 
EXAMINE THIS STRIKINGLY BIZARRE CONTRACT PROVIDED BY SCHNEE LEGAL SERVICES IN AN ATTEMPT TO SEED HIS OWN LAWFIRM USING OUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS!!!
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MR. TOM HOWELL ASKS THAT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS INTRODUCED AND DISCUSSED IN THE BOS MEETINGS ALSO ARE PLACED INTO THE FOLDER FOR THAT MEETING FOR ACCESS BY RESIDENTS AND A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS DISCUSSED AND REFERENCED IN THE BOS MEETINGS ARE ALL IN ONE PLACE.
SOLICITOR SCHNEE RESPONDS TO MR. HOWELL'S COMMENTS, SUGGESTS IT MAY HAVE ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE. SAYS WHAT IS IN THE FOLDER IS OPTIONAL. WHY IS SOLICITOR SCHNEE ( $215/HR ATTORNEY ANSWERING EMAILS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC?) THE INQUIRY COULD HAVE BEEN ANSWERED BY THE MANAGER AND IF NEEDED HELP FROM THE SUPERVISORS. WAS THIS A LEGAL MATTER? QUID PRO QUO? WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY? FEB 27TH BOS MEETING REVIEW OF PENSIONS WON'T TELL YOU THIS! ARROGANCE? OR DECEPTION?2/21/2023  In 2023, we’re more than often to judge a book by its cover. But in reality, it’s always interesting to scratch the surface to uncover one’s true nature and agenda …… Here’s a great example. My attempt to obtain purchase orders for $347,000 in equipment purchases. A CONVERSATION WITH BETSY McBRIDE My initial request sent to Ms. McBride: Dear Mary, For the items purchased below please provide the purchase orders and the dates advertised in the Reading Eagle along with the copy:
As an experienced 2nd class township manager, I think you know this so please accept my apologies for stating the obvious. Sincerely, Supervisor David Hughes Betsy McBrides reply: Dear Supervisor Hughes, There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to be displeased with this response. The following is from the June 27, 2022 minutes:  This ordinance can be found on the township website under the June 27, 2022 agenda. Perhaps this will cause you to re-think your thoughts on what actions I should and should not take. If not, please do not hesitate to let me know. As for your referencing my experience, my curiosity mounts, what is yours? Sincerely, Mare McBride Exeter Township Manager Note: ordinance 849 references duties of the Chief of Police and have noting to do with purchase orders or the bidding process required by the state laws. MY REPLY: Dear Ms. McBride, This is ordinance regarding the powers of the police chief and has nothing to do with purchase orders or advertisements for bids. Could you please explain what you are suggesting? I honestly don't understand. Thanks, Supervisor David Hughes Betsy McBrides reply: Put simply, Supervisor Hughes, who is responsible for managing the activities of the Police Department under Ordinance #849? Would I overstep my bounds telling a department, Fire, Police, etc, that reports to you and four others, but not to me, what to do? Ms. McBride Exeter Township Manager Note: I am not suggesting telling the Police Chief anything, I am asking for the purchase orders and advertisement. MY REPLY: Ms. McBride, Again, I am at a loss, I am not inquiring about the police other than purchase requests and advertising of the bids. This would be the purchasing manager's job if we had one. This is an administration function. I have left a message with the chief concerning this matter. The Chief and the police deal with police matters. Administration deals with purchasing and procurement. This is why I am asking you for the information in my initial email. Do I miss understand, are you saying the Chief is responsible for the procurement process? As I understand the process as described below, if you could where is my misunderstanding? In Pennsylvania, the use of COSTARS (Cooperative Purchasing Program) does not completely eliminate the need for competitive bidding, but it can streamline the procurement process for certain types of goods and services. COSTARS is a cooperative purchasing program that enables eligible local public procurement units and state-affiliated entities to purchase items and services from COSTARS-approved suppliers at pre-negotiated prices. The program is designed to help public entities save time and money on procurement by leveraging the buying power of the state. While the use of COSTARS allows public entities to bypass some of the traditional bidding processes, it is important to note that not all purchases can be made through the program without any competitive bidding. For purchases under $10,000, a public entity can simply choose a COSTARS-approved supplier and issue a purchase order. For purchases between $10,000 and $25,000, a public entity must solicit quotes from at least three COSTARS-approved suppliers. For purchases over $25,000, a public entity must follow the state's formal bidding process, which may involve advertising the opportunity, receiving and reviewing bids, and awarding the contract to the most qualified supplier. In summary, while the use of COSTARS can streamline the procurement process for certain purchases, it does not completely eliminate the need for competitive bidding in Pennsylvania. Thanks, Supervisor David Hughes BETSY McBRIDES REPLY: Supervisor Hughes, This was completely discussed during the budget workshop sessions. This is my statement: The Police Department is separate from Finance, Public Works, Engineering, etc. I do not understand what you do not understand. Perhaps the attached, Section 3102 (h) from the Second Class Township Code, may be of