Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Kim, was there any executive sessions held?

None were held.

Okay, before we get into our public comment, I'd like to take a moment here. Those who don't know about it already, there was an accident on 81 South this morning after 7 o'clock, and a state police trooper was killed. And it was a vehicle inspection, and Leonard's truck hit a second truck, and he was lifelined, but didn't make it. So let's... First responders, our police force, whether it's state police, local police, township, community society, every day they go out and do their job and these things happen. It's just a shame. Here's what we've lost, an individual, a trooper, and also to keep his family and his friends and his kids and his wife in your prayers. So just a moment of silence, please, for that trooper. In addition, if you watch the news, we had three firefighters in the Midwest that were volunteering in the wildfire. They were lost over the weekend. Once again, first responders doing their job, the volunteers trying to help, and they got caught up in the wildfire. On the good side, nice party on Friday night with the Marriott 250. Great parade, a little bit with the start, but we made, right, Gary, made it. And I also went out to Frackville later on. Frackville had rain in the morning, and it lucked out, and it had sunshine by the evening. And nice parade for a small town there, for the 150. It was three string bands from Jersey, Philadelphia, the Buccaneers, and also the Spartan North School Band. So a nice parade for Frackville. So I can say good job to all the folks involved with the PADCO with the 250, a celebration. It was a big hit. Congratulations to Fractal Nurse. I guess Orangeburg is up this weekend. I think that's their anniversary.

Mary, you have some information about that? Also, I'd like to put a thank you to the PADCO and also the America 250 volunteers that worked at Parade and also at Fireworks that night here in Pottsville. even though the little bit of rain, it turned out very nice. I think the turnout was good along the streets and so forth. And again, like Fractal celebrating their 150th, Forbesburg, and a bunch of things within the next couple of days to celebrate America. And that was our, hopefully our goal was that Schuylkill County celebrates America. And definitely all the little towns, whether the big city like Pottsville to the small towns are doing a lot of things. So You get an opportunity to go out and enjoy and celebrate our country's birth. Also, with that, on Sunday, this is something we've done over the past, I would say, almost eight years now, was with the Cole Region Racing Hall of Fame. They put together a hall of fame. If you know of anything in racing, there was a lot of tracks here in Schuylkill County, a number of them. There's now two left. actually Forestville, and they do a special run down in Auburn. But the thing is, is all these people definitely put their life and legacies together to keep that motorsports together here in the county. So like anything of any recreation, this is one, and they go out and recognize. And what we normally do is we also, the commissioners, give them a personalized proclamation recognizing their legacies. We did that on Sunday, and I'd like to put their names into the minutes in the record that their proclamations were received. And I'll just run over the names quickly, if I may. Bill Boyer, J.D. Emsinger, Andy Fayash, Scott Herning, Terry Hauser, Marty Luckenbill, Bill Oates, Reinhold Fred Thiel, TOBY TOBIAS, SENIOR, HANK WELLBANK, BRUCE WILLIAMS, AND DANNY WOOD ALL RECEIVED PROCLAMATIONS. AND I'D LIKE TO PUT THAT IN A FORM OF A MOTION, IF I MAY, THAT THEY RECEIVE THEIR PROCLAMATIONS. NEW SPEAKER I'LL SECOND THAT MOTION, COMMISSIONER.

NEW SPEAKER COMMISSIONER PEDROZA, COMMISSIONER HETHERINGTON, COMMISSIONER HESS. NEW SPEAKER YES.

NEW SPEAKER THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

NEW SPEAKER THAT'S GOOD. NEW SPEAKER OKAY. NEXT UP, THE PUBLIC COMMENT.

GOOD MORNING. Good morning. Steve Moyer from Pennsville. My wife's here. If you let me claim her three minutes, if I go over, please.

No, that's not how this works.

