City of Lower Burrell

The board reviewed correspondence regarding loan payments and membership dues and approved invoices for payment. Progress on the 2025 audit was noted, with the final draft pending submission. Extensive reports on sewer pump station maintenance and repair needs were presented for various locations. Additionally, the engineer provided updates on a pre-bid meeting, discussed compliance with Buy American Build America requirements for equipment, and confirmed reimbursement plans through the Penn Vest Loan. The solicitor reported on a land settlement agreement requiring a one-time payment.

Executive department reports included updates on snow removal efforts, noting the consumption of 1,494 tons of salt, and a positive review of the annual finance meeting. Key discussions focused on the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt, the continuation of Music in the Park in 2026, and the Farmer's Market opening date. The City Manager reported that the pension audit was underway, a Timbering Ordinance was reviewed due to a county complaint, and steps were commencing for the PennVest Sewer Project. The Mayor announced the Chief of Police entering the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) and congratulated a Patrolman on his upcoming retirement. Action items included accepting department reports, approving the payment of all bills, accepting the Chief of Police into the DROP program effective March 16, 2026, approving agreements for Kotecki Park use by Tri-City Soccer and Burrell Fastpitch for 2026, adopting a resolution supporting the PennVEST loan award of $15,820,000 for wastewater system improvements, approving a stipulation of settlement for property tax appeals, and approving the first and second reading of an ordinance to repeal and replace the chapter on Timber Harvesting. A concern regarding neighborhood dogs at large was raised during public comment.

The meeting commenced with the reorganization of officers, including the election of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Key professional retainers were approved, specifically Mott MacDonald as Consulting Engineer and Robert B. Liotta as Solicitor, along with the retention of First National Bank as depositories. The board also voted to extend the agreement with Mott Macdonald. Financial matters included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for December 2025, the payment of an invoice to Mott Macdonald, and correspondence regarding a Penn Vest loan payment. The Sewer Report detailed inspection and maintenance activities across various pump stations, with suggestions for future spare part purchases. The Engineer's Report anticipated state and federal loans from Penn Vest, with bid advertisements expected for the March meeting, and noted contact with Tractor Supply regarding a sewer tap-in.

The meeting included a reorganization process where the roles of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary were filled. Key business involved the proposed consolidation of three parcels (17-05-00-0-024, 023, and 099) zoned S-1, which would result in a single lot conveyed for constructing a single-family dwelling. The Commission also voted to support the relocation of Western PA Federal Credit Union to the Hillcrest Shopping Center, which requires seeking a waiver for Area and Height Requirements from the Zoning Hearing Board. Additionally, support was granted for the construction of an oversized accessory building (detached garage) on a property zoned R-1, as it met necessary requirements without needing a variance.

The session included a reorganization segment where George Guido was nominated and approved as Chairman, Charles Stapinski as Vice-Chairman, and John Millburn as Secretary of the Zoning Hearing Board. There were no items addressed under Old Business or New Business.