SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners on Tuesday received the 2016 annual report for the McKean County Good Growing Gardens, a project that has received statewide recognition and awards.
This program, referred to as “3G,” dates back to 2011. It was initiated to use community service as rehabilitation and punishment to address criminal behavior. Adult offenders and juvenile delinquents have been court-ordered to complete community service hours at the garden, along U.S. Route 6 in Smethport and other sites around the county.
McKean County President Judge John Pavlock, accompanied by adult probation department employees: Gary Seefeldt, chief adult probation officer; Mike Barnard, community service coordinator; and Kristin Dillenbeck, community service administrative assistant; highlighted certain sections of the report.
According to the report’s introduction, 3G has resulted in a harvest of vegetables, fruits and flowers, while saving tax dollars. “Most importantly, we have seen the program revitalize the goals of those who have participated in it.
“McKean County has cultivated a garden, and that garden has reflected the best in us.”
Graphs in the report reflect the overall decrease in incarcerated persons at the county jail since 2010. The 3G program may not be the sole reason for this reduction since the inception of the program, but it is a significant reason the jail population has declined, according to the report. In 2016, the average population was 70, which is 33 fewer than in 2011.
“I’m optimistic about the program,” Pavlock said. “There have been changes since last year, and 3G keeps growing.”
Speaking about the program’s benefits, Pavlock said, “While working in the gardens can be hard work, there have been benefits. Other 3G staff members and I have seen positive changes in many of the participants’ attitudes.
“Additional benefits,” Pavlock noted, “are growing food for the jail. And we’ll continue our focus to instill in our participants a sense of pride and accomplishment that will assist them in their rehabilitation.”
Seefeldt pointed to the 3G’s partnering with CareerLink as a positive step since that agency’s representatives visit the gardens monthly, assisting the participants with resumes, job searches and interviewing skills.
Dillenbeck commented on the 3G participants’ work with the gardens at the McKean County Fair, which have attracted many positive remarks from the public.
In other matters, County Chief Assessor Angelia Tennies reported on Clean and Green revisions for the 2018 tax year. Meanwhile, the county is projected to lose $1,175,240.03 from properties enrolled in C&G.
In other business, the commissioners approved three invoices. They were $4,273, representing payment for administrative costs involved in the Liquid Fuel Fund as shown on the 2015 Cost Allocation Plan; $18,529.75 from the Area Transportation Authority, representing a portion of the agency’s budget allotment for the period ending Sept. 30, 2017; and another $143,276, which is the second quarter and fourth quarter advance payments for fiscal year 2016-17 for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program.
Also gaining the OK was Smethport Borough’s application for $3,271 in county aid for future paving projects.
Commissioners also approved a resolution authorizing the county to enter an agreement with Penn Power Systems for the emergency generator set planned maintenance agreement for the courthouse. The agreement is effective from July 1, 2017 to June 18, 2018, at a cost of $4,504.
