Bedford County public meetings in 2021
29 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wage changes for five employees and merit increases for five others, all as recommended by department heads. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no other substantive decisions.
- Approved wages for 5 personnel including $14.00/hr for PT Correctional Officer and $40,000/yr for Director of Veteran's Affairs
- Approved $1.00 merit increases for 5 AFSCME employees, with specific amounts for completed courses
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved the 2022 county budget and a tax levy resolution setting the total millage at 3.900 mills, including a $5.00 per capita tax. They also approved several administrative items, including a purchase of service agreement with Perseus House, amendments to the 2020 Liquid Fuels report, a resolution supporting AMERICA250PA, and personnel actions. All motions were approved unanimously as presented.
- Approved 2022 county budget
- Approved tax levy resolution with 3.900 mills total and $5.00 per capita tax
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreement with Perseus House for CYS/Juvenile Probation
- Amended 2020 Liquid Fuels allocation for Southampton Township from $1242.19 to $731.89
- Corrected 2020 Liquid Fuels Report amount from $96,871.32 to $95,811.77
- Approved resolution appointing Joy Lepako as PEMA designated agent
- Approved grant writing services agreement with Graphite Grant Works
- Approved AMERICA250PA resolution establishing Bedford County Commission
Prison Board
The Bedford County Prison Board approved the August 24, 2021 meeting minutes as presented. District Attorney Lesley Childers-Potts provided an update on the feasibility study for a new facility, including potential service providers and grant funding. Commissioner Baughman reported that the correctional facility transitioned to 12-hour shifts in mid-November, part of the 2021 collective bargaining agreement. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 1:53 p.m.
- Approved the August 24, 2021 meeting minutes as presented.
- Heard an update on the feasibility study for a new facility, including potential service providers and grant funding.
- Noted the facility transitioned to 12-hour shifts in mid-November, part of the 2021 collective bargaining agreement.
- Adjourned at 1:53 p.m. by motion and second.
Retirement Meeting
The Bedford County Retirement Board approved a motion to increase annual pension contributions over three years, starting in FY 2023, with the county committing to $1,000,000 in 2023 and $1,250,000 in FY 2024. The board also heard reports on market performance and retirement plan administration, including plans to purchase a retirement program in 2022 for better employee access and reduced manual work.
- Approved motion for three-year contribution plan: $700,000 in 2022, $1,000,000 in 2023, $1,250,000 in FY 2024 (motion by Baughman, seconded by Dallara)
- Approved minutes of August 11, 2021, as presented
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution requesting a $2,433,139 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant from PennDOT for a bridge rehabilitation bundle covering Bridges No. 5, 7, 13, and 33. The board also approved routine expenditures, personnel actions, service agreements, and a CDBG signatory resolution. All motions passed unanimously as presented.
- Approved resolution requesting $2,433,139 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for bridge rehabilitation (unanimous)
- Approved payroll and general expenditures totaling over $1.18 million (unanimous)
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreement with Pentz Run Youth Services for CYS (unanimous)
- Approved polling place agreement with Community Grace Brethren Church (unanimous)
- Approved Conservation District board directors: Jim Bence, John Akers, Barry Dallara (unanimous)
- Approved 2020 Liquid Fuels payments for bridge inspections across 7 townships (unanimous)
- Approved personnel actions: 7 new hires, 1 transfer, 3 separations (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 11.09.21 authorizing CDBG signatories (unanimous)
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wages for six new hires, including correctional officers and a deputy sheriff, at rates per union contracts. It also approved $1.00 merit increases for four employees who completed job training, with one part-time officer receiving $0.25 for one course. All motions passed as presented.
- Approved wages for 6 personnel per union contracts (e.g., $14.50/hr for correctional officers)
- Approved $1.00 merit increases for 4 employees after job training
- Approved $0.25 merit increase for Krystal Shipley for one course
- Approved minutes of October 14, 2021, as presented
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved routine expenditures, including payroll and general funds, and several contracts and agreements, such as the Keefe Commissary Network agreement for the correctional facility and a vendor agreement for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program. They also approved proclamations for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and National Business Women's Week, along with personnel actions and a Liquid Fuels Tax Funds application. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these approvals.
