Commissioners - Regular Meeting

It is to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Before any executive sessions, I want to, before I give an update, I want to do the proclamation for Pennsylvania 4-H meetings. So I want to read this from here, Claire. Whereas 4-H is America's largest youth development, organization supporting nearly 6 million across the country. And whereas 4-H is Pennsylvania, 4-H in Pennsylvania is delivered by the Penn State Walker and Extension and rural areas, small towns and cities in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth. More than 77,000 youth ages 5 to 18. Whereas 4-H has helped youth in Schuylkill County become confident, independent, resilient, and compassionate leaders as they learn by doing. And 4-H youth in Schuylkill County are served by a network of 35 volunteers, educators, and staff members who mentor and provide hands-on science-based activities that they may develop leadership skills, explore careers, learn problem-solving, establish friendships, become involved in their community, and have action and purpose. And I just want to say there's more on here, but the 4-H is a great organization. They introduced the youth of our county to farming. And to you know, raising animals and the bonds, I gotta say your banquet is one of my favorite that I look forward to. And the food's amazing. So if you ever have an opportunity to go to 4-H banquet and a lot of the members of 4-H actually make the food. And it is just to see how much they care about each other when they win awards and the support that they have is just amazing. It's just, I really appreciate the 4-H, what it's doing in Schuylkill County and everywhere. especially here in Schuylkill County, you know, they're our future farmers, and we need them. We need them so desperately, and to show that interest from a young age all the way up. I think we just had people that were like five years old at the last banquet that were getting awards. It was just really great to see, and it was a really fun time, and I appreciate everybody that takes the time to invest in the children that participate in it, the educators and the staff and everybody that helps them. It's just, it's a really good program. I'm very proud of it in Schuylkill County, and it's just I can't say enough about it. So I appreciate what they do.

Yeah, actually, I was a 4-H member as a young man, too, and my two of my daughters. And the interesting part is not just livestock that they care. Oregon and Blair were both allergic to horse fenders, which was good for me. I had to buy a horse. They've lost the mountain climbing club and very active in that. And Secretary George Bray from Crawford County, a very dear friend, a dairy farmer, a supporter of the Crawford County Fair. His wife was a 4-H leader. His daughter was the wool queen for Proctor County. George's comment was, why 4-H? Why the fairway? I've never seen a kid be sent to jail, leave an animal on a leash, okay? So this speaks leadership, like I said, responsibility, owning an animal, having to do the work, preparing it. It's not an easy task, but it does, it teaches, like I say, club meetings, you organize, you become part of a group, so it's, kids only get better by being part of 4-H, so. Chair Gary?

Yeah, I can't say enough of being involved with the 4-H, and not just at the fair. It's year-round, the programs and projects that they do, again, to promote our number one industry here in Schuylkill County, which is agriculture. And again, showing the youth there, this shows that it definitely has a promising future. of continuing and so forth, that it does remain the number one industry here in Schuylkill County, because it's important, not important just to Schuylkill County, but in Schuylkill, in all of America. I've always said, especially in land preservation, that we got to protect our land and understand that because thing is, is we don't want to rely on someone else to make our own food. And those are the important things. But yous are the true heroes. Keep up the great work. We're very proud of all the accomplishments that you do. And yes, the banquet is a great opportunity. I like to go that I don't have to make it. So it's very good.

One more point. One more point. She won't tell you this, but Brutry Hamilton goes to Brutry on a Sheila, the maiden name. And her husband and brothers and father-in-law have how many state national Christmas tree championships?

Two in the White House and two in the White House.

Each year the Christmas tree growers take Christmas trees to the farm show and the public votes on the, there's five different varieties and they vote on them and they also then they pick best to show and the best to show gets close to natural competition. If you win, then you get, you're invited to put a tree in the White House. It's white and four, four trees have been in Washington, D.C. So kudos to the Shearer family.

Is anyone able to speak on the 4-H and then we'll have the public get a picture?

They all have, they're all introduced.

Okay.

