County plans energy efficiency upgrades

BY STACI WILSON

Updating the antiquated coal fired boiler in the courthouse is the primary focus of the county’s energy savings project.

The commissioners approved Johnson Controls as the county’s energy services company after reviewing the company’s proposal for the guaranteed energy savings project. Nick Scracik, of Johnson Controls, was on-hand at the Wednesday, May 14 meeting.

The coal furnace provides uneven heating throughout the courthouse, steaming up some office area while others remain cold.

The commissioners are exploring hooking on to natural gas as its primary fuel source as Leatherstocking Gas Company plans to bring its local distribution lines into the borough of Montrose this year.

Matthew Fisher, of Hallstead, was hired as the Director of Veterans’ Affairs, effective May 23.

Commissioner Alan Hall said Fisher had 19 years active military service and also served with the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves.

The commissioners also acknowledged the appointment of John Lester as Juvenile Probation Supervisor, per the recommendation of President Judge Kenneth Seamans. Lester’s former job title – Assistant Chief of Probation – was eliminated by the Salary Board.

The Salary Board also changed five part-time corrections officer positions to full-time positions at the county correctional facility.

Reappointments were made to the Susquehanna County Tourism Committee for a one year term, effective May 8-May 7, 2015. Those reappointed include: Andy Auklakh, Gregg Confer, Kim Ross and Michele Suchnick. The commissioners pointed out that vacancies remain on the committee.

The commissioners also acknowledged the resignation of Ankur Patel, Judicial Law Clerk, per Judge Seamans, effective May 2.

The county’s general contracting equipment contract with Ken Raugh Excavating was updated to add a tracked skid steer at $92 per hour and labor to run the equipment to $42 per hour.

The commissioners also signed a contract with the Dept. of Community and Economic Development, Community Development Block Grant program for $237,478 in funds to be used for street repairs, demolition and employment training. The funds were applied for in August 2013 and will be administered through the Susquehanna County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The contract period runs through April 6, 2019.

The commissioners adopted a proclamation honoring Dr. William Bush for his many years of service to education in Susquehanna and for being the recipient of the Baden Powell Council of Boy Scouts of America 2014 Susquehanna County Distinguished Citizen award. Bush, the superintendent of the Elk Lake School District, will retire at the end of this year.
The commissioners also recognized Micaela Rhone for being chosen the 2014 Girl of the Year by the Nellie Jane Dewitt Business and Professional Women’s Club.

The Susquehanna County Board of Elections approved a temporary polling place change for Friendsville Borough from the St. Francis Xavier Church Hall, to the Neumann Center, Choconut Twp., for the May 20 election. The change is due to a heating oil spill and the site complies with American with Disabilities Act regulations.