Jo Ellen Litz

Recipes

People Above Politics

Taking Action, Getting Results.

2501 Cumberland St., Lebanon PA  17042

644-4698

If you demand open government, drop me a note to receive email alerts informing you of meeting highlights that let you know how commissioners vote on issues.  Litz@mbcomp.com

Team Litz:

Honorary Chair:     Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll --a woman who broke the glass ceiling and contributed greatly to PA politics; born in 1930, died November 12, 2008.

Chair:  Jeff Werner

Treasurer:  Richelle Whitman

Meeting Highlights 1999

December 30, 1999

Without raising taxes, commissioners adopted the year 2000 budget with a $7500 amendment to the planning department's budget to cover an airport study. Total budget is $68,932,525. Millage also remains the same--22.8.

Robert Geiger received a proclamation and clock for his 23 years of service to the citizens of Lebanon County as the director of Veterans Affairs.

Mike Pavelek, Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority, received a five year extension to Act 101 granting the GLRA authority to manage municipal waste for Lebanon County. At the end of the five year period, the GLRA will have their bond paid off, and flow control will probably not be needed. At that time, the GLRA could be positioned to compete in an open market. Mike also informed the commissioners tipping fees were going down $1 per ton, but with increased costs for haulers, citizens probably will not see a reduction in their bill.

A subsidy agreement with the City of Lebanon was approved and signed for repayment of their debt on the electrical and mechanical upgrades to the Municipal Building. An annual payment of $50,000 is due each October 12 for eighteen years.

A $975 yearly lease agreement was signed with Ken Reist for the County's South Lebanon Township farmland near the Career and Technology Center.

Commissioners approved Honeywell's satisfactory completion of installed light fixtures and other energy saving devices in county-owned buildings. $10,864.90 per month will be paid for ten years. Savings in electric costs are guaranteed by Honeywell to equal or exceed annual payments.

A letter was signed for the "Time Capsule". Major issues outlined were: preservation of farmland and open space; property tax reform; managed care of human services; water quality, conservation and recreation; land use planning to reduce urban sprawl; vehicular traffic control; prison population issues; and technological advances.

Commissioners declared January 3 as Les Stewart day. Les is taking a new job after twenty years as a Courthouse reporter.

Effective January 1, 2000, court employees Ed Rutter, Linda Kerkeslager, and Donna Posey will be transferred to the State payroll.

Sharon Haldeman was hired as judge-elect Charles' secretary.

Clyde Miller, Annette Smith, Chris Miller, and John Wilson received approval for 0time and one-half for working December 31, 1999 into January 1, 2000.

A motion was approved accepting arbitration for the court-related non-professional employee's bargaining unit for the years 1999-2001.

An alarm connection was approved for Ed Gundrum at $80 per circuit and $10/month maintenance.

A hearing was held on JB Electric's bid withdrawal for the courthouse addition. John Curran, owner of JB Electric, presented worksheets to support his claim of a mathematical error where figures were transposed from $95,402 to $59,402 when carried forward to the summary page. A unanimous vote passed to allow JB Electric's bid withdrawal without collecting his10% bond.

A special sine die meeting will take place at 10AM Monday when Jo Ellen Litz will vote on today's minutes and officially leave office. At 10:30 AM Commissioners Arnold, Carpenter, and Swanger will be sworn in for a four year term. They will meet briefly at 12:30PM for liaison assignments and other necessary business.

December 23, 1999

Michael, a foster parent, expressed his feelings concerning a fifty cents per day pay raise for foster parents. Commissioner Swanger explained the goal of improving payments over the next three years while abiding by State guidelines and to keep in line with other fifth class counties.

On a motion by Jo Ellen Litz, a vote to preserve the county farm in perpetuity passed unanimously.

Conservation District directors for the next term were appointed: Tom Krall, 4 years, replacing farm director Maulfair; Earl Ziegler, finishing Bollinger's one year farm director position; and Jo Ellen Litz, public director.

Senator Brightbill and Representative Zug presented a Vietnam War #4 license plate to Commissioner William Carpenter. The first three numbers were assigned to Governor Tom Ridge, Senator Bob Robins, and General Lynch.

