At a special meeting held on February 22, the Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors voted to accept the resignation of township manager Tracy Tackett, to continue to pay Tackett for 90 days as per her contract, but to consider her last day of service to be February 20.

            Supervisor Sean Frisco voted "no" on both matters.  The board agreed to retain an individual or company to locate an interim and/or permanent township manager.

            During the public comment period, resident Kevin Murray called Tackett an excellent manager, planner, and grant writer who has a great rapport with township staff, consultants, members of various township boards, and residents.

            "I've worked with her on the Park and Rec board with projects for many years. During those times she has shown nothing but professionalism and respectfulness."

            He questioned the board's professionalism and motivations in letting Tackett go immediately. He stated that retaining Tackett for 90 days would allow her time to train her replacement and expressed concerns about paying two salaries for 90 days.

            Resident Buck Daniel Reed was complimentary of Tackett but felt that the new administration was being undermined. "There is fraud taking place in this township and it's been happening for a long time, and we need to give this administration a chance.

            "It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat, an Independent or a Republican. We're all members of Upper Frederick Township and this old guard bully bulls--t needs to stop. It really does."

            Reed was immediately challenged by other residents to provide evidence of fraud. An argument ensued that was quickly halted by Landman.

            Planning Commission Chair Rick Buckman seconded Murray's comments. He questioned why Tackett was not allowed to remain as manager for 90 days to help with the transition to a new manager and expressed concerns about paying two salaries for 90 days.

            Dennis Hatch agreed that it would be beneficial to retain Tackett to assist in the knowledge transfer to the new manager.

            Jeff Zwada was also concerned about the pay and felt that Tackett should be retained for the full 90 days unless there was proof of wrongdoing. He stated, "I think we are giving up a lot of valuable knowledge that could be passed on to another person".

            Frisco asked, "Why did she resign?"

            Landman replied, "I am not allowed to discuss personnel matters, as you know."

            Frisco then read Tackett's resignation letter aloud, in which Tackett stated that she had submitted her 90-day notice. "It's clear that the priorities of the new board of supervisors do not align with the work I have done for the township to date," she wrote.

            Frisco then asked why Tackett was not being retained for the remainder of her 90 days to which board Vice-chair Lisa Fischer replied that being new to her role, both she and Landman had reached out to other townships and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) for guidance and it was recommended that when a township manager believes they are not in alignment with the board of supervisors, that they be let go immediately.

            Frisco asked which townships and individuals had provided this guidance. Fischer and Landman stated that that was not important. When Frisco pushed back stating "I think it is." Landman responded that Frisco should have done some homework and participated in the last executive session.

            Frisco stated that another option would have been to convince Tackett to stay on as township manager.

            Landman responded, "If she is not in alignment with the board, why would I do that? The problem is this, she's a hired official, we are elected officials."

            Resident Les Benzak, addressing Township Solicitor Ken Picardi, corrected Frisco stating that Tackett had not been terminated, she resigned. Benzak continued, "I think Tracy did a good job myself. She's not part of the team. She chose not to be on it. That's up to the board. Elections have consequences. This election wasn't won by one or two votes. It's by 10%. Sour grapes have to end. Let's do the business of the township."

            Fischer stated, "Tracy has been nothing but professional and helpful to me. I've spent hours with her gaining information.

            "But I still, related to her not feeling that she's aligned with the current board of supervisors, that does cause me a little bit of angst."