Meeting Minutes Overview: MAWC Board Meeting, January 17, 2024

The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) held its regular meeting on January 17, 2024, led by board members Randy Roadman, Jerome DeFabo, Dr. Jawdat Nikoula, Brian Durbin, and John Sphon. The gathering witnessed the presence of key figures including Michael F. Kukura, Brian J. Hohman, Michael Kerr, and representatives from various professional services.

Agenda Items and Decisions:
  1. Board Reorganization:
    • The session opened with the Election of a Temporary Chairman, followed by the Election and Seating of Officers, marking the commencement of a fresh operational year.
  2. Community Involvement:
    • A segment was dedicated to Comments from the citizens, reflecting MAWC’s commitment to community engagement and transparency.
  3. Administrative Proceedings:
    • The board approved the Minutes for the Board Meeting and Pension Meeting held on December 20, 2023, ensuring adherence to previous commitments and continuity in operations.
  4. Financial Oversight:
    • The Adoption of the Budget for the Year Ending March 31, 2025, coupled with the Engineer’s Annual Report for the Year Ending March 31, 2024, were significant highlights, showcasing forward-looking financial planning and infrastructure assessment.
  5. Professional Appointments:
    • The Solicitor’s Report outlined pivotal action items including the reappointment of key professional services:
      • Gibson-Thomas Engineering as Consulting Engineer
      • Daniel B. Pagliari Esq. as Labor Counsel
      • Scott Avolio Esq. and the Avolio Law Group LLC as Authority Solicitor
      • Deluzio and Co. as auditors for the fiscal year 2024
  6. Strategic Resolutions:
    • The meeting addressed several strategic resolutions, including:
      • Resolution 2024-1 and 2024-2 for the condemnation of easements for potable water and wastewater-related projects, respectively, planned for the calendar year 2024.
      • Resolution 2024-3, authorizing the incurring of debt, appointment of Bond Counsel, and identification of the Pricing Team for future bonds issuance for capital improvement projects.
      • Resolution 2024-4, regarding the Utility Relocation Cost Share on SR3009 B10 (Lenity School Road) in Rostraver Township, highlighting financial collaboration with PennDOT.
  7. Public Interaction and Transparency:
    • The board deliberated on the implementation of a Social Media Public Comment Policy, indicating a stride towards enhancing public interaction and transparency.
  8. Operational Reports:
    • The Engineer’s Report, Payment of Bills, and a comprehensive report from Matt DiClaudio, Customer Service Supervisor, were presented, detailing the operational status and future directives of the MAWC.
  9. Conclusive Remarks:
    • The meeting concluded with Comments from the Board, providing a platform for final remarks and reflections on the discussed matters.

The next scheduled meeting is set for February 21, 2024, ensuring continuous oversight and progress in the initiatives undertaken by the MAWC.