Highland Township Recreation Association confronts Highland Township Supervisors
Highland Township Supervisors, Lloyd Hulings, and Carrie Dempsey, sent the Highland Township Recreation Association, Inc. (HTRA) a letter stating that the HTRA is not affiliated with the Township of Highland, but is rather its own non-profit entity.
Marsha Buhl (head of HTRA) received a letter from the Supervisors, dated February 27, 2023. Content within the letter requests the HTRA to remove all of its belongings from Township property within 60 days to avoid any liability.
"The Township hopes to continue its working relationship with HTRA. The
Township insurance policy requires that, if the HTRA holds future events on Township property, an agreement between the Township and HTRA is required along with a rider from HTRA'S own insurance company", the letter stated.
At Wednesday's Regular Board Meeting, members of the HTRA came with many questions. Stephanie Hayduk ( Board of Directors) did most of the questioning.
Hulings stated that recently it came to their attention that the HTRA is a 501(c) (3) and is its own entity.
"The reason it moved from being a Recreation Committee with the Township to an Association that is a 501(c)(3) was on the advice of the Supervisors in 2008 so that the Association could go out and fundraise. For 14 years it has worked smoothly," Hayduk explained and asked the Supervisors to explain the change to her.
Dempsy said there have been a lot of complaints from residents about transparency. Hayduk responded that the financial statements have been given to the Township.
Hulings asked why can't there be more transparency.
Hayduk said the word "transparency" coming from the Supervisors' table is a "little ironic".
Dempsy said they (Supervisors) have been transparent at meetings with the HTRA and how they are moving forward.
She added that they have talked to the Township's solicitor and have been advised by the solicitor on how to move forward regarding the HTRA.
Hayduk said she was trying to figure out the problem after having 14 years of "nothing but praise" for everything the HTRA does, what the volunteers do, and no pay for anyone.
Hayduk said Buhl raised HTRA funds and steered her comment to the Supervisor's personal issues being pointed at Buhl. Which, Dempsy responded that the comment "being personal" was everyone's go-to and added that it was not personal.
"When you point your finger at her (Buhl) and say, now you have learned your lesson, that is personal," Hayduk said. She explained that Robbie Fitzpatrick is Buhl's son and is working at the Sewage plant and Dempsey is angered because Buhl stuck up for him regarding a water issue. She said she thinks some decisions the Supervisors make are personal because Buhl rubbed them the wrong way.
Hayduk spoke highly of Buhl's hard work for the community and pointed out that Buhl goes out and does the work needed as a volunteer.
Hulings assured her that it was not personal.
Hayduk then asked why the Supervisors tried to replace Buhl on the HTRA Committee before realizing the HTRA was its own entity. Dempsy replied that people want to see new things and have had multiple complaints about things Buhl has been doing.
Hayduk asked what complaints have there been and stated that she has not heard of any.
"What does she do with the money? What does she do for the Township," were questions Dempsey claimed were asked.
Hayduk defended by saying Buhl has bought equipment for the playground, had events for kids and had a $16K pavilion built that the HTRA paid for. She added that she wished if the community wanted something that they would go to the HTRA and tell them what they want.
"That's the problem, they don't want to," Dempsey replied.
A citizen interrupted and thanked Buhl for everything she has done for the community and that transparency is more than obvious.
"Thank you so much, Marsha," he said.
Hayduk then asked why there were only two supervisors on the Board. Hulings replied that one Supervisor, Tom Orzetti, resigned and that he and Dempsey cannot agree to appoint one. Then, Hayduk said there was a candidate, Matt Vaughn, to appoint to the Board on the 14th of September. She said Dempsey made a motion but Hulings refused to second it.
Hayduk inquired about automatically appointing a candidate and Dempsey explained to them that, when appointing, it must go through a vote. And, if no person is voted in, it will then go on to the next election.
Moving on with the Township's Correspondence, Committee Reports, Old Business, and New Business, the Supervisors announced that the Highland Township Clean-up Day is scheduled for May 20 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Two dumpsters will be at the Township Building and one at the Highland Hotel.
The Township got a notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Liquid Fuels for a payment deposited on March 1 for $91,762.
They also received a notice from First Energy for the Warm Project and have applications available.
A notice was received from Cenclear for a new facility opened in Elk County for pregnant women and children under 5.
The Comcast for 2023 franchise fee payment is $2,678,
The Township received a permit application from Curtis Oil, Inc., Howe Township.
The Supervisors met with Elk Co. Conservation and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy about replacing a culvert pipe on a 3-mile pipe crossing on Sackett Road.
They also met with PENNDOT Rep. Darren Stover on Wednesday 1 and discussed options for fixing Pennsylvania Avenue and the dead-end section of Ohio Avenue.
Community volunteers of the Township will be doing a litter pick-up on Route 66 on April 22 beginning at 8 a.m. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Township Secretary, Carrie Dempsey.