COUDERSPORT — At the Potter County commissioners’ meeting on March 14, Commissioner Paul Heimel reported on the results from the public opinion polling held as a foundation for the Northern Pennsylvania Tri-County Comprehensive Plan for Potter, McKean and Cameron counties.
As part of a multi-tiered public engagement process, this online survey will help in identifying areas of need in the three counties based on public opinion. It was an opportunity for residents, property owners and other stakeholders to provide input on a range of issues, including transportation, public services, agriculture., employment, conservation, community facilities and education that will help guide future decision making.
According to Heimel, with 2,400 responses tallied, the top issues identified were business attraction, and workforce development, protection of clean air, water and natural places, expansion of infrastructure, enhanced attractions for tourism and recreation, strengthening downtown amenities and community services, such as expanded housing and addressing issues related to drug addiction.
In his report, Commission Chairman Douglas C. Morley said that after considering various factors, he will not seek reelection when his term expires next year.
Commissioner Susan Kefover reported that she spoke at the National Honor Society induction ceremony at Galeton Area High School. She discussed a disturbing social trend that has been identified — the lack of listening skills — and emphasized the importance of listening to the well-being of individuals, organizations and society.
In other news, the commissioners
*approved an agreement with Enterprise Fleet to lease four vans for the Human Services Department;
*proclaimed National Police Appreciation Week May 12-18 in the county; and
*appointed Thomas Patterson to the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Advisory Board for the term of April 2019 to April 2020.
Commissioners approved a contract renewal with KOS Inc. for Potter County Courts office equipment. With this annual contract that begins April 1, there will be a charge of $84 per machine/service call for copiers; $54 per machine/service call on typewriters, printers and fax machines.
During the public comment part of the agenda, Coudersport Borough Tax Collector Teresa Kisiel, speaking on behalf of the county association of tax collectors, inquired about the handling of a temporary tax collector vacancy in Pleasant Valley Township.
She was informed that the Pleasant Valley Township Supervisors have requested the county collect taxes for the current year. This township vacancy is to be filled at this year’s municipal election with the new tax collector to be installed in 2020.
Maria Kosa, recruiter from Empereon Marketing in Coudersport, told the commissioners that the company is actively recruiting to fill multiple vacancies, including 30 new positions that are being created as the company expands its employment to handle incoming calls for a communications company that has contracted for services.
