Thursday, April 2, 2009 9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held today, all members present. Stohler presiding.
The meeting opened with the Pledge to the Flag.
Commissioner Litz introduced Michael Borrell of Polaris School. Mr. Borrell, English Teacher at Polaris, an Alternate Education School, along with five (5) students, stated that they are attending today’s Commissioners meeting for a government class being taught at the school.
The Commissioners approved the minutes the previous meeting.
Sallie Neuin, Lebanon County Treasurer, presented the weekly Treasurer’s report with expenditures for $3,872,468.29.
Kathy Verna, Executive Director and Teresa Trainer of P.R.O.B.E. (Potential Reentry Opportunities in Business & Education), met with the Commissioners to present an overview of the Financial Literacy Project of Lebanon County. The objective of P.R.O.B.E. is to promote sound financial literacy practices within Lebanon County through education, counseling and referrals. It was also stated that Governor Rendell proclaimed the month of April as “Financial Education Month.
At 9:52 a.m., the Commissioners sat as the County Board of Elections.
At 955 a.m., the Commissioners reconvened the regular meeting.
It was moved by Comm. Litz, seconded by Comm. Carpenter to adjourn the meeting.
At 10:05 a.m., the Commissioners met in an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
At 11:00 a.m., the Commissioners attended the State of the Industry Tourist Promotion Agency
Update held at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center.
Thursday, April 9, 2009 9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held today, all members present. Stohler presiding.
The meeting opened with the Pledge to the Flag.
The Commissioners approved the minutes the previous meeting.
Sallie Neuin, Lebanon County Treasurer, presented the weekly Treasurer’s report with expenditures for $3,068,671.40.
This week’s net payroll is in the amount of $1,015,561.97.
Commissioner Stohler informed those in attendance that Comm. Litz had called into the meeting to participate via teleconference. Comm. Stohler stated that unless there is sickness or an unusual circumstance, teleconferences are not permitted as each Commissioner knows ahead of time when they are elected that the meetings are held every Thursday morning. Further, if a Commissioner chooses to take on another commitment that conflicts with the regular Commissioner meeting then that is a choice they have made which should not interrupt the Commissioners meetings.
Christopher Shaak, Vice President of Lebanon County Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., 518 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA; along with William Sullivan, Chief of Juvenile Probation, met with the Commissioners to present a Mentoring Grant for approval. Robert Swanson, Director of Youth Advocate was also in attendance.
The Commissioners approved to collaborate with the Lebanon County Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. as they make application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, for funding under the OJJDP FY 09 Recovery Act Local Youth Mentoring Initiative. The funds will be used by Youth Advocate in an effort to reduce juvenile delinquency, violence, gang participation, school failure and drop-out rates in Lebanon County. LCJP makes refusals to their agency. Youth Advocate are required to present annual audits to the Board and explain how the funds have been used.
The Commissioners approved the FY 2008-09 second quarter invoices as follows:
2nd quarter invoices Amount
IV-E Placement Maintenance $101,551.81
IV-E Adoption Assistance $ 48,517.60
Medicaid $ 375.94
TANF $ 39,017.04
Total $189,462.39
At 9:50 a.m., the Commissioners sat as the County Board of Elections.
At 9:55 a.m., the Commissioners reconvened the regular meeting.
The Commissioners approved the transfer of $206,661.33 from the General Fund to Wachovia Bank to pay principal and interest due on April 15, 2009 for the 2006 bank loan.
The Commissioners approved the transfer of $4,707.91 from the General Fund to Jonestown Bank& Trust Co. to pay principal and interest due on April 15, 2009 for the 2007 bank loan.
The Commissioners approved the transfer of $266,523.75 from the General Fund to the 2003 Bond and Coupon Account held in Fulton Financial, Lancaster, PA to pay principal and interest due on April 15, 2008 for the General Obligation 2003B.
The Commissioners approved the transfer of $100,416.88 from the General Fund to the 2004 Bond and Coupon Account held in Fulton Financial, Lancaster, PA to pay principal and interest due on April 15, 2009 for the General Obligation 2004.
Marilyn Nolte, Kay Litman and Bonnie Loy were reappointed members of the Lebanon County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council with terms to end February 19, 2012.
Keith Shields and Donna Gathright resigned as members of the Lebanon County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council.
Susan Killinger and Rosemary Wenzler Milgate were appointed members of the Lebanon County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council with terms to end February 19, 2012.
It was moved by Comm. Carpenter, seconded by Comm. Stohler to adjourn the meeting.
