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The allegations, in a complaint filed by Treasurer Kenneth Bednark, claimed that township meetings were not in compliance with the executive orders issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and made inaccurate claims regarding the safety procedures implemented by township officials.
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Safety Officer Jerry Zacharczuk interviewed Township Supervisor John Morgan and Deputy Supervisor Karen Armatis Sept. 16 regarding the allegations.
Zacharczuk also spoke with several township employees regarding the allegations, which he determined were incorrect and without merit.In his conversation with township officials regarding his conclusions, Zacharczuk stated that Sumpter Township was actually exceeding required safety precautions and standards in an effort to ensure the safety and health of staff members, elected officials and visitors to township hall.
The state officer said a detailed review of the safety, social distancing and disinfectant procedures implemented by the township found no basis whatsoever for any complaint and that the current levels of compliance did not warrant a sight inspection as they exceeded mandated levels. Currently, the township has adopted a Preparedness and Response plan, implemented prior to reopening township hall. The plan includes signage on doors and floors with decals, Plexiglas installed throughout the building to isolate employees, and closed restrooms. In addition, township hall is professionally cleaned twice a week and is also fogged with disinfectant twice a week on different days. The health of all employees is assessed daily and chairs have been removed to ensure social distancing during board meetings.
The allegations prompted questions by several members of the board who noted that Bednark has not attended a township meeting or been in his township office since before the pandemic guidelines were implemented. Bednark sent a letter to the township in early February stating that he had other personal and professional responsibilities which would prevent him from working at township hall and that he would be “working from home.”
He continues to receive his annual $19,000 salary by mail while, according to officials, his duties are performed by the deputy treasurer.
In Zacharczuk's written report, emailed to Morgan, the state officer said, “MIOSHA is not planning an inspection due to the low or medium exposure risk classification of the establishment and jobs by OSHA and/or the absence of any allegations indicating a violation of our regulations.”
He further stated that there would be no citation issued.
“We informed Mr. Zacharczuk that Bednark was an elected official and had not been in the hall since February, therefore has not seen any safety precautions in place. Also, that Bednark would be gone in November,” Morgan said.
Bednark opted not to seek re-election during the Aug. 4 primary.
Morgan urged any residents with questions about the safety procedures in place to call Armatis at (734) 461-9646.