Okay. That's great. Okay. Don't break me in today. You can count your three minutes. I went to Cline Township Data Center meeting last night. Sat there for three hours. The planning commission was there, the supervisors, and the company. Currently, a quarter of the questions asked were not answered. BP&L stood up and said, you know, the company's going to pay for the transmission line. And then she said, well, you know, our electricity could go down because of BP&L. That affects me. They asked the questions. I went up. Just like now. I said, Steve Moore, you're possible. No, you can't speak. It doesn't concern you. I said, sir, PPNL concerns me. Get out. The guy behind me, five cops took him out. My thing today is the super majority of our politicians, not all, but a very select few, Barney, Our politicians are beholden to big business. And it is so sad that we have to be able to say, well, I want to say something, that I don't live in a fine township, but it affects me? That's crap. I mean, that's what we've come to. Whether you're a township, borough, city, county, state, or federal, all you guys care about, if you're in the supermajority, is what big business is going to do for you and what you can let them do. I mean, because that does affect. I went home very upset for that planning commissioner to slam his thing down and say, no, get out of here. You guys work for us, and I'm not taking your time, but I'm saying this. You talk about the $250,000, of America, I am so saddened and disgusted at the way this country has become, because the politicians are beholden to the big corporations, and we can't get in. We're not getting ahead. Now, when they raise that rate up there, that's going to affect me. Down in Manist, Virginia, where the commissioner his packet from the county, the light bill for a buy went from $100 in December to $280 in January of 2026, and it's been that way since. So, you know, don't tell people it doesn't affect you if you don't know what you're talking about. Because really, it was a good thing I was on my third value that I'm prescribed, because I don't know what I'd tell you about that, man. for saying it don't concern you. He didn't know what he was talking about. He wanted to talk so Amazon would believe he's trying to approve this project.

Mr. Moyer, that's your three minutes.

Okay, last thing. PP now said all the transmission line coming down to the data center, that's going to be paid by the company. That's going to be paid by all of us. When they write it off on their taxes, And somebody has to make that up. Not just Planned Parenthood, all of us. And so while I appreciate you for observing the 250th anniversary of our country, I am deeply, deeply brokenhearted and saddened at the state of affairs of this country. Thank you for letting me speak. And thank you for letting me go over the time.

Just a point, was that their planning commission client townships? That wasn't the county's director?

Correct. But he's very ignorant. I mean, he could have just said, no, I didn't know what Tony found until I read the article last night. When she was here, she said, local residents only. How can you say that when it affects us all if we're on PPL? I hope you guys have a happy 250th anniversary, because I am not. Good morning, Chris.

Good morning, guys. Good morning, commissioners. Chris Molesky, Norwegian Township. Please refrain from any comments until after my three minutes. Today, I would like to address something that affects every resident in Schuylkill County, how our county communicates with the public. We are no longer living in 2006. We are living in 2026. Residents expect government information to be available with a few simple clicks. Transparency should never require detective work. I recently compared Schuylkill County's website to Westmoreland County's website, and the difference is night and day. Westmoreland County provides an organized website with easy access to departments, elected officials, staff directories, public reports, services, contacts, and information that citizens need every day. It is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. By comparison, Schuylkill County's website is difficult to navigate. Residents click through multiple pages just to get basic information. Some department links take you away from the county website altogether. Financial reports are difficult to locate. Board appointments, board members, vacancies, appointment dates, and term expiration dates are not readily available for the public to review. Government information belongs to the public. It should never feel hidden behind layers of menus. This brings me to an important question. According to county information that I previously provided, the IT department consists of seven full-time employees and two per diem IT specialists, with total salaries and wages at approximately $470,000 base salary each year. Taxpayers are investing nearly half a million dollars annually for IT. What are they receiving in return? Why isn't there a modern website, searchable and easy to use? Why can't residents quickly locate reports and public records? Why doesn't Spokane County maintain an active county Facebook page to communicate meeting notices, emergency information, job opportunities, public hearings, and other important updates where residents actually receive information today? A modern website and a strong social media presence are no longer optional. They are fundamentally responsibilities of transparent government. An effective website saves employees time, reduces phone calls, improves efficiency, builds public trust, and demonstrates accountability. Every unnecessary click, every missing report, and every piece of information that cannot be found weakens the public's confidence. Commissioners, this is not about appearance. It is about transparency, accountability, and public service. The technology exists. Other Pennsylvania counties already have demonstrated it. which can be accomplished, Schuylkill County should not be settling for less.

Mr. Malesky, that's your three minutes.