- Approved expenditures totaling over $1.4 million (payroll, general, CYS, CDBG, commissary)
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreement with three juvenile justice providers (unanimous)
- Approved Keefe Commissary Network, LLC Commissary Services Agreement for county jail
- Approved vendor agreement with Center for Community Action for MATP
- Approved Liquid Fuels Tax Funds encumbrance application
- Approved personnel actions: 8 new hires, 3 transfers, 7 separations
- Approved proclamations for Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, and National Business Women's Week
- Approved September 2021 Change of Assessment Notice Control Report
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wages for 12 new or reclassified personnel and merit increases for 5 employees, all as recommended by department heads. The meeting was brief, with no old business discussed, and adjourned shortly after convening.
- Approved wages for 12 personnel, including telecommunicator trainees at $12.70/hr and correctional officers at $14.00/hr
- Approved $1.00 merit increases for 4 employees and a $0.25 increase for one employee upon training completion
- Approved minutes of September 14, 2021, as presented
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 09-14-21, establishing a real estate tax abatement schedule for rehabilitation of commercial property in designated areas of Bedford Township, under the LERTA program. The board also approved expenditures totaling over $2.1 million, including payroll and general fund payments, and approved several contracts and agreements, including an Energy Services Contract with Schneider Electric and a change order reducing the Hyndman Waterline Replacement Phase V project cost from $240,000 to $222,940.30. Personnel actions were approved, including six new hires, four transfers, and three separations.
- Approved Resolution 09-14-21 establishing LERTA tax abatement for commercial property rehab in Bedford Township
- Approved expenditures totaling $2,163,174.28 including payroll, general, CYS, CDBG, and commissary funds
- Approved Energy Services Contract with Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc. effective August 24, 2021
- Approved Change Order Number 1 for Hyndman Waterline Replacement Phase V, reducing contract cost to $222,940.30
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreement with Daniel J. DuVall for juvenile counseling for FY 2021-22
- Approved Technology Arrangement Partnership and Technical Services Agreement with Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission
- Approved 2022 Holiday Schedule
- Approved personnel actions: 6 new hires, 4 transfers, 3 separations
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wages for eight new personnel, including deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, an LPN, and a caseworker, as recommended by department heads. It also approved a $1.00 merit increase for Joshua Morrow for completed job training. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no old business discussed.
- Approved wages for 8 new hires, including deputy sheriffs at $13.00/hour, correctional officers at $14.00-$14.50/hour, a part-time LPN at $22.50/hour, and a caseworker at $30,004.56/year
- Approved a $1.00 merit increase for Joshua Morrow per AFSCME union contract
- Approved minutes of August 17, 2021, as presented
- Adjourned meeting at 10:49 a.m.
Prison Board Meeting
The Bedford County Prison Board meeting on August 24, 2021, was largely informational, with no formal votes or decisions made. The board heard the warden's report on staffing, training, inmate population, and programs, as well as updates on day treatment and central booking. The minutes from the April 9, 2021 meeting were approved.
- Approved minutes from April 9, 2021 meeting as presented
- Adjourned meeting at 10:34 a.m. (motion by Dallara, second by Frederick)
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wages for seven new personnel and two merit increases, all as recommended by department heads and per union contracts. The meeting was brief, with no old business and no other substantive decisions.
- Approved wages for 7 new hires, including CYS van driver, correctional officers, cook, seasonal worker, and LPNs
- Approved $1.00 merit increases for Kaitlynn Eger and Codi Mielnik per SEIU contract
- Approved minutes of July 13, 2021 as presented
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a series of motions, including the ABI (Alleghenies Broadband, Inc.) Grant Agreement and a Project Supplement Grant Cooperation Agreement for Phase 1 broadband upgrades on 21 towers. They also approved bridge maintenance projects, multiple CDBG-related agreements and resolutions, and personnel actions. All motions were approved as presented, with no denials or tabling.
