COUDERSPORT — Potter County Commissioners introduced the newly-hired criminal justice resource coordinator during a regular meeting held Thursday in Coudersport.

Jessica Giebel has been hired to fill the position which was created several months ago to collect data and coordinate ongoing efforts to enact criminal justice reforms identified as best practices in other communities across the country.

Giebel, who was involved in various fiscal matters in her previous position as a bank employee, has a lot of skills that fit the new position, according to Commissioner Paul Heimel.

“This position will help us use our resources more wisely,” Heimel stated. “We’re trying to accomplish three things through these criminal justice reforms — improving public safety, saving money, and helping people get their lives together who were affected by addiction.”

Giebel stated that her first task is to better understand the criminal justice system and the initiatives being introduced. She will be tasked with collecting data to make informed decisions as part of the Data-Driven Justice initiative. Potter County is the smallest of the more than 130 counties across the country to sign onto the national initiative. She will also be compiling data and tracking progress as part of the county’s involvement in the Stepping Up initiative, aimed at reducing the number of people suffering from mental health issues while incarcerated.

Heimel commended members of the Potter County criminal justice system that have embraced many of the proposed changes and come up with additional ideas on their own. “We’re very fortunate to have a forward-looking judiciary in Potter County,” said Heimel.

“Giebel will help us provide an analysis of the outcome of the actions we’re taking,” said Commissioner Doug Morley. “This will give us the data to determine what works and what doesn’t.”

Danielle Gietler was introduced as the new county executive secretary, taking over for Dawn Wooster, who has moved from the area.

Commissioner Susan Kefover recently attended a luncheon for Experience Works/Senior Corps members and volunteers held at the Hotel Crittenden. The organizations match volunteers with non-profit in need within Potter County.

“These volunteers served their communities and county in their working years and now they’re filling a tremendous need in the gaps we have. We commend them for their willingness to do these things. They’re keeping our community strong, our organizations alive and our services going. We couldn’t provide all of these things without them,” said Kefover.

Commissioners approved contributing $1,000 annually towards the Greenways Mini-Grant program to help cover administrative costs. Information was presented at the previous meeting, but the move was tabled to allow for further discussion. While the funding will be granted annually at this point, the agreement can be changed in the future, if the need arises.

Just over $100,000 in funds were dispensed to support the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project currently underway in Genesee to improve the public water system. Funds were received by the county from the state as part of a CDBG competitive grant application and annual entitlement funds.

Commissioners acknowledged a number of personnel changes made by various county department heads. Susan Newton resigned as security guard at the Potter County Courthouse. Charlene Brander resigned from her position as Clerk II for the divorce sector of the Prothonotary’s office. Ralph H. Caldwell resigned as part-time Potter County Human Services (PCHS) van driver.

Sarah Yates resigned from her position as full-time secretary/clerk II in the probation department. She was hired by Judge Stephen Minor to serve as assistant probation administrator.

Sheriff/Jail Warden Glenn Drake hired three individuals to serve as part-time Corrections Officers at the Potter County Jail: Samuel Kysor, Gerald Mitchell and Matthew Kline.

Prothonotary Kathy Schroeder hired Judith Meyers as full-time secretary/clerk II in the prothonotary’s office. Meyers previously worked as the part-time clerk and was promoted to this position. The part-time position will remain unfilled until there is a need in the office.

The next meeting of the Potter County Commissioners will be held at 11 a.m. on July 5 at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport.