Was
it from the
» Yeah, she said it was just from the rain.
Good. >> You being short? No, I don't.
» Good evening, everybody. The time is now 7:01 p.m. I would like to call this
regular voting meeting to order. Today's date is Monday, August 10th. Um, I'll
rise for the pledge of allegiance, please.
To the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands one
nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
» Thank you. Roll call, please. Michelle >> here.
» Present. >> Mr. Lyn,
» present. >> Mrs.
» here. >> Mr.
Mrs. here.
» Here
» um Vice President Pollock couldn't be with us this evening. He had a procedure
a couple days ago, so we'd like to wish him the best in a speedy recovery. Um
number four, report from burough boards and commissions.
And number five, reports fire chief.
My name is Hayden. I'm a captain with Jefferson Hills fire. I'll be giving
Chase his report for him. He's not able to make it. I believe he's on his way,
but I don't think he'll be here in time. Uh 54 incidents, eight of which were
overlapping, nine of those were out of town. We had an average response time of
5 minutes and 46 seconds. Two notable incidents, we had a crash on 837 with
enttrapment and engine one and two came across a gunshot victim, which they
subsequently treated in the city of Claron. Other than that, I don't have
anything to add to the rest of his written report unless you have any
questions. >> And Mr. Havertock, I have a report for
the incidents we responded to at Jefferson Hospital.
» Oh, he he said that you requested that. >> Yeah. And actually, one other thing to
add, we did start our smoke detector program with the Red Cross, I believe.
Councilman Bus, you asked about that. >> Yes.
» Last time. So, that is ruled. We do have four people scheduled now and more calls
coming in, emails coming in to schedule more.
» Perfect. Yeah, I did see the post. Caitlyn, if you could piggyback off of
their post, uh it was on the JHFR Facebook page. That would be great and
we can share that. Um also, Captain Craig, I know you guys were
[clears throat] busy over the last 24 hours, so um you just praying that you
guys are all safe. Thank you for helping all of the residents. We really
appreciate it. >> Thank you all.
» Thank you. >> Can you give that to Michelle?
» Yes. >> Um EMS is not present this evening.
Consulting engineer. I didn't hear back from today, so I
think he's got >> Okay.
Uh, finance officer, Mr. Haverto. >> I have nothing to add
» tonight. >> Public works uh director is not present.
Police chief, >> I have nothing to add to my report. I
just wanted to thank uh everyone, all first responders, uh our residents,
public works, uh we had a significant uh weather event today and we weathered the
storm. Uh, not to say that pun, but it it was difficult for a couple hours
there, but we want to thank everybody for understanding the road delays we
had. Uh, we had flooding, trees down, and everybody uh helped out. Uh, thank
you. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Yeah, I just
wanted to piggy back on that. I wanted to say thank you to our police, public
works, fire department. Everybody was amazing today. I know there were tons of
comes calls coming in all at the same time and everybody did the best they can
and just a big thank you to everyone and I'm glad that everyone [snorts] was
safe. >> Thank you, manager Glister.
» Uh nothing additional unless there's any questions and uh just sort of piggy
piggybacking off of what the chief and mayor were just saying. Uh definitely
some significant weather uh Friday uh a little bit Saturday and even today. And
uh we're getting a high volume of phone calls as well for uh you know asking the
bur to look into certain issues and things like that. So um you know bear
with us uh you if you call the office you'll get a call back. Don't forget we
have our online uh forms that can be submitted as well. Uh but either way if
you reach out to us we will uh take a look into that and be back in touch with
you. That's all I have. >> Thank you madam solicitor.
» Uh thank you madam president. I have nothing to add to my written report.
» Okay. Number six, burough resident taxpayer comments on agenda items. We
have a handful here. Just to repeat and go over the rules of decorum while
speaking uh during a public meeting, you have a 4m minute time period. Please do
not go over that. If you are getting close to your four minutes, please
finish with your um your sentence that you are in at that time or we will ask
you to please have a seat. Um any outbursts will be warned twice after the
second warning. you will be removed by or asked to be removed by our chief of
police. Uh in no apparent order, uh we're going to go with Josh Rogers and
just come up to the podium, speak loudly into the microphone. Uh state your name,
address, and nature of business. >> Sure. Uh name is Joshua Rogers, 128 Ray
Large Ray Large Road. Um just to speak on the EQT Drury. I just met the fine
man from EQT here. Take it easy on him. He got a 17-month-old at home, so Um, as
we all know, I'm not going to speak too much because I already spoke the other
day, but uh, we all got a job here to do. We I understand that there is place
for industry and there is also places where industry shouldn't be. Um, and
unfortunately for you, EQT couldn't draw drill us out of this community. So, you
know, so we're going to continue to speak. We've been doing this for a long
time and we're not going anywhere. Um, and we're going to make sure that uh
hopefully the council remembers what they're here for and um what their job
and responsibilities are as well and uh what the responsibilities is as a
parent, community member, and also a council member. So that's all I have.
» Thank you, Mr. Rogers. Uh next, Rosa Hacka.
My name is Rosa Hackla. I'm at 3051 Chestnut Ridge Drive. Good evening.
Thank you for posting the Borrow Jefferson on the Borrow of Jefferson
Hills uh the lease and addendum um on Friday. After reviewing the documents
and re listening to the August 5th meeting, I have several additional
questions regarding this complex matter that I respectfully request council
address. My questions fall into two categories. Technical questions related
to the lease and addendum and questions and concerns related to the process
procedure and transparency. I have four examples of the technical
questions I would like the council to address. How pooling and unitization
activities be monitored to ensure accuracy and compliance? How will
royalties be calculated when the borrow's parcels are included in a pool
or unitized unit? Has EQ identify adjacent owners whose mineral rights
would be included in the pool or unitized unit? If adjacent owners
declined to lease, how would that affect the borrow's lease terms and revenue
share in process procedures and transparency? Kindly confirm that I
capture these dates correctly based on the August 5th meeting. Mr. Habtock
stated that EQT first contacted the borrow in August of 2025.
My notes reflect that the solicitor stated the lease and addendum were
negotiated and finalized in January of 2026 and that her team had been
negotiating with EQT for over a year. Can the solicitor confirm whether
January 2026 is correct and if her team negotiated the signing bonus and royalty
terms? Councilwoman Buy stated that her
memorandum of non-surface oil and gas lease shows a revision date of February
9, 2026 and she did not receive the memorandum until July 31st. Can each
council member clarify when they first became aware of the EQT negotiations and
when they received the memorandum for review prior to the August 5th agenda
discussion. I am concerned that the late distribution of documents to council
members and residents on such complex matter risk a rush decision. I am also
concerned about limited resident participation as several residents were
unable to attend last week or this week's meeting due to previously
scheduled travel due to the end of school uh end of
summer. Additionally, after reviewing the recorded meeting multiple times, I
note the solicitor's response to council woman's beauty regarding February 9th
memorandum where the solicitor stated for over a year we have been negotiating
because our job is to get the best deal of for the borrow. So we were unable we
were able to increase the royalty percentage and the pre per acre payment.