A six-year lease was renewed with Cleona Borough for the district justice office: 2000-01 $675; 2002-03 $700; and 2004-05 $725.

Norma Sando presented and received tax exempt status for two properties: Lebanon Valley College stadium to the west of Route 934 and St. Stephen's UCC on Grace Ave.

JB Electric Corp.'s math error on last week's bid withdrawal for the building addition was not explained in enough detail for the commissioners to forgo the 10% bond. Solicitor Snelling was instructed to follow procedure which may include a hearing on the matter to collect the bond.

Jim Rebert, Karen Alonzo, and Andy Silberman met with commissioners. Approval was given: on payment of the $311,812.21 Department of Public Welfare invoices for 4th Quarter FY 98-99; Certification core training for staff licensure; a contract with Susan Emerich at the rate of $10.50 per hour for 20 hours/week to enter data and run the new computer program for Children and Youth; and permission for Jim Rebert, James Holtry, Karen Alonzo and Connie Schneck to attend a State training conference at the total cost of $245 on January 27 in Harrisburg.

December 15-16, 1999

Commissioners met with Chuck Wertz and the Farmland Preservation Board including Marlin Bennetch, Clarence Kreider, Gary Lentz, Richard Moore, Dean Patches, Tim Sheffy, and Donald Umberger concerning the County Farm. Some points established include:

• farms with preservation easements sell for almost as much as farms without preservation;

• with more than 50% prime farmland, the County Farm is a target for preservation;

• South Annville has no plans to change the agricultural zoning on the parcel to residential;

• park use is permitted in an agricultural zone;

• Ron Copenhaver is still interested in farming the County Farm;

• According to the lease, the leasee (Copenhaver) must pay the taxes

No action was taken at this meeting.

Ron Copenhaver's lease was renewed for the County Farm at the rate of $6600 rent for the year 2000.

District Attorney Brad Charles submitted his resignation effective December 17 at 4:30PM. Sitting Judges should meet in the next day or two to select the next DA. Since swearing in ceremonies are January 3, and a sitting judge could not advise the new DA, Charles' resignation gives him two weeks to brief and answer questions posed by the new DA.

Commissioners approved the following court house addition low bids reported compliant to specs by Ken Bachem: Kamand Construction, Mechanicsburg for General trades contract #8, base bid $875,000; +$4500 for sound proof panels; +$3100 for wood panels; AH Moyer, Myerstown for Plumbing Contract #9, $32,100; and Houser Construction, Lebanon for Mechanical Contract #10, $198,900. Electrical Contract #11 was awarded to Blatt & Myers, Myerstown, $275,228. The low bid by JB Electric Corp was withdrawn due to a mathematical error. Before allowing a refund of the 10% bond, Commissioners asked for documentation of the mathematical error.

Cheri Prentice-Brown, Geographic Information System Coordinator for the County and City of Lebanon, presented three compliant bids for GIS work: ADR $892,833; 3Di $934,365; and Buchart/Horn $698,700. Buchart/Horn was not only the lowest bidder by about $200,000, they are located in York County, the closet firm; the County has past experience with the quality and delivery of their work; they have a Lebanon representative; and consultant ATS will oversee work in process. Commissioners voted to award the bid to Buchart/Horn, but the City of Lebanon Water Authority, who will pay 25% of the bill, must still review the proposals and make their recommendation.

William Kurtz presented a 12 year transportation improvement program for Lebanon County. After commissioners were assured the current plan does not endorse a preference for a one-way Route 72 south, the plan passed unanimously.

• 1a Route 72 (9th Street Bridge) Overpass at Conrail

• 1b Citywide signalization project

• 2) Study and improve Route 934 & 422 intersection

• 3) Study realignment of Route 501 in Schaefferstown

• 4) Route 72 and 419 intersection - addition of left turning lanes on Route 72 N/S & changes to signal heads

• 5) Rexmont Bridge Removal

• 6) Route 72 design improvements recommended in corridor study (Rocherty-Summit Sts.) & implement short term improvements

• 7) Route 422 - Study bridge overpass at Conrail near Wal-Mart

• 8) Transportation Study in western Lebanon County to determine recent development impact

• 9) All other improvements listed on current 12 year program

• 10) Bridge Replacements, S Spruce St.

