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

December 29, 2005

District Attorney Deirdre Eshleman tendered her resignation effective January 1, 2006.  Mrs. Eshleman started her career with the County in 1987.

Elaine Ludwig presented two resolutions for approval:

¨      Certification for Maintenance of Effort, stating that Lebanon County did not use HAVA funds for general expenses; and

¨      Department of State resolution guaranteeing that Lebanon County will purchase new voting machines, provide education, training, and handicap accessibility for voters and personnel.

Commissioners signed an agreement reviewed by Solicitor Snelling.  Beginning in January 2006, at a cost of $27,830, Delta Development Group will perform a Continuity Operations Plan for Lebanon County.

Directors were appointed to the Conservation District Board--Calvin Miller, farmer representative and Bob Arnold, public representative.  Commissioner Litz was reappointed as the commissioner’s liaison to the Conservation District Board.

For a right-to-be-heard hearing from neighbors of farms slated for preservation, Brett Lentz and Charles Wertz presented the 105.087 acre Cowden Farm in Bethel and North Lebanon Townships; the 76.7952 acre Bomgardner Farm in South Annville; and the 83.7 acre Sellers farm in South Annville.  No comments were heard.  Funds to preserve these farms will be reimbursed to Lebanon County through the federal Farm and Ranch Land Preservation Program, which is part of the farm bill.  At a future meeting, closing will take place, which will bring land preserved in Lebanon County to a total of 9,645 acres.  In addition, with State funds, the Doris Bowman farm will be preserved bringing acres preserved to 9,856.  A 300+ acre North Annville Township farm will most likely put Lebanon County’s preservation program past the 10,000 acre mark in 2006.  This would be the largest farm preserved in the County to date.

Joined by Treasurer Sallie Neuin and the commissioners, Controller Mettley conducted a retirement board meeting.  Dave Reichert from the Hay Group explained Lebanon’s choices to use the “aggregate” or “entry age” calculations to determine a 13 or 30-year arc respectively, which spreads out potential losses through equalized County contributions.  Another way to dissolve any potential loss is a rise in portfolio value.  At the beginning of 2005, the retirement fund stood at $71 million, but ended the year at $83.5 million.  Because of an upswing in the market, commissioners chose to stay with the shorter “aggregate” calculation.

Other retirement board business conducted included paying 5.5% interest, adopting the 1/80^th class, sending out statements at a cost of $1.75 each, and paying 90% of the COLA or 3.3%, which is equal to $801,600.

Finally, Commissioners adopted an $85,643,779  2006 budget by passing a 15.5 millage rate, which is the same rate as 2005.  To view a summary, visit http://dsf.pacounties.org/lebanon/lib/lebanon/06_Budget_Report.pdf .

December 22, 2005

Commissioner Stohler requested a moment of silence to honor the passing of Judge John Walter.

Sallie Neuin presented the Treasurer’s report and Gary Robson and Melissa Light presented personnel and conference and seminar requests.

Kathy Snavely and Pam Tricamo distributed certificates to Commissioner Bill Carpenter and former Commissioner Rose Marie Swanger for starting the Women’s Commission.  A certificate will also be presented to former Commissioner Ed Arnold.  Then, certificates were awarded to the founding board.  Further, Commissioner Litz received a certificate for researching and writing an article on the first women elected to office in Lebanon County.  Finally, Tricamo distributed a form for nominations for inclusion in the Women’s History Project.

Earl Meyer, Michelle Brummer, and Betty Conner presented an update on the Comprehensive Plan.

Charles Blankenship, the new president of the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation and Mary Ann Paul requested approval to participate in REDDI--a Regional Economic Development District Initiative--with eight south-central counties.  Most areas of the State already have a regional planning process.

Phil Hall received approval to submit a $66,784 2006 West Nile Virus grant application.