Okay. I'll wrap it up by saying, as we prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary of Independence Day, I thank you for your time, Commissioners, your service to Schuylkill County, and your consideration of these recommendations. I wish you, county employees, and all of Schuylkill County residents a safe, happy, and enjoyable Fourth of July. Thank you guys for your time.

You're welcome, President. Anyone else? Good morning, Mr. Gaffney. Good morning.

Jeff Dunkel, Palo Alto. Five elected officials not here at 9.30 this morning, receiving a nearly $100,000 salary and benefits packet. Ms. Stevens' right to know request issue is still going on. Ms. Gaffney still has yet to come and explain her FMLA claim to the public. Moving on, speaking of the 250th, the event was a good success in Pottsville. Great job to the committee, PATCO, the county, the city, and also the city street crew. They did a great job. Gary, thank you for donating all the food for the spread for Friday night. Larry also came down and helped set up and did a good part in getting sponsors as well to offset the cost. Boots, I'm glad you stayed away for the parade. It was good to see. And of course, Miss Gaffney joined you. So, you know, photo opportunity, so you can't come to work at all. But let's get on the float, get some pictures, and throw some candy to the kids. It's truly disgusting, her disregard she has for the taxpayers. Absolutely mind-blowing. You guys sit up there and allow it. And I know you say it's a row office, blah, blah, blah. You've got to push for her to either show up or get her out. There's got to be ways it can be done Make it public. Make it known that you're disgusted with it or not showing up for work. 50 hours in less than six months. It's unbelievable. Larry went on the radio on Friday. I was busy helping set up for the event, but the link was sent to me over the weekend. I got to listen to it. He praised all the row office people for showing up to work and getting their work done. Completely false. Completely false. I'd love for people in a row office position, some of them, I would say the majority of them, Show how many hours we're actually in this building. Of course, that gets blocked with security issues if we write to know, request them. Show how many hours you're here, making that $100,000 a year on the back of the taxpayers while people are struggling to pay their bills as everything is skyrocketing. Four of them, I guarantee you, are in this building less than 20 hours a week. Just think of what that equals to an hourly rate. One of them, who we all know, guaranteed less than five hours a week. Unless there's a photo opportunity, unless it's taco day in the canteen, I heard she loves that. Or, if there's a tour, she took over for Horny Hal doing the tours. Truly disgusting, the way she misrepresents the people. He also complimented Joanne Sterre for her efforts in the West End. It's funny, one of her biggest donors, one of your biggest donors boots, one of Larry's donors, is one of the biggest people spreading biosolids in the West End. Again, it's all trying to keep from letting the public know the truth. Speaking of that, the audio is absolutely horrendous for this. Last week, my stream went down in the middle of the meeting. And thanks to all the people that work in this building that actually messaged my page, messaged my phone to let me know that it went down. Stop me in the hallway.

That's three minutes.

Okay. Everybody else went over, so I'm going to wrap it up. So thanks to everybody in the building that Did that, let me know. It's actually, I mean, it's absolutely horrible the way that you can't understand a thing. And that's, I don't know if that's what you're trying to do so the public doesn't know what's going on up here. But transparency needs to be the main focus. So get that fixed so the people know what goes on at the meetings. And lastly, the tax assessment on the designee list, those appointments, if somebody can please explain them before you vote on them, because they're confusing and contradicting from what was voted on previously. So if we can explain who's on the board, what positions, that would be ideal before the vote takes place because it's completely different than what was done before. And we can't get any list of any board members. These refuse to put it on the website. We have no terms, any conflict of interest. Again, transparency. We have no idea who's on what board. So I would appreciate it if we were told that prior to the vote being taken. Thank you.

Anyone else have a public comment? That will have the meeting. First up is adult probation. CJ, good morning. Good morning, Commissioners.

C.J. Boganski, Adult Probation. We're looking for approval, Commissioners, to purchase one 2026 12-passenger van from Sands Ford using PA's COSTARS program number 025E22205. The total amount for the vehicle is $69,061. The vehicle will be purchased using offender supervision fee funds at no cost to the county. Thank you, sir.

Morning, Carl. Morning.