Good morning. As they come, I just wanted to say thank you for your support. Without the support of the county and the allocation of the dollars to Penn State Extension, we wouldn't be able to have the program here in Schuylkill County. So thank you very much for that. As a former 4-H, well, not former, as a 4-H alumni myself, It's great today to turn the blue and white into green and white and celebrate this week with you. And as you said, Commissioner Hess, it's not just today or this week, it's all year round. So thank you very much.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Brianna Luckenbill. I'm a 4-H educator here in the county. And with us today, I have Jamie Lengel, who is our club leader of the Rough Riders and South Schuylkill Dairy Club. I also have Logan and I have Austin and then his sister Layla right there. She's on the course. And Layla's from the South Schuylkill Dairy Club and Layla's also in the Rough Riders Club. And the young lady in the green blazer is Alyssa Cook and her sister, who is the last lady in the role, she is Anna Cook and they are members of the Blue Mountain Livestock Club, the Cooking Club, the Teen Council, and Potato Judging Club. So they're quite active. And yes, we have a potato judging club. We did two years, this is our second year. And Alyssa right here is the state council member for Penn State or Penn State 4-H. She was inducted in January and that is going to be a year round endeavor where she goes out to all of the counties and advocates on behalf of 4-H at the state level. So I would like them just to introduce themselves. But before I do that, I just want to let you know

It's a little, it's okay.

Is this easier? There, that's much easier. We have roughly 170 youth in Pennsylvania, well, in Schuylkill County, and we reach about 100 and 1,400 kids in school and after school. So we deliver projects to the school programs, and then the teachers deliver that within the classrooms. We have 11 clubs, six are animal related clubs, whether it's dairy, livestock, poultry, equine. We have five project specific ones, which would be leadership and teen council, potato judging, cooking club. And then we have one clover bud club, specifically a clover bud club. And they are for the kids, the five to seven year olds that you were talking about. And they do hands-on activities and they focus on non-competitive programs and projects. We have 35 screen volunteers, and these two highlights for this year are we are partnering for the third time this summer with our migrant education program, and we're going to offer a three-day day camp up in Shenandoah to the kids that are part of the migrant education program in Schuylkill County. And the other notable activity, and it happens today, at least it starts today, we have a lot of kids that are really interested in poultry science. And so we are now getting the 4-H Market Turkey Project into our fair. So today, Cucks Turkey Farm is delivering 102 poles to my office and 47 kids, which actually all of these kids are part of that, they will be picking up their poles to take home to raise. And then they're going to each bring one pole, which will now be an adult turkey, to the county fair. So if you go out to the county fair this year, you're going to see roughly 47 turkeys as a new project. And we just have to say, as long as HPAI settles down and we are not in a quarantine zone, our kids will be able to exhibit market turkeys for the first year. But it's not starting off small. It's starting off gigantic. So that's exciting.

Yeah. Do you want to explain that the fair, too, the livestock program, you actually had kids sell at auctions. Yes. Yes. And say, you can come in and maybe you don't want a hog for your home, but you can come in and bid on a hog and then sell it back to the processor, right?

Correct, correct. So we have around 250 animals that will be shown and sold through our county fair livestock sale on a Thursday night of our fair week. And then businesses and individuals come and bid on the animal. And you can either keep it or you pay a certain value of it. And that really is going to the kids. And then the rest goes to a predetermined packer. So you can support the kids with not, want to actually take the animal home because you don't know what to do with it. But if you do want something for your own freezer, we would help you to do that as well.

I had a lieutenant governor call me up a fair years ago and his wife said, for God's sakes, don't bring a pig home or something. And also that young gentleman might start with a rabbit this year, maybe go to a goat next year, then go to a hawk, then go to a smarty steer. What do smarty steers bring?

Three to five. A thousand. Yes.

And in most cases, it's money for your college fund.

Right. Correct. And the kids are required to do a 4-H project. So they have to put in goals and then they have to say how much it costs. So they're actually learning accounting. How much did it cost to actually raise this animal? And then what was the value they got out of it? That's part of growing up is learning how to budget your own life and your own accounts.

Which night is the livestock sale? Thursday night of fair week is always 5 o'clock. No marketing charge, five bucks a mission. You can see the grandstand show for free. Come to the livestock.

And you don't have to bid, but if you're new to the livestock industry, don't raise your hand to wave to someone across the room because that will be a bid.

Don't tell the cow.

Yep, that's sold.

Scott's second one was for all evidences of Big supporter. Scott comes out every year. Him and his daughter. When you're watching 48 Hats, anybody that flies there and gives a kid a hat, he'll buy 45 or 50 animals.

It's wonderful to see the industries in our county that come back to support the kids.

Yeah.

So let me introduce, if you just want to say your name and a project that you do.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

He just got a rabbit. So when you pointed it out, he got a rabbit this week.

And that's Logan.

