JOHNSTOWN —
Three of the seven Johnstown Redevelopment Authority staffers were placed on administrative leave Monday in housecleaning that raised more questions than it answered.
In addition to Executive Director Ron Repak, an administrative assistant and board secretary were sent home.
Employees at the Public Safety Building said the authority’s solicitor, William G. Barbin, came in with the official notification.
Barbin would not confirm the job actions, referring questions to the authority’s chairman, Msgr. Raymond Balta.
“I have no comment,” Barbin said. “I’m not the authorized spokesman.”
Balta did not respond to repeated requests for information, including who authorized the leaves and who was assigned as an interim director.
The five-member authority’s last public meeting was Jan. 22.
No votes were taken on job actions.
In December, the authority board rejected pay increases for all seven employees. Repak,
60, was to earn $92,828 this year.
Authority member Brian Vuletich would not discuss the ousters, referring questions to Barbin.
“I’m not trying to dodge you,” Vuletich said. “It is personnel. Everything goes through the attorney at this point.”
The authority leadership’s reticence in the matter illustrates City Council’s frustration with the board, Councilman Frank Janakovic said.
“It caught me totally by surprise,” Janakovic said
“I was aware some things were going on, but it takes us by surprise that it comes to a head this quickly without anybody being notified.”
Even the councilman Balta considers to be the city’s liaison to the authority was not informed of the ousters.
“I read it in The Tribune-Democrat,” Pete Vizza said.
“This is just another example of what we’ve been complaining about,” Janakovic fumed, adding that council has been asking since November for authority members to attend a council meeting.
“It is just frustrating,” Janakovic said. “Get this out in the open. If there are questions to be answered, let’s deal with it.”
News
Authority mum on shake-up
- News
-
-
Tornado vets balance preparedness, practicality
Few things in nature are less predictable than a tornado. They can form quickly. They strike weirdly, leveling one building while leaving its neighbor untouched.
-
Salisbury proved it can happen here
It was an event that many residents of Salisbury, Somerset County, would have laughed off prior to it spinning through the small northeastern town and shaking it to its foundations. A Category F3 tornado touched down on May 31, 1998, carving out 10 miles of homes, businesses and livelihoods.
-
When the storm hits
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
9 Dems vie for 4 council spots
Democratic Party voters will have a crowded field of Johnstown City Council candidates to choose from on Tuesday.
With four seats open, nine individuals entered the race. The top four vote-getters will advance to this fall’s general election. Also, two Democrats originally joined the race for mayor, but the death of Anthony Gergely has left Frank Janakovic as the only remaining candidate. -
Primary turnout likely will be low
The weatherman is promising warm temperatures and rain-free skies on Tuesday, the day of the primary election in Pennsylvania. But the good forecast may be overshadowed by a lack of voter interest in what is shaping up to be a mundane election.
-
Mudslinging hits the small time
It’s not just for presidents, governors and legislators anymore.
The time-honored American tradition of the smear job has hit close to home – specifically, the council race in Meyersdale Borough and the supervisor race in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County. -
A Johnstown icon passes on
Carmel C. Coco of Johnstown, who was known for his skill at repairing shoes as well as his love for music, died peacefully at home on Saturday at age 95.
-
Rendezvous attracts diverse crowd
A few grandparents watched their little loved ones inspect the beautiful nature – grass, rocks, trees and bugs – at Greenhouse Park on Saturday. Some young men and women strolled throughout the grounds with cold beers in their hands on a sun-splashed spring day. Other campers sat around fires, playing guitars, telling stories and sharing laughs.
-
IN BRIEF | Solomon stabbing under investigation
A stabbing occurred at the Solomon Homes housing project in Johnstown on Saturday.
-
BILL EGGERT | ‘Gatsby’ still great nearly 90 years after debut
A new movie just released based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel “The Great Gatsby” is here.
The Baz Luhrmann film is the fourth major theatrical movie based on the classic novel. - More News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
