Resident escorted by police from supervisors meeting
CUMBERLAND TWP. – Just as the township supervisors approved a new resolution defining new rules and regulations for public comment and conduct at meetings, they were forced to put that resolution into use Monday by asking that police escort a belligerent resident from the meeting. Lloyd Carter has been somewhat of a fixture at township meetings over the past two years after he and the township became involved in a legal battle over some livestock that were removed from his property. The issue went to Greene County Court and was resolved, the supervisors said, but Carter has continually returned to the township meetings for different issues.
Monday, Carter said he sent certified letters to the township and police department about an unknown query and said he was never issued a response. He also asked about the location of a wheelbarrow that he said was taken from his property when the livestock was removed.
Supervisor James M. Sokol said he was not commenting on the matter because, “that case is closed.”
Carter repeatedly asked for answers, and his voice got louder with each request. The supervisors directed police chief William F. Lewis Sr. to ask Carter to remain quiet or he would be forced to leave. At Carter’s next outburst, Lewis asked Carter to leave and began to escort him, but Carter said he would walk out on his own.
Before leaving, Carter threatened the supervisors with a federal lawsuit over the handling of the livestock and other items he said were taken from his property without township authority.
Not long after the incident with Carter, the supervisors adopted the new resolution, which changes the amount of public comment from five minutes each to three minutes a person but keeps much of the old policy in place.
In other business, Robert Korcheck of Nemacolin Inc. inquired about increased police presence after vandals have defaced and damaged many parts of the town, including the entrance sign that cost the non-profit group $3,300 to install. He said many people are offended by the words that have been spray painted on streets and buildings, and some elderly residents are becoming afraid to leave their homes.
“It is, indeed, a serious problem,” he said.
Korcheck also asked that the township provide assistance in the demolition of nine garages purchased by the group two years ago. He said he has received reports of children playing in some of the dilapidated garages and wanted to see what effort the township could make to help bring the structures down.
“We have children playing in them, and I would hate to think one of them would collapse when someone is in it,” he said. “We would be glad to pay for it, but we just have to get them out of there.”
The supervisors said they would speak with Korcheck about finding someone to demolish the garages as soon as possible.
Before adjourning, the supervisors also conducted the following business:
– Accepted an insurance proposal from the Baily Agency of Waynesburg for $71,089 for 2003-2004, which includes property coverage, general liability coverage, automobile coverage, and workers compensation.
– Entered into a heavy hauling agreement with Eastern American Energy.
– Announced that applications for the township’s housing rehabilitation program will be accepted July 17, 21, 24, and 28 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day.