Revamped West Deer board meets for 1st time

Arlind Karpuzi was sworn in this week as the first chairman of the revamped board of supervisors in West Deer.

Township voters in a 2018 referendum chose to reduce the board’s size from seven members to five. The change took effect this year.

Other members sworn in this week include Vice Chairwoman Shirley Hollibaugh, Beverly Jordan, Shawn Mauduit and newcomer Brandon Forbes.

“With the new makeup of the board, we’re confronted with new issues — and we’re starting off strong,” Karpuzi said.

One of the first orders of business will be to select a solicitor following the resignation of Sam Happel.

The supervisors directed Township Manager Daniel Mator to seek cost estimates from at least three firms and see if attorneys can come in for interviews as soon as possible.

Supervisors said they also want to bring in candidates for township boards and committees.

Five candidates for four vacancies on the parks and recreation committee were interviewed during this week’s meeting.

Sara Kreider, who was appointed to fill an expired term four months ago and is seeking a full term, has lived in the township for just more than two years.

“I’m happy to be here. As a parent of four, I love to see what the community has to offer,” Kreider said.

Traci Herrington, a mother of three, said she wants “to see kids’ programs on the weekend when neighbors and families could come to a market in the park.”

Taite Hopwood, a father of four who works from home, said he was approached about the board vacancies.

“I moved here about five years ago and love the community,” he said.

Nina Jonnett, an Oakmont native who graduated from Clarion University with a communications degree, said, “I would love to get involved in the community and reach out to people through social media; it’s so huge right now.”

Steven Vance operates an entertainment business that performs 700 events annually. “I would be able to offer my experience and energy to the board,” Vance said.

Supervisors will announce their selections Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Aside from the parks and recreation committee, Joseph Gizienski was appointed to a five-year term on the township’s zoning hearing board and the township has three applicants for an open position on the planning commission.