Morning, Commissioners. Carl Rumble, Children and Youth. several items today. First, requesting a rate adjustment to an existing agreement with the County of Bucks for their detention services. The per diem rate would be adjusted to $750, and this is pursuant to the rate review and revision provisions in the original agreement. uh next we're requesting approval and an addendum to the agreement bethany christian services of central pennsylvania or lancaster extending its term period to include a fiscal year 20 26 27 the current rates and terms the new end date of june 30th 2027. we're requesting approval on agreement with friendship house scranton pennsylvania for the cloud home residential placement uh services program at 30 and rate $341.73 for the term July 1st, 2026, June 30th, 2028. Next, we have nine agreements each for the term period of July 1st, 2026 and June 30th, 2027. First of those is with GuideSpring Incorporated of Milton, Pennsylvania for counseling services with a rate of $100 per hour. Next is with Clock Towers Schools of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania for community-based residential services at $314.50 per diem, shelter care at $348 per diem. Next is an agreement with the Signature Family Services, West Reading, Pennsylvania, for in-home community-based prevention services. Priority unit rates as follows. Parenting, case for counseling and diversion, $84.53. Visit coaching is at $93. Domestic abuse intervention program, the individual rate is at $102.90. Next is an agreement with CODIS Family Services of Leola for their foster care services with per diem rates ranging as follows. The basic age zero to 11 program is at $92.72. The specialized plus foster care is at $277.58 per hour. They also offer kinship support services with rates as follows. The trust-based relational intervention course is at a unit fee of $7,000. Individualized workshops are at $400 per session. and consultations are at $400 per unit. Next, we have an agreement with Klein and Brooks on the answers of Allentown for foster care services per diem rates ranging as follows. The Tier 1 traditional program is at $65.17. Tier 3 intensive is at $97.76. Next, we have an agreement with Dynamic Counseling Associates LLC of Easton for outpatient counseling services. Evaluations are at $950 per unit. Individual therapy is at $150 per hour. Family sessions are $175 per hour. Group therapy is at $55 per hour. And they also offer a residential treatment program. The level three version is at $884.89 per year. The next 3 agreements are identical in terms for independent council services for dependent, alleged dependent, formerly dependent youth as appointed by the school to county court. The monthly retainer for set services at 4,429 dollars and 93 cents. The extraordinary expenses rates at 75 dollars per hour. And those 3 agreements are with attorney. Thomas J. Campion of Pottsville, with Attorney James G. Conville of Schuylkill Haven, and with Attorney Thomas Pelich of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. That's where they are.

Thank you. Mr. Engineer, are you there? Good morning.

Good morning. I'm requesting approval to enter into a lease with spring garden, spring garden, heritage, LLC for to Christine's way. Farley's bill for the office space in the building known as ciders hill 648 for now the trail possible. The lease is for 7490 square feet and is divided amongst the conservation district. and the Penn State Agricultural Extension. The Conservation District has 2,810 square feet and the Penn State Extension has 4,680 square feet. The term will be for five years commencing September 1st, 2026 through August 31st, 2031. The monthly rent is $4,247.78. for the conservation district, and $7,074.60 for the agricultural extension, and that comes out to $18.14 per square foot.

How does that compare to the last time we had those leases? I know it's a good company.

Yeah, Ciders Hill was sold to this company, and it has increased. The rent has increased by 7%. Yes.

We're on good morning.

We're on serving grant writers approval of a revision to the 2023 program will be 388 dollars and 60 cents from the Butler township street line item. to the Butler Township Home Rehab line item. Approval of a revision to the 2022 CDBG program moving $741.50 from the Shenandoah Market Street line item to the Shenandoah Demolition line item. And approval of a change order number one for $7,500 to a contract with the Fourth Construction and Demolition LLC for a demolition at 326 and 328 Pleasant Street, Minersville. This will increase the contract from $24,300 to $31,800. This is to replace the wooden siding with vinyl siding due to unforeseen damage. That was a fire property.

IT, morning, Governor.

Morning, Mr. Chair. Governor Matz, Information Technology. Approval to renew the agreement with TDI Capital for at least a rubric bracket solution. Solution is provided by Henn Incorporated. Term of the contract will be three years starting July 24th, 2026 to July 23rd, 2029. Cost per year is $37,498, totaling $112,494. Sir.

Good morning, Scott. Good morning, Commissioner. Is he day and day already, huh?

