTIC'LER REASON" for John Shepard to see.
"NO COMMENT! NO COMMENT!" hollers lil Chrissy.

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"Biasedly informed" "lazy behavior" by those dang reporters :)
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 12:18am.
News Article from Post Gazette South Edition on May 1, 2008:

"Jefferson Hills' manager's ouster explained
Thursday, May 01, 2008
By Margaret Smykla
Alleged political maneuvers in Jefferson Hills will cost taxpayers $25,000 and a game of musical chairs with borough managers. There are conflicting versions of how it all came to pass.

Mr. King said he and Solicitor Mike Adams paid Mr. Shepherd an office visit for no particular reason, at which time Mr. Shepherd informed them of his resignation plans.

Councilman Dominic Serapiglia, the dissenter in the vote, said it didn't happen that way.

Mr. Serapiglia said Mr. King and Mr. Adams met with Mr. Shepherd on March 28 to inform him he no longer had the majority support of council, and that his employment was going to be terminated. Mr. Shepherd could either resign or be terminated and he was offered a settlement agreement if he resigned.

When told about that version of events, Mr. King's response was "no comment."

Mr. Shepherd has signed a settlement agreement that contains a confidentiality clause.

According to the terms of the Oct. 10, 2007, employment contract with Mr. Shepherd, who was hired by the previous council, a termination -- the definition of which includes resigning following an offer from a majority of council -- makes him eligible for a severance package. That package includes a cash payment equal to four months of his $75,000 salary, or $25,000, four months of health benefits and not contesting his filing for unemployment benefits, which he is receiving. He has no new job at this point.

To simply terminate his employment without grounds at a public meeting would have revealed the political nature of the firing and put the onus on council for the settlement agreement, Mr. Serapiglia said.

"I still cannot get a performance reason," he said.

"He is a man who should not be without a manager's job because of his high level of performance. Any task he was given he did. Anything that was grant-related he wrote; he was just an outstanding municipal manager,"Mr. Serapiglia added.

Mr. Shepherd was formerly manager of North Huntingdon Township in Westmoreland County.

On April 14, council accepted Mr. Shepherd's resignation and voted to hire Mr. Arndt.

Mr. Arndt was the manager for Edgeworth for 10 years, followed by O'Hara Township for 15 years. He served as interim borough manager for Jefferson Hills from October, 2006, until Sept. 7, 2007.

Mr. King cited the leadership, organization, communication skills, and experience exhibited by Mr. Arndt during his interim period as the reason for his hiring.

His contractual severance package includes eight weeks of salary, plus one week for each year of service to a maximum of 16 weeks. But, unlike Mr. Shepherd's contract, there is no provision for receiving the package upon resignation following an offer from a majority of council.

"We're happy to have Doug back," said Mr. King. "He will provide leadership for a long time to come."

Margaret Smykla is a freelance writer.
First published on May 1, 2008 at 6:07 am"

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JH Resident
Submitted by Starship_Trooper on May 2, 2008 - 5:38pm.
Thank you for your blog. I understand your concerns about negativity and I agree that we need to build towards positive results. I disagree with you on not knowing the facts though. Trust me when I say I spend countless hours doing my homework and researching these subjects before I decide to write a blog. Usually the problem hasn't been that people are speaking without knowing the facts. The problem has been that no one was speaking and telling everyone the facts. This has become such the norm that council isn't even trying to cover up their actions. Its as if they think they can do anything they'd like, spin it anyway they want, and no one is going to do or say anything about it. When you consider that this council has only been seated for four full months, its amazing how much damage they have done, how many tax paying dollars they have spent, how many private meetings they have had, how many stories they have spinned and how many residents they have trampled on. How can we not speak up and let the rest of our community know about it? I have other concerns that I haven't even been able to get to.

Did you know the borough fined one of our residents $750 for his alarm system going off? Did you know that he was the only person to ever receive such a fine? Did you know that this resident was Alan Caponi who happened to beat councilman Janice Cmar's husband, Dennis Cmar for school board director? It was later decided there was no precedent for such a fine and reduced to a $25 per false alarm fine.

There's episode after episode of this type stuff. Councilman, James Weber's lawsuit against the borough, his involvement with the anonymous negative and deceiving political mailers that is now under criminal investigation, his contributions to councilman Jan Cmar's campaign who voted in favor of settling Weber's lawsuit. Council's refusal to disclose how much Weber's lawsuit cost the borough in terms of legal fees. Their lifting of the legal fees cap from $90,000 to no cap at all, but leaving only $90,000 budgeted for legal fees. In other words, they are going to need to pay Mike Adams a lot more than $90,000 but they don't want to come right out and say they are paying him thousands of dollars more AND they don't want to disclose a huge hike in the tax payer's budget. It goes on and on. We need to break the silence, if for no other reason than to let council know that we know what's going on, and we are going to do our best to inform the community. Maybe they will think twice about going after anybody who doesn't share their same agenda, and maybe they will do something POSITIVE to try and gain some POSITIVE press.

We need more Troopers! Let's go to these meetings and band together. Let our voices be heard! Let's turn all this negativity that council has created into something positive for Jefferson Hills AND our children!

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Response to JHResident
Submitted by Pen Fanatic on May 2, 2008 - 5:55pm.
You accuse bloggers of not knowing the facts but it seems like you are the one who hasn't been informed. Here's my response to your blog:

You said:

"These comments are not only counter productive but damaging to the community as a whole." It is the behavior of our elected officials that is counterproductive and damanging to the community, not a few comments of protest on a blog by a few informed citizens. Again, how afraid these people are of anyone who questions their behavior.

