Bethel Park begins search for new municipal manager
Bethel Park needs a new municipal manager after Shawn Arbaugh, who has held the position for nearly two years, resigned to become township manager of his hometown in Clearfield County.
Council accepted Arbaugh’s resignation at its regular meeting Feb. 11. Until council hires a permanent replacement, police Chief Timothy O’Connor will serve as interim municipal manager. Arbaugh’s last day in Bethel Park was Feb. 8.
Council President Tim Moury praised Arbaugh’s efforts during what could be described as a fairly turbulent year, considering the June 20 flood and its aftermath.
“I wish Shawn well,” Moury said. “We certainly do appreciate all his efforts.”
Arbaugh returned to DuBois, where he grew up, to become manager of Sandy Township. Bethel Park first hired him in 2016 as director of community services and then promoted him to municipal manager in June 2017 after the retirement of longtime manager William Spagnol.
Moury said the municipality planned to accept applications from municipal manager candidates until Feb. 15. He said Bethel Park is open to promoting from within or hiring from outside the municipality.
In the meantime, O’Connor will manage both the police department and municipal government. Councilman Don Harrison thought that was too much. He worried that the municipality was spreading the police chief too thin, so he voted against O’Connor’s temporary appointment. The motion passed 7-1 with Councilman Paul Dixon absent.
In another matter, council hired two police officers, Ryan Elliott and Cody Alward, to replace officers who have retired.
Council also appointed Joseph Janosik to the Zoning Hearing Board and John Cannon as an alternate member to that board.
Council approved an ordinance that will amend local laws on the bidding process to allow electronic submission of bids to public contracts and purchases. Moury said the change should lead to more companies bidding on projects and more competitive prices.
At a Jan. 28 special meeting, council moved forward on plans to demolish three dilapidated structures in Bethel Park, two on Elm Street and one on Willow Street. Those homes have been condemned and deemed unsafe and the owners of those properties have been notified and ordered to demolish the buildings. If they fail to do so, the municipality will demolish the buildings and place liens on the properties.
Moury estimated that it will cost between $5,000 and $15,000 to demolish each house.
The municipality is in the process of condemnation proceedings, which may lead to the demolition of another house on Broad Street, Moury said.