On the agenda: Indiana September 23, 2026 — Data Center (Sep 23)

COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
Commissioner Keith called the regular meeting of the Indiana County Commissioners to order at
10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room.
ROLL CALL
Chairman R. Michael Keith, present
Commissioner Bonni S. Dunlap, present
Commissioner Sherene Hess, present
Also, in attendance were Solicitor Matthew T. Budash and Chief Clerk Robin Maryai.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Keith led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
APPROVE MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried
unanimously to approve the minutes of September 9, 2026.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried
unanimously to approve the minutes of September 16, 2026.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment was made by Jessica Jopp, Lindsey Levine and Emma Menard. All made
comments regarding the proposed Data Centers.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
There were no executive sessions.
PROCLAMATION…OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS
After a proclamation was read, a motion was made by Commissioner Keith, seconded by
Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to recognize November 2026 as Operation
Green Light for Veterans Month.
PROCLAMATION - WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING 2026
After a proclamation was read, a motion was made by Commissioner Hess, seconded by
Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to proclaim October 1 – 8, 2026 as Week
Without Driving Week.
CONTRACT AMENDMENT REQUEST – HOME-ARP-NCS CONTRACT / PLANNING
At the request of LuAnn Zak, Office of Planning & Development, a motion was made by
Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve the
submission of a contract amendment to the PA Department of Community & Economic
Development for the Pathway Homeless Shelter Project. The amendment seeks to add an

additional $650,000.00 of HOME-ARP-NCS funding to the original contract amount of
$3,820,000.00 for a revised total of $4,470,000.00.
Construction bids for the Shelter Project were received and opened on September 10, 2026. The
total cost of the general construction, plumbing, electrical and HVAC bids exceeded the grant
funds available. The construction costs for the project were projected in 2024 at the time of the
HOME-ARP-NCS application submission. Since 2024 the costs of materials, supplies, etc. have
risen substantially affecting today’s project costs.
Indiana County submitted a preliminary request for additional funds to DCED that has been
approved pending receipt of the formal contract amendment paperwork. This request includes
approval for Commissioner Keith to sign the requested documents for submission to DCED for
final approval.
CONDITIONAL AWARD – PHARE 2025-2026 / PLANNING
At the request of David Morrow, Office of Planning & Development, a motion was made by
Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to approve the
acceptance of a Conditional Award from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).
The award is for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement –
Realty Transfer Tax Program (PHARE-RTT). Indiana County has been awarded $150,000.00
of funding to continue the +55 Roof and Heating Replacement Program. Upon approval Indiana
County will submit paperwork to PHFA for final execution of the contract.
CONTRACT AWARD: CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER PHASE 2C 3-ROOMS
PROJECT – GENERAL CONSTRUCTION / PLANNING
At the request of David Morrow, Office of Planning & Development, and on behalf of the
Central Allegheny Challenger Learning Center, and UpStreet Architects, a motion was made by
Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to enter into a
contract agreement with Penn Installations, Inc. in the amount of $268,386.00 for the Challenger
Learning Center Phase 2C 3-Rooms Project – General Construction Contract. Under this
contract, the contractor will provide and install all necessary interior finishes and infrastructure
required to finish the primary educational and simulator spaces. The scope of work specifically
covers the following areas:
• Transport Room7
• Spacecraft Room
• Mission Control Room
• Minor adjoining support rooms

Two bids were received for this project, with the low bid of $268,386.00 submitted by Penn
Installations and a high bid of $368,000.00. Project costs will be covered by a Keystone
Communities Initiative Program grant.

CHANGE ORDER #2 – CARRIAGE HOUSE AND ESSEX HOUSE ASBESTOS
REMOVAL PROJECT / PLANNING
At the request of David Morrow, Office of Planning & Development, and on behalf of the
Indiana County Development Corporation and Stiffler McGraw & Associates, Inc., a motion was
made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to
approve Change Order #2 under the contract agreement with R.L. Abatement, Inc., of Hopewell,
PA, for the Carriage House and Essex House Asbestos Removal Project located in Indiana
Borough. The change order request of $82,692.90 is for the removal and disposal of additional
asbestos-containing materials identified in Essex House. Specifically, this includes the black
mastic beneath the ceramic flooring and grout located in each of the eighty-two (82) apartments.
The total additional area for the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials is
estimated to be 9,963 square feet. A four-week (28-day) time extension is applicable to this
additional Phase II work item. As a result of this $82,692.90 Change Order #2, the R.L.
Abatement, Inc. contract will increase to a revised total contract of $295,512.90. Project costs
for this change order will be covered by Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
funds and Keystone Communities Initiative (KCI) funding administered by the Indiana County
Development Corporation.
PRIVATE PROVIDER AGREEMENTS FY 26-27 / CHILDREN & YOUTH SERVICES
At the request of Vicki Weaver, Children & Youth Services, a motion was made by
Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to approve an
agreement with Innersight, LLC, Greensburg, PA for FY 26-27 to provide services to Children &
Youth Services and Juvenile Probation on an as needed basis. They provide non-placement
services.
At the request of Vicki Weaver, Children & Youth Services, a motion was made by
Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve an
agreement with Justice Works YouthCare, Indiana, PA for FY 26-27 to provide services to
Children & Youth Services and Juvenile Probation on an as needed basis. They provide nonplacement services.
At the request of Vicki Weaver, Children & Youth Services, a motion was made by
Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve an
agreement with Professional Family Care Services, Johnstown, PA for FY 26-27 to provide
services to Children & Youth Services and Juvenile Probation on an as needed basis. They
provide placement services.
At the request of Vicki Weaver, Children & Youth Services, a motion was made by
Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to approve an
agreement with Bethany Christian Services of Western PA, Wexford, PA for FY 26-27 to
provide services to Children & Youth Services and Juvenile Probation on an as needed basis.
They provide placement services.
At the request of Vicki Weaver, Children & Youth Services, a motion was made by
Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve an
agreement with White Deer Run, LLC dba Cove Prep, Torrance, PA for FY 26-27 to provide

