Michael Galaida

Key discussions and actions during this meeting included the presentation of a proclamation to Austie's Restaurant for 50 years in business and the swearing-in ceremony for three new Hanover Township Police Department officers. An Executive Session was held prior to the meeting to discuss personnel items. The Board accepted and filed departmental reports from the Secretary, Manager, Police, Road, Sewer, Fire Department, Code Enforcement Office, and Health Officer for December 2025, as well as the Treasurer's report for October 2025. Several motions were passed regarding hiring temporary laborers for Public Works and temporary drivers for the Fire Department. Appointments were made to the Zoning Hearing Board for Brian McDermott, Michael Kane, and John Wickkiser, and to the Planning Commission for Vilas Shook. Various invoices were approved for payment, including those to Verdantas Engineering and BHW Inspections, LLC, and payment to the Lower South Valley Land Bank for membership fees. Resolutions were approved for the payment of bills and payroll, a Sewer Fund reimbursement, and the appointment of Samuel Guesto to the Lower South Valley Land Bank. The Board also approved a permit fee refund and motions related to Pay Applications and Change Orders for the South Main Street Sewer Project, Tanya Drive Paving Project, and East Newport Street Drainage Project. Finally, approval was granted to purchase a new 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicle for the police department and to update the Salary and Compensation Resolution regarding the Vacancy Board Chairman position. An Operations and Maintenance Agreement concerning stormwater management practices was also approved.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a reorganization of the Zoning Hearing Board, including nominations and elections for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary positions. Following the reorganization, the board opened the floor for public input, with reminders about the meeting being recorded. Under New Business, the board addressed variance and special exception requests for the property located at 1104 Ashley Street, concerning off-street parking requirements, conversion of a two-unit structure to a three-unit structure, and operating a beauty salon in a vacant nonconforming commercial unit.

The meeting was held to reorganize the Board of Commissioners. Key actions included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Commissioners and the Tax Collector. The Board proceeded to nominate and appoint George Andrejko as Chairman and Jeff Lewis as Vice-Chairman. Numerous official appointments were confirmed for terms beginning January 1, 2026, including the Township Manager/Budget Director, Township Secretary, Assistant Budget Director, Treasurer, Solicitor, Engineer, and various other officers such as the Zoning Officer, Health Officer, and Inspectors. Additionally, the designated depositories for Township funds were appointed, and Kuharchik Construction was appointed for emergency traffic signal and street light repair.

The meeting included a proclamation recognizing the Hanover Area Cheerleaders' 40th year World Championship anniversary. Key actions involved accepting and filing reports from the Secretary, Manager, and various departments (Police, Road, Sewer, Fire Department, Code Enforcement Office, and Health Officer) for November 2025, and accepting the Treasurer's report for October 2025. The Board approved the payment of bills, the hiring of five temporary laborers for Public Works, several temporary as-needed fire truck drivers, a Police Department Clerk effective January 1, 2026, and three Patrol Officers effective January 5, 2026. The Board also approved the Township Manager's Agreement effective January 1, 2026. Several resolutions and ordinances pertaining to 2026 were adopted, including the 2026 Salary and Compensation Resolution, the 2026 Appropriation Ordinance, and ordinances setting earned income tax, local service tax, mercantile & business privilege tax, realty transfer tax, and fixing the 2026 general fund tax rate. Other approvals included payments for engineering invoices, an inspection invoice, road marking paint, a novelty tax refund, the proposal for 2025 financial auditing, a sewer will-serve letter, street paving invoice, authorizing an internal account transfer, seeking proposals for 2026 insurance policies and fund investments, approving a municipal tax refund, approving a resolution establishing the first Countywide Emergency Services Unit, decommissioning the Lower Askam Park, and approving the construction of a pavilion at the Liberty Street Playground. A final pay application for the South Main Street Sewer Connection was also approved.

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners conducted a public meeting, addressing various topics including the acceptance of the Secretary's and Manager's reports, as well as department reports. They ratified and approved the list of bills for October 2025, accepted communications for the month, and accepted the Treasurer's Report. The board approved the hiring of temporary laborers and fire truck drivers, ratified the Township Manager's action regarding an employee suspension, and hired a seasonal clerk. They accepted a letter of retirement from a Public Works employee and approved a request for Township Services from the Hanover Township Lions Club. Donation requests from the Community Benefit Fund and Capital Fund were approved. The board authorized payments for Verdantas Engineering, BHW Inspections, John P. Halliday Trucking Inc., Wilkes-Barre Materials, and RoadSafe. They authorized the Township Manager to request a proposal for audit services and tabled Resolution 027-2025. Additionally, they approved an application fee waiver, an agreement with MKO Development, a fire hydrant agreement, and pay applications for the South Main Street Sewer Project and Tanya Drive Paving Project, including a change order. The board awarded the Code and Police Office work and authorized the Township Secretary to advertise the 2026 meeting schedule and related ordinances.