SUPERVISOR HUGHES REPORT TO THE BOS MEETING MARCH 11, 2024

My opinion concerning the current solicitor:
 
In the past two years, M. Schnee's professional missteps have become increasingly evident, from initiating expensive and fruitless lawsuits to his inability to draft contracts effectively, resulting in disadvantageous terms for our taxpayers, as seen with the RHM and RCC deals. Moreover, Schnee's deliberate distortion of public records through the manipulation of meeting minutes to suit his biases, rather than providing factual accounts, undermines trust. His habit of exceeding his professional responsibilities to boost his income, by meddling in the governance and political affairs of our township, further aggravates the situation. Compounding these issues, Schnee has ignored directives from our township manager to abstain from social media, where he is active at taxpayer’s expense, engaging in deceptive practices alongside his wife by using fake profiles to deflect criticism and attack those questioning his competence. This situation necessitates a pivotal shift. Our community deserves the services of ethical and efficient law firms and solicitors who prioritize public interest over personal enrichment. I suggest we disengage our government and our community from Schnee legal services and find a competent law firm closer to home. 

PART TWO
​Exeter Ordinances Chapter 340 Article IX Volunteer Service Credit Program
This concerns section 340-82:
 
I have concerns regarding the oversight issues related to the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department (ETVFD), their annual funding, and the new tax forgiveness rates. Tonight, I plan to address the recent resolution authored by Mr. Schnee regarding the criteria that must be met to earn the tax forgiveness.
Recently, Mr. Bell, Gardella, Vollmer and Kircher raised the tax property forgiveness rate from 50% to 100%, and the earned income credit was increased from $500 to $1,000. These changes represent a significant impact. However, I find the criteria for earning these generous tax advantages to be inadequately defined. To support this tax forgiveness, we need clearer and more specific criteria. Unfortunately, the current resolution does not sufficiently address the five areas outlined in the ordinance where/how credits can be earned.
Given my limited time due to the suppression of speech, which seems to be incorporated into ordinance updates supported by Schnee, I am submitting a request to the township manager tonight. I ask that the following documents be made available for inspection by all supervisors for the years 2023 back to and including 2019:

1. Notarized List signed by the Chief. 340-82 (E)
2. Criteria in effect for each year and the resolution that adopted the criteria 340-82(B)
3. Service logs required to be kept by the Chief and made available to the Board of Supervisors, State Fire Commissioner, and the Auditor General as per 340-82 (E)
4. Original volunteer applications for credits, signed by the Chief 340-82 (F)
5. Proof of municipal review per 340-82 (G)
6. The official tax credit register 

The recently passed resolution for criteria is inadequate and requires immediate revision. These are significant benefits well deserved for the volunteers who earn them.
—Supervisor Hughes