This was one of the many drafts over the past year. I don't know of any time
frame. I knew from Mr. coverstock. The project was going forward regardless.
It's just whether the burrow would allow the project to go under and receive a
decent amount of money. This raises several procedural questions. Is the c
is it council standard procedure to formally vote via motion and second
before directing the solicitor to negotiate on behalf of the burrow? If
such a vote is required, when did it occur? Given some council members stated
they were unaware of the potential EQT lease until July 31st. Why is a decision
being fasttracked without adequate time for a special discussion? Can borrow
engage an expert such at as attorney John Smith to review the lease and
addendum. There is a need for improved communication on complex matters such as
this. Council could significantly improve communications and transparency
by preparing an executive summary for residents. Such a summary would help the
residents feel informed and confident that council is safeguarding community
interest. An expert such as attorney John Smith should review the documents
and >> you can finish your sentence if you
» and residents need to be given the opportunity to participate in a public
hearing. Thank you for your attention. >> Thank you. I was ready to stop. Melissa,
[laughter] >> I appreciate it.
» And I have copies of >> Is that your the copies of your
question, your additional questions for this evening?
» Yeah. >> Okay. Because the way we're we're
setting this up um to hopefully have good respectful discussion is we're
going to listen to the residents and their comments. Now, uh, we're going to
have the gentleman from EQT come up as soon as we do the agenda item and I,
myself and Mr. Glistister are taking notes, uh, so that we can ask the
questions on behalf of the residents so that we're not interrupting and doing a
back and forth with the audience and the gentlemen there because it just gets too
hard for the minutes. So, if I could have a copy of your questions, Michelle
can bring them up, that would be great. >> Thank you so much.
That's okay. Thank you. >> Uh, next, Miss Judy Kaufman, please.
» Thank you. >> Thank you so much. I feel um that many
of the questions that I had have already been asked, but I'm I'm just going to be
a little repetitious here. Um, my name is Judy Kaufman. I live at 3417 Woodwin
Drive. I'm a lifelong resident of Jefferson Hills. I was raised in Gil
Hall. I played pickup baseball in Gilh Hall Park uh when it was nothing more
than a homemade dirty dusty ball field. Um I understand it's
now being one of the sites that they're talking about with horizontal pipelines.
So it holds a little bit near and dear to my heart of what's going to happen.
It seems that every few years, I know most of you probably don't know me, but
every few years I've been standing here at the podium trying to explain why I so
adamantly want to protect our families and our community from EQT encroachment.
I'm a nurse practitioner still practicing. Um, I hold a doctorate in
public health. And in wearing both of those hats, I've spoken to the and
addressed council regarding numerous health issues that have been the result
of toxic, volatile um, organic compounds, carcinogenic emissions, and
especially how they threaten pregnant women, unborn babies, newborn babies,
children, and the elderly in our community. So, um, these are things that
I I really felt very strongly about when we were looking into the possibility of
fracking here in our community. This evening, however, I'm here with more
questions than I am here with um, health statistics. I came here tonight to learn
more about the proposed horizontal drilling in Jefferson Hills and
particularly around Gilhal Park and around areas where our children may be
affected. My first question uh I am a member of
the um environmental advisory committee and um I'm wondering as a member why it
is that we didn't hear anything about this about any proposals for leases with
EQT. Um it's my understanding and and it's
been validated that the solicitor was aware and the business manager have been
aware of this for the past year and as EQT and as the not EQT but EAC as the
name implies we're an advisory environmental committee and we give up
our time to look at uh environmental issues here in Jefferson Hills and this
is a big one and we have gone to 12 meetings since this started and we never
heard anything about it. I really feel that I I'd like to know why we weren't
part of the process. Um the other question I have is after reading so many
stories over the past 20 years really about lawsuits damages caused by the gas
and oil industry including EQT and uh the number of settlements here in
Pennsylvania, West Virginia. I'm wondering why the council would ever
want to consider signing a lease that could be detrimental to our health. I
don't know if it is because we don't have enough information. Um, we only
heard about this about three days ago and so there wasn't enough time, but we
I'm really wondering this especially in light of many of the federal regulations
that are regarding emissions of the uh volatile organic compounds or um the
methane and detection as as well as equipment equipment repair
equipment uh maintenance. They've been relaxed. And so again, this is at a time
where we're not quite as protected as we were. And in addition, these regulatory
burdens on the oil and gas industry have really been um diminished in in 19 in
2026. Also, so this is I'm wondering if it's a good time for us to do anything
like this. The third question, and I think I'm going to be repeating what you
just heard, is why this lease agreement is being rushed through without public
hearings, without us really knowing. Um, it when we when we talk about this in
health care, we talk about informed consent. And I think it's so important
that we look at full disclosure full the issue being fully examined and presented
to the public so that we know what the risks versus the benefits would be both
from a health standpoint, a safety standpoint, from our homes and uh you
know clearly homeowners have a right to know how this is going to be done. Will
it affect uh any anything uh structures in their home especially knowing that
you know mine subsidance issues have always been a major issue here in
Jefferson Hills and Pleasant Hills. Um and do they know that insurance won't
cover any damages that would be caused their mind subsidance that could be
caused by fracking. So, I really would like to ask the council to think this
through and to possibly, you know, schedule a public hearing so that the
questions could be answered. I know I've run out of time and I really want to
thank you. Um, I kind of diverted a little bit, but I appreciate the
opportunity. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Coffin.
» Our next um agenda speaker is Jeff Steltzer.
Hello, my name is Jeffrey Steltzer. I'm a resident here of Jefferson Burough and
a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. I reside at 733 Waterman Road.
We stand at a pivotal crossroads in our region's energy history. Right across
our borders, the infrastructure in Union Township is unlocking natural wealth
from the Marcelus and Unico shale formations, bringing profound benefits
directly to families right here in Jefferson Hills. Today, I want to talk
about the immense promise this development holds for our community and
address the misconceptions that often cloud the conversation.
Natural gas extraction is a vital anchor of national prosperity. The Marcellus
and Udica formations beneath us represent some of the cleanest burning
energy deposits on the planet. By tapping these resources responsibly, we
secure domestically produced energy that lowers home heating and electricity
costs for working families. Furthermore, this activity pumps vital revenue
directly into Jefferson Hills Burrow. That is why I strongly support the
proposal to lease our burough owned oil and gas mineral rights to EQT.
These funds flow straight to the municipal coffers to cover local costs
and fund whatever community projects our residents and leaders choose to
prioritize. Best of all, because the drill rig and well pad are situated
across the border in Union Township, local residents will experience zero
industrial truck traffic on Jefferson Hill roads. We get the financial reward
and energy security without any added congestion on our streets.
When large-scale industrial projects emerge near our neighborhoods, anxieties
naturally arise. But we must separate sensationalized rumors from scientific
reality. The myth of explosions. As someone who firmly supports safe,
responsible development, I can state that modern well sites are engineering
marvels governed by strict regulations utilizing advanced blowout preventers,
automatic shut off valves, and 247 telemetry monitoring to ensure absolute
safety. Concerns over creek pollution. Modern
well construction uses heavyduty multi-layer steel casings cemented deep
into the earth far below freshwater aquifers. This creates a concrete and
steel fortress that completely isolates drinking water and local streams from
production zones. Anxiety regarding air quality operators
employ green completion technologies and vapor recovery units to capture
emissions. Thanks to rigorous standards and continuous monitoring, local air
quality remains well within safe thresholds. Sorry.
