County plans demo-reno project

BY STACI WILSON

The commissioners are moving forward with plans to renovate a Chenango St., Montrose property to create more office space for the county

Commissioners Leon Allen and Michael Giangrieco opened bids for the two-phase project at the May 11 meeting.

Four bids were submitted and accepted for review. Three of the bids were for the demolition of part of the structure, phase one of the project. Demolition bids ranged from $24,000 to $40,000.

One company submitted a bid of $141,000 on both the demolition and the renovation (phase 2) of the remaining structure. Project designer John Puzo said the amount was “a real good price.”

After renovation, the county will gain about 2600 sq. ft. of additional space.

The commissioners said they were still not sure what department(s) would be relocated to the building.

They did acknowledge that no court related office could be moved from the courthouse.

The county purchased the Chenango St. home at auction for $190,000 nearly two years ago.

Although situated in a residential area, the Montrose borough’s zoning board granted a conditional use variance to the county.

Following the renovation, the building will retain the look of a house. A parking area will be installed behind the structure following the demolition of the rear portion of the structure.

Bid contracts for the project are expected to be awarded pending review.

Nearly $10,000 of new election equipment for polling places will be purchased from low bidder, Inclusion Solutions, LLC, Evanston, Ill. The equipment upgrades are necessary to keep some polling places in compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The amount has been approved by HAVA and will be reimbursed to the county.

Tax Claim was exonerated from collecting $32.94 in taxes on the Thomas Woodford, Thompson Borough property. The local tax collector did not certify to all of the 2010 taxes for the county’s 2010 Upset Sale and the amount was not collected at the sale. County Debt Service, Library and Thompson Borough special tax amounts were not included in the collector’s certification.

Michael Koscelnak was appointed as the National Guard representative to the Susquehanna County Emergency Preparedness Task Force, effective immediately through Dec. 31.

Members of the Children & Youth Advisory Committee were reappointed to serve three year terms. Reappointments include: Dr. Ronald Miller, Susan Rookstool, Loren Small, Kathleen Kurosky, Mary Hinds, John Blachek, Ester Romeika and Ruth Rought.

Two people were hired as dispatcher trainees in the 911 department.

The commissioners accepted, with regret, the resignation of Leslie Estabrook from the 911 department.

The commissioners also acknowledged the termination of Glyn Kester by District Judge Suzanne Brainard, effective Apr. 25.

Commissioner MaryAnn Warren was not at the meeting. According to the agenda, she was in Harrisburg to give testimony on the local impacts of Marcellus Shale drilling.

In its first meeting since January, the county salary board created the full-time, non-union supervisory position of Fiscal Officer II in Children & Youth.

Starting salary for the civil service position, effective Oct. 3, is $34,000 with an increase to $37,000 on July 1, 2012.

The position will replace the current Children & Youth Administrative Assistant position which will be eliminated on July 1, 2012.

Zahora is expected to retire at that time and will be training someone to take over his job duties with the new title.

The salary board is comprised of the three commissioners and Treasurer Catherine Benedict.