HomeMy WebLinkAbout1685 Eitnier
In Re: Anthony G. Eitnier, : File Docket: 14-067
Respondent : X-ref: Order No. 1685
: Date Decided: 10/6/15
: Date Mailed: 10/21/15
Before: Nicholas A. Colafella, Chair
Mark R. Corrigan, Vice Chair
Roger Nick
Kathryn Streeter Lewis
Maria Feeley
Melanie DePalma
This is a final adjudication of the State Ethics Commission.
Procedurally, the Investigative Division of the State Ethics Commission conducted
an investigation regarding possible violation(s) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics
Act (“Ethics Act”), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et seq., by the above-named Respondent. At the
commencement of its investigation, the Investigative Division served upon Respondent
written notice of the specific allegations. Upon completion of its investigation, the
Investigative Division issued and served upon Respondent a Findings Report identified as
an “Investigative Complaint.” An Answer was filed, and a hearing was requested by the
Investigative Division. A Stipulation of Findings and a Consent Agreement were
subsequently submitted by the parties to the Commission for consideration. The
Stipulated Findings are set forth as the Findings in this Order. The Consent Agreement
has been approved.
I.ALLEGATIONS:
That Anthony G. Eitnier, a public official/public employee in his capacity as a
Council Member of Terre Hill Borough, Lancaster County, violated Sections 1103(a),
1104(a), and 1104(d) of the State Ethics Act (Act 93 of 1998) when he utilized the authority
of his office as a Council Member to motion and/or vote to award a paving project contract
to Burkholder Paving, at a time when he knew or had a reasonable expectation that he
would be serving as the Project Manager regarding that specific Borough project, as an
employee of Burkholder Paving; and when he motioned and/or voted to pay invoices
regarding that same project for which he served as Project Manager resulting in a private
pecuniary benefit to himself, and/or a business with which he \[was\] associated, namely
Burkholder Paving; and when Eitnier failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for
st
calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011 on or before May 1 of each calendar year.
II.FINDINGS:
1. Anthony Eitnier served as a Member of Council for Terre Hill Borough, Lancaster
County, from January 3, 2006, until February 8, 2011.
a. Eitnier served as the Chairman of the Public Works Committee during his
tenure on Council.
b. Eitnier voluntarily resigned his seat on Council after relocating his residence
outside of the Borough.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 2
c. In a private capacity, Eitnier was employed by Burkholder Paving, Inc. at all
times relevant to this Investigative Complaint/Findings Report.
2. The Borough is governed by a seven-Member Council and a Mayor.
a. The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
1. Workshop and Special meetings are not normally held.
b. Councilmembers do not receive compensation for performing their elected
duties.
3. Council conducts voting in either a group aye/nay or roll call fashion.
a. Roll call votes are done for controversial issues.
b. The Mayor has voting privileges only in the event of a tie vote among
Council.
4. The Borough utilizes The Lancaster Newspapers Inc. for advertisements/postings.
a. The advertisement is created by the Secretary/Treasurer, Solicitor, or
Engineer, depending on the scope/nature of the project.
5. The Borough Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for creating meeting agendas.
a. The Borough Secretary is informed by Borough Department heads of action
items to be included on the meeting agenda.
b. The Borough Secretary may also place items on the agenda independently,
based upon department reports.
6. The Borough Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for compiling a monthly meeting
packet for the Councilmembers.
a. The packet includes, but is not limited to, the meeting agenda, prior month’s
minutes, treasurer’s report and monthly \[“Bills for Payment”\] listing/register,
correspondences, and committee reports.
7. The Borough Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for the generation of Council’s
meeting minutes.
a. The Secretary/Treasurer takes notes at the meeting to assist in generating
the minutes.
b. The prior month’s minutes are approved for accuracy at the subsequent
regular meeting of Council.
8. The Secretary/Treasurer, Council President, and Council Vice-President maintain
signature authority over Borough checks.
a. Borough checks require the signature of any two authorized signatories.
1. There is a signature stamp for the Council President.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 3
b. Borough checks are prepared by the Secretary/Treasurer and signed
immediately following Council’s regular monthly meeting.
9. Council votes at its regular monthly meeting to approve payments listed on the Bills
for Payment report/register.
a. The Bills for Payment listing reflects the specific Borough account, check
number, payee, and amount paid.
b. Invoices associated with payments documented on the Bills for Payment
listing are not regularly reviewed by Council, but are made available for
review upon request.
10. Council Members are appointed by the Council President to serve on the following
committees: Community Improvement; Finance; Parks and Recreation; Personnel;
Police & Public Safety; Public Works; and Zoning.
a. The committees have scheduled meetings and/or meet on an as-needed
basis.
11. The Public Works Committee consists of three Councilmembers who meet on the
last Monday of each month.
a. Committee meetings are also attended by Mayor/Public Works Supervisor
Rob Rissler and the Borough Engineer.
12. Public Works Committee meetings involve discussion on current and future Public
Works projects.
a. Mayor Rissler presents anticipated projects to the Committee for planning
purposes.
b. Upon further discussion, the Committee determines which projects to pursue
for the following fiscal year.
1. An estimated cost of the project is typically determined during these
preliminary discussions.
2. Estimated costs for projects are obtained by Rissler from local
contractors, including Burkholder Paving.
c. Once the Committee determines which project(s) to pursue, Rissler and/or
the Committee Chairman presents the project(s) to Council for formal
approval.
13. Rissler generates a Public Works report that is included in Councilmembers’
monthly meeting packet.
a. Rissler and/or the Public Works Committee Chairman will present the report
to Council during its regular monthly meeting.
b. Borough Secretary Valerie Gregory places action items pertaining to the
Public Works Department within the Council meeting packet at Rissler’s
direction and/or after Gregory’s independent review of the Public Works
report.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 4
14. The Public Works Committee Chairman regularly initiates motions relating to the
Public Works Department at Council’s regular meetings.
a. Eitnier regularly initiated motions relative to the Public Works Department
throughout his tenure as the Public Works Committee Chairman.
b. Eitnier, as the Public Works Committee Chairman, regularly participated in
discussions pertaining to Public Works projects.
c. Eitnier regularly assisted Public Works Superintendent Rob Rissler in
assessing projects, creating project estimates, and bid specifications.
d. Rissler was aware of Eitnier’s position as an Estimator with Burkholder
Paving prior to Eitnier’s tenure on the Council.
