Township approves three-year contract with police

Ross Township commissioners Monday approved a threeyear contract with its police union.

Commissioners also introduced an ordinance establishing an athletic advisory board, which may be the first in the area, and appointed several residents to township boards.

The police contract includes a 3% raise, and includes minor language changes requested by both sides “to make things run smoother,” said commission President Steve Korbel.

The union already ratified the deal. There are 41 officers in the union.

The contract was approved 80 with member Patrick Mullin absent.

An athletic advisory board would consist of nine people, including two representatives each from the West View/Ross and North Hills athletic associations and North Hills Soccer.

There will also be three atlarge positions and a liaison from the commissioners.

The board would make recommendations on maintaining the township’s fields, said Commissioner Joe Laslavic.

Mr. Laslavic said he believes that the board would be the first of its kind in the northern suburbs.

“We have to do something. We’re aware of that. And we think this is a good first step,” he said.

Commissioners reappointed Tara Howey to the zoning hearing board and Jennifer Deemer to the planning commission.

They also appointed seven residents to the newly established environmental advisory council: Kim Stelmach, Susan Hockenberry, Bradley August, Barry Rush, Caitlin Klotz, Kristen Schawalder and Ms. Deemer.

Terms will be staggered

from one to five years.

A motion to appoint Sandra Miller to the equal opportunity board failed 2-6 with Jeremy Shaffer and Jack Betkowski voting in the affirmative. Ms. Miller ran unsuccessfully for commissioner in November.