- Approved ABI Grant Agreement and Project Supplement for broadband Phase 1 (unanimous)
- Approved Bedford County Bridge Maintenance and Improvement Projects (unanimous)
- Approved CDBG-related agreements, including housing rehab extension and Rainsburg water meters (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 8.17.21 authorizing CDBG FFY 2021 Entitlement application (unanimous)
- Approved Fair Housing Resolution 08.17.21 (2) (unanimous)
- Approved personnel actions: 7 new hires, 1 transfer, 7 separations (unanimous)
- Approved additional IGA fee with Schneider Electric, adding $70,000 (unanimous)
- Approved Historian of the Year resolutions for 2019 and 2020 (unanimous)
Cornerstone Meeting
The Bedford County Retirement Board met on August 11, 2021, to review the pension plan's actuarial valuation and investment performance. No formal decisions were made; the board discussed recommendations to lower the investment return assumption from 7.5% to 7%, adjust the crediting interest rate from 5.5% to 4%, and increase contribution rates toward 100%. The meeting was informational, with next steps including obtaining 2021 valuation numbers and verifying federal reimbursements.
- Approved minutes of June 15, 2021, as presented
- No formal actions taken on pension plan recommendations; discussion only
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved starting wages for eight new employees, including probation officers, correctional officers, a caseworker, and a maintenance technician, as recommended by department heads. The board also approved a $1.00 per hour merit increase for Dena Norris, an AFSCME member, for completing job training. All actions were approved as presented.
- Approved starting wage of $31,500 per year for Codi L. Mielnik, Probation Officer, effective July 12, 2021.
- Approved starting wage of $31,500 per year for Kaitlynn A. Eger, Probation Officer, effective June 29, 2021.
- Approved starting wage of $31,500 per year for Matthew J. Landfried, Probation Officer, effective July 6, 2021.
- Approved starting wage of $14.00 per hour for Nicholas Thompson, Correctional Officer, effective June 28, 2021.
- Approved starting wage of $14.37 per hour for Alexis Dolly, Caseworker I, amended from June 15, 2021 meeting.
- Approved starting wage of $14.00 per hour for Matthew Morgan, Correctional Officer, effective June 28, 2021.
- Approved starting wage of $14.00 per hour for Joel Watters, PT Maintenance Technician, effective June 28, 2021.
- Approved starting wage of $14.00 per hour for Justin Bailey, Correctional Officer, effective July 19, 2021.
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved all items on the agenda, including a bond ordinance for refunding debt and funding capital projects, multiple purchase of service agreements for Children & Youth Services, a CDBG grant application, and a resolution honoring Captain Phillips' Rangers Massacre Day. The board also approved personnel actions, including new hires and separations, and appointed three individuals to the Planning Commission.
- Approved June 15, 2021 minutes as presented
- Approved expenditures including payroll, general, CYS, CDBG, liquid fuels, and commissary
- Approved changes to the Change of Assessment Notice Control Report for June 2021
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreements for Children & Youth Services with four providers and twelve individual contractors
- Approved application for FFY 2021 CDBG funds for Hopewell Borough Wastewater Treatment Facility Replacement ($218,998)
- Approved Univest Bank and Trust Company as a depository for county funds
- Approved HOME program resolution and a resolution designating July 17, 2021 as Captain Phillips' Rangers Massacre Day
- Approved ordinance authorizing general obligation bonds for refunding and capital projects
SB
The salary board approved wages for 16 personnel as recommended by department heads, including new hires and promotions across county departments. It also approved $1.00 per hour merit increases for 8 AFSCME employees who completed job training. All motions passed unanimously with no discussion or opposition.
- Approved wages for 16 personnel, including new hires and promotions (unanimous)
- Approved $1.00/hour merit increases for 8 AFSCME employees after job training (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of May 11, 2021 as presented
- Adjourned at 10:48 a.m.
CM
The board approved a resolution to issue general obligation bonds, appointing PNC Capital Markets as underwriter and Eckert Seamans as bond counsel, to fund capital projects and refinance outstanding bonds. It also approved expenditures totaling over $3.2 million, created a new GIS Department and a full-time County Detective position, and approved multiple service agreements for Children & Youth Services.
