Clinton County Commissioners Approve Key Contracts, Agreements, and Treatment Programs for Inmates at Correctional Facility
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN– During the Clinton County Commissioners meeting on Thursday morning, several key topics were discussed. The commissioners awarded a $606,699.00 contract to LTT Trucking, LLC, for work on the Bald Eagle Valley Trail. They approved the annual Child Welfare Information System Data Sharing agreement for the Clinton County Children and Youth Services (CYS) agency and also approved a fee-for-service agreement with Central Intermediate Unit 10 for life skills education at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. The commissioners also endorsed an application for a $100,197.00 grant to fund a Vivitrol program for opioid-dependent inmates. Additionally, the Salary Board voted to rescind a salary increase for the Sheriff’s Department, pending union approval. Lastly, upcoming community events, including the Woodward Township River Festival and the Orviston Celebration, were highlighted.
The commissioners awarded a contract to LTT Trucking, LLC, for their bid of $606,699.00 for Phase Five of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail (BEVT) project, which extends the trail from Katie’s Crossing to approximately the Avis/Pine Creek area. There were two bidders for the BEVT project: LTT Trucking and Glenn O. Hawbaker. LTT Trucking placed a bid that was significantly lower than Hawbaker’s, and after a vote, the commissioners awarded them the contract.
At Monday’s work session, the board heard from Clinton County CYS director Autumn Bower, who presented information about the Child Welfare Information System (CWIS) Data Sharing agreement, which must be approved and submitted annually. CYS currently uses a system called the Child Accounting and Profile System (CAPS), which exchanges information with CWIS. During Thursday’s meeting, the commissioners approved the CWIS agreement between Clinton County and the PA Department of Human Services. The agreement will go into effect on October 1, 2024, and continue until September 30, 2025.
The board considered approval of a fee-for-service agreement with Central Intermediate Unit (CIU) 10, an education service agency based in Philipsburg, to provide life skills instructors for female and male adults incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility (CCCF). The agreement specifies two hours per week of instruction for female and male adults at a rate of $45.93 per hour.
Angela Hoover, CCCF Warden, was present at Thursday’s meeting to provide additional details about the program. “The Life Skills Program provides detainees with the opportunity to develop various skills during their incarceration as well as preparing for release,” she said. “CIU has done a great job; they do life skills and GED classes at the facility, and they’ve been there for many years. GED classes are funded through a grant that was obtained by the CIU.”
Commissioner Russo motioned for approval of the fee-for-service agreement with CIU, which was seconded by Commissioner Snyder and approved.
Next, the commissioners considered approval of an application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the 2024 County Jail-Based Vivitrol Program grant for the Clinton County Correctional Facility.
CCCF Warden Hoover shared that this is a non-competitive grant allocating $100,197.00 to Clinton County over a two-year period, and the funds will be used to provide Vivitrol to detainees who meet certain criteria. “The funds will allow us to expand our existing medicated assisted treatment program, which is offering treatment to those suffering from opioid dependence,” Hoover explained. “We average 15 participants, and not only do they receive medication, but they also are required to attend programming and individual counseling.”
Commissioner Snyder moved for approval; Commissioner Russo seconded the motion, and the application was approved.
The Salary Board considered rescinding the March 21, 2024, salary increase for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, effective June 23, 2024. Commissioner Snyder expressed regret about having to put the salary increase on hold and stated that the increase is contingent on the approval of the American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 86. “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a position of having to put this increase on hold because it is contingent on the approval of AFSCME Council 86, and we will be working diligently with them to get this resolved,” Commissioner Snyder said. He noted that because this is a topic that is currently being negotiated, the board could not provide further information at this time. Upon a roll call vote, Commissioners Snyder, Russo, and Treasurer Kunes voted unanimously to rescind the salary increase.
Chief Clerk Desiree Myers reminded community members that the Woodward Township River Festival and the Orviston Celebration will both take place this weekend.
Woodward Township River Fest 2024 begins Thursday, July 11, at 5:00 p.m. and continues until Saturday, July 13, 2024. On Thursday evening, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Mixtape will provide live music to kick off the festival.
On Friday, July 12, RiverFest begins at 5:00 p.m. and will feature live music provided by Flashback from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, July 13, River Fest opens at 12:00 p.m., and the annual Duck Derby will take place at 5:00 p.m. Live music will be provided by Trip The Light on Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and the fireworks show will follow, beginning at 10:00 p.m.
The Orviston Celebration will begin Friday, July 12, at 12:00 p.m., promising a variety of food options and activities to participate in. On Saturday, July 13, breakfast will be available around 7:00 a.m., and the opening ceremonies marking the start of the 2024 Orviston Celebration will be held at the stage at 10:30 a.m. Live music will be provided by Kids @ Heart, The Bluegrass Express with Steve and Chanse Davy, Dan and Galla, and The Lomison Family and Friends throughout the day on Saturday, and the annual parade is set to begin at 2:00 p.m., making a trip around the town twice for community members to enjoy.
The commissioners will hold their next work session at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, in person at the Piper Building’s second-floor conference room. The meeting will also be available via live stream on the Clinton County Government Facebook page.