15. New Enterprise Stone & Lime (hereafter, “NESL”) is one of the largest aggregate
suppliers in the United States, supplying stone, concrete, blacktop, precast, sand,
and lime.
a. NESL has numerous subsidiaries, which include Martin Limestone, Inc.
1. In 1975 New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. purchased Ivan M. Martin,
Inc. and formed Martin Limestone, Inc. as a subsidiary.
2. In 1982 Martin Limestone purchased David M. Burkholder, Inc., of
Ephrata, PA, which included a quarry and Burkholder Paving.
16. Burkholder Paving offers asphalt materials and asphalt placement for excavators,
general contractors, municipalities, builders, homeowners, and PennDOT projects.
a. Burkholder Paving is headquartered at 621 Martindale Road, Ephrata, PA
17522.
1. Burkholder Paving is approximately three miles from the Borough
Municipal Building.
17. Eitnier was employed with Burkholder Paving, Inc. from May 31, 1988, to
approximately April 22, 2015.
a. Eitnier held several positions with Burkholder Paving, including the following:
Laborer (1988 and 1989);
Screed Operator (1989 to 1996);
Paving Crew Foreman (1996 to 2000);
Estimator/Sales Representative (2000 to 2002);
Senior Estimator/Sales Representative (2002 to 2011); and
Sales Manager (2014 to 2015).
1. Eitnier was employed as a Senior Estimator/Sales Representative
throughout his entire tenure on Council.
b. Eitnier did not have any “financial interest” in Burkholder Paving, as that
term is defined by 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102.
18. Eitnier was a salaried employee of Burkholder Paving while employed as a Senior
Estimator.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 5
a. Eitnier did not receive commissions or bonuses in his position as a Senior
Estimator.
1. Councilmembers and the Public Works Superintendent Rob Rissler
were aware of Eitnier’s employment with Burkholder Paving.
(a) Rissler interacted directly with estimators from various
contracting companies for Borough projects, including Eitnier.
19. The duties/responsibilities of a Burkholder Paving Senior Estimator/Sales
Representative include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Bidding on projects by creating an estimate summary, meeting with
respective municipal officials, and obtaining/submitting the bid package for
review by the Burkholder Paving sales manager.
b. Acting as the project manager/coordinator to arrange the work schedule with
the scheduling department and forwarding direct cost sheets to the corporate
office for billing purposes.
c. Generating the work crew instructions for the scheduling department.
d. Serving as the primary point-of-contact for the client.
e. Maintaining responsibility for managing any additional issues pertaining to a
project.
20. Burkholder Paving has traditionally bid on both public and private paving projects.
a. For public projects, Burkholder Paving’s administrative employees identify
and forward advertisements to the construction sales manager, who then
assigns the project to an estimator.
1. Estimators may be assigned to specific municipalities.
b. The estimator is responsible for meeting with the respective municipal
representatives to review the project, obtain bid documents, and to create an
estimate for the bid.
c. The estimated bid and bid documents are generally reviewed/approved by
the construction sales manager and submitted by the estimator to the
municipality for consideration.
21. An estimator serves as a municipality’s point-of-contact and may assist, free-of-
charge, the municipality in generating bid specifications for upcoming projects as a
way to build a business relationship.
a. The Borough typically utilized estimators from various contractors to assist in
the creation of bid specifications.
1. The Borough has utilized Eitnier to assist in bid specifications
preparations for upcoming paving projects.
b. Bid specifications would be distributed to all interested parties, as part of a
public announcement/public request for bids.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 6
22. As the project manager, the Burkholder Paving Estimator is subsequently
responsible for performing the following duties:
a. Acting as the point-of-contact with the municipality;
b. Administering the project scheduling; and
c. Overseeing change orders.
23. Burkholder Paving, Martin Limestone, and/or NESL have conducted business
(material supply, paving services) with the Borough since at least 2000.
a. Burkholder Paving has bid, been awarded, and/or performed paving projects
at the Borough since prior to Eitnier’s tenure on Council.
1. Burkholder Paving was awarded a paving project at the Borough as
early as June 2002.
24. In 2006, after taking office as a Councilman, Eitnier informed his Burkholder Paving
supervisor, Construction Sales Manager David Powers, of a possible conflict-of-
interest pertaining to Burkholder Paving bidding and performing work for the
Borough.
a. Powers told Eitnier that it was permissible to bid on Borough projects since
Eitnier did not have \[a\] financial interest in Burkholder Paving.
b. Burkholder Paving officials continued to permit Eitnier to be involved in
creating bid proposals to the Borough after Eitnier began service on Borough
Council.
1. Bid proposals were based on non-confidential information presented
through a public request for bids.
2. Creation of a bid proposal was not a guarantee of work.
25. As early as January 2007, Eitnier, as a Councilmember, took part in Council’s
official actions to award projects to Burkholder Paving, at a time he was employed
as the Senior Estimator of Burkholder Paving.
a. In January of 2007, Eitnier voted affirmatively to award Recycling Center
Construction Contract 2 to Burkholder Paving in the amount of $23,927.54.
b. In February of 2007, Eitnier, as the Senior Estimator of Burkholder Paving,
singed the Borough’s Notice to Proceed for the Recycling Center
Construction project.
26. From 2006 to 2010, five of the nine Borough publicly bid paving projects were
awarded to Burkholder Paving, as listed below:
5-17-2006: East Earl Township’s Vine/Maple/Main Streets Paving contract-
$207,398.00
7-11-2006: Borough Hall Parking Lot-$2,937.20
9-12-2006: Fairview-East Main Street Paving Project-$41,745.65
1-09-2007: Recycling Center Paving Project-$23,927.54
7-13-2010: Oak Lane/College Ave. Paving Project-$31,787.14
Eitnier, 14-067
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a. Eitnier was identified on and/or signed bid proposal documents, on behalf of
Burkholder, for the Recycling Center Paving Project and the Oak
Lane/College Avenue Paving Projects only.
b. Bid proposal documents were typically signed by Burkholder Paving Vice
Presidents Jeffrey Rutt, Dale Good, or Joseph Craft, and/or Sales Manager
David Powers.
