McADOO - The Schuylkill County commissioners traveled to one of the county's northernmost boroughs Wednesday to hold their public meeting in the municipal building, approving agreements for a state bridge replacement project in Auburn.
"We are very pleased to have the Schuylkill County commissioners hold their meeting in McAdoo, which is at the tail end of the county," Mary Labert, borough council member, said after the meeting. "It gives the citizens a chance to see county government in action."
On Wednesday, the board of commissioners approved agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as the state moves forward with a replacement project for the bridge on Route 895 over the Schuylkill River in Auburn. Agreements were for a 0.95 acre right of way, a 0.05 acre private access easement and a 0.24 acre construction easement over county-owned land. The agreements also included the sale, deed and a temporary construction easement. In return, the county will receive $16,600.
According to Ron Young, the district press officer for PennDOT, there was no start date for construction, but a completion date has been set for July 2013. He said Clearwater Construction Inc., Mercer, was awarded the design/build contract for $3,365,000 and the project is still in the design phase.
Also approved was an agreement with Lickenbill Brother's Paving Inc., 631 Route 183, Schuylkill Haven, for paving and related work on the parking lots at Rest Haven. The project is for $67,269.
By request of the Office of Children & Youth Services, the board approved the resignation of Pastor Harold Hand as a member of the agency advisory board and a service agreement with Kidspeace National Center, Schnecksville, for intermediate foster care at a per diem of $66.95 from July 1 throughout June 30, 2013.
A grant for $14,882 toward services at the county Emergency Management Agency was also approved. The grant comes through the Hazardous Material Response Fund, which was created to assist emergency response capabilities for hazardous material releases.
The retirement of George Seiler, Auburn, as deputy director of the Office of Senior Services was approved and will go into effect on Aug. 31. Seiler's salary was $54,551.48.
During the county retirement board meeting, salary was set at $22,061 for Keith Hoppes, Tower City, as part-time assistant district attorney. Hoppes was recently appointed to the position, which will go into effect Sept. 10.