Aerial mapping project approved by commissioners

BY STACI WILSON

The last aerial mapping of Susquehanna County took place in the 1980s or early 1990s – the county commissioners believe the time has come to update those pictures.

The commissioners approved an agreement with Pictometry International Corporation of Rochester, .Y., to provide orthophotography and mapping software for use an integration in the county’s GIS, assessment, 911 and emergency management departments. The cost of the project could run from $119,725 to about $367,000, depending on the contract review and decision on the final product. The money would come from county Act 13 – Impacy Fee – funds and could be spread over a six year time period.

Audience member Edna Paskoff voiced privacy concerns – saying the mapper taking pictures over her property could by an invasion of privacy.

Commissioner Michael Giangrieco said the updated maps would be a great benefit to the county assessors in determining if a building on a property had been removed or if a new structure had been built.

Commissioner Alan Hall said the upgrade in technology would enable 911 dispatchers to do their job more effectively.

The county renewed its agreement with MCM consulting for a 36 month term for the completion of the 911 Communications Center annual review, including wireline and wireless planning through PEMA.

The commissioners also signed a contract with Constellation Energy for electricity for a one-year period at $.07474/kwh; and through PPL for the county’s Clifford Twp. district court location at the rate of $.08386/kwh.
The commissioners acknowledged the hiring of Justine Ord as a finance/enforcement officer and Jacqueline Thatcher, as an intake officer, both positions are in the Domestic Relations department.

The termination of Stacey Hibbard from the county jail, effective March 20, was also ratified.

The salary board also convened on April 9 with changes on the agenda to address the recent contract agreement with the Residual Bargaining Unit including a two percent raise for 2014, retroactive to Jan. 1.

Effective April 17, all members of the Residual Unit will have eight hour work days.

In 2015, the employees will have two floating holidays but the “birthday” floating holiday will be replaced by a holiday designated by the board at the end of the year. Employees in the bargaining unit may take their birthday as a floating holiday for the remainder of 2014.

The other floating holiday this year will be Dec. 26.

The board created a non-union, detective and K9 handler position with a salary range of $30,000-$37,500.

The job title of Roads and Bridges/Maintenance was changed to add Safety Manager to the title – with a wage increase also approved.

The starting salary for 911 dispatchers was also increased to $12-$17 per hour depending on certifications and proficiencies.

A temporary position was created in the prothonotary’s office.