Wakefield Township to receive pandemic funds

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

Wakefield TOWNSHIP — In a special meeting this week, members of the Wakefield Township Board of Trustees voted to approve a formal conflict of interest policy that was a necessary precursor to receiving $30,982 from the American Rescue Plan.

According to Township Supervisor Mandy Lake, the COVID-19 relief funds that were issued by the federal government in the spring are expected to be allotted in two segments over the next two years.

In a Thursday email, Lake reported that the board also voted to accept the federal funds.

Regarding the conflict policy, Lake noted, “This policy was drafted by MTA’s legal counsel downstate for those townships that needed one, especially to meet the quick timeline of submittal of paperwork for those funds.”

Titled “Wakefield Township Federal Procurement Conflict of Interest Policy No. 2021-01,” the policy states that it shall apply when the township procures “goods (apparatus, supplies, materials, and equipment)” and “services,” and also for “construction or repair projects funded in part or whole with federal financial assistance (direct or reimbursed).”

It adds, “This policy also applies to any subrecipient of the funds.”

The policy defines a “real or apparent conflict” as existing “when any of the following parties has a financial or other interest in or receives a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for award of a contract: 1. the employee, officer, or agent involved in the selection, award, or administration of a contract; 2. any member of his or her immediate family; 3. his or her partner; or 4. an organization which employs or is about to employ any of these parties.”

Per policy guidelines, any such conflicts must be reported in writing to the federal government.

The policy also warns that “officers, employees and agents of Wakefield Township are prohibited from accepting or soliciting gifts, gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value from contractors, suppliers or parties to subcontracts” unless the value is under $20, as with promotional items, honorariums or meals offered at banquets.

Any items accepted, even if only of nominal value, also must be reported.

The policy concludes that any employees violating the rules “will be subject to discipline up to and including termination” and that contractors in violation “will result in termination of the contract and may not be eligible for future contract awards.”

The board’s next regular meeting will be on Aug. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Wakefield Township Hall. Direct questions to 906-224-8551.