At 10:05 a.m. the Commissioners met in an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 10:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held today at Cedar Haven, all members presiding. Comm. Stohler presiding.
The Commissioners asked for public comment and no comments were heard.
Edward Schlegel, Administrator and Marcia Krause, Assistant Administrator of Cedar Haven, met with the Commissioners to discuss the business matters of Cedar Haven.
The occupancy at Cedar Haven is 98% of capacity.
It was moved by Comm. Litz, seconded by Comm. Carpenter to adjourn the meeting.
At 12:00 noon, the Commissioners met with other members of the Prison Board to conduct their monthly meeting.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held today, all members present. Stohler presiding.
The meeting opened with the Pledge to the Flag.
The Commissioners approved the minutes the previous meeting.
Commissioner Litz stated that she does not agree with the statement that Commissioner Stohler made during last week’s Commissioners meeting. Comm. Litz read a statement in opposition that Commissioners are not allowed to have teleconferences during regular Commissioners’ meetings when they are away to attend another meeting that benefits Lebanon County. Commissioner Litz also stated that are no policies in place and Commissioners should not be denied access to participate in a Commissioners’ meeting. She also provided “Proposed Teleconferencing Procedures” to the other Commissioners for their consideration.
Commissioner Stohler reiterated his position on teleconference for Commissioners’ meetings.
Jamie Wolgemuth, County Administrator read a legal opinion from the Assistant County Solicitor regarding Participation via Teleconference in Commissioners’ Meetings under Section 503 of the County Code and Babac v Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board 613 A 2nd 551, (1992).
Sallie Neuin, Lebanon County Treasurer, presented the weekly Treasurer’s report with expenditures for $2,828,861.03.
The Commmissioners, upon the recommendation of County Treasurer Neuin, to approve and sign a Corporate Authorization Resolution to establish a new account at Fulton Bank Lancaster, PA for the Planning Departments’ Parks and Recreation Program.
Jenny Murphy-Shifflet, President of the Sexual Assault Resource Counseling Center (SARCC), met with the Commissioners to receive a proclamation and to present highlights of the SARCC program and events that have and will take place to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Mrs. Shifflet announced that SARCC will be expanding their services to a Pottsville Office that is tentatively scheduled to open its doors July 1, 2009.
The Commissioners adopted the following proclamation to proclaim Sexual Assault Awareness month of April 2009 as “SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH” in the County of Lebanon.
The Commissioners approved and signed a resolution for the Planning Department to apply to apply to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a grant to undertake the Alden Place Trailhead Project.
The Commissioners approved and signed a resolution for the Planning Department to apply to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a grant to undertake the Phase 5, Lebanon Valley Rail Trail Project.
Henry Funk was reappointed to the Lebanon County Health Facilities Authority with a term to end December 15, 2013.
Andrew Marhevsky resigned as a member of the Lebanon County Health Facilities Authority.
Barry Ansel was appointed member of the Lebanon County Health Facilities Authority, to fill an unexpired term to December 15, 2009.
It was moved by Comm. Litz to adopt Teleconference procedures. Motion died for lack of a second.
It was moved by Comm. Litz, seconded by Comm. Carpenter to adjourn the meeting.
Thursday, April 23, 2009 9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held today, all members present. Stohler presiding.
The meeting opened with the Pledge to the Flag.
It was moved by Comm. Carpenter seconded by Comm. Stohler to approve the minutes the previous meeting. Comm. Litz voted “Nay”. Motion carried.
Ranae Lemke, 1st Deputy in the Lebanon County Treasurer’s Office presented the weekly Treasurer’s report
with expenditures for $4,208,145.07.
This week’s net payroll is in the amount of $1,043,236.71.
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation to proclaim the week of April 26 – May 2, 2009, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in the County of Lebanon.
The Commissioners adopted a resolution for Kathryn Kirkwood, Kathryn is an individual who never tires to volunteer and dedicate herself in recognizing our veterans. Throughout her many years of service, she served on the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 23 Auxiliary, the VFW Post 23 Honor Guard, and she graciously takes the time to place flags at county cemeteries for Memorial Day/and or Veterans Day in honor of those who have served our country. Kathryn serves the past and present veterans with concern and commitment of providing integrity to her profession. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE, The Commissioners of Lebanon County, on behalf of all veterans and all our citizens unite to thank “KATHRYN” for her many years of dedicated service.