assistance. Shall I ask the Township Solicitor to opine? I recall discussion during the last meeting where the Solicitor asked you for clarity on a request you must have made prior to the last Board meeting. I do not recall that clarification being given. I, too, now need clarity from you. Thank you. Ms. McBride Exeter Township Manager MY REPLY: Dear Mary McBride and Supervisor George Bell, Discussions in budget workshops and separation of department do not allow for ignoring the state statute concerning purchases. Referencing sec. 3102 (h) which identifies purchase exempt from advertising does not apply to these four purchases. It is good and proper that you are familiar with this section, could you point to the specific item or items 1 thru 9 that you now claim exempts these purchases from the statute? Thanks, Supervisor David Hughes BETSY McBRIDES REPLY: Dear Supervisor Hughes, I suspect this is yet another issue where you cannot be satisfied with my response or possibly even the response of the Township Solicitor. Perhaps contact with the Attorney General or PSATS may provide an answer which you would doubt less. Sincerely, Mare McBride Exeter Township Manager MY REPLY: Dear Mary McBride and Supervisor George Bell (CFA) After much effort, I am now certain that no purchase orders exist, advertisements were not placed and no copy is available, and you are unable to be specific regarding the exemption per Sec 3102 (h) that you referenced, which does not pertain to our internal process of creating a purchase order to track and verify the purchase for term, payment and specifics. One last time, and this is now a simple yes or no answer: can you confirm the existence of purchase orders and advertisements for these purchases. If yes, please send them to me at your earliest convenience. Thanks, Supervisor David Hughes BETSY McBRIDES REPLY: Supervisor Hughes, It was disheartening to see you added CFA next to the name of a recipient on an earlier email. I can think of no honorable reason to do such. I have removed this person from this response. Since my email, timed 3:06 pm today, seems to be unacceptable to you, I have included the Board liaison to the Police Department, Supervisor Vollmer, to this email. Perhaps Supervisor Vollmer’s input, should he choose to participate in this, will be more helpful to you. Sincerely, Mare McBride Exeter Township Manager I am Inserting a comment here as looks like someone isn't really knowledgeable of the term CFA = Certified Financial Adviser, which is actually appropriate when addressing M. Bell, who is a Certified Financial Adviser. (More to come on this later .....) Supervisor Vollmers Reply: Supervisor Hughes, The Township Solicitor opined on each of these requests by the Police Department during the course of the February 13th meeting. The meeting can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUecb6DDWW0 If you start watching at 32:26 you will see that there was adequate discussion. Our Solicitor who is qualified and has been practicing Municipal Law since 2009, and is a member of the Bar, agreed there are no issues with approving 4 of the purchases. The Board discussed and then voted and the majority carried to approve. Not all of the requests proceeded to approval. One motion was withdrawn with a suggestion for a formal RFP process to be followed. I hope this reminder of the discussions that took place on each item is helpful to you. and perhaps will allow you to accept the validity of acquiring these items that did receive approval and that the Police have researched and let us know are necessary. I will advise the township Manager and the Chief of Police to no longer engage you on these matters as they were voted on and approved and now you are wasting their time and energy. Thank you. David Vollmer Jr Exeter Township Supervisor (Appointed By David Hughes) UNSUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING THE PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE FOUR ITEMS, I HAVE REQUESTED THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASING: Dear Mary, Coming back to my initial ask: can you provide me with copies of the purchase orders related to approved purchases from the Feb 13th meeting. In addition, I am now curious: can you also please provide me with the policy and procedures for purchasing related to both professional services and capital equipment. And ... also curious: who receives and processes purchase orders? Thank you, Supervisor David Hughes BETSY McBRIDES REPLY:
Supervisor Hughes, How about if I put this discussion on the agenda and the Board, if needed, can make a motion for something or another and take a vote? Perhaps the wording can be: Approve/Reject/Table a majority of the Board to authorize requests to staff made by any one or two Board members. I know this will be misinterpreted but I simply do not have extra hours each week to dedicate to your queries. I am sorry for not having the time; this is a consequence of downsizing. The benefit is savings in money, the drawback is no time for any extras, extra analysis, extra filing, etc. Thank you. Betsy McBride Exeter Township Manager FIRE FUND FRAUD?2/18/2023 This short video will point out budgeted inconsistencies and irregularities. A need to cover INCREASED expenses ($195,000 in), using the proceeds from the sale of the sewer plant, the reserves again. Then, the budget is transferring out monies almost equal to what was claimed required to cover increased costs to cover three new hires($180,000 out). It doesn't make sense to me.......I would like your thoughts on this strange arrangement.