Fear of mine subsidance and explosions. People occasionally wonder if drilling
will destabilize old underground coal mines or trigger an underground
explosion. Geologically, this is impossible. Underground coal mines sit
merely a few hundred feet deep. Whereas Marcellus and UCL shell formations lie
thousands of feet, a mile or more lower. Natural gas trapped in deep shell
requires precise oxygen-free conditions and cannot migrate into or ignite
abandoned coal mines. This massive rock layer acting as a natural buffer ensures
zero structural or explosive impact on shallow mine voids.
The infrastructure in Union Township and the resources flowing beneath Jefferson
Hillsboro represents an extraordinary opportunity. They mean energy
independence, lower heating costs, dedicated municipal revenue for our
projects, and complete freedom from local truck traffic. By relying on facts
and rigorous science, we can embrace this potential with absolute confidence.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Steltzer.
Um, I'm going to read. We have a couple of online submissions.
U Laurens Saka 1089 Antler Drive. I was planning on attending this meeting in
person. Um, wait, let me double check and make sure
this is on EQT R. Okay. Um, however, at 2 o'clock this afternoon, a 4-inch water
line opened up at our at my neighbor's yard, showering her home with 30 ft of
water. This water then ran off her property and onto mine where it entered
my home through a basement window. The water ran for the next hour because no
one but Pennsylvania American Water can shut it off, which is something I plan
to discuss at a future council meeting. In terms of the possible drill sites, I
have some very serious reservations. I spent 10 years as a natural resource
manager for Virginia State Parks and have dealt heavily with industrial
projects and geology issues. I am currently an earth and space science
teacher. I understand how these things work and what the geological processes
are. I understand that fracking is the is in this manner is safely conducted in
many places with limited negative outcomes.
However, I also live in the Deer Park neighborhood where I know for a fact
that the coal mine under my home is less than 100 ft down. I know that that
entire area of Jefferson Hills where these drill sites are planned have been
heavily undermined. I have looked at the maps for the sites that are essentially
exactly where these drill sites are planned. I have concerns about a number
of things that simply have not been discussed or even identified. How far is
the mine below the surface in these areas? Are these aqua aquafers that
could be polluted by the frack water? What kind of trucks and at what volume
will they be driving on the newly repaired Peters Creek Road? How do you
mitigate slippage between shale and coal layers above where the fracking will
occur? And finally, what gives the bureau the right to decide what happens
with our public property with no public input? [clears throat] Our burough is
taking many steps in the right direction in terms of increasing recreational
opportunities. The new Gil Hall Park, the updated plans to rehabilitate the
buildings there, the fishing days along Peters Creek, these are all the things
that are 100% a help to this community that could be negatively impacted by
this project. The least you can do in this situation is table this vote and
have a public hearing the way it should have been done in the first place in an
open and transparent man manner.
Um, next, Lisa Graves Marusi.
Thank you. Um, I do want to address some of the things that have been said. I'm
going to give you some real world examples. explosions.
Indiana County and Alageney County or Indiana Township and Alageney County had
a wellpad explode. You can check it on the Alageney County hazards mitigation
plan and it's also in the SEC filings for the company. There was an explosion
of the Revolution pipeline in Beaver County in which families I know ran for
their lives while their animals were killed and their property was totally
destroyed. Water pollution. I mentioned this at
last week's meeting. Please make a note and look up Knob Fork, West Virginia and
New Freeport, Green County, and Tyogga County. EQT, the very company that
you're contemplating signing a lease with, was responsible for massive water
pollution damage in all three of those cases. Those are just the three that I'm
citing tonight. Two of those, Knob Fork, West Virginia and New Freeport, ended up
in litigation. In the Tyogga County situation,
our organization provided the information to the D, which resulted in
a $1.1 million fine because EQ EQT trashed waters of the Commonwealth.
Union Township, Finleyville had massive mine subsidance damage from
EQT or from Sonokco's uh lateral drilling and it's documented in the
postet articles I gave you last week and I know that council is considering going
to get the mine maps from the D to make sure you're not on that same mine
formation which is the Cincinnati coal mine. So these are real things that not
only could happen, they absolutely have happened. So what you're contemplating
carries risk. I also did some checking for you. The question was, can the
company just take the gas? They're going to take it anyway, so you may as well
get paid. Absolutely false. I found out that that would demonstrate
theft and trespass. You cannot do that. So, I'm going to reiterate my
recommendation to council that you please have a special counsel, John
Smith, who has litigated on behalf of Jefferson Hills against EQT twice and
one, including once at the PA Supreme Court, have him review the lease, have
him work with you and your solicitor to make sure that the interests of
Jefferson Hills are being protected. Please do not just take EQT's word for
it because I just rattled off examples of real world situations where risks
have happened. It's not an a matter of if, it's when.
And finally, I would please ask that council consider holding a public
hearing because I think this is a major decision that should not be just
unilaterally made by council. I believe the public has a right to be involved.
Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
I think that was everyone in the audience. If I'm missing anybody, please
let me know. Um I have one more here from Kathleen Lower. Uh just wanted to
say Oh, this is not a Yes, it is. Sorry. Uh just wanted to say it sounds like a
good idea to do the garbage fee yearly for the savings to the burrow. Also, we
like our current garbage company. I feel they do a good job and hope we are able
to renew with them when the time comes. When it comes time to renew and you are
comparing different companies, if you decide to go with a company that uses
those auto arms to lift and empty the cans, can you negotiate that for those
of us who want the smaller cans that can get them? Uh, I think Mr. Haptock is
doing a great job at looking for the ways to cut expenses in the burrow. And
we certainly agree with Mrs. Lower. Um, thank you everyone.
Okay.
Okay. Agenda item number seven. Motion to approve the monthly bills. A
» motion. >> Second.
» Motion by Councilman Bence. Second by Councilman Lynch. All those in favor say
I. >> I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. Number eight. Motion to approve monthly payroll.
» A motion. >> A motion. Motion by Councilwoman Rido.
Second by Councilman Bence. All those in favor say I. I.
» Any opposed? Motion carries.
Number nine. Motion to approve minutes of agenda meeting July 1st, 2026.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Bence.
» I'll second it. >> Second by Councilwoman Buucy. All those
in favor say I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
Number 10. Motion to approve minutes of regular meeting July 6th, 2026.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Bence.
» I'll second. >> Second by Councilwoman Mirez. All those
in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Number 11. Motion to
approve the permanent appointment of Officer Daniel Moreny as full-time
police officer for the Jefferson Hills Police Department after successful
completion of a 12-month probationary period per the Burough of Jefferson
Hills Civil Service rules and regulations section 3.20 probationary
period. >> A motion.