The Commissioenrs adopted a proclamation for Mary Louise Sherk as she is being honored for the untiring community service work she performed for many years within the County of Lebanon. Mary Louise Sherk will be honored as the recipient of the ‘J. Robert Ladd Community Service Award’ and the Lebanon Valley Sertoma Club ‘Service to Mankind’ award on April 24, 2009. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, The Commissioners of Lebanon County, on behalf of all our citizens, take this opportunity to congratulate and recognize Mary Louise for her outstanding achievements. FURTHER, we do hereby proclaim Saturday, April 25, 2009 as ‘MARY LOUISE SHERK DAY” in the County of Lebanon in celebration of her, and to thank her for the contributions she has made in our community.
The following individuals met with the Commissioners to present an overview of their 2009
National Health Care Week and Nurses Week programs and to receive a proclamation for each:
Robert Longo, President & CEO – Good Samaritan Health Care Systems
Jackie Gould, VP Nursing Services – Good Samaritan Health Care Systems
Sheila McDermott-Lord, Director of Nursing – Philhaven Hospital
Robert W. Callahan Jr., Director – Lebanon VA Medical Center
Michael Grove, RN, Associate Chief of Staff for Patient Care Services – Lebanon VA Medical Center
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation to proclaim May 6-12, 2009 as ‘NATIONAL NURSES WEEK’ and encourage all citizens of Lebanon County to join in this expression of appreciation for the contributions given to our community by nurses.It was moved by Comm. Carpenter, seconded by Comm. Litz to adopt the following proclamation to proclaim Hospital Week in the County of Lebanon.
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation to proclaim May 10-16, 2009 as ‘NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK’ and encourage all citizens of Lebanon County to join in this expression of appreciation for the contributions given to our community by these hospitals and the employees, medical staff, and volunteers who represent them.
At 10:00 a.m. the Commissioners along with the County Controller, sat as the Retirement Board.
Archie Battistelli, Vice President and Michael Battistelli of Stifel Nicolaus Lebanon Office, along with Kevin Caron of Washington Crossing Advisors, met with the Retirement Board to present the results of the 1st Quarter Lebanon County Municipal Employees’ Retirement Fund.
The Commissioners approved and signed the second quarterly January 1-March 31, 2009 Report for Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Section 261 Funds. The original grant amount is $26,484.03 and total expenditures to date are in the total amount of $7,832.59.
Catharine Kilgore, Grant Coordinator in the Lebanon County Adult Probation Department, met with the Commissioners to inform them that Lebanon County has been selected as a pilot site for Suicide Prevention Training for Community Corrections Professionals via Policy Research Associates (PRA), Inc. The proposed training date is schedule for Friday, May 8th, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
It was moved by Comm. Litz to adopt the teleconferencing rules presented at the last Commissioners’ meeting. Motion died for lack of a second.
It was moved by Comm. Carpenter, seconded by Comm. Stohler to disallow teleconferencing at all under any circumstances. Comm. Carpenter and Comm. Stohler voted “Aye”. Comm. Litz voted “Nay”. Motion carried.
It was moved by Comm. Litz, seconded by Comm. Carpenter to adjourn the meeting.
Thursday, April 30, 2009 9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held today, all members present. Students participating in “Youth Government Day” along with the Commissioners and the County Administrator are as follows: Comm. Stohler (Reitnouer) presiding.
Timothy Reitnouer – Cedar Crest High School
Larry E. Stohler, Chairman
Katie Sholley – Annville/Cleona High School
William G. Carpenter, Vice-Chairman
Avery Stoppi – Eastern Lebanon High School
Jo Ellen Litz, Secretary
Stephen Lum – Northern Lebanon High School
Jamie A. Wolgemuth, County Administrator
The meeting opened with the Pledge to the Flag.
The Commissioners asked for public comment and no comment was heard.
The Commissioners approved the minutes the previous meeting.
Kayla Attig of Eastern Lebanon High School, student counterpart of Sallie Neuin, County Treasurer, presented the weekly Treasurer’s report.
The Commissioners accepted the Treasurer’s report with expenditures for $4,208,145.07.
Alicia Corle, Kimberly Heagy, Crystal Hitz and Hannah Kleckner, members of the Annville-Cleona High School Little Dutchmen FFA Club, met with the Commissioners to give a presentation on farmland preservation. This team recently won first place on the county level for their presentation in an agricultural issues competition that was sponsored by the Pennsylvania FFA Association.
It was moved by Comm. Carpenter, seconded by Comm. Litz to adjourn the meeting.