Mark Yerskey

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. A resolution was approved to authorize the submission of a grant application for the 2025 Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant program, along with adopting various plans as required by the program. An ordinance related to residency requirements was given its first reading. The deadline for the 2026 Proposed Budget was extended to November 1, 2025. A re-appointment was made to the Zoning Board, and Trick or Treat hours were approved for October 31, 2025. The meeting adjourned to an executive session for personnel matters and litigation.

The council recognized Tracy Graham Hughes for winning the Baker and Taylor Black Caucus Award. They discussed the new street sweeper and its routes, as well as the Block Leader Program aimed at community engagement and information dissemination. Updates were provided on the Nathan property, a 46-acre land gift intended for a park and housing development. The council also discussed the Farrell First app for city information and notifications, an agility agreement with PennDOT for road maintenance funding, a revolving loan fund for home repairs, and the appointment of a finance manager as an alternate bank signee. They also discussed appointments to the Federal Community Development Committee and the process for filling a vacant council seat. The meeting included updates on the FCDC street festival, library activities, regional planning, the Enterprise Zone, and the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter. The council also discussed National Night Out, an event organized by the police to promote community engagement.

The City of Farrell held a public hearing regarding the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, discussing funding allocation for administration, demolition, and street improvements. Another public hearing reviewed an intermunicipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license to Golden Dawn Farrell LLC, including legal requirements, justifications, and public comments. The council also discussed the CDBG engineering Request for Proposal (RFP) and awarded the engineering contract to LSE. Reports were presented from the Police Department, Fire Department, Street Department, and Wastewater Treatment Plant, covering various activities and updates. The council discussed the library's governance, the Nathan property update, and the sewage billing system transition. New business included updates on Bayless Scratch and Dent, Jam Spot restaurant, Valley Pharmacy relocation, and pending development. The council also addressed a traffic safety concern and community appreciation. Additionally, they approved the agenda, list of bills, and various reports, and appointed a council member to the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The meeting adjourned to an executive session for personnel matters and litigation.

The meeting covered various topics including the second reading of Bill B. 1, 2025, concerning the establishment of the Federal Community Development Committee. There was a discussion about appointing Miss Candace Price to the redevelopment authority and the official appointment of a City Manager to the Valley Enterprise Zone. The council discussed the block leader program, recruitment strategies, and the upcoming Veterans Square grand opening, which is being rescheduled. A referral cleanup day was planned for June 7th, with volunteer support from various groups. The council also discussed changing the Economic Development Program (EDP) from an autonomous board to a recommending committee, with differing opinions on the necessity and implications of this change. Updates were provided on the Beloved Bricks program, the Stamp program's progress, and the Nathan project, including land acquisition and funding strategies. Additionally, there were updates from the FCDC, library board, Shenango Valley Enterprise Zone, and animal shelter.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the CDBG 2022/2023 modification for Spearman Ave. parking and lot improvements. Discussions covered the city taking the lead on Concerts in the Park, an update on the Nathan Brothers property deed revisions, and FASD's involvement with the John Hetra property. The council also discussed the GoGov software for community outreach. Updates were provided on various boards and commissions, including FCDC, MCRC, Library Board, MCRP, SVEZ, and SVAS. Quarterly reports were presented by Dr. Erin Houston on human relations, Chief Gatewood on the police department, Mark Mucroski on the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and Chief Mike Renner on the Fire Dept./Public Works. The council also discussed the Fire Department roof repairs and the amphitheater construction. Additionally, the council approved the pending application for a Home Repair Loan and discussed creating a Farrell Community Development Committee.