The Board of Supervisors of West FinleyTownship held their monthly meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Finley Township building. Supervisors Melinda Duncan and Mark Adams were in attendance. Secretary Treasurer Cindy Kuhn and Assistant Secretary Treasurer Mary Eileen Dindal were in attendance. Solicitor Jim Liekar was in attendance. Supervisor David Pritt was absent.
Also in attendance were Faith Welling, Heidi Barnhart, Heather & Ian Martin, Tracey Shaulis, Rick Grimm, Mark & Tracey Smith, Mark Sibert, Steve Emery, Brandon Gray, Henni & Glenn O’Brien, Rick Davis, Deb Swart, Randy & Jeanetta Martin, Claire Hogan, Tim Collins, Ed Ritsko, Al & Angela Lash, Cathy Chambers, Edi Minch, Chuck Scherich and Warren Duncan.
The Call to Order was made by supervisor Melinda Duncan at 6:30 p.m.
Spring Bids
A total of 3 Spring Bids were opened and read at 6:30 p.m. by supervisor Melinda Duncan. Bids were as follows; first bid was from Russell Standard for road oil (40,000 gallons at $2.57 for $102,800.00), second bid was from Youngblood Paving for road oil (40,000 gallons at $3.15 for $126,000.00), third bid was from Midland Asphalt Materials, Inc. for road oil (40,000 gallons at $2.42 for $96,800.00). Henrietta O’Brien recommended Youngblood Paving and Brandon Gray recommended Russell Standard as he stated this was the company used last year. Regarding Midland Asphalt Materials, Inc., they were not recommended due to long distance traveling and scheduling conflicts by the Road Foreman Ian Martin, one of the supervisors Mark Adams, Brandon Gray and others in attendance.
Motion by Mark Adams to accept the Spring Bid submitted by Russell Standard. Second by Melinda Duncan. All in favor, ayes, 2 – motion carried.
As no bids for stone or fuel were received, solicitor Jim Liekar stated another bid advertisement will have to be published in the newspaper or the township will be responsible for procuring such materials without bids.
Motion by Melinda Duncan to publish another bid advertisement for stone and fuel. Second by Mark Adams. All in favor, ayes, 2 – motion carried.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve prior meeting minutes of February 9, 2026, by supervisor Mark Adams, seconded by supervisor Melinda Duncan. All in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Public Comment
Henrietta O’Brien is concerned about having a “burn-ban,” stating that a neighbor set her woods on fire and questions who has the responsibility and liability for such. The intent is not to prevent burning or what is being burned. Also, it was noted which fire departments arrived on scene and the numbers of first responders called to handle the fire.
Questions were then diverted to the current fire chief and other fire department members that were in attendance.
Steve Emery stated that while previously serving as Fire Chief, he asked about such matters of the previous township supervisors and suggested adopting similar burn laws comparable to the state of West Virginia. He also explained that fires can become even more serious due to most fire departments being short staffed.
Heather Martin stated that yearly seasonal conditions could correlate with a burn schedule, having tighter restrictions during these months.
Glenn O’Brien mentioned that most of these problems arise from improper burning procedures and there is a lack of overall awareness within the community about practicing burning safely to minimize risks.
Solicitor Jim Lieker will be sending samples to review burning ordinances applicable to the township.
Mark Adams indicated the difference between controlled and uncontrolled burns within legal limitations of which Steve Emery commented that even under legal conditions a fire can never be considered controlled or able to be controlled.
Mark Sibert also addressed questions about who and how volunteer fire departments receive compensation for services.
Tim Moore spoke to the fact that supervisor David Pritt was absent whereby Melinda Duncan responded by announcing his official resignation is expected to be submitted by the next meeting. Melinda Duncan asked anyone interested in being considered for the position to contact the office no later than Monday, April 6, 2026.
Rick Davis had concerns about the cleanliness of the roadways and was referred to contact Becky Collins.
