Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Concerns about legal fees in East Nottingham Twp.

10/23/2013 01:43PM ● By Acl

By Steven Hoffman

Staff Writer

A supervisor in East Nottingham Township raised concerns about the legal costs that the township is incurring at the board of supervisors meeting on Oct. 15.

Supervisor Scott Blum asked his colleagues on the board to delay approving a payment to the Conrad O’Brien law firm that serves as the solicitor of the township until charges on the most recent bill are clarified.

Supervisor Jane Ladley is being sued by a King of Prussia attorney after comments that she made at the Aug. 13 board of supervisors meeting. At that meeting, Ladley advised residents of the Wyndham Creek community to be wary of attorney George Kotsopoulos because he had been disciplined by the state Supreme Court. After Kotsopoulos reviewed a recording of that meeting, he filed a lawsuit against Ladley seeking $50,000 in damages and court costs. Ladley subsequently sent a letter to the township requesting that she be defended against the lawsuit because it arose as she was performing her duties as a supervisor.

John Coldiron, the chairman of the board of supervisors, said last month that the township’s insurance policy includes coverage to defend Ladley against the charges.

Blum said that he wants those legal fees that the insurance company might be reimbursing the township for to be kept separate from legal fees for other work.

“I want the litigation on a second bill if they want to get paid,” Blum said.

In other business at the Oct. 15 meeting:

Ladley said that she took part in a brainstorming session recently about ways that East Nottingham could honor veterans.

“We just brainstormed,” Ladley said of the gathering that included community members.

She noted that a local student is working on a community display at the Oxford Area High School in honor of veterans. Any veteran who attended the high school is eligible to be included in the tribute.

Ladley said that another possibility is naming a “Veteran of the Month” and recognizing the person in some way.

Another idea that was discussed is the possibility of seeking a grant for a memorial field at the Oxford Area Regional Park to be designated in honor of some veterans.

In another issue related to the Oxford Area Regional Park, supervisor Gene Turns, who serves as one of the township’s representatives on the Oxford Area Recreation Authority, said that the organization recently received a $10,000 grant. A large Little League tournament is being planned for the park.