The Board of Supervisors of West Finley Township held their monthly meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Township Office Building. Chairman Martin and Vice Chairman Pritt were present. Supervisor Collins was absent.
The following individuals were present at the meeting: James Hensel, Faith Welling, Kaylee Hutchinson, Jennifer Welling, Doug Lesnock, Brandon Gray, Tom Teagarden, Mark Adams, Melinda Duncan, and Mark Sibert. Also present at the meeting were Ron and Regina Sicchitano from Ambulance and Chair EMS.
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Martin called the meeting to order at 5:59 pm.
READING OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES
The Secretary presented the Board with the minutes from the annual Organization meeting. These minutes were previously emailed to the Supervisors. After a quick review, the motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chairman Pritt and seconded by Chairman Martin. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Doug Lesnock commented that subscribers to Ambulance and Chair receive a substantial discount on services not provided by insurance. If the Township were to enter a contract with Allegheny Health Network via Canonsburg Ambulance Service, this discount would not apply. He is in favor of maintaining our relationship with Ambulance and Chair.
Tom Teagarden replied that Canonsburg Ambulance stated that they would honor the discount for subscribers of Ambulance and Chair. They also staff a paramedic on every unit.
Gina Sicchitano, a manager from Ambulance and Chair, gave the Board some facts about their services. They are a non-profit organization run by a Board of Directors. They staff approximately 17-19 ambulances every day, with a truck currently staffed in Claysville. Response time to West Finley has been cut by about 50% since that truck has been stationed there. Ambulance and Chair also works closely with West Finley Volunteer Fire Company. They help to replace products but also offer training and education opportunities. There are also 2 units stationed in Greene County, PA, which is also very close to us. Ambulance and Chair use a system management and computer aided dispatch to track and move ambulances when necessary. If one unit is called out, it is replaced with another one. The only instance in which there would be no ambulance available is if all units were out at the same time.
Vice Chairman Pritt requested an executive session. Chairman Martin agreed and called an executive session to discuss the ambulance contract as a public safety issue. The Supervisors entered the executive session at 6:16 pm and returned to the meeting at 6:19 pm.
Mark Sibert reminded the Board of the long standing relationship with Ambulance and Chair. He, along with the Fire Company, is in favor of an agreement with Ambulance and Chair.
James Hensel inquired about the certified letters being sent to residents by Tunnel Ridge, Alliance Coal Company. He was interested to know if our Solicitor has reviewed these documents. Chairman Martin is working to schedule a meeting with Evan Midler, a Tunnel Ridge manager, to discuss several issues. Once this meeting has occurred, Mr. Hensel will be contacted with an update.
Melinda Duncan questioned if other agility agreements would be updated. She stated that there is an agility agreement with Windy Gap Church and the West Finley Cemetery. Chairman Martin reiterated that no agreement with the Cemetery exists, and we would look into the agreement with the church.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The West Finley Township employee policy and procedures handbook has been updated. The final draft was sent via email to the Board members. A final review will be completed so that the handbook may be approved at the March monthly meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
The Township’s property and casualty insurance is set for renewal on February 20, 2025. The renewal paperwork was sent to the Supervisors via email. If approved, the statement of values needs to be signed and returned to our agent, Dawnne Pettit. Chairman Martin motioned to approve the new insurance policy. Vice President Pritt seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried. Chairman Martin also signed the document.
A new agility agreement with East Finley Township was drafted by the Secretary. Any intergovernmental agreement needs to be passed by an Ordinance or Resolution. This document is currently being reviewed by the East Finley Township Supervisors and Road Foreman. We are waiting for a reply and will review again next month.
