The Union Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on June 16 to hire Michelle Kehoe as its new manager and secretary/treasurer, effective July 1.
Kehoe will replace former manager Carol Lewis. Lewis resigned May 30 to start working as manager at Lower Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County on June 9.
Supervisor Terry Kennedy and former township supervisor, Barbara Cole, conducted the vacancy search. Cole said there were 23 applicants for the manager position.
Kennedy and Cole narrowed the candidate search to seven that they interviewed, then to three that were interviewed by the full board, which selected Kehoe.
Board members signed Kehoe’s offer letter on June 16. Her starting salary will be $46,000 with standard benefits. Board Chairman Donald E. Basile said the board will conduct 90-day and 180-day reviews, at which time Kehoe could receive a salary increase depending upon her performance.
‘She was brought in at the low end, but if she does a good job, she would be recognized,’ said Basile.
Kehoe passed the professional, personal, and criminal checks, and is bound-able to serve as treasurer. Cole said she is confident Kehoe will also pass the background, credit, and credential checks.
‘She has passed everything else with flying colors,’ said Cole.
Kehoe resigned from the Boone Area Library, Birdsboro, in September 2013, after it was revealed that the library, which now serves more than 20,000 people, was required to have a director with a master’s degree.
Basile and Kennedy are considering ‘hiring’ Supervisor Nelson L. Ott, Jr. as part-time township roadmaster so that he may be eligible to receive worker’s compensation insurance benefits.
‘I’m putting my family and business in jeopardy everyday by going out there, and according to the solicitor, the only way around that is to make me a part-time employee,’ said Ott.
Ott is currently covered by his personal insurance. Kennedy said it was the first time he’d heard of the matter and would need time to consider it before voting.
‘The roadmaster exposes himself to a lot of dangers and should be protected,’ said Basile, agreeing to table the item.
The board unanimously approved awarding an Oil and Chip contract to Martin Paving, Lititz, for $255,225.
Board members said in April that $260,234 has been budgeted for double applications of oil and chip on French Creek, Geigertown, Kratz, and Firetower roads, and possibly Davidheiser Road.
Landis C. Deck & Sons Site Contractors, Bernville, was awarded the Hopewell Street overlay contract of $84,356.25.
The Park & Recreation Board will install signs at the township’s public parks, bathrooms, and the boat ramp that would prohibit ‘after-hours parking.’
Signs would also indicate that vehicles will be towed.
