By SARA FURLONG

s.furlong@bradfordera.com

SMETHPORT Commissioners recognized several April observances with four proclamations shared during their regular meeting Tuesday at the McKean County Courthouse.

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Fair Housing month, while National Library Week and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week are both also recognized in April.

‘Children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of McKean County … we

Proclamations… page

Each library director in McKean County attended the commissioners’ regular meeting Tuesday, during which April 6 to 12 was declared National Library Week in the county. From left are Patty Kunicki, director of Friends’ Memorial Public Library in Kane; Commissioner Marty Wilder; Commissioner Carol Duffy; Becky Feightner, director of Bradford Area Public Library; Commissioner Tom Kreiner; Lori Rounsville, director of Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport; Imani Klein, director of S.W. Smith Memorial Library in Port Allegany; and Courtney Baker, director of Mount Jewett Memorial Library.

Photo provided acknowledge that we must work together as a community to build awareness about child abuse and contribute to the social and emotional wellbeing of children and families in a safe, stable and nurturing environment,” their proclamation read.

Each library director in McKean County attended Tuesday’s meeting for commissioners to declare April 6 to 12 National Library Week.

“Libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can explore new ideas and be drawn to new possibilities,” commissioners read, encouraging “all residents to visit their library and celebrate the opportunities they unlock for us every day.”

Several Realtors also attended the meeting to mark the proclamation of Fair Housing Month. The Fair Housing Act, enacted April 11, 1968, toward eliminating racial segregation, “prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability, and commits recipients of federal funding to affirmatively further fair housing in their communities,” commissioners read, entreating private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of McKean County.

April 13 to 19 is a time to recognize the “first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services,” public service service telecommunicators. Dispatchers are “the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our cities, counties and nation safe.

“When an emergency occurs the prompt response of police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property,” their proclamation read. McKean County dispatchers “have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients” and have exhibited compassion and understanding during the performance of their job this past year. Commissioner Marty Wilder noted that “librarians are the fiercest defenders of the First Amendment,” while Commissioner Tom Kreiner added that the four proclamations are “all vitally important. We appreciate all that you do.”

Kreiner further noted that April is also National County Government Month — “I appreciate my fellow commissioners and county employees for the work they put in day in and day out,” he said — and April 20 to 26 is Conservation District Week.

During regular business, commissioners appointed Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center (BCPAC) Executive Director Darren Litz as the America250 advisor for McKean County. Litz replaces Carolyn Newhouse, who stepped down from the role.

They also approved a right-of-way agreement between the county and National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. to replace a gas line near the fairgrounds.

Commissioners approved a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency subgrant of $33,426 and tabled a resolution that would approve a radio system maintenance agreement with Capital Area Communications.

Several Department of Human Services (DHS) provider agreements were renewed with Avanco International Inc. for Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) upgrade, HIPAA and consulting as well as Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) maintenance.

During the commissioners’ comments portion of the meeting, Wilder noted a second proposed disposal injection well in McKean County. In addition to the one already operated by Catalyst Energy Inc. of Pittsburgh in Cyclone, Sandstone Development LLC of Cyclone has applied for a permit to operate a ClassIIR waste injection well in Lafayette Township.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comment — and will hold a public hearing on the matter, but only if they receive sufficient public interest in doing so by April 29.

“Go on the EPA’s website, search Sandstone Development and Cyclone, Pa., for instructions on getting in contact with them by phone or email,” Wilder said.

Commissioners will meet again at 10 a.m. April 22.