Jo Ellen Litz
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Jo Ellen Litz
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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
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Meeting Highlights Votes taken by the Lebanon County Commissioners 2008: November 13, 2008 For clarification, Commissioners asked Administrator Wolgemuth to send a memo to department heads concerning a recent motion terminating non-mandated training. Commissioners will consider free training without reimbursement for meals or hotel stays. EMA was granted permission to attend a Sunoco emergency response to cargo trucks seminar. Leslie Attig, Stephanie Newswanger, Marilyn Reppert, and Jackie Gould were present to receive a proclamation on behalf of National Homecare and Hospice month. On behalf of the Community Action Partnership, Phyllis Holtry presented an Assurance of Compliance for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program and a $110,766 Community Service Block Grant budget to fund child care, transportation, and GED testing for approval. Phyllis further invited Commissioners to a Salvation Army dedication on Saturday at 10:45AM behind the Farmer’s Market. Nick Yingst, Jo Ellen Sohn, and Sharon Long assisted with counting of 66 overseas military absentee ballots that arrived since last week. District Attorney Arnold joined Commissioners as Solicitor Snelling reviewed last week’s Independent Regulatory and Review Commission decision excluding Lebanon County from distribution of Gaming Revenue from Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing's Hollywood Casino at Penn National. 22 acres of the operation lies in Lebanon County. A requirement to receive a gaming license was to have a race track. Now that the license has been issued, regulators want to limit the license to the gaming floor, which doesn't make sense to Commissioners. Further she read a letter to the Attorney General requesting a meeting and careful review of unintended consequences because of the decision:
Both construction and real estate sales are down, which impacts the number of building permits issued, deeds recorded.... During this difficult and tumultuous economic time, effective the end of this year, it is with respect and appreciation to all County employees that commissioners had to make tough decisions to terminate 21.5 employees across numerous departments. We thank these employees for their years of dedicated service, and are grateful to everyone for their cooperation. We also thank department heads for making further cuts in their budgets and looking for new sources of revenue to ease the burden on all tax payers. As a result of these sacrifices, during a second round of budget hearings on Wednesday and Thursday, over one million dollars was cut from the current deficit, which was created due to numerous factors such as the rising cost of medical insurance, lower returns on investment (interest rates); rising costs of gasoline, heating, food served at Cedar Haven and the Prison; cuts in reimbursements from the State who is experiencing similar pressures; as well as unfunded mandates like a full-time District Attorney. November 6, 2008 Pam Tricamo, Habitat for Humanity, requested that Commissioners consider a joint application for Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds that are available to purchase mortgages as well as condemned and blighted properties. PA will receive $52 million that must be drawn down in eighteen months, but the program will allow up to four years to put people in the houses. The application must be submitted within sixty days as a supplement or addendum to our CDBG application. A non-mandated tank truck training request was tabled. In honor of the Jefferson Award he will receive this evening, Commissioners recognized P. Terry Baker, Palmyra, with a Proclamation. Terry administers the Caring Cupboard, a multi-church food bank. Commissioners then met in executive session to discuss union negotiations for a total of 175 county employees--40 Court Professionals, 60 in Social Services, 5 County Detectives, and 70 at the Prison. Contracts expire December 31, 2008. Friday at 9AM, Commissioners will sit as the board of elections to conduct the official vote count from the 2008 general election. Wednesday, an executive session with thirty department heads will take place to discuss personnel issues. October 30, 2008 Regular Meeting - 9:30AM Jerry Kolanoski requested that solar and wind generation be considered in the new energy audit. He provided a cost analysis and estimated a 15-year break-even point. Commissioner Litz assured Kolanoski that a request has been made to look at alternative energy, especially solar energy. James Holtry, Children and Youth, presented $4,973.17 in quarterly invoices for approval. Michael Kristovensky and Joe Lecisko presented both a $20,793 State Block grant increase and a $5,849 reduction for PDA Waivers for approval A $140,160 DUI court PennDOT grant was approved. Commissioners approved a $25,150 MH/MR contract change with Stauffer Consulting and $2245 for Drug and Alcohol. John Wengert, Rails to Trails, received support for Sergeant Rautzahn and the 201st Red Horse Squadron to construct part of the trail by Fisher Park. Commissioners ratified a letter sent to the Independent Regulatory and Review Commission requesting that the Gaming Commission not be allowed to change the gaming law. Legislative intent, the public good, and the law are all reasons to award Lebanon County gaming funds to augment services supported by Lebanon County. Commissioners approved filling three part-time and one full-time position(s) in Renova Center and a case management specialist for Drug and Alcohol. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)- 11AM
