Township manager resigns

UPPER POTTSGROVE >> The resignation of Township Manager Carol Lewis, after more than four years at the helm, was announced and unanimously accepted by the township commissioners Nov. 19.

Lewis has taken a new job as the manager of Valley Township in Chester County and her last day with Upper Pottsgrove will be Dec. 7.

Township Commissioner Elwood Taylor said over her fourplus years with the township, Lewis had saved between $600,000 and $700,000 by taking over finance responsibilities, health insurance savings and obtaining grants.

He was joined by the other commissioners in thanking her for all she has done for the township.

In her place, Police Chief Fran Wheatley was named as acting township manager.

Wheatly says he does have concerns about holding the job for too long given that the police contract names the township manager as the person to whom an officer must appeal if there is a disagreement with a decision by the police chief.

The board also appointed Zoning and Planning Administrator Michelle Reddick as “finance and administration lead,” as described on the agenda from the Nov. 19 meeting.

Asked what her job definition is, Commissioners’ Chairman Trace Slinkerd said it had not been defined yet.

Also undefined is any change in pay for either Wheatley or Reddick to compensate them for their additional duties.

Reddick did receive a bump in pay earlier this year, when she was appointed board secretary and made responsible for the meeting minutes.

Slinkerd said no procedure for replacing Lewis has been determined yet and Commissioner Martin Schreiber’s motion to advertise immediately for a new township manager died without a second.