Jim Rutledge

The meeting included a public comment period where concerns were raised regarding the Sunray Drive generator project's cost and necessity, and further comments were made concerning Resolution 963, settlement agreements, and limitations on public comment rights. Key business items included the appointment of Dave Gehlman to fill a vacant Supervisor position and proceeding with advertising Ordinance 295 concerning street openings. The Board discussed repair quotes for the Sunray Drive entryway, noting that specifications require revision to separate infrastructure needs from Police Department requirements. Progress was reported on the Sunray Drive Generator Project, which will service the township office, the regional police department, and the District Magistrates facility. Updates were provided on commending the road crew, scheduling a discussion about live streaming meetings, and decommissioning police vehicles. During public participation, a resident reported chronic issues with garbage collection and requested a review of the garbage ordinance, reimbursement, and consideration for adjusting the public comment time limit. The meeting concluded with an executive session for legal and personnel issues.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, including the Regular Meeting of December 18, 2025, and the Re-Organization Meeting of January 5, 2026. Public comment addressed live streaming of meetings and the appointment process for the vacant supervisor position. Financial reports, including the Secretary Report, Income/Fund Balances, Payroll, and Profit-Loss Statement, were approved, as were General Fund Bills totaling $105,991.01 and Other Fund Expenditures of $76,054.17. Department reports covered police activity for December 2025, EMA incidents, and Public Works maintenance, including coordination after a windstorm. The Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission reported on 2025 activities and future plans. Unfinished business included tabling Ordinance 293 regarding the Hershberger Road speed limit, updates on the West Hills Comprehensive Plan, discussion on HVAC reports for Sunray Drive, inventory updates for the Upper Yoder Police Department, and continued discussion on live streaming setup. Attempts to fill the vacant supervisor position failed. Supervisor reports concerned police cruiser inventory, verification of ammunition purchase, and updating the trash pick-up ordinance regarding morning start times. New business involved advertising an RFP for entrance doors at 110 Sunray Drive, approving LED lighting installation at the 541 Sell Street Garage, approving Resolution 976 for the destruction of Tax Collector Records (2015-2018), and appointing Teresa L. Heider as Deputy Tax Collector. The resignation of Part-Time Admin Chief of Police John Blake was also approved. Correspondence included public commentary on trash can enforcement and transparency in the supervisor appointment process, leading to requests to review garbage and recycling ordinances.