Supervisors Chair Mark Marino Says He Will Resign

Skippack Township Board of Supervisors chairman Mark Marino announced his resignation last night, citing his intention to plead guilty to charges stemming from a federal tax investigation. Marino said he felt his decision was in the best interests of Skippack Township.

After conducting township business as usual at Wednesday night’s meeting, Board of Supervisors Chairman, Mark Marino concluded the meeting by reading a personal statement of notice regarding his intent to resign as chairman prior to the January 2012 Organizational Meeting.

“I want to give you all an update concerning the federal tax case against me. My intention to plead guilty to false tax statements on tax returns is due to the fact some personal expenses were classified as business expenses. Although the case is strictly personal, I feel it’s in the best interest of Skippack Township, and me, to resign as supervisor. I will resign, but I will resign prior to the organizational meeting in January at some point. Under the advice of my council on that matter, I will not have further comment, now or in the future,” Marino said.

Other township business of note included an upcoming fence erected around the bocce court due to recent recurrent vandalism after hours. Skippack residents wishing to use the court are to contact the township to get temporary key fobs, or are able to purchase personal key fobs.

Township Manager Theodore Locker Jr. submitted reports that gained board approval for a mileage reimbursement increase from 51 cents to $0.555 per mile, as well as an increase in the Township Municipal Obligation for the pension plan to $34,276.00. 

Approval was granted to close Tranquility Street Sept. 24 for the annual block party, as well IronBridge Drive Oct. 1, for its annual block party. 

Locker also read a letter of request from the Skippack Township Historical Society to receive a township donation in the amount of $7,000 for additional funding of the repairs to the Allebach-Cholet Farmhouse. The request for funding was granted under the condition that the historical society first seek out a second bidder to see if the organization could reduce the project costs to under $7,000 before receiving the donation to proceed with repairs. 

Township supervisors also voted in favor of renewing the annual snow removal contract with Strouse Landscaping. The cost of snow removal ranges from $130 to $150 per hour, depending on the amount of snow needing to be removed and what kind of vehicle is required to complete the task.

Skippack Township Board of Supervisors also agreed to write a letter of support to the Pennsylvania National Guard and Reserve. 

The monthly agenda for all of Skippack Township Board of Supervisors meetings can be found on the township website by visiting www.SkippackTownship.org.