"It is lazy behavior that leads to false assumptions." Those of us who take the initiative to pay attention to what is going on at all of these regular and special meetings, and who read the newspapers, are now to be termed "lazy" and our conclusions are to be labelled "false assumptions" because we have the audacity to make conclusions based on what we see and what we hear from those we know and trust. If it looks like duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it is a duck.

If "the children...deserve a community that manages to find solutions," then maybe they should have agreed to bring Rich Beam back rather than kick Shawn Grebb out of the meeting when he made such a request. And maybe they would quit their purposeful foot-dragging with regard to TJ Youth Football's field construction request. Their purposeful inaction may cause this child-centered group to lose a $200,000 grant.

If they really want to find a solution, these Futile Five should resign before they do any further damage to the borough.

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Caponi fined-a JH "first" & $90,000 cap set for booted solicitor
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 12:20am.
McKeesport Daily News Article 12/28/07

JH residents charged for false alarms
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Jefferson Hills residents are being warned that they can be fined by the borough for false home security alarms, as one resident recently found out.
Council discussed enforcing an ordinance that establishes a $25 fine for each time police respond to a false alarm triggered by a home security system.
The topic was brought up at Thursday’s special meeting after resident Alan Caponi received a certified letter from the office of borough Public Service Coordinator Bill McVicker, dated Dec. 20, billing him $750 for false alarms since 2002.
“It references a letter supposedly received on April 3, 2002, by (former) police Chief Jack Maple,” Caponi said. “It said that I would be billed for every call reported from my residence from that date.” He said that, since that date, he had never received an invoice or any notification that charges were adding up.
Caponi said he has had many false alarms over the years, with family members and contractors accidentally setting it off. He said he talked to other residents who have had numerous false alarms, and none of them had received a bill from the borough.
“It’s not fair that he has to pay the fines and other people in the past haven’t had to pay the fines,” council Vice President Dr. Michael Kulish Jr. said.
Though neither police Chief Martin Reagan nor McVicker were in attendance, police secretary Carole King was at Thursday’s meeting. She said 15 to 16 of those letters have been sent out in recent years, and that she remembers the 2002 courtesy letter.
“The chief at that time said, ‘I am reluctant to bill a resident for false alarms,’” she said. “‘However, if this continues, we will have to bill you for false alarms.’ Every time a false alarms goes off, the police must respond.
“One day last week, the police on one shift had three false alarm calls from Mr. Caponi’s residence. At that point, they were fed up and went to Mr. McVicker, and Mr. McVicker decided it was time to start enforcing the false alarm ordinance.” Councilman Dominic Serapiglia questioned why no council members nor Mayor Michael Green were sent copies of the letter.
Council and Green agreed that Caponi’s and any similar letters sent to residents should be null and void until the borough works out a consistent system to enforce the ordinance.
Anyone receiving such a letter can call the borough office at 412-655-7735.
Council also told Caponi to be more careful with his alarm system.
“It obviously does cost us money to dispatch,” council President Brian Militzer said.
He said Jefferson Hills residents are not paying a fee for the alarm system response, as are homeowners in other communities.
Council and the mayor also issued a proclamation recognizing the Thomas Jefferson High School football team for its Class AAA state championship.
Coach Bill Cherpak and high school Principal Suzan Petersen accepted the plaque.
“The victory by the football team illustrates the achievement and dedication of the players, coaches, parents and school officials of West Jefferson Hills School District,” Militzer said. “The win allowed Thomas Jefferson to become the first team from the WPIAL to win a (Class AAA) championship with an undefeated season.” Militzer, whose son Josh is on the team, said he is impressed with Cherpak’s character.
In other news, Solicitor Bonnie Brimmeier’s fees are estimated to come in at $99,069.82 for the year, under her $100,000 salary cap. She said she would be able to work under the new solicitor salary cap of $90,000, which was set Nov. 20 at a preliminary budget meeting.

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JHResident - Give Us Your Email!
Submitted by Pen Fanatic on May 3, 2008 - 10:46am.
The Post Gazette South, The 51 Corridor, The Dailey News, and the South Hills Record have been in a writing frenzy with this new council in place, and I'm sure there are a number of informed bloggers like Crusader who would be happy to keep you posted with the latest updates. Now, you might argue that the papers are biased, slanted, or don't tell the whole story, and I would agree with you. They are biased because they are not trying to make any particular borough look bad, they are slanted because they have to be careful with what they say, and they don't tell the whole story because they rarely expose the political motivations behind council's decisions. But when you see a pattern of secret meetings, head hunting of involved residents, money being exchanged, shady deals being negotiated, caps being removed, projects being stalled, it doesn't take a reporter to conclude that something ain't right.

