TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HUNTINGDON, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MAY: 21, 2025, 7:00 P.M. 11279 Center Highway, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 Presiding Officer - Zachary Haigis, President, Board of Commissioners CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Haigis called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Commissioner Hempel Present Also Present: Commissioner Atwood Present Manager Harry Faulk Commissioner Gray Present Solicitor Chelsea Dice Commissioner Zona Present Asst. Manager Ryan Fonzi Commissioner Bevan Present Chief Rizzo Commissioner Gass Present John Hochlinski Commissioner Haigis Present Josh Andrykovitch Kody Grabiak PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACKNOWIEGEMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION OPENING PRAYER - CITIZENS INPUT- Lorie Kukich = 1364 Samantha Way states one of the issue she is asking about is the former Rivertowne property and who owns it now that the restaurant has been demolished because her concern is why are the family that is living in the travel trailer permitted to stay on the property without having to pay property taxes and school taxes. The second issue is with all the recent vehicle break-ins she's guessing that ChiefRizzo, who is not here, now understands the definition of an abandoned vehicle. What about the abandoned vehicle that has been sitting down in front of the old Massung Poultry building. She states the car is practically backed into the bricks and cannot see the license plate and there are no current inspection stickers. Her third issue is, some ofyou may recall, at the. April 10th Work Session meeting, she had signed the book to speak. When called upon by then, Board President Atwood, she declined to speak indicating she preferred to speak at the actual Board meeting the following week on April 16th. In attendance at that meeting, as security, was Lt. McCurdy who after the meeting went to Chief Rizzo telling him of! her intent to speak. On Monday, April 14th at 6:46PM, her husband received a phone call from Officer Carl Steinkopf stating she had every right to speak at the meetings however she needed to watch who she addressed and what she spoke about with specific instructions that she was not to say anything May 21, 2025 regarding Mr. Carrozza's situation. She states she is a tax-paying citizen and will speak when, to whom and about whatever she wants. She states she had no intention of saying anything about Mr. Carrozza's situation, but after receiving the warning call cannot help to ask what exactly are you afraid and what could she potentially say about Mr. Carrozza. She addresses Solicitor Dice to advise Chief. Rizzo that having officers make phone calls to any resident of the Township is not a wise decision. She states the Board is made up of seven individuals who, like herself, should be their own person and think for themselves and speak for themselves. Shelly Buchanan - 2561 Clay Pike - states her property is located directly across from Indian Lake. She states she is here tonight on behalf ofherselfand Gregory Orenak from 2550 Lynnrose, James Shaffer from 10653 Roseway and Scott & Tammy Brown from 10669 Roseway. She first thanks Manager Faulk, Ryan Fonzi, John Hochlinski, Kody Grabiak and Bob Robinson for taking the time to meet with herself and neighbors to see the concerns affecting each of their properties. She states there is a stormwater drainage ditch that runs through the properties that has grown in width substantially since the initial design in 1956 at which time only serviced Park Meadows. The ditch has grown due to erosion over twenty feet and in some locations is a depth over ten feet. She states she has lived at her address for over seventeen years and when there is a heavy rain or prolonged rain event, the water flowing through the ditch sounds like a river bringing a lot of nuisance plants, trees and vines taking the ground off of the walls of the ditch. She states mature trees are growing in the ditch are becoming unstable and she personally spent over three thousand dollars in attempting to maintain her side of the ditch and some of the money spent was for tree removal from a large tree whose roots were exposed from erosion and fell onto her neighbors shed plus removing thick vines that are strangling the existing mature trees. She states no one is looking for the Township to beautify the ditch and like the privacy it offers but it is not a great selling point. She believes the Township has learned a lot over the decades about stormwater control and adopting stormwater detention ponds from developers when plans are completed. As stated in the petition, they are requesting the following expedited actions: Conduct formal inspections of the stormwater drainage right of way easement to assess the erosion levels and any threats to underground utilities Implement a regular maintenance and vegetation control to prevent further erosion - Have a clear path outlining how the Township intends to manage and preserve the drainage infrastructure. She states one of the residents suggested was could a