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FOP demands answers to records requests

HUBBARD TOWNSHIP– The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 is demanding answers from township trustees to its public records requests.

A conciliation meeting, to determine whether the police department will remain intact, is set for April 10.

The FOP put in another records request with the trustees after not hearing back from the board since November. The letter is addressed to Trustee Fred Hanley.

“On Monday, March 9, 2020, I respectfully requested that the board of trustees address all outstanding public records requests, legal opinions, and Freedom of Information Act. In all, some of these PRR’s have been pending for the last six months,” wrote Sgt Ron Fusco, union steward.

“The FOIA was filed on Nov. 11, 2019. I understand that some of the PRR’s are layered and rigid, but normally the turnaround period is 30 days, or less. I’ve received no written correspondence, concerning any of the above. I’ll anticipate a written response from either you or the township legal counsel, within 10 working days, prior to moving forward.”

The FOP’s inital record requests from November and early January asked for call history, email and photo information from cell phones as well as information on alleged black mold and unsafe working conditions. A third correspondance, dated Jan. 21, highlighted grievances that were made back in fall 2019, mostly involving the unmarked black 2012 Ford Escape is being used by Chief Todd Coonce.

A Feb. 26 letter requested paperwork regarding the appointment of Raymond Moffitt as adviser to the township, a copy of the tax advancement and the amount left for training. This letter also was the second request for a copy of the legal opinion permitting a township employee to use township property for personal gain.

The FOP said it believes its records requests are being ignored.

“These documents (wages and benefits) only relate to the police department and not to all township employees. This has nothing to do with union related matters, but discrimination and disparity of treatment amongst township employees,” the letter states. Neither Hanley nor Coonce cound be reached for response.

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