HAMILTON — The town council last night put in a replacement for former department director Rob Warney, who left in June before pleading guilty to federal corruption charges.

Rich Williams, who has been serving as township engineer and acting director of Community Planning and Compliance since Warney’s resignation, will take over the post immediately.

“I strongly welcome you into this position, I think you’re a leader in the township,” said Councilman Dennis Pone.

Williams said he wanted to improve a number of issues in the department, including privatization of planning – which he said lead to some of the problems with the project on Exton and Reeger avenues.

Much of the discussion by the public centered on Williams’ responsibilities -- specifically the development of the Italian American Sportsmen’s Club. Several members of the community asked Williams about the project, and how the township would deal with lead contamination at the site.

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