• 1) Muir Airfield at Fort Indiantown Gap - implement master plan improvements

• 2) All other improvements listed n current 12 year program

• 1) Implement Route 501 improvements

• 2) Implement Route 72 mid-term improvements

• 3) Route 422 bridge replacement over Conrail near Wal-Mart

• 4) Study long-term improvements to East/West Corridor

• 5) Lincoln Ave Bridge replacement over Quittapahilla Creek

• 6) All other improvements listed on current 12 year program

• 1) Implement selected long-term East/West corridor improvements

• 2) Study North/South long-term improvements

• 3) All other improvements listed on current 12 year program.

The 1999 Retirement Board meeting approved a number of items including a $207,182 cost-of-living increase paid from excess interest. Consultant Hank Stiehl said the fund is in excellent shape.

An easement was approved for GPU Energy to run lines on existing Bell telephone polls along County property at 3030 Chestnut St.

Commissioners passed a resolution declaring "Flash" Light day all day today.

Commissioners then met in executive session to discuss personnel matters.

December 15 at Cedar Haven, discussed placing a camera at the back door entrance.

Because state regulations will not allow unopened cereal boxes to be re-served to residents, instead of throwing the cereal away, commissioners approved dividing the boxes between the prison and food bank.

Ed Schlegel informed commissioners a 1987 appeal was won, and a refund of $11,350 was received.

Ed also demonstrated one of 35 talking watches donated by the North Lebanon Lion's Club.

While services provided by Allegheny and Chesapeake are adequate, approval was given to do a price comparison for physical, occupational and speech therapy by Genesis.

Next, commissioners met with Kevin Schrum and Dan Eisenhower from MHMR and Drug and Alcohol and consultant Allan Collautt concerning the mandatory Medicaid managed care initiative known as HealthChoices. A resolution passed to adopt the bylaws of the Captiol Area Behavioral Health Collaborative appointing Kevin and Dan as Lebanon County's representatives to the board.

During the prison board meeting, commissioners approved Michael Stukey's request to simplify the work release calculation for room and board to 20% of gross pay, $70 minimum and $150 maximum per week. In addition, to assure relatives aren't lax on inmates, at no time will an inmate be permitted to work for relatives while participating on the work release program. This does not apply to a business partner or corporate officer.

Finally, Warden Raiger received approval for ten weeks of training by the Department of Corrections for administrative, treatment and security personnel.

December 9, 1999

The Management Information System Committee including: Jim Earnshaw, Cheri Prentice-Brown, Kathy Pfleuger, Lee Meyer, Barry Hartman, and Andy Silberman gave a progress report:

Bid Openings for the Courthouse addition, contracts 8,9,10 & 11 were conducted by Ken Bachem, our purchasing agent:

Building Interiors, roof installation, including electrical and mechanical systems

Tentative adoption of the Year 2000 Budget of $68,925,025 at 22.8 Mills with NO TAX INCREASE passed. One mill is equal to $471,616.

County Farm- Having reviewed the appraisal, Commissioners discussed possible scenarios for the County farm.  Chuck Wertz and members of the Farmland Preservation Board will be asked to attend next week's meeting to discuss the County Farm.

A six-year lease with Palmyra Borough for District Justice Lee Lehman's office was passed as follows: 2000-01 $675/month; 2002-03 $700/month; and 2004-05 $725/month.

Resignations of Allison Kline and Dr Provencio from the MHMR board were accepted, and Richard Fields and Dr. Verna Miller from the VA Medical Center were appointed to the MHMR board effective January 1.

Phyllis Holtry submitted a $144,889 work support grant for 44 clients with a 9th grade education or less, TANIF.... The program was assigned the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for implementation.

 December 2, 1999

Commissioners are taking MHMR in a new direction. In addition to his duties as the head of Drug and Alcohol, Kevin Shrum was promoted to acting director of Mental Health/Mental Retardation replacing William Mentzer. Since D&A handles dual diagnosed clients with drug and alcohol and mental health issues, and he has attended "managed care" meetings with surrounding counties, Kevin is on top of all the changes in the field. Therefore, commissioners find Kevin Shrum exceptionally well qualified to step into his new position.