CNX has applied for a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) for WFN 13. This form was prepared by CNX on our behalf, as we are the intended applicant. Chairman Martin motioned to approve the application for the HOP. The motion was seconded by Vice President Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
The Tunnel Ridge (Alliance Coal) Heavy Road Use permit for Erskine Road was reviewed again by the Board. The complete payment for the application was received. After contacting K2 Engineering, it was determined that no floodplain permit was issued. As they are currently doing work, Chairman Martin motioned to approve their Heavy Road Use permit. Vice Chairman Pritt seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
Bid packets for materials have been prepared for submission to vendors. An advertisement for the bids needs to be placed in the Observer Reporter, per code, so that received bids may be opened at the March monthly meeting. All quantities and types of materials remained the same as in previous years. The Township will accept bids for 1,500 tons of #57 aggregate, 2,000 tons of #67 aggregate, 40,000 gallons of E3 road oil, and 7,000 gallons of low sulfur diesel fuel. Vice Chairman Pritt motioned to advertise for material bids and Chairman Martin seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
WEST FINLEY VFC REPORT
Mark Sibert presented the monthly report for the West Finley Volunteer Fire Company. There were 27 calls in January and thus far February has 6 calls. Two members are attending the fire training that begins next week through the Washington County Firemen’s Association. The next meeting is Monday, February 17, 2025. All are encouraged to attend.
Faith Welling volunteered to read the letter that was submitted by Cathy Emery. She reiterated her approval and support for the continued relationship between Ambulance and Chair and West Finley Township.
ROAD FOREMAN’S REPORT
Recent winter weather has made the treatment of road surfaces somewhat difficult. Low temperatures have caused materials to freeze, making loading and distributing them problematic. Acquiring materials has also been an issue, as many townships need the same items. However, the Township has recently received several loads of stone and cinders. Our allotted tonnage of salt has also arrived, replenishing our material supply.
The skid steer is currently being worked on in the garage. When the old tracks were removed, it was discovered that the rear idlers were damaged. Two new rear idlers were ordered through Murphy Family. The new idlers and new tracks will be installed by the Road Crew.
The 2001 International dump truck also had some repairs completed. The truck was taken into Rusmisel’s garage where it was found that seals in the steering box were causing issues. There was an option to purchase a rebuild kit, but new parts were purchased instead as they would be covered by a warranty. Bill Rusmisel completed these repairs for the Township and the truck is again working properly.
A logging company has been found doing work on Blockhouse Run, Harmony Hill, and McDonald Roads. They will be contacted regarding permitting via Heavy Road Use applications.
K2 Engineering submitted an estimate for the repair work on the Walnut Valley crossing. This estimate included figures for engineering, permits, stone, concrete, the box culvert, steel foundation, guiderails, and restoration. This does not include labor cost, as the Road Crew will be doing the work. The estimate from K2 is around $85,0000, whereas the InQuick Bridging System that was previously reviewed cost in excess of $200,000. Vice Chairman Pritt motioned to approve the estimate so that the project may move forward. Chairman Martin seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
Tentative dates for spring clean up are Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2025.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
The Pennsylvania state police reports for December 2024 and January 2025 were prepared for the Board prior to the meeting.
PennDOT will be initiating a curve sign project in various locations within Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland, and Washington counties. A virtual project presentation is available via the PennDOT website, beginning today, February 10, 2025 through Monday, February 24, 2025. The project entails installing chevron sighs at various curves and trimming vegetation within the department’s legal right of way. Construction for this project should take approximately 6 months.
Nathan Voytek from the Redevelopment Authority contacted the Township regarding our application for use of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds. They will meet with their consultants in mid-March to review applications. If more information is needed, Mr. Voytek will contact us.
K2 Engineering submitted their monthly report. One commercial permit was issued for CNX. A list of funding opportunities was also sent via email. Chairman Martin requests information on who is performing the inspections for our Township. He would like an email response from them once they are contacted.
The Pennsylvania DEP sent letters regarding the Gibraltar Longwall Mining Mitigation and Metchem Recycling applications. These are notices of intent and for informational purposes.
A projected mining map for Tunnel Ridge activity was also received. It depicts the proposed mining for the next 18 months. A copy of this map will be displayed in the outside bulletin board for public viewing.
The Claysville National Pike Days will be May 17 and 18, 2025.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
The financial reports for all the Township accounts were presented. This included balances from the January 2025 bank statements. This report was reviewed along with the QuickBooks reconciliation reports for each account.
The Board examined an itemized list of current expenditures for payment in February. The Road Foreman also requests to attend the PSATS Conference in Hershey at the beginning of May. The motion to approve the financial statements and payment of the expenditures, including attendance at the PSATS conference, was made by Chairman Martin and seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Chairman Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:04 pm.