The Union Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on July 21 to add Brecknock Township to the Intergovernmental Agreement it has with Robeson Township and the Borough of Birdsboro. Participation in the Cooperation Agreement allows the municipalities to share municipal equipment and to jointly bid and contract public works projects.
The Intergovernmental Agreement was enacted by the board in 2010 for municipal participation with the Borough of Birdsboro.
That agreement also includes funding and utilization of firefighting personnel and equipment, a sewer service agreement, and participation in the state Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative.
Union Township’s new township manager, Michelle Kehoe, was unanimously approved as treasurer/secretary/open records officer. Kehoe’s employment started on July 1 after the board hired and appointed her on June 16. She replaces Carol Lewis, who resigned on May 30 after accepting the manager position at Lower Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County.
Board Chairman Donald E. Basile and Supervisor Terry L. Kennedy agree that fellow Supervisor and Roadmaster Nelson L. Ott, Jr., should have workers compensation coverage, but they are unsure of the amount.
The topic was tabled while Kehoe determines from the township’s insurance carrier the minimum salaried salary acceptable for a part time employee.
Ott is seeking medical coverage for any injuries received while performing future work for Union Township.
‘Things happen, and I have a business, I have a family,’ said Ott, adding that he would not also seek disability coverage.
Board members were first prepared to hire Ott part time and for the minimum permitted five hours. A part-time employee, however, may not work more than 37.5 hours per week, which Ott could exceed during snow storms or other emergency situations.
Township Solicitor Frederick K. Hatt said the minimum, part-time salaried range provided by PSATS (Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors) was $2,000 to $15,000 a year.
After the township has determined the insurance company’s acceptable amount, Hatt said the township’s auditors, John Williams and Amy Leon Guerreros, will set the part time salary rate without additional benefits.
‘It’s not quite as simple as hiring for five hours,’ said Kennedy, adding, ‘I’m not against — just want to be sure everything is defined,’ said Kennedy.
The board would then set an employment start date and hire Ott part time.