County Commissioner Meeting Highlights
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN—The County Board of Commissioners met on Monday and Thursday this week to discuss the approval of various grants and funding opportunities presented to them, as well as the opening of repository bids. Commissioners also heard from the Clinton County Children and Youth Services (CYS) Agency, which requested approval of multiple service provider contracts for child services relating to mental health and child placement.
Commissioner Snyder began the meeting by opening repository bids. There were two bids in total, both coming from David R. Ritter of South Williamsport, who placed both bids in the amount of $804.00. Commissioner Snyder motioned to forward the bids to the county solicitor for comment and recommendation, which Commissioner Harding seconded. The motion was passed with a unanimous vote.
During Monday’s work session, Kari Kepler, Clinton County Grants Administrator, presented the commissioners with a resolution to appoint a certifying officer for environmental reviews for grant programs, including the Community Development Block (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.
Kepler explained that a certifying officer must be designated to verify compliance with the Natural Environment Policy Act, as per CDBG requirements from Housing and Urban Development. The resolution would elect Chairman Russo to certify the environmental reviews. Commissioner Harding moved for approval during Thursday’s voting session, which was seconded by Commissioner Snyder and passed.
The board considered the approval of three bids received for HVAC system upgrades for the Clinton County Courthouse and Piper Building. The first bid came from M&R Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $299,500.00 for general construction. Next, a bid from PBCI-Allen Mechanical and Electrical for HVAC construction for $2,858,706.00. Last, Westmoreland Electrical Services, LLC, placed a bid for electrical construction in the amount of $167,900.00. Commissioner Snyder moved for approval, which was seconded by Commissioner Harding. Commissioner Russo abstained from his vote, however, approval was granted 2-1. Commissioner Snyder noted that the bids came in lower than the budgeted amount.
Next, the commissioners approved contracts between Clinton County and 12 miscellaneous service providers who can provide counseling, psychological, and therapy services to the Clinton County CYS Agency and/or Juvenile Probation office, to go into effect on July 1, 2024, and expire June 30, 2025.
On Monday, the commissioners heard from Autumn Bower, CYS Services Director, who addressed the board to request their approval of contracts between Clinton County and 22 miscellaneous service providers who can provide child placement services for the county CYS agency and/or the Juvenile Probation office. During Thursday’s meeting, the board of commissioners approved the contracts, effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
Commissioner Harding explained that having several contracts in place with multiple providers gives the county options for child placement when certain facilities are full or unable to accept a child. Some facilities also specialize in different types of treatment, so with multiple contracts established, the county is able to place a child where they can get treatment suitable for their needs.
The commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Clinton County, the Clinton County Historical Society, and the Clinton Central Model Railroad Club for wireless internet service and security camera installation at the Clinton County Bald Eagle Valley trailhead in Castanea to ensure public safety.
Also approved was the release from mortgages dated and recorded on July 19, 2019, to the county in the amount of $350,000.00 for a 3,411-acre property owned by Brian D. Wynn. The release from the mortgages was recommended by the Clinton County Loan Administration Board.
Before adjournment, the commissioners reminded the community about the annual Best of Clinton County event held in downtown Lock Haven this Saturday, July 15, starting at 10:00 a.m. East Main Street will be closed from where it intersects with Jay Street and Mill Street for vendors, displays, food, and more to be set up.
The Clinton County Commissioners will hold their next work session on Monday, June 24th, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. All meetings are held in person at the Piper Building’s 2nd-floor conference room and are also available via live-stream on the Clinton County Government Facebook page. To schedule a presentation for a work session, contact Desiree Myers at DMyers@clintoncountypa.gov.