Hello, I'm Alyssa Cook.

I'm currently on the 2026 State Council team serving on the Outreach Committee. So I go to events like this and spread the word about 4-H, tell people what we're all about.

So some of my projects that I have this year, I have a market steer, a bee pepper, goats, rabbits, and turkeys. So those are my projects for this year. I will be bringing them up, selling them at the fair, and then this will sadly probably be my last year because I'm moving for college. So it's a great opportunity. I have learned so much through livestock, leadership, cooking, being able to do shooting sports, So it's just given me so many amazing opportunities.

My name is Brayla. I show hogs, dairies, turkeys, and horses. My name is Anna Cook, and I raise goats, turkeys, and I show alpacas up there.

There you go. You got a little bit of everything.

The alpaca one.

The alpacas. Yes.

Yes, if we can get a picture.

For Pennsylvania for each week. Yeah, that's most of the size. Yeah.

Even though he took yours. Here, why don't you stop here? I would definitely because I knew you need it. Is that okay? Or do you want to get in it? We can have someone.

You're shorter, so stand up. How do you want us to do it?

We have to get closer. We're good here. And then you stand between us, right? Does that work? Which camera? Hold on.

Smile, say, and heart health.

Thank you.

Is everybody done?

Perfect. Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. Thank you.

Looking forward to your banquet. Yes. Thank you. Very appreciated. Thank you.

Thanks again. You're welcome, buddy.

See you later. Thank you. Thank you.

We pulled him out of school, and now we have to go back.

We need to go back to school. We need to go back to school. Do you want to stay a little longer? I think in the last phrase, he didn't have to go back to school.

Yeah, it's hard to buy lunch.

We're going to move on to the meeting, so I'm going to continue with updates on the detention facility.

After a meeting Wednesday, Thursday, Thursday morning, we had a call with. Burns County Commissioners, Schuylkill County Commissioners, Pat Caulfield from SMA, and DHS and ICE. So on that call, they answered a few more questions. We have tentative agreements with some things. We're waiting to get everything in writing. I know at the last meeting, a person asked about children and families being in this detention facility. They said there will be no families or children in this facility. It'll be single adults, single females. That's what they said on that. We wanted it right. We asked about their truck routes, their transportation routes, which way they're gonna transport people back and forth from the facility. They're gonna provide that for us. They're gonna put together a lead, a person to communicate with the counties and the surrounding communities. They said they will reach out to local fire companies, EMS, our 911 system, our emergency management people, and the surrounding hospitals and animal associations of fire. We asked specifically about the 911 communications in the building, that if there's whatever tier event in it, that first responders will be able to respond. They said they will work with our 911 in providing that information to make sure that people can communicate if there's an emergency or event inside the building. We asked also about impact on hospitals. What are they going to do to handle that? So they said they'd get us more information if it's an agreement. Now they did state that they're going to have their own dentists, doctors, nurses, x-rays, all kinds of stuff on site. We asked for an advanced life support system to be there too. And how are they going to handle transportation? So that's, they're in the beginning stages. We're hoping this week to have more conversations uh because brooks county has had some similar similar issues but we have a little bit bigger issues because of the size of facility we asked what long-term plans are it's going to shut down they said probably not they are consolidating from 234 facilities across the country down to 34 facilities across the country so i asked the mission winds down probably what would happen is brooks county closed would be going into school you know because they're only going to have 1500. We do have a verbal right now. It's just verbal. Once we have it in writing, that's when I'll believe it. So we want an MOU. We want everything in writing with the federal government. We addressed water and sewer. We're going to get their plans for what they're going to do right now for water and sewer, plus what their long-term commitment is for water and sewer. They did agree to some type of fee to make the municipality, the school district, and county whole. So we don't know if that's a per day bed fee yet. It's still being worked out what they're going to call it, but they kind of agreed to all the tax and bonds full for at least three years of their funding. So that's basically where we're at. Congressman Muser did set this meeting up again. He was on the call. We appreciate him doing it. I know some people get upset when you say Congressman Muser did it, but he is the one facilitating the phone call with DHS and setting them all up. That is our pathway to DHS. So that's all the information we have now. As we get more information moving forward, I know the governor's office through DEP has sent an order stating that no water or sewer permits can be issued by the township or SCMA. I know DHS has responded to that. I don't know what the responses all are. I just know they responded to it. So that's the information we have right now. We're still... But I'm still sticking with everything that I've said before. We are going to keep pursuing these options just to make sure Fugu County is protected because that's what I believe our responsibility is. So that's where we're at. I don't know if Boots or Gary. Oh, we had a meeting on, we did attend a meeting at the Tremont on Friday night. Boots and I rearranged our schedules to be able to go. And it was a very cordial meeting. You know, there wasn't the people that were acting up at our meeting didn't show up at that meeting. So it was a more informational type of setting. You know, I spoke on all the information that we had, provided people with the information. They did provide us with a website that you can go to for information. I don't know off the top of my head right now. Or you can find their operation procedures for detention. So that's where we're at. And hopefully within the next week or so, we get more information, we get an MOU, we get stuff in writing. You know, I want to see what they're going to do about making the municipality and school districts whole. What that plan actually is. Is it a per day med fee? Is it some other thing in lieu of taxes? We gotta define what it is and how much that is. But I told them that at a minimum it has to cover the almost million dollars of loss that combined the municipality and school district and township will have. And so that's where we're at with it right now. I don't know if you have.

