After the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting, Penn Hills remains without a manager.
Mayor Pauline Calabrese announced she filed an emergency injunction to stop what she claims is an “unlawful appointment process” of an interim municipal manager.
The need for a full-time manager comes after a Dec. 15 council meeting where members approved a separation agreement for Scott Andrejchak. The motion passed in a 3-2 vote, with Calabrese voicing her displeasure about the decision.
Andrejchak was appointed manager in September 2018.
“He has moved Penn Hills into the realm of a professional municipality,” Calabrese said. “When I look at this agreement that’s about to come up for a vote, many red flags are raised for me. … It has come to my attention that there may have been political interference and ethical violations.”
Calabrese did not expand on what she meant by political interference or ethical violations when asked by TribLive. She announced during the meeting that she would be looking into the matter.
Andrejchak did not respond to multiple phone calls requesting comment.
Calabrese went on to say that Andrejchak was “the best thing that ever happened to Penn Hills.”
Despite her words, the separation agreement was approved with council members Joanne Fascio, Shawn Kerestus and Alan Waldron voting yes. Deputy Mayor Catherine Sapp and Calabrese voted against it.
“He has done a wonderful job in Penn Hills,” Sapp said during the Dec. 15 meeting.
Waldron denied political interference when asked about the vote.
“The mayor neglected to mention what those alleged political motivations were, so until she has an actual claim, her speech is simply performative,” Waldron said in an email to TribLive. “I have nothing to gain politically from this.”
A reason for the desired separation from Andrejchak was not stated by council members.
“Out of respect for Scott’s accomplishments, we as a council all agreed to keep the reasons behind this confidential,” Waldron said during the Dec. 15 meeting. “I fear that continuing to question this will compromise that.”
Kerestus also denied the mayor’s accusations.
“It’s complete rubbish,” he said.
He said the former manager willingly signed the separation agreement.
“It was mutual from my standpoint,” Kerestus told TribLive.
Fascio credited her yes vote to wanting to looking at more options and “pathways” for the future of Penn Hills. She acknowledged Andrejchak’s accomplishments with helping the municipality reach financial stability.
“It was my best judgment that a change was in order,” she said.
Calabrese maintains she is against the separation.
“There is absolutely nothing for the people of Penn Hills to gain by losing an outstanding manager and that is precisely why I think it is political interference, which can only benefit those in favor of it,” she said in a text.
Currently, police Chief Jason Bonace is serving as acting municipal manager. In the past, former police Chief Ronald Como served in the role.
In her emergency petition, Calabrese asked the appointment process be halted until she and council can agree on an interpretation of the Home Rule Charter. Calabrese said the Home Rule Charter states that the mayor appoints the manager, with the advice and consent of council.
Calabrese claimed Kerestus and Waldron are conducting interviews for the appointment in violation of the charter and the Sunshine Act. The injunction halts the process for 45 days or until Calabrese and council can come to an agreement.
“I hope all parties are willing to come together in good faith rather than wasting taxpayer dollars Downtown in a courtroom,” Kerestus said.
Kerestus said Andrejchak appointed Bonace to hold his position as acting manager while he traveled over the holidays, which is customary under the Home Rule Charter. Bonace would be able to hold the position for 30 days with that appointment.
However, per the separation agreement, Andrejchak’s last day was Jan. 2. Kerestus said he and the other council members thought Bonace’s appointment no longer held since Andrejchak was no longer the manager and had no power to appoint people.
Kerestus and Waldron began speaking with directors in the municipality since Penn Hills’ Home Rule Charter deems that any director within the municipal government is eligible to be named interim manager.
Kerestus said Calabrese, Sapp and each council member, including those sworn in on Jan. 5, were invited to sit in on the interviews and were kept in the loop throughout the process. He said council presented Calabrese with recommendations.
Reorganization
Newly elected Kimberly “Kim” Refosco and Ian T. Cartwright, both Democrats, were sworn in Jan. 5 for four-year council seats.
Refosco was appointed deputy mayor by Calabrese with council’s unanimous consent.