The real concern are that there are additional inconsistencies in this 2023 budget. The $2.5 million deficit, the fact it is unbalanced. Watch the budget videos and see very little discussion from the four dominating supervisors. I attended one major budget review and pointed out many errors but not one was corrected. Feel free to comment. We must prevent George Bell, David Vollmer and TEDDY GARDELLA from being elected this year! ADVICE FROM SUPERVISOR TED GARDELLA2/16/2023 It’s really informative to read the following garbage from Gardella and to note that he’s never provided any documented proof of all the fabrications he’s put in his censure documents - so here we go Teddy, how about this: FOR EACH POINT YOU”RE MAKING IN THE DIATRIBE BELOW, HOW ABOUT YOU PROVIDE US WITH AT LEAST 3 DOCUMENTED EXAMPLES (video, copy, emails, etc) Dave - Evidently your reading comprehension is at a very low level. So, I am attaching documents that were shared with you in June, hoping that they will refresh your memory. A censure resolution is an assembly’s expression of displeasure concerning the conduct of either a member or of an officer. Have you not yet been able to interpret the many verbal cues about your behavior? Also, you really need to take the time to read the censure. It was not premature - it described behavior that you had already engaged in prior to the passage of the resolution. Here were the observed behaviors that led to the resolution: WHEREAS, since taking office, Mr. Hughes has undertaken a series of improper and unprofessional actions including, but not limited to:
Your behavior since the resolution has only provided support for it - think about how you treat Betsy or Chad publicly. Seriously, take a few moments to actually read the document, rather than just whining and complaining about it. Have a great evening! Theodore (Ted) Gardella Exeter Township Supervisor This communication was received on February 13, 2023 after a Board of Supervisors meeting. Also, after harassment training and after the adoption of a revised ordinance on Supervisor behavior. This is not the first such correspondence from Supervisor Gardella. I have received similar emails in the past.
Supervisor Gardella admits in a Reading Eagle article "Supervisor Teddy Gardella said he drafted the censure against Hughes for improper and unprofessional conduct and behavior, including "engaging in behavior designed to intimidate and bully township residents, employees and members of the board." Follow this link for the full story: https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/exeter-wont-pay-for-outside-legal-counsel-for-supervisor/article_2c94b032-3321-11ed-a928-875373ae831b.html Recent exposure of the results of an investigation into what now was clearly unfounded allegations of harassment were reported by journalist Jerry Geleff. This investigation was commenced at my request and started before Supervisor Gardella was on the board of supervisors. As the article states (follow link above) Supervisor Gardella wrote this censure and much of it closely suggests Supervisor Gardella used information from this investigation believing the results would support his version or believing the conclusions from the investigation would never see the light of day. With this background lets look at Supervisor Gardella's censure: Basically, all of the allegations concerning my behavior are not substantiated by any facts. Supervisor Gardella has manufactured his own reality. When Mr. Geleff published the conclusions arrived at by the 43 page investigation much of that disproved Supervisor Gardella's allegations. This censure was created prior to the completion of the investigative report on alleged harassment complaints which are now known to be malicious and false. NO FACTS HAVE EVER BEEN PROVIDED BY SUPERVISOR GARDELLA TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS ALLEGATIONS IN THIS CENSURE. LET HIM PROVIDE AT A MINIMUM OF THREE EXAMPLES OF IMPROPER AND UNPROFESSIONAL ACTIONS. WHAT WE CAN SHOW ARE VIDEO TAPE AND WRITTEN EXAMPLES OF SUPERVISOR GARDELLA ACTING AND DOING PRECISELY WHAT HE HAS ACCUSED ME OF DOING.  During January 6th Supervisors Meeting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py83zvfsncs&t=7417s)(TIME STAMP 1:43:13) a motion was requested by me for the board to acknowledge that I would supervise the advertising and offer for sale of the promenade. Instead, Chairman Bell made a motion for me to support the Solicitor, Mr. Chadwick Schnee of the law firm of Tucker Hull. I voted “NO” on this motion because it placed me in a subservient role to a contractor. And (so predictably) here’s what’s on the agenda for January 23, 2023 Supervisor’s meeting, under the “Administration” Section:
