Think Before Voting Someone off the Island

It’s easy to drive around Forks and notice big construction projects like the new , the , or businesses that will soon occupy newly renovated shopping center buildings on Sullivan Trail. 

It’s easy to take for granted that all zoning, codes, architectural plans and regulations for public safety have been enforced.  Well, really it’s not that easy …

In 2009 saw a need to improve quality control and hired a new Township Engineer, Scott Muller, P.E. of Gilmore & Associates in 2010. Supervisor Bob Egolf had been particularly critical of the former engineering firm’s performance for some time before Supervisors voted to retain Gilmore. 

At the , rookie Supervisor Dan Martyak was the sole vote against continuing to retain Gilmore with a $5 per hour fee increase for 2012 services. As a rookie Supervisor with less than a month on the job, one wonders if Mr. Martyak has even a clue when it comes to assessing competent engineering and its vital importance to the Township? 

Does he know that a portion of engineering fees is not paid by taxpayers, but by developers?

Our Engineer monitors all capital projects from the new amphitheater, to roads, intersections, retention ponds and swales.  His expertise is provided at 24 Supervisor meetings and 24 Planning Commission meetings annually, giving support and guidance on every commercial and residential development project seeking Township approval. 

Scott Muller’s rigorous oversight is needed at every pre-construction meeting with contractors, at bid meetings and workshops all year long.  He is called upon by the , Zoning and Public Works staff for professional assessments and advice.  Before Supervisors review and approve all development projects involving compliance with all regulations, they rely on expert professional engineering.

To save Forks $5 bucks an hour on Solicitor fees earlier, and now engineering fees, once again Mr. Martyak chose to vote Gilmore off the Island. 

But just minutes later, he voted to enrich the Forks Recreation Board by $50,000 without blinking an eye. Some residents justifiably wondered whether Mr. Martyak’s motivation for seeking Forks office was to promote the agenda of a powerful community interest group, youth sports. 

Incidentally, the $50,000 will go to cover thousands in costly league fees? 

Perhaps Supervisor Martyak needs to step back and sit with staff to find out what they actually do before he makes judgments about where crucial tax dollars are most needed.  This would be wise, especially before the coming Police Department contract negotiations with the cops who keep Forks safe. 

On January 19th Supervisors Chuss, Egolf, Billings and O’Neill voted to put the whole and retain an excellent engineer.   Thank you.