October 23, 2008 During public comment, Stan Alekna and Tom Sheridan requested that a new coordinator be named and gypsy moth be administered by a department other than the Conservation District. Because the program is already approved for 2009, at this time, Commissioners were unwilling to move on the request. Further, Commissioners are focused on the 2009 budget. Abigail Jarboe also presented a personal matter. To raise awareness and help prevent young from drinking alcohol, Susan Klarsch, Claire Lundberg, Robert Count, Jan Giessinger, and Daniel Shultz received a proclamation for Red Ribbon Week. Students will also help to place warning stickers on 10,000 cases of beer. The stickers will remind purchasers that it is illegal to sell or provide alcohol to minors. Carrie Boyer received an endorsement for the Women’s Commission to show Ironed Jawed Angels at the Allen Theater this Sunday at 12:30PM. The film highlights how women won the Right to Vote. Cost is $3 for adults and $1 for students with ID. Proceeds will be used to sponsor Girl Power, a program to give girls a boost of self confidence by teaching them hands on skills like welding, electrical wiring,…. This event is held at the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center. Reflecting zero percent increase in all but two contracts, James Holtry presented 37 contracts for Children and Youth. Nick Yingst, Lebanon County Voter Registrar, presented two Help America Vote Act grant reports. Zero dollars were spent. As the Board of Assessment Appeals, Commissioners heard the Assessment team of Dan Seaman and Karl Stump before ruling on the following properties:
Decisions reflect three possible outcomes of an assessment appeal, a reduction, no change, or rise in a property’s assessed value. The Lesher properties are depreciating, and comparable properties are being sold for amounts less than Lesher’s previously assessed value. Chatham Creek is a new development where parcels are selling for almost double their previously assessed value. Phyllis Holtry presented a $200,427 Work Ready Revised Budget for approval and signatures. Also a $132,921 CSBG contract needed signatures. Dennis Firestone presented MH/MR Roof Bids:
October 15, 2008 Cedar Haven: 96% occupancy (Previously a 90% occupancy rate was required to receive Medical Assistance reimbursement. Currently we cannot fall below 80% occupancy.) Census: 311: 231 females and 81 males UMR paid their quarterly visit. No major infractions were found. Governor Rendell signed a bill into law concerning mandatory overtime for nurses. Bad weather does not require mandatory overtime. New infection control regulations will be put into effect in April. Rather than call families, a requirement for written notification must be established. A grant from the Department of Health is available to offset costs. On October 22, flu vaccine will be administered at the Court House. Relocation of sprinkler heads at Renova should occur by Friday. Commissioners discussed writing a letter to IRRC rebutting the Gaming Board’s recent comments that would result in Lebanon County not receiving ‘gaming funds.' Prison Board: John Hargraves visited from the PA Prison Society.
Because employers are cutting back on their hiring during the economic downturn, so that Stuckey could place more inmates, minimum hours of required work were cut from 32 to 24 hours.
October 16, 2008 Regular Meeting Charles Allwein, representing the deer management committee and board at Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick, requested that the Commissioners allow the Governor Dick board to go back to the judge to expand options for deer management from the labor intensive four-day hunt during the first week of the regular November season with muzzleloaders, bows and shot guns to include an option of an archery hunt during the second season from December 26 to January 10. Only antlerless deer could be harvested. No trophy hunts would be allowed. Authorities predict a harvest of ten to twelve deer, which would make a big difference in reducing the number of seedlings eaten by deer. The park would not be closed to the public, but hunters would have to stay a minimum of 100’ from all trails. The board is in year four of a five year court order to allow hunting to reestablish tree growth. The board would seek a ten year to indefinite management program. Added to the loss of seedlings from deer, gypsy moth ate and killed approximately 100 oak trees this past year. Because sun light could reach the ground, some regeneration is occurring in the oak stands. Too many deer could reverse this growth. Martin Barundick spoke against the hunt stating that he doesn’t believe in killing deer, but would rather have the muzzleloader, bow and shotgun season than an archery only season. Martin preferred to allow natural predators to control the herd. He thought that bob cats, bear, coyote...would move into Governor Dick as development occurred. Commissioner Litz questioned if these predators would pose a threat to hikers in the park. A population of predators may bring a request for different kinds of hunts.
