What started out as an enthusiastic proposal to explore a shift to a manager-type township government with part-time’rather than full-time’elected officials seemed to wane considerably in just one month.
The slowdown, however, may be temporary.
Springfield Township board members voted 3-2 to table discussion when the two trustees spearheading the effort were unable to attend the monthly meeting due to work and family issues.
At the January board meeting, Trustee Denny Vallad proposed exploring a switch to a manager form of government, suggesting the township could shave expenditures by hiring a full-time manager to handle day-to-day operations, while a part-time supervisor, clerk and treasurer could address statutory office requirements and set township policy.
In an informational packet distributed to the board in anticipation of his absence from Thursday’s meeting, however, Vallad said research indicated little or no financial savings would be realized from a switch.
On the other hand, he noted, all reports seemed to indicate an improvement in efficiency would result from the proposed changes.
In a letter addressed to the board, Vallad said he had ‘no hidden agenda? in proposing changes to the township government, and said while he contemplated running for one of the three positions if a plan for part-time elected officials was established, circumstances in his personal matters would not allow him the time to do so.
Vallad does plan to seek reelection as a trustee in November.
Vallad apologized for his absence and left additional information on key issues, including reports from other communities undergoing similar transitions.
But Clerk Nancy Strole voted to postpone the discussion until both Vallad and Trustee Roger Lamont were present.
‘If we have any questions or need clarifications (on information presented by the absent trustees) they’re not here to answer them,? Strole said. ‘And they’re not here to listen to any information we may bring to the table, whether it be the trustees, supervisor, treasurer or the clerk.?
For the sake of efficiency and time, Strole said she thought it was important the discussion not take place twice, and that the trustees leading the effort have an opportunity to hear from the board directly.
Strole also said she hadn’t personally heard from either Vallad or Lamont, who indicated at the January board meeting they were planning to meet with the township supervisor, clerk and treasurer to determine exactly how statutory, as well as day-to-day responsibilities, are carried out.
‘I don’t know about anyone else,? said Strole, ‘but to date I have had zero contact from anyone, so I haven’t even had the opportunity to share the information and knowledge I have.?
Before another meeting takes place, Strole said she hoped Vallad and Lamont would make time to sit down with her, as well as Supervisor Collin Walls and Treasurer Jamie Dubre.
‘I would encourage the trustees who are leading this effort to initiate contact with the officials to learn as much as they can about what might be achievable and not achievable in making transitions for these positions,? she said.
Walls, who voted against tabling the discussion, said in a later interview he didn’t think ‘part-time? was actually the issue.
‘I think we’re missing the important aspect because we haven’t had a chance to discuss it,? Walls said. ‘It’s not about part-time. It’s about taking the next step in’broadening the opportunities for the residents of the community.?
The board, he continued, should not try to do anything other than prepare for the decision in the event those elected to office, and the electorate, decide they want to make changes to township operations.
Walls, who this week announced he will not seek reelection, also said it was his opinion emphasis should be on discussion of potential for a township manager, rather than concentrating on whether one two or all three elected positions should be part time.