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Solicitor Replaced @ $40/hr increase - Sunshine Act questioned
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 1:31pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 1/8/08
Jefferson Hills reorganizes, hires new solicitor
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com

(“We never officially fired Bonnie Brimmeier. The motion never came up. We just appointed Mike Adams.” — Councilman Chris King)

Shortly after three new councilors were sworn into office, Jefferson Hills hired a solicitor who charges $40 more an hour than the former one.
Council appointed Michael Adams of Adams & Foley, LLC to be the new solicitor, by a vote of 4-2-1, at a rate of $125 an hour at the Monday reorganization meeting.
The charge is $125 per hour if Adams or Roger Foley perform work, and $100 per hour for work performed by an associate.
Councilmen Dominic Serapiglia and Jeff Weir voted against the hiring of Adams. They also were the only two to vote in favor of tabling the motion until more information is provided.
Voting in favor of hiring Adams were new council President Chris King, Councilwoman Jan Cmar, new Councilwoman Kathleen Reynolds and new Councilman Tracey Khalil. New Councilman James Weber abstained.
“I’ve known Mike Adams for over 20 years,” Reynolds said. “He’s a good person with a good family and a good Christian.”
“I’ve done research by talking with (Adams) and (former solicitor Bonnie Brimmeier) and talked to all members of council,” Khalil said. “I’ve reviewed an October meeting when she had a lack of communication to council.” “When we conducted the interview process (in December 2006), it was my opinion Mike Adams was the No. 1 candidate,” King said. “His professionalism and experience will serve the borough well. I’m concentrating on the year-end figure.” Brimmeier charged $85 an hour and was appointed in December 2006. She worked under a $100,000 salary cap and agreed to work on a $90,000 salary cap for 2008. Brimmeier’s charges came in at approximately $99,069.82 for 2007.
A $90,000 salary cap was set by council at the Nov. 20 budget meeting.
“We’re probably going to reopen the budget to discuss it,” King said. “I’m sure Mike Adams will be fair to this borough.” Adams also is solicitor for West Mifflin borough, which had legal fees of $204,937.18 in 2006 and $178,545.75 in 2007.
“We never officially fired Bonnie Brimmeier. The motion never came up,” King said. “We just appointed Mike Adams.” Brimmeier offered a different version of the story.
“Chris King called me and left me a message on my cell phone and my office phone,” Brimmeier said. “When I called him back, he said he regretted to tell me council didn’t need my services anymore. He said council was going to name a new solicitor, but wouldn’t tell me who it was. I told him I advised council Mr. Weber should not vote for a solicitor because of his current lawsuit with the borough, creating a state Ethics Commission violation. Mr. King said he had four people without Mr. Weber. It shows council has a Sunshine Act violation. The fact he called and confirmed he had four people to vote against me, they made a decision absent of a public meeting.” Weber is suing the borough over an easement regarding his Shady Timber Lane home.

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Rich Beam removed from Rec Board - Connect the ..........
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 3, 2008 - 9:47pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 1/17/08
Rec authority repays state grant funds
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Jefferson Hills Recreation Authority has paid back $5,000 to the state after a breach of grant agreement.
The authority sent the check last week because no one could find invoices proving what the $5,000 grant was used for.
On Nov. 27, Gayle A. Elder of the DCED Office of Chief Counsel said her office never received the correct invoices for the grant term, from July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2006.
Even though the recreation authority has returned the money, it still needs to find out what happened to the invoices.
Mayor Michael Green, a member of the authority board in 2005, said at a Dec. 12 council meeting that the $5,000 grant had been applied to the $7,000 cost of a pavilion at Tepe Park in 2005. He provided check numbers as proof, but said he could not produce the invoices.
Green said he found other documents in his attic and spoke to Gregg Nuss, who was recreation authority treasurer in 2005.
“All he had was check numbers,” current authority chairman Rich Beam said. “There was nothing to match up to that. The DCED called us and said they were denying the documents, and we had to pay the money back. That money is coming from future recreation authority programing. This also ruins our relationship with the DCED.” Beam said he has tried to contact to others who served on the rec board in 2005, but no one has called him back.
Doug Arndt, former interim borough manager, reportedly sent a letter to all of the 2005 rec board members, seeking information about the grant.
Arndt did not return calls from The Daily News by presstime.
Borough Secretary Saundra Mortle said office staff could not find a copy of the letter that was supposed to be sent out.
At Monday’s council meeting, 2005 rec board members Phil Schultie, Donna Moresea, Donna Schultz, John Hutchison and Nuss told council they haven’t received a letter from the borough.
Moresea and Schultz questioned why there was no follow-up call after the letter was mailed.
After a Daily News article about the grant was published in December, Schultie and Nuss reportedly spoke to Green.
Nuss said he told Green the grant was used for Tepe Park, but said he had not talked to Beam.
Green said he doesn’t remember discussing Tepe Park with Nuss, but that it could have happened.
Green said he tried to notify a few 2005 rec authority members.
“I wish we had all gotten more involved at the time,” he said. “I blame it on myself for not following through.” Councilman Tracey Khalil, who also served on the 2005 rec board, said he spoke to Beam informally, and told him he didn’t have any information other than what he presented at a February 2006 meeting, when Khalil questioned why a former authority member had not been reappointed.
When Khalil resigned from the authority in September 2006, he provided council with meeting minutes and budgetary items.
Khalil said the missing grant invoice was not an issue at that time, and that the invoice or proof of what the grant had been used for likely was among those documents. He said no one cared to look at the four years’ worth of minutes and budgetary information he provided.
Schultz said any current member could have spoken to authority member Bill Mattes. “If the chain-of-command would have done what they said they would, we could have come up with the information,” she said.
Nuss said he gave a copy of a Microsoft program and backup, as well as all checks and receipts, to current authority treasurer Jeffrey Dean in February 2006.
Dean said he didn’t look through the box and turned it over to auditor Seals & DeMillion P.C.
“When I did an audit, any receipt over $1,000 I had to have an invoice for,” Nuss said. “There were receipts for all work done at Tepe Park.” He said the invoices were in the information given to Dean in February 2006.
“All that paper work was given to (former borough Manager) Richard Clark to finalize the DCED paperwork,” Moresea said. “We gave the paperwork to a paid official who knew how to finalize a grant statement. This is a volunteer job that we’ve spent hours at.” When contacted, Clark said he handled a grant closeout for the borough for another grant from state Rep. David Levdansky’s office, but had not closed out any grant for the recreation authority.
“The authority got the money directly,” he said. “They had their own checking account. They would have had to sign it before sending it in.” Moresea said no one asked for her assistance. She said she might have been able to put the borough in contact with the contractor for a copy of the invoice.