27. Burkholder Paving was not the sole recipient of all Borough paving projects during
Eitnier’s tenure on Council (2006-2011).
a. Eitnier, as the Burkholder Paving Senior Estimator, completed portions of the
bid proposal documents which were submitted to the Borough for the 2007
Terre Hill Park/Community Center, and the 2009 Willow Street Paving
Project.
1. Burkholder Paving was not awarded either of these projects.
28. In 2009 and 2010, Eitnier participated in Public Works Committee discussions as
the Public Works Chairman, relating to the Oak Lane/College Avenue paving
project (hereafter, “Project”).
a. The Borough Council, in 2003, prior to Eitnier’s service on Council, approved
Ordinance No. 2003-1 which accepted dedication of Oak Lane with College
Avenue and all public improvements.
b. Council discussions relating to the Project began as early as August 2009.
c. The Project was first presented to the Public Works Committee by Rissler.
d. The Public Works Committee further discussed the Project before presenting
it to the Finance Committee, and ultimately Council for approval.
1. Once Council decides to pursue a specific project, the Borough
budgets accordingly and includes the project in the Borough’s annual
budget.
29. At the October 13, 2009, regular meeting, Eitnier reported that the Borough’s 2010
budget included funding for a project on College Avenue.
a. Eitnier reported the project was to be paid with Liquid Fuels funds.
b. Council was receptive to the pursuit of the Project.
30. At the December 29, 2009, special meeting, Council adopted the Borough’s 2010
Budget.
a. The Capital Improvements Budget, line item account 439.00, allocated
$3,500 to the College Avenue Improvement Project.
1. At the May 11, 2010, meeting, Council approved additional funding
for the project in the amount of $6,000, increasing the total allocation
to $9,500.
b. The Highway Aid Fund budget, line item account 439.00, documented
$75,000.00 for construction and rebuilding projects.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 8
c. Eitnier was not present for the December 29, 2009, special meeting.
31. At Council’s January 12, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier presented information, as
the Public Works Committee Chairman, pertaining to the Project.
a. The Project was previously discussed by the Public Works Committee at its
January 8, 2010, meeting.
1. The Public Works Committee discussed the continued work on the Project,
as well as issues pertaining to curb lining, unevenness on the curb,
turnaround right-of-way, and curb installation notification.
32. At Council’s April 13, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
Councilmember Gary Hartranft, to prepare and advertise bid specifications for the
Project with the bid opening scheduled for July 6, 2010, to award on July 13, 2010.
a. The motion carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on the
action.
33. At Council’s May 11, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
Councilmember Williard Good, to allocate an additional $6,000 from the general
fund to the Project to cover costs of the installation of storm water inlets and piping.
a. The motion carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on the
action.
34. Also at Council’s May 11, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
Good, to authorize Borough Secretary Gregory to send letters to affected property
owners informing them that they were required to install curbing along Oak Lane
and College Avenue.
a. The motion carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on the
action.
35. Beginning in or about March 2010, Eitnier assisted Rissler and Borough Secretary
Gregory with the Project bid specifications.
a. The April 2010 and May 2010 Public Works Committee reports reflect
preparation of the Project bid specification and advertisement.
36. Eitnier emailed Gregory on March 31, 2010, at 12:26 p.m. with an estimated cost
analysis form for an unnamed alley associated with the Project.
a. The estimate was completed on a Burkholder Paving quote/estimate form,
dated April 1, 2010, quoting the unnamed alley costs at $4,316.00.
1. The quote/estimate was made to Rissler’s attention.
b. In the email, Eitnier requested that Gregory print the quote/estimate form
and provide the form to Rissler.
c. The email was sent from Eitnier’s Burkholder Paving email address of
TEitnier@burkholderpaving.com.
37. Email communications between Eitnier and Gregory included Eitnier’s review of
Project specifications and costs.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 9
a. Emails from June 11, 2010, and June 15, 2010, provided Eitnier with the
Project specifications for Oak Lane, College Avenue, and the Unnamed Alley
and the quantities, units, and descriptions of material for the Project.
b. Emails between Gregory and Eitnier, on June 17, 2010, and June 18, 2010,
documented the schedule of prices for the Project.
1. Gregory requested Eitnier to review the material and informed him
thnd
that the bid advertisement is planned for the June 25 and July 2
circulatory.
2. Gregory also requested an estimated cost of the Project to submit
with the request for prevailing wages.
3. Eitnier provided Gregory with a total estimated cost for the Project.
4. The estimate was completed on a Burkholder Paving quote/estimate
form quoting the Project at $36,507.93.
College Ave. $19,322.15
Oak Lane $12,951.34
Unnamed Alley $4,234.44
Total amount $36,507.93
c. The email was sent to and from Eitnier’s Burkholder Paving email address.
38. At Council’s June 8, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
thth
Hartranft, to change the Project’s bid opening date from July 6 to July 13 at 9:00
a.m. and to authorize the inclusion of an escalator clause in the bid specification.
a. The motions carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on both
actions.
1. The Public Works Committee recommended the bid opening take
th
place on July 13 due to the inclusion of the escalator clause.
(a) The escalator clause, in accordance with PennDOT
Publication 408, Section 110.04, required bidders to base their
price on the current asphalt price index.
39. On or about June 22, 2010, Secretary Gregory submitted the Invitation to Bidders
notice to The Lancaster Newspapers Inc.
thnd
a. The advertisement was published in the June 25 and July 2 circulatory.
40. Eitnier, along with Gregory and Rissler, created The Invitation to Bidder, which
listed the following information:
a. The Borough was seeking sealed proposals for work to be performed for the
Project.
b. The bid documents were available at the Borough municipal building.
1. Bid documents were distributed by Gregory or Rissler.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 10
c. The bids could be received at the Borough municipal building up until 9:00
a.m. on July 13, 2010, at which time the bids were to be publicly opened and
read aloud.
1. Bid documents were to be addressed to Rissler.
d. The Project was subject to the Prevailing Wage rate requirements.
41. A Burkholder Paving administrative assistant provided Eitnier the Project’s public
bid advertisement for Eitnier’s subsequent pursuit of obtaining the proper bid
documents.
a. Eitnier was aware of the Project timeline and bid opportunity based on his
role as Councilman and Public Works Committee Chairman.
b. Eitnier did not inform Councilmembers or Borough representatives of
Burkholder Paving’s intention to bid on the Project.
