PALMYRA TOWNSHIP – WAYNE COUNTY February 2, 2026 

 

Chairman Steffen called the board of supervisor’s meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Roll calls showed Chairman Steffen and Supervisors Kmetz were present. 

 

Last month’s minutes were reviewed as written. A correction from “Ills” to “Mills” is to be made at the bottom of page 1. With this correction Supervisor Kmetz made a motion to accept the previous month’s minutes, with a second by Chairman Steffen and all supervisors voting yes. 

 

 

There were interviews conducted with all those who applied. The supervisors have decided after deliberation that Rich Hillriegel will fill this position. Rich will need to be sworn in, so he can listen but not participate in tonight’s meeting. 

 

Chairman Steffen makes a motion to name Rich Hillriegel to the empty supervisor position left by Steve Bartleson and to finish his term, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes. 

 

The Treasurer’s Report was given by Shayla Gouger and is on file as well as posted on the back wall. Chairman Steffen made a motion to accept the treasurers report with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes. 

 

Bill List number #2 was presented. Chairman Steffen made a motion to pay the bill list, with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes. 

 

Auditor Secretary Joyce Carson read the minutes from the auditors’ reorganizational meeting. They have voted to increase working supervisor’s pay by .50 bringing it to $26.00 an hour in 2026. 

 

An approved letter will be sent to Preferred Management to terminate our contract with them effective March of 2026. This letter will be sent via certified mail. Chairman Steffen makes a motion to send this letter to Preferred Management and terminate our Short-Term Rental Contract with them, with a second from Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes. 

 

The traffic-signal light at Route 590 and Owego Turnpike has come back into discussion. PennDot asks us to submit a letter to confirm that we will be taking on all responsibilities for this light. Solicitor Treat has concerns about what is defined as our responsibility. Shayla suggests that the board of supervisors sit down and have a conference call with PennDot and ask the vital questions they would like to be answered. Chairman Steffen also suggests going to the local quarries to ask them if they are willing to help financially like IGA does currently with their light. Shayla will construct a letter for approval to send to the quarries to ask for financial help. 

 

Police Report was given byOfficer Rowan and is on file. 

 

&Fire Report was given by Scott Mead and is on file. 

 

PPH Ambulance Report has nothing to report currently. 

 

Road Report was given by Roadmaster Kmetz and is on file. We are low on salt and hoping to not need any soon.

 

&Correspondence The Township received its normal newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, and magazines. 2025 Audit will be on Wednesday with Brad Murray. Hawley Boro has applied for a grant for a PA Dept of Community and Economic Development Multi Modal Transportation Fund. This is to make improvements to Church Street crosswalks. 

 

Planning Commission has nothing to report Public Comment Gary VanOrden asks about the traffic lights and what happens if the power goes out and there is an accident if the township is responsible. Scott advised that it would be like the other traffic lights, currently the fire department goes to the light outage with a township generator to make the light operational. 

 

Mrs. Landry is asking if there is any update on the noise ordinance. She was advised there has not been any at this time as Chairman Steffen would like to meet with Chief Drake and get his opinion on the ordinance and its enforceability. Mrs. Landey states she has spoken to Chief Drake, and she states he has thoughts and ideas about the ordinance draft. 

 

Zoning Report has nothing to report. Paul was excused. 

 

The report of Digitizing Records has nothing to report. 

 

Emergency Management has nothing to report. 

 

The Solicitor’s Report has nothing more to report. 

 

Final Call for Public Comment Scott Mead thanked the township for the use of our tractor during the last snowstorm.

 

Supervisor Kmetz states that he would like to move forward with the employee handbook and that Andrea Whyte has volunteered to help him. Supervisor Kmetz makes a motion to allow Andrea Whyte to work on the Employee Handbook with a second from Chairman Steffen and all Supervisors voting yes.  

 

Next scheduled meeting is Monday March 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Motion to adjourn at 6:54 pm by Chairman Steffen with a second by Supervisor Kmetz and all supervisors voting yes.