AGENDA  THURSDAV.JUNE70.2024-1IOAM. PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING  1. Callt to Order. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. RETIREMENTI BOARDI MEETING Motion tor reconvene: the Commissioners' Meeting. 1. Approve June 20, 2024. Agenda. 2. Approve June 5,20241 Meeting Minutes. 3. Approve. June 12,2024 Conference Minutes. 4. Approve payment from GENERAL FUNDS (County Bills) 5. Approve payment from BRIDGE! REPAIR. ACCOUNT. 6. Approve payment from SRCP] DEBT SERVICE. FUND.  Motion to recess the Commissioners") Meeting tol hold al Retirement Board Meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTSQUESTIONS CONCERNING TODAY'S. AGENDA  $814,931.37 $49,063.35 $15,869.50  PERSONNEL  1. Motion tol hire! KAITLIN GELARDI: as at temporary Office Assistant ini the Workforce Development Agency fora3 30- hour work week, effective. June 24, 2024, through August 30, 2024, pending successful drugs screening and background check results. This isa a replacement position and Pike County will bei fully reimbursed with Workforce Innovation and 2. Motion top promote REBEKAH MARTE1 tol Lead Welfare Programs Specialist int the Workforce Development Agency, effective. June 16, 2024.) Pike County willl ber reimbursed with Department of Human Services and Workforce Innovation 3. Motion to eliminate the position ofp part-time Conservation District Management Consultant int thel Pike County  Opportunity. Acti funds. and Opportunity Act funds.  Conservation District retroactive tol December 31,2023.  Motion to7 recess the Commissioners' Meeting toi holdas Salary Board Meeting.  SALARY] BOARD  1. Motion to convene: Salary Board.  2. Motion to approve the. June 5 and. June 12, 2024 Salary Board Minutes.  3. Motion to sett thel hourly rate of KAITLIN GELARDI at $12.75 per hour as a temporary Office Assistant in the Workforce Development. Agency for a 30-hour work week, effective. June 24, 2024, through August 30, 2024, pending successful drug screening and background check results. This isa a replacement position and Pike County will be fully 4. Motion toi increase thel hourly rate of] REBEKAH. MARTE by $1.00 per hour due tol her promotion tol Lead Welfare Programs Specialist int the Workforce Development Agency, effective. June 16, 2024.1 Pike County will ber reimbursed  reimbursed with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity. Act funds.  with] Department of Human Services and' Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds.  5. Motion to adjourn Salary Board. Motion tor reconvene the Commissioners' Meeting.  OLDBUSINESS Agency on Aging.  1. Motion to open bids for thel Delivery of Nutrition Services for the Contract Period 2024-2027, on! behalf oft the Area 2. Motion to open bids for thel Delivery of Personal Emergency Response Systems fort the Contract Period 2024 -2026, on  behalf oft the Area Agency on Aging.  3. Motion to award bids for the list ofi items for sale as recommended by thel Prison Board.  The followingi items are awarded to. John) Lombardo: 1.2008 Ford F-3501 Marson Dump with Plow- $901.00; 2. Fisher 8- foot Minute Mount Plow with Pump and] Light Assembly- $50.00; 3.1 Kawasaki