COUDERSPORT — Potter County will be part of a four-year study focused on agriculture and water needs that is being headed by Penn State University (PSU).
At Thursday’s meeting, commissioner Paul Heimel discussed details of a recent Triple Divide Watershed Coalition meeting wherein Wes Eaton, leader of the research team working on the project, discussed the study that will be undertaken in three counties: Potter, Tioga and Mifflin.
Heimel stated that Eaton gave a fascinating presentation on the study that is aimed at studying water quantity and quality and on agricultural water needs, while also studying the disconnect between agriculture communities, consumers, government, and the community at large. Several outreach and networking events that were held in the past were discussed as possibly being kick-started again to help bridge the gap between farmers and the communities around them.
One of the issues to be looked at is the difficulty some farmers have with utilizing online systems to apply for permits and grants and access information and services. Many farmers are Amish or have traditional ways of doing things and may not have internet access or the skills to utilize it.
The research will hopefully shed light on ways that water conservationists, government planners and other entities can work with farmers to effectively use water and protect this valuable resource.
Commissioner Susan Kefover announced that the Homeland Security course at the Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center has 19 students enrolled for its inaugural year. Municipalities, counties and government entities pledged funding for development and implementation of the program to train individuals for emergency services careers and volunteering — a career category that is expected to see major shortfalls in coming years, especially in rural areas.
“This is so encouraging,” said Kefover. “They have already had one student reach out to a local fire department in the interest of joining.”
Ambulance companies, fire departments and other first response-agencies have seen a decrease in the number of individuals joining their organizations. In addition, many first responders are reaching ages where they will no longer be able to work in physically-demanding situations. Training courses for those types of positions are costly and time-consuming, and it is believed that the development of this course can help meet anticipated needs in local communities.
Potter County continues to work with the Stepping Up Initiative, aimed at reducing the number of individuals with mental illness kept behind bars. A summit will be held in October in Des Moines, Iowa, and Heimel has been invited to attend, at no cost to the county. Heimel stated he will likely attend.
The meeting agenda includes sessions on improving jail booking services, acquiring data, length-of-stay issues for minor offenses, reducing recidivism and developing treatment issues for mental health issues and addition problems.
“All these topics are very relevant to Potter County. Only ten rural counties were invited to attend and I expect to learn a lot,” Heimel said.
Commissioner Doug Morley thanked members of the Potter County Veterans Service Committee and volunteers with veterans’ organizations and other groups who stepped up to help bring the Moving Wall into Potter County.
“I do believe the effort by everyone should be recognized. A big thank you goes out to them. This has been a dedication of time for a lot of people,” said Morley. “It’s a great day for the county to be involved and help bring this in.”
The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was set up Thursday morning at Coudersport Area Recreation Park (CARP) and will be open through Monday. The wall will remain open 24-hours per day to give all veterans from around the area an opportunity to visit. Volunteers will be on-site at all times, and the wall area is lighted for safety and public viewing. Ceremonies are held daily at sunrise and sunset, with a special program to be held on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. which will include a military tribute concert.
Morley also announced that approval was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for borrowing of more than $3 million for needed improvements to the county’s 911 system. Much of the equipment currently being utilized has reached end-of-life, and much is unable to be used in systems with newer, digital equipment. Several areas have “spotty” coverage due to failing equipment which could spell disaster in an emergency situation.
The next meeting of the Potter County Commissioners will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 27.