The only thing I know we asked also is the schematic of what the inside of the building would look like. They said they would get that to us. So hopefully once we can see that about actually how the setting and how the sleeping arrangements and so forth are. So that was one thing that was asked.

We did ask about setting up some type of group from here with maybe a sheriff and friends and Gary with Firemen's Association and somebody from 911, somebody from EMS, maybe somebody from a local hospital. be able to have tours for the place. So that's one of the things, too, that we did. So we're trying to get as much information as we can and stay on top of it as much as we can. And that's the direction.

Thank you, Larry, pretty much covered in detail. I want to thank Brianna DelVal. She promised it would be an ordinary meeting, and my wife said, I'm not going to come back to the county Like last Wednesday night, she said, please don't ask me about the three month Friday night that she did. She promised to have a quarterly meeting. We did a lot of information exchange. And I commend her for that. I honestly went down there with my heart in my throat the whole time. But it was very respectful. I do thank you for having me.

So plus our sheriff's office provided security. And I believe the state of DC too. And they had private security. but the state police were there, the sheriff's office had a presence there, and private security. I don't know what security funding is.

Households were there, and then the signal.

Signal, that's it. Signal was there. So it was a good meeting. It was a good meeting. So let's move on with public comment.

Morning, Chair. Good morning. So I guess what I'm going to prove

Jeff Conkle, Palo Alto. Just touching on that building, I think one of the main things that does go through, I know you mentioned about walkthroughs and tours. I think you need to get the first responders together as a group and let them do a walkthrough. Once it's set up, being a first responder in a building that size, to not know what it looks like and have a walkthrough, to be dispatched there, that could be a disaster. So hopefully you guys get that set up. Moving on to the normal stuff. Ms. Stevens, do we have that paperwork yet, Dave? Did anybody find that in the solicitor's office? Not yet. Mike mentioned it at the meeting when he was here, but he gave it to the solicitors.

Oh, yeah, but I said we would provide the email and say they were not receiving the report. So we'll get you that. I thought Mike let me do that. We'll get it for you.

Ms. Gaffney, still no response on the FMLA? Uh, but conveniently last week at one o'clock in the afternoon at a local establishment, she confronted me, uh, and with her brother in tow, uh, making some threatening comments, just a bunch of bullies, but she'll sit here if she even shows up here, uh, and won't explain to the people about why she only works a hundred hours every six months on average. So I think that's disgusting to say the least and the way she acted in public front of people. Speaking of that, five elected officials not here at 940 this morning, all collecting about $100,000 in salary and benefits. Not sure if the evidence was ever found that the president judge had mentioned prior to hiring somebody for an astronomical amount of money to do the job. On the agenda, there's a 5% fee for sales now at the tax sales. Is that going to replace the $50 registration fee, or is that still going to be on there?

Not sure yet. Okay.

That just went from $5 to $50 to make up for the extra work. Now you have to throw a 5% fee on top of that to do online auctions. Well, that's the fee because people are complaining that we don't know if people can get into... That's why you need to limit it because all these properties are going to out-of-town and out-of-state people and that's why we have the blank problem. Nothing but out-of-state slumlords is what we're getting. For the assessment, the addendum for $31,000, is that additional division on top of their cash grab already, or is that something that was lower and being increased? Does anybody know?

That is a, I don't believe that was part of the thing. This is a, I believe it's what Chrissy wanted. It's a new program that replaces one of our existing programs so it communicates better and it's around the same cost every day. And that's what I believe.

