West Finley Township
Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting
Monday, May 11, 2026
The Board of Supervisors of West Finley Township held their monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Finley Township Building. Supervisors Melinda Duncan, Mark Adams and Brandon Gray were in attendance. Secretary/Treasurer, Mary Eileen Dindal and Solicitor, Jim Liekar, were also present.
Also in attendance were Mark Siebert, Dave Minch, Tim Collins, Tracey Shaulis, Tracey A. Smith, Rich Grimm, Tim Moore, Angela and Al Lash, Henrietta and Glenn O’Brien, Jean Morris, Gino Mollica (with Washington Ambulance & Chair), Rick Davis, Claire Hagan, Emily and Cathy Chambers.
CALL TO ORDER by Supervisor, Melinda Duncan at 6:30 p.m., followed by pledge and prayer.
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES motion to approve by Melinda Duncan, second by Mark Adams. All in favor, ayes, 3 – motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Discrepancy between attendees and township supervisors as to availability/access of prior meeting minutes. Tracey Smith and other residents stated that Supervisors, specifically Mark Adams, were supposed to have such printed for retention and made available at tonight’s meeting as discussed during last month’s meeting. Neither Mark Adams or Melinda Duncan recall agreeing to providing such material, however, Melinda reminded residents that prior meeting minutes will be available as usual for review online tomorrow morning or residents can stop by the township office in person to retain a copy.
Melinda Duncan addressed a prior concern of some residents who attend meetings that carry a firearm and asked that anyone doing so to either refrain from altogether or provide proof of proper permitting. Al Lash mentioned that PA is an “open carry” state and it’s against the law to prevent people from doing so, therefore he will not comply. Henrietta O’Brien shared that she feels safer knowing that we have some people in attendance that do carry if anything ever were to happen. Tim Moore stated that he believes that the townships request is not unreasonable.
There was also a question posed regarding who residents can contact when no one from the township answers the phone. This is in reference to an incident that occurred over the weekend when a tree came down across a roadway, which Brandon Gray was aware of. Brandon Gray stated that no one resides on that roadway – he did not feel the circumstances justified the cost of sending someone out, and no one left any direct messages about the tree. Tracey Shaulis expressed that he was not aware that leaving a message was required.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Deferred.
PERSONNEL
Advertising for office personnel – no action taken.
Tim Moore inquired as to what office personnel the township was hiring for as he was under the assumption that the positions were taken care of and filled. Melinda Duncan addressed his question by explaining that the former Secretary/Treasurer, Cindy McCulley-Kuhn, is no longer employed by the township and that her position must be filled. Melinda Duncan further explained that the current Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Mary Eileen Dindal, is willing and has been considered for such position.
Motion made by Melinda Ducan to hire Mary Eileen Dindal as the fulltime Secretary/Treasurer, subject to 90 days probation without benefits. Second by Mark Adams, all in favor – 2 ayes by Melinda Duncan and Mark Adams, 1 nay by Brandon Gray – motion carried.
Jean Morris questioned about township money that was missing in the years of 2023 and 2024. Mark Adams responded by saying that he’d already told her that such was a rumor and there was never any money missing from the township. Mark Adams also invited that if anyone else would like to have his supervisor position, as it is an elected position every two years, to let him know and he’ll resign.
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to add 2 paid personnel days for the road crew and office personnel during primary and general elections, which will now be held exclusively at the township building and will interfere with daily operations. Second, by Brandon Gray – all in favor, 3 ayes, motion carried.
Tim Moore asked of the location as to where polling machines will be located within the township building. Melinda Duncan informed him that it has been confirmed that all polls will be located within the conference room as opposed to the garage bay, as suggested by Washington County.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to approve landowner/township agreement with CNX, second by Brandon Gray – all in favor, 3 ayes, motion carried. Melinda Duncan explained that this agreement is to improve sight distance on the roadway. Solicitor, Jim Liekar also reviewed the agreement and approves the contractual terms.
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to approve heavy road use permits requested by Mark West for Hamilton, Spotted Tail, Masteller, Laidley’s Run and Porter Hill Road (in addition, to contracting with Mark West to tar/chip) Porter Hill and Laidley’s Run Road in the future once work is complete. Second by Mark Adams – all in favor, 3 ayes, motion carried.
One resident had a question about when work was to begin on Spotted Tail Road, which Brandon Gray addressed by giving the estimated dates provided by Mark West. Henrietta O’Brien also asked as to what kind of equipment will be traveling on the roadways, and if this is a new occurrence. Melinda Duncan informed her that this is not new and such companies have been utilizing our roads since roughly 2012.