Unfinished Business
Motion to adopt K-2 Zoning Fee schedule by Melinda Duncan. Second by Mark Adams. All in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Angela Lash questioned the permittance and/or limitations of signage in the new zoning ordinance and is strongly opposed to any ordinance that would infringe upon civil liberties. Steve Emery also stated that there are concerns as to effective enforcement of ordinances and to who will be doing the enforcing.
Motion to set Zoning Board Hearing compensation to $100.00 per hearing by Melinda Duncan. Second by Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Motion to hire part-time Road Crew member as needed, John Swart by Melinda Duncan. Second by Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried. Motion to hire full-time Road Crew member, Brandon Gray, waving probationary period and starting with 2 weeks’ vacation by Melinda Duncan. Second by Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried. Brandon Grays’ start date will be March 23, 2026. Motion to reimburse Tax Collector Bobbi Shaulis for mileage expenses as of March 9, 2026, by Melinda Duncan. Second, Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried. Reimbursements are given to other employees using personal vehicles for township business. Some in attendance questioned
justification of reimbursement, Chuck Scherich asked what the federal rate is, which Melinda Duncan provided response of 72.5 cents. Chuck Scherich further noted that the township can choose the rate.
Motion to increase Road Foreman compensation to $30.00 per hour effective as of March 12, 2026 by Melinda Duncan. Second, Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried. Many in attendance questioned justification of pay raise.
New Business
Don Beck and West Finley Fire Department is available for Spring Cleanup Days being held April 24-25th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dumpsters will be located at the township and fire department. Tires will be accepted; first 3 tires per household are free of charge but each additional will cost $3.00 per tire. Tires will only be accepted at the township building. Electronics will not be accepted at either location. Motion to approve by Melinda Duncan, second, Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Motion to approve Secretary/Treasurer office training, computer equipment and PSAT Conference attendance by Melinda Duncan. Second, Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried. Several recommendations were made by those in attendance regarding how to possibly obtain Microsoft products at a reduced cost.
Outsourcing payroll was tabled by Melinda Duncan as Mark Adams and others in attendance questioned if the cost would be justified. There were also questions brought forth as to the need to employ 2 secretaries/treasurers.
Hiring a CPA for 2025 Audit was tabled by Melinda Duncan. Jim Lieker stated that the township has yet to meet a 30-day requirement before hiring can occur.
Tim Collins suggested that the Zoning Hearing Board should meet prior to a problem occurring, others were also in agreement.
West Finley VFC
Steve Emery and Mark Sibert verified status of SWIF Insurance coverage and payment.
Mark Sibert presented a total of 40 calls for the month of February, 2 of which were grass fires. As being the Emergency Management Supervisor, he is actively engaged in completing training and educational courses.
Melinda Duncan recommends that the township website should be undated with relevant information regarding the fire department. Chuck Scherich also recommended updating permit and zoning permits as well.
State Police Report
No report received at this time.
K-2 Engineering Report
Residents recommended to ask for zoning permits to be sent more regularly verses all be received at the end of each month.
K-2 report read by Melinda Duncan and SALDO will be given to zoning ordinance officer.
Road Foreman Report
Report given by Road Foreman Ian Martin regarding applying for grant to repair Spotted Tail Road through Washington Co. Conservation. The project could cost $8,000.00 – $10,000.00 but is estimated to at least cost $3,000.00. GEO-Tech engineering and inspection will need to occur prior for consideration of grant. To apply, all prerequisites much be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Motion to approve completion of Geo tech engineering and inspection to apply for the grant for Low Volume Dirt & Gravel Road by Mark Adams, second, Melinda Duncan, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Secretary Report
Bank statements were read and motioned for approval by Melinda Duncan, second Mark Adams, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Motion to pay outstanding bills by Mark Adams, second by Melinda Duncan, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.
Administrative Report
Deferred.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Mark Adams, second by Melinda Duncan, all in favor, ayes, 2 – motioned carried.