I didn't see any previous number.

That's a lot of manual work. Yeah, it replaces a lot of manual work because it creates I can't remember the name of the program. It's replacing the program that we have.

And then the last thing I have is the alleged incident with the person that was suspended. I know you're going to say it's a personal matter. But this is, from what I understand now, the third alleged assault this person committed on the county property. And it's all secretive. Nobody knows anything. I mean, to be a worker in there, I mean, we know what happened with George here. And how everything was brushed under the rug and kept quiet and certain people knew stuff. And then Jane Doe 5 happened while everything was hush hush. I know you weren't a part of that, but that's what happened. So now this gentleman allegedly keeps assaulting people, just gets a slap on the wrist and get brushed under the table. I mean, what happened to zero tolerance in the Department of Justice? I mean, we had that DOJ.

They were following the Senate decree exactly with all the investigations with it. And we gotta wait today and we're actually having a meeting about it today.

So I think according to DOJ and the consent decree, I think he should have been fired. You have a lot of people in the courthouse to, you know, you gotta work for the safety of the people and the guests because apparently most of the people are customers. So, all right. Thank you.

Thank you. Any other public comment?

Good morning.

Good morning. Brianna Novell, Orgsburg. First of all, thank you, all three of you and Mr. Dottie for coming. It meant a lot to me personally, but also just to show your faces there and make connections. And I also know that, you know, Ms. Stare was there and she was able to connect with some of the EMS fire people because, you know, she gets funding for them too. I want to bring up a point that you brought up Mr. Fedora at the town hall. And it was about how with our existing prisons, you know, oh, people, we don't want to take them away now because they're employers. And I understand that sentiment, but I'm really worried about us becoming in a dependency trap with this facility. I know that we don't have a lot of leeway with things, but what we do have control over is what we budget. These payments in lieu of taxes, there is no fund, really. It's just like DHS money that was already granted for the three years. But what happens after that? Out west, there's programs for payments in lieu of taxes for the public lands. through the Department of the Interior, but that's all discretionary spending. None of that is guaranteed either. And Congress votes on it. So the Association of Counties or whatever, they're doing a lot of advocacy about those payments in lieu of taxes and how counties are not getting that money. So I worry about that. I want to think about what our budget is going to look like in five years and in 10 years, because we have no idea how long this facility is going to be there. We have no idea what the payments in lieu of taxes will look like. I know it costs money, but it's not going to cost as much as the cost we're facing with this facility commissioning an economic impact study that's run independently, separate at DHS, because DHS is going to kind of give you a sales pitch, and we need to know what we're facing and face it squarely. Thanks.

Thank you. Any other public comment?

Good morning. Hi, Claire Kempis, North Mannheim. I have a question about the spring timeline, and I appreciate you guys going on Wednesday night to the town hall. It was great. Spring timeline, is that still something?

They did not indicate the spring timeline. Okay. It didn't indicate a timeline at all. In your recent conversation? Yeah, our recent conversation.

Okay, because I think it was thrown out there before.

Yeah, some people were saying they were going to try to open by spring. I guess it was in some article somewhere or something like that, but they did not.

Okay. And the other thing is, I know that you were saying that you want to get everything in writing, and that's great. Also, please get in writing some kind of recourse that the county can take when they default on the things that are in right because apparently that is happening like you know money is supposed to be being paid and then it's not happening so. When they default if they default, but they have its evidence is there, make sure that you have some recourse and then like pop on that right away, thank you.

Any other comments.

Morning, Carl. Morning.

Carl Rumble, Springtown. I just want to take a moment to express my appreciation to county commissioners and the county. Two days ago, a member of our staff at Children and Youth experienced a significant and unexpected tragedy of a personal nature. I appreciate the flags being flown at half-mast. And I just want to also express that I'm very proud to be a part of an organization, a department that comes together for one another in time of need.

Is there any other public comment? So we'll move on with the agenda. Marley, back up again.

Good morning. On behalf of children and youth, we have one item for today. Requesting approval to reappoint Sharon Chow to another three-year term on the Children and Youth Advisory Board, the term period of March 19th, 2026 through March 18th, 2029.

Drugs and alcohols.

