Galloway Township Still Awaiting Final Signatures in Agreement With Lisa Tilton

Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy signed the settlement agreement in Lisa Tilton’s suit against the township immediately following the council meeting on Dec. 11, Solicitor Michael Fitzgerald said via email on Thursday, Dec. 20.

Purdy confirmed that he had signed the agreement on Thursday afternoon, despite previously saying he had not. According to Purdy, a mix-up in paperwork following the meeting resulted in Purdy signing the agreement despite not realizing it at the time. He did say he read it earlier in the day, and that he fully intended to sign it when needed.

"I thought I would be one of the last people to sign," Purdy said.

As of Thursday afternoon, Fitzgerald stated Purdy had signed on behalf of the township, and Tilton signed the agreement the same day.

It also needed to be signed by former Township Manager Steve Bonanni, former Councilman Dennis Kleiner and the insurance carrier Indian Harbor.

On Thursday evening, Kleiner confirmed he signed the papers and returned them earlier in the day. It was unknown whether Bonanni or Indian Harbor had signed the agreement. According to Fitzgerald, details would be released as soon as the agreement was fully signed.

Fitzgerald’s email came in response to a question by blogger Harry Scheeler as to why the township had yet to release details of the agreement. Council voted 6-0, with one abstaining to enter into the agreement following a closed session on Dec. 11.

The township has not released any details in the week since council passed the resolution, including a settlement amount.

Tilton filed a lawsuit with the township earlier this year after filing a series of tort claim notices. Tilton entered into an agreement with the township to resign after being suspended in June of last year. The sides reached the agreement on July 18, but Tilton alleges the township violated that agreement shortly thereafter, and released her personal information to a third party not involved in the case.

Tilton was seeking a rescindment of the Settlement Agreement and Release and a reinstatement to the township with back pay and benefits, among other judgments.

The allegations also included sexual harassment charges against Bonanni.

Bonanni, Kleiner and former Solicitor Michael Blee each had their own attorney in the case. Blee was not part of this settlement.