After a yearlong unpaid medical absence, Director of Parks and Recreation Rock Blanchard is no longer an employee of Orion Township.
‘The township and Rock Blanchard have decided to amicably part ways,? said Township Supervisor Matt Gibb.
In the past four years, Blanchard has been tied to the alleged dumping of potentially harmful fill dirt at Friendship Park and was accused of requesting kickbacks from contractors.
In 2004 and 2005, Blanchard allowed a contractor to complete 600 hours of community service by filling in and grading portions of Friendship Park.
The contractor eventually worked off the service and was paid at least $4,000 for his continued work.
Potentially hazardous materials like bentonite clay were allegedly used as fill, and there were also problems with glass and other debris.
Blanchard claimed he was was always acting in the best interest of the township.
In 2007, the township board investigated a claim that Blanchard requested $2,500 from a contracted employee in order to extend the contract.
In a letter, the contracted employee, who wished not to be identified, said, ‘I asked Mr. Blanchard what would help with maintaining an extension on my contract after the 2007 season. His reply was ‘a $2,500 donation to me would do it.??
A year ago, Blanchard went on medical leave for an unspecified time, without pay, while the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department looked into the kickback allegations and the township continued to investigate the Friendship Park problems.
Now, that leave of absence has come to an end.
‘The township wishes him the best in all future endeavors,? Gibb said.
Gibb wasn’t able to comment at length about the issue, but did say the township is ready to move forward. Jennifer Vezina has been temporary head of the department while Blanchard was on medical leave. Gibb said he will begin looking for a permanent replacement.