Jan 18, 2013 2 min read

CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Borough Council tabled action Friday on the appointment earlier this week of Christopher Watson to the unexpired term of councilwoman Annette Thomas.

Council agreed to table action on the appointment until it can contact its solicitor and clarify an issue regarding its vote Wednesday night appointing Watson to the position.

Council had voted 2 to 1 Wednesday to appoint Watson to the seat. Elizabeth Walker, wife of council President Charles Walker, also had expressed interest in the position.

A motion was first introduced Wednesday by Ralph McWilliams to appoint Watson. McWilliams and Josephine Gresko voted for the motion, and John Paletta voted against it.

Charles Walker did not vote, saying as president he believed he could only vote to break a tie.

When Paletta questioned whether three affirmative votes would be needed for the appointment, it was decided the appointment would stand contingent on council’s action being affirmed by the state association of boroughs.

Secretary Brandi Streit contacted the association Thursday and was told Charles Walker should have voted on the motion and if there were a tie, Mayor Mike Dohanich should vote to break the tie.

Council met Friday attempting to resolve the matter. McWilliams was not present. After discussing the issues and interpretations of the borough code, council agreed to table action until it learns from its solicitor whether three of the four current members would have to vote in the affirmative on a council appointment.

Charles Walker said council hoped to call another meeting to resolve the matter in five to 10 days. Council has until Jan. 30 to make an appointment; otherwise, the appointment will be decided by the court.