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Cap on Legal Fees removed - EDC Businesss Promotion Plan Cut
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 3, 2008 - 10:10pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 1/25/08
Jefferson Hills makes adjustments in 2008 budget
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Reducing engineering fees, removing the cap on the solicitor fees and developing a new borough Web site were the highlights when Jefferson Hills council reopened the 2008 budget.
Council reduced the budgeted amount of engineering costs at a special Thursday meeting from $100,000 to $80,000.
Councilman Tracey Khalil asked why the budgeted cost was $80,000 last year and went up by $20,000.
“We actually put that $100,000 in for general engineering services based on projects that were proposed by the engineer,” borough Manager John Shepherd said.
“In engineering it’s all based on projects,” borough Engineer Ruthann Omer said. “Every project I do that council wants me to go out and perform gets approved by council. If you make it at $80,000 and a project comes along, you may have to look to other places for money to get the project done.” The remaining $20,000 will be dedicated to road projects.
Though councilors kept the allotted amount for legal fees at $90,000, they removed a $90,000 cap placed on the budget at the November meeting.
Councilman Dominic Serapiglia voted against removing the cap because he said he believed it worked in the past.
“The president of council and the borough engineer should be the only two that can contact the solicitor so we don’t have all these boards and council members contacting the solicitor and we don’t have to pay for all of it,” Councilwoman Jan Cmar said. “That’s the way it was when I started (as a council member) and that’s the way it should be. If you don’t do that, then the costs can go up.” “Too much undue pressure is put on the solicitor to control fees, whereas council directs the solicitor what to do,” council President Chris King said.
A cap of $100,000 originally was put on in December 2006 when former Solicitor Bonnie Brimmeier was hired.
She was replaced by Michael Adams as solicitor at the Jan. 7 meeting.
Brimmeier did come under the $100,000 cap in 2007. At the Jan. 14 meeting, council voted not to pay $5,108 because it was over the cap.
However, it did end up paying her the money at the Thursday meeting after it was pointed out by Serapiglia that some of the costs were incurred before Adams was appointed in 2008, and other amounts came out of the escrow and sewer account fund, which were not under the general fund cap.
Council also took $20,000 out of the $70,000 allotted to pay a marketing firm to promote the borough for businesses. Weir was the only one to vote against it.
“This is the only thing in the budget that has the potential of making us money,” he said. “Everything else will cost us.” The $20,000 will be used for Web site development and training office staff to update the site, with $3,000 earmarked for an intern possibly to help.
Council Vice President James Weber suggested the use of an intern because of what he termed the current unattractiveness of the borough’s Web site.
“The idea behind it is to do the comprehensive plan and get the zoning in order,” Weir said. “Now we know what we want and we have to be able to go out and get what we want with a marketing plan.” Weber said potential businesses could be turned off if they type in “Jefferson Hills, Pa.” on a search and see the borough Web site.
Mayor Michael Green said the money might not even be used this year, depending on how long the other steps take.
Council considered putting the $20,000 back in for the 2009 budget, but agreed there was no guarantee.

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Economic Development Commission - Ordinance Changed
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 3, 2008 - 10:22pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 1/29/08
Jefferson Hills considering economy panel restructure
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Jefferson Hills council is considering restructuring the borough’s Economic Development Commission.
The borough is in the process of changing an ordinance so that no public official, voting or non-voting, will have a position on the commission.
One public official, West Jefferson Hills School Board President Shauna D’Alessandro, who would be taken off if the change is approved, said she already was told she was removed. She informed council and her fellow commission members of the change by letter at the Economic Development Commission and special council meeting, both of which took place Thursday evening.
She said council Vice President James Weber left a message on her answering machine Jan. 15 informing her that she was no longer on the commission.
“It is very unfortunate that this newly reorganized borough council fails to demonstrate the foresight to comprehend the correlation between a strong school system and its impact on local economic development,” D’Alessandro said. “It’s is also very unfortunate that it appears the EDC is being used as a political tool, as we all had such meaningful intentions when we all agreed to serve on the commission.” She said the reason given by Weber for the change is that council wants to open up the commission to citizens and business people, though, she said, she is a certified public accountant who lives in the borough.
“From a council member to a school board member, I made a courtesy call because the motion was made,” Weber said. “No disrespect was meant.” “I don’t know anything about that,” Council President Chris King said of the call. “Mr. Weber was not directed by anyone on council to do that.” Council voted 6-0 at the Jan. 14 meeting to allow Solicitor Michael Adams to begin making changes to the ordinance, on which council will vote at a later date.
Councilman Dominic Serapiglia was not in attendance at the Jan. 14 meeting.
King said the vote was simply to allow the solicitor to begin making changes to the ordinance and no one was removed yet.
Mayor Michael Green said, when the original ordinance was developed for the Economic Development Commission, the mayor, a member of council and a planning commission member were supposed to be non-voting members. He said he doesn’t think this should be required any longer since two additional members will be appointed.
“I think the EDC is doing a great job and they should stand on their own feet,” Green said .
Councilman Jeff Weir, who is the council member on the board, said he agrees.
Weber added to Weir’s motion that no public officials should be on the commission, either.
Weber said he didn’t even know D’Alessandro was on the commission until someone brought it to his attention.
“I agree with council that no borough officials should be on the commission,” Green said. “I don’t know about school board members. I think it would be beneficial to have the school district involved. They do control a lion’s share of the taxes in the borough.” Pervaiz Alvi is the planning commissioner on the EDC, but did not return calls by presstime.
The EDC was instituted more than a year ago to study and develop ways to attract suitable businesses to the borough.