John Reed, drugs and alcohols. We're asking for approval of a contract with Visualized Change LLC for the period of April 1st, 2026 to June 1st, 2030. Provide case management, outpatient and intensive outpatient along with MAT services with a contract cap of $67,500. And approval of an agreement with Fable for the period of June 1st, 2026 to May 30th of 2027 for $32,400. It's funded via a HRSA grant This agreement is for an annual subscription with unlimited login to Tier 1 vaping prevention game for middle school students. Tier 2 vaping intervention alternative to suspension program. It's upper middle school and high school students. And Tier 1 opiate misuse prevention slash mental health promotion game for high school students. And this will be used by the DNA prevention program throughout the school districts.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah, basing is not more difficult.

Election Bureau.

Morning, Commissioners. Al Grekowski, Election Bureau. It's that time of year again, gentlemen, when we ask for permission to hire all our subcontractors. So we're asking for approval to hire 12 election rovers to start immediately for the purpose of office preparation and logistic and accuracy testing for the May 19th primary election. At the rate of $12 per hour, Rovers to be paid mileage at the rate of 7.25 cents per mile traveled on election day. And assigned to their assigned polling sites were where needed. And they are Mr. Michael Anaskanich, James Zerbe, Carol Coney-Sizdek, Paula Wormcastle, Jim Gustis, John Geers, Tim Wood, Gary Kiefer, Cindy Drazinovich, Daniel Wachter, Julie Zangary, and William Schwartz. We also ask approval for the hire of following two subcontractors as needed in the office. Carol Cooney-Syzdek, and Paula Wormcastle. We ask for approval to hire four Resolution Board members on Election Day itself at the STS building for the primary election, each being paid $100. Jerry Bowman, Edward Barkett, Renee Buchanan, and Bob Bailong. We ask them to hire 11 drivers to deliver Election Day supplies and equipment to the Judge of Elections in preparation of the May 19th primary election. We have John Hayes at $360, William Klinger, $310, James Zerbe, $350, Jay Tobias, $320, Denise Wallace, $360, Delmar Phillips, $360, Darren Phillips, $310, Gary Kiefer, $340, Steve Queren-Gasser, $320. We have two pending routes. We're just waiting to hear back from those individuals prior to this meeting here today. We have approval to hire six contractors for election day machine delivery in preparation of May 19th primary election at the rate of $14 per hour. And they are Mr. Delmar Phillips, Jeff Kovach, Andrew Grykowski, Dennis Prosic, John Hayes, and Gary Goodman. And finally, we ask for approval to hire the following seven subcontractors for the computing board at the rate of $75 per day. beginning Friday after the election, May 22nd, at 9 a.m. in the Election Bureau office to begin the 2% computation and canvassing of the returns from the primary election held on Tuesday, May 19th. They are James Glock, Yoann Dower, Don Dudach, Jaron Chao, Ann N. Karpovich, Deborah Zak, and Ann Avalo. We have two temporary polling site changes that we need for this primary election. So we're requesting approval for a temporary polling site in Gilberton, precinct 31, due to repairs from water damage this long winter that we're having. So they are currently at the American Host Company. We're going to change to the Continental Host Company at 229 Main Street in Gilberton. The second request is approval for a temporary polling change in Palo Alto, second ward polling site, precinct number 54, due to burr office relocation and renovations. So currently the Pearl borough office is under renovations so we're going to go to the citizens and fire company, where, of course, he works out also at 139 west bacon street. Thank you.

Cheryl Close on behalf of GrantRiders. Today, I'm requesting approval of a contract for $8,000 with M&L Associates for preparation of a home application. Another contract with M&L for $7,500. This is for preparation of a home environmental review record and technical assistance. Approval of change order number one for $22,586 to a contract with Arthur Pat Onst, Inc. This is for unforeseen conditions discovered during demolition of 26 South Main Street Shenandoah. This will increase the contract from $31,191 to $53,777. What was the opportunity? There were openings in walls that were unable to be seen at the time that Benesh inspected. I did bring the report here if you'd like it.

Okay.

