J.P. Howard

The Authority addressed several financial and operational matters. Key actions included approving bill payments for October 2025 and the October bank statements and reconciliations. The board recommended the reappointment of Larry Pifer to the Authority Board. Discussions regarding employee compensation for Christmas resulted in approving $50 gift certificates for employees instead of Christmas hams. Operational reports covered loan balances and upcoming NexTier loan payments. The General Manager reported on the 2026 UPMC insurance renewal (Resolution 2025-23), the LSA Grant Application (Resolution 2025-22), a Credit Card Resolution (Resolution 2025-21), and the pump replacement for Water Well No. 3. Following an executive session for collective bargaining and personnel matters, the Authority voted to cover the 12% increase in the UPMC renewal premium. Salary adjustments and one-time bonuses were approved for the Executive Administrator and the General Manager, effective January 1, 2026. Several resolutions were approved, including Resolution 2025-22 for the LSA Grant, Resolution 2025-21 regarding credit card convenience fees, Resolution 2025-23 for UPMC health plan execution, and Resolution 2025-24 establishing new water and sewer rates effective January 1, 2026. Approval was also given for a proposal regarding Water Well No. 3 pump replacement.

The organizational meeting included the nomination and appointment of Board officers for 2026, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, as well as the reappointment of the solicitor, consulting engineer, and auditors. Following this, the regular monthly meeting addressed the payment of bills for December 2025 and the approval of December bank statements and reconciliations. Key operational discussions included the renewal of the NPDES Permit for the Forrester Road Water Treatment Plant, requiring a professional service contract with The EADs Group. The Authority also authorized EADs to design a new electrical system for the Arrowhead Liftstation due to ongoing electrical issues and pump failures. Finally, the meeting processed the resignation of an employee and nominated a replacement to fill the vacancy on the Borough Council.

The meeting involved the approval of payment of bills for November 2025, totaling $226,231.93 in paid bills, plus associated credit card and loan payments. The November bank statements and reconciliations were also approved. Key reports included November loan balances and General Fund deposit account balances. The Authority presented and subsequently approved Resolution 2025-25, which adopts a fee schedule for reimbursing attorney fees and expenses incurred in the collection of delinquent accounts. General Manager updates included the submission of the 2025 LSA Grant Application for an excavator, a reminder for the annual Christmas party, and the approval of Resolution 2025-26, which adopts the Annual and Projects Budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, after which a report was given on a facility visit by two members.

The board addressed administrative and operational business, including the payment of bills and the reconciliation of bank statements. A resignation was accepted, and an Assistant Treasurer/Secretary was appointed. The meeting included financial reports regarding loan balances and general fund deposits. Operational updates were provided on lift station renovations, permit renewals, grant status for generators, and emergency repairs for water wells. The board authorized the design and specification process for a pump replacement for Well #4 and discussed issues related to water usage and leaks at the municipal park.

The meeting agenda covered both an Organization Meeting and a Regular Meeting. Discussions were planned for the nomination of officers and appointments for 2026, which occurred during the Executive Session. The Regular Meeting agenda included approval of payment of bills and bank statements/reconciliations for December 2025. Key discussion items for action involved the Engineer's report concerning the Forrester NPDES Permit Renewal and Resolution 2026-03. The Business Report included a review of fund balances as of December 31, 2025, Resolutions No. 2026-01 and No. 2026-02 regarding the establishment of meeting dates/times, and a resolution to approve an Engineering Retainer Agreement for 2026 between The EADs Group, Inc. and the Authority. The General Manager's Report included updates on an LSA Grant Application and the Arrowhead Lift Station.