COALPORT: An attempt to reestablish a functioning Coalport Borough Council fell apart Monday evening when three court-appointed members declined to take their oaths of office, leaving the borough without a quorum and under continued receivership.

Earlier this month, President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman appointed John Shawley, Irene E. Noel and Janet L. Manges to fill vacant council seats. Had they been sworn in, they would have joined sitting members Rick Nardelli and Carole Kruis, restoring the minimum number required for council to conduct official business.

That did not happen.

Coalport has operated without a quorum since January 2024, when Thomas Hilliard resigned from council. With only two remaining members, the borough has been unable to take formal action. The situation was further complicated by the November 2023 death of Mayor Margaret Maddalena.

In December 2024, the court placed the borough under receivership. Borough solicitor Daniel Nelson was authorized to oversee financial operations, manage revenue and ensure essential municipal obligations are met. Under Judge Ammerman’s Aug. 5 order, Nelson would have been released from that role at 6:59 p.m. Monday if a quorum had been established. Because it was not, he remains in place until further court direction.

Meeting Marked By Tension

Monday’s gathering, intended primarily to swear in the appointees, grew heated at times.

Nardelli addressed what he described as false claims circulating on social media and stated he does not intend to resign from council. When a member of the audience suggested he had heard otherwise, Nardelli dismissed the claim as rumor.

As voices rose, Nardelli cautioned attendees that anyone continuing to disrupt the proceedings would be asked to leave. Nelson repeatedly steered discussion back to the meeting’s central question — whether the three appointees were willing to be seated.

Also present were Beccaria Township Secretary Kim Hamilton, the three appointees and Nelson. Ultimately, after a brief exchange among themselves, the appointees declined to move forward. Speaking for the group, Manges indicated they would not accept the positions.

Without their participation, Coalport remains governed by only two seated council members and without the quorum necessary to conduct borough business.

Following the meeting, Nelson said efforts will resume to find residents willing to serve.

For now, the borough continues operating under court supervision as officials seek a path forward to restore a fully functioning local government.