The next one is approval to advertise for demolition projects in Riley Township, Mahonay Township, and Frackville. Next three are all cooperation agreements for demolition projects. The first with Riley Township for the demo project at 12 Sport Hill Road. Mahonay Township for the project at 121 Lower Street, Mahonay Township. The next with the borough of Frackville for a demo at 112 West Frack Street. Next approval of a revision to the 2022 CDBG program moving $9,402.91 from Shenandoah demolition line item to Market Street improvements. Approval of a revision to the 2023 CDBG program moving $11,749.45 from Shenandoah demolition line item to Jarden Street improvements. $17,027.79 from the demo line item to the Market Street improvements line item. And now the next three, I'm requesting immediate approval today. Approval of a contract with Affordable Construction and Demo LLC in the amount of 37,000 for a demo project at 40 North Main Street, Mahoney City. Approval of a contract with Affordable Construction and Demo LLC in the amount of $24,300 for a demo project at 326 to 328 Pleasant Street, Minersville, and approval of a contract for $93,700 with Bederick Excavating Incorporated for a demo project at 800, 802, and 804 Mahontongo Street, Pottsville. The reason I am requesting immediate approval is the timing of the funding for the projects.

I'll make a motion, Mr. Chairman, that we do the two requests for affordable construction also under Bederick Excavating What's the time? April 14th.

They need to be completed by April 14th. Second.

Commissioner Padilla? Yes. Commissioner Hetherington? Yes. Commissioner Harris? Yes. Commissioner Rizzo?

Commissioner Rizzo. I request approval of an addendum to the contract with Schuylkill Transportation System. which was approved May 28th, 2025. This addendum will begin on April 1st and will change the rates for senior shared ride trips starting at 360 per one-way trip for a 0.0 to 4.99 miles up to 52.70 per one-way trip for 25 plus miles with an escort. And HSDF trips starting at $1.75 per single use bus ticket up to $86 per one-way trip for 25 plus miles with an escort. The one-way trip rate for MATP clients who do not use senior shared ride will remain the same at $46.25 for one-way trip, $92.50 with an escort.

Thank you. Office of Senior Services, more to Deanna.

Thank you, Commissioner. Deanna Orlowski, the Office of Senior Services. Approval of the title on 19 medical assistance support waiver information referral grant agreement for the period of October 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2026 in the amount of $36,092. The annual funding for this will decrease approximately 28,000 and has changed to a reimbursement as opposed to an allocation. I am requesting immediate approval based on the state asking for this to be returned as soon as possible.

I'll make a motion to re-approve the Title 19 waiver.

Sir, can I ask a question? Commissioner Pedora? Yes. Commissioner Hetherington? Yes. Commissioner Hess? Yes.

And also approval for the reappointment of Georgine Federisca of Pottsville to a three-year term on the advisory board of the Office of Senior Services with the term of January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2028. Thank you. Thank you.

Well, the board's...

Kevin Mayhall, Public Works. I'm here this morning to extend the services for Simplash Corporation to bathroom products and mats for the courthouse, adult probation office, children and youth, human service buildings, communications buildings, and the prison. Effective five years from board approval, date of March 25th, 2026.

Good morning, solicitors. Good morning, solicitors. Good morning, commissioners. David Rice, assistant solicitor. On behalf of the Tax Claim Bureau, approval of a resolution permitting Elite Revenue Solutions to enter into a professional services agreement with Bid4Assets, Inc. to conduct website advertising and online auction services for delinquent tax properties. A 5% buyer's premium of a minimum of $100 will be charged per parcel for properties sold on the website and held by Bid4Assets, Inc. as a fee for their services. The fee will be paid by the winning bidder and not billed to the Tax Claim Bureau. All other taxes and fees will be collected and distributed in accordance with the real estate tax sale law, RETZL. Bid for Assets Incorporated is a third-party vendor specializing in online auctions and is not affiliated with Elite Revenue Solutions. And commissioners, this will benefit the Tax Claim Bureau in a multitude of ways, among them They will not have to rent space to conduct the sale, provide security for that venue. A plethora of safety issues will be eliminated. And there will be no limitation on the number of individuals who could participate in the sale due to location restrictions. And lastly, as the commissioners are well aware, the Commonwealth Court has recently sent out some decisions that I'm keenly aware of that's allowing delinquent tax payers to pay at the very last second, which means they're showing up at these sales with bags of cash. So that provides a huge safety issue to those individuals who are accepting that cash and then have to leave the building. And it just creates havoc and mayhem to people who come there with a bag full of pennies to pay their taxes at the very last second, which to Commonwealth Court, unfortunately, is leaning towards that way. We do it online. They want to pay at the last second. They can do it electronically, and that takes that headache away from the Tax Claim Bureau. Next, on behalf of Tax Assessment, approval of an addendum to the vision contract for the web hosting cost of $7,250 and cloud hosting cost of $24,000 for a total of $31,250 yearly beginning January 1, 2026. to December 31st, 2026, and renewed yearly through 2027. And next on the list, Judge Commissioners, is tax claim. Approval of the attached list of private sales bids pursuant to 72 Pardon Statute Section 5860.613. Thank you. I turn it over.

