CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Mark Bucci called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm in the conference room of the Adams Township Municipal Building.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all present.
ATTENDANCE:
Those in attendance were Supervisors Brian Schrader, Daniel Senft, Mark Bucci , Russell Grieff and Dennis Gdula, Jennifer Zakraysek, Secretary-Treasurer, and nineteen (19) visitors. Solicitor Colt McKelvey was absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR AGENDA ITEMS AND PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:
Mr. Bucci stated now the Public has the right and the opportunity to comment on any item from the previous meeting minutes.
MINUTES:
Mr. Bucci stated everyone had copies of the July 13,2026 regular meeting minutes . He asked all Board members to read the minutes. Mr. Bucci asked for a motion to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Gdula made the motion, second by Mr. Schrader. With rest in favor, motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read. The General Account Fund showed revenues received totaling $254,369.80, expenditures of $96,954.84( check # 35319 to #35342) and a balance of $898,445.04. The Street Light Account Fund showed revenues received of 715.78 and expenditures of 5,928.58(check #1802 to #1804) and a balance of $19,896.09. The Fire Protection Account Fund showed revenues received for the hydrants and protection of $549.54,and expenditures of 41,567.28( check#1484 to #1488) and a balance of $37,730.33. The State Liquid Fuels Account Fund showed revenues of $735.19 in interest, and expenditures of 198,408.21(check#871 to #872) leaving a balance of $168,644.97.
ROADMASTERS’S REPORT: Mr. Senft reported that the road department has been Dunlo the last week or so….doing some drainage work there was water running across street ; has been ongoing problem since winter. He said they are still mowing grass have gotten through whole township once…are now on the second round. He added that they are getting ready for Saddle Club road project …not sure when yet as contractor has not contacted about date; and CDBG Mine 42 project will be going on soon too as it was out to bid.
CORRESPONDENCE: Letter from Tetra Tech on behalf of Cambria County Conservation District concerning Krayn Refuse Pile Notice Application PA Chapter 102.
Email invite to Board to Highland North /Cambria Wind repower ribbon cutting.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Payment of the Bills: Mr. Bucci stated all Board Members have a copy of the bills presented for payment totaling $53,733.59 and asked them to take a few minutes to review the bills before calling for a motion to approve payment of the bills. Mr. Senft made the motion to pay all bills. Mr. Schrader seconded this motion. With rest in favor, motion passed.
The bills are as follows:GENERALFUND: AdamsCroyleRecAuthority…..2,500.00,Amtrust….6,900.00,Barber….2,740.91,Bergeys….15.26,Cintas…93.78,Comcast….598.37,EadsGrp…444.80,EPBF…..27,004.74,FHMA….132.00,Highland…80.61,KimballMidwest….195.01,LarrysAuto….72.00,LongBarn….38.01,PitneyBowesGlobal….202.89,PitneyBowesPurchase….100.00,QuakerSales…3,050.08,RelianceStandard…941.76,SafetyKleen….1,663.08,StuckEnterprises….1,145.39,1st Summit….3,511.00,Trapuzzanos…..34.00,UPMC….40.00,USCleaning…745.00,WBMason…28.98,West PennHydraulic….721.35.
TheStateLiquidFuelsFund:None.
TheStreetLightAccountFund: Penelec…251.35,CambriaCty…..454.32,AT General Fund….25.58.
TheFireHydrantandProtectionFund: AT General Fund….10.23,ATGeneral Fund…8.35.
Mr. Bucci asked for a motion to approve annual donation of 2,500.00 to Adams Croyle Rec Authority. Mr. Gdula made the motion think that is what was budgeted ; Ms,Zakraysek said yes it is ,second by Mr.Grieff. With all in favor, motion passed.
Mr. Bucci asked for a motion to hire a part time police officer before next meeting if find suitable candidate who meets criteria needed. Mr.Grieff made the motion, second by Mr. Schrader. With all in favor, motion passed.
Discussion about possibly putting question concerning ATV/UTV’s on ballot for township for November and motion if needed. Mr.Grieff said he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Mr. Gdula said he doesn’t think it’s a good idea either to put on ballot.Mr.Gdula added that we were elected to do what the people in township want; that we need to do our research and homework and put some thought into it on this issue. ; Mr.Grieff said what if it passes and we have an issue; we have to wait until next ballot to fix it Mr. Bucci said other areas like Windber Boro have adopted an ordinance; and said Mr. Hayes has gone before Planning Commission before and we can go that route and look into doing an ordinance. Mr. Gdula said if you do an ordinance you have to have a public meeting; to undo that ordinance you have to have a public meeting again. Mr. Gdula said he has talked to people and our insurance company; and has some questions that concern him. First, you own vehicle you have to get inspected every year, what about these ATV that are out there on the same road vehicles use; uninspected; things to think about. Second, where are you going after getting off township road? One guy answered trails or private property . Mr. Gdula said private property if you have permission if not then you are trespassing. Are we enticing people to ride on township road then jump onto private property and then who knows what can happen after that; usually see cables, gates and police involved. At house today, saw two quads and dirt bikes; are we kicking these people aside? They shouldn’t be on road either. I feel that if state of PA wanted ATV’s on our highways they would have set up licensing program to make money; what do we want to do? If can’t go on private property are they going to go up and down the road? No going to jump to somewhere else. He wanted to put this out there ; you have to get car inspected is he going have to get his ATV inspected, lights ,turn signals all comes into play because you are going to be on same road as cars; just too many questions and insurance. Mr. Hayes or Mr. Keller mentioned they have to have insurance on ATV/side by side. Mr. Gdula said he talked to one of the officers today ; who said he does not believe in chasing them.; he does sirens does not chase; have low wheelbase …turn wheel they roll. Mr. Hayes said dealing with other municipalities they have a do not chase policy ; if there is an accident then are liable. Mr. Gdula said has worked in emergency services and has seen those accidents ; he personally feels Board needs to look at list provided of township roads and decide what is best for everyone in township and