pipe be installed at the catch basin from the spillway off of Lynnrose Drive down to the catch basin that runs under Indian Lake that would help solve the issues with having to dredge Indian Lake and their backyards would be stabilized. She states they look forward to learning more about the timeframe and what exactly the Township plans to do correcting this outdated, unstable stormwater maintenance solution to stabilize their properties. Nicholas Carrozza 1223 Guffey Road - shares his civic accountability initiative called Accountability Now Norwin committed to exposing corruption, promoting transparency, and encouraging lawful principal leadership in our Township. He states he comes before the Board, notjust for himself, but on behalf ofevery resident who has felt ignored, mistreated or unprotected by the institutions that exist to serve us. The issues he brings tonight are not rumors and on the May 21, 2025 record that deserve a response. 1. At the last meeting on May 15, 2025, Commissioner Gass publicly recommended the Board schedule a formal meeting with him to address the unresolved concerns he has raised over the past year ranging from civil rights violations to crime prevention failures. He is asking the Board to act on that suggestion and requests a motion be made and a second and it be put to a vote SO the public can know clearly whether their elected officials are interested in meaningful resolutions or continued avoidance. 2. Addressing defamatory statements by Commissioner Atwood publicly alleging that he sells drugs to children and suggesting he is targeted by police due to his past criminal record. He states those statements are not only false but potentially expose the Township to civil liability. He asks for a public apology on the record, a formal reprimand from the Board and Commissioner Atwood's immediate resignation. 3. Rising crime and abandoned vehicles as he has brought to the Board's attention the increasing number of abandoned vehicles in the Township and the potential correlation with criminal activity. Unfortunately, our community is facing incidents involving armed individuals breaking into cars, stealing property and in some cases using stolen vehicles in drive-by shootings. 4. Disparity in vehicle recovery as his family's vehicle was involved in a July 7, 2024 car crash that resulted in criminal charges. He states while he initially had access to the vehicle while in police impound, that changed once it was transferred to public works custody. Since then, communication has stopped and have been left with no updates, no timeline and no access nearly eleven months have passed. 5. Transparency regarding Chief Rizzo's absence as some months ago he asked where was Chief Rizzo during a two-month unexplained absence. He states that question has never been answered. 6. Handling of misconduct allegations in the police department as it has come to his attention that an officer allegedly sent sexually explicit photos to a Township employee and instead of being suspended or investigated, he was reportedly promoted. Ift true, this is notj just a matter ofp poorjudgement but a systematic failure and accountability. The Board's failure to investigate or even acknowledge this issue suggests dangerous culture of silence and protectionism. He asks the Board ifthey will show the public its intent to work towards resolution by voting tonight to meet with him formally and transparently. 2. Will the Board take any action to hold Commissioner Atwood accountable for weaponizing his public office to smear a private citizen. 3. Will the Board acknowledge that abandoned vehicles pose a serious and escalating threat to community safety and direct immediate corrective action. 4. Why has his family been met with silence and delay while others in similar more severe circumstances received swift resolution. 5. What was the nature ofChiefRizzo's extended absence and will the Board offer the public a clear and honest answer. 6. Will the Board initiate an independent review into the alleged misconduct and promotion and will the findings be shared with the public. Rick Keenan = 700 Leger Road - states he gave the Board a letter he received in the mail from Texas stating the problems in North Huntingdon with their government and police department. He states Manager Faulk stated there are a lot of North Huntingdon's. He is asking ifthis was looked into and what the findings are. Tony Naret - 200 Christine Drive = states he is here to speak in opposition to of the Jospeh Bock rezoning request and his intent to put in a dog kennel which would be in his backyard. He states May 21, 2025 not only will there be constant barking, but also odor and increased SI ceding traffic. Also, the resale oft their properties will go down. He begs the Board to deny tl - equest. RESPONSE TO CITIZENS INPUT Lorie Kukich - Commissioner Haigis states the Code Enforcement ( flicer will be sent to the demolished Rivertowne to investigate to trailer. Director Andr: vitch states this will be addressed and also the abandoned vehicle at Massung Poultry. Com sioner Haigis states if any residents have complaints about abandoned vehicles, to file a