Commissioners approved and signed a $10,000 contract with the department of Community and Economic Development toward the Center of Lebanon Association's $300,000 goal for downtown restorations.

A motion to preserve the County farm was tabled until all commissioners have time to review the appraisal.

An $89,455 grant application was approved for submission by Phylis Holtry for the Hispanic Outreach, employment development, bridges, HARP, and Bridge House programs.

November 24, 1999

Bonnie Meyer, Judge Eby's secretary is retiring, and received a proclamation and clock for twenty seven years of service to the County of Lebanon.

Commissioners will send a letter to the "Energy Consortium" asking for prices and research.

After a ten day advertising period where no public comment was submitted, ordinance 24, establishing the $1.25 public service charge on the phone bill for enhanced 911 improvements like the Computer Aided Drawing system, was approved. A parallel three year plan was also approved.

Also, after the appropriate waiting period, the donated 17.8 acre Maurer Farm Easement in Heidelberg Township was completed. Chuck Wertz, Tim Sheffy, and Mr. and Mrs. Maurer were on hand for the signing and $1 token check presentation.

Joe Seibert and Eric Forkner presented the results of KPMG Peat Marwick's 1998 County audit. Depending on the outcome of an appealed court decision, $910,000 continues to be deferred to cover potential 1995 personal property tax rebates. Pointing out the high occupancy and efficiency with which Cedar Haven is run, the statement highlighted $3.1 transferred to the General Fund. They were also pleased with the people, process, technology improvements and plans for implementation of the Management Information System committee. Seibert and Forkner said findings were reduced in half with the majority of findings recommending the elimination of shadowing accounting systems. They also forecasted new and different requirements for GASB #34 government report model. In comparison with other counties, Lebanon looks good with $49.83 vs. $133.48 total general obligation debt in relation to population; 31.2% vs. 18.6% unreserved general and special revenue fund balances or 111 days of operating revenue compared to the average PA counties 60 days of general and special revenue funds; administrative costs are 7.7% of budget vs. 15.7% on average in other PA counties....

Stacy Clauss, Renova Center Director, presented a beautician services contract with Joey Hollar for $7 per haircut.

An amendment to the Victim Witness Coordinator contract reflecting an increase of $4,053 in state funds to $125,685 was approved.

Also renewed was the $33,891 1999-2000 Sobriety Checkpoint and DUI roving patrol and cops in shops programs.

NOVEMBER 17-18, 1999

November 10, 1999

Commissioners voted to advertise Ordinance 24 for ten days. The ordinance is for the collection of a telephone subscriber fee of $1.25 for 911 emergency communications. A final vote will be taken November 24. Ordinance 17 was enacted in 1993 and due to expire.

Jim Gnecco, Spagnola-Cosack, presented the quarterly performance report for the Lebanon County Employees' Retirement Fund. The ten best performing stocks were Sun Microsystems Co., Amgen Inc., Sprint Corp., Intel Corp., Oracle Corp, Biogen Inc., Seagate Technology, Computer Assoc, Intl., Dollar Gen. Corp., and Cisco Sys Inc. The ten worst performing stocks were Avon Prods Inc., Boston Scientific C, Bank One Corp., Consec Inc., GAP Stores Inc, Raytheon Co., Fort James Corp., Xerox Corp., American Home Prods., Mattel Inc. The total fund stands at $67,696,218.00, down from $71,731,000.00. While the market dropped in the third quarter, to date, the fourth quarter has rebounded to recoup about one-half of the loss. Spagnola-Cosack oversees investments by CS McKee and Cohen Klingenstein & Marks. To diversify the portfolio further, Spagnola-Cosack will help the County choose an additional manager.

Jim Rebert, Children and Youth, received signatures for emergency relief house-parent contracts for Delora Philps, Natalie Phillips and Barbara Cikovic.

Because it was not mandatory, no credits were involved, and would have occurred in North Carolina, a request for detective training was turned down. County policy allows employees to attend training seminars in Pennsylvania.