42. Eitnier discussed with his supervisor, David Powers, if he should proceed to create
the bid proposal for the Project since he was a Councilmember at the Borough.
a. Powers informed Eitnier that he could proceed in completing the bid
proposal documents since he had no financial interests in the company and
did not receive commission/bonus from the Project.
43. Eitnier obtained the bid documents from the Borough municipal building, as
referenced in the Invitation to Bidders.
a. Obtaining bid documents for municipal projects was a regular responsibility
of Eitnier as a Senior Estimator.
b. Bid documents were available to any interested bidder at the municipal
building.
44. Municipal projects require contractors to meet with a municipal representative to
review a project prior to submitting a bid.
a. The meeting/review is to be documented on bid document’s Special
Provisions to Contract form (MS-944).
45. Contractors that bid on the Project were required to complete the Special Provisions
to Contract form.
a. The Special Provisions to Contract form (MS-944) was included in the
Project’s bid proposal forms.
46. On or by July 8, 2010, Eitnier reviewed the Project with Rissler as required in the
bid documents Special Provisions to Contract form (MS-944).
a. Eitnier signed the Project’s Special Provisions to Contract form, dated July 8,
2010.
47. Borough Code, Article XIV, Contracts, Section 1402-Regulation of Contracts, sets
forth multiple mandates to be observed in relation to award of contracts.
a. Contracts are generally to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 11
48. Eitnier completed the remaining bid documents, including project costs, for the
formal review by Burkholder Paving management.
a. Burkholder Paving management applied the mark-up for the bid without any
discussion/input with or from Eitnier.
1. Eitnier had no role in the final quote price submitted by Burkholder
Paving.
b. Eitnier was not informed of the mark-up placed on the bid proposal.
c. Eitnier did not request Burkholder Paving management to apply a particular
mark-up to the bid proposal that would have favored Burkholder Paving
being awarded the project.
49. Sealed bids for the project were received at the Borough municipal building from
Burkholder Paving, Landis C. Deck & Sons-Division of Reading Materials, Inc., and
Lyons & Hohl Paving, Inc.
a. The bid proposals were maintained at the Borough municipal building by
Gregory and Rissler.
1. Bid proposals were not available to any individuals prior to the July
13, 2010, public bid opening.
50. The public bid opening was conducted at the Borough municipal building at 9:00
a.m. on July 13, 2010.
a. The Project sealed bid proposals were opened and read aloud by Rissler.
51. Eitnier attended the bid opening for the Project as an employee of Burkholder
Paving.
a. Eitnier was seated with the remaining bidders during the opening.
1. Eitnier normally attended municipal bid openings, as an employee of
Burkholder Paving, for which Burkholder Paving had submitted a bid.
2. Eitnier, as a Councilmember and Public Works Committee Chairman,
normally attended Borough bid openings pertaining to the public
works department.
3. Bids are opened by either Rissler or Gregory.
52. Gregory maintained notes from the bid opening that listed information from the bids
received and ranked the proposals from lowest to highest bidder, as follows:
Company Bid Amount Point of Signed Dated Ranking
Contact
Burkholder $31,787.14 Eitnier Joseph 7-12-10 1
Paving Craft, Vice-
Oak Pres.
Lane/College
Ave.
$28,618.74
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 12
Option: Alley
$3,168.40
Landis C. $40,169.94 Gary Deck Christian 7-13-10 3
Deck & Bundez,
Sons-Oak Lane/ Vice-
Division of College Ave. Pres./Asst.
Reading 36,303.78 Sec.
Materials, Option: Alley
Inc. $3,866.16
Lyons & $37,686.94 Roger Fox Roger Fox, 7-12-10 2
Hohl Paving, President
Inc. Oak
Lane/College
Ave.
37,868.94
Option: Alley
$3,147.04
a. Gregory listed Eitnier as the Burkholder Paving “point-of-contact” for the
Project.
1. Eitnier had a prior history as being the Burkholder Paving Point-of-
Contact for the Borough.
53. The July 13, 2010, meeting agenda included an action item to award the bid for the
Project.
a. The agenda was created by Gregory.
54. Prior to Council’s vote on the matter, Eitnier requested direction from Borough
Solicitor Bradford Harris regarding whether he should vote to award the Project to
Burkholder Paving.
a. Eitnier normally inquired of Harris if it was permissible for him to vote on
Borough matters that involved Burkholder Paving.
b. Harris had advised Eitnier to abstain from voting matters, depending on the
circumstances of the vote.
55. Harris advised Eitnier that it was allowable for him to vote on Council’s action to
award the Project to Burkholder Paving for the following reasons:
a. Eitnier was an employee with no financial interest in Burkholder Paving;
b. The project was publicly bid; and
c. Eitnier would not be the deciding vote.
56. At Council’s July 13, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by Good, to
award the Project to Burkholder Paving at the contract price of $31,787.14.
a. The minutes reflect the motion carried without a specific notation as to the
vote.
b. Eitnier is not specifically noted as abstaining or objecting to the contract
being awarded to Burkholder Paving.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 13
57. Gregory sent a Borough letter, dated July 26, 2010, to Eitnier’s attention, at
Burkholder Paving, informing him that Council awarded Burkholder Paving the
contract for the Project at the proposed amount of $31,787.14.
a. The Borough normally forwards letters to contractors to inform them of being
awarded a project.
58. Burkholder Paving Project Crew Instructions and Daily Foreman Reports list the
Project Manager as Dan Boley and Rissler as the Borough point-of-contact for the
Project.
a. Eitnier is not listed as a crew member on any of the Project Crew
Instructions.
1. Eitnier is listed as the salesman for the Project.
59. Prior to beginning the Project, Eitnier met with Boley to discuss the initial schedule
for the Project.
a. Before a project, the estimator routinely meets with the Project Manager to
discuss the initial work schedule.
60. Eitnier, as a Councilmember and/or Senior Estimator, was not on-site overseeing
the day-to-day work for the Project.
a. Eitnier, as the Senior Estimator, was not responsible for quality of work
issues during the Project.