services to Children & Youth Services and Juvenile Probation on an as needed basis. They
provide placement services.
At the request of Vicki Weaver, Children & Youth Services, a motion was made by
Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to approve an
agreement with Cornell Abraxas Group, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA for FY 26-27 to provide services to
Children & Youth Services and Juvenile Probation on an as needed basis. They provide
placement services.
MUNICIPAL WASTE PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL SERVICE CONTRACTS /
SOLID WASTE
Marian Paulina, Indiana County Solid Waste Authority, explained the following contracts are for
the Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan that are renewed every ten years to ensure that the
Indiana County communities have an outlet to dispose of solid waste including garbage and
recycling.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and
unanimously carried to table the contracts for Valley Landfill/USA Valey Facility, Inc and
Laural Highlands Landfill, Inc./Laurel Highlands Landfill as their contract had incorrect
information in them.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried
unanimously to approve the contract with Senica Landfill, Inc.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried
unanimously to approve the contract with Mostoller Landfill/Waste Management of
Pennsylvania, Inc.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hess, seconded by Commissioner Dunlap and carried
unanimously to approve the contract with Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Inc.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried
unanimously to approve the contract with Commonwealth Environmental Systems, L.P. (CES),
L&D Management, Inc. its General Partner.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING…FRANKLIN COUNTY / JAIL
At the request of Robin Maryai, Clerk, a motion was made by Commissioner Hess, seconded by
Commissioner Dunlap and carried unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Understanding
between the County of Indiana and Franklin County. Indiana County Jail agrees to house adult
offenders over the age of 18 at the rate of $75.00 per day.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING…THE OPEN DOOR
At the request of Robin Maryai, Chief Clerk, a motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap,
seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve a Memorandum of
Understanding between the County of Indiana and The Open Door. The purpose of this MOU is
to establish a collaborative relationship between the Crisis Department and the County to

facilitate timely access to crisis intervention services and promote the safety and well-being of
individual experiencing behavioral health crisis.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM / ICCAP
At the request of Robin Maryai, Chief Clerk, a motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap,
seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve amendment no. 1 to the
Program Management Agreement for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Agriculture and the
County of Indiana. This amendment will extend the agreement to September 30, 2027 of the
original agreement dated October 1, 2021. All other provisions of the agreement remain in full
force and effect.
2026-2027 LOSS PREVENTION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION
At the request of Robin Maryai, Chief Clerk, a motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap,
seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to approve a grant application be
submitted to the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) for the 2026-2027
PCORP Loss Prevention Gant Program Application in the amount of $2,625.50. These funds
will be used to purchase new chairs for the Commissioners Public meeting Room replacing
chairs that have been in place for over 50 years. And also, to place chairs in the hallway for the
Tax Claim Office for clients who are unable to stand.
BOARD APPOINTMENT…TRI-COUNTY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD
At the request of Robin Maryai, Chief Clerk, a motion was made by Commissioner Dunlap,
seconded by Commissioner Hess and carried unanimously to appoint Walter Schroth to the TriCounty Workforce Investment Board; term expires September 30, 2029.
COURTHOUSE CLOSED…MONDAY OCTOBER 12, 2026 COLUMBUS DAY
HOLIDAY
Commissioner Keith announced the courthouse will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026 in
observance of the Columbus Day Holiday.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING…OCTOBER 12, 2026 AT 10:30 A.M.
The next regular scheduled Commissioners’ Public meeting will be held on Wednesday, October
12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room.
ADJOURNMENT
With no other business coming before the Board at this time, a motion was made by
Commissioner Dunlap, seconded by Commissioner Hess to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
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Sherene Hess, Secretary

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R. Michael Keith, Chairman