In Split Vote, Councilmen Introduce 'Questionable' Ordinance

Washington Township councilmen voted 3-2 Monday to introduce an ordinance that would require council approval for changes to the personnel manual, but there was question about whether such a law is permitted with the form of government.

Council President Fred Goetz said he wanted to pass the ordinance because he believed certain changes made to the manual could potentially be used against individual employees or departments and believed having council approval would provide a check and balance to the process.

Councilman Glenn Beckmeyer, who voted against the introduction, said he believed the ordinance went too far.

"I think we're crossing over what our duties are in this form of government between the administration and the council," he said.

When Goetz asked Township Attorney Kenneth Poller if the law would be impermissible, Poller said, "If you went down the duties of the mayor, it appears to be questionable."

Under the Faulkner form of government, which the township follows, the mayor is in charge of personnel, Poller said. He added that he was unable to locate any case law on the subject.

Councilman Joseph D'Urso, who favored the introduction, said he was frustrated with the lack of input the council has.

"We're trying to have a little bit of say in the matter here," he said.

Poller said the council could introduce and approve the ordinance. The mayor has veto power on ordinances, which the council could override.

Councilman Richard Hrbek, who voted against the introduction, said he was disheartened by the situation.

"We've digressed to a point where lines have been drawn," Hrbek said. "It's a shame we're at this point, where we're having to force communication, force simple issues like this."

He added that there is a lack of communication and respect between the council and administration.

When Mayor Janet Sobkowicz attempted to speak during the discussion on the ordinance, Goetz told her it was not permitted because the form of government calls for council debate and not mayoral input. He said if she continued talking he would ask her to leave and if she refused, she would be removed.

During and after the exchange, some residents expressed their displeasure. "This is embarrassing," said resident David Snyde from his seat. "I am disgusted."

Hrbek said members of both the council and administration need to work on their communication to avoid some of the contentious conduct.

"The tone at the meeting is one of the things I'm somewhat embarrassed by," Hrbek said. "I think we need to be above this and be rational. There's a certain conduct and way we need to be behave as elected officials."

Goetz, D'Urso and Council Vice President Steve Cascio voted to introduce the ordinance requiring council approval to the personnel manual while Beckmeyer and Hrbek voted against the introduction.

A public hearing on the ordinance has been scheduled during the Oct. 17 council meeting.