The October Lower Milford Board of Supervisors workshop meeting was held Oct. 1 to discuss trick or treat night and administrative decisions concerning personnel.

Trick or treat night will take place 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30. The township considered canceling the annual event, but many other municipalities still plan to hold the event, giving the supervisors some assurance.

The supervisors then moved to administrative decisions. At the last regular meeting, Supervisor Ellen Koplin proposed a new staffing plan, which would change the positions in the township. Previously this year, Koplin and Supervisor Chair Donna Wright voted to terminate Township Manager Zachary Cooperman without supplying a reason. Supervisor John Quigley said a wrongful termination lawsuit is currently ongoing. A couple of months ago, the public works director was terminated, also at the direction of Koplin.

Koplin’s new proposed staffing plan divides the responsibilities of the two current employees to three. Current Zoning Officer Emily Fucci would hold the position of township administrator/zoning officer. Current bookkeeper Stacy Smith would hold the position of township secretary/assistant treasurer. Former employee Wendy Stryker would come back to the office in her new role as township treasurer. The position of township manager would be removed.

The appointment of Stryker was made solely by Koplin. It was noted a job posting was never listed. All three new positions will receive large pay raises. Wright and Koplin explained these raises reflect what the positions should be paid. The plan claims to save the township money in personnel costs.

Quigley vehemently voted against this plan, stating he doesn’t think these new full-time positions are necessary at all. He said the work was done easily in the past, even noting that during Koplin’s time as township manager, she would sometimes come in at 3 p.m.

Quigley provided a handout to the residents in the audience. It was a written objection to the appointment of Emily Fucci as township administrator. Quigley believes Fucci should be fired and said he will report to a legal team his knowledge of zoning decisions made in bad faith and in an impartial manner. He urged to withdraw her from this position.

However, Fucci has the support of Wright, who said she, “disagreed with 99 percent of what John has presented about Emily.”

Quigley then brought up Smith and the position of township secretary/assistant treasurer. Quigley said Smith was not even able to open QuickBooks when he asked her to do so. He feels she is not qualified for the position and other candidates should be considered. He continued, saying he feels this plan is rearranging a position for Smith to keep a job with the township. He felt they could find a great person for the money being paid to someone who has established herself as someone struggling with her position.

Wright believes the extreme pressure put on Smith by Quigley has been strenuous. Smith then said she is dealing with a cardiac condition that has been worsening because of the ongoing personal attacks. She said before her appointment to bookkeeper, she had to have heart surgery and the ongoing personal attacks from Quigley are not helping her condition.

Quigley said he knew Smith had the heart condition before she started and she was on heart medication. He said Smith was the one threatening Cooperman’s family and has made false accusations of Quigley. He said the false charges of placing an illegal camera and spying came back untrue. He said the animosity toward Smith was because of these threats.

Wright said Smith was reprimanded, although, it was private.

Koplin said township code states a township needs a township secretary and a township treasurer, with some only having a secretary. When a township manager existed with the township, they acted as the secretary as well. With that, there was a part-time treasurer, with a supervisor acting as a treasurer for many years. The zoning officer position has been full and part-time.

A question was asked by an audience member about why there weren’t interviews for these new positions. Koplin responded it would be undermining to the two individuals working for the township now. Koplin defended her appointment of Stryker as treasurer, stating Stryker worked for the township for eight years, “and it would be foolish, and you can quote me on that,” if they didn’t bring Stryker back.

Wright and Koplin argued against interviewing any outside candidates with Koplin continuously stating this is in the best interest of the township. Quigley argued again Smith has no experience and Koplin’s argument about work experience works for Stryker and acts in the opposite of Smith. He said it shows the manipulation in pursuing the people she wants.

Koplin continued to say no to looking for another candidate.

Following the long discussion, a vote was called to pass the motion to create these new positions. Koplin and Wright voted yes, Quigley voted no. Thus, the motion was approved and the new positions were created and filled.

Next, a vote was called to appoint their candidates. Quigley objected to all the appointments. Each objection was recorded by Smith, who had to have it read to her several times, creating an awkward and tense moment for everyone in attendance. Quigley said he has nothing against Stryker but feels the position should go out to the public.

Again, Koplin and Wright voted yes; Quigley voted no. Koplin strongly objected to Quigley’s rationale, saying she would rather appoint their own candidates than post to outside candidates.

After this, the supervisors discussed the budget. This is where they approved the pay raises for the employees. Quigley wanted a full layout of the budget to discuss the salaries.

The proposal pays $48,000 to the township secretary, increasing Smith’s salary from $39,000 to $48,000 per year. Quigley called her a “certifiable mail opener,” objecting strenuously to the pay change.

The proposal pays $48,000 to the township treasurer. Quigley opposed, saying he researched hiring an outside service, costing much less to the township.

The zoning officer position will now be the township administrator/zoning planning officer, increasing Fucci’s salary from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

It was said a raise will not come in January, but the hourly wages will increase immediately. A vote was then taken. Wright and Koplin voted yes; Quigley voted no. After the approval of this action, Quigley gathered his belongings and walked out of the meeting.

Additionally, in small budget news, the budgets for the fire company and library will be the same as last year.

During public comments, Wright thanked everyone for the calmness during this meeting.

After her statement, a complaint was made by a resident. The complaint was that the agenda was not posted to the website, as it should be. Koplin and Smith apologized and said it will be done in the future.

Koplin closed the meeting with a statement, saying she wanted it quoted.

“I would like to apologize on the behalf of the board of supervisors … specifically the acts of Mr. Quigley, for the disparaging remarks he has made about two employees, Emily Fucci and Stacy Smith. It is all totally uncalled for and absolutely outrageous, and I certainly like seeing that quoted.”

Wright interjected during this statement saying Koplin shouldn’t speak on behalf of Quigley. Koplin essentially apologized to Smith and Fucci on behalf of Quigley while he was not there.

The next meeting of the Lower Milford Board of Supervisors will take place 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15. All meetings take place at the Lower Milford Township Building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road.