This is another blatant lie from Chadwick Schnee, that solicitor who very recently had to withdraw a lawsuit against a journalist because he was completely violating their first amendment rights and he was about to lose!!! As a matter of fact, his shameful attempt to reverse my role as an elected official , probably to generate even more billable hours for his firm, is wrong! It is clearly stated in the 2nd class township code under Section 607 “The duties of the Supervisor” that: Section 607. Duties of Supervisors. --The board of supervisors shall: A few days after this supervisor meeting, here’s the super condescending note from Schnee directing me to “work with them” and adding a second lawyer to the equation (anyone senses the sweet smell of dollar bills?): Chadwick Schnee<chadwick@tucker-hull-law.com> For those who have the courage to pay attention and do their homework, such tasks are generally the prerogative of township managers, and certainly not a $215/hour legal advisor, let alone a second law firm colleague. As a matter of fact, by February, our township manager will cost us $52/hour as an exempt employee ($110,000/year). So here’s the reply note I sent to Schnee: Dear Chadwick, And, very predictably again, here’s the equally condescending reply from Schnee, with of course, “the motion I asked for” being another blatant lie his part. From: Chadwick Schnee<chadwick@tucker-hull-law.com> Also ….. getting me re-engaged? Seriously? I am THE MOST ENGAGED supervisor in this township and I take my responsibilities stated above in Section 607 very seriously. I work very hard and I pay attention. The last paragraph requesting the Pell report? Schnee is in constant contact with the township manager who can provide any information he needs. As usual, similar to his “cease and desist” order that went nowhere, he ends his correspondence with yet another seemingly benign yet completely disingenuous request “Are you free tomorrow for a call?” Let’s not forget he is charging the township’s taxpayers for all these nonsensical emails and phone calls. lastly, I will underline Schnee’s comment that “the Board delegated/authorized my firm to handle this work”: Why would the board give this work to the solicitor at $215/hour instead of the current $135/hour of the interim manager? Better still, why not wait until February when the interim manager begins as a salaried employee at $52.88/hour? The Answer: QUID PRO QUO. Follow the money. Exeter Township is most likely the top account at Tucker Hull - Schnee is billing us 40+ hours a week, WHY DOES THIS TOWNSHIP NEED A FULL TIME LAWYER? Here’s a quick reminder of the role of a solicitor in the 2ND CLASS TOWNSHIP CODE: Section 1103. Duties of Solicitor. --The township solicitor, when directed or requested so to do, shall prepare or approve any bonds, obligations, contracts, leases, conveyances, ordinances and assurances to which the township may be a party. The township solicitor shall commence and prosecute all actions brought by the township for or on account of any of the estates, rights, trusts, privileges, claims or demands, as well as defend the township or any township officer against all actions or suits brought against the township or township officer in which any of the estates, rights, privileges, trusts, ordinances or accounts of the township may be brought in question before any court in this Commonwealth and do every professional act incident to the office which the township solicitor may be authorized or required to do by the board of supervisors or by any resolution. The township solicitor shall furnish the board of supervisors, upon request, with an opinion in writing upon any question of law.
In conclusion, all of this is another example of Mr. Schnee engaging in the management of our township and routinely now undermining the boards authority, and especially mine, for profit. And he lies about it! How shameful and unprofessional!