Yeah, yeah. Not good. A motion requested in agreement with the Central Management Solutions of Pottsville for general consulting support services of $12,260 per month and also project management services for $7,000 per month. Term of the agreement is for 12 months starting 1 July 2026, ending June 30, 2027. And there's no increase in the

From the previous years, this has been the same for a number of years.

Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. See, I'm Saturday. Yes, sir. Morning.

Good morning commissioners. Senior services. Proval of an agenda for fiscal year 2526 with accessing independence doing business size. Independent Living Services of Lancaster PA for personal care services to increase the rate allowed by the Department of Aging, APD 260104, dated April 16, 2026, effective October 1, 2025, allowing for a 4.5% increase to the provider. The rate is 2441 and will increase to 2551, effective July 1. The contract cap will remain at $472,000. 231 dollars and 80 cents requesting immediate approval approval of an addendum to extend the contract for fiscal year 2627 with accessing independence doing business as independent living services of Lancaster for personal care. The rate per hour will remain at the 2551 and the contract cap will remain at 472 to 3180. approval of an addendum to extend the contract for fiscal year 26-27 with Lifeline Systems Company of Framingham, Massachusetts for personal emergency response services. The cost per consumer per month will remain the same at $25 and the yearly contract capital remain at $8,796. Another immediate approval requested approval of addendum to extend the contract for fiscal year 26-27 with automatic security alert incorporated of Munho PA for personal response services. The cost per consumer per month will remain at $29.50 for traditional and $41.50 for cellular. And the yearly contract cap will remain at $21,950. Immediate approval is also requested.

Okay, so looking for a motion for two items from accessing independence. And then also a contract with light line services and also a city contract with automated security. Is there a motion?

Second. And the cap you're saying is just staying the same. Yes.

You're making it all second. So moved. And I'll second it. Yes.

Commissioner Panora. Commissioner Hetherington.

Yes.

Commissioner Hess.

Yes.

Thank you.

Yeah. And I also just want to recognize, I know you put out an email about the Possible Center. Yes. It's going to be open until. At least 6 stock and then for a cooling station. That is correct.

And we did get additional cases of water from Scott price from the city of Potsville for the center. Unfortunately, last night, only 1 person took advantage of that additional time being open, but it's going to be tonight tonight and tomorrow. Yeah.

All right.

Well, thank you. Thank you. Okay.

Next up is our finance office. Uh, good morning commissioners just 1 item, but for informational purposes, only that is 5,000 dollar budget adjustment in the human services block. Great.

Administration is for vendor. First, I have approved ratified the designated approved contract for the month of June. I'm asking for approval at this time. Is there a motion to approve? I'll 2nd, add on the question roll call commissioner.

Yes, commissioner. Yes.

And on behalf of the School Conservation District, approval of an agreement for the sale and purchase of an agriculture conservation agent between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the County of Schuylkill jointly in perpetuity for a total purchase price of $246,580, in which the county's contribution totaled $20,000. This agreement of sale is for the Jerry L. and Edna F. Musser No. 1 Farm, UPI 28-4-3, and 28-4-8, consisting of 123.29 acres in South Mannheim Township. Next, on behalf of STS, approval of vehicle maintenance contract for the Schuylkill Transportation System, providing maintenance and repair services to Schuylkill County vehicles at a cost basis plus 15% for parts and fuel, and a labor rate of $58.32 per hour. Self-service vehicle wash is still available at the rate of $5 per vehicle, and the contract term is July 1, 2026, June 30th, 2028, and we are asking for approval at this time.

So is there a motion to approve the designee contract?

Second that. This one is the STS contract.

I'll get those separately.

I think you just did.

I thought they already voted on the STS. Did we do the contracts? No.

This is for the maintenance contract.

Did they vote on the designee contract?

No.

Yes, we can do that. You asked for a motion on the designee contracts, but I think we already did that.

We did?

Yeah.

Okay, sorry. Is it on my designee list, Paul?

No, we already passed a motion on the designee contracts. It's just the contract. It's a vehicle maintenance contract.

All right, so we need a motion to approve the maintenance contract with SDS. So moved. All right. Okay, I'll second that. Any questions?

Commissioner Padora? Commissioner Hetherington?

