Commissioners’ Meeting Highlights: Pine Creek Seed Farm Honored

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN— The Clinton County Commissioners met for their bi-weekly voting session Thursday morning, during which they read a proclamation honoring Pine Creek Seed Farm. The Commissioners also approved resolutions related to home improvements, debt reimbursement, and approved repository bids. Approval was granted for contracts for public safety communications, and a new position within the county’s probation department was created. 

The commissioners recognized the Pine Creek Seed Farm for receiving the Small Business Association’s Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award for Eastern Pennsylvania. The proclamation that Commissioner Harding read highlighted that Pine Creek Seed Farm has been in operation since 1932 and has undergone transformations under new leadership, contributes significantly to the local economy and community through agritourism, benefits local nonprofits, and demonstrates a commitment to innovation and community engagement. Commissioner Jim Russo moved to approve the proclamation, and it was seconded by Commissioner Harding before its approval, as Commissioner Snyder was not in attendance. 

Commissioner Harding congratulated Pine Creek Seed Farm and encouraged the community to visit their corn maze. “Chris and Jen McCracken have worked really hard,” she said. “They are so worthy of the award, and I want to encourage everyone to check out their corn maze, which is super fun.” 

County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 10 of 2024: Application for the Home Investment Partnership Program funds from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This funding will be used for local homeowners who meet certain income criteria and are in need of upgrades or accessibility modifications to their homes. The resolution stated that housing rehabilitation needs exist in local and state plans, and the program funds would address this need. It authorized an appropriate officer to execute certifications and send a copy of the resolution to DCED.

Resolution No. 11 of 2024: Clinton County Debt Reimbursement was approved by the board, which expressed the county’s intent to issue general obligation non-electoral debt to finance certain capital projects. The resolution declares the county’s official intent to reimburse itself from tax-exempt obligation proceeds for expenditures related to the capital projects. It described the projects and identified county funds that would be applied to project payments. The resolution approved and authorized officials to take actions in furtherance of issuing such debt and ratified prior officer actions related to the capital projects and matters. Lastly, it provided an effective date and severability clause and repealed inconsistent resolutions.  

Resolution No. 12 of 2024 was approved for bids that were received by the Clinton County Tax Claim Bureau for repository properties. It specifically accepted a bid of $5,550.00 with a payment of $804.00 from David M. Ritter for a property in West Keating Township. It resolved to accept the bids and directed the county Tax Claim Bureau to provide a signed copy as consent to the accepted bids. Commissioner Jim Russo moved for approval of the resolution, which was seconded by Commissioner Harding and then approved. 

The Commissioners considered approving a change of scope to the Motorola Solutions contract in the amount of $1,374,862.00. This change would be to purchase P25 trunking technology equipment and software to facilitate improvements to the current public safety communications project and improve coverage in areas with topography issues, such as in areas along Interstate 80 and the Renovo road– SR-120. The improvements will include enhancing radio talkback capacity, improving radio communications, and improving overall dispatch efficiency. Commissioner Russo moved to approve the change of scope, which was seconded by Commissioner Harding, who added that the county had been approved to apply for appropriation dollars from legislators to help cover the cost of the change order for the trunking system. 

During the commissioner’s work session on Monday morning, a discussion was held about a municipal advisor agreement between Clinton County and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, for municipal advisory services related to the issuance of securities or loans. The agreement was approved during Thursday’s voting session. 

A contract for services with Robert J. Meacham, M.S., Psychologist, to provide psychological evaluations, assessments, court testimony, and other services to the public defender’s office at a rate of $75.00 per hour and to the Court of Common Pleas for a monthly retainer of $3,300.00, was also approved by the commissioners. The contract is effective from July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2025. 

A new office manager position in the Clinton County Probation Department was approved by the commissioners at a salary of $32,060.00, effective June 27, 2024. 

Commissioner Harding closed the meeting with a reminder that Downtown Lock Haven will be sponsoring their second Final Friday of the summer from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024. She added that this Final Friday event will be focused on first responders, who will be set up along Main Street and will offer various activities for kids. Harding also mentioned that local first responders are accepting donations of water and Gatorade, which personnel from the county Department of Emergency Services will be collecting for anyone who would like to make a contribution. 

Last, Chief Clerk Desiree Myers provided a reminder that all county offices will be closed on July 4 for the holiday. 

The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Meetings are held in person at the Piper Building in the 2nd-floor conference room, and they are also available via live stream on the Clinton County Government Facebook page.