Regarding noise complaints, Solicitor Jim Liekar advised township to defer such or any other similar natured complaints to our zoning/ordinance officer being that it’s a code enforcement issue. Instead, the township reached out to the landowner directly (Mr. Tredd Barton) whereby the township received a letter from his attorney, which Melinda Duncan reviewed with those in attendance. In the future, the township will reach out to Tredd Barton and ask if he will inform us prior to explosive training sessions so that we may post such activity on the township website. Glenn O’Brien questioned what is being detonated, and Mark Adams explained that Tredd Barton provides training on explosives for police officers and the like. Tim Moore expressed that he feels the complaints should have been directed to 911 (police) but were misplaced onto the township as we do not currently have a noise ordinance. Many residents attending voiced support of Tredd Bartons practice in providing training for law enforcement and other agencies.
As addressed by Mark Adams, nothing has been voted on currently, but it was discussed in the Road Foreman meeting that the township is considering purchasing new fleet. The purchasing process could take at least 18 months to 2 years. Any unused equipment the township is considering liquidating. Brandon Gray addressed the reason of considering acquiring a tow behind blower for that will help in maintaining ditches. He further explained that ditching would not have to be done as often and describes the common scenario that although it is asked of residents not to blow grass on the roadways prior to tar/chipping, it always happens anyway and the tow behind would correct the issue.
Melinda Duncan informed residents that the air conditioning unit in the conference room will be replaced sometime this year and will be the same as the units in the front office of the township building.
Regarding heating the garage, Brandon Gray explained several benefits, such as the diesel fuel not thickening and is overall easier on machinery. Jean Morris asked if “anti-gel” was put into the diesel vehicles. Brandon Gray answered by saying that he could not attest to that as he has not experienced a winter here at the township yet.
A resident questioned if there was a budget for all the equipment that might be purchased, which Melinda Duncan informed her that yes, this is budgeted every year. Melinda Duncan also reminded residents that copies of the budget are available for review and/or retention.
Claire Hagan, as she is “new at this,” asked if it would be possible for a flowchart to be created that totals and breaks down the cost of expenses. Melinda Duncan responded by saying that such a chart would probably be feasible to create.
Additional questions about the township vehicles arose – Brandon Gray answered by saying that some trucks may be downsized, nothing has been decided, this is all “just talk.” He further explained that smaller trucks are lighter on the roads in general, better for plowing as it doesn’t take as much of the treatment off, and easier to pass other vehicles on the roadway.
As for the material storage shed, the supervisors and road foreman would like it to be drafted and completed by the end of this year, and it will be advertised for bidding. Tim Moore asked if it was bid on last year and Angela Lash inquired if there was money in the township budget for the shed and how much is in the budget from last year – at least money that is available for major improvements. She also asked for clarification regarding whether the bids last year had an engineer involved or not, and expressed that this year, having our engineering company draft the project is better, that the township is going about it in the right way. Jean Morris would like to review K-2s price estimate for the drafting. Henrietta O’Brien asked if a break down for competitive bids could be provided, of which Melinda Duncan answered yes.
While reviewing the proposed Comprehensive Plan provided by Strategic Solutions, it was mentioned to avoid “kicking the can down the road,” in trying to “piggyback” off others’ plans, specifically such as counties. The total cost of the proposed plan was presented by Melinda Duncan, each cost phase was explained. Tim Moore inquired as to what township budget these costs would be coming from. Melinda Duncan stated that there are plenty of funds, especially those available through state funds.
Henrietta O’Brien recommends that we further educate ourselves about business plans and other options that may be of use for a lesser expense. She would like to pursue other avenues before committing to the proposed plan. Angela Lash agrees and feels strongly that it “could be done well by ourselves comprehensively.” Al Lash agrees that the cost of Strategic Solutions plan is hard to justify. Brandon Gray remarked that this is unfortunately all part of the process with zoning that no one really wanted, including himself.
Angela Lash stated that PA Code doesn’t seem that complicated, however Jim Liekar pointed out that all of this is not as easy as it seems. Even so, Melinda Duncan mentioned that the township office is still very overloaded right now considering the circumstances.
Tracey Smith also asked about the cost, wondering if it could be more tailored to our needs and if there is money for everything else, than why not this, as it would benefit every citizen – it would be money well spent paying professionals, especially if they are willing to work with us and strike out some inapplicable items and then it may not cost as much. Henrietta O’Brien is willing and offered to reach out to colleges who may have students in need of work for their studies. Melinda Duncan agreed and accepted Henriettas’ offer. Residents, including the Board of Supervisors, agree that we are not qualified to write the appropriate language and terminology that such plans require.
