By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

At their Sept. 1 meeting, South Whitehall Township commissioners voted to appoint Director of Operations Randy Cope to the position of interim township manager and authorize an increase in his base compensation.

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan said former manager, Renee Bickel, whose last day was Aug. 31, had “moved on,” and Cope agreed to take the interim position.

Commissioner Mike Wolk said he supported Cope for the role, but the township was in a “critical transition period” and it was important for the board and interim manager to have good communication.

Wolk suggested a proposal he had made several months ago to have Cope provide weekly written reports to the board about the conduct of township’s affairs, which he said would be a good way to keep all commissioners informed.

Morgan said she did not support the weekly report, saying the board should give Cope the opportunity to step into his new role and continue communication as he sees fit.

“Some commissioners receive a lot more entire communication about what’s going on in the township, and some commissioners do not,” Wolk responded, adding a written report or other form of communication would ensure the full board is equally informed.

Commissioner Ben Long said he did not share Wolk’s view, stating he could always contact the manager and request information.

Wolk also referred to a recent ordinance that said commissioners may ask questions of staff, but must contact the township manager for all matters.

“I would love for you to start with me, keep those lines of communications and respect the chain of command,” Cope replied, adding if he was unable to provide an answer, he had no problems getting staff involved.

Cope’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board, and he thanked commissioners and staff members.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence from the board,” Cope said. “I’m excited to get to work.

“I feel comfortable moving into this role and know I can get the job done.”

The board was asked when the process of finding a permanent manager would begin.

Morgan replied the board has agreed to start the search process but the timing has not been determined as it depends on when resumes will be sent.

She said the township will keep the public informed of the process and timing, and if it extends past the November elections the newly-elected officials will also be clued into the process.