With a balance of $83,500,000, Archie Battistelli reported that the County’s retirement plan is at an all-time high.  Since Advest left Lebanon, Archie also introduced Steve Greenhut from Ryan Beck & Co, which was founded in 1946.  Commissioners, along with Treasurer Sallie Neuin and Controller Robert Mettley, moved to transfer the retirement fund to Ryan Beck who will maintain a presence in Lebanon County.  Money Market funds are insured for up to $1.3 million.  Existing managers like McQue, Sovereign, CS McKee, and American Century will be retained.

Because the State eliminated payment for travel time for providers, Administrator Wolgemuth presented MH/MR contract reductions totaling $55,642.

December 21, 2005

Cedar Haven

Prison

Census is at 487—432 males and 55 females.  168 are unsentenced and 28 are state-sentenced inmates.

In the coming weeks Commissioners will finalize the budget and prioritize Growing Greener II funds.

December 15, 2005

Jackie and Steve Grumbacher made a presentation about their concerns with the Diebold Voting System.

Sallie Neuin presented the Treasurer’s report.  Gary Robson and Melissa Light presented personnel transactions.  Of note, Chief Detective Paul Zechman will retire after 27 years of service to the County.  Also, Clyde Flickinger retired as an accountant from MHMR with 16 years of service.   It is with gratitude for their years of service that their resignations were approved.

Kevin Schrum, Melissa Heisey, Shem Heller, Brenda Mettley, and Carol Davies received approval on Phoenix contract modifications, which resulted when a home closed, and people had to be moved.  Expenses were reduced by $88,504.

William Sullivan and Alicia Arnold reviewed the Gatekeeper program, which provides accountability and intervention for first-time non-violent juvenile offenders by assigning the youth to work with trained community panels like painting over graffiti in the City or tending the “Garden of Youth.”  Since 1999, with an 80% success rate, over 450 juveniles have been given a second chance to start over without the encumbrance of a criminal record.  For the grant, the State contributes $10,000 and the County $1112.

Susan Klarsch requested a waiver for Drug and Alcohol Continuum of Care until a contract can be worked out with White Deer Run.  PA Counseling and Philhaven Hospital relinquished their license and no longer provide drug and alcohol treatment services.

Further, Susan presented contract amendments resulting in a reduction of $86,468 as well as treatment contracts, including an Amendment to the advanced Treatment Systems contract for the new methadone clinic.

Next, a Voting Machine Discussion took place.  Rather than passing a resolution provided by the state to commit to the purchase of new machines, Commissioners Bill Carpenter and Larry Stohler made a decision to purchasing voting machines immediately.  They chose Accupoll's Unisys machine.  Commissioner Litz reminded her colleagues that more machines were to be approved by the federal and State governments in the near future.  She also reviewed the pros and cons of the top four machines chosen by the public at the Town Meeting a few weeks ago.

December 8, 2005

Both Eric Wolfe and Carl Jarboe requested that the commissioners act individually or as a board to pass a resolution asking the City of Lebanon to table or withdraw their motion to terminate the Water Authority. 

Cedar Haven bargaining unit employees were present when Commissioners passed the agreed upon 5-year union contract that provides for 3% annual increases in salary.  For the first time, $200 individual and $400 family medical deductibles are incorporated into the contract.  In 2009, deductibles will increase to $300 and $600 deductibles respectively.  In 2006, co pays for prescriptions increase to $7/$15/$30; doctor visits $10; and emergency room visits $35.  In 2009, those co pays increase correspondingly to $10/17/35 for prescriptions; $20 for doctor visits; and $50 for emergency room visits.  In order to care for our seniors, Cedar Haven employees cover 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.  With surrounding counties closing their "homes," we feel fortunate to have good employees and a well-run home who/that can continue to provide safe and efficient services to residents.

Commissioners passed the first reading of the 15.5 mill 2006 budget.  Because employees help look for ways to keep department budgets trim, real estate tax revenue is up due to construction, interest rates are up, medical insurance dropped $1.5 million, no new positions were funded…, the $85,643,779 budget resulted in no tax increase.  The County will enter 2006 with a $3.2 million reserve fund, which is 11% of the general fund.  A reserve fund is necessary to cover payroll during the first three months of the year when tax revenue does not come in and for use in emergencies like flooding, a tornado, blizzard, or other disaster.  Final reading of the budget will occur on December 29.