November 4, 1999

Phyllis Holtry submitted a Medical Assistance Transportation grant for COLT to the Department of Public Welfare for direct client services in the amount of $41,188.

A special liquid fuels allocation in the amount of $15,000 was approved for the City of Lebanon to perform milling and overlay of Poplar Street between 10th and 12th Streets.

Josephine Sourwine was approved for admission to Cedar Haven.

Tax refunds to correct an assessment error in the following amounts were approved for John and Rebecca Gotwalt, Newmanstown: $206.16 county, $65.12 city, and $1,287.69 school district.

October 28, 1999

Liquid fuels were approved for the following municipalities:

Myerstown $4000 general maintenance

North Londonderry $6000 general maintenance

South Lebanon $8,000 salt and anti-skid

Richland $3000 storm-water projects

North Cornwall $4000 bridge repairs

Kevin Shrum, Drug and Alcohol, introduced Curt Bryan and Steve Wicki, co-owners of White Deer Run, and a contract was signed for services at the county-owned New Perspectives. Painting and other improvements are being conducted, and after November 1, New Perspectives will reopen. In the interim, clients will be serviced by White Deer Run at another one of their facilities in either Allenwood or Lancaster. White Deer Run will pay $3535.00/month to lease New Perspectives and charge $153.59 per day for detox, $129.00/day for rehab, $46.70/day for group counseling, and $19.78/day for individual counseling. Dual diagnosis patients are also serviced. Commissioners signed a three year contract that will expire 6/30/2002. However, per state directives, fees will be negotiated yearly.

A proclamation was signed for the Lebanon Lions 75th anniversary.

Jim Rebert, Children and Youth, submitted an independent living grant for fiscal year 1999-2000 in the amount of $25,739. The county's share is $3,000 in administrative support. The program supports a life-skills curriculum for 12-16 sixteen and older youth. There were fourteen graduates last year.

Commissioners also decided several assessment appeals, from the Quality Inn, to a pig farm, the Farmer's Trust building, and the Farmers Market. In general, down-town building assessments were reduced almost in half. The Quality Inn assessment remained the same, and the pig farm floor, based on a state exemption, received a 25% adjustment as part of a lagoon.

Phyllis Holtry submitted the quarter Medical Assistance Transportation Program costs for approval. 1,831 one-way trips serving 178 clients were made at a cost of $11,688.

Commissioners signed an acceptance for adult probation supervision fees covering May of 1999 to April of 2000.

An alarm connection device was approved for 303 Chestnut St., Annville for the Annville Housing Center.

October 20-21, 1999

Wendie Dimatio Holsinger and Robert McNary received a proclamation supporting tax relief for manufacturers that would result in a neutral situation for local companies like ASK Foods. Repeal of a 100 year old exemption by the courts would have added a new burden of taxes on businesses. In the case of ASK, without relief, an additional $200,000 in taxes may result. Nearby states like Ohio and New York are four and two times more competitive prior to any neutral tax credit that may be available. The change came about when PPG appealed a case requesting interstate commerce receive the same exemption afforded in-state companies. Instead, the courts repealed the entire exemption.

Commissioners approved a temporary increase in the shift differential for the 3-11 nursing staff at Cedar Haven to $1.00 per hour, effective October 31, 1999. The current shift differential is $.45 per hour.

Kevin Schrum, Drug and Alcohol, presented three contracts for approval: Maternal Assistance Program, Renaissance, and Dauphin County administration and case management supervision.

A special liquid fuels allocation of $7,000 was awarded to North Lebanon Township for microsurfacing of slick curves.... The total project is costing North Lebanon $19,119.

Jennifer Shay, Renova Center Director, received a proclamation for 25 years of service.

The commissioners met in the afternoon to decide outstanding assessment appeal cases heard over the last several months.

Bob Gallagher, Tim Rollins, Earl Grier and alternate Mel Kaplan were approved for nomination to the Youth Council for the South Central Workforce Board.

Sara A Parsons was approved for admission to Cedar Haven.