» I'll second. >> Motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Councilwoman Mirez. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. Number 12, motion to approve the permanent appointment of
Officer Drake Cypold as full-time police officer for the Jefferson Hills Police
Department after successful completion of a 12-month probationary period per
the Burough of Jefferson Hills Civil Service Rules and Regulations, section
3.20 probationary period. >> A motion.
» Motion by Councilwoman Mis, second by Councilman Bence. All those in favor say
I. >> I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. Number 13, motion to adopt ordinance
number 926 amending the burough code regarding the economic development
commission EDC. Um motion >> motion by Councilman Lynch.
» I'll second. >> Second by Councilwoman Buccy. All those
in favor say I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Number 14. Motion to
authorize preparation and advertisement of an ordinance amending chapter 15
motor vehicle and traffic of the Burough Code of Ordinances to regulate
recreational motorized vehicles. >> A motion.
» Second. Motion by Councilwoman Marico, second by Councilman Bence. All those in
favor say I. >> I.
» I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Number 15.
Motion to authorize preparation and advertisement of an ordinance amending
chapter 16 parks and recreation of the burough code of ordinances.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Ben.
» Second. >> Second by Councilman Lynch. All those in
favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Number 16.
Motion to approve a memorandum of understanding between the Jefferson
Hills Police Department and the West Jefferson Hill School District as
required by article 13-a of the public school code of 1949, popularly known as
the Safe Schools Act for years 2026 through 2027.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Councilman Bence. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. Number 17. Motion to approve a memorandum of understanding
between the Jefferson Hills Police Department and the Steel City Steel
Center School for Career and Technical Education as required by article 13- of
the public school code of 1949, popularly known as the Safe Schools Act
for years 2026 and 2028. >> A motion.
» Motion by Councilman, second by Councilwoman Buccy. All those in favor
say I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Number 18. Motion to
approve the 2027 minimum municipal obligation in the amount of $3,812
for the service employee pension and $477,28
for the police pension. >> Motion.
» Motion by Councilman Lynch. >> Second.
» Second by Councilwoman Rido. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. [clears throat] Number 19. Motion to re renegotiate contract
with legal service tax services subject to solicitor and council approval if
possible or to terminate if necessary. >> A motion second.
» Motion by Councilman Lynch, second by Councilman Bence. All those in favor say
I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Number 20. Motion to
enter into possible agreement with Jordan Tax subject to solicitor and
council approval in regard to garbage user fees.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Ben.
» Second. Second by Councilman Lynch. All those in favor say I.
» I. >> I.
» Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
» Number 21. Motion to authorize the proposed leasing of burrowowned oil and
gas mineral rights for parcel number 883-R250
and parcel number 100005-R1000
to EQT, including review of lease terms and possible authorization to execute an
agreement. At this time, we're gonna have Andrew from EQT to step to the
podium and um and we'll start our conversation.
» Hi, how are you all this evening? >> Good. How are you? Thank you for being
here, especially on short notice. We appreciate it.
» Yeah, absolutely. Happy to be here. >> Uh so, just a little background on me.
My name is Ryan Mather. I'm one of our land acquisition.
» Sorry, did I called you Andrew? Uh I 100% honest I'm not not sure about that.
I apolog So Andrew is uh one of my director reports and works for me on as
a a land man on our team. So >> And you are Ryan?
» Yes ma'am. I am Ryan. Thank you. >> So I am one of our land acquisitions
managers here um who works in southwestern Pennsylvania and
specifically on the Sarah development that is being proposed with the lease
hold here at at hand. So um please let me know what questions how you would
like to go through this. uh follow your lead here.
» I think um first and foremost, council probably has specific questions that
they would like to ask and then um I'm going to try and check through a lot of
our resident questions. Um hopefully we can get answers to as many as possible.
» Yes, ma'am. >> And then um you know, I think we can
talk a little bit about uh you know, the traffic, the truck traffic and things of
that nature as well. So, council, we'll open it up to you.
I'll start it off. Um, first off, thank you for being here on such short notice
again. Um, I guess we could just start out here with the basics if you can
answer. Um, so can you explain uh exactly where the Sarah Well pad is
located and where the proposed lateral will travel in relation to Gil Hall Park
and the Peters Creek Road properties and if you know approximately how many feet
below these properties um or how many feet below those properties the ladder
will be. >> Yeah, absolutely. So our current PAT
site it's existing. We built it in 2022 on Finleyville Road in Union Township.
Um, we have already drilled on that pad site and we've actually traversed
Jefferson Hillsboro properties. So from the elevation of the pad site to where
we enter the Marcela shale is about 7,500 ft down. So where the wells will
traverse the properties should we come to terms here would be right around that
depth. It would be right around 7,500 ft deep.
And can you also um based upon of what we reviewed so far that this is a
non-surface lease correct and I so um basically um can you are you able to
uh answer that that EQT would not be permitted to construct or operate any
surface equipment on bur own property. >> Yes sir that is correct. We will not be
doing any surface activity whatsoever inside of Jefferson Hillsboro.
» Were neighboring um property owners informed of the task at hand?
» Are just to clarify, are you asking, have neighboring property owners
executed leases with EQT? Have they been notified that this could possibly
be a future project for you? >> Uh I forgive me I'm I'm not 100%
following. So we have approached all of the surrounding neighbors of these
properties in general and we have either begun executing oil and gas leases with
them, negotiating leases with them. But yes, we have been surrounding anybody
that was identified within our production footprint, we have reached
out to. >> I hope that answers your question.
» As far as noise levels go, are is that all just concentrated at the well pad or
the movement of your operation? Does that involve burrow property at all or
how is that how's that ex once it's extracted? How's that moved away from
the facility? >> Yeah. No. Uh again, great question. So,
we have specific truck routes uh that all vehicles will have to be taking.
There are pipelines that are already connected to the pad. As I mentioned
before, it's already built. It's in service. There are already wells drilled
and producing from the pad site itself. Uh some of which traverse
burrow residents, not burrow owned property, but burrow residents. Uh any
and all trucks that leave and come to and from the site have to follow the
bonded routes. Other it's all monitored by the D. And in regards to noise,
that's kind of a tricky question uh because a lot of it is topography based.
If you are on top of a hill and a pad is down below you, you may hear some of the
noise that's going to be traveling up. Uh we also conduct sound studies upon
spotting the locations as well as working with other entities through the
D and try to mitigate as much noise as we possibly can. We've also switched
over to electric drilling crews and frack fleets to try to help mitigate as
much noise as possible. And we do take that into consideration, but there won't
be anything different this time than what there was the first round of
drilling. [snorts] >> Thank you.
» I take that back. The only thing that will be different is we will be there a
shorter period of time.
» What is the timeline for such a project? So we have actually already begun
drilling the top holes that are on on the pad side itself. So there we bring
in a series of rigs. You set your conductor casing uh to begin with at
first and then you will drill your top hole uh which is the section that goes
out to your kickoff point uh which is about 1,000 feet above the formation
where you're going to land and then you begin your horizontal and then followed
by your hydraulic fracturing process. So we are currently targeting top the the
current drilling for our top hole outside of our conductor will be later
this month uh followed by the horizontal after the turn of the year. Um and then
hydraulic fracturing will follow that uh with completion by summer uh 27.