Commissioners Carpenter and Stohler voted not to allow the archery hunt request to go to the courts. Participating by phone from Harrisburg prior to a statewide Farmland Preservation board meeting, Commissioner Litz voted yes to allow an archery hunt. Kevin Schrum, Lebanon County Mental Health/Mental Retardation, presented numerous contracts and a proclamation for approval. Dennis Firestone, Lebanon County Purchasing, opened bids for a MH/MR Building Roof. G. Michael McDavid, Regional Director of Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach, made a visit. At a cost of $25,438, for Child Support Enforcement, Jennifer A Wentzel was hired to replace retiring attorney Joe Hill Jr. Commissioners Carpenter and Stohler voted to suspend all conference/seminar requests until the end of the year. Kevin Schrum and Melissa Herr presented Contract Amendments for MH/MR. Commissioners passed proclamations honoring:
October 9, 2008 Abigail Jarboe received a written response to a previous question concerning a young man who is housed in a CCR facility. Jarboe has been assisting him in addressing difficult issues in his life. Also, Jarboe requested information about mail she sends to another young man. Due to a significant increase in registrations and absentee ballots, Commissioners authorized extra hours for clerical staff in the Voter Registration office from October 6 through November 7, 2008. Staff will be paid straight time up to forty hours per week and time and one half over forty hours. Stephanie Harmon presented invitations to Lebanon County Conservation District’s annual Watershed Forum held this Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Quentin UCC on the corner of Routes 72 and 419 from 9AM to noon. Admission is free. Breakfast is included. Educational materials will be available. Networking with other watershed groups will also take place.
Per a request from the Community Action Partnership, Commissioners approved a $325,000 contract with Philhaven for Crisis Intervention. October 15 Bond and Loan payments were approved:
October 2, 2008
September 25, 2008 Commissioners issued two proclamations, one to:
Wednesday, September 17, 2008Cedar Haven
Prison Board
Thursday, September 18, 2008 Gary Robson, Lebanon County Human Resources, presented personnel requests. Notable is Walter Ford Rau’s retirement after forty years of service. Currently Ford serves as 1st Deputy in the Controller’s offce. M. Lee Meyer, Dean Fernsler and Jon Fitzkee, Lebanon County Planning, as well as Earl Buffenmeyer, Shelly Wiles, Larry Bowman, Dr. Robert Barr, and Dennis Grumbine, presented a 2013 Bicentennial Celebration outline. Commissioners voted to form a 15-member Bi-centennial committee and direct the solicitor to research creation of an appropriate Historic Preservation Fund and the entity to administer it. Nicholas Yingst, Lebanon County Voter Registration, requested a resolution on Electioneering. Draft 4 was adopted. The Lebanon County Board of Elections, consisting of Commissioners Carpenter, Stohler, and Litz, hereby determine:
Pam Tricamo, Director of Habitat for Humanity, requested $108,000 from Act 137 funds to help purchase 2.38 acres of land in North Lebanon Township to provide ten single family affordable homes in our community. Habitat raised money needed for materials, but needs help with the land. The million dollar project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners wanted to talk individually with Pam to decide whether to fund the entire amount, 50%, or a combination of a donation and loan. Habitat last received funding of $40,000 in 2006. Commissioners passed a proclamation honoring the 75th Anniversary of the Community Concert. Commissioners also voted to approve an intergovernmental transfer. Commissioners met with Judges Tylwalk, Charles, and Kline in an Executive Session on personnel. September
11, 2008 September 4, 2008 Gary Robson presented personnel requests. In order to transition and enter delinquent collections, Judge Eby requested and received support of overtime in Adult Probation. However, commissioner’s denied an overtime request for the Prothonotary’s office to scan dockets. Also, Commissioners amended the County’s “No Smoking” policy to prohibit smoking in all County owned or leased building’s facilities, and public entrances, effective September 11, 2008, which complies with SB 246, the Clean Indoor Air Act, signed by Governor Rendell on June 13, 2008. Sue Klarsch, Kevin Schrum, James Holtry, and William Sullivan presented an Integrated Children Service Plan for approval. In order to use carry-over funds for LCCDAA start up costs, David Arnold. Sue Klarsh, and Sally Barry presented a $119,240 DUI Court Budget Modification. Earl Meyer and Tom Kotay presented Transportation Enhancement Project Updates. John B. Wengert also attended. A $455,698.20 contract was awarded to Kinsley Construction for the Wilhelm Avenue bike/pedestrian bridge. Rogele will receive a $705,843 contract for Phases 1 and 4 of the Rail Trail. Commissioners also received an update on the Northern Rail Trail. It appears that the Water Authority is the largest public land owner along the rail bed. 50 out of 110 property owners have responded to a survey, and a public meeting will take place on October 15, 7PM, at the North Lebanon Township Building. Dan Kauffman and Brian Burke presented a Hazard Mitigation Plan for adoption. Cleona will take a vote on whether they want to adopt the plan, then the plan will go to PEMA, FEMA, and finally, back to other Lebanon County municipalities for consideration and potential approval. August 28, 2008 Commission Litz was on vacation. Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing Carl and Abigail Jarboe’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. Sue Klarsch presented 4th Quarter Drug and Alcohol Expenditure Reports totaling $1,156,891. Nick Yingst requested approval of a HAVA (Help America Vote Act) grant agreement, which provides interest of $96,637.65. Commissioners approved a $519,160 DCED Block Grant for the Lebanon County Redevelopment Authority. Effective August 29, District Judge Kim Wolfe’s office will move to 1730 N State Route 72, Lebanon. At 1:30PM, Commissioners sat as the Board of Assessment Appeals. August 20, 2008 Cedar Haven: 314 residents of which 233 are female and 81 are male. At a cost of $40,000, sewage problems were corrected. The Department of Health completed their inspection with only two “D” comments, which are being addressed. Similarly, a Life Safety inspection netted two deficiencies, which are being addressed. Dan Kauffman presented an extended warranty proposal with M/A Com. Prison Board: 540 inmates of which 466 are male and 74 are female.
August 21, 2008 Regular Meeting Gary Robson presented Conference and Seminar Requests. While all requests were approved, Commissioner Carpenter voted against a grant writing and counter-drug workshop for Robert Count at Fort Indiantown Gap. There was no cost for the 40 credit classes. Mr. Count also applied for two mandatory training sessions. Tammy Hartman-Hankins-Lebanon District Attorney’s office submitted $62,030 in RASA (Rights and Services Act) & $31,677 in VOJO (Victims of Juvenile Offenders) Grants. Both programs are for a two year period, and are 100% State funded. Phyllis Holtry presented nominations for a Community Action Partnership advisory board: Richard Fields, Commissioner Stohler, Representative Swanger, Beth Eldridge, Denise Becker, Evelyn Lane, Nori Fisher, Ashley Gonzalez, Joe Kristobak, Kevin Schrum, Pastor Chrystal Smith, Ben Sutcliff, and Mimi Keller. Phyllis and Sandy Long also presented a comparison of services for 06-07 and 07-08.
Archie Battistelli—Stifel Nicolaus—2nd quarter performance report. The retirement fund is down from $93,061,625.15 to $88,917,693.86. Joe Batapaglia blamed the national housing market, which he said will take years to correct through lower prices on existing housing and halting new construction. He commended our local banks for their diligence in administering sound loans. “Local banks are now the only game in town.” Large banks will restructure, raise capital, cut dividends, and cut head counts. There are $12 trillion in mortgages in the United States. Commissioner Stohler moved to appoint Larry A Bowman, Ron Fouche, Mike Walsh, and Randy Hoffman to the Regional Action Plan Steering Committee. The motion carried with Stohler and Carpenter voting aye, and preferring to have some diversity in the appointments, Commissioner Litz voting nay. Commissioners then met in executive Session for personnel matters. August 14, 2008 Stan Alcekna and Tom Sheridan addressed commissioners concerning gypsy moth. For Children and Youth and Juvenile Probation, Jim Holtry, Bill Sullivan, and Karen Alonzo presented a $7,893,182 Implementation Plan reflecting a $23,426 increase in the county share. Overall, the county share will go from $1,897,005 to $1,830,431. They also submitted an increase of $47,053, 2%, for a Needs Based Plan and Budget. This program was $1,830,431, and will go to $1,877,484. Combined, the overall budget is $8,041,327. Phyllis Holtry, Community Action Partnership, presented a $239,950 Human Services Development Fund (the same as last year) and a $202,661 Homeless Assistance Program grant through the Department of Public Welfare. Again, funding is the same as the previous year. Further, Commissioners signed an Assurance of Compliance for the $493,427 Medical Assistance Transportation Program. Next week, commissioners will appoint a board for CAP. Pat Brewer Carpentry received approval for a $670 change order to alter a fire door in conjunction with the Cedar Haven sprinkler system. Commissioners approved an intergovernmental transfer of $6.1 million, which is one-half of last year’s tax and revenue anticipation note. Accommodation of the transfer will net the County $15,000. The federal government is phasing out this program. Commissioners accepted $206,293 in grant-in-aid for Juvenile Probation. August 7, 2008 Treasurer Neuin received permission for her staff to work up to 40 hour weeks through September 12, 2008 to process antlerless deer licenses. Administrator Wolgemuth presented a December 13, 2007 $100,000 DCNR Comprehensive Planning grant for closure. Commissioners approved a $1,796 Management Information System agreement with the County Commissioners Association of PA for web hosting. Commissioners also signed an Emergency Management Performance Grant for Dan Kauffman, Mindy Miller, and Frank Hemler’s salaries. July 31, 2008 Commissioners