- Approved resolution 6.15.21 to issue general obligation bonds, appointing PNC Capital Markets LLC as underwriter and Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC as bond counsel
- Approved expenditures including payroll, general, CYS, CDBG, liquid fuels, and commissary payments totaling $3,208,301.88
- Created the Bedford County GIS Department, effective June 14, 2021
- Created a new full-time County Detective position in the District Attorney's Office
- Approved purchase of service agreements for Children & Youth Services with six providers for 2021-2022 and one for 2020-2021
- Approved legal counsel agreements for Children & Youth Services with Anthony Zanoni, Barry Scatton, and Forr, Stokan, Huff, Kormanski and Naugle
- Approved the county insurance package with Reed, Wertz and Roadman
- Approved $500 from Act 13 funding to Ridge and Valley Stream Keepers for water quality monitoring supplies
Retirement Meeting
The Bedford County Retirement Board met via Zoom on June 15, 2021, and approved the Investment Policy Statement as presented. The board also approved the minutes from the February 4, 2021 meeting. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
- Approved the minutes of February 4, 2021, as presented.
- Approved the Investment Policy Statement as presented.
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a $240,000 construction contract for the Hyndman Borough Waterline Replacement Phase V, funded by Community Development Block Grant funds. They also approved several other items, including a service agreement with Pressley Ridge, an energy audit with Schneider Electric, personnel actions, and a resolution granting authority to the Area Agency on Aging executive director. All motions were approved as presented.
- Approved $240,000 Hyndman Borough Waterline Replacement Phase V contract to Greenland Construction (unanimous)
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreement with Pressley Ridge for Children & Youth Services (unanimous)
- Approved Schneider Electric as engineer of record for energy conservation and COVID mitigation projects (unanimous)
- Approved Schneider Electric to perform facility investment grade audit (unanimous)
- Approved personnel actions including 14 new hires and 9 separations (unanimous)
- Approved job title change for Stacie Donaldson to County Fiscal Officer (unanimous)
- Approved resolution granting Connie Brode authority for Area Agency on Aging FY 2021-22 (unanimous)
- Approved poll worker rate increases for 2021 elections (unanimous)
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wage changes for nine employees, including new hires and promotions, and approved $1.00 merit increases for 21 employees who completed job training. All motions passed unanimously with no discussion or opposition.
- Approved wages for 9 personnel (unanimous)
- Approved $1.00 merit increases for 21 employees (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of March 9, 2021
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved multiple administrative agreements, including a $275,945 waterline replacement project with Hyndman Borough and a $14,276 water meter project with Rainsburg Borough, both funded by Community Development Block Grants. They also accepted a $41,250 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant for a hazard mitigation plan update, approved personnel actions, and issued proclamations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. All motions were approved unanimously.
- Approved Hyndman Waterline Replacement Phase V agreement ($275,945)
- Approved Rainsburg Water Meters Replacement agreement ($14,276)
- Accepted Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant ($41,250) for hazard mitigation plan update
- Approved Purchase of Service Agreement with Juvenile Probation for CYS
- Approved personnel actions: 9 new hires, 3 separations
- Approved Planning Commission appointments (Otto, Roach, Chamberlain)
- Approved proclamations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
- Approved Resolution 4.13.21 granting authority to Area Agency on Aging Executive Director
Prison Board
The Bedford County Prison Board unanimously approved naming Joseph H. Eichenlaub of Hollidaysburg as Warden of the Bedford County Correctional Facility. The board also approved the minutes from the March 18, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved naming Joseph H. Eichenlaub as Warden (unanimous)
- Approved March 18, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Prison Board
The Bedford County Prison Board met by teleconference and approved minutes from two prior meetings. They discussed the ongoing warden search, with applications due March 26, and received updates on facility improvements, inmate programs, and staff hiring. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.