[snorts] So you're you're looking May June for
when first sales volumes will be be moving.
» What what chemicals do you use during this process? So it it's a combination.
Um this is all can be found on frackfocus.org. Uh so each company uses
their own proprietary blend. They they have a special unique series that they
use. Um really it's you can get into a laundry list of things. Uh but the nuts
and bolts of it um you're going to use guar gum to help things stick inside of
the formation. It's used in ketchup, jellies, things of that nature.
Surfactants to try to help lubricate the sides of the shell as you were beginning
to pump under high pressure. Um there are acids involved. Uh so these are base
formations. The marcellus where we're currently targeting is a base formation.
You mix an acid with a base, it becomes neutral. Same same thing here. You're
just rounding off some of the edges of what the the sharp jagged shale would be
when it comes under pressure and begins to crack. Um and then a bioside which is
used for bacteria treatment. So that is a very rough base generic highle
thousand foot overview coverage of what's there. There's pH balancers,
scale inhibitors, a multitude of other things that go into it. But if you want
the comprehensive list, it's all right there on frackfocus.org. [snorts]
» There's also fromaldahhide and a laundry list of other pretty dangerous VOCC's.
[clears throat] >> The residents that received letters,
they have contacted me. Some of them con some of them said they got their letter
in December. Some of them say they got a letter in March. All right.
» Um what was it? Since they had various times that
they got these letters, is the route under the earth being processed as to
where you want to go? Like why would they have different times that they got
these letters? >> Yeah. So a lot of that is based upon the
development of the project itself. There's going to be differences and and
as you're working through you may find different challenges that present
themselves where you have to look at it and approach it slightly differently.
And as we are navigating those situations and those scenarios that
changes where our ultimate war path would ultimately end up and what our
development profile could look like. So there's a multitude of reasons that that
come with that. But also with even with drilling technologies and capabilities
uh we are a very large company who's very active and as we learn and we test
some of our capabilities as to where we can go on our overall drilling and
development that also has an impact but these ones are
it was broken up in stages uh for the western side now to the eastern side of
what our development looks like. It could have been they were originally
targeted in the western side now we're focused on the eastern side. So [snorts]
if they do not want the drilling underneath their homes,
» then you circumvent that. >> Yes, ma'am. So, as it was stated
earlier, we are not allowed to drill and develop a property where we do not
control the working interest of a lease. That is what's known as a bad faith
trespass if you do that, which is illegal and against the law. That is not
something we we ever intend to do. >> Okay. Thank you. Mhm.
» For this particular scenario on these two parcels of land, is there um is
there um sourcing, storing, treating, disposing of water?
» No, ma'am. >> No. Okay. That would just be with a well
pad. Correct. >> Yes, ma'am. That is with a well pad.
» Sorry. Um, can you talk a little bit about how
when the gas is removed and royalties are paid out to whomever owns that
property, who oversees that? Is it the D who oversees? How much gas is retracted?
How much royalties is going to that person? And if EQT is being um truthful.
» Yeah. So u there are audit provisions that we will incorporate inside of
leases uh that give you full rights to audit your your interest. So EQT as an
operator we report all of the total production to the DP and that shows
roundabouts where where our total production lies. Now with that we will
send out division orders to each individual owner who has an agreement in
place with us. Those division orders will outline your net revenue, excuse
me, re net revenue interest, how that number is calculated, which forgive me
if I'm getting ahead of myself here. You're going to take your total unit
acreage and you divide that by the acreage each individual shareholder
owns. So for simple math here, we'll say it's a 600 acre unit. They own a 68 acre
parcel. That's 10% of the production would be allocated to that individual.
You then take that percentage and multiply it by their royalty rate. That
is how you come up with a net revenue interest that is all distributed in your
monthly revenue statement. Whenever production is reported and revenues are
paid, you will have your NRI breakdown for your individual versus the entirety
of the unit that you are participating in. So there are multiple ways that it
can be audited, but we do report our total production numbers to the state
through monitored through the D. >> Okay. Um and this particular lease is
for a five-year term. >> Yes, ma'am. [clears throat]
» Is that full stop? Yes, ma'am. >> Five years.
» Yes, ma'am. I >> I have a question or I'm sorry if you're
not. Are you okay? Thanks. Um is this might be a dumb question, but is the
burrow tax exempt from such >> I don't think that's a dumb question at
all. >> I don't think that's a dumb question and
I'm not 100% positive. Um I like railroads for example, I know most of
them are taxexempt. I'm not sure about the burrow. I would have to look into
that. >> Okay.
Yeah, sorry that's not my specialty there. I apologize. [snorts]
» Um, all right. I think I got most of like the lease contracts and a lot of
the questions that I had from some residents were pertaining to the fact of
whether or not a well pad um would be on this property. That is absolutely not
true. >> That is correct. There will be no
surface disturbances, damages, anything upon surface of burrow owned property.
One of the questions that was raised uh last week was uh with this one proposed
lateral going underneath the Gil Hall Park, uh we're currently spending a lot
of money investing in the playground. We're going to be investing in the
building there. Um >> is there any chance the fracking could
cause damage at the surface level from the death below? And if so, how how does
EQT handle that? >> Yeah, so again, great question. So being
that we are 7,500 feet down more or less um there is limited chance of there
being any kind of a surface impact from a subsidance claim. However, if there is
that one in the million then EQT has put provisions inside of the lease
agreements under the subsidance provision that would be our
responsibility to fix, maintain, repair whatever else is there. So as much as
you all don't want it, we don't want to weigh more than what you guys don't.
[snorts]
Is that in our agreement >> in the lease? Yes, it is. There is a
full liability clause in here. >> And just [clears throat] to clarify, I
believe in the lease that the draft lease that was negotiated, any damages
that are result of your activities are your responsibility. Yes, ma'am. And
you've agreed to indemnify and hold the burrow harmless. So, there would be no
financial repercussions to the burrow at all.
» Yes, ma'am. That is correct. I I've been I don't mean to, you know,
put you on the spot here, but I've I've lived in Washington County and I've
witnessed people that have had damage to their property and
» what that was negotiated within their their lease and it's still problems were
there and weren't taken care of financially by the company.
» So, what what's your question with that one? I'm sorry. Well, they were promised
that if there was damage, subsidance, anything to their property that EQT
would come and take care and rectify the situation and it didn't happen.
» So, if you don't mind to speak with me after that and give me some specifics,
we can absolutely look into that to try to get you an answer or get a little
more guidance, I would happily uh look into that and and investigate that. If
if there is a correlation and connection that we have been proved. So there have
been some other instances here spoken this evening where we were tied and
connected to certain pieces. Um there was no substantial evidence that
actually tied us to that. We were given approval from D and other governing
authorities. It's outside of ours uh that we we can we will gladly take a
look at whatever this would be that you were referencing and uh try to get you
some answers on that. >> Thank you.
Um, can you speak a little bit about the truck routes?