October 14, 1999

Lieanne Whitley, Kim Baebler, and Kevin Shrum received a proclamation for "Red Ribbon Week." Distribution of ribbons includes 25,000 to schools and 10,000 to the general community for wearing, and 600 large ribbons on polls along Route 422. Students in the high school SADD clubs assist with hanging ribbons. Other student activities include buy one, get one free, games of bowling at Cedar Lanes, 24 school assemblies by clowns and a magician with self esteem and drug prevention messages, book covers, and buttons.

William Kurtz notified the commissioners Governor Ridge received word of block grant ($136,116) and aviation development ($7,562) funds for Muir Field. The county's share is also $7,562 to conduct a feasibility study (phase I) and airport master plan (phase II). Commissioners will appoint two committees--a technical and citizens committee each consisting of five members. Penn DOT and the military will each be asked to recommend one appointment. Any county resident with a sincere interest and/or expertise is encouraged to send their name, address, phone number, and request for consideration to William Kurtz, 400 S. 8th St., Lebanon PA 17042.

General Smoker received a proclamation for the week of October 8-14 for the Mighty Eighth Air Force recognizing their sacrifice to perpetuate the freedom and way of life we enjoy today. In World War II, over 5 missions, 148 bombers were lost over Europe.

The Housing Authority received approval to administer the Medical Assistance Transportation Program for the County.

Commissioners also accepted a grant in the amount of $77,300 for Section 901 Municipal Waste Planning funds for the Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority.

The following funds were transferred to make bond payments from the general fund to the general obligation sinking fund, then to the coupon account for payment by Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank:

Commissioners approved Ken Bachem's recommendation to award bids to Stewart Masonry (contract 6) in the amount of $172,000 and Security Elevator (contract 7) in the amount of $51,000.

In the afternoon, Commissioners heard 17 assessment appeals .

October 7, 1999

The drought emergency was lifted.

Jim Gnecco, Spagnola Cosack advisors, reviewed Small Cap Equity Managers to diversify the Lebanon County Employees' Retirement Fund. The Retirement Board unanimously chose Morgan Stanley Dean Witter to handle two million dollars. On a four to one vote, Schneider Cap Management received the nod over Berger Associates to handle another two million dollars. Preferring a more conservative investor with a steady five year history, Litz vote against Schneider who is more aggressive with higher "good times" but lower "bad times".

Ken Bachem opened bids for contracts six and seven of the courthouse addition. Stewart Masonry submitted a base bid of $172,000 for masonry work. Because of a brick shortage the bid is $17,000 over projections, but the first bids came in under projections. Therefore, the overall project is still under budget. Security Elevator, York, submitted the lowest base bid of $51,000 for the elevator. An alternate bid to drill a shaft hole after steel is $6,000. The contract specs will be reviewed for compliance, and awards will occur next week.

Lios Meilly and Carol Hickey presented an update on the Union Canal Tunnel Park North Portal restoration. Scaling knocked loose rock from the tunnel roof. The arch was repointed, and the top four feet of the wall over the arch was relaid. The east bank was stabilized with soil nailing, a process of shooting 10' stainless steel anchors filled with grout into the ground to hold layers of mesh and gray tinted concrete in place to form a manmade surface with nooks and crannies that will allow moss and ferns to grow.

The Good Samaritan Hospital Human Services Contract was approved with Commissioner Carpenter abstaining.

In the afternoon, commissioners heard 21 assessment appeals.

September 30, 1999
Tony Cek, received a proclamation for the Compeer Program declaring Mental Illness week. The Compeer program matches a trained volunteer with a client based on factors like age, interests, and location. Cindy and Lorraine, the first match, joined the commissioners to share their experiences. They do crafts and shop together. To date, twelve clients have been served by ten trained volunteers while two volunteers await training starting 10/13. Phone 272-8317 for more information.

Attorney Fred Wolfson and Dave Waddel, bond councilor, received approval for up to $35,000,000 in bond financing for the United Church of Christ Homes to refinance a 1994 debt at a lower rate and replace a roof and expand a kitchen at their Carlisle facility. Section 6 of the contract assures that the County will not aggregate debt that will impact their bond rating or borrowing capacity.

