(5/14) Liberty Township Supervisors ended the regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting on May 1 after a discussion between residents in attendance and Supervisors concerning LeeEsta Shaffer became heated.

For close to two years now, residents have been urging the Supervisors to move forward with litigation against former Township Secretary and Treasurer LeeEsta Shaffer. At every chance available, residents of the community ask for updates on the investigation and nine times out of ten, the Supervisors give no response, or simply state that they can neither confirm nor deny anything.

Back in April, the Township was advised to bring Zachary Mills on board as a special counselor to represent Liberty Township specifically in regards to the Shaffer investigation. During the April 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, Mills addressed the resident’s concerns by stating that, "Because the matters are still in anticipation of litigation, we can’t disclose specific details in regards to the investigation, but the township is moving forward in the investigation. We hope to have more information soon." During the May meeting, Township Solicitor, John Lisko mentioned that they are very close to reaching a conclusion and he was confident that by the next township meeting, answers would be given to the public.

However, residents have been wary of the fast approaching Criminal Statute of Limitations due date in July, and continue to voice concern over the appearance that Supervisors are not pushing hard enough to file charges before time runs out. This concern spurred Supervisor Walter Barlow to make a motion to give Mills permission to file claims with the bond companies who supplied fidelity bonds for Shaffer's employment and to pursue civil action against Shaffer and the bond companies, as soon as Mills works out his numbers. Supervisor Chairman, John Bostek said that he "doesn’t think the Board is ready to consider a motion like that…we don’ have all the facts." According to Barlow, Mills stated in an executive session that he is solid with his numbers and has the financial documents and information related to the Shaffer investigation in order.

"This has been going on for 22 months…I don’t know why we keep dragging our feet. Let the solicitor do his job for the best interest of everyone in this township," stated Barlow. Both Bostek and fellow Supervisor Bob Jackson felt that if Mills needed something from the township in order to proceed, he would ask them directly. The discussion heated up from there, with residents and Supervisors becoming unruly. "You do realize you represent us right? Everyone in this room wants you to give the approval," stated resident Cindy Arentz. The motion made by Barlow did not pass, as Jackson and Bostek were both against. The uproar from the residents present at the meeting caused Bostek to adjourn the meeting early.

Additionally, the discussion of segregation of duties for the current Secretary and Treasurer Wendy Peck received backlash from the community. During a Board of Supervisors meeting in mid April, Supervisors briefly discussed the topic of splitting up Peck’s job duties by hiring an additional office worker. This segregation of duties topic has been brought up by residents and the Township’s auditing team several times. Bostek stated that he believes "it’s not financially feasible, burdensome and unnecessary." Jackson agreed with Bostek’s statement. Barlow noted that Peck had mentioned to him that she would be more comfortable if there was a segregation of duties. The discussion was ended there, and for now, Peck will continue in her normal duties as both Secretary and Treasurer.