COUDERSPORT — The Potter County Commissioners have received information regarding money to partially fund a feasibility study for a Galeton project.
Commissioner Susan Kefover said that state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, announced recently that a grant of $97,750 will be provided to cover a portion of the costs for the feasibility study on the Berger Dam lake in downtown Galeton.
Members of the Galeton Development Corp., have already raised nearly $8,000 of the local matching funds needed to fund the study. Initially, the local match was estimated about $18,000. The commissioners approved a $5,000 Act 13 funds payout to help cover the study, which will seek a way to keep the dam and lake while providing for necessary improvements mandated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
In other news, the newest edition of the Potter County Veterans’ Newsletter is currently available. The publication includes information on the county’s Veterans’ Discount Card and a listing of participating businesses, information on a donation honoring local veteran Mike Szkodzinski, and an editorial by the county’s new Veterans Affairs Director Bill Simpson concerning the importance of recognizing Veterans Day. The publication is available on pottercountypa.net.
During a salary board meeting held prior to the regular meeting, the salary board voted to approve the establishment of a new position. The multi-function clerk will be available to serve across all Potter County offices plus the public defender’s office on a fill-in basis when required for illnesses, medical leave, absences or additional workload.
Treasurer Krista Miller, a member of the salary board, raised several concerns over the difficulties that would likely arise when attempting to fill the position, due to the broad nature of the position. She also questioned whether any current positions would be eliminated and who would supervise the individual.
Commissioner Doug Morley said that current positions would remain unchanged. The individual will be overseen by Chief Clerk Kathleen Majot for assignments, but would be directly supervised by the person in charge of the office in which the person is currently working. The board unanimously approved the position.
Meanwhile, the commissioners acknowledged the hiring of two part-time corrections officers at the Potter County Jail. Joshua Lineman and Rex Windsor were both hired by Warden Glenn Drake and started work on Oct. 17.
The retirement of Edward Searfoss as a part-time van driver with Potter County Human Services was also accepted, effective Oct. 20.
Also, the commissioners approved an improvement committee request for purchase of a new communications system and laptop for the courtroom at a total cost of $9,671. The Potter County Improvement Fund will provide $3,000 — $1,970 from the Prothonotary’s Improvement Fund and the remainder from the 2016 court budget.
Two reappointments to the Potter County Conservation District board of directors were made. Doug Morley will act as the commissioners’ representative throughout 2017, and Leroy White will serve as a farmer director through the end of 2020.
The next commissioners meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport.