us; knows from past if insurance claim doesn’t cover we will be named as second and whoever has deepest pockets will pay. One guy brought up electric bikes. Mr. Gdula said are new; seen them more the last year; Mr. Bucci said that is issue Windber is having right now. Mr. Gdula said he wanted to bring these questions to everyone’s attention and the Board’s. Mr. Hayes brought up other states allow on roads; said inside side by side is sticker that now says do not ride on roads that are not designated for ATVs. Mr. Gdula said then it is going to take enforcement; are then putting burden on police department; he mentioned anyone on these roads can guarantee at 1 or 2 in the morning here they come ten or twelve. Has family that has ATV but don’t believe they should run on road. One guy said next thing that is going to happen they are all just going to get them registered in different states and run them. Mr. Gdula asked does state of PA recognize that? Mr. Hayes said his is registered in Montana; in NCIC database; comes back as valid registration. Mr. Gdula said police officer he just talked to said is not legal. Mr. Hayes said pertaining to dirt bikes would not be allowed on roads unless you put in ordinance; they are under DOT. Mr.Grieff said yes motorcycles and dirt bikes fall under Department of Transportation. Mr. Keller said they are cracking down on insurance big time with ATV’s ;when buy VIN has to match and have to have insurance; are harder on them than cars right now; no 30-day window bring insurance card with that VIN or they can’t leave with it. Mr. Gdula said wanted to bring those items up ; think it is all good information; things to think about. Mr. Keller said think inspection thing is speed because these are secondary roads and not somewhere like Highway 219.
PUBLIC GENERAL COMMENT PERIOD: Charlie Romanow here to say thank you and that road crew did good job on work in Dunlo where he owns property where water line break was. He said wanted to explain some things that might help; has been fighting with Highland told him and township was not a water line break. He said he has put water lines in himself for City of Johnstown in past so knows about water lines; Highland was out twice to shut main off and listened with audio said it’s not broken. Mr. Senft and the road crew came up; were very courteous and did excellent job and saves township money as he is contractor himself. He said road crew started working and hit an old meter in pit that no one knew was there ;took top off; Mr.Romanow immediately called water company to tell them about it; said when took top off you could see water was swirling. Spring water doesn’t do that; water company gave run around and he said you have meter still existing in this pit; they came asked them if they when they shut off main if they ever did hydrostatic test which adding pressure to main to see if building pressure …guy from Highland said no. His point is he owns properties said these guys do good plowing snow too; he said he appreciates road crew did good job …coming saying something positive these road guys did good job and next time water company wants to give you a run around because they will ;make them do a hydrostatic test ; said water company admitted there was leak; would pay attention to roads if they start buckling, water coming up through road; etc.….hold Highland more accountable ; make them do hydrostatic test. Mr. Bucci agreed the road crew does a good job.
Ronald Orris asked if the township was going to be raising taxes on skills machines for local businesses. Mr. Bucci said has no idea ; has been no discussion on that. Mr.Grieff said think we need to wait to see if they are going to legalize them first; Mr. Bucci said if any changes it would be when we adopt budget, tax resolution at meeting in October/November which public would know then.
Alice Hummel/Gary Paul from Cambria-Somerset Council of Governments inviting the Board to have Adams Township join. Ms. Hummel said they have been around awhile ; are rebuilding went through a bit of a turmoil a year ago/codes officers told people closing membership dropped ; have 5 municipality members currently (Upper Yoder,,Geistown Boro, Richland Township, Windber Boro, and Stoneycreek Township). Ms. Hummel said gave packet, o joint bidding for materials. Can buy in bulk, did paper office supplies ,stone…anything interested in can add to bidding. Spring bidding goes out in February, and the winter bidding is coming up next month; so is doing quick canvas to see if can get more members. Annual membership is 450.00; is less than in the past because right now do not have zoning and codes so therefore flat fee; goes until March 31st when new dues come out. Ms. Hummel said if interested have sample invoice with payment would like to have in hand by meeting at end of August; said in packet are flyers and explanation of what all COG can do for you; benefits . There are no employees right now; has been discussion to add zoning and codes again. Mr. Bucci mentioned that COG used to be in Old Wilson building. Mr. Gdula said township used to be in COG. Ms. Hummel said COG has opportunity for bulk purchasing, cooperative shared services. Mr. Bucci asked grant writing? Ms. Hummel said yes. Mr. Paul mentioned equipment sharing; also, Ms. Hummel said board ,secretary and safety training, are things they have talked about offering blighted properties which are always an issue…networking is very important . They are in rebuilding stage and are inviting township to join ; please consider and if have any questions her contact information is on the one sheet. Mr. Gdula asked how many members again and asked if they have animal control. Ms. Hummel said they have 5 municipality members; animal control she said they do not, but it has been a topic. Any questions, she said please give me or Gary a call. Mr. Gdula said have grant writing capabilities have grant writer? Ms. Hummel said do not a grant writer at this time; but we have people who have written grants; she has written a few for her township. Mr. Bucci said the board can look at this packet ;meet do a workshop and then provide you with an answer. Mr. Gdula had one more question ; asked if they have a board. Ms. Hummel said yes ; 5-member board as they have one person from each member municipality and an alternate.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Bucci stated with no other township business to conduct he would entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Senft made the motion, second by Mr. Gdula. With all in favor, motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 7:37pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jennifer Zakraysek, Secretary-Treasurer