Lynn Snead received support for a $65,000 DCED grant request to complete repairs to the 3-story spiral staircase, chimney, stained glass windows, furnace, heating system, insulation, flooring, and kitchen of the Domestic Violence Intervention shelter, which is on the National Trust’s Listing of Historic Places.

Commissioners approved an alarm device connection for the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home.

Two proclamations were approved:

¨      Sam R. Snyder, eagle scout and

¨      The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce in honor of their 90^th anniversary.

A request from the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Authority was tabled until next week.

District Justice office leases were approved for Jonestown, Palmyra and Cleona.

At 11AM the Metropolitan Planning Organization convened. 

Jon Fitzgee presented Hometown Streets and Safe Routes to Schools projects.  When Penn DOT’s Terry Adams said that we will have half as much money as we thought we had, Jon was asked to prioritize requests from South Lebanon, Jonestown Borough, Bethel Township, Northern Lebanon School District, and Rails to Trails.

Gary DeBerry presented Transportation Enhancement Project modifications for approval:  I-78 to the Schuylkill County line; $1 million increased costs to construct the 9^th/10^th Street bridges; $900,000 in increased costs for the Schaefferstown bypass; Main St. Annville to replace a PC box over a storm drain; and the Iron Master Road project adjoining Route 72 South. 

Tom Kotay reviewed the Congested Corridor Improvements resolution to bring Palmyra and North and South Londonderry Townships into the Lebanon MPO.

Helping to establish priority for upgrades, traffic studies for railroad crossings at 11^th Avenue and Ramona Road clearly showed that the 11^th Avenue location is more heavily traveled—9433/1070.

For the next five months, Earl Meyer presented a summary of transportation activities such as:

December 1, 2005

Eric Wolfe addressed commissioners concerning the Lebanon Water Authority and World Aids Day.

Jim Holtry and Karen Alonzo received approval for Children and Youth first quarter invoices, including $76,253.63 for Adoption Assistance; $265,692.30 for Placement Maintenance; $98,060 for TANF; $79,815 for State Transition Grants; and $1881.02 for Medicade or a total of $521,701.95.

Holtry also received permission to pay invoices directly, then reimburse the General Fund.

Commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing Driving Under the Influence Victim’s Remembrance Day in Lebanon County.

In executive session, Attorney Scott Feeman answered questions concerning Cedar Haven’s union contract and Solicitor Snelling and Chief Assessor Dan Seaman discussed Assessment Appeals.

November 23, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving!

A special Safety Committee award presentation took place today.  Out of 43 counties, the County Commissioner’s Association of Pennsylvania recognized Lebanon County’s Safety Committee for their stellar performance this past year:  thorough minutes; ongoing inspections and incident reports; their ‘safety orange’ newsletter; newly updated fire evacuation maps locating exits, extinguishers, AEDs, even water and electrical shutoff valves….  The Commissioners thanked the entire committee for their dedication and leadership in making all County premises safer for both workers and visitors.

Administrator Wolgemuth reminded everyone about the Town Meeting at the Lebanon Valley EXPO Center on Tuesday, October 29 from 10AM-7PM.  Help will be available to complete Medicare Part D pharmacy forms.  Further, five of nine vendors have confirmed that they will bring sample electronic voting machines for people to try out, then fill in a survey for the Election Board, which will provide valuable feedback concerning purchases to which the Commissioners must commit by December 31.

Currently, Accupoll version 2.50, Danaher Control’s Electonic 1242, and Hart Intercivic’s eSlate voting systems have passed both federal and state scrutiny.   According to Secretary Pedro Cortez, both Advanced WINNOTE and Diebold have been reviewed by the State and a stamp of approval is pending after federal certification.  To read the reports, visit http://www.hava.state.pa.us/hava/cwp/view.asp?a=1283&Q=445840 .

