Township of Upper Yoder

The board reviewed and accepted the audit report for the year ending 2025, noting a strong financial condition. The Engineer's Report covered ongoing flow monitoring, camera inspections, and identified pipe infrastructure issues requiring replacement. Maintenance updates were provided regarding meter replacements and right-of-way work on Bantel Street. Legal reports addressed federal tax lien clearance for 670 Goucher Street and outstanding communications with the Hiram G. Andrews Center. New business included the approval for tree removal on Bantel Street, advertising the 2025 budget, updating authorized signers for the credit card, establishing non-compliance fees, and approving payment of operational bills.

The meeting included discussions on Board meeting procedures, public comment policies, and concerns regarding Township leadership and legal representation. Key business topics addressed were the ongoing negotiations for a Regional Police Commission Agreement, the status of revisions to ordinance 963, potential options for the sale of a decommissioned police cruiser and other surplus equipment, and the development of a proposed solicitation ordinance. Additionally, public participation focused on legal matters, First Amendment rights, and criticisms of current Township officials.

The board discussed the status of 670 Goucher Street and delinquent sewer accounts for Camoset Village. The engineer's report covered flow monitoring results and a proposal for a property condition assessment. The board approved an OBIC contract for manhole maintenance and reviewed PA Rural Water Association training courses. Further discussions involved non-compliance fees, the 2026 Tap Request, a flow spike issue at Hiram G. Andrews, and a change to the sewer billing process to discontinue in-office payments. Additionally, the board authorized a lien on Carriage Hills Apartments and heard public input regarding potential infiltration sources from underground water tanks at Westmont Elementary School.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and subsequent approval of the minutes from the January 15, 2026, Regular Meeting and the January 30, 2026, Special Meeting. A resident raised concerns regarding the timeline and constitutionally sound revision of Resolution #963. Reports were approved, including the Secretary Report, Income/Fund Balances, Payroll, and Profit-Loss Statement. General Fund Bills totaling $107,357.47 and Other Fund Expenditures of $213,652.03 were approved, with an exception noted for one check. Police Chief Newman presented the January 2026 report, noting statistics and training sessions. The EMA Director presented the December 2025 report, detailing EMS and fire incidents, mandatory renewals, and significant damage ($20,000) sustained to equipment from a fire hydrant incident. Public Works reported on winter maintenance, LED lighting installation, and equipment repairs. Discussions under Unfinished Business included the purchase of a John Deer Backhoe using a 2024 LSTA Grant, removing Ordinance 293 from the agenda, and adopting an updated Street Opening and Excavation Ordinance (Ordinance 295). The Board approved the commencement of entryway repairs at 110 Sunray Drive and authorized development of a drainage mitigation plan to address water damage. An HVAC inspection report for 110 Sunray Drive was reviewed, with a high estimated cost for a new central control system. Updates were provided on the West Hills Comprehensive Plan community-wide survey. The Board approved the donation of a surplus patrol unit to the Upper Yoder Fire Company and directed all revenue from the sale of other non-transitioned police equipment into the Emergency Management Fund. Approval was granted for the purchase and installation of live-streaming and recording equipment for meetings at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00. Regarding Garbage and Recycling, the Board resolved to increase public outreach about collection rules and display sample smaller cart options. Supervisors discussed the Police Commission's utility payments and a potential severance package review for a former employee. The Board will review draft options for updating the Peddlers/Solicitation permitting process in executive session. New Business included a decision against garbage/recycling exonerations and advertising a special meeting for the 2025 Spring Road Inspection. The Board also authorized the purchase of a new laptop for administrative use. Correspondence included a speeding complaint on Goucher Street, with research authorized for radar speed sign costs. Public participation addressed snow drifting on Garland Avenue, a malfunctioning streetlight on Cauffiel Lane, and continued concerns regarding Resolution 963 and the garbage contract.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the December 15, 2025, regular meeting. Key organizational actions included the reappointment of officers for 2026: Kevin Evans as Chairman, Jim Peters as Vice-Chairman/Secretary, Bill Bergman as Assistant Secretary, John Heider as Treasurer, and Al Molinski as Assistant Treasurer. The Authority also approved various professional service providers, including engineers, collection/depository agencies, the auditor, and continued the solicitor relationship. Public participation featured an introduction from the newly appointed Township Supervisor, Dan Zakraysek. Old Business included tabling the Stonycreek Township Agreement and noting no new information on the 670 Goucher Street property purchase. The Engineers Report detailed flow monitoring installations, with the first data submission expected in February 2026, and a request to follow up with DEP regarding the 4th Amendment to the Consent Order & Agreement. A proposal for a comprehensive building assessment for 670 Goucher Street was tabled. The Manager's Report covered updates on OBIC manhole completions and the removal of a fallen tree; additionally, approval was granted for the purchase of a new Heater/Fresh air fan totaling $1,365.00. New Business included approving the Non-Compliance Fees as of January 12, 2026, payment of bills totaling $147,612.89, and payment for The Authorities 2025 membership totaling $1,270.10.