Township of Girard

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the Consent Agenda, which comprised the Treasurer's Report, previous meeting minutes, invoices, and payroll information. The Supervisors reviewed and approved a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding a subdivision plan for a property located at 5667 Teller Rd. Several resolutions were approved, including applications for a Local Share Account Grant for a new municipal office building, the Erie Area COG 2026 Budget, and the Erie Area OCG Independent Auditor's Report for 2024. Agreements were approved for the sale of 2026 Dog Tags with the County of Erie and the Platea Snow Plowing Agreement for 2025-26. New business included the approval to advertise the 2026 budget, approval of the West County Communications 2026 Budget, and the hiring of two full-time road crew workers, Calvin Barnes and Dan Erickson. Finally, the subdivision plan for Curtis and Julie Cardman was formally approved.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the Treasurer's Report, previous meeting minutes, recent invoices, and payroll. Correspondence resulted in the approval of the Audit Engagement Letter from Buseck, Barger, Bleil & Co. An agreement between Girard Township and GFT Infrastructure, Inc. was also approved. Under New Business, the Board reappointed members to the Zoning Hearing Board and the Water & Sewer Authority for five-year terms, and approved the advertising schedule for upcoming organization meetings for various Township bodies. The Chairman reported on the submission of two grant applications: one for a playground and one for a new office building. Public comment addressed the status of a park sign.

The meeting involved organizational business, specifically motions to appoint individuals to the positions of Temporary Chairman, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. The proceedings concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The primary focus of the organizational meeting was the appointment of various township officials and representatives. Key appointments included the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, Zoning Administrator/Assistant Secretary, Roadmaster, Township Solicitor(s), Township Engineer(s), Vacancy Board Chairman, Emergency Management Coordinator, Deputy Tax Collector, Open Records Officer, and alternates/representatives for several regional organizations such as PSATS, ECATO, West County Paramedics Association, West County Communications Center, West Erie County EMA COG, Coastal Resource Management, and Erie Area COG. The Board also addressed administrative items such as setting the Treasurer's bond, approving bank depositories, approving the CPA firm for the 2025 audit, approving Berkheimer Tax Administrators as tax collector, and setting the schedule for regular monthly meetings. Furthermore, the agenda included motions to approve the 2026 paid holidays and to establish the hourly wages for several Township employees for 2026.

The board approved a Housing Comprehensive Plan for Erie County. Approvals were also given for a change order and notice to proceed for the Uncle John's Campground sewer project, as well as a debt statement for the associated Pennvest loan. The resignation of Percy McDonald Jr. from the Water & Sewer Authority was accepted. The board also approved the advertisement of the 2025 budget workshops. Discussions covered the Uncle John's Sewer project, the Miller Road project, trimming trees on Daggett & Barker, filling an uneven section of property, and short-term rentals and wedding venues in the R-2 district.