November 16, 2005

Commissioners sat as the Board of Cedar Haven where 312 residents receive care.  Administrator Schlegel requested that the 40 Medicare certified beds on 3F be increased to all 324 Medicare beds, which would allow patients to remain in the same room during a 100-day recovery period after hospitalization….

At a cost of $47,000, Kaylor Architects were approved to complete mechanical designs for sprinklers at Cedar Haven.  Kaylor had previously handled the smoke detector/fire alarm systems, and is intimately familiar with the building.  To eliminate the need for two sprinklers in each room, a decision must be made on whether or not to replace built-in closets with wardrobes and whether to use steel or PVC piping.

Monday night, Cedar Haven conducted their annual evacuation, which took two hours.

December 7 at 3:15, Commissioners will assist with awarding pins and on November 19 from 10AM-3PM is the Snowflake Bazaar.

Commissioners passed and signed a Farm City Week proclamation.

A $43,900 Delta Development Group contract for hazardous mitigation was approved.

Commissioners executed another contract requesting $72,528 in reimbursable salaries and benefits for EMA.

A $6281 painting contract was approved to eliminate or encapsulate lead-based paint at bridge house.

To satisfy grant requirements, a chimney needs replaced on the DVI shelter.

Prison Board:  464 inmates reside at the prison; including 154 unsentenced and 28 state-sentenced.

Michael Stuckey received approval to purchase self-contained urine testing cups at a cost of $10 each, which will provide results instantaneously, eliminating the need to ship the urine to labs and wait days for a report.

November 17, 2005

Sallie Neuin presented the Treasurer’s report, and Gary and Melissa presented personnel and training requests.

Archie Battistelli and Curt Muller reviewed the County’s Retirement fund.  Meryl Lynch bought Advest, and it is uncertain if either or both of these gentlemen will continue with the firm. 

Sallie Neuin then pulled 125 antler-less deer licenses (of which 25 are alternates) from 479 applications received to hunt in a special four-day hunt at Governor Dick.

Commissioners then met in Executive Session to discuss union negotiations with Attorney Scott Feeman.

At 1:30PM, Commissioners sat as the Board of Assessment Appeals to consider two residential appeals. 

In addition, a disabled veteran was awarded property tax exemption. 

Further, Dan Seaman reported that the Board of Realtors signed a $16,000 two-year agreement with the County for online assessment information.

At the request of Solicitor Snelling, Dan is also working on an online agreement to allow attorneys to complete research.

Finally, Dan is working on a fee schedule for custom exports of material.

November 10, 2005

Commissioner Carpenter was attending a funeral.  Commissioners Stohler and Litz presided.

Commissioners approved and signed a letter endorsing Harrisburg Area Community College and the Chamber of Commerce to seek funding for an Early Child Professional Development course for daycare providers, which will result in Child Development Associate credentials.

Commissioners accepted a resignation from Lydia Flores from the Area Agency on Aging board.

Commissioners heard a health care presentation by the County Commissioners Association of PA and Riverside Health Care Program.  The plan recommends self-insurance for medical coverage with Highmark and prescription drug coverage with Pharmacare.  Lebanon County is currently self-insured for pharmaceuticals.  Using a stop-loss maximum payment of $175,000, ten percent projected savings are possible over a three-year period.  At a cost of $9041 per employee per year, savings are expected by eliminating profit, margin, and tax from our costs, as well as addition of a Personal Vitality Management Program that can result in savings of $1000 per employee times 1000 employees, or $1,000,000 annually, which is equivalent to one mill of tax.  Both York and Chester counties were cited as examples of counties that are self-insured for 10 to 20 years.  No self-insured counties are known to have stopped self-insurance.

November 3, 2005

Phyllis Holtry presented a $282,029 Community Services Block Grant for the Domestic Violence shelter to rehabilitate the roof, windows, and electrical fixtures.  Another $199,832 will fund operations of the shelter, the remolding of the kitchen and installation of central air conditioning.  Finally, $146,158 will fund Shelter Program staff positions for bridge house, HARP, Bridges, Employment Development and Hispanic outreach. 

