California settles suit with former chief
CALIFORNIA — California Borough Council Thursday approved a settlement with former police chief Rick Encapera stemming from his removal from that position two years ago.
“Officer Encapera has signed a release that he is willing to accept as final settlement $9,990,” said solicitor Keith Melenyzer. “It is up to council to decide if they are willing to settle for that amount.”
Councilman Ryan Encapera, who is related to the former police chief, abstained from voting on the matter.
The lawsuit stemmed from events at council’s 2010 reorganization meeting in which Encapera was not returned to his position as chief. Changes were made in several other borough positions at that same time.
Ryan Encapera, who abstained because the former chief is his cousin, said he was pleased with council’s decision.
“I’m glad we finally put an end to a poor decision that council made in the past. Slowly we’re going to make improvements and move ahead,” Ryan Encapera said.
Council also voted to terminate its agreement for code and zoning enforcement with HMT Associates effective Monday, March 12, while continuing the agreement for the company to continue to provide Uniform Construction Code enforcement.
Council voted to hire Shannon Kratzer as the borough’s full-time code enforcement and zoning officer at an initial rate of $40,000/year, going to $42,500 after a 180 day probationary period. In addition, John Petro was hired as a part-time code enforcement officer at a rate of $20/hour as needed.