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VP-Councilman Weber's Lawsuit Settled by His Voting Block
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 12:24am.
McKeesport Daily News Article 2/12/08
Jefferson Hills resolves lawsuit with council vice president
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Jefferson Hills has resolved a lawsuit with one of its council members. Council on Monday approved a settlement with council Vice President James Weber, who had filed suit claiming he was not notified of a 50foot sewer and utility easement when he purchased his home on Shady Timber Lane in 2001.
The vote was 5-1-1, with Dominic Serapiglia dissenting and Weber abstaining.
“The recommendation of the borough’s insurance company was that we settle, and the borough engineer also has suggested we settle,” council President Chris King said.
“This was a simple land use easement line reviewed by the engineer, council and the insurance company,” Solicitor Michael Adams said.
“The recommendation was that the borough enter into a corrective deed. Without getting into all the details, I presume if the lawyer for the insurance company and borough engineer is recommending the borough enter into a corrective deed, there was a situation that needed to be corrected.” Serapiglia motioned to table the vote on the settlement, but did not get a second.
“If there was a problem with the deed, or if this deed was tampered with, then we need to get to the bottom of why that deed wasn’t correctly made,” Serapiglia said.
Weber was sworn onto council in January.
“Councilman Weber recused himself from this matter,” Adams said. “He took no part in the discussion or deliberation of this matter with council, nor was he provided any documents through the borough or my office.” Weber sued the borough regarding the size of an easement when he and his wife Kristen purchased Lot 202 on Aug. 16, 2001, during Phase II of the development of a single-family real estate subdivision known as the Woods of Jefferson.
Developer Beams Run Ltd. contracted with Triangle Engineering to create a legal description of the property.
According to court documents, the description did not mention a 50foot-wide sewer and utility easement, which Weber believes is affecting his property.
The lawsuit stipulates that Weber was aware of a 30-foot storm, sanitary and utility easement.
The suit alleges that the borough has ignored requests to address the easement and has caused the installation of new catch basins and construction despite his objections.
Also on Monday, council approved the adoption of an amended 2008 budget by a 6-1 vote, with Serapiglia dissenting because he believes a $90,000 cap on legal fees should not have been removed.
King said Adams, who was named solicitor last month, already has saved the borough almost $90,000 with his legal advice.
In other news, council gave the green light for the Jefferson Fire Rescue chief and three battalion chiefs to use two old police cars for borough-related emergencies and business, with the borough covering the yearly $932 insurance premium and gasoline.
Kathleen Reynolds was the only dissenter in a 6-1 vote. She said she never asked the borough to pay for anything as a volunteer for the Floreffe Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary.

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Republican Chair Bumps Macosko - Beam gets the Nasty Boot
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 1:34pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 2/13/08
Jefferson Hills fills its board vacancies
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Jefferson Hills’ boards and commissions received many new members during a slew of recent appointments.
Council selected numerous individuals to serve on its voluntary boards and commissions at Monday’s council meeting.
For the planning commission, Commissioner Dale Lostetter was reappointed for a four-year term and newcomer Bill Gleason was added for an unexpired term, ending Dec. 31, 2010, both by a unanimous vote.
David Montgomery was appointed by a 6-1 vote for a four-year term, with Councilman Dominic Serapiglia dissenting.
“I believe in the past that we didn’t put party leaders, Democratic or Republican party leaders, on the commissions,” he said.
When President Chris King asked if there was an ordinance against this, Serapiglia replied it was just a practice.
“I don’t have a problem with it,” King said. “It depends on what the consensus of council is.” Councilman Jeff Weir said Montgomery, who is the Jefferson Hills Republican Party leader, served on the borough’s cable rate review and franchise authority in the past.
Council also decided to send a letter of thanks after her last term expired to long-time planning commission member and past chairperson Judith Macosko for her years of service to the borough.
After Serapiglia’s nomination of former recreation authority Chairman Rich Beam went without a second, former recreation authority Treasurer Jeff Dean was reappointed by a 7-0 vote to the authority.
Dayna Warfield was chosen to be a recreation authority member.
Mayor Michael Green officially resigned from his term, ending at the end of this year, with the educational service agency. He was replaced, by a unanimous vote, by Jefferson Hills police Sgt. Rich Bonacci. Green said he resigned due to council’s vote last month to create a resolution that does not allow any public officials on the borough boards and commissions.
Donna Schultz was appointed to the educational service agency until Dec. 31, 2010.
Zoning board alternate Carl Fisher was moved up to a fiveyear term on the board, while Crystal Alfonsi was voted in as an alternate for three years, both by unanimous votes.
Both Monica Stoicovy and Maria Fox were selected by 7-0 votes for the board of library directors for a term ending Dec. 31, 2010.
Scott Albrecht was also put on the library board by a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Kathleen Reynolds voting against the appointment. He is taking an unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, 2009.
Reynolds said she doesn’t believe he is the right fit for the board.
Steve Callahan unanimously was named to the environmental quality board for a three-year term.
David Crawford was appointed by a 7-0 vote as a representative for the South Hills Area Council of Governments franchising authority board and the SHACOG joint rate review board.
Borough Manager John Shepherd said council can continue to look for an alternate for these SHACOG positions.

