Published: July 10, 2009 10:24 pm      

Township debates CDL rule

PORTAGE — A commercial driver’s license, a CDL, is causing consternation in Portage Township, where one official has suggested he may quit as a municipal employee if forced to get the license.

Supervisor James Kovach, an employee for about four years, said he is borderline diabetic and may not pass the physical required under the federally mandated licensing program for commercial drivers.

Supervisors Kenneth Trimbath and Elwood Selapack are concerned that, as

the township continues to buy larger trucks and equipment, the CDL certification is needed to protect the township against liability.

“We have to have quality trained employees. It’s time we move into the 21st century. This is the future and we’ve got to progress,” Trimbath said.

This week, Trimbath and Selapack approved a resolution calling for every township employee to have the license within six months. Those who do not obtain the license would be out of a job.

Kovach voted against the measure.

One exception to the time limit is an employee of more than three decades who will return to work in the fall. The clock for him will begin after his return, Selapack said.

The licensing is important because the township will send employees for annual training. Drug and alcohol testing also will be conducted, Trimbath said.

Federal guidelines mandate that diabetics on insulin are not eligible, but those controlling the disease with pills or diet can be certified.

The CDL issue has been a point of contention among the supervisors for some time, with both pushing Kovach to act.

“You’ve been saying you’re going to get one for years,” Trimbath told him.

Trimbath and Selapack do not have a CDL, but they do not do manual labor for the township or drive township trucks and equipment.

The policy will be reflected in the employee handbook and anyone hired in the future will have to come into the job with a CDL, the supervisors said.

“If you don’t have people who can drive the truck when you need them, then what do you have?” one resident asked.