SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to enter into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of State to accept Help America Vote Act funds in the amount of $39,554.46 to purchase new voting equipment that must be implemented by the 2020 primary election as mandated by Gov. Tom Wolf.
The county has already contracted to buy equipment from Elections Systems Software, with an initial payment having been made, partial equipment delivery accepted and training started.
Commissioners also OKd a McKean County Industrial Development Authority $1 million tax exempt revenue note, Series 2019, for the project at the Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc., a non-profit corporation. The BEH plans to undertake a project consisting of renovations and an addition to its existing long -term facility located in Bradford City.
In order to provide funding for this project, including a portion of the expenses incurred in the financing, the authority has agreed to issue its tax-exempt note or notes in the maximum amount of $1 million.
The county will create a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee to assist in promoting an accurate population account to secure the potential in received moneys and grant funds that are based on census demographic counts.
Prior to the unanimous vote of approval, Commissioner Carol Duffy read the resolution that said this committee will advise and assist the county in obtaining the most accurate census data, is to be comprised of representatives including, but not limited to each organized municipality with a body of council members, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, county departments of planning, economic development, human services, public schools, as well as three to five at-large members.
Unless the county commissioners extend the work of this group, it shall exist from October 2019 through August 2020.
In another unanimous vote, commissioners approved the 2019 state Homeland Security Grant Program grant agreement.
The counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson and McKean have executed a mutual and intergovernmental cooperation agreement expressly authorizing the Northwest Central Pennsylvania Emergency Response Group’s activities on behalf of the respective political subdivisions.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, authorized to provide federal money intended for the purpose of supporting identified planning, organization, equipment, maintenance, training and exercise needs to oppose acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events, has identified NCPERG as an entity authorized to act on behalf of the six counties for the purpose of supporting the planning, training, preparedness and response needs to address the acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
PEMA is to award $261,699 to the NCPERG.
Commissioners approved numerous contracts for the Department of Human Services.
In a personnel matter, commissioners appointed Dr. Catherine Koverola, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, to the board of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission as the educational representative.
The commissioners’ next meeting is slated for 10 a.m., Aug. 27 at the courthouse.
