The Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission has issued a final adjudication in the following matters under
The Ethics Act
HARRISBURG, PA –
Order No. 1814 (Tray)
Member and Vice-Chair
Upper Frederick Township Board of Supervisors
Montgomery County, PA
ORDER SUMMARY:
1. A violation of Section 1103(f) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(f), occurred when William Tray ("Tray") – who is a Member of the Board of Supervisors of Upper Frederick Township ("Township") – and/or a business with which he is associated, Hidden Creek Stock Farm, negotiated and entered into a contract/agreement in excess of $500 to sell a Shaker Buddy XL30 Box Screener for $15,000 to the Township without an open and public process.
2. A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when Tray voted to approve the 2021 Township budget which included dedicated Township funds to purchase said Shaker Buddy and when he seconded a motion to approve the bill list that included the payment to a business with which he is associated for said Shaker Buddy, resulting in a pecuniary benefit to himself and/or Hidden Creek Stock Farm.
3. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Tray is directed to make payment in the amount of $5,000.00 payable to Upper Frederick Township by way of monthly payments of no less than $200.00 each, with each such payment to be made payable to Upper Frederick Township and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, and with the first such payment to be forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this Order.
4. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Tray is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from the Township representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter.
5. To the extent he has not already done so, Tray is directed to file complete and accurate Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2018 and 2019 and amended Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2017, 2020, and 2021 with the Township, through the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this Order.
6. Compliance with paragraphs 3, 4, and 5 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.
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1814 Tray: