Ross commissioners welcome new member, 4 incumbents

Ross commissioners welcomed one new member and four returning members at their first meeting of the year on Jan. 2.

Dan DeMarco, Sarah Poweska, William McKellar and Pat Mullin swore their oaths of office in rejoining the board, alongside newcomer Joe Muha. He will be acting Ward 9 commissioner, replacing Anthony Bisesi.

Reelected for his seventh term as a commissioner, DeMarco also wasreelected as board president for his fourth year. Returning for a second term, Poweska was reelected as vice president for her second year. McKellar will be starting his second term, and Mullin his third.

Commissioner Joe Laslavic was named chairman of the board’s administration committee, with Mullin and Commissioner Chris Eyster also serving. Poweska will chair the finance committee, with Muha and Commissioner Denise Rickenbrode members, as well.

McKellar was named public safety chairman, joined on the committee by Mullin and Poweska. Mullin was named public works chairman and will be assisted by Commissioner Jason Pirring and McKellar.

Pirring will be chairing the parks and recreation committee, with Laslavic and Mullin also serving. Rickenbrode was named chairwoman of the planning committee. Poweska and Eyster will serve as committee members.

Representatives for North Hills Council of Governments and Congress of Neighboring Communities were not chosen. DeMarco said that the positions will be kept open to gauge the interests of other board members.

The commissioners also heard 14 interviews for 11 open positions on various township boards and commissions. Five interviews were rescheduled due to candidates being absent from the meetings. Applicants will be voted on and appointed at the voting meeting on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.