» Yes, ma'am. Absolutely. So, um, bear with me just
» proposed truck routes, I should say. >> Yeah. No, so I mean the these truck
routes are going to be exact same as what we did the first time. So, all
truck traffic will be coming from the Union Township side. There will not be
anything inside of the burrow. So, as we did on the last one for, and again, bear
with me. This goes through different truck routes for for different size
vehicles here. So, anything that's less than 14 ft and less than 11 ft 6 in
wide, uh they will take the turnpike and then onto Finleyville Road. For anything
that is greater than 14 in or greater than 11' 6 in, it goes from I7 and then
travels north through 519 uh onto Thomas 84 Road through Lynen Road into Venicia
Rankintown onto Finleyville Oram. So, everything stays
» everything bypasses. Yes, ma'am. There will not be a single truck unless it's
just a someone who lives inside of the burrow who is traveling to work. That
would be the only instance where you're going to see any kind of traffic.
» Sure.
» Um without chaos erupting,
I just want to make sure I have answered or gotten at least a lot of your
questions answered. Miss Taka, you had a number of them. Um, like I said, I went
through them and some of them pertained to whether or not there was going to be
a well pad and then those stemmed from more questions on the well pad, which is
non-existent. Um, is there anything that I missed?
» The Sarah. >> Yeah.
» Yes, ma'am. The Sarah Wellad. >> Yes.
» Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah.
» Okay. Um, and you were I think she was the only person we got a list of
questions from like on paper. So, I just want to make sure that we had some of
them answered. Um, council, mayor, staff, any anyone else?
» I have a couple things I'd like to say. >> Um,
in talking with you, I I I feel that they've had their timeline set in stone.
And you know, for us as a burrow, I don't think it's beneficial to rush this
process at all. Um, I would like to know why in the
beginning that we weren't suggested to have a
public hearing when this all sort of fell in place and we were approached
with this. Um, I'm a little concerned with that and I would like to make a
motion to table this. I'll second it.
» Okay. >> I just want to make sure everybody got
their questions and comments in first before we vote.
And I can speak to the fact that this most things that come from negotiations
and contracts stem from our finance committee meetings, which is a
subcommittee just like we have a million other subcommittees within council. We
have a public works committee that have council members on it that do their due
diligence. They communicate with the staff. We have a finance committee that
does the exact same thing. So until everything is completed, eyes are
dotted, tees are crossed, and this is something that is legit that needs to be
and will be put on the agenda. That is when all of council is that's that's the
standard. That's the precedent we've sent. We've said,
» but it's also been on the solicitor's report for a year. Correct.
» And there is no legal requirement for a public hearing. Just putting that out
there. However, with that said, over a number of issues that have risen
here in Jefferson Hills, I am pretty confident in saying that this council
and our former council along with Vice President Hillary Bud have listened to
the residents and we have taken the precautions and the steps to say we need
to slow down. Perhaps we need to table this. Perhaps we need to look into this.
So, there are it hurt. It hurts. But I know that's what we what we we are here
for on council to do this job when accusations are made that we are not
being transparent and something's going ary and this and that. But this right
here is how we communicate with you guys. This is our agenda. I can I can
visualize um if we were to say something back it
last year that there was an email there was an email from this gentle or Andrew
and I thought it was spam and I had no idea and I forward it to staff because
it is their job and our job to see if things are legit and then from there on
we take it to our subcommittees. From there on it goes to council. From there
on it ends up on an agenda if it becomes an item. That's the process. That's
always been the way that we have done things here. I think this how many years
has I have I been here? I don't know almost
six or seven. Um so the accusations that we weren't being transparent. This is
how we communicate with you with the the small context of road roads being closed
and things of that nature where we have opened up social media so we can
communicate more with you all. But something of this nature in in my
opinion, I I think that it needs to be trusted
with council that we understand your concerns and when that case is required
for us to take some time and table it, that's exactly what we're going to do
and that is why we put it on the agenda so that we can hear your comments. We
can't put things that may not come to fruition
on social media six months in advance. you guys would be here with pitchforks
and and and torches every single council meeting, which I believe you would have
the right to be because that's stirring up
unwanted or maybe, you know, miscommunication.
So until something comes to a legit stop where it is time to present to
council, it goes on the agenda and and it yes, it seems like this was rushed,
but it was not rushed on purpose. It was it was completed. It goes on the agenda
now. It's in council's hands to say we need to either take a look at this or
may perhaps some members want to vote tonight. So, um, that was my two cents.
I just want to state clarity on how things end up on agenda items, our
subcommittees that we have. That's what all of us are here to do with our time
that we volunteer. Yes.
» Sure.
» Correct.
I have question
the whole process you described
it's good and it's and it's going to have its cracks right
but for a cancelled person not to have that document until July 31st, Friday.
» None of us had the document until that date.
» So did no one had did anybody know about this before July 31st? I
» I just explained the process. >> I I get it. But but you guys want to
talk. Don't you talk about hey these things are
» we we cannot talk. It it is it we cannot talk amongst ourselves with a council
unless it is an executive session over real estate personnel and um legal
issues. We are not allowed to talk. That is um that is violating the sunshine
act. >> So the earliest notification we got you
all got about this was on July 31st. >> The exact lease
» you knew although >> the final lease. Yes. the draft and and
the negotiations have been in the solicitor's report for a year which all
of council gets. >> So is that part of the reports we get
that we do >> that you do?
» Yeah, that's not part of any of the agenda. So
» that's basically so the staff's reports is basically how everything is
communicated with council so that we are not in a violation of the sunshine act.
So, so you were aware that it was in the process of negotiation.
» Correct. >> So, it's not like we don't know that
this is going on with EQ because correct >> Brian is running one way and the
solicitor is running >> another way. Correct. It was, hey, this
is what's going on and we know what's going on.
» Correct. >> So, you guys have been communicated.
» Okay. >> Um,
council mayor, anybody else? Um, I have something to say real quick. Um, well,
we we do have members here of the EAC and um, and
I, you know, I I believe the responsible course right now, you know, I I support
tableabling the matter, lying REAC, an opportunity to review, uh, the
agreement. Um, you know, provides perspective to council. And I just also
want to be clear that, you know, this is not a reflection of all the work that
went into the lease that's already been done. I you know I com I commend our
burough solicitor, our burough manager, our finance director, uh the finance
committee and everyone involved in reviewing and negotiating this agreement
and you know got us to this point where I mean this can be you know cordally
discussed and um discussed excuse me not discussed
um but with the amount of due diligence that's already taken place um I I
appreciate that effort you know everything you know trying to, you know,
not only protect like, you know, the burrow from an environmental standpoint,
but also, you know, the legal and the financial in, you know, interests. And
so my request, you know, for the additional review with the EAC, it's not
intended to undermine the work or, you know, not signaling support or oper, you
know, opposition to the lease. You know, it's just another layer I just like to
see get done, you know, for the, you know, before we make this decision. So I
that's all I needed to say about that. >> Okay. Anybody else have any comments? We
have um two motions to table on. >> Yes. I would just like to address uh
Madam Solicitor. Yes. It was in the report that you were negotiating a lease
for six months that I have been on counsel and I've asked you questions
regarding that. But specifics, especially the location of where was
never revealed until last week. That specific where underneath the park
and under on Peters Creek Road. That was never identified.
