May 15, 2008 By Patty Yauger Herald Standard 3 min read

BULLSKIN TWP. – The Connellsville Redevelopment Authority said farewell to its only executive director to date during its annual meeting at the Pleasant Valley Country Club Wednesday and made plans for the future with the election of officers. Ralph Wombacker, who was hired in 1978, just after the city had received a $1.5 million grant, was the “perfect fit” for the job that needed to be done, said authority solicitor Charles Watson and Widmer Engineering Inc. vice-president Dick Widmer, who were both members of the executive director search committee.

“The initial idea to hire someone was not based on connections or nepotism, but purely on ability,” he said. “Ralph didn’t know anyone here and no one knew Ralph; it was one of the best hiring decisions that I have ever been a part of and one of the purest political decisions that has been made, and the result speaks for itself.”

Widmer said that the committee had many good candidates, but Wombacker’s credentials and his likeability stood out.

“He was a natural for the position, but beyond that, you get a gut feeling about how a person would fit into your community and Ralph certainly has fit well with our community,” he said. “It was a good choice; he’s done a great job and we’ve had a lot of fun.”

Board member Chuck Madora, who has served on the board since 1994, said Wombacker has led the authority with integrity.

“Everything has been out in the open and above board,” he said.

Wombacker was presented a Pennsylvania-shaped plaque with a silver star indicating Connellsville’s location to mark his three decades with the authority.

The board has yet to name Wombacker’s replacement. Last month the board approved the advertisement for applications for the position and to date has received several resumes.

Turning to a related matter, the board approved the recommendation of its nominating committee and elected Dexston Reed as its board president; Todd Reagan, vice president and Victor Gasbarro as the secretary/treasurer for the upcoming year.

In other business, the board agreed to pay Widmer Engineering $730 for the property survey of a city-owned property at the intersection of 1st and 3rd streets.

According to Reed, the triangular-shaped property is likely to be the new location for two cabooses that are now sitting to the rear and side of Martin’s grocery store.

Reed said that inquiries are being made to various companies to move the cabooses, and when they have been relocated, the HoBo Train Club has offered to refurbish the train cars.

The authority also directed an appraisal be conducted of a 256 N. 6th St. abandoned property, located near Yough Park, that the city is interested in acquiring to enhance the recreational facility.

Watson said that letters have been sent to the property owner to determine if an agreement can be reached to buy the site, but a response has not been received to date.

Board members agreed that an appraisal would allow for fair negotiations in the matter.

In other action, the board conducted the following business:

– Authorized a $4,995 payment to L.F. Gilberti Architects Inc. for the Connellsville Armory feasibility study.

– Agreed to pay Widmer Engineering $3,840 for engineering work tied to the Stewart’s Crossing project.

– Authorized the purchase of accounting software at a cost of $199.

– Agreed that in the absence of an executive director to require any checks written to be signed by two officers.