Supervisors fill board vacancy
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. — A long-time township resident will serve as a supervisor until the end of the year, according to Thursday action by the board.
Robert Leiberger will serve the remaining four months of former Supervisor Rick Adobato’s term.
Leiberger Sr. was named to replace Adobato, who had submitted his resignation last month.
While previous vacancies have been filled after letters of interest had been submitted and reviewed by remaining officials, township solicitor Ben Goodwin said that supervisors are not required to do so and are permitted through the Second Class Township Code to make a discretionary appointment.
Goodwin said that the township code does require the vacancy be filled within 30 days.
“It is my interpretation (of the township code) that the vacancy begins the day of the resignation,” said Goodwin.
Adobato resigned July 18 due to a change in his residency.
Supervisor Bob Carson said that Leiberger had previously expressed interest in an earlier vacancy.
“We wanted to appoint someone that we could work with for the next four months to keep things moving forward,” he said.
In other matters, supervisors reported that officials met again Thursday with state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) representatives, a local lawmaker and residents to discuss the East Blake and East Crawford avenues intersection to determine a solution that will slow traffic and increase sight distance for those who are entering East Crawford Avenue.
According to Carson and Supervisor Tom Cesario, PennDOT has erected a sign that shows the speed of the vehicle traveling eastbound on East Crawford Avenue.
Officials are additionally awaiting the results of a Local Technical Assistance Program study that will additionally document traffic volume along the roadway before determining any permanent action in the area.
“The meeting (Thursday) shed some light on things we weren’t aware of,” said Cesario, declining to elaborate on any proposed actions. “We are going to wait until we have had a chance to evaluate all the studies.
“We want to do what is in the best interest of our residents.”
In a related issue, township secretary Leah Brothers said that she is in the process of coordinating a meeting with Connellsville City representatives, Connellsville Area School District officials, police and police auxiliary members to discuss problems at the intersection of East Crawford Avenue and Breakneck Road.
The matter surfaced last month when a resident noted the heavy bus traffic during the morning and afternoon hours from September to June.
Brothers said that the entities have agreed to work together to resolve the matter.