» It was never hidden. If you had asked, I would have happily provided you the
information. And we do not ever provide. There were probably 20 drafts of this
lease that went back and forth because again we our job was to try to get as
much money and tried to protect the burrow from any liability. So if you had
seen every draft over the past year, it would have been ridiculous. So if you
had asked where it was, it certainly would not have been hidden from you.
Well, sometimes you >> I'd also like to remind council that we
get notifications because of what happened
um maybe I don't know how many years ago, but when the act 14 started coming
out and councilwoman was very vocal in the fact that you know all of council at
that time I was very new and did not know much of what was going on as far as
act 14 and oil and gas. Um she was adamant in the fact that all of council
members should receive every act 14 that comes to the burrow since that and that
was many years ago every council member has been sent um every act 14 that comes
through the burrow. Uh I haven't had time to look back in my notes to see if
there there were quite a few that came from the Sarah well pad. So you know
that's another avenue that council should be keeping an eye on as well. We
have rights you know as a burrowing district uh burrow to where this is
happening to put in some safeguards for ourselves as far as traffic and things
are concerned.
» Um okay so two motions to table Councilwoman Rido and Councilwoman Buy.
All >> yes.
» All those in favor say I. >> I.
» Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
I was wondering if I could motion also to have a public hearing.
» I'll second that. Also
» on the table. >> Yes.
» Okay.
» Um I personally have no issue with the
public hearing. I don't.
We'll leave it up for a vote. Motion by Councilwoman Buucy for public hearing.
Second by Councilwoman Rita. All those in favor say I.
» I. >> I. Any opposed?
» Okay. Motion carries.
» You have to amend this motion.
Um, I think what we >> Go ahead. What does that motion exactly
say? >> Why don't you just Well,
I think we t technically should do a motion to amend the agenda just to keep
the record clear. So, why don't you do someone do a motion to amend the agenda,
go through the vote for that, and then do the motion for the public hearing.
» I'll make a motion to >> amend the agenda. Yes. The agenda.
» Motion by Counciloman Rece, second by Councilwoman Buccy to amend the agenda.
All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. >> Then
» make I would like to make a motion to hold a public hearing.
» And I'll second that. >> Okay. Motion by Counciloman Rido to hold
a public hearing. Second by Councilwoman Buucy. All those in favor say I. I. Any
opposed? >> Motion carries.
I apologize. I was just trying to get my bearings. Thank you for your time.
Everything down. Yes, ma'am. Absolutely. >> Do we have to put in what what the
public hearing is for?
» I mean, >> just having a public hearing.
» You are. I mean, it's not a required under the MPC. So, you just having a
public hearing. >> Thank you.
» Uh, do you want to pick a date just for the advertisement so Mr. Glistister is
prepared?
Um, I guess you could probably get us some dates, send them to us.
» Would that work? >> I think the question is how timely. I
know. Uh, I'm I'm sorry, I don't know your last name, Ryan. Uh, but the issue
came up about the timeline. So, I don't know if you want to
coordinate that in reference to a timeline.
I'm so sorry. >> Okay. They asked about the dates of a
public hearing. All right. So, I I said that I don't you know, you have a
timeline already formatted from what you said. So, do do
they know what the does anybody know? Do we have information on when that
timeline is? >> Yes, ma'am.
» We as council people Yes, ma'am.
» Okay. I don't I don't have it.
» We had a a phone call with uh >> Ryan and Andrew today at 1:00.
» Okay. >> To prep for tonight
» in order for us to ask questions for this evening as well and to get more
specifics on this so that we are able to
disseminate it to the public. >> Um so did you give the dates? Yeah, he
said like you had three dates. I don't remember exactly what they were.
» 24th, I think, was one of >> you had so many dates. That's why I'm
I'm just trying to figure out. And you had horizontal and then you had fracking
the you had those dates. Would you like to repeat those so that they How about I
follow up in writing them'll get everything out?
» Yes. In writing would be much better. Yes. And that can go directly to Mr.
Haverstock and Mr. Gallister. That way they can pass it out to council as they
typically do. When they pass out things of that nature, they do put in
highlight, please do not respond to all because we are not allowed to respond.
So that's how we communicate. >> Okay. Thank you. I think we should also
provide some time for the EAC to meet and discuss this since the a lot of the
people on that's completely up to the EAC and there have been a few meetings
canled. >> Well, they they're not cancelled. We're
actually we were actually adjourned for the summer. Our next meeting is uh
Thursday, September 17th, but depending on what the uh time frame is. Um Rick,
I'm sure you could probably answer this better than I could. Um, we can I mean
we we can always convene like an emergency session and review everything
then.
» Okay. And >> I I'd like to ask Ryan a question. When
we get those dates, are we permitted to have those dates like put on the
website? Is that or is that considered confidential or
» No. So I mean the hard part with that is they are fluid.
business practices may not necessarily give specifics as to our exact start
date because there's always going to be flows whether you have operational
efficiencies you run into delays trying to move your rig if you have maintenance
there's a lot of variance that goes into right we can get ballparks
» right >> but yes I mean
» okay so because you said like I I just remember fracking you said was going to
be in 2027 like okay you know I the one all right you can have a general
ballpark. Um, that way that's also information because I'm assuming not
just the fact of the burrow property. I don't know if individual residents that
received letters were also given that information.
» So I I'm thinking they should know too, >> you know.
» Yeah. That's fine. So the folks who have executed leases with us, they they will
have general is those who had received letters that had not chose and elected
not to move forward. They were also given a date as to what our cut off
point was going to be. So, we've already passed that cut off date. Um, so we're
we we are sensitive to to time on things just from an operational perspective.
However, this is a unique scenario. So, we we can work with you all on on dates
here. >> Thank you.
» One last thing, too. I did contact the D in California and the gentleman tomorrow
will be getting back to me with specific websites where you can pinpoint where
coal seams are undermining has happened. So we'll have I'll share that with
everybody as soon as we get that. >> Are they only there on Tuesdays? I
remember Lisa saying you have to go on Tuesday.
» Yeah, but there >> they have updated things now. I guess
you can do things electronically now. You can put in specific coordinates,
addresses, and it will tell you everything. The mind the the mind maps
are a little bit harder to read online, but you can still get a general idea of
where those lie. >> Okay. Thank you for doing that.
» Okay. >> One more thing we forgot to talk about.
Also, one of the requests from the residents was uh that the burrow contact
John Smith, the attorney, and we did reach out to him end of last week and uh
he did get back to us today. So, we're going to continue some discussions
there. Yes.
Okay. Thank you all very much. Um, all right. We're going to move to number 22.
Motion to approve quote number 043020226
from Graham River Productions in um in the amount of $11,300
for the purchase and installation of a projector system in council chambers.
» A motion. >> Motion by Councilwoman Merz. Um second
by councilwoman Buucy. All those in favor say I. I.
» I. Any opposed? >> I'd just like to make the comment that
this uh Graham River Productions, they have serviced us very well throughout
the years and uh the fact that he researched what would be the best fit
and economically and financially a good fit for us. I I certainly appreciate
those efforts.
