Township of Hempfield

The meeting addressed community concerns regarding White Rock. The board approved the activities for the Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department for the month. Departmental reports were reviewed, including statistics on police incidents, zoning permits issued for various property improvements, and maintenance activities such as road patching, culvert pipe management, and park upkeep. Finally, the board authorized the payment of utility and general bills.

The meeting included the opening and awarding of bids for 2026 road maintenance work. The Board accepted the resignation of the Township Zoning Officer and recognized a winner of the PSATS Youth Award. The Supervisors approved a schedule of upcoming activities for the volunteer fire department. Departmental reports were reviewed, including data on police incidents, fire department emergency calls, zoning permits issued for various property improvements, and maintenance activities such as road sweeping and equipment upkeep. Additionally, the Board addressed concerns from residents regarding local mine blasting and authorized the payment of various utility and general bills.

The meeting agenda includes announcements regarding the opening of the municipal park, the annual township clean-up day, and the upcoming Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors convention. Discussion topics also cover the authorization of advertising for road sealing bids, hiring seasonal summer help, approving fundraising activities for the volunteer fire department, and reminding residents of wage tax return filing requirements. Additionally, the meeting will review departmental reports for police, fire, zoning, and maintenance crew activities, and conclude with the authorization of bill payments.

The primary discussions and actions during this special meeting involved personnel matters for the Police Department. The Board unanimously approved the retirement of Police Chief David Morgan, effective March 1, 2026, and accepted the resignation of Police Sergeant Josh McCloskey, effective February 10, 2026. The Board expressed gratitude for their combined service and announced an active search for replacements, with an internal promotion planned for the Police Chief position in early March 2026.

The meeting began with a public comment segment where a resident requested snow removal attention at road intersections. Key actions included the appointment of Robert Orr as an additional Deputy Tax Collector on an as-needed basis. The Supervisors approved the activities submitted by the Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, which included various training sessions and a fundraiser event. Department reports for January 2026 were reviewed, detailing statistics for the Police Department (including man-hours, mileage, citations, and incidents), the Volunteer Fire Department (total incidents and mutual aid calls), and noting that no zoning permits were issued. The Maintenance Crew report detailed work such as plowing, salting, vehicle washing, and repairs to equipment. Finally, a motion was approved authorizing the payment of utility bills and all other approved bills.