County Operations Continue during COVID-19 Pandemic
LOCK HAVEN – The Clinton County Commissioners took to facebook and Zoom to present a “virtual” work session on Monday. All three said that despite the lockdown of county buildings, the county is able to continue to provide services to county residents. Commissioner Jeff Snyder said he has yet to hear a complaint from the public about the county’s ability to function during the COVID-19 pandemic. Board member Angela Harding said the county has been able to “keep the wheels turning.”
During the 20 minute session, the commissioners said they have secured quotes to relocate the HVAC units in the Garden Building from the basement to the first floor. The original units were destroyed by a nearby basement water leak several weeks ago. The cost will be some $21,000 to locate new units on the first floor and $27,464 for mitigation work to dry out the basement and clean the duct work. Chief clerk Jann Meyers said insurance should cover the $34.679 cost of the new units and the basement mitigation work, but the relocation costs likely won’t be covered by insurance but the commissioners feel it is necessary to prevent any future reoccurrences.
County planner Katie de Silva said the county is looking at $1,643,719 in grant requests to complete the county’s Bald Eagle Valley Bike Trail. She said 10 percent of that amount has to be covered by a local match but said applicable engineering services and donations should make the actual dollar requirement minimal.
Bill Frantz, the county’s emergency management coordinator, provided an update on the work of his office in light of the current pandemic. He talked of work with Lock Haven University to create a “non-congregant sheltering process” in case housing facilities are needed there should local conditions worsen. He said that plan should be completed in another week. (Frantz also gave an update on obtaining personal protective equipment for emergency and related service providers in the county. That information is part of a separate record-online story).
The commissioners again emphasized the need for county residents to practice social distancing.
