The first Tabernacle Township Committee meeting of 2016 was the site of two goodbyes to long-time township officials.
After serving the township for 20 years, Bob Perry retired in November. Perry filled the role of building inspector that will now be given to Thomas Boyd after the committee appointed him in January. Boyd was approved as the full-time construction code official. This position is a four-year appointment that commenced on Jan. 25.
“I’ve seen Mr. Boyd around a few times and I’ve found him to be pleasant, helpful and well conditioned for our township,” committeeman Richard Franzen said.
“I talked to a resident who had worked with Mr. Boyd and he confirmed he was a very qualified and knowledgeable gentleman and that we made a good choice,” Committeewoman Kim Brown said.
Mayor Stephen Lee highlighted how little time had lapsed before Boyd first got his feet wet in his new position. After only being on duty for a couple weeks, Tabernacle had two chimney fires within a week, and Boyd worked with the resident and the fire company to get them squared away for reconstruction. He also put together a review of chimney safety at the LAPC meeting in early January.
“My point is, I think Mr. Boyd is a good addition to the township. He has a lot of knowledge in a lot of different areas,” Lee said.
The position of tax collector is also now being advertised for, as Susan Costales has announced her retirement. Costales will continue to fill the roll until April when her retirement is made official, “much to our dismay,” as Lee said.
Township administrator Doug Cramer added Costales also performs the job as deputy treasurer, so he would like that to be added to the advertisement for the job opening.
The committee has decided to lump these two positions into one to help with budget restrictions.
“I may come back and ask for a part-time added administrative position if I can squeeze it in the budget, but right now the budget is very limited,” Cramer said.
Cramer also pointed out anyone who is certified as a qualified purchasing agent will be held in higher regard and will be at an advantage when it comes to interviewing for this position.
The benefit of having someone with a QPA lowers the cost of going out to bid and prevents the project from being delayed.