» Okay. Number 23. Motion to authorize the termination of a lease agreement between
the Bureau of Jefferson Hills and McNeely Realy Associates regarding field
use at 1900 State Route 51 pursuant to terms of the lease.
» Oh, motion >> motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Councilman Bence. All those in favor say I.
» I. I. >> Any opposed?
Number 24. Motion authorized the termination of the agreement between the
Burrow of Jefferson Hills and Cintas pursuant to the terms of the agreement.
» Motion. >> Can I just clarify before you vote? This
is just for public works uniforms, not for the um medicine boxes.
» Okay. >> Motion by Councilman Lynch.
» Second. >> Second by Council Councilman Bence. All
those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Number
25. Motion to adopt resolution 25-2026 approving the sale of the 2017 Ford
Interceptor VIN number 1 FM5K8 AR5HGC90343
for $2,800 to the best responsible bidder through the Peropoulos Auto Sales
Auction. >> A motion
» motion by Councilwoman Rita. >> Second.
» Second by Councilman Lynch. All those in favor say I.
» I. >> Any opposed?
» Motion carries. Number 26. Motion to adopt resolution 26-2026
authorizing application to to gaming economic development tourism fund GEDtf
grant application in the amount of $171,000
on behalf of Southeast Regional EMS for triband radios.
» Motion >> motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Councilwoman Marce. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?
» Motion carries. >> Number 27. Motion to adopt resolution
27-2026 authorizing application to gaming
economic development tourism fund GEDtf grant application in the amount of
$317,047.50
for the Andrew Riley Memorial Park restroom and concession stand project.
» Motion >> motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Councilman or I'm sorry, Councilwoman Maris. All those in favor say I. I.
» Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
» Number 28. Motion to accept $50,000 in CD52 funding for the Beetle Park ADA
accessibility improvements phase 1 project.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Ben.
» Second. >> Second by Councilman Lynch. All those in
favor say I. >> I. I.
» Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
» Number 29. Motion to authorize advertising for bids for the Gil Hall
Community Center or Center GBU addition renovation project.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Benz.
» Second. >> Second. Second by Councilwoman Buucy.
All those in favor say I. I. >> I.
» Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Number 30. Motion to
approve application for payment number one and final by Alageney Fence
Construction in the amount of $54,65.60 for the Deck Hockey Rink Fence project
subject to receipt and approval of the maintenance bond.
» Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Councilwoman. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed?
» Motion carries. Number 31. Motion to approve work authorization dated July
23rd, 2026 from Gateway Engineers Incorporated for civil engineering
services for the Gilhal Community Center GBU addition renovation project in the
amount not to exceed $16,000. >> A motion.
» Motion by Council Councilman Lynch, second by Councilman Bence. All those in
favor say I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
Number 32. Motion to approve work authorization data July 23rd,
2026 from Gateway Engineers Incorporated for the phase 1 geo plan transition in
the amount not to exceed $65,000. >> A motion.
» Motion by Councilman Lynch, second by Councilman Bence. All those in favor say
I. >> I. I.
» Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
Number 33. Motion to approve work authorization dated August 6th, 2026
from Gateway Engineers Incorporated for act 152, House Demolitions in the amount
not to exceed $5,000. >> All motion.
» Motion by Counciloman Bucci, second by Councilman Bence. All those in favor say
I. I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries.
» And this was not on the agenda last week. This was an ad. Uh we were waiting
on some stuff through the county that finally came through. Uh this was for
our 2024 act 152 uh grant uh dem grant application. It was we were awarded
$62,000 for demolition of um three properties. Uh this is for a property on
Collins Avenue, a co a property on State Street, and a property on Cochran Mill
Road. the one on Cochran Mill Road we may ultimately not be able to do just
because uh for legal clearance purposes we weren't able to uh get the clearances
we we need. So we're talking with the county about the potential to modify the
scope, but they're pretty tough on that one. So we may have to uh may not be
able to get that one done. But anyways, we got the uh the information or we got
the uh the go-ahhead to start moving with this. So we want to get these
houses taken down as well. >> Is that the one right next to Precision
Auto Body? It comes up like right out at Steely
Tunnel. >> 613. It's 613 Cocker Mill Road.
» Is that where >> I believe it is?
» It probably is >> for Rod Campus.
» Oh, no. Then it is not. It's on the other. It's you would come out of the
tunnel and you turn left. It's on the left going down.
» Okay. Thank you.
» Um number 34. A motion to refer zoning ordinance amendment regulating data
centers and data center accessory uses to the planning commission and the
Alageney County Planning Department and to advertise for public hearing and for
potential adoption. >> Second jeez motion by Councilman Lynch,
second by Councilwoman Rido. I know we're all excited about getting this one
completed. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed?
» I don't want that here. [laughter] >> Motion carries.
Um, thank you to everybody who worked diligently to get that on the agenda and
we are glad that we can move that up and get that rolling too.
» Should we tell people no data centers have approached any of us?
» Yes, >> just so everyone knows.
» Correct. >> No one's we're not having a data center.
[laughter] >> We can have other things, just not the
data center. >> Um, number 35, Burough resident taxpayer
comments on non-aggenda items. We do not have any. Uh, so this evening, general
business, we'll start with um, Councilman Lynch.
» I actually have nothing further. Thank you very much.
» Okay, Councilman Rido, >> I just wanted to thank Ryan for taking
time out of his evening away from his baby. I know that [clears throat] that's
difficult. And also, thanks to all the first responders today. And, you know,
anybody that had damages today, I wish you the best. And I hope I'm hopeful
that you can recover quickly. That's all I have.
» Thank you, Councilwoman Marz. >> I have nothing more to add. Thank you,
» Counciloman Benz. >> Bad news. School starts Tuesday the
25th. So, get these kids off our street soon and back to learning. That's all I
got. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Bec.
» Yes. I only have uh one thing. I want to thank uh the motion 29 about the Gilh
Hall Community Center. You know, uh years ago uh when I was first on
council, I remember the very first month we put in $45,000 to fix the GBU paint
and redo things. You know, with this improvement,
uh it can also, you know, as they have stated, serve as another community
center. All right, that and if you ever went to the library and tried to book
the community center room over there, it's frequently used. All right, so I I
really am looking forward to having that Gil Hall be a focal point. I used to say
at meetings, 3,000 cars drive up and down here and and this they're going to
see what their tax dollars are being used for. Whereas Beetle Park, Andrew
Riley Park, T Park, you still have to drive in. That is in plain view of
everybody. And I'm sure the feedback from them fixing up the playground. And
uh they we did get $120,000 for playground equipment years back that
they also allocated for that. It it will be a very good improvement for our
community. And I'd like to thank everybody who made that possible and
move forward in that direction. >> That's all.
» Thank you. >> And be safe out there for the next four
days. It's supposed to still rain. >> Yeah, I appreciate those comments as
well. I think that it definitely was a group effort and I'm I'm very thankful
that uh like I said last meeting that this council sees the need for our
recreation and our updates and improvements for our our parks and our
community in a in a general speaking manner. So, um, anything else? No. With
that, I will ask for, um, a motion to adjurnn.
» Motion. Second. >> Motion by Councilman Lynch, second by
Counciloman Bence. Meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.