The lies, recklessness and negligence must stop. Schnee must resign immediately! McBride MANAGER? COSTLY MOVE1/7/2023
 Hiring Betsy McBride will cost the taxpayers over $500,000 in salary and fines paid for breaching a contract to her current employer, KMS, a contract reviewed by Schnee and signed by Bell. That's right: over $500,000. As a matter of fact, have a closer look at the screenshot above that discusses the cost we incur in the event the township chose to poach contractor Betsy McBride, within 3 years of the current KMS contract: we (us, the Exeter Townships taxpayers) "will pay 20% of her new annual salary OR 3 times amount paid pursuant to this engagement, which ever is greater" This means: Since the agreement was back dated to May 16 by Schnee (to obfuscate other irregularities I will discuss in a separate note) and assuming "amount paid pursuant to this engagement" is around $140,000 (to date). we are on the hook to pay Keystone Municipal Solutions 3 times that amount .... and that is about $420,000. Add in the $110,000 salary, our first year cost for Betsy McBride will cost the taxpayers $530,000!!!! We have 17 resumes from local Exeter Township who have expressed an interest and applied to the Township Manager's job in 2022 - all completely ignored by the gardella clique - I have not reviewed all of profiles, that said I did look at a few and we have a few resumes that I believe would be excellent candidate alternatives for the position. What's going on here? #quid-pro-quo PRESSURES AND ATTACKS FROM FOUR SUPERVISORS, INTERIM MANAGER AND NOW THE SOLICITOR.....JUST A COINCIDENCE?
This one came out of left field! Last I checked I am an elected supervisor. Yet, here I see our solicitor attacking me.....didn't I vote to hire him? Yes., I did. He sort of works for me doesn't he? Still learning how all this convoluted political stuff works. Don't lose hope folks. I still think common sense will win out. The three renegade supervisors (will call them the TRIAD) are creating havoc with our money, our budget and our future. The RCC giving away 75% of the Revenue...you all know this makes no sense. Increasing spending creating a $2.2 million dollar deficit and no discussion of cutting costs and no tax increases for 9 years. I think you all know what will eventually happen? Somewhere down the road we run out of money and will see huge tax increase's instead of small annual increase's plus issues of expensive bond debt. This board never evaluated the $45 million in reserves, I say they are pretty much already committed. We have no play money to play with. These three (the TRIAD) come up for election next year, if you want your township run properly and have solid financial footing do not vote for Gardella, Vollmer and Bell. Thank you. Standing (Ms. McBride) in front of my laptop which has a display of this site: exeterunited.com , as you know this site is not for profit or as Tucker Hull law firm solicitor Chad Schnee seemed to suggest for pecuniary purposes. If he took the time to speak to me or visit my site he would see there is no advertising and no charge to access this site. Supervisor Vollmer made a motion and it was passed by the board to disallow (Defrain in Vollmer's words) from display of political paraphernalia. There is no indication that this site is political, but so what if it is? Are they violating my 1st amendment rights? Just so you know it goes much deeper than that! I am providing Exeter residents with my insight from a supervisors point of view. It is for the residents of Exeter Township! Here in this short video clip which is only part of Ms. McBride standing and swaying to and fro to hide my sign, contributing to the current group think and nefarious actions of the Triad and our two contractors. Our Solicitor, Mr. Schnee from Tucker Hull Law Firm has sent me a Cease and Desist Letter which I will be sharing with all of you soon enough. I get hit from all sides on a regular basis by the group think that exists from the Supervisors, the solicitor and the interim manager. The terrible things she says about me in her reports to the board are very unfair. Is it her job to make derogatory and inflammatory remarks about me to other supervisors and staff? I guess she is only doing her part to damage my character and credibility. But don't you believe it!!! Here in this video Ms. McBride stood in-front of my sign for about 9 minutes. What are they trying to do? What are they afraid of? The information about Gardella making threatening remarks to a resident? (see previous post here) OR is she simply contributing here part of the "nefarious actions" Mr. Schnee mentions in his cease & desist letter.
How does this look to our public? To our county? I find it so incredibly rude and adolescent. McBride and Keystone Management Solutions should be fired for her actions, not just this one incident but I have a list that is growing.....be assured Keystone Management Solutions will not be fired if the Triad and Tucker Hull attorney Chad Schnee have any say in these things. Keystone Management Solutions will receive some where around $300,000 on an annual basis and when they leave, in my opinion we will be no better off. As you all know, this is my blog and these ae my opinions. Thanks for watching and listening. WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT THE 17 ESUMES WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FIND OUR PERMANENT MANAGER! Again, just my opinion. 
Let's Chatdhughes@exetertownship.com
610.607.3537 
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