Adult Probation's lease runs out in February, and a newly negotiated lease raises the rent five percent to $840 per month but makes available five parking spaces at $5/month less than the current price of $20 each.

Commissioners also signed a letter for Penn DOT assuring them compliance with their request to submit written testimony in December and requesting Senator Brightbill be allowed to address the board on behalf of Lebanon County.

May Kreider was appointed to a three year term on the Area Agency on Aging Board.

William Mentzer and Clyde reviewed and submitted SDS expenditures validating $49,211 in wages and benefits for reimbursement.

While all categorical funds were expended in MHMR's budget, there was a base carry-over of $133,524.

AL Hanford will receive a County proclamation on his 90th birthday, October 3.

Tom Reilly will receive a proclamation for twenty years of service to the County as an appraiser in the Assessment Office.

Raymond W McNelis was approved for admission to Cedar Haven.
 

9/23/99
The Drought Task Force convened at 8AM. Because the State has not recommended removal of the drought emergency and the Highbridge Reservoir is still down 12 feet, Commissioners voted to extend the drought emergency another thirty days.

WADE, the Working Advocacy for the Disabled and Elderly addressed the commissioners concerning accessibility improvements planned for the court house. A closer parking spot to the current ramp entrance, an automatic door opener to allow visitors to wait in a sheltered area for monitors,an intercom, a wall directory, and accessible telephones are in the works. Also, with the new addition, prisoners will no longer use the ramp entrance.

James Rebert and Karen Alonzo, Children and Youth, submitted the third quarter State Department of Welfare invoices for fiscal year 98-99 for signatures of approval: Placement maintenance $224,736.25; TANAF $47,168; Adoption assistance $16,271.96; and Medical administration $1,628.55 for a total of $289,804.76. Of 174 children, 80% of Children and Youth services were eligible for State reimbursement. Of 52 juvenile probation youth, 29% of services were eligible for State reimbursement.

Kevin Schrum, Drug and Alcohol, recommended, effective this fall, the hiring of a new treatment service provider, White Deer Run, Inc., to run New Perspectives. Serving on the Evaluation Committee were: Kevin Schrum, Cheryl Floyd, Michael Fry, Michael Filanowski, Smittie Brown, Jack Carroll, and Penn Ketchum. Other contracts were submitted by Bowling Green-Brandywine, Roxbury/New Perspective, and Firetree Limited.

Since the commissioners are running for re-election, Judges Tylwalk and Eby as well as Elaine Ludwig and Jamie Wogelmuth reviewed the election ballot for approval. In addition, approval was given to return the 5th Ward polling place back into the precinct and to the Rescue Fire Company at 4th & Lehman Streets.

Bill Mentzer and Clyde Flickinger, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, presented a bill from Susquehanna Development Services for $121,317. Since State reports are due net week and we no longer use Susquehanna's services, Bill and Clyde were asked to have SDS provide written confirmation and sort out legitimate expenses for consideration at next week's meeting.

Detective Zechman and Chief Wahman worked out the details of the $25,457 in County-City Disparit Jurisdiction block-grant funds. $4300 are to be used for maintenance of a finger printing machine and $6100 for a digital photo machine.

An alarm connection device was approved for Outlook Point, 860 Norman Drive at a cost of $80 per circuit and $120 yearly maintenance fee.

A $50,527 intermediate punishment grant for electronic monitoring was submitted to cover salaries and benefits.

A pass-through grant in the amount of $10,000 from Representatives Krebs and Zug for revitalization of the down-town central business district was presented.

9/16/99 Because of the death of Paul Quarioli, Commissioners approved Coroner Jeff Yocum's request to send Doug Leiby for one-time mandatory training as a deputy coroner.

James Rebert submitted four addendum detention contracts for approval. Daily rates:

*Cove Forge, Williamsburg PA, for juvenile sexual offenders at a cost of $217.00;

Open Door, Reading, for Spanish speech and cultural family settings, $64.00;

*Northwestern, Allentown, for teenage mental health services, $59.50;

Berks Commissioners, Reading, detention center $155.00 and for shelter care $143.

*Unless referred to Children and Youth as a criminal adjudication, funds are EPSDT-Early Periodic Screening & Diagnostic Testing-reimbursable. Last year, EPSDT reimbursement saved the General Fund almost $200,000.

