Five weeks before East Greenville plans on withdrawing from the Upper Perk Police Commission, Borough Council decided Tuesday to move forward with the ordinance to create its own police department.

            The six-person body voted to re-advertise the ordinance that would terminate the municipality's participation in the Upper Perk Police District and establish the East Greenville Police Department. The elected officials cast a similar vote during a special public meeting on March 20.

            East Greenville's June 1 withdrawal date remains firm, according to council President Tracey Hunsinger. Mayor Ryan Sloyer has said previously that the municipality expects to hire a police chief by that date.

            However, if the department is not ready by that date, the municipality will rely predominantly on coverage from the state police, according to Hunsinger.

            Ryan Pugh and Jennifer Moran voted against the measure to advertise the ordinance.

            Earlier this month, council tabled a similar motion at the suggestion of Solicitor Stephen Kramer to consider concerns by a fellow council member that the process was moving too quickly. That council member – Michael Perlow Jr. – resigned April 3

            Before his resignation, Perlow twice asked the members to delay consideration of the ordinance while municipal officials get a better handle on the related expenses.

            The language of the ordinance approved by council Tuesday has not been changed since its initial consideration, according to the solicitor.

             After the meeting, Pugh expressed his principled opposition to the borough's decision to leave the commission.

            "I respect my colleagues," he said. "They have the right to move forward with this. I just disagree."

            Following the adjournment, Moran explained that an affirmative vote would have been hypocritical since the decision to dissolve the commission "is something I have been fighting against the entire time."

            Municipal officials have interviewed a local retired state police trooper who could help the borough create a new department, according to Sloyer.

            "We're looking at hiring a consultant to make sure everything is done right," the mayor said during the meeting.

            Council directed Kramer to communicate with Drew Skelton, the owner of True North Investigative Services in Perkiomenville, about finalizing a contract. Pugh cast the lone vote against the motion to negotiate a contract with Skelton.

            "Hopefully, (Skelton) can give us some guidance," Sloyer said.

            According to the mayor, Skelton would help take the borough though the creation of the department. He said Skelton, a private investigator, is aware of the department's proposed budget and the borough's call counts. 

            "I believe this consultant can help us provide the public with a professional police department," the mayor said after the meeting.

            Municipal officials sought proposals from three candidates, according to Sloyer. He said Skelton suggested a fee of $45 an hour. 

            Municipal officials expect to consider an agreement with Skelton at Monday's public meeting.