County calls for Growing Greener funding

BY STACI WILSON

The Susquehanna County Commissioners are asking the state to provide long-term, dedicated funding for the Growing Greener and Growing Greener II programs.

The commissioners adopted, at the March 9 meeting, a resolution calling for the state legislature and governor to renew funding for the programs.

Remaining Growing Greener II bond funds available are expected to be tapped out this year.

The program, approved by the legislature in 2005, dedicated $625 million spread out over six years.

Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator Jennifer Hibbard was appointed to serve as the county’s primary contact with the Department of Environmental Protection during the completion of the work needed on the municipal water planning grant.

The grant is to be used to update the county’s municipal solid waste plan.

County cost for the DEP mandated update is $9,338 of the $37,350 total planning grant.

Gerald Fransceski, Union Dale, was reappointed to the Susquehanna County Industrial and Commercial Development Agency for a five-year term beginning immediately and ending Dec. 31, 2015.

The commissioners accepted the resignations of Children and Youth Department employee Ryan Latz, effective Feb. 23, and Suzanne Nowalk from 911, effective March 7.

The month-to-month vending agreement between CalJean Vending and the county is set to end April 28.

The commissioners signed a three-year service agreement with American Food and Vending, of Syracuse, N.Y. Either party may terminate the agreement with a 60 day notice.

The county will receive a 10 percent commission on the vending machine sales.

Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer said the commission is used to finance the annual employee Christmas party.

March 31 was proclaimed C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day in Susquehanna County.

The eighth annual C.A.S.U.A.L. is sponsored by the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. It was established by the by the family of Helen Phillips who died from colon cancer in 2002.