1. Quality of work issues are the responsibility of the Project Manager.
61. The Project involved one change order (C/O#1) for driveway restorations in the total
amount of $2,249.10.
a. Eitnier e-mailed Gregory the change order form C/O#1 requesting approval.
b. Eitnier received approval for C/O#1 via email from Gregory on September 9,
2010.
1. Gregory included C/O#1 form, which was sent back to Eitnier signed
by Gregory, dated September 9, 2010.
thth
62. Burkholder Paving performed the work the week of September 10 to 18 of 2010.
63. Eitnier, as a senior project estimator, is responsible for review of Project Manager
billing records.
a. Eitnier then forwards the billing records to the Burkholder Paving (Martin
Limestone subsidiary) billing clerk for processing.
64. Martin Limestone invoiced the Borough upon completion of the Project.
a. Invoice #500028, dated October 6, 2010, billed the total amount of
$34,036.24 to the Borough.
65. The Borough issued check #132, dated October 12, 2010, in the total amount of
$34,036.24, in response to invoice #500028.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 14
a. Check #132 was signed by Council President Jeff Cassel and Gregory.
66. Borough check #132 was documented on the October 2010 Bills for Payment.
a. Council approved the payment of check #132 at its October 12, 2010,
regular meeting.
1. Eitnier was present at the meeting and voted affirmatively in
approving payment of check #132.
b. Check #132 was dispersed from the Borough’s Highway Aid Fund account.
67. Burkholder Paving received check #132 in the amount of $34,036.24 from the
Borough for completion of the Project.
a. Burkholder Paving incurred expenses of $32,723.23 relating to the Project.
b. Burkholder Paving realized a profit of $1,313.01 for completion of the
Project.
68. Eitnier received the same bi-weekly salary from Burkholder Paving throughout 2010.
a. Eitnier did not receive a bonus or commission as a result of Burkholder
Paving being awarded the bid for the Project.
69. Council accepted Eitnier’s resignation from the Board at its February 8, 2011,
regular meeting.
a. Eitnier resigned as a result of his relocation outside of the Borough.
70. Eitnier was interviewed by Commission Investigators on April 23, 2015, and
asserted the following:
a. It is typical for an estimator to provide free-of-charge cost estimates to a
municipality, but Eitnier did not specifically recall whether he provided cost
estimates for any Borough projects prior to the 2010 Oak Lane/College Ave.
project (Project).
b. Eitnier did not specifically recall when Burkholder Paving assigned him to
the Borough’s account, but admitted that during his tenure on Council, he
was assigned to the Borough’s account.
c. Eitnier did not recall any specific Borough projects prior to 2010 for which he
prepared Burkholder Paving bids.
d. It was typical for Eitnier to provide input on a public works project if
requested by Rissler.
e. Eitnier did not independently create the Project’s bid specifications or have
any face-to-face meetings with Rissler to discuss or review the Project bid
specifications. Any input would have been via email or by telephone.
f. Eitnier was aware of the Project being advertised and expected Burkholder
Paving would bid on the Project; however, Eitnier did not pursue the bid
documents until his secretary provided him with the bid advertisement.
g. Eitnier’s Burkholder Paving secretary informed him of the Project after it was
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 15
publicly advertised and Eitnier proceeded with completing the appropriate
bid proposal documents after inquiring with Powers whether it was
permissible for him to estimate the bid.
h. Eitnier hand delivered the bid proposal to the Borough after the appropriate
Burkholder Paving representatives had authorized the submittal of the bid
documents.
i. Eitnier sought advice from the Solicitor prior to the vote whether he was
permitted to vote on the awarding of the Project and that Eitnier voted on the
awarding of the Project to Burkholder Paving based on the Solicitor’s advice
that it was permissible since he had no financial interests in Burkholder
Paving and since he did not receive commission or a bonus from the
awarding of the Project.
j. Eitnier’s role in the Project was to arrange the initial project schedule with
the Project Manager, handle any cost related issues associated with the
Project, specifically handling the one change order for the Project, and to
forward billing records from the Project Manager to the Burkholder Paving
billing clerk; however, Eitnier was not the Project Manager and had no
involvement overseeing the Project on-site.
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO EITNIER FAILING TO FILE STATEMENTS
OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS FORMS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2009, 2010, AND 2011
.
71. Section 1104(a) of the State Ethics Act sets forth that each public official of the
Commonwealth shall file a Statement of Financial Interests for the preceding
calendar year with the Commission no later than May 1 of each year that he holds
such position and of the year after he leaves such position.
a. Eitnier was required to file a Statement of Financial Interests (“SFI”) for
calendar years 2005 through 2011 as a Councilmember of Terre Hill
Borough.
72. On December 16, 2014, a Statement of Financial Interests compliance review was
conducted for Terre Hill Borough.
a. Statements of Financial Interests were not found on file with the Borough for
Eitnier representing calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011.
73. During an interview with Commission Investigators on April 23, 2015, Eitnier
claimed the following:
a. Eitnier acknowledged that early in each year he served on Council, he
received a blank Statement of Financial Interests form (SFI) from Gregory,
during Council’s regular meeting, and that he usually completed the form
and turned it back in at a following month’s meeting.
b. Eitnier believed he completed his SFIs on an annual basis as required, with
the exception of 2012 (the year after he left office).
c. Eitnier was uncertain whether he filed an SFI or even received a blank SFI in
2011 (the year he resigned).
III.DISCUSSION:
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 16
As a Councilmember of Terre Hill Borough (“Borough”), Lancaster County, from
January 3, 2006, until February 8, 2011, Respondent Anthony G. Eitnier, also referred to
hereinafter as “Respondent,” “Respondent Eitnier,” and “Eitnier,” was a public official
subject to the provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (“Ethics Act”), 65
Pa.C.S. § 1101 et seq.
The allegations are that Eitnier violated Sections 1103(a), 1104(a), and 1104(d) of
the Ethics Act: (1) when he utilized the authority of his office as a Council Member to
motion and/or vote to award a paving project contract to Burkholder Paving, at a time when
he knew or had a reasonable expectation that he would be serving as the Project Manager
regarding that specific Borough project, as an employee of Burkholder Paving; (2) when he
motioned and/or voted to pay invoices regarding that same project for which he served as
Project Manager resulting in a private pecuniary benefit to himself, and/or a business with
which he was associated, namely Burkholder Paving; and (3) when Eitnier failed to file
Statements of Financial Interests (“SFIs”) for calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011 on or
st
before May 1 of each calendar year.
Pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public official/public employee is
prohibited from engaging in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest:
§ 1103. Restricted activities
(a)Conflict of interest.—
No public official or public
employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of
interest.
65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a).
The term "conflict of interest" is defined in the Ethics Act as follows:
§ 1102. Definitions
"Conflict" or "conflict of interest."
Use by a public
official or public employee of the authority of his office or
employment or any confidential information received through
his holding public office or employment for the private
pecuniary benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family
or a business with which he or a member of his immediate
family is associated. The term does not include an action
having a de minimis economic impact or which affects to the
same degree a class consisting of the general public or a
subclass consisting of an industry, occupation or other group
which includes the public official or public employee, a
member of his immediate family or a business with which he or
a member of his immediate family is associated.
65 Pa.C.S. § 1102.
Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act prohibits a public official/public employee from
using the authority of public office/employment or confidential information received by
holding such a public position for the private pecuniary benefit of the public official/public
employee himself, any member of his immediate family, or a business with which he or a
member of his immediate family is associated.
Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act provides that each public official/public employee
must file a Statement of Financial Interests for the preceding calendar year, each year that
he holds the position and the year after he leaves it.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 17
Section 1104(d) of the Ethics Act provides that no public official shall be allowed to
take the oath of office, or enter or continue upon his duties, nor shall he receive
compensation from public funds, unless he has filed a Statement of Financial Interests as
required by the Ethics Act.
As noted above, the parties have submitted a Consent Agreement and Stipulation of
Findings. The parties' Stipulated Findings are set forth above as the Findings of this
Commission. We shall now summarize the relevant facts as contained therein.
The Borough is governed by a seven-Member Council and a Mayor.
Councilmembers do not receive compensation for performing their elected duties.
Respondent Eitnier served as a Borough Councilmember from January 3, 2006,
until February 8, 2011. Eitnier voluntarily resigned his seat on Council after relocating his
residence outside of the Borough.
In a private capacity, Eitnier was employed by Burkholder Paving, Inc. from May 31,
1988, to approximately April 22, 2015.
Council Members are appointed by the Council President to serve on various
committees including the Public Works Committee. The Public Works Committee consists
of three Councilmembers. Committee meetings are also attended by Mayor/Public Works
Supervisor Rob Rissler (“Rissler”) and the Borough Engineer.
Public Works Committee meetings involve discussion on current and future Public
Works projects. Rissler presents anticipated projects to the Committee for planning
purposes. The Committee determines which projects to pursue for the following fiscal
year. An estimated cost of the project is typically determined during these preliminary
discussions. Estimated costs for projects are obtained by Rissler from local contractors,
including Burkholder Paving. Once the Committee determines which project(s) to pursue,
Rissler and/or the Committee Chairman presents the project(s) to Council for formal
approval.
Eitnier served as the Chairman of the Public Works Committee during his tenure on
Council. Eitnier regularly assisted Rissler in assessing projects, creating project
estimates, and bid specifications. Rissler was aware of Eitnier’s position as an Estimator
with Burkholder Paving prior to Eitnier’s tenure on Borough Council.
Burkholder Paving offers asphalt materials and asphalt placement for excavators,
general contractors, municipalities, builders, homeowners, and PennDOT projects.
Eitnier was employed as a salaried Senior Estimator/Sales Representative for
Burkholder Paving throughout his entire tenure on Borough Council. Eitnier did not
receive commissions or bonuses in his position as a Senior Estimator. Eitnier did not have
any “financial interest” in Burkholder Paving, as that term is defined by 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102.
Borough Councilmembers and Rissler were aware of Eitnier’s employment with
Burkholder Paving. Rissler interacted directly with estimators from various contracting
companies for Borough projects, including Eitnier.
Eitnier’s duties/responsibilities as a Burkholder Paving Senior Estimator/Sales
Representative included, but were not limited to, the following:
Bidding on projects;
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 18
Acting as the project manager/coordinator to arrange the work schedule with the
scheduling department and forwarding direct cost sheets to the corporate office for
billing purposes;
Generating the work crew instructions for the scheduling department;
Serving as the primary point-of-contact for the client; and
Maintaining responsibility for managing any additional issues pertaining to a
project.
Burkholder Paving has bid, been awarded, and/or performed paving projects at the
Borough since prior to Eitnier’s tenure on Council.
In 2006, after taking office as a Borough Councilman, Eitnier informed his
Burkholder Paving supervisor, Construction Sales Manager David Powers (“Powers”), of a
possible conflict-of-interest pertaining to Burkholder Paving bidding and performing work
for the Borough. Powers told Eitnier that it was permissible to bid on Borough projects
since Eitnier did not have a financial interest in Burkholder Paving. Burkholder Paving
officials continued to permit Eitnier to be involved in creating bid proposals to the Borough
after Eitnier began service on Borough Council. Bid proposals were based on non-
confidential information presented through a public request for bids. Creation of a bid
proposal was not a guarantee of work.
From 2006 to 2010, five of the nine Borough publicly bid paving projects were
awarded to Burkholder Paving. Of these, only one paving project took place during the
time period under review, which was the project referred to herein as the “Oak
Lane/College Avenue Paving Project” (hereinafter also referred to as the “Project”).
The Project was first presented to the Public Works Committee by Rissler. In 2009
and 2010, Eitnier participated in Public Works Committee discussions relating to the
Project in his capacity as the Public Works Chairman.
At the October 13, 2009, regular meeting, Eitnier reported that the Borough’s 2010
budget included funding for the Project, which was to be paid with Liquid Fuels funds.
Council was receptive to the pursuit of the Project.
At the December 29, 2009, special meeting, Council adopted the Borough’s 2010
Budget, which allocated funds for the Project. Eitnier was not present for the December
29, 2009, special meeting.
At Council’s January 12, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier presented information
pertaining to the Project as the Public Works Committee Chairman.
At Council’s April 13, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
Councilmember Gary Hartranft (“Hartranft”), to prepare and advertise bid specifications for
the Project with the bid opening scheduled for July 6, 2010, to award on July 13, 2010.
