February 19, 2008

 

 

 

TUESDAY:  A Regular Meeting of the Somerset County Board of Commissioners was held at 10:41a.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room.

 

 

PRESENT:  Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes, John P. Vatavuk, and James C. Marker, Commissioners; Allison Rullo, Barbera, Clapper, Beener, Rullo, & Melvin; Kirk Swauger, Tribune-Democrat; Judy Ellich, Daily American; Craig Weaver, The EADS Group; William Vescio, Bryan Funding, Inc.; Kerri Burtner, Comprehensive Plan Coordinator; JD Kirkpatrick, WJAC-TV; Randy Welker, Fiscal Analyst; Vince Pavic, Human Resources Director; Carolyn Zambanini, Chief Clerk; and Sonya Augustine, Assistant Chief Clerk.

 

 

 

Approve Minutes

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to table the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, 2008, as well as the bid opening held on February 11, 2008.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Approve Payment of Bills

 

Motion by John P. Vatavuk, seconded by James C. Marker to approve the payment of bills in the amount of $931,916.58.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Bids – Area Agency on Aging – Leased Vehicles

 

Bids were opened on February 11, 2008, for the lease of two (2) 2007 or 2008 new front-wheel-drive mid-size sedans to be used by the Area Agency on Aging.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to award the bid for the lease of two (2) 2007 Pontiac G6 Sedans to WOY BROTHERS, INC. of 10674 Somerset Pike, Somerset, PA  15501, in the amount of $254.12 per unit per month, upon the recommendation of Arthur DiLoreto, Administrator of the Area Agency on Aging.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Travel Requests

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the following travel requests:

 

request for Charles Crimone, Natalie Hunt, Sharon Hahn, Al Reddecliff, Bruce Gallagher and Sherri Hoover of Children & Youth and Probation Services to attend the PCYA Meeting/Training on March 25-28, 2008, in State College, Pennsylvania;

 

request for Thomas Anderson of Veteran Services to attend the Annual PSACDVA Conference & Educational Seminar on June 16-20, 2008 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania;

 

request for Dave Meyers of the Probation Department to attend the Instructor Certification on Spontaneous Knife Defense/Technical Defense on March 10-14, 2008 in State College, Pennsylvania;

 

request for Pam Walker and Brigette Kostick of Area Agency on Aging to attend the Ombudsman Enrichment Conference on March 10-12, 2008 in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; and

 

request for Richard Wagner of the Domestic Relations Department to attend the Director’s Spring Conference on May 7-9, 2008 in State College, Pennsylvania.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Somerset 911

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the request of Richard Lohr, EMA Coordinator and David Fox, 911 Coordinator, to promote GERALDINE BUDZINA of Boswell, Pennsylvania from Part-time to Full-time Telecommunicator; and to hire BRIAN EARL LEVENTRY of Stoystown, Pennsylvania, as a Full-Time Telecommunicator for Somerset County 911, at annual salaries of $21,193.00, effective February 25, 2008.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the request of Richard Lohr, EMA Coordinator, and David Fox, 911 Coordinator, to hire RUSSELL JAMES MILLER of Jerome, Pennsylvania as a Part-Time Telecommunicator for Somerset County 911, at an hourly rate of $7.85, effective February 25, 2008.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the request of David Fox, 911 Coordinator to remove TIFFANY ROHDE-WYANT of Berlin, Pennsylvania, from the payroll as a Part-Time Telecommunicator for Somerset County 911, effective February 14, 2008.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Somerset County General Authority

 

Daniel W. Rullo, Solicitor explained that the financing for the Quemahoning Pipeline through PennVest is  subject to the Commissioners’ guarantee.  PennVest has asked that the County execute an Agreement for Bulk Purchase of Potable Water with the Somerset County General Authority in connection with that guarantee.  This Agreement is similar to the Agreements in place with Conemaugh Township, Somerset Borough, Somerset Township, and Lincoln Township for the purchase of water.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the Agreement for Bulk Purchase of Potable Water between the County of Somerset and the SOMERSET COUNTY GENERAL AUTHORITY (SCGA) authorizing the County as a water customer of the SCGA for the purchase of such amounts as are necessary to cover any financial shortfalls for the Somerset County Water System – Quemahoning Pipeline Project.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Tax Claim Bureau

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the following Offer to Purchase Property at Private Sale, subject to the approval of the municipality and school district involved as well as any objection to the Courts:

 

Name:                                     Kevin Berkey

Amount:                                                $57.50

Owner:                                   Manor Real Estate & Coal Co.