73,248 voters were certified for the upcoming election—21,025 Democrats, 42,989 Republicans, 404 Libertarians, 120 Green, 94 Constitution, and 8616 others.

Commissioners approved an alarm connection device.

Snowberger, Hoover, Marquet, Whitman, Heckard, and Rozario, all current members of the Children and Youth board, were reappointed for another term.

Commissioners then met in executive session to discuss medical insurance.

October 27, 2005

Melissa Light presented both Personnel transactions and Conference and Seminar Requests.

Kevin Schrum, Melissa Heisey, Shem Heller, Brenda Mettley, Carol Davies, and Sue Klarsch presented $4836 in Medical Assistance Realignment Contracts and $7500 in Children and Youth placements.  Kevin Schrum and Jamie Wolgemuth received signatory authority.

Elaine Ludwig submitted $26,484 in HAVA reports to reimburse two landlords for Polling Place Accessibility projects already completed at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home and St. Matthews Lutheran Church as well as to complete accessibility to Richland Neptune Fire Company.  In March, there may be a special election on Act 72.

For $1, Dennis Firestone received approval to sell the final property out of Repository.  The upset sale price was $1303 in September 2003, and the judicial upset sale price was $404.20 in December 2003.  Jason Leedy was the successful bidder.  This is the first time in recent history that there are no homes in the repository.

Bob Mettley requested approval of a $6000 Maximus contract to prorate internal charges for data processing services to various departments.

Jeff Achey reviewed a $55,000 grant agreement with DELTA to formulate a hazardous waste transportation plan that will become part of the County Comprehensive Plan.  The 75/25-match requirement puts the County share of costs at $14,870.  The professional service will make this plan consistent with other EMA plans.  Municipalities will be included in the planning process, and both the County and the municipalities will be asked to adopt resolutions of support for the plan.

Signatory authority was granted to Earl Meyer for DEP sewage modules.

At a cost of $78,000 per year, the Auditing firm of Reinsel, Kuntz, and Lesher, from Wyomissing, received a three-year contract.  This is a significant savings over the cost of previous year’s audits.  Both Berks County and the County of Lebanon Transit Authority (COLT) satisfactorily use Reinsel.

October 16, 2005

Cedar Haven

Administrator Schlegel reported that a team of five-six people arrived from the Department of Health eight weeks early.  DPH approved a plan of action for three minor deficiencies.

Life Safety will also issue their results within ten days.  As a courtesy, the report will outline impacted areas that will be enforced in 2006.

Also completed is a 2003 audit.

Cedar Haven is at 98% occupancy rate with eight people on the waiting list.

The County’s disproportionate share and flu vaccines arrived.  At a cost of $11 each, shots will take place on November 3 at the Municipal Building.

Prison Board

September 30, the number of inmates stood at 466--401 males and 65 females.  190 inmates are unsentenced, and 17 are state-sentenced inmates.

October 20, 2005

Weekly Meeting

In support of the Chamber of Commerce and Business at the EXPO, Commissioners Stohler, Carpenter, and Litz issued a joint proclamation with the Mayor Anspach.

Assessment Board

As the Board of Assessment, Commissioners approved a $244,000 assessment for Keystone Weaving Mills, which translates into a $1.52 million resale value.  Chief Dan Seaman and Assessor Karl Stump also received approval for exoneration for a disabled veteran.

Lebanon Daily News reporter John Latimer asked about the projected $3 million shortfall in the 2006 budget.  Approximately $870,000 of the deficit is attributable to Juvenile Probation, and another $218,607 will cover costs like software and training for newly mandated electronic voting machines.  (The federal/state contribution towards voting machines is $626,379.43.)  The balance includes a 3% pay increase for employees, and projected increases in fuel costs and towards medical insurance.

Commissioners met in executive session to discuss union negotiations with Attorney Feeman.

October 13, 2005

Carpenter and Litz sat as the board of commissioners today.  Commissioner Stohler was absent.