Phyllis Holtry submitted three contracts for approval:

$44,889 for administration support work to help low income individuals secure employment

$40,000 to provide case management services, and

$33,050 for rental shelter assistance and staff support at the Bridge House.

Robert Mettley reported even with DMG Maximus $500 increase, their auditing services are $3000 cheaper than the next closest quote, and three other accountants contacted wanted an additional start-up fee.

June 24, 1999

A proclamation passed congratulating the Palmyra Cougar Boys Varsity Baseball Team on their 7-2 PIAA State Championship against Waynesburg.

An emergency was declared to replace the interior of a hot water boiler at the Lebanon County Prison at a cost of $12,000 using inmate labor.  The existing boiler was put in service in 1980.  A recent inspection by Carlos R Leffler revealed three intermediate cast boiler sections were damaged.  Title 37 requires hot water at the prison for food preparation and sanitation.  Emergency status allows immediate replacement of the boiler without bidding.

Appeals to the Assessment Board resulted in a reduction of the assessed value of a Yingst Drive property in Union Township from $16,500 to $14,200 and an Elizabeth Road property where a modular replaced a double-wide from $14,500 to $13,300.  In addition, the following properties were granted tax exemption:  North Lebanon Municipal Authority Pumping Station; Cornwall Boro's building on Cornwall Road formerly occupied by Dauphin Deposit; and the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA Day Care facility at Allwein's in Annville; and Stony Ridge Parochial School, 800 E Main Ave., Jackson Township.

William Kurtz presented a grant application for an airport feasibility study to be completed at Muir Field, Fort Indiantown Gap to consider if Lebanon County is a candidate for a publicly owned public-use airport.  Lebanon County's 5% share amounts to $3,505.  A matching 5% will come from the Bureau of Aviation and 90% from a Block Grant.  Delta Airport Consultants has agreed to conduct the study.  The study does not obligate the County to the airport.  FIG currently has 70,000 flights per year, mostly helicopters.  Bill Kurtz was appointed to represent the County .

June 17, 1999

The Area Agency on Aging bus bid was approved.  The bus should arrive in Lebanon County the end of January 2000, but it will take 4-6 weeks for the wheel chair lift installation.

A mathematical correction was made to $36,487.10 for Canteen Vending's year-long bid to deliver meals for the Area Agency on Aging. 

May 26 -

Jennifer Shay, Renova Center, received contract approval to hire Stacey Devert to cut hair for eighteen residents.

Lee Meyer presented at a public hearing and received approval  on Ordinances #21 and #22 for the Lebanon County Flood-proofing code and Lebanon County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.  These ordinances update FEMA requirements to facilitate flood plain insurance for local residents.

Both the County Commissioners and Deb Gates, representing the City of Lebanon, presented proclamations to Rick Rhoades, Steelworkers Local #445, and Sue Kauffman, Hershey Medical Center, for the Children's Miracle Network.  There will be a radiothon on June 3, 106.7 CAT and a telethon on June 5, live at Chocolate World, on channel 8.

Kevin Shrum received a requested appointment of Carol Baase  to the Drug and Alcohol Board.

Cindy Riss accepted a contract appointing Lebanon County Christian Ministries as Lebanon County's designated agency to receive $103,236 in State assistance for the food bank and meal sites.  In addition, an amended grant in the amount of $7,120 was designated to LCCM for a food recovery program.

An intergovernmental transfer of tax revenue anticipation notes that allows PA to match federal dollars for nursing homes passed.  The millisecond transaction totals $300,000,000 statewide.  Lebanon's share is $24,434,319.  In the past, the transaction occurred once a year, but for the first time, the transaction will occur twice a year.  As a result, Lebanon County will receive approximately two $10,000 administrative fee payments verses one past $13-$16,000 payment. 

Amy DiBosco, GLRA recycling coordinator, provided a grant acceptance for Commissioner's signatures to receive $4,205 for public education.

An EMA grant for Radiation Response Equipment was also signed for $9,007.  This grant is for counties within ten miles of TMI.&nbs