Robert L. Bell

The meeting included no public comments from the floor. For administrative matters, none were addressed. Under technical items, the commission made a motion to recommend approval to council for a Land Development request submitted by Christopher Hamm on behalf of Garrett Salandro, with appropriate contingencies. Additionally, a motion was made to recommend to council the approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for a request by Blue Sky on behalf of ASA Management.

The key discussion involved the reorganization of the Planning Commission. Specific actions included the appointment of a Chairman, Co-Chairman, and Secretary for the commission.

Key discussions centered on two pension forfeiture matters under the Pennsylvania Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act. First, the committee approved the forfeiture of pension benefits for Mr. Denning, contingent upon the return of his contributions, due to his guilty pleas in 2024 and 2025 to federal and state charges, respectively. Second, the committee approved a resolution appointing Lee R. Demosky, Esquire, as Hearing Examiner regarding the potential termination of Ms. Regina McAtee's pension benefit following her guilty plea in 2024 to federal charges. A subsequent hearing concerning Ms. McAtee's pension forfeiture was held.

The primary topic discussed during this session was the hiring of a new Police Officer. The Council unanimously accepted the hiring of William Malie for the full-time position of Patrolman, effective the date of the meeting, with compensation governed by the collective bargaining agreement. Following the approval, the Mayor administered the Oath of Office to the new officer. There were no comments or business offered by the public from the floor.

The City Council meeting involved several public comments regarding an invitation to a Small Business Social and a follow-up inquiry concerning a neighbor's blighted property. A citizen also voiced concerns regarding the number of places of worship compared to necessary grocery stores downtown. Key actions included accepting the hiring of Patrolman K. Colton Houser, administering the Oath of Office, and the enactment of several resolutions. Resolution No. 1432 designated voting delegates for the Westmoreland County Tax Collection Committee. Resolution No. 1433 approved amendments to the City's Purchasing Policy regarding 2026 bidding thresholds. Resolution No. 1434 approved an amendment to extend project scope for police vehicle cameras and AED equipment. Resolution No. 1435 authorized the sale of a used Glock 45 duty weapon to a retiring officer. Resolution No. 1436 adopted a Utility Services Purchasing Policy allowing the City Administrator to execute utility contracts. Council also authorized ordering road salt for the next season, accepted a lease agreement with the Borough of South Greensburg for soccer fields, reappointed Bill Biedinger to the Zoning Hearing Board, approved the purchase of a Yamaha Beverage Cart for Mt. Odin Golf Course, accepted the resignation of Rosalie Carpenter from the Planning Commission, and appointed Kathryn Rother to fill the vacancy. Further approvals covered the hiring of seasonal recreation staff and an agreement for police vehicle washing services. The Council authorized the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 29 W. Second Street. Finally, approval was granted for the Sheetz development at 760 East Pittsburgh Street, contingent on engineering reviews, and an easement payment to John and Rebecca Rosebosly for the Northmont Flood Control Project was authorized. The Council also accepted agreements with Dynegy Energy for electricity supply and renewed the Employee Life Insurance Policy with One America.