MANVILLE: Actions at softball tourney questioned

Employees may be questioned about drinking, smoking on school grounds

By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
   Monday’s Borough Council turned heated over alleged drinking and smoking at a charity softball tournament May 19 at Manville High School.
   The event, co-sponsored by the Manville Recreation and Manville Municipal Alliance, was held to raise money to help put air conditioners in the schools. Eight teams, including two staff teams of the school district and Manville Recreation, participated.
   Two borough employees allegedly were involved.
   In a letter, Board of Education President Heidi Alles said paperwork was filed, and the parties were told of the school’s facility use policies.
   According to the letter from Ms. Alles, “Most unfortunately, the use of both alcohol and tobacco was observed during the course of the day as well as several vehicles parked on the grass of the property, all of which are clear violations of Manville School District policy.”
   Superintendent of Schools Dr. Johanna Ruberto was informed that day and filed a report with the Police Department.
   The police investigated as did the school district, including a review of security camera tapes, and the school board was “certain” school policy was violated, read Ms. Alles’ letter.
   She wanted the letter “to be a strong warning that a repeat of these offenses in the future may result in both a substantial fine and the loss of Manville School District building/field use privileges indefinitely.”
   At least two of alleged violators are borough employees. Mayor Corradino said the matter “was addressed” and “taken care of in accordance of our policies.”
   Former Mayor Rudy Nowak also wanted to know “what corrective action has been taken between the employees and the two council people who were in violation of borough ordinances and borough policies. There was drinking going on there.”
   As Mr. Nowak was speaking, Councilman Ed Komoroski said, “Rudy, if you are accusing me of drinking, I am going to kick your ass.”
   At that point, Mayor Corradino called for a recess.
   When the meeting continued, Mayor Corradino said everyone needed to be “professional” or he would have them thrown out.
   Mr. Nowak told Mr. Komoroski, “I never said that you were drinking.”
   Mr. Komoroski apologized to Mr. Nowak.
   ”Mayor, I want to know what corrective action has been taken,” Mr. Nowak said. “I am going to give you advice as a friend. A cover-up can be worse than a crime.”
   Mayor Corradino insisted the matter was a personnel issue and was taken care of. He also said everyone in borough employment was made aware of the policies.
   Borough Attorney Francis Linnus told Mr. Nowak the issue would be discussed in closed session.
   Resident Joe Lukac, a former board member, also wanted to know what was being done.
   After returning from the closed session, council members said those who were involved would be given notices their actions would be discussed. The employee would have the right to request a public hearing.
   Three residents attended the July 17 board meeting to voice their opinions.
   The Board of Education is scheduled to meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the media center at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School.