Shohola dispute resolved

Procedures manual to be reviewed

By TOM KANE

SHOHOLA, PA — The dispute that kept Shohola Township in a dither for two months is apparently over.

On December 29, after a four-hour hearing of residents who praised Nelia and Donald Wall and a subsequent executive session lasting several hours, the Shohola Township Board returned with a resolution of the conflict between the Walls and Shohola resident and attorney Eric Hamill.

Donald Wall, who is the township’s zoning officer, was issued a letter of reprimand for building a carport on his property without a permit. Nelia Wall, who holds two positions in the township, supervisor and administrator, and Donald were issued a letter of instruction that outlines what activities are permissible for township employees and what are not permissible.

At a township meeting in November, Hamill had accused both the Walls of conflicts of interest and influence peddling. He alleged that Nelia inappropriately and illegally informed contractors who were seeking a permit to do work in the township of the existence of her and her husband’s company, TLC Excavation and Landscaping.

Both Walls denied the accusation. At two public meetings, the issue was aired before the supervisors with comments from residents who came down on both sides of the conflict.

Subsequently, the board appointed Anthony Magnotta of Hawley to act as township attorney in the matter since the regular attorney, Michael Parker, had to recuse himself because he had done some legal work for the Walls.

At a township meeting, Magnotta instructed residents to submit testimony to him so he could help the board resolve the matter.

After reviewing the testimony, the board held the above-mentioned protracted meeting and lengthy executive session on December 29 and issued statements about the two disciplinary letters.

“The letters will be placed in the personnel files of the Walls,” Magnotta said. “In addition, the board authorized a review of its procedure manual to deal with this matter and some other matters that have come up in the township.”

Hamill refused to comment. “I will make a comment when I see the written report that should come out within 30 days of the December 29 meeting.”

The next meeting of the board is on January 14, the date of its usual monthly meeting.

“As far as I am concerned, the matter is over,” Magnotta said.