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DAlesandro Next to Get the Nasty Boot from JH Council
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 1:45pm.
From McKeesport Daily News 3/11/08
JH council restructures economic commission
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Jefferson Hills council has restructured its economic development commission and plans to create liaisons with its boards and commissions.
Councilors unanimously approved three new economic development commissioners, and removed all public officials from the panel at Monday’s council meeting.
Dave Buckiso, Randall Mason and Gregg Daily were added to the commission.
Jefferson Hills Mayor Michael Green and Councilman Jeff Weir, both non-voting members, were removed from the commission, at their suggestion, as was West Jefferson Hills school board President Shauna D’Alessandro.
D’Alessandro said she learned of her dismissal from the commission in a phone conversation with council Vice President James Weber. Weber said he called her as a courtesy to explain that the motion included removal of all elected officials.
Councilman Dominic Serapiglia said he is concerned that removing elected officials will affect the board’s accountability.
“I am in favor of expansion of the board for more members,” he said.
“I’ve been working on this to make sure we get more citizen participation,” Councilwoman Jan Cmar said. “I want to let the other voices be heard, not just elected officials.” Council discussed making a single motion that would remove elected officials from all borough boards.
Associate Solicitor Bill Shimko said ordinances for each board and committees would have to be amended, and could be costly.
Weber said Green and Weir suggested only a change in the Economic Development Commission.
“The idea of the mayor and a council member on there was to make sure there was a liaison in the EDC, and was in no way to keep anyone off,” Weir said.
Council President Chris King said soon all borough boards and commissions will appoint liaisons with council.

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Criminal Investigation into Anonymous Political Mail
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 3, 2008 - 11:13pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 3/22/08
AC police probe JH election activities
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
A criminal investigation has been launched into alleged fraudulent election practices by a nonprofit group in Jefferson Hills.
Allegheny County Elections Division Manager Mark Wolosik this week turned over complaints about political activity in connection with the November 2007 election involving Jefferson Hills Committee for Honest Government to Allegheny County police.
The activity in question allegedly favored current Council Vice President James Weber, Councilwoman Kathleen Reynolds and Councilman Tracey Khalil.
Wolosik said in a letter to county police Superintendent Charles Moffat that he reviewed a complaint filed by Jefferson Hills resident Alberta Sherman with Assistant Allegheny County Solicitor Allan Opsitnick before making his recommendations.
In her complaint, Sherman stated, “whenever any expenditure is made expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate, it shall clearly and conspicuously state the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the communication, including, in the case of a political committee, the name of any affiliated or connected organization.” She said around Oct. 31, Weber and the committee sent a direct mailing, “Six Great Reasons to Vote Them Out,” referring to former councilmen Brian Militzer, Dr. Michael Kulish Jr. and Dennis Oskin. The mailing accused the incumbents of raising taxes, allowing the roads and municipal building to fall apart, doing nothing to attract business development, hiking sewer rates and producing too little.
After criticizing the incumbents, the mailing concluded, “You have three well qualified candidates to replace them” and listed Weber, Reynolds and Khalil.
Sherman’s complaint said the mailing directly supports the election of Weber, Reynolds and Khalil and the defeat of Militzer, Kulish and Oskin. It included an invoice from Businessclickers.com , which showed payment by Weber. A copy of Weber’s statement of expenditures, also attached, showed an item of “postcard printing” in the amount of $39.59, which Sherman maintained was the cost of mailing the postcards.
In response to the complaint, Jefferson Hills Committee for Honest Government attorney Ron Conway said the organization did send mailings to borough residents. He denied Weber sent the direct mailing postcard in question and said the committee paid for it.
Conway claimed that the mailing advocated the defeat of Militzer, Kulish and Oskin, but not the election of Weber, Reynolds and Khalil.
The complaint alleges the mailing was paid for by the committee because a serial number can be traced back to the group and its president George Taylor by the Allegheny County Elections Department computer. It also said the postcard was mailed through a bulk permit registered to Taylor, which could be confirmed from its mailing origin, the Clairton Post Office.
Sherman said the direct mailing does not state who mailed it or funded it, so it violates an election statute.
“It is denied the mailing was ‘anonymous’ but to the contrary clearly contained the bulk mailing permit and number of the Jefferson Hills Committee for Honest Government,” Conway said.
He also said the bulk mailing label was not owned by Taylor, any other person or political committee, but the Jefferson Hills Committee for Honest Government, which is a duly registered Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation.
Conway also attached an invoice indicating the committee paid $63.13 for postcards and the campaign finance report.
Sherman replied that the response fails to address the $39.59 expenditure by Weber. Wolosik concluded that an elections statute was violated because there was not a clear statement of who sent out the bulk mailing.
“The printing of only a United States Postal Service permit number and post office location does not satisfy this requirement,” he said.
Wolosik also found the expenditures could violate a statute stating it is unlawful for a corporation to make a contribution or expenditure in connection with any candidate’s election if the corporation is not formed for political purposes or a political committee. He said the articles of incorporation for Jefferson Hills Committee for Honest Government state its purpose is “to investigate, research and publish the inner workings of Jefferson Hills on behalf of its citizens, as well as any honest, legal activity allowed under law.” Wolosik said there is no mention of advocating election of candidates, yet Conway said, “It is admitted that the mailing advocated the defeat of the incumbents.” Sherman also claimed the committee failed to obtain the proper authorization forms for the endorsement of Weber, Reynolds and Khalil.
Wolosik said the allegation had no merit because there isn’t a requirement in the election code for the written authorization of a candidate. He said the committee acted like a political action committee, not like a candidates’ authorized committee.
Anyone found guilty of violating an election statute could face misdemeanor charges and, upon conviction, be fined or sentenced to jail, Wolosik indicated.
Taylor, Khalil, Militzer and Sherman all said they had no comment on the case.
Conway, Weber, Reynolds, Kulish and Oskin could not be reached by presstime.