Good morning, commissioners.

Wendy Yates, local county treasurer. Today I'm presenting the February 2026 Treasurer's Report. Any balance in all accounts? $78,023,242.18. Thank you. Byron, welcome. Good morning, commissioners.

We have a few items for informational purposes only. and adjusted to $2,600 last year's budget for 911. And in this year's budget, in the current year, we have the administration budget change, $12,763, and also in 911, $30,677. Then on behalf of the Office of Senior Services, we have two A supplemental budget appropriation resolution, one for the prior year of $294,659 for which media approval is requested, and one for the current year in the amount of $15,000 for media approval is required.

So motion for 2025-37 and 2026-06. So moved, Mr. Chairman. Second. Any questions? Mr. Arcadora? Yes. Mr. Arcadora, anything?

Yes. Mr. Arcadora?

Yes.

Good morning, commissioners. We have two items. Drug and alcohol transfer of Ashley Shafi to prevention specialist coming from case management specialist. Grade is 23.808.2 and effective 3.3026. And MHDF transfer of Hillary Cuttick to MHCS caseworker one, coming from DNA intervention specialist, effective 3-30-26, the rate is 25.2583. Appointments, pending drug tests, and physical where appropriate, all actions involving salary or for physicians being graded, or pending salary board approval. That's all.

With the new business, too, I just want to, we were recently at a CCAP convention, and one of our top priorities now is finally looking at reassessment. Fixing the state to fix the issue. But it's done cyclically, that there's some funding for it. It's a shame it took them this long to get that far. And hopefully Harrisburg, hopefully it's being tracked because the state's being sued by the same nonprofit that sued County now. They're suing other states, and I believe they're suing Allegheny County now. There's some issue there. So it's It's just going to expand across straight. Every county commissioner we talked to that hasn't done a reassessment in a long time said it's just a matter of when, because they're systematically picking off counties throughout the state. So hopefully Harrisburg takes this issue and seriously fixes it. You know, one proposal at CCAP backing is for certain sized counties doing every five years. If you're a much smaller county, up to eight years. And if you decide to do it somewhere between five to eight years at some of the smaller counties, or mandating some for counties. So that's one thing when I first started going to CCAP, it wasn't a priority. Now it's one of their top three priorities, so that's good. Also, they brought up the advertisement for counties is becoming an issue because it's hard to find papers of record that have volume to do it, plus the cost of advertising the papers. So hopefully, So we have some movement on that.

Yeah, Lynn did a study to me. How much we spend for advertising for the...

It was in excess of $40,000. I didn't realize it, but also...

It's $170,000 total for the county. It only affects us. It also affects townships and boroughs. And... It's a lot of work. Also, we have friends out in Fulton County. Fulton County has no paper, not even a weekend paper. They're actually advertising the paper in Maryland because some of their readership goes up into Fulton County, which all of us have websites. All of us have computers. There's more computers and websites than there are subscriptions to paper. So nothing against papers, but it's time that we get that burden off of us. And also, we talked about the property tax thing and the reassessment. Larry and I have been pushing really hard, like he said. It's now a top priority, one of our top priority. And the other caveat is the fact that you have to get the school district to stop responsibly assessing. We were actually down, getting back to the one about the advertising, Senator Don Kiefer from York County is sponsoring a Senate bill and a House bill to get to that point where they would change in the state law that we weren't required to do the advertising in the paper anymore. So there is actually, We do have to do stuff now. We go to seminars and we get some stuff done.

There's a lot of good information. Talking to other counties, trying to pick and choose the best. It does have a lot of information.

I know the one that I went to is on the Veteran Affairs. Again, they're pushing down at the Indiantown Gap. Their representatives, like we have Brenda and so forth, make sure per capita that each county has enough to cover when people are coming in and trying to get things taken care of and funding and so forth that way. So hopefully on that end, there's also funding hopefully coming along that would help counties fulfill that duty to have more people within Veteran Affairs. So they're also working on that. So it isn't totally on the burden of the counties. Okay, can I move over here?

Solves our salary board. Affirm any technical exceptions?

No.

Public comment for salary board? Taylor Resource Office? Personal actions? There are no. Nothing to report. Any new business for salary board? No.