Curtis Troutman and George and Carol Hollich presented a Lebanon County Community Concert Association calendar of culturally significant music programs:

To attend a single concert at 7:30 PM at Lebanon High School, cost is $20. Individuals can purchase season tickets at a reduced rate of $45 per adult or $10 per student.  For more information, you can email LCCCA@comcast.net or pick up a brochure at Marty’s Music, Loser’s Music, or the Allan Theater.

Congratulations to Nicole Eisenhart (Courts), David Dresher (District Attorney’s office), and John Hamme (District Attorney’s office) who passed their bar exams. 

Joe Lescisko presented a $207,504 PA Department of Aging Waiver Program request for people aged 60 and over who are both income eligible and nursing home eligible, but who wish to remain in their home.  Funding pays for casework, staff wages and benefits, support staff, RN consultant costs, supplies and administration overhead (10%).

TOWN MEETINGS:  FREE.  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  Register by calling 273-9262 or online at www.lebcoaaa@lebcnty.org .

Commissioners accepted a $209,192 grant-in-aid award from the JCJC-Juvenile Crime and Justice Commission—for reimbursement of salary, benefits, and overhead in Juvenile Probation.

Commissioners also approved bond payments that are due tomorrow:

October 6, 2005

At 9:30AM, Commissioners convened in their regular weekly meeting.
 
Commissioner Stohler announced that the official vote count following November's election will take place on Veteran’s Day, the Friday after the election. Commissioner Litz noted that she had no objection to the date, but that the decision whether or not to complete computation on Friday or immediately recess and reconvene to count the votes on Monday was made outside of a public meeting.
 
Craig Zumbrun reviewed the history of the South Central Assembly for Effective Governance, which formed after two summits to address regional issues through research and information.  The 57 board members include commissioners and mayors, business people, academia, and others from Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York.  Zumbrun distributed samples of successful programs including Predatory Lending, Drive shed studies of downtowns, and white papers on housing and health and human services.  Mr. Zumbrun then asked what issues Lebanon County is facing.  He also provided a summary of issues shared by other counties in the Assembly.  Loss of farmland was the number one issue in south-central Pennsylvania.  Other common issues thus far include transportation, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services funding.

Commissioners approved a $532 Visiting Nurses contract for the Good Samaritan Hospital.  Commissioner Carpenter abstained.
 
Then, Commissioners approved a $22,834 (plus benefits) contract with Attorney Joseph Hill Jr. to enforce paternity through the child support enforcement program.

Next, commissioners approved a $6558 Elder Crimes Unit and a $40,288 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant application for the District Attorney's office.

The 11AM Metropolitan Planning Organization covered a host of topics.  For example,
 

At 1:30, Commissioners convened as the Board of Assessment Appeals where they heard 13 commercial appeals.  This was the last week of hearings for 2005.

September 29, 2005

To make sure that all quotes for medical insurance are on a level playing field, while pertinent data may be shared, Gary Robson received authorization to amend a letter for CCAP authorization, which would not mandate sharing of renewal rates by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Elaine Ludwig presented a sample November 8 ballot for approval.  Further, she asked commissioners to consider whether to open the Municipal Building for the public to observe computations on Veterans' Day, Friday, November 11 as prescribed by law (P.S. 3154(a) or to convene as a board, then recess and reconvene on Monday, November 14 at 9AM.  A decision will be made next week.

Tony Cek received a proclamation declaring October 2-8 Mental Health Week, which will help to remove any stigma or fear of seeking early intervention, effective treatment, and recovery of a mental illness.  Cek emphasized personal responsibility to manage the illness.  To learn more about the program, visit www.cspLebanon.org .  Beginning at 9^th and Cumberland Sts., an awareness walk is scheduled for October 7 at 5:30PM.

Because the Foster Care Kinship program exceeded the budget by $263,337, James Holtry presented a Children and Youth budget amendment. Residential requests are under budget, which will create an even exchange of funds.

