(3/25) Carroll Valley Councilmember John Schubring continued his public criticism of the borough’s mayor and police chief during the March Borough Council meeting even though he refused to attend a private executive session to discuss the matter.
Schubring repeated previous claims that an officer followed a former council member’s daughter in April 2024 because the former council member opposed the 2024 budget. After Schubring’s remarks, Council President Richard Mathews said he called an executive session prior to the March meeting to address Schubring’s claims. Pennsylvania law allows municipal governments to discuss personnel matters in private session.
Borough Manager Dave Hazlett said when asked that the council was notified of the executive session when they received their meeting packet on Friday, March 7. Hazlett said he did not want the special session notice to be overlooked so he sent a separate email highlighting the notice.
Hazlett said the communication is similar to those he received in his approximately 20 years as a borough manager. He said he does not list the reasons for executive sessions in emails since they are often privileged information and emails can be accessible through the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Schubring said he reached out to Hazlett asking for the meeting’s purpose, to which Hazlett confirmed it would be about the incident Schubring has been questioning.
Councilmember David Lillard told Schubring that he even called him personally to clarify the police incident would be discussed during the executive session.
"I didn’t want to be backed into a corner because you guys disagree with me," he said.
Schubring skipping the executive session but continuing his pleas in public session when cameras were present drew the ire of several council members.
"We all came in here early to have this information you have been begging for, and you couldn’t be bothered to show up," Councilmember Cody Gilbert said.
Council Vice President Bruce Carr said council members who reviewed Chief Clifford Weikert’s report on the incident believe the police handled it properly.
"This tirade needs to stop," Carr said. "Give it up, just give it up. It’s unprofessional."
Schubring asked his peers how many people saw the police report for the first time before March’s meeting. No one raised their hand.
Schubring reiterated that he believes he is looking out for citizens’ safety by continuing to push the issue. In response, Carr urged citizens to contact him directly if they share Schubring’s concerns.
