West Finley Township
Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 8, 2026
The Board of Supervisors of West Finley Township held their monthly meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the West Finley Township Building. Supervisors Melinda Duncan, Mark Adams and Brandon Gray were in attendance. Road Foreman Ian Martin, Secretary/Treasurer, Mary Eileen Dindal and Solicitor, Jim Liekar, were also present.
Also in attendance were Heather Martin, Al & Angela Lash, Mark Siebert, Tim Moore, Mark A. Smith and Claire Hagan.
CALL TO ORDER by Supervisor, Melinda Duncan at 5:30 p.m., followed by pledge and prayer.
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES motion to approve by Brandon Gray, second by Mark Adams. All in favor, ayes, 3 – motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Angela Lash asked if we are on any kind of time limit with K2 Engineering, how obligated are we and why doesn’t the township get a portion of the fees collected? Furthermore, Angela Lash pointed out that K2s’ current zoning fee schedule should be changed regarding items such as landfills, commercial incinerators, etc. Jim Liekar responded by saying that if a township does receive any fees, it’s usually considered an administration “pass-through” fee. Al Lash pointed out that as noted on the agenda, most of these matters will change as the engineering company will be changed. Melinda Duncan confirmed such and shared that our road crew especially has been dissatisfied with K2 Engineering. Jim Liekar explained that the engineering company is not under contract and may be terminated at any time as they are to serve at our pleasure.
Questions arose regarding the status of the salt shed and Brandon Gray replied by explaining that currently, K2 has failed to produce, and any such related material is “non-existent.” He also referenced an email that was received from K2 that made the implication that attending our meetings was not worth their time.
Claire Hagan would like to review the current bank account balances, and she was invited to stop by the township office for more information. Melinda Duncan responded by saying that the 2025 township audit will be reviewed and is available to anyone who is interested – it will not be posted on the website, but it will be advertised in the newspaper. She further explained that every expenditure is budgeted and there are different funds available within the township, each having designated expenditures.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Motion to table acceptance/denial of Strategic Solutions proposed estimate of services (comprehensive plan construction) made by Melinda Duncan, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
Melinda Duncan also shared that Tredd Barton has agreed to keep us informed regarding when classes are to be held so that we may notify residents of controlled explosive training.
PERSONNEL: Motion made by Melinda Duncan to appoint Deb Swart and Amanda Yankovich as auditors, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried. The auditor positions/terms will have to be determined, and all 3 positions will be included on the November, 2027 ballot.
Regarding hiring cleaning personnel, Melinda Duncan recommended checking on the rates for such and may consider placing an ad in the newspaper. Ever since there have been changes of office staff, Melinda Duncan has been volunteering to do most of the required cleaning for the office. Angela Lash also offered her help as well if need be. Many residents inquired as to why this seems to be a matter of importance whereby Melinda Duncan explained that someone made a complaint. To this, most were surprised as it’s their opinion that the office always appears clean and orderly, Mark Adams also agreed. Tim Moore expressed that it does not seem necessary to hire someone to clean over 1 complaint, and if need be, a sign-up sheet could be provided so that anyone interested/able could volunteer to do so. Motion to table the approval of potentially hiring cleaning personnel made by Melinda Duncan, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS: Regarding the hire of Harshman Engineering, Ian Martin and Jim Liekar both concurred and expressed that they will provide all service needs of our township. Claire Hagan suggested to look into other engineering firms, such as those that may be listed in the yellow pages. However, Brandon Gray amongst others, strongly refers and recommends Harshman Engineering. When it was asked of the supervisors if that’s who we are choosing, it was a unanimous “yes.”
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to approve/accept the township audit provided by CPA, second, Brandon Gray; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
Motion made by Brandon Gray to terminate K2 Engineering and hire Harshman Engineering, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried. Brandon Gray and Ian Martin explained to those in attendance as to the reasons we are changing engineers, especially speaking upon the dissatisfaction with K2 and why Harshman Engineering will be more suitable. Tim Moore emphasized agreeance considering that if K2 does not seem to think we are worth their time, then they in turn are not worth our money.
Motion made by Brandon Gray to hire Harshman Engineering, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to hire Harshman Engineering to design township salt shed, second by Brandon Gray; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
Mark Siebert has not yet reviewed the Hazardous Mitigation Plan but will jot his notes/thoughts down concerning the subject to then be reviewed by supervisors prior to submission. Melinda Duncan expressed great appreciation of Mark Siebert’s assistance.
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to permit township to purchase/install a flagpole at the township building, second by Brandon Gray; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
VFC REPORT: Mark Siebert reviewed the May report with those in attendance and mentioned that they have “been busy.” This report does not reflect the most recent storms that occurred over the weekend. Mark Siebert also explained that there is not much that can be done about lines that are down or most trees – flares can be setup and there is a phone number on poles to call for reporting damaged lines.
STATE POLICE REPORT – Deferred (none received)
K-2 ENGINEERING REPORT: Provided by K-2 Engineering, read and reviewed by Melinda Duncan. Regarding termination of K2, Jim Liekar stated that we may cancel at any time.
ROAD FOREMAN REPORT: Presented/reviewed by Ian Martin; shared with those in attendance the upcoming schedule for tar/chipping, the process of and which roads are of particular interest to receive maintenance. Ian Martin also provided an update regarding the status of current applications and/or inspections that he has been preparing/maintaining. Tim Moore expressed much appreciation to Ian Martin for his attentive efforts, especially related to Erskine Road.
SECRETARY REPORT: Bank statements review by Melinda Duncan and made motion to approve, second by Brandon Gray; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS: Motion made by Brandon Gray to approve/pay outstanding bills, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
Motion to approve purchase of envelopes for tax collector by Melinda Duncan, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion of adjournment by Melinda Duncan, second by Mark Adams; all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.