The motion carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on the action.
At Council’s May 11, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
Councilmember Williard Good, to allocate an additional $6,000 from the general fund to
the Project to cover costs of the installation of storm water inlets and piping. The motion
carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on the action. Also at Council’s May
11, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by Good, to authorize Borough
Secretary Gregory to send letters to affected property owners informing them that they
were required to install curbing along Oak Lane and College Avenue. The motion carried
unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on the action.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 19
Beginning in or about March 2010, Eitnier assisted Rissler and the Borough
Secretary/Treasurer with the Project bid specifications.
Eitnier emailed the Borough Secretary/Treasurer on March 31, 2010, with an
estimated cost analysis form for an unnamed alley associated with the Project. The
estimate was completed on a Burkholder Paving quote/estimate form, dated April 1, 2010.
The quote/estimate was made to Rissler’s attention. In the email, Eitnier requested that
the Borough Secretary/Treasurer print the quote/estimate form and provide the form to
Rissler. The email was sent from Eitnier’s Burkholder Paving email address.
Email communications between Eitnier and the Borough Secretary/Treasurer
included Eitnier’s review of Project specifications and costs.
Emails from June 11, 2010, and June 15, 2010, provided Eitnier with the Project
specifications and the quantities, units, and descriptions of material for the Project. Emails
between the Borough Secretary/Treasurer and Eitnier on June 17, 2010, and June 18,
2010, documented the schedule of prices for the Project. The Borough
Secretary/Treasurer requested Eitnier to review the material and informed him that the bid
thnd
advertisement was planned for the June 25 and July 2 circulatory. The Borough
Secretary/Treasurer also requested an estimated cost of the Project to submit with the
request for prevailing wages. Eitnier provided the Borough Secretary/Treasurer with a
total estimated cost for the Project. The estimate was completed on a Burkholder Paving
quote/estimate form quoting the Project at $36,507.93. The email was sent to and from
Eitnier’s Burkholder Paving email address.
At Council’s June 8, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by
thth
Hartranft, to change the Project’s bid opening date from July 6 to July 13 at 9:00 a.m.
and to authorize the inclusion of an escalator clause in the bid specification. The motions
carried unanimously with Eitnier voting affirmatively on both actions. The Public Works
th
Committee recommended the bid opening take place on July 13 due to the inclusion of
the escalator clause. The escalator clause, in accordance with PennDOT Publication 408,
Section 110.04, required bidders to base their price on the current asphalt price index.
Eitnier, along with the Borough Secretary/Treasurer and Rissler, created The
Invitation to Bidder.
Eitnier did not inform Councilmembers or Borough representatives of Burkholder
Paving’s intention to bid on the Project. Eitnier discussed with Powers whether he should
proceed to create the bid proposal for the Project since he was a Councilmember at the
Borough. Powers informed Eitnier that he could proceed in completing the bid proposal
documents since he had no financial interests in the company and did not receive
commission/bonus from the Project.
Eitnier obtained the bid documents from the Borough municipal building, as
referenced in the Invitation to Bidders.
Municipal projects require contractors to meet with a municipal representative to
review a project prior to submitting a bid. The meeting/review is to be documented on bid
document’s Special Provisions to Contract form (MS-944). Contractors bidding on the
Project were required to complete the Special Provisions to Contract form. On or by July
8, 2010, Eitnier reviewed the Project with Rissler as required. Eitnier signed the Project’s
Special Provisions to Contract form, dated July 8, 2010.
Eitnier completed the remaining bid documents, including project costs, for the
formal review by Burkholder Paving management. Burkholder Paving management
applied the mark-up for the bid without any discussion/input with or from Eitnier.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 20
Sealed bids for the project were received at the Borough municipal building from
three bidders including Burkholder Paving. The bid proposals were maintained at the
Borough municipal building by the Borough Secretary/Treasurer and Rissler. Bid
proposals were not available to any individuals prior to the July 13, 2010, public bid
opening.
The Project sealed bid proposals were opened and read aloud by Rissler at the
public bid opening on July 13, 2010. Eitnier attended the bid opening for the Project as an
employee of Burkholder Paving.
The July 13, 2010, meeting agenda included an action item to award the bid for the
Project. Prior to Council’s vote on the matter, Eitnier requested direction from Borough
Solicitor Bradford Harris (“Harris”) regarding whether he should vote to award the Project
to Burkholder Paving. Harris advised Eitnier that it was allowable for him to vote on
Council’s action to award the Project to Burkholder Paving for the reasons that Eitnier was
an employee with no financial interest in Burkholder Paving, the project was publicly bid,
and Eitnier would not be the deciding vote.
At Council’s July 13, 2010, regular meeting, Eitnier motioned, seconded by Good, to
award the Project to Burkholder Paving at the contract price of $31,787.14. The minutes
reflect the motion carried without a specific notation as to the vote. Eitnier is not
specifically noted as abstaining or objecting to the contract being awarded to Burkholder
Paving.
Prior to the beginning of the Project, Eitnier met with Boley to discuss the initial
schedule for the Project. Before a project, the estimator routinely meets with the Project
Manager to discuss the initial work schedule.
The Project involved one change order for driveway restorations in the total amount
of $2,249.10. Eitnier e-mailed the Borough Secretary/Treasurer the change order form
requesting approval. Eitnier received approval for the change order via email from the
Borough Secretary/Treasurer on September 9, 2010.
Burkholder Paving performed the work the week of September 10-18, 2010. The
Borough was then invoiced and paid the total amount of $34,036.24 for the Project.
Council approved the payment for the Project at its October 12, 2010, regular meeting.
Eitnier was present at the meeting and voted affirmatively to approve that payment.
Burkholder Paving incurred expenses of $32,723.23 relating to the Project. Burkholder
Paving realized a profit of $1,313.01 for completion of the Project.
Eitnier received the same bi-weekly salary from Burkholder Paving throughout 2010.
Eitnier did not receive a bonus or commission as a result of Burkholder Paving being
awarded the bid for the Project.
With regard to Eitnier’s SFIs, Eitnier was required to file an SFI for calendar years
2005 through 2011 as a Borough Councilmember. On December 16, 2014, an SFI
compliance review was conducted for the Borough. SFIs were not found on file with the
Borough for Eitnier for calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Having highlighted the Stipulated Findings and issues before us, we shall now apply
the Ethics Act to determine the proper disposition of this case.