Yes.

Commissioner Hess?

Yes. My mistake. Sorry.

Mr. Kern, Human Resources Office. A few items today. I'm seeking approval of a site agreement with the SEIU Local 668 to pay one or more employees for translation services and an additional $75 per pay period. The employer will determine the need and select capable employees. The agreement may be terminated at any time by the employer. Also seeking approval of an extension of existing contract, Lehigh Valley Health Network. They've adjusted their rates for the occupational medicine and employee screening services as of June 2026. New rates take effect immediately. There are hundreds of possible services under the contract. The price is increasing, some decreasing. new fees for the frequently used pre-employment screening are standard physical 93.75 rapid 10 panel drug screen 5750 insert specimen no charge ubs 10 panels with mro 55 and also approval for the renewal between Revive Health and the County of Schuylkill for the term July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Revive Health provides virtual primary care, clergy care, and mental health therapy in addition to 1,000 plus medications at no cost to employees and retirees. The annual cost is $150,396. It's offset through a monthly reduction in the County's medical billing. And Personnel Act. In Senior Services, the appointment of Justin Price, Aging Care Manager II, the rate is 18.93. Effective 7626, rated for the contract. In Tax Assessment, the transfer of Raymond Majorino to the position of Field Appraiser. He's coming from Clerk Tax II and Children and Youth. The rate is 17.5736, effective 71326. Informational item in court administration, the appointment of William Ainsbury as a law clerk effective 7-13-26. That's a per diem position. All appointments are pending drug test and physical where appropriate. All actions involving salary or for positions being created are pending salary board approval. And we are asking for a motion on the senior services position.

Is there a motion to approve the senior services? Some will approve. I'LL SECOND THAT. ANY QUESTIONS?

COMMISSIONER PADURA? COMMISSIONER HETHERINGTON?

YES.

COMMISSIONER HESS? YES.

I NEED A VISIT FOR THE OR I'LL TAKE A MOTION TO RETURN. SO MOVED. OKAY. MOVING RIGHT ALONG. Sorry, we're the biggest session. She never helped. Is there any public comment? Sorry, work.

Jeff, don't go out. I didn't really have anything planned, but again, I'm following up to get an answer to the doesn't need contract. Those people are getting paid. So it's part of salary or if you ask me again, who are the board members on there? and it's different than what was voted on previously. Can the public get some answers? Why do we have to keep putting right to no requests in and getting denied because there's no such list that exists? But yet you guys keep appointing them and putting them on boards at $20 and $30 an hour, but nobody knows who these boards are. So again, transparency is key. Why can we not know who's on the board? Why is it hard to get these answers? And why do we have to keep putting right to no is going to get denied after a five-day extension? After their 30 days, and then at 425 PM is the constant trend here. So can we please get answers? Thank you.

And public comment is not moving along. Of course, human services personnel actions.

In Children and Youth, we have a stipend for Guillermo Beitler, caseworker 2, $75 per pay period, effective 7-13-26. That's for Translation Services. Also in Children and Youth, a stipend also for Translation Services for Brenda Moran Delgado, clerk type is 2, also $75 per pay period, effective 7-13-26. The court administration creating the position of law clerk per diem, effective 7-13-26, and then setting the salary for William Amesbury in that law clerk position at the rate of $44, and effective 7-13-26. That is all.

Okay, I need a motion for two people to be translators. So moved. I'll second it. Any questions?

Commissioner Padora? Commissioner Hetherington?

Yes.

Commissioner Haas? Yes.

In the case for administration, the motion to create a position also set a salary for... Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Yes.

My fault. Okay. Moving on to the board of administration, creating a position and also setting a salary for... I'll second that. Other questions?

Commissioner Padura? Commissioner Hetherington?

Yes.

Commissioner Hess? Yes. Comptroller Akinsic?

Yes.

And Judge Ross.

Anything else?

Is there anybody here from court administration?

Judge Hale. Judge Hale. Okay. So let's listen to the roll call again for the Court of Registration.

Commissioner Padora. Commissioner Hetherington.

Yes.

Commissioner Hess. Yes. Comptroller Utensic. Yes. Judge Russell.

Any else for the business? We're going to take a motion to reserve. So moved. Thank you, sir.