compl with the Township Code Enforcement Officer. Commissioner Gass states Ms. Kukich also a: - I who owns the property. Director Andrykovitch states Massung still owns the property and B - rtowne is still owned by Prasad, 1318 E.Carson Street LLC. Commissioner Gass states he initi the call about the people living in the trailer behind Rivertowne weeks ago to Code Enforc nt Officer and sending a police officer to remove them from the property and also the trash. Shelley Buchanan - Commissioner Haigis states staff is currently king on a follow up and recommendation to bring back to the Board. Nicholas Carrozza = Commissioner Gass states he will be asking tl rd to consider meeting with Mr. Carrozza privately. Commissioner Gray states he really aj iates the new demeanor from Mr. Carrozza and he feels it serves him very well and urges hin kecpitup. Mr. Keenan - Commissioner Haigis states Manager Faulk did look * letter he received and determined it was a mailer sent soliciting donations. Manager Fau des the mailer was also received by the Commissioners the following day. Mr. Naret - Commissioner Haigis states it is on the agenda for a vote ght. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve (Spe iceting 4/10/25) Second: Commissioner Atwood Motion carried 7-0-1 Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve (Rey leeting 4/16/25 Second: Commissioner Gray Motion carried 7- 0-1 May 21, 2025 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve Voucher No. 41356 through Voucher No. 42625. Second: Commissioner Hemple Motion carried 7 - 0 - 0 STAFF REPORTS: PUBLIC WORKS REPORT Director Hochlinski states himself, Mr. Grabiak and Asst. Manager Fonzi will be a formal agreement drawn up with PADot for the June meeting. Secondly, it is National Public Works Week and thanks everyone in Public Works and Parks Departments. PARKS REPORT Coordinator Kinkaid states one event is missing under the Special Events for 2025, the Fall Vendor Market on Thursday, October gth. POLICE REPORT Commissioner Haigis states Chief Rizzo is at training with the FBI. There were no Board comments. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT There were no Board comments. ENGINEERING REPORT Commissioner Gass asks Mr. Grabiak and Director Hochlinski if he will meet with Mr. Ray Hebrink as he got flooded and wants to share video of the flooding. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & FIRE OFFICIAL'S REPORT There were no Board comments. SUBDIVISION & LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REPORT 1) S-09-2025: Sumpman Subdivision, Guffey Rillton Road, R-3 Zoning *Action to approve a boundary line revision between two adjacent lots. Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Zona Motion carried 7 -0-0 May 21, 2025 SOLICITOR'S REPORT - Solicitor Dice 1) Action to Adopt Proposed Ordinance No. 5 of2025 ofthe Township ofNorth Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, amending Ordinance No. 765 (Zoning Ordinance) to provide for a zoning change of properties owned by Joseph Bock. Said properties being Tax Parcel #54- 07-09-0-170 and #54-07-09-0-171, wherein containing 0.44 and 0.29 acres currently zoned Residential (R-1A) shall be rezoned Commercial (C-1). Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to deny the proposal. Second: Commissioner Gray Motion carried 7-0-0 TOWNSHIP MANAGERS REPORT 1. Action to approve April check register. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve.. Second: Commissioner Atwood Motion carried 7 - 0-0 2. April Budget Report. 3. Action to approve the request of the Penns Woods Civic Association for the Fourth of July fireworks. Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Gray Motion carried 7-( 0-0 4. Action to appoint Randy Petter to the Recreation Board to serve the remaining ofthe term ending on December 31, 2027. Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Gray Motion carried 7-0-0 May 21, 2025 5. Action to appoint Josh Zugai to the Recreation Board to serve the remaining of the term ending on December 31, 2028. Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Zona Commissioner Gray asks ifthis is the same Josh Zugai that was trying to bring us a soccer complex. Manager Faulk answers yes. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Hempel - YES Commissioner Atwood - YES Commissioner Gray - NO Commissioner Zona = YES Commissioner Bevan - NO Commissioner Gass - YES Commissioner Haigis - YES Motion carried 5 -2 - 0 6. Action to appoint Kimberly Russo to the Recreation Board to serve the remaining of the term ending on December 31, 2029. Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Zona Motion carried 7-0 -0 7. Action to approve Scotch Hill Road #1 Inlet Project Change Order No. 1 and Final in the amount of $98,603.11. (General Fund) Motion: Commissioner Gass Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Zona Motion carried 7 - 0-0 8. Action to approve Scotch Hill Road #1 Stormwater Project Pay Application #3 to JP Operations in the amount of$185,139.35. (General Fund) Motion: Commissioner Gass Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Atwood Motion carried 7 -0-0 May 21, 2025 9. Action to approve the bid for the 2017 Ford SUV to George Gallo for $3,139.00. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7-0-0 10. Action to approve the bid for the 2018 Ford SUV to George Gallo for $3,200.00. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Hempel Motion carried 7- 0-0 11. Action to approve the bid for the 2016 Ford SUV to George Gallo for $1,750.00. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Hempel Motion carried 7- 0 -0 12. Action to approve the bid for the 2010 Ford F-350 to Andrew Fedoris for $2,050.00. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve, Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7- 0-0 13. Action to approve the bid for the 2008 Ford Explorer to Thomas Eztweiler for $1,500.00. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Atwood Motion carried 7. - 0-0 14. Action to approve the bid for the 2008 Ford F-550 Dump to Simeon Strite for $6,700.00. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7 - 0-0 15. Action to approve the bid for the 2013 Chevy Impala to Dale Festerman for $435.00. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Motion to approve, Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7-( 0-0 May 21, 2025 16. Action to approve the bid for the 2011 Ford Crown Vic to Elyn Wickham for $675.00. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7 -0-0 17. Action to approve the bid for the 1999 Aeroil Crack Sealer Machine to William Benner for $700.00. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7 - 0-0 18. Action to not accept the bids for the Police Department Ceiling Tile Replacement Project. Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to reject the bid. Second: Commissioner Hempel Commissioner Gass asks if the public can hear what the bids were or was it a sealed bid. Manager Faulk states it was a sealed bid opened during a public bid opening and only one bid was received for ninety five thousand dollars. Motion carried 7- 0-0 19. Action to advertise for bids for the Police Department Ceiling Tile Replacement Project. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7- 0-0 20. Action to approve the MOU between North Huntingdon Township and AFSCME No. 13 regarding volunteers. Motion: Commissioner Atwood Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Zona Commissioner Atwood verifies that both parties are on board with this. Manager Faulk states that is correct. Commissioner Gray had asked to reach out to the Friends of Norwin Trails to have someone here tonight. Manager Faulk states he did reach out to them and was told someone would come tonight but appears they are not here. Commissioner Gray states he would like to table this until somebody is able to come. May 21, 2025 Motion: Commissioner Gray Motion to table. Second: Commissioner Atwood ROLL CALL: Commissioner Hempel - YES Commissioner Atwood = YES Commissioner Gray - YES Commissioner Zona - NO Commissioner Bevan - YES Commissioner Gass - YES Commissioner Haigis - YES Motion carried 6-1 1-0 21. Action to hire Matt Lichota for Summer Help at a rate of$15.00/hr with no benefits. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Motion to approve. Second: Commissioner Bevan Motion carried 7 - 0 -0 Manager Faulk thanks the Public Works and Parks Departments because it is Public Works Week and also EMS Week. FURTHER BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gass states in regards to action items #9 through #17, approved bids for multiple vehicles for approximately twenty thousand dollars and asks where that money will go. Manager Faulk states the money will go into the Capital Reserve Funds to purchase additional vehicles or equipment. Commissioner Gass states he is calling upon this Board and making a motion to accept an invitation from Mr. Carrozza to meet with him privately and publicly for the sake of transparency. He states to Mr. Carrozza regardless of what he thinks, has a lot of good ideas and they spoke last week. He states Mr. Carrozza has a great amount of passion and rightfully SO as he almost lost his fiancée and their son. Motion: Commissioner Gass Motion to speak with Mr. Carrozza openly. Second: NONE Commissioner Gass states Shelly Buchanan brought this to his attention regarding real estate tax exemption from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He reads an article regarding this. May 21, 2025 Commissioner Gray states regarding Commissioner Gass' previous motion, the rules of procedure are that if someone makes a motion and there is no second, then there cannot be discussion on it. Solicitor Dice states that is correct. Commissioner Gray states it might have been worth making a second to explain why the Board is reluctant to speak, but he states he did not do that, I'm sorry. ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Zona Motion to adjourn. (7:45 P.M) Second: Commissioner Atwood Commissioner Gass - NO Motion carried 6 - 1 -0 Commissioner Haigis states the Board held an Executive Session prior to the last meeting. 1) Regular Meeting Minutes of May 21,2025 were approved by the Board of Commissioners on June 18, 2025. LRRol Zachary Haigis, Ppesident Harry R. Faulk, Township Manager /ijh