Luke Aucker

The meeting commenced with a reorganization session, including the administration of the Oath of Office to the newly elected Mayor, Diane Fernandez, Councilpersons (William Cowherd, Charles Lutz, Matthew Peoria, Irvin Shipley), and Tax Collector (Kenneth W. Reger). Following the oaths, the Council elected Scott Palmquist as President and William Cowherd as Vice-President. Annual appointments were made for Solicitor (Maiello, Brungo, & Maiello), Engineer (Gibson Thomas Engineering), Auditor (DeBlasio & DeBlasio Associates), Sewage Enforcement Officer (Mark Cypher), and Right to Know Officer (Borough Manager). New business involved adopting several resolutions, including authorizing the payment of real estate tax mills for the Fire Department equipment fund and building bond payment, designating the Borough Manager as Chief Administrative Officer for Pension Plans, authorizing signatories on bank accounts, and adopting Robert's Rules of Order. The Council also set the 2026 mileage rate at 72.5 cents per mile and approved attendance for newly elected officials at required training.

The Youngwood Borough Council held a special budget meeting focused on the 2026 Working Budget, which involved a review of line items and discussions concerning strategies to enhance revenue and reduce expenses. The council entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters. Subsequently, the council voted to advertise the proposed 2026 budget, which includes a 3 mill tax increase, for public viewing with adoption scheduled for the meeting on December 1, 2025.

During the meeting, it was announced that Youngwood Borough was awarded LSA Statewide Grants totaling $418,980 for Alleyway and Street Improvement Projects and Park & Pool Facilities Upgrade. The Engineer's Report covered updates on the Chestnut Street Extension Stormwater Project, the upcoming bid for the Depot Street Project, Recreation Lighting Grant coordination, and the Silvis Farm Road Project status. The Solicitor reported that recording deeds for properties at 508 South 3rd Street would allow the dissolution of the Sewage Authority. The Borough Manager presented the Treasurer's Report and several resolutions for 2026, including tax levy authorizations for the Fire Equipment/Apparatus Fund and Borough Building bond payment, designation of the Borough Manager as Chief Administrative Officer for the Pension Fund, authorization for dual signatures on bank accounts, and the adoption of Robert's Rules of Order. New business included the approval of a tax refund for PAL Inc, authorization for the President's signature on a deed transfer for property at 508 South 3rd Street, approval of a payment to CH&D, the adoption of an ordinance setting the 2026 General Borough Purposes tax rate at 20 mills, and the adoption of an ordinance creating restrictions on certain gambling machines and skill games. The council also thanked Mayor Long for his twenty-four years of service.

The agenda meeting included discussions held during an Executive Session regarding the lease of real property. Key topics included a commendation from a member of the public regarding the election process. The Engineer's Report detailed the status of several projects, including finalization of specifications for the Depot Street Stormwater Project and receipt of the Maintenance Bond for the Northend Paving Project. The Borough Manager distributed the Treasurer's Report and Financial Report as of October 31, 2025, and discussed upcoming events like 'Santa in the Park' and the advertisement of 2026 meeting dates. New business involved the ratification of final retainage payments for the South 5th Street & Hillis Street Culvert Replacement Project and approval of final payments for the Park & Pool Facilities Upgrade Project and the Chestnut Street Extension Improvements Phase I and II. Council also approved the contract for fireworks for the 'Santa in the Park' event. The Finance/Personnel report covered the advertising of the 2026 Final Budget with a proposed 3 mill tax increase, set at 20 mills, and a plan to issue $100.00 gift cards to full-time employees. Public Works noted the completion of decorations and planting for the Bare Root Tree Program. Public Safety addressed a handicap parking request and necessary 911 readout changes. Grants/Planning discussed a potential Parks and Recreation Circuit Rider grant and applying to the Local Government Innovation Lab. The President discussed a potential ordinance regarding a skill games fee.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss the lease of real property and a maintenance contract. Key agenda items included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for October 31, 2025, and tax collection reports through September and October 2025. The Council approved Bills for Approval List 12-2025. Under committee action, the 2026 meeting dates were approved for advertisement, and the Westmoreland County Transit Authority Local Share Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was approved. The 2026 Final Budget was adopted with a tax millage set at 20 mills, and Ordinance No. 539 to formalize this tax levy was advertised for the subsequent meeting. Authorization was given for the purchase of $100.00 gift cards for all full-time employees and approval was granted for 2025 employee bonuses. Furthermore, a handicap parking request was denied based on existing policy, and Ordinance No. 540 regarding restrictions on certain gambling machines was advertised. The Council authorized a change in 911 readouts and approved an application for a Local Government Innovation Lab grant for a pool feasibility study. Discussions also occurred regarding a site issue with a law firm sign and proposed 4-way stop signs at a problematic intersection.