met at the Lebanon Area Fair and EXPO grounds. Harry Bachman introduced Katie Eisenhower as the 2008 Fair Queen. Gary Robson and Melissa Light presented position requests, personnel transactions and conference/seminar requests. The Courts requested authorization for Domestic Relations staff to work an additional five hours weekly to complete the imaging of licensed dockets and working files and to perform up-front file docketing imaging for active cases. Completion of the project is anticipated by the end of 2008. Salaries are 2/3 reimbursable by the State. Kevin Schrum, Melissa Herr and Shem Heller presented MH/MR contract amendments. There is no increase in County funding. To the original $134,670 contract, $69,645 was added for consumer needs. Sally Barry presented Lebanon County Adult Probation Grant-in-Aid financial statements and funding agreements. Over 35 years, the investigations netted $1.7 million. William Sullivan, Juvenile Probation, stated that his funding is the same as last year, $209,192. Earl Meyer, County Planning, requested four (two from business and two from the community at large) Lebanon County appointments to serve on a 32-member, eight county, Regional Action Plan advisory board that will meet twice. By August 15, interested parties must notify Earl Meyer for consideration by the Commissioners. Eight counties embarked on a regional study of common projects for recreation, water, economic development, transportation…. A $92,000 grant will fund Avant and Gannet Flemming to perform fact finding and analysis. Administrator Wolgemuth presented Community Action Plan grants for approval:
Acceptance of a $13,500 DCNR grant amendment to the Comprehensive Plan grant for the Susquehanna Center for Land and Water. Gypsy Moth presentations were heard from the Conservation District—Chuck Wertz, manager, said that, “Government cannot do the best job” administering this program. However, Wertz stated that if the Commissioners followed the District's recommendation to drop the gypsy moth program, the Conservation District would continue to educate the public on how to handle gypsy moths on their web site and in three public meetings throughout the County. In addition, Board members Donald Bollinger, Bob Arnold, and Calvin Miller spoke to the issue. Also in attendance were board members Connie Hoffer, chair; Gail Smith; Harold Kreider; Tisha Walmer; and Sue Ellen Bowman. Commissioner Litz serves as vice-chair on the board. Dan Kreider also addressed the commissioners pointing out that this is a private property issue. Farmers do not get paid to spray bugs that destroy their crops. Next, State representatives Scott Stitzer and Tim Marasco, Chief of Field Operations, were given an opportunity to answer questions and make statements. Clarification on issues raised at last week's meetings were addressed first:
Residents of Spring Hill Acres and Iron Valley, (West Cornwall Township where 963 acres were sprayed in 2008), and Cornwall Borough (0 acres sprayed) presented their request for spraying in 2009. In addition to Stan Aleckna and Tom Sheridan, Irene Van Tassel showed pictures of moths, egg sacs, and defoliation on her property; described the munching sound made by caterpillars eating; and shared how the manure from the caterpillars must be cleared from walks prior to rains), She also said that the gypsy moth caterpillars are on her newly planted Hemlocks, the state tree. Paul Vranesic and Andrew Curtis (who pointed out that federal dollars are in this mix) made statements supporting spraying. Tom Sheridan asked, “What is the definition of success?” He went on to answer his own question, “The goal is to protect trees from severe defoliation, not eliminate every bug.” Commissioner Litz:
Commissioner Carpenter asked Earl Meyer if spraying was part of the Comprehensive Plan. Meyer said that he is not familiar with all of the aspects of the gypsy moth program, but the Plan does support health and safety issues. Commissioner Stohler moved to continue the gypsy moth program for 2009 and stop county financial contributions in 2010 while continuing to administer the program. The motion carried with Stohler and Carpenter voting aye. Believing that administration would be logistically problematic and costly, Litz voted nay. FYI, female moths are white and cannot fly. If egg sacs are found, a female is probably nearby. Using a spoon to scrape the egg sacs and the females into soapy detergent water overnight will both eliminate the females from laying more eggs and keep the layed eggs from hatching. Gypsy moths that fly are brown colored males. For added drama, a male gypsy moth flew through the meeting room. J July 24, 2008 Public comment was received from:
The Conservation District Board recommended against spraying for gypsy moth in 2009. 1) It is important to remember that the State’s program is a suppression program, not an eradication program. 2) Only certain lands qualify for spraying, and most people who own wooded acres but have no permanent residence are upset and frustrated why they cannot be included. The gypsy moth suppression program targets private forested residential properties, thus benefiting only the private property owners in these areas at the expense of the general taxpayer. If a property owner has an insect problem such as Japanese Beetles, Asian Ladybug beetles, ants, tent caterpillars, etc., the property owner is responsible for the cost to treat their property, if they so choose. If a farmer has an insect problem with his crop, the farmer is responsible to pay the price to rid his crop of that insect. In the same light, if a forest landowner has a problem with an insect; shouldn’t they be responsible to deal with the problem at their expense? The property owner owns the land and the trees. 3) All lands which do qualify for spraying are treated with a bacteriological insecticide, Bt, which may not have the positive results sought by the property owner - -especially in areas with a building gypsy moth population or high blow-in potential. Bt is a biological control, and is one of the most mild, environmentally-friendly insecticides used. It is also short-lived and does not remain on the leaves/in the environment for more than one week upon spraying. Gypsy moth eggs are hatching over a 2-3 week period. Therefore, all of the eggs which hatch a week after spraying will not be impacted by the spray. In addition, blow-in potential from neighboring wooded areas that were not sprayed was very high this year due to the numerous spring days with wind speeds over 8 mph. Gypsy moth larva can travel miles on their silken strands on windy days. 4) The price per acre cost to participate in the 2009 spray program has increased from $17 to an estimated $21 and will only continue to increase as fuel prices increase. With the high infestations confirmed in 2008, all of the 2008 spray blocks could qualify for spraying again in 2009 (approx. 8,500 acres). In addition, complaints are being received from new areas. The county could easily be spraying over 10,000 acres in 2009 at a cost of $21/acre or higher, costing the County over $200,000 for spraying, alone. 5) LCCD has a list of aerial applicators posted on our website as well as tips for homeowner controls. We strive to keep the public informed and provide alternatives for controlling the pest. The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources maintains a private applicator spray list which can be obtained by calling the local Bureau of Forestry Office at 570-385-7800 or by visiting the State DCNR website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us . In 2008, these aerial applicators were interested in spraying in southeast Pennsylvania: www.TallmanAerialSpraying.com - 717-921-2476, www.GypsyMothSpraying.com -RLFS Inc. 518-537-7433, Helicopter Applicators - 717-337-1370. If interested, landowners should contact them ASAP for 2009 spraying. 6) Gypsy moth are very susceptible to a virus, fungus, and parasites. These naturally-occurring “predators” are helpful in controlling outbreaks. A wet spring in 2008 could cause a gypsy moth collapse, which has occurred in many of the years since the last large outbreak in the mid 1990’s. The ‘jury’ is still out for this year. 7) Changes in the program are making administering the program more challenging and difficult. 8) Objectors! If someone does not want to be sprayed but their property is located within a spray block, no one gets sprayed in that block. This creates a very tense situation with neighbors. 9) Landowners in Mt. Gretna are not only reporting continued defoliation after spraying, but also a lack of other moth and butterfly populations, lightening bugs, and ladybugs. Some believe Bt could be the culprit for the downturn in non-target species though there is no proof. 10) Lack of some township/municipal financial support of the program will put the county at risk of overextending their budget. 11) DCNR now requires that ALL landowners within spray blocks must be notified (a Public Notice is no longer sufficient). 12) If we choose to pass the cost on to the property owner and give up the 50/50 cost share between the County and Townships, ONLY those who call and register a complaint will be sprayed. And then a minimum of a 23 acre block is required. So the one property owner who has 1-5 acres of woods must get numerous neighbors to also register complaints or pay for 23 acres instead of paying for only what he owns. We will also have to re-educate all county residents of this new policy change. This will not be an easy task and many residents will be left out. Although the conservation district certainly understands the nuisance created by Gypsy Moth infestations, we feel there are other viable options for the private property owner as well as potential for natural suppression factors rather than having the county become involved in these private property issues. In conclusion, we encourage neighborhoods to mobilize their own control initiatives to their own satisfaction. STATUS OF SURROUNDING COUNTIES
Berks – CD – E&S Tech / Entomological Suppression (West Nile & GM & E&S). Invoices landowners & added a $3/acre admin. fee (which they are increasing to $5 in 2009 because the $3 didn’t cover their costs). Bill landowners individually
Lancaster – Dropped out – no longer offers the program
Schuylkill – Dropped out, no longer offers the program
Dauphin – Participated in 2008, evaluating options. Wants to know what we’re doing / how we’re approaching things. PS. State Game Lands are usually not sprayed.
