Vote postponed on L. Merion manager's contract, Brown says

The Lower Merion Township commissioner who on Wednesday challenged the township's method of renewing a contract for its manager, alleging that process lacked "transparency," said today the vote has been postponed.

In an e-mail to constituents, Jenny Brown credited "public pressure" with forestalling the new contract vote for manager Doug Cleland.

Brown claimed in her e-mail that Cleland's contract was due for a vote Wednesday night during the board of commissioners meeting, before the board had time to become familiar with the terms.

Township public information officer Brenda Viola said this morning that Cleland's contract was a personnel matter, not suitable for public discussion.

"As township staff, we would have no comment on this matter," Viola said.

Brown said the vote will occur at the March board of commissioners meeting.

"When the matter is placed on the agenda next time, it will be properly described so that we know what action is contemplated. This will give us time to learn and consider the terms," Brown said in her e-mail this morning.

Cleland has been working without a contract since the start of this year. His base salary under the 2011 contract is $193,324.

"It is my understanding that the proposal is to have a two-year contract with the same provisions as the prior contract, and with an increase in salary next year," Brown said.