John Carl

The meeting agenda included several key items. A proclamation was set for the retirement of Captain Brad Shepler, and an exception to open meetings was noted. New business focused heavily on personnel actions, including accepting Captain Shepler's resignation/retirement, re-appointments to the Zoning Hearing Board, and approvals for new hires (Patrolman and Junior Firefighter) and a promotion (Patrolman to Sergeant). The Council addressed several operational requests, such as street closures for The Vine Boutique and the Jeannette Redevelopment Authority's Night Market events. Financial motions involved approving payments to Acrisure for pension plan work, transferring funds from the Act 205 account to reimburse pension-related costs, approving payments to Antonacci Design Associates for various road and stormwater projects, and approving a transfer to the Somerset Trust Savings Account. Furthermore, motions were introduced to approve and adopt a Return to Work Policy, enter into a Reimbursement and Release Agreement with Columbia Gas, approve a bid for work on Buster Clarkson Field, introduce an Ordinance establishing City Departments, and approve Resolutions related to retaining Berkheimer for tax collection and adjudication services, and approving a Program Modification for the FY 2023 CDBG Program. Finally, the Council granted approval for civil service testing for the Police Department and appointed a liaison to the Recreation Board.

This Implementable Comprehensive Plan for the City of Jeannette aims to achieve radical change and 'retool' the community. It focuses on four key areas: fighting blight to create an environmentally healthy and economically vibrant city; cultivating a vibrant downtown through mixed commercial and residential uses and diverse businesses; fostering positive impressions by rebranding Jeannette for its community, commerce, and culture; and improving welcoming gateways and corridors for a visually appealing entry experience.

The meeting included the swearing in of council members. The council appointed individuals to various positions, including Director of Accounts and Finance, Director of Streets and Improvements, Director of Public Safety, and Director of Public Building. Appointments were also made for Library Liaisons and liaison for the Recreation board. Additionally, the Building Code Official, Health Officer, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, and Fire Marshall were appointed. A representative and alternate representative to Berkheimer Tax were also designated.

The Jeannette City Council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The council re-appointed a member to the Jeannette Zoning Hearing Board. They approved the 2025 meeting dates for City Council work sessions and regular meetings. The council also approved the sale and conveyance of a portion of city property to an adjacent property owner. Payments were approved for Antonacci Design Associates for work on the LSA Stormwater Bridge Project, the 6th Street Bridge Project, and the Sellers Ave Project. Payments were also approved for Mockenhaupt for post-employment benefits and work on the Jeannette Firemen's and Police Pension Plans. The council approved a transfer from the Act 205 Account to the General Fund to cover actuarial costs. They approved the submission and acceptance of a DCED Grant for the purchase of a new dump truck for the Public Works Department and approved the purchase of the truck itself. Additionally, the council approved the submission and acceptance of a DCED Grant for various organizations, including the Jeannette Public Library, the Jeannette Baseball Association, and the Midget Football Team. Final approval was granted for the Territ subdivision. The council adopted and conducted the final reading of an ordinance fixing the tax rates for 2025 and introduced and conducted the first reading of an ordinance adopting the Model Stormwater Management Ordinance. Resolutions were approved to apply to Westmoreland County for the demolition of blighted structures at multiple locations. Finally, a resolution was approved adopting and reaffirming the fees charged by the city for bulk garbage items.

The Jeannette City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The council approved the submission of the FY 2024 CDBG application and approved the request of the Jeannette Holy Name Society to place a Nativity set in front of City Hall. Additionally, they approved a Right of Way encroachment permit for Jim and Nancy Peters, contingent on counsel approval and proper documentation. The council also approved leasing two 2025 Ford Explorers, authorizing the City Manager to handle the necessary paperwork.