Police chief reprimanded in writing by supervisors

By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township Police Chief Joe Lombardo was reprimanded by two of three township supervisors for publicly speaking on behalf of the township without supervisors' approval.
Lombardo's longtime friend and supporter, former supervisor Steve Galizia, said after Thursday's supervisor meeting that Lombardo has filed two grievances over the reprimand, one disputing the reprimand itself and one claiming an oral reprimand is required to be given before a written one.
Galizia said Lombardo got a written reprimand from Supervisors Clair Damon and Kevin Guinaugh. The third supervisor, Pat Angiolelli, did not sign the reprimand. Lombardo did not attend the meeting.
Guinaugh acknowledged Lombardo had received a "verbal spanking," but Damon would not comment, pointing out it is a personnel matter.
What's behind this
Damon did say that Lombardo had recently gone to a county commissioners' caucus meeting and asked for help in getting rid of a building on the county airport property. Damon said he did this without first informing township officials he would be publicly speaking on behalf of the township. Damon said he learned of Lombardo's actions in a local newspaper.
Before going to the commissioners, Lombardo had issued the County Airport Authority a warning notice under the township's dangerous buildings ordinance. The county owns the airport land.
Several people attending Thursday's meeting, including Galizia, wanted to know whether the township would force the airport authority to remove the building or whether the authority will be given special treatment because it is a government entity.
Because the building contains asbestos, removal is estimated to cost $100,000.
Damon said he will reserve comment until after he attends a meeting that Dan Vogler, Lawrence County commissioners chairman, has promised to set up between supervisors, commissioners and the airport authority to discus the matter.
In other business, Guinaugh said the township bought a 2004 Chevy S-10 pickup from Preston Chevrolet for $9,100 for the township road department.
Supervisors adopted an agreement with the Union Township School District which provides that the school pays a proportional share of the insurance cost when a township police officer works at a school event. They also approved new street lights at West Washington Street where it intersects with Marlboro and Avon streets.