- Approved minutes from February 4, 2021 special meeting
- Approved minutes from September 30, 2020 meeting
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a wide range of items, including 14 new hires and 2 separations, a new signature agreement and repurchase services resolution with Synovus Bank, a 9-1-1 Statewide Interconnectivity Funding Grant Agreement, a Tyer Technologies License and Services Agreement, and a resolution declaring 13 ethnic holidays for the county's 250th anniversary. They also approved the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (EARP), a budget revision and extension for the Bedford County Housing Rehab project, and several proclamations, including Child Abuse Prevention Month and Equal Pay Day.
- Approved payroll and general expenditures totaling over $2.1 million
- Approved 14 new hires and 2 separations for county positions
- Approved new signature agreement and repurchase services resolution with Synovus Bank
- Approved PEMA 9-1-1 Statewide Interconnectivity Funding Grant Agreement
- Approved Tyer Technologies License and Services Agreement
- Approved resolution declaring 13 ethnic holidays for 2021
- Approved Emergency Rental Assistance Program (EARP) with Center for Community Action
- Approved CDBG budget revision and extension for Housing Rehab project
SB
The Salary Board approved wages for 14 personnel as recommended by department heads. The hires include correctional officers, supervisors, and other positions with specified hourly rates or salaries. The meeting was brief, with no old business discussed.
- Approved wages for 14 personnel, including correctional officers at $14.00/hour, supervisors at $35,657.95, and acting lieutenants at $16.75 and $19.93/hour
- Approved the minutes of the February 2, 2021 meeting as presented
- Adjourned the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved tentative labor agreements with AFSCME and SEIU Local 668, effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023. They also approved multiple contracts, resolutions, and personnel actions, including new hires and separations. The board reorganized, electing Barry Dallara as Chairman and Deb Baughman as Vice Chairman, effective February 6, 2021.
- Approved AFSCME tentative agreement (2021-2023)
- Approved SEIU Local 668 tentative agreement (2021-2023)
- Approved payroll and general expenditures totaling over $1.3 million
- Approved personnel actions: 6 new hires, 7 separations
- Approved 2021 contract with Susquehanna Accounting & Consulting Solutions
- Approved National Printing Company agreement for 2021 elections
- Approved CDBG competitive application for Hopewell Wastewater Treatment Facility Replacement ($1,419,270)
- Elected Barry Dallara as Chairman and Deb Baughman as Vice Chairman (Lang abstained)
SB
The Bedford County Salary Board approved wage changes for three employees as recommended by their department heads. Deputy Sheriff William P. Decourcy was set at $14.50 per hour per union contract effective December 1, 2020. Deputy Sheriff Steven S. Kagarise was also set at $14.50 per hour per union contract upon completion of training on October 5, 2020. Ryanna McGinnis received a $1.50 per hour increase as a Certified PA Evaluator, effective January 4, 2021.
- Approved William P. Decourcy's deputy sheriff wage at $14.50/hour per union contract (Dec 1, 2020)
- Approved Steven S. Kagarise's deputy sheriff wage at $14.50/hour per union contract (Oct 5, 2020)
- Approved $1.50/hour increase for Ryanna McGinnis as Certified PA Evaluator (Jan 4, 2021)
CM
The Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.995 million tax and revenue anticipation note from Hometown Bank at 0.75% interest, along with several contracts and appointments. They also approved expenditures totaling over $2.1 million, personnel hires, and various agreements including broadband expansion and a waterline replacement project.
- Approved $1.995M tax and revenue anticipation note from Hometown Bank (unanimous)
- Approved expenditures totaling $2,154,445.72 including payroll and general funds (unanimous)
- Approved hiring William P. Decourcy as Deputy Sheriff at $14.50/hour (unanimous)
- Approved $37,216.25 engineering contract for Hyndman Phase V Waterline Replacement to Gwin, Dobson & Foreman (unanimous)
- Approved $1,602,416 CDBG application for Hopewell Borough Wastewater Treatment Facility Replacement (unanimous)
- Approved broadband agreements with Zito Media and Crowsnest Broadband (unanimous)
- Approved CARES grant amendment adding $29,108 for Everett Volunteer Fire Company (unanimous)
- Approved re-appointment of Ernest Fuller to Planning Commission (unanimous)