East Greenville Borough Council voted Monday night to accept the resignation of one of its police officers. The members unanimously approved a letter submitted by Randy Morris, whose last day on the job will be Aug. 11.

"After 34 years in law enforcement, it's time to see what retirement feels like," wrote Morris in the July 5 letter, read aloud by Gerhart prior to the vote.

            Council also voted to move forward with a plan to hire his replacement during the public meeting. Mayor Keith Gerhart said he would direct Chief Andrew Skelton to begin the search for Morris' replacement. Council will advertise for one full-time officer and two part-time officers, then likely go with one option or the other, according to President Angie Fegely.

            Morris, hired by the municipality 12 months ago following 29 years of experience with the Bristol Borough Police Department, will also receive a 30-day severance pay. Council approved the officer's submission two weeks after rejecting a similar letter which Solicitor Michael Peters described as conditional.

            Morris requested the severance as part of his retirement, according to the mayor. Vice President James Raftery described the payment standard procedure in a situation like this. He said it releases the borough from any current or future legal claims by the officer. Based on the language of his contract, Morris could have asked for a larger severance, according to Fegely.

            Member Alison Palmer initially made a motion to immediately begin the process of hiring a full-time officer to succeed Morris. Vice President Jim Raftery seconded the motion, stating that a fully outfitted officer might not be ready to hit the street for two months. With the inclusion of the municipality's Civil Service Commission in the process, Marita Thomson estimated that the new hire would be completed in November.

            Fegely suggested that the members discuss the possibility of hiring a full or part-time officer based on the volume and timing of calls in the borough.

            Palmer rejected the idea of hiring a part-time officer. She said the borough would become "a revolving door" for young officers.

            Prior to the vote, Thomson said she was concerned about Skelton and Joshua Halteman, the borough's other two officers. She also stated that they might accrue significant overtime pay providing coverage in the interim.

            Gerhart also said he planned on speaking with Skelton to discuss potential scheduling adjustments that would allow the department's two remaining officers to cover additional time.

            Member Lon Brinckman II did not attend the public meeting. Brinckman participated in an executive session where the council discussed personnel issues, prior to the meeting, according to Gerhart. During the meeting, the mayor said Brinckman, who recently underwent surgery, went home to take his medication.

            "Lon is not allowed to drive after taking his medication," Gerhart said.