BY STACI WILSON

After officially accepting, with regret, the Aug. 21 retirement of Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer, the commissioners approved the appointment of Constance Hitchcock to the post.

Hitchcock joined the courthouse staff six months ago as the Deputy Chief Clerk.

Commissioner Michael Giangrieco questioned the six month probationary period included in the original agenda listing. He advocated that instead of restarting a probationary period, a six month review would be sufficient.
The motion was amended include the review in lieu of the probationary period and Hitchcock took over the post effective Aug. 28.

The county is now accepting oil and gas lease bids, with no surface activity, for a 12.24 acre parcel it owns in Bridgewater Twp. The county jail and recycling center are located on the parcel being put out to bid.
The commissioners also adopted several resolutions pertaining to Community Development Black Grant Disaster Recovery Program funds being filed in cooperation with the Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority. SCHRA administers the CDBG disaster recovery program.

SCHRA’s Bobbi Jo Turner explained that part of the funds would be used to help the Tri-Boro Authority install a flood wall.

Commissioner Alan Hall said the sewer plant had sustained devastating damage in past flood events.

Four vehicles and a utility trailer will be offered up for sale by the county.

Two new police sedans are being purchased for the sheriff’s department. One will be marked, and the other will be unmarked. Act 13 monies are being used to purchase the vehicles.

The commissioners also authorized the purchase of two 2013 vehicles for the Children & Youth department. A 2008 Ford Escape and a 2005 Ford Freestar will be used as trade. A majority of the funding for the purchase will come from state and federal grants with the county putting up the rest of the costs.

The maintenance department will also be getting a new work/plow truck. The purchase will be funded through liquid fuels or Act 13 monies.

The commissioners also signed contracts with John Kohanski Certified Public Accountants, of Moosic, as independent auditors to audit the public safety emergency telephone act special purpose statements from Jan. 1, 2010 through Dec. 31, 2012; and the financial statements of the commissary fund at the county jail from 2012 through 2015.