At the rate of 2.45%. Treasurer Neuin requested endorsement to open a new investment account at Jonestown Bank. Kevin Schrum and Brenda Mettley received approval on the 2009-10 Mental Retardation Plan. Troy Williams presented a request for Lebanon County Christian Ministries to be designated the lead agency for Lebanon County’s official Food Bank. Funds will go directly to LCCM. LCCM provides free noon meals (39,548 in 2007) and purchases commodities for distribution. The Food Bank is considered an emergency service, not a source of ongoing support, and clients are encouraged to utilize other resources available to them. A limit is set of twelve assists in twelve months. LCCM plans to purchase a walk-in refrigerator. LCCM will make their last mortgage payment in 2008. A celebratory open house will take place on their fifth anniversary at the new facility on August 21 from 9AM-1PM. Dr. Robert Barr presented the Star Barn project of Agrarian County to Commissioners, Planning staff, media and other people in attendance. Dr. Barr is a commercial appraiser and former Ag instructor whose current office is in Middletown and family farm is around State College. He purchased the 135 year-old, 65’ tall “Star Barn,” and wants to move it to Lebanon County—along Route 81 in East Hanover Township—on 300+ acres straddling Homestead Road and Route 81. In addition to the Star Barn, he hopes to bring other barns to the site. "Big Moves" International television coverage will film the American Timber Framer’s Guild removing then re-erecting the barn piece by piece, with oxen, draft horses, and 1800’s tools. A chapel for weddings, an expo center, community theater, dairy museum, grist mill, two covered bridges and botanical gardens are also envisioned. A native of Lebanon County, Mr. Reichart actually built the Star Barn. What a presentation! Nick Yingst presented Help America Vote Act certification and reports for approval and signatures. Dennis Firestone presented a recommendation to award the $168,850 lowest elevator bid to Quality Elevator. Dan Kauffman received support for a Tower Contract with Annville Cleona School District. The 125’ tower lease will run for 20 years with an option of two 10-year extensions. A 12’ x 20’ shed will also be erected to support the tower. Solicitor Snelling drafted the document. Area Agency on Aging appointments were made: Doug Stump, Francene Gates, Nancy Smoyer, Joel Schrank, and Adolph Montanya. Administrator Wolgemuth met with Jim Schucker, project coordinator of a Union Canal Tunnel Growing Greener grant recommended by Lebanon County Commissioners. DCNR requested a distinction between Historical Society and County owned land. Commissioners accepted two grants from the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency: $704,846 for the Renaissance Crossroads program and $75,052 for Stop Violence Against Women. July 16, 2008 Cedar Haven Census 312—84 males and 228 females 92% occupancy After five weeks, the Auditor General’s office completed an audit on June 30. With funds raised at the fair, new dining room chairs were purchased. Because Medicare therapy caps were cut to $1830 per patient per month, therapy has been reduced from five to three days per week for each resident who needs this service. The Department of Health is expected to arrive within two weeks for an inspection. At the same rate, Roman Shahay presented an annual renewal for Project Able day care service. Phoenix Services provides transportation at the rate of $13.29 per person per trip one way. Prison Board Census 547—482 males and 55 females
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