Address:                                                PO Box 608, Johnstown, PA  15907

                Grantor:                                  John W.  Pile et al

Location of Property:          Stonycreek Township 44-16100

Description of Property:     16.22 A D Min 16.22 A Exh

                                                               

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the following Offer to Purchase Property at Private Sale, subject to the approval of the municipality and school district involved as well as any objection to the Courts:

 

Name:                                     Ryan C. McMasters

Amount:                                                $186.00

Owner:                                   William L. & Mollie M. Walter

Address:                                                c/o Walter M. Walter, 3549 Hoods Branch Rd, Springfield, TN  37172

                Grantor:                                  Grazier Supply Co., Inc.

Location of Property:          Conemaugh Township 12-31840

Description of Property:     1 Lot

                                                               

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Children & Youth Services

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the unpaid leave of absence for Employee #2016 of Children & Youth Services for the period of January 31, 2008 through April 23, 2008.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Tableland Services, Inc.

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the request of Travis Hutzell to submit a Grant Application on behalf of Children & Youth Services/Tableland Services to the Pennsylvania Department of PUBLIC WELFARE for the Time Limited Family Reunification Grant in the amount of $387,351.00, for Fiscal Years 2008-2011.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the request of Travis Hutzell to submit a Grant Application on behalf of Tableland Services, Inc. to the Pennsylvania Department of PUBLIC WELFARE for the Fatherhood Initiative Grant in the amount of $91,800.00, for Fiscal Years 2008-2011.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

Election Board

 

Motion by John P. Vatavuk, seconded by James C. Marker to recommend the appointment of C. GREG FRANTZ, ESQ., of 118 West Main Street, Somerset, Pennsylvania  15501, to the Election Board for the Primary Election to be held on April 22, 2008, to serve in place of Commissioner Marker as he is a candidate for Vice Chairman of the Republican Party on the ballot; and to authorize Daniel W. Rullo, Solicitor, to petition the Court to officially appoint Attorney Frantz to the Election Board.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the Rental, License and Services Agreement between the County of Somerset and PREMIER ELECTION SOLUTIONS, INC. of 1253 Allen Station Parkway, Allen, TX  75002, to rent two (2) AccuVote-Optical Scanners and 128 KB Memory Cards in the total amount of $2,540.00 for the 2008 Primary and General Elections including shipping expenses. 

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Daniel W. Rullo, Solicitor stated that the additional two (2) scanners are needed to help avoid delays in processing absentee ballots.  The Voter Registration and Elections Office currently has only one AccuVote-Optical Scanner to count all the absentee ballots.  An increase in absentee ballots is expected during the Presidential Election.

 

 

 

Route 219

 

Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes announced that a Press Conference will be on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Somerset County Office Building.  Congressman Bill Shuster and our State, County, and local leaders along with business leaders and the entire community have been invited to attend to launch the County’s effort to have State funding for Route 219 restored to the Highway Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) list.  State funding in the amount of $9 million needed for the next phase of the completion of Route 219 from Somerset to Meyersdale has been removed from PennDOT's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Without this necessary State match, PennDOT is unable to access the $45 million that has been set aside by the Federal government, through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), for this construction.

 

A meeting with State Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler on February 15, 2008 revealed that a change in Federal legislation has made funding for required State match money for ARC appropriations difficult.  In addition, the State is experiencing an infrastructure crisis with its bridges.  The Commissioners have requested Congressman Shuster and Congressman Murtha to assist with the necessary legislation to correct this issue. 

 

Kerri Burtner, Comprehensive Plan Coordinator presented a Subscription Agreement with Capital Advantage for approval.  She explained that the Capwiz-XC software can be used by residents of Pennsylvania to send email messages to legislators who represent Pennsylvania.  If approved, the software will be linked to the County webpage and will enable residents to send email messages to elected officials requesting that the funds be restored for the construction of Route 219.  This tool can be used throughout the year for other County issues.   

 

 

Motion by James C. Marker, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to approve the Subscription Agreement between the County of Somerset and CAPITAL ADVANTAGE of 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 600, Fairfax, VA  22031, for a one-year subscription to the State Capwiz-XC service package in the amount of $4,500.00, to enable the delivery of advocacy email messages to elected officials.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners adjourned upon motion by James C. Marker, and seconded by John P. Vatavuk at 10:56 a.m.

 

                                                                               

 

 

_____________________________________________

                                                                JAMES C. MARKER, Secretary


February 19, 2008

 

 

 

TUESDAY:  A Somerset County Election Board Meeting was held at 10:57 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room.