The parties' Consent Agreement sets forth a proposed resolution of the allegations
as follows:
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 21
3. The Investigative Division will recommend the following in
relation to the above allegations:
a. That no violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public
Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §
1103(a), occurred in relation to Eitnier’s use of
authority of office as a Council Member to
motion and/or vote to award a paving project
contract to Burkholder Paving, and when he
subsequently motioned/voted to pay invoices
regarding that same project for which he served
as the Project Manager and employee of
Burkholder Paving, as any pecuniary benefit
realized was de minimis. See, Bixler v. State
Ethics Commission, 847 A.2d 785 (Pa. Commw.
Ct. 2004);
b. That a violation of Section 1104(a) of the Public
Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §
1104(a), occurred when Eitnier did not maintain
Statements of Financial Interests for calendar
years 2009, 2010 and 2011 on file with the
Borough.
4. Eitnier additionally states as follows:
a. “Although Eitnier understands the State Ethic’s
Findings as they relate to Eitnier voting to award
Burkholder Paving a project, Eitnier feels he was
misguided by Borough Solicitor. Eitnier believes
that Borough solicitor should have explained the
issues more thoroughly.”
b. It is Eitnier’s position that he “gained no financial
gain for this project and the facts show that this
was more of a misunderstanding than a wrongful
act of law.”
c. The Investigative Division maintains that any
pecuniary benefit was de minimis, and that the
negotiated resolution of this matter appropriately
addresses the allegations.
5. Eitnier agrees to file complete and accurate Statements of
Financial Interests with Terre Hill Borough through the
Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, for calendar years
2009, 2010, and 2011 within thirty (30) days of the issuance of
the final adjudication in this matter.
6. The Investigative Division will recommend that the State Ethics
Commission take no further action in this matter; and make no
specific recommendations to any law enforcement or other
authority to take action in this matter. Such, however, does
not prohibit the Commission from initiating appropriate
enforcement actions in the event of Respondent's failure to
comply with this agreement or the Commission's order or
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 22
cooperating with any other authority who may so choose to
review this matter further.
Consent Agreement, at 2.
In considering the Consent Agreement of the parties, we shall accept the parties’
recommendation for a finding of no violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act. Although
Respondent Eitnier used the authority of his public position in matters relating to the
Project, the only resulting pecuniary benefit established by the Stipulated Findings was the
profit Burkholder Paving received in the amount of $1,313.01, which we agree was de
minimis. (In accepting the parties’ aforesaid recommendation, we note that in this case,
only one contract is at issue, there is no basis to conclude that the calculation of
Burkholder Paving’s profit for the Project was based upon any allocation for salaried
employees, and Respondent received the same bi-weekly salary from Burkholder Paving
throughout 2010 and did not receive a bonus or commission as a result of Burkholder
Paving being awarded the bid for the Project.)
Based upon the Stipulated Findings and the Consent Agreement, we hold that
Eitnier did not violate Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), in relation to
his use of authority of office as a Councilmember to motion and/or vote to award a paving
project contract to Burkholder Paving, and when he subsequently motioned/voted to pay
invoice(s) regarding that same project for which he served as the Project Manager and
employee of Burkholder Paving, as any pecuniary benefit realized was de minimis. See,
Bixler, supra.
We hold that a violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a),
occurred when Eitnier did not maintain SFIs for calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011 on
file with the Borough.
It appears that the Investigative Division has exercised its prosecutorial discretion to
non pros the allegation under Section 1104(d) of the Ethics Act.
As part of the Consent Agreement, Eitnier has agreed to file complete and accurate
SFIs for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 calendar years with the Borough, through this
Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter.
We determine that the Consent Agreement submitted by the parties sets forth a
proper disposition for this case, based upon our review as reflected in the above analysis
and the totality of the facts and circumstances.
Accordingly, to the extent he has not already done so, Eitnier is directed to file
complete and accurate SFIs for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 calendar years with the
th
Borough, through this Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30) day after the mailing
date of this adjudication and Order.
Compliance with the foregoing will result in the closing of this case with no further
action by this Commission. Noncompliance will result in the institution of an order
enforcement action.
IV.CONCLUSIONS OF LAW:
1. As a Councilmember of Terre Hill Borough (“Borough”), Lancaster County,
Respondent Anthony G. Eitnier (“Eitnier”) was a public officialsubject to the
provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (“Ethics Act”), 65 Pa.C.S.
§ 1101 et seq.
Eitnier, 14-067
Page 23
2. Eitnier did not violate Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), in
relation to his use of authority of office as a Councilmember to motion and/or vote to
award a paving project contract to Burkholder Paving, and when he subsequently
motioned/voted to pay invoice(s) regarding that same project for which he served as
the Project Manager and employee of Burkholder Paving, as any pecuniary benefit
realized was de minimis.
3. A violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred
when Eitnier did not maintain Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years
2009, 2010 and 2011 on file with the Borough.
In Re: Anthony G. Eitnier, : File Docket: 14-067
Respondent : Date Decided: 10/6/15
: Date Mailed: 10/21/15
ORDER NO. 1685
1. Anthony G. Eitnier (“Eitnier”), as a Councilmember of Terre Hill Borough
(“Borough”), Lancaster County, did not violate Section 1103(a) of the Public Official
and Employee Ethics Act (“Ethics Act”), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), in relation to his use
of authority of office as a Councilmember to motion and/or vote to award a paving
project contract to Burkholder Paving, and when he subsequently motioned/voted to
pay invoice(s) regarding that same project for which he served as the Project
Manager and employee of Burkholder Paving, as any pecuniary benefit realized
was de minimis.
2. A violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred
when Eitnier did not maintain Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years
2009, 2010 and 2011 on file with the Borough.
3. To the extent he has not already done so, Eitnier is directed to file complete and
accurate Statements of Financial Interests for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 calendar
years with the Borough, through the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, by no
th
later than the thirtieth (30) day after the mailing date of this Order.
4. Compliance with paragraph 3 of this Order will result in the closing of this case with
no further action by this Commission.
a. Non-compliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action.
BY THE COMMISSION,
___________________________
Nicholas A. Colafella, Chair