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More "Biasedly Informed" articles by those dastardly reporters
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 3, 2008 - 11:26pm.
McKeesport Daily News Article 3/27/08
Jefferson Hills EDC members resign over exclusion ruling
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
Economic development might be a little more difficult in Jefferson Hills after the resignation of four commission members.
In a March 18 letter to borough Manager John Shepherd, Michele Rash, Karen May, Shauna D’Alessandro and William Kunkel resigned from the Economic Development Commission.
Only Cindy Caulkett, a voting member, and planning Commissioner Pervaiz Alvi, a non-voting member, remain from the original panel.
Dave Buckiso, Randall Mason and Gregg Daily were added on March 10.
D’Alessandro, who is the president of the West Jefferson Hills School Board, effectively was removed by council’s March 10 action mandating that no elected official can serve on the commission. Her term of service was to end in June.
“I am humbled by the support of my fellow commis sion members and grateful for their belief in me both professionally as a CPA and as an elected representative of the West Jefferson Hills School District,” she said.
In addition to D’Alessandro, non-voting members Mayor Michael Green and Councilman Jeff Weir asked to be removed and let the commission run on its own.
The resignation letter states the ordinance that established the EDC, written and approved by council less than two years ago, never had a provision to exclude elected officials. It said the inclusion of a school board member was viewed as a benefit to development by commission members and those who appointed them.
“Council’s action to remove elected officials has been an arbitrary decision made on no other commission or committee except for the Economic Development Commission,” the letter said. “All of us collectively had meaningful intentions when we agreed to serve on this commission, and we approached our service with a spirit of collaboration and professionalism. For this reason, we are dismayed that it appears the Economic Development Commission is being used for some other reason, rather than the purpose for which it was originally formed.” The letter closed by wishing current and new members luck under council’s new rules and agreed to cooperate with providing information and minutes.
Council began discussing elimination of elected officials on the EDC at its January meeting when Green and Weir suggested they and Alvi be removed from the commission.
Council Vice President James Weber amended Weir’s motion for Solicitor Michael Adams to change the ordinance to include all elected officials.
Weber then called D’Alessandro on Jan.15 and left a message for her about the decision.
D’Alessandro said she found out through the message that she was about to be removed because council wanted to open up the commission to residents and business people, though she is both.
Weber said he left her the message because he felt bad he amended the motion to include elected officials and didn’t know she was on the commission.
He said he didn’t say she was removed.
Weber didn’t return phone calls by presstime about the resignations.
When the unanimous vote was made on March 10, Alvi was left on because he is not an elected official.
Councilwoman Jan Cmar said she believes room should be made on the EDC for residents to be heard, not just elected officials.
The EDC was formed to attract suitable businesses to the borough. It is scheduled to meet tonight.