 

 

PRESENT:  Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes, John P. Vatavuk, and James C. Marker, Commissioners; Allison Rullo, Barbera, Clapper, Beener, Rullo, & Melvin; Kirk Swauger, Tribune-Democrat; Judy Ellich, Daily American; Craig Weaver, The EADS Group; William Vescio, Bryan Funding, Inc.; Kerri Burtner, Comprehensive Plan Coordinator; JD Kirkpatrick, WJAC-TV; Randy Welker, Fiscal Analyst; Vince Pavic, Human Resources Director; Tina Pritts, Voter Registration and Elections; Carolyn Zambanini, Chief Clerk; and Sonya Augustine, Assistant Chief Clerk.

 

 

 

Motion by John P. Vatavuk, seconded by Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes to approve the following Ballot Question for the Rockwood Area School District for the Primary Election to be held on April 22, 2008:

 

Do you favor increasing the Rockwood Area School District real estate tax by 3.60 mills in excess of otherwise permitted increases to provide funds for maintaining class size, restoring and maintaining textbook replacement cycles, indoor and outdoor facility maintenance, including correcting possible safety concerns, maintaining and improving technology and maintaining field trips, athletic and other extra-curricular programs?

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Daniel W. Rullo, Solicitor explained that by law the Rockwood Area School District can raise school real estate taxes for 2008-2009 by .97 mills but would need court, Department of Education, and voter approval to raise them by the 3.60 mills needed.  Solicitor Rullo read the Non-legal Interpretive (Plain English) Statement in connection with this Ballot Question which will be posted at each precinct in the Rockwood School District.  A discussion was held regarding the reasons the Rockwood School District is asking for approval of the increase.  

 

 

Motion by John P. Vatavuk, seconded by Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes to post the Non-legal Interpretive (Plain English) Statement in connection with the above-referenced Ballot Question at each polling place in the Rockwood Area School District.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

Tina Pritts, Director of Voter Registration and Elections, announced that March 24, 2008, is the last day to register to vote in the Primary Election.

 

 

 

The Election Board meeting recessed upon motion by Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes, seconded by John P. Vatavuk at 11:04 a.m.

 

 

___________________________________________

                                                                                                JOHN P. VATAVUK, Vice Chair


February 19, 2008

 

 

 

TUESDAY:  A Somerset County Employees’ Retirement Board Meeting was held at 11:08 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room.

 

 

PRESENT:  Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes, John P. Vatavuk, and James C. Marker, Commissioners; Donna Schmitt, Treasurer; Allison Rullo, Barbera, Clapper, Beener, Rullo, & Melvin; Kirk Swauger, Tribune-Democrat; Judy Ellich, Daily American; William Vescio, Bryan Funding, Inc.; JD Kirkpatrick, WJAC-TV; Randy Welker, Fiscal Analyst; Vince Pavic, Human Resources Director; Carolyn Zambanini, Chief Clerk; and Sonya Augustine, Assistant Chief Clerk.

 

 

 

William Vescio of Bryan Funding, Inc., presented the Investment Review for the Somerset County Employees’ Retirement Fund for the Fourth Quarter of 2007, a copy of which is attached hereto. 

 

 

 

The Somerset County Employees’ Retirement Board meeting recessed at 11:19 a.m.

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________

                                                                                                CAROLYN M. ZAMBANINI, Secretary

 

 


February 19, 2008

 

 

 

TUESDAY:  A Regular Meeting of the Somerset County Salary Board was held at 11:19 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room.

 

 

PRESENT:  Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes, John P. Vatavuk, and James C. Marker, Commissioners; Donna Schmitt, Treasurer; Allison Rullo, Barbera, Clapper, Beener, Rullo, & Melvin; William Vescio, Bryan Funding, Inc.; Randy Welker, Fiscal Analyst; Vince Pavic, Human Resources Director; Carolyn Zambanini, Chief Clerk; and Sonya Augustine, Assistant Chief Clerk.

 

 

 

Carolyn Zambanini, Chief Clerk, explained that clarifying language to the motion adopted January 3, 2006 relative to the promotion of Caseworker I’s to Caseworker II’s for Children and Youth Services is needed. 

 

 

Motion by Donna Schmitt, seconded by John P. Vatavuk to promote CASEWORKER I’s to the position of CASEWORKER II with a one-step increase upon completion of one-year of County employment and the recommendation from the Children & Youth Services Administrator following the first year evaluation.

 

The vote was unanimous.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

The Somerset County Salary Board meeting recessed at 11:20 a.m.

 

 

 

_______________________________________

                                                                                                CAROLYN M. ZAMBANINI, Secretary