Irwin will begin a search for a new head of the borough's Public Works Department as the current superintendent is leaving to take a job as Wilkins' assistant manager.

Irwin council this week accepted James Halfhill's resignation as of Dec. 31, but not under the terms he proposed.

Halfhill, who was public works superintendent for 11 years, will be paid $3,844 for 20 vacation days, but not $11,918 for the 62 unused sick days he requested.

Council President John Cassandro said he abstained from the vote because he was absent from earlier discussions on the issue. Council met in a closed-door executive session prior to the vote to reject the terms of Halfhill's resignation.

“We just don't do that as a borough,” council Vice President Debbie Kelly said.

Halfhill, who was not at the meeting, said Thursday that he had asked to be paid for his unused sick days because the borough policy does not specifically exempt an employee from such payment.

Although the borough does not have a policy precluding it, Borough Manager Valerie Morton said the employee handbook follows the borough's contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which does not provide payment for unused sick days.

Council agreed to advertise for a new public works superintendent, who also will serve as code enforcement officer and residential building inspector.

Halfhill, whose annual salary was about $49,900, plus payment for opting out of the borough's health insurance coverage, will receive an annual salary of $65,000 in his new position in Wilkins, township Manager Rebecca Bradley said.

“He's well-qualified for the position. He's a perfect fit,” Bradley said.

Halfhill, a North Huntingdon resident, was hired by the Wilkins Commissioners on Monday. As assistant manager, he would not be required to be a township resident, Bradley said.

Joe Napsha is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-836-5252 or jnapsha@tribweb.com.

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