Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

A Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order by President Todd Gamler at 7:40 p.m. The President announced that the Commissioners had held an Executive Session meeting at 7:00 p.m. immediately prior to the Special Meeting to discuss a matter of police personnel.

Commissioners present at both the Executive Session and Special Public Meeting were Todd Gamler (President), William Spade (Vice President), Linwood Bartman and Rudy Rivera. Commissioner Daniel Ritter was absent. Also present was Township Solicitor, Jeffrey C. Karver, and Special Counsel John E. Muir, Esquire, of Kozloff Stoudt.

President Gamler opened the meeting and introduced Attorney John Muir. Attorney Muir noted that he had been retained by the Township as Special Counsel to investigate a matter involving several police officers within the Colebrookdale Township Police Department. He noted that he had interviewed all of the officers involved in the investigation, and following his investigation again met with the officers (and their respective attorneys, if applicable) and discussed his findings with the officers, and gave each of the officers the required Loudermill letter. Following his meetings with the Officers, he discussed his findings and recommendations with the Commissioners.

Based upon the findings and recommendations of Attorney Muir, the Solicitor asked if there was a motion to suspend Officer Harootunian without pay for a period of 24 hours at a date to be determined. Motion by Commissioner Spade, seconded by Commissioner Bartman to so move. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote, 4-0.

The Solicitor then asked if there was a motion to suspend Detective Guida without pay for a period of 40 hours at a date to be determined. Motion by Commissioner Bartman, seconded by Commissioner Spade to so move. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote, 4-0.

The Solicitor then asked if there was a motion to suspend Chief Viola without pay effective immediately with the intent to terminate. Motion by Commissioner Bartman, seconded by Commissioner Spade to so move. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote, 4-0.

The Solicitor then asked if there was a motion to appoint Sgt Amy Babb as Officer-in-Charge of the Colebrookdale Township Police Department effective immediately. Motion by Commissioner Rivera, seconded by Commissioner Bartman. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote, 4-0.

The meeting adjourned upon motion by Commissioner Spade, seconded by Commissioner Rivera. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote, 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Conrad for Solicitor Jeffrey Karver

Township Manager