Dawn Earhart

The Council reviewed and approved various administrative and operational items, including the award of the Tollgate Lane Sanitary Sewer Replacement contract, approval of the 2025 Municipal Audit, and adoption of the Westmoreland County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Engineering reports included updates on the Act 537 plan and repairs to the Cramer Lift Station motor. Police department discussions covered performance statistics, the consideration of a new K9 unit, a sign-on bonus for full-time officers, and upcoming civil service testing. Additional topics included the PennDOT Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement, infrastructure projects at Shields Farm and Newhouse Park, and emergency management responses to recent weather events.

The Council meeting involved several administrative and community-focused actions, including the acceptance of the Treasurer's report and authorization for the payment of bills. Discussions covered historical society projects, electrical upgrades at Shields Farm, and engineering matters concerning sewer replacement projects. Legal actions included the ratification of a valve site agreement. Personnel decisions involved the hiring of a new full-time police officer and the approval of policy updates, including the employee handbook and a code of conduct. Street and naming resolutions were passed, alongside the approval of insurance renewals. Financial tasks included the decision to pay off a tax anticipation note. Committee reports addressed various infrastructure, maintenance, and event planning efforts, such as trash contract bidding, event road closures, and park permits for community celebrations.

The Council discussed various community events including a litter clean-up day, trail celebrations, and a murder mystery fundraiser. Engineering reports covered a change in the scope of work for a grant and a tabled agreement for a street project. Public safety updates included police statistics for the month. Infrastructure discussions focused on truck traffic ordinances, road paving and repairs, and Stormwater Authority projects. The Council also reviewed insurance renewals, upcoming trash clean-up days, and potential acquisition of a building for non-profit use.

The council addressed several items, including authorization for Boy Scout troops to utilize Shields Farm, discussions regarding municipal snow removal practices, and an update from the local ambulance service regarding their current operations and subscription drives. Engineering matters included tabling the Act 537 Report update and the approval to advertise the Tollgate Lane Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project. The council also approved Ordinance 2026-01, initiated the Civil Service process for the police department, and noted upcoming grant funding. Additional administrative actions included the appointment of a recreation board member and the approval of subdivision plans for 127 Church Street. The emergency management coordinator provided a report regarding a recent fire incident and disaster declaration.

The meeting focused on the process to fill a vacant seat on the Council. The Council reviewed letters of support submitted for two candidates, Andy Shissler and Amanda List, and heard public comment regarding the appointment. Following the discussion, the Council held a vote which resulted in the appointment of Amanda List to the Council.