It is estimated that it could take approximately 12 months (1 year) to complete the Comprehensive Plan.
This decision has been tabled until the next meeting by Melinda Duncan. Angela Lash agrees with tabling.
Brandon Gray remarked that the cost of creating a comprehensive plan is cheaper than dealing with data centers and Melinda Duncan agreed by saying it’s also cheaper than being challenged in court due to such a plan not being in place. Tracey Smith would like to have a meeting with Strategic Solutions prior to the next upcoming meeting and Al Lash asked if a “broiler” template could be provided that they could build from as nothing of the sort has seemingly been provided yet.
Melinda Duncan recommends holding regular meetings for Planning Commission and that the township will reach out to the Planning Commission for what days would be best for everyone involved. Motion by Melinda Duncan to have the Planning Commission meet on the 1st (first) Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the township building. Second by Mark Adams, all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.
It was also discussed to change the time for the Board of Supervisors meeting to 5:30 p.m., however there were varying opinions about what time the meeting should be held, and Angela Lash is concerned it may be conflicting for some residents’ work schedules. More were in favor of having the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Motion made by Melinda Duncan to change the Board of Supervisors meeting time to 5:30 p.m., second by Mark Adams, all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried. Jim Liekar will advertise the time changes for both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings within the same newspaper ad.
VFC REPORT
Mark Siebert reviewed the report with those in attendance and mentioned that there is a great need for EMTs and to let him know if anyone is interested.
AMBULANCE & CHAIR EMS REPORT
Gino Mollica introduced himself and reviewed the report as he explained that his work in conjunction with other local services, such as fire departments, are very interconnected. He also expressed how there have been many medical advancements that Washington County currently uses and or has access to. He also informed residents that A & C subscriptions can be done “as is/ as needed,” which substantially covers costs of ambulance services that some insurance companies will not cover it. The membership drive for such will start soon and Gino Mollica said he would provide the information to the township for retention.
STATE POLICE REPORT
Melinda Duncan reviewed the report for the month of April instead of going through each of the prior reports for January, February and March. Melinda Duncan and Mark Admas both remarked that the numbers reflected on such reports never seem to add up correctly. Brandon Gray noticed that there seems to be an increase in crime within our area since last year.
K-2 ENGINEERING REPORT
Provided by K-2 Engineering, read and reviewed by Melinda Duncan.
Henrietta O’Brien wondered if anyone has heard anything lately regarding data centers. No one in attendance, nor township officials have heard anything recently.
ROAD FOREMAN REPORT
Provided by foreman Ian Martin, reviewed by Melinda Duncan, Brandon Gray and Mark Adams. The township is still working with grants and Harshman Engineering on certain roadway projects and core samples were taken on Spotted Tail Road Monday of last week by GeoTech.
SECRETARY REPORT
Bank statements and outstanding bills were reviewed and shared with residents by Melinda Duncan, which Tracey Smith appreciates such being read aloud. Motion made by Melinda Duncan to accept the secretary report, second by Brandon Gray – all in favor, 3 ayes, motion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Motion made by Melinda Duncan to pay outstanding bills and permittance of secretary/treasurer to pay regular/monthly bills as needed without prior approval. Second by Mark Adams – all in favor, 3 ayes, motion carried.
The was a question as to how many tires were collected during Spring Clean-up, and Brandon Gray answered with an estimated total of 168-170 tires.
Emily Chambers asked if the township has ever considered bidding out for propane and recommended a company called Augustine, which is family owned. Melinda Duncan said that currently we are not considering it but may do so in the bid packets for next year.
A resident also questioned the status of Old Brick Road as several community members have reached out to PennDOT and have received mixed responses.
Emily Chambers also asked the question as to why West Finley does not have a park and wonders if there is an area that could be one suggesting that donations and or fundraising could come from residents or these big companies like CNX. Brandon Gray explained that the responsibility of having a park, no matter the circumstances, will ultimately fall on the township. Furthermore, Mark Adams explained what usually happens to community parks and it becomes a disaster, not to mention the installation, maintenance and the need to then have a Park Board in place. Al Lash commented that it could turn into a money pit for the township and others recognize that it’s also a liability. Brandon Gray stated that it’s not worth the likelihood of having to take road crew members off the road to maintain a park instead.
Angela Lash questioned whether West Finley is a dry township or not. Jim Liekar referred and suggested that the local election office may have that information recorded.
ADJOURNMENT
After thanking those in attendance, motion to adjourn made by Melinda Duncan, second by Mark Adams, all in favor – 3 ayes, motion carried.