On Monday, December 9, 2024, the West Finley Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly meeting at 6:00 pm at the Township Office Building. All Supervisors were present. The township residents in attendance were Brandon Gray, Tracey Shaulis, Tim Collins, Ed Ritsko, Rick Shaw, and Melinda Duncan. Mark Sibert was present for the West Finley Volunteer Fire Comapany. Representatives from CNX were Erika Whetsone, the Director of Permitting, and Brett Matthews, Permitting Project Manager.
CALL TO ORDER
The call to order was made by Chairman Martin at 5:59 pm.
READING OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES
The minutes from the November board meeting were read aloud. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Chairman Martin and seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The proposed budget for 2025 was available for public inspection for the required twenty (20) days. The millage rate was briefly discussed but will remain the same at 3 mills. The motion to approve the proposed budget as the Final Budget, with millage rate, was made by Chairman Martin and seconded by Vice Chairman Pritt. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
CNX representatives discussed the road improvements and widening of Slemmons Road for WFN 13. Paving the road beyond the well pad is yet to be determined. Finalization of permits will need to be arranged with the state and K2 Engineering. Brett Matthews will keep the Township informed of progress and time frames, hopefully starting construction towards the beginning of 2026.
The emergency operations plan (EOP) has been completed and submitted to the department of Washington County Safety. A promulgation will be signed in acknowledgment of the plan.
NEW BUSINESS
Douglas St. Clair submitted his application for a Junk Dealer License for 2025. The application is complete, and all fees have been paid. The motion to approve the permit application was made by Vice Chairman Pritt. Chairman Martin seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
The Washington County Redevelopment Authority has notified the Township of available funds totaling $75,000.00 for use of a qualifying project. After consideration and due to HUD requirements, the most feasible project is paving of Fleming Hollow Road. The motion to approve the authorization of the project was made by Vice Chairman Pritt and seconded by Chairman Martin. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried. Paperwork for this project was previously submitted as the deadline was November 29, 2024.
The elected auditors will perform the 2024 audit. We will not employ the CPA firm this year.
K2 Engineering submitted their monthly report. There were no building or floodplain permits issued for December. They also completed our application for LSA funds.
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Canonsburg Ambulance and Ambulance and Chair are still interested in servicing our area. Both have agreements ready for the Board to sign.
Mark Sibert gave the Board a monthly report for the volunteer fire company. The West Finley VFC has had a record number of calls this year, mostly medically related. Also, there was no change in the election of officers. Chairman Martin requested a list of all the new equipment, including prices, that were purchased in 2024. The request will be passed along to the Chief.
ROAD FOREMAN’S REPORT
We received a quote from Chemung for materials needed to replace the crossing on Walnut Valley Road. Permitting and engineering costs are yet to be determined. The Board requests more information on those prices for the January 2025 monthly meeting.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Lt. Dowlin sent the PA state police report via email. It was prepared for the Board before the meeting.
A NOI was received for Tunnel Ridge panel 27. This is for work along the Gibraltar pipeline along Beham Ridge Road.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
The financial reports for all the Township accounts were presented. The bank statements from November were reviewed along with their QuickBooks reconciliation reports.
The Board also examined an itemized list of current expenditures for payment in December. A fireproof filing cabinet is requested by the Secretary as there are sensitive documents that need to be secured. The motion to approve the financial statements and payment of the expenditures along with the purchase of a fireproof filing cabinet was made by Vice Chairman Pritt and seconded by Chairman Martin. All in favor, Ayes: 3, motion carried.
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Chairman Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:04 pm.