Tom Harlan and Ray Bender received approval to ask the court to rule on whether or not to allow deer hunting at the Clarence Shock Memorial Park, which could provide temporary relief for a controlled hunt.  Bender states that physical evidence like no under-story of saplings, droppings, and trail use supports the request.  If the hunt is allowed, permits will be issued through Treasurer Sally Neuin, and the Game Commission will police the four-day hunt.  Mr. Bender believes that once the deer realize there are hunters on the Governor Dick property, the deer will revert back to the State Game Lands.  Over the course of a year, there are currently 20-28 deer per square mile, but because an infrared count is too expensive, the total number of deer is unknown.

Further, similar to an ordinance for Monument Park, commissioners agreed to advertise an ordinance that would allow enforcement for violating Clarence Schock Memorial Park rules prohibiting:

On October 16 between 9AM and 3PM, the Stony Creek trail will open for a drive between Highbridge Reservoir and Dauphin County. 

Commissioners approved a letter of support for ColorTech’s $100,000 grant application for capital improvements, upgrades and additions, which should result in additional jobs.

Commissioners designated the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation as the local agency to receive and administer $44,873 for economic development in Lebanon County.   Funding comes from DCED.

Commissioners accepted three grants:

Darla Ann Gettle and Diane L. Stoudt were appointed to the Women’s Commission.  Letters of commendation will be sent to Josie Ames and Harriet Faren for their past service.

At a cost of $60,000, Commissioners approved the purchase of a 60-space parking lot from Lebanon County Christian Ministries.

Commissioners approved a bridge engineering contract for replacement of the 151’ long Inwood Bridge over Swatara Creek.  Built in 1899, the iron structure stands at the gateway to Swatara State Park, and the current 5-ton weight limit is prohibitive.  The $315,000 contract will be paid as follows:  Lebanon County 5% or $15,750 from liquid fuels funds; Pennsylvania 15% or $47,250; and 80% or $252,000 will come from the federal government.  Bridge design is not completed.  Options may include repairing the pins and abutments, but this would not allow for widening of the structure to meet today’s codes or raising the road to meet with Route 72.

In addition, Mark Wilson was designated as the Lebanon County bridge inspector for our 14 county bridges and 82 municipal bridges.  Since 2000, Mark has served the County in this capacity.

September 21, 2005

Cedar Haven:  Census stood at 317—74 males and 243 females.  Occupancy rate is at 98% while processing of the waiting list is completed.

The replacement Honeywell Boiler received as part of the Energy Audit agreement is in place and almost operable.

The Fall Frolic netted about $9,000 profit.

Discussion ensued concerning the close or sale of Dauphin and Lancaster County nursing homes.  At this time, Cedar Haven would not be able to accept more than two emergency admittances.

In honor of CLAs nomination of him as Business Person of the Year, Commissioners passed a resolution marking September 22 as Bill Kolovani Day in Lebanon County.

Prison Board:  488 inmates—428 males and 60 females.  165 unsentenced inmates and 16 state-sentenced inmates reside at the prison.  The expansion project is approximately 65% complete.

September 22, 2005

Personnel Director Gary Robson received approval to create five part-time positions in central booking.  The positions will increase the pool of available staff, but not increase hours worked within the allotted 96 hours per week.

Don Lesher, Dave Henise, and Troy Williams met with the Commissioners to receive a five-year appointment for Lebanon County Christian Ministries to serve as our facilitator to dispense Lebanon County's Department of Agricultural government surplus payment, which is $112,000 annually or about 10% of LCCM’s total budget.  While LCCM distributes food, toiletries, clothing, and heating oil to needy families, the County allotment can only be used for food.  Also, while Pennsylvania provides cash, the USDA actually provides surplus food for distribution.  During this past year, LCCM identified distribution sites at Trinity Untied Methodist Church in Lickdale and at St. Paul’s UCC in Schaefferstown.  Next year, a site should open in Palmyra.

In addition, LLCM discussed a sixty-space, 90 x 160’ County Parking lot expansion on the old Dutch Miss parking lot, which is adjacent to the existing north County lot.  Commissioners are awaiting a second appraisal before proceeding with the $60,000 acquisition using 2003 Bond Issue funds.

In the afternoon, Commissioners sat as the Board of Assessment Appeals.

September 15, 2005