Randy M. Martinka

The meeting covered correspondence regarding a Water Source Notification for Pad W76 9H-13H in Buffalo Township. New business included motions to approve bills payable, to open a new account for Fire Tax Funds at First Commonwealth Bank, and to adopt resolutions authorizing participation in CDBG and HOME programs for 2027-2029, authorizing the destruction of records, and proclaiming Local Government Week. Personnel actions included motions to promote two individuals to Sergeant and to accept one resignation. Additionally, the board addressed approving a job description for a part-time code enforcement/deputy zoning officer and approving or rejecting a real estate assessment appeal proposal.

The key discussions during the meeting included motions to approve bills payable totaling $267,688.24 as of January 23, 2026, and motions related to various nominations for vacancies on the Nomination for Vacancy Board, Planning Commission, Tree Committee, Recreation Board, Zoning Hearing Board, and Water Authority Board. New business also covered approving the 2026 paving list for advertisement, submitting a Capital Lease request to Laurel Capital for financing a new fire rescue pumper, authorizing the purchase of the pumper, entering into a Maintenance Agreement with PennDOT for sweeping Freeport Road, and requesting a certified list of eligibles for a promotional appointment to Sergeant. A motion was also scheduled to reject all bids for the Sanitary Pump Station Replacement due to incomplete bid packages.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from December 1, 2025, which should be excluded from the summary per instructions. The commission addressed motions related to the Natrona Heights 7Brew Drivethru Coffee Shop Sewage Facilities Planning Module, specifically Component 3 (Sewage Collection and Treatment Facilities approval by Upper Allegheny Sewage Joint Sanitary Authority) and Component 4A (Municipal Planning Agency Review).

The meeting included discussions and motions regarding various financial and administrative matters. These included approving bills payable, adopting the budget for 2026, establishing fees, wages, and salaries for 2026, and adopting a Fire Tax Ordinance for 2026. The board also considered budgetary transfers for 2025, appointed an auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, and discussed hiring crossing guards for the Highlands School Zone crossing. An executive session was held to discuss personnel and litigation, and board and commission seats up for reappointment in January 2026 were announced.

The meeting included an Eagle Scout Award presentation and a discussion regarding an application for transfer from Kolek, Inc. To Salt & Steel by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The board considered approving bills payable, a contractor's partial payment application to Pride Masonry, and a professional service contract with Hoffman's Boarding Kennels. An ordinance amending Chapter 25, Trees, was up for adoption, along with advertising the 2026 Proposed Budget. The board also discussed advertising an ordinance for real estate tax for fire apparatus, ratifying Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credits, and adopting resolutions authorizing applications to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for various sanitary and storm sewer upgrades and rehabilitation projects.