In West York president steps down, VP resigns

Two members of West York Borough Council stepped down from their leadership roles at Monday's meeting — the council's president and vice president.

The meeting began with then-President Shelley Metzler reading a resignation letter from then-Vice President Nick Laughman, who was not present at the meeting. It ended with Metzler stepping down as president at the council members' request.

Laughman, who had served on council since 2014, cited a number of reasons for stepping down, including “personal medical issues,” the “reckless spending” of the council without regard for taxpayers and the behavior of council members. His resignation took affect May 19, according to his letter.

Council member Brian Wilson made a motion to accept Laughman’s resignation, which was seconded by council member Shawn Mauck. Though council members Richie Stahle, Mary Wagner and Shelley Metzler said they were saddened by the resignation, the motion passed unanimously.

Toward the end of the meeting, council member Brian Wilson made a motion for council to remove Metzler, stating that he had “no confidence in her and the decisions that she’s made.”

Council member Shawn Mauck seconded the motion, commenting that he wanted to “move on from the negativity” surrounding council members and start fresh, adding that it “saddens me a great a deal.”

Metzler then read a statement announcing that she was stepping down. At the end she added, “I hope you’re all happy.”

Metzler is still a member of the general council.

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West York Borough Council has had a history of tension between members.

Most recently, at the April 19 meeting, there had been a discussion among council members regarding the purchase of Grace Loucks Elementary School as the new borough office.

Some members accused those who were against the vote — Metzler, along with Laughman and Wagner — of opposing the purchase because they wanted the building for BARK, a local nonprofit organization of which the three are members.

A Monday’s meeting, Wilson also referenced a police report that was filed by Metzler regarding an alleged wiretap violation. According to the report, a private conversation between several borough residents on Facebook Messenger had been made public. West York Borough Detective David Kahley investigated and determined that no crime had been committed.

New council leadership

Council member unanimously voted for Mauck to serve as council president.

Mauck, who had previous experience on the council, called for an end to tension, saying to council members, “We need to work together.”

The council then unanimously voted for Stahle to serve as council vice president.

The next borough council meeting will be held on June 20 at 6 p.m. in the 1100 of West King St. It is slated to be part of a new initiative by the council to hold “neighborhood meetings.”  The council will be taking applications for the vacant council seat and plans to hold interviews at the meeting.