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Shepherd Gets the Nasty Boot
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 12:48am.
McKeesport Daily News Article 4/15/08
Arndt back in JH after Shepherd resigns post
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
The majority of Jefferson Hills council wants Doug Arndt back as borough manager after John Shepherd resigned the position.
Council accepted Shepherd’s voluntary resignation Monday night by a 5-2 vote, then voted to rehire Arndt by a 6-1 vote.
Arndt, who was not present at the meeting, has not said if he will accept the position.
Councilmen Dominic Serapiglia and Jeff Weir dissented in accepting Shepherd’s resignation.
“I’m very disappointed with Mr. Shepherd’s departure,” Weir said.
“I believe we had an extremely capable manager,” Serapiglia said.
Weir and Serapiglia also voted against a severance payment of $25,000 pursuant to an Oct. 10, 2007, employment agreement.
“He is getting the severance of $25,000 that was contractually granted to him by last year’s council,” Solicitor Michael Adams said. “This council’s hands were tied. There’s no deferred payment. He’s getting the money he was entitled to by last year’s council.” Adams said there was no other money given to Shepherd as a buyout.
“His service was amicable,” he said. “We wish him well.” Serapiglia was the only one to vote against hiring Arndt Monday. His motion to table the issue in order to interview managers also failed without a second.
Council President Chris King, Vice President James Weber, Councilwoman Jan Cmar , Councilwoman Kathleen Reynolds, Councilman Tracey Khalil and Weir approved Arndt’s hiring.
Weir said though he still is upset about Shepherd, he believes the borough needs a manager immediately.
Arndt was manager in O’Hara Township for 15 years and Edgeworth for 10 years. He is a graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and took public management courses at Penn State Harrisburg.
Arndt was hired as interim borough manager in October 2006 to fill the spot of longtime manager Richard Clark, who retired in May of that year.
A committee made up of Serapiglia, Cmar and King recommended Arndt’s hiring to council.
When it came time to renew Arndt’s contract in August 2007, council instead hired former Dormont borough manager George Zboyovsky, who declined the position several days later.
Former council members Dr. Michael Kulish Jr. and Dennis Oskin, along with Weir, were on the committee that recommended hiring Zboyovsky.
Cmar and King voted against hiring Zboyovsky. Weir said while he preferred Arndt, he wanted to create a cohesive council for Zboyovsky.
Shepherd then was hired Sept. 12 by a 4-3 vote with Cmar, King and Weir dissenting. They said they wanted Arndt as borough manager and didn’t have enough information on Shepherd.
Former council member Brian Militzer, in addition to Serapiglia, Kulish and Oskin, were in favor of hiring Shepherd.
Militzer said Shepherd pulled his resume out of the running before Zboyovsky was hired and then resubmitted it after Zboyovsky declined the offer.
Shepherd’s name came up recently in North Huntingdon Township, where he worked for eight years as township manager.
Shepherd was rumored to be a replacement when former township manager Kelly Wolfe resigned, but Solicitor Bruce Dice said Shepherd sent him an e-mail saying he had no interest in the position.
In other news from Monday’s Jefferson Hills council meeting, Weir and Serapiglia also voted against paying the bills and Serapiglia additionally voted against payroll.
Serapiglia said he could not comment on his vote.

http://www.yoursouthhills.com/blog-entry/jefferson-hills-business-manage...

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Guess Enough is Enough for the Mayor - It's Veto Time!
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 4, 2008 - 12:42am.
McKeesport Daily News Article 4/24/08
Mayor vetoes JH ordinance for determining EDC seats
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer
slee@dailynewsemail.com
While most borough officials agree economic development is needed in Jefferson Hills, who serves on the commission to attract it is an issue.
Jefferson Hills Mayor Michael Green vetoed an ordinance on April 14 that removes any elected official from the Economic Development Commission.
“It’s something I needed to do,” he said. “I tried not to make a big deal about this. Council will probably have enough votes to override it. I refused to sign the ordinance and put them on notice that I was going to veto it.” Generally two-thirds of council or five out of seven members can override a mayor’s veto.
Council unanimously approved the ordinance change on March 10, which removes West Jefferson Hills school board President Shauna D’Alessandro from the commission at the end of her term in June. Green was absent from that meeting.
On March 10, council also added three additional members in residents Dave Buckiso, Randall Mason and Gregg Daily.
Former members Michele Rash, Karen May, William Kunkel and Shauna D’Alessandro resigned in a March 18 letter in protest of the new ordinance that council reasoned would make room for other residents.
When voting for the ordinance, Councilwoman Jan Cmar said she thought the change was a good idea to encourage more citizen participation and make other voices heard.
In the letter signed by Rash, May, Kunkel and D’Alessandro,the members stated they believe having a school director on the EDC was beneficial and the commission was the only borough board/commission to which this rule was applied. They also said there was no rule about elected officials when the commission was first formed less than two years ago.
Council appointed Michele Lindberg, Sue Mackulin and Dave Seropian on April 14 to replace Rash, May and Kunkel.
Council began discussing changes on the EDC in January. Councilman Jeff Weir and Green wanted to remove themselves from the commission.
“I was involved initially with the start of the commission,” Green said. “Jeff Weir and myself felt we’d step aside to expand the commission with two new members. Council felt there should be no elected officials on the commission.” He said with the influence the school district has on the community, there should be a school director on the EDC.
“When people move into the borough, they look at the school district,” Green said. “I’m very proud of the school district. It needs to be involved because commercial development increases the tax base. Any school director would be fine. It’s an added tool for economic development.” He said he could see if council didn’t want borough or state representatives on the EDC, but he said a school director would have no conflict with borough affairs.
Council President Chris King also appointed council members to serve as liaisons on the borough boards/commissions on April 14.
Weir was the liaison for the EDC and Councilman Tracey Khalil will work with the Planning Commission. Councilwoman Kathleen Reynolds will be with the Recreation Authority and Cmar will work with the Library Board of Directors. Councilman Dominic Serapiglia will be a liaison to the Environmental Quality Board.
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Jefferson Hills Council President, Chris King, Caught In His Own Web of Deception

Alleged political maneuvers in Jefferson Hills will cost taxpayers $25,000 and a game of musical chairs with borough managers.

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You need to find a way....
Submitted by crusader12345 on May 2, 2008 - 11:47pm.
You could always "pull a Weber." Sue the borough, run for council and win, then get your own lawsuit settled in your favor by the other council members that are in your voting block $$$$$$$$$$ Sound like a plan??$$$

No comment !!!!!?????$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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Speaking of the Mayor, kudos to him for standing his ground and not signing that ordinance.
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Very true JH Resident, however...
Submitted by fishhead15025 on May 2, 2008 - 3:12pm.
There is not to much positive press or discussions about the workings of the JH Council. It is sometime embarrassing to read what takes place in this boro. I have lived in other communities and involved with commissions and rarely saw counterproductive work to personally injure and insult peopl, who volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of the community.

peace