The Board of Supervisors of West Finley Township held their monthly meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 6:00 pm in the Township Office Building. All Supervisors were in attendance.
Township residents present at the meeting were Ian and Heather Martin, Brandon Gray, Stephen Emery, Faith Welling, Tracey Shaulis, and Melinda Duncan.
CALL TO ORDER
The call to order was made by Chairman Martin at 6:00 pm.
READING OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES
The Secretary read the minutes from the January Special meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chairman Pritt and seconded by Supervisor Collins. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
The Solicitor, James Liekar, sent another reply regarding the junkyard ordinances. He also sent examples of a cease and desist order and occupancy permit. We currently have two properties that need investigated. One has already received a letter, but a second letter will be sent to the owner of record, after the Supervisors have reviewed it. Supervisors Martin and Collins will visit the other resident to discuss the situation. Motion made by Chairman Martin, seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
As the Supervisors desire to work on creating an employee handbook, questions regarding workshops versus public meetings were sent to our Solicitor. He replied stating that workshops were public meetings but did not require a public comment section. The Supervisors can meet to discuss policies if they do not take any action or make motions. The Secretary began editing a copy of a handbook that was given to the Supervisors. They will make edits to individual copies to give to the Secretary before the next meeting.
Verizon Wireless has been contacted regarding cell phones for Supervisors. The Secretary also had a virtual meeting with Chris Diaz from Verizon Connect regarding vehicles and the different capabilities that they offer. After discussion of the different services, Vice Chairman Pritt motioned to contact Verizon for services on five (5) cell phones, for township business, township email, and township communication for the three (3) Supervisors, Secretary, and Road Crew Foreman. Motion seconded by Supervisor Collins. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried. The internet situation has been tabled for now.
The Township had readvertised for the position of Road Crew Foreman and received several resumes and applications. Interviews will be scheduled for all applicants for Tuesday through Friday after 1:00 pm. The Secretary will start scheduling tomorrow.
NEW BUSINESS
Steve Emery asked the Board for assistance with repairs to the fire truck. The steering and the pump were tested which resulted in a bill for $8,700.00. Chief Emery will still have many costs as the brush truck needs repairs, foam will need to be paid for, and new gear has been bought. He is requesting some financial help from the Township. Vice Chairman Pritt motioned to give the West Finely Volunteer Fire Company $9,000.00 for expenses. Motion seconded by Supervisor Collins. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
Clean up days are fast approaching. West Finley Township usually reserves the third weekend in April for township cleanup. Waste Management was contacted for a quote on trash services. The Supervisors will quote other services, but if a more cost effective solution is not found within two weeks, we will award Donnie Beck the clean up day project. Motion made by Chairman Martin and seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
ROAD CREW REPORT
The skid steer bearing and bucket need to be replaced. These repairs should be taken care of as soon as possible. Road Crew will get quotes for the repairs.
Several culverts need to be installed throughout the township. They are all field access. Supervisors will contact the residents regarding these projects.
It has been rumored that the state is considering turning over some of the state culverts back to the townships. The culvert that David Wright is concerned about is plugged at both ends. Ian Martin has a new PennDOT contact that he will share with Vice Chairman Pritt, who will investigate the situation first.
We have had several complaints regarding water trucks and blackout hours. Supervisors will call the various companies to reiterate the need for caution on the roads during specific hours, especially during bus pick up and drop off times.
New outside lights for the garage have been requested. The Secretary will contact Rick Krashauur about the installation of a new light at the end of the walkway. Motion to approve the new lighting was made by Chairman Martin and seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
More culvert pipes are needed. The road crew would like to purchase ten (10) pieces of 15” (fifteen) inch pipe totaling approximately $1,800.00 The motion to approve the purchase was made by Chairman Martin and seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
The financial reports for all accounts were presented. The previous month’s bank statements with balances and QuickBooks reconciliation reports were reviewed. The motion to accept the financial reports was made by Vice Chairman Pritt and seconded by Chairman Martin. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
An itemized list of current bills was also brought before the Board. Specifics of the bills were discussed. The motion to approve payment of the bills, plus the additions, was made by Vice Chairman Pritt and seconded by Chairman Martin. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
The Township received a notification letter from the DEP for Tunnel Ridge regarding a permit for expansion for coal development.
The Township received a notification letter from the DEP for Ohio County Coal Resources to renew their existing permit.
PA Police Report from Lt. Steven Dowlin for the month of January 2024.
A letter from Tim O’Neal’s office regarding a local government training program was also received by the township.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Melinda Duncan suggested the Township send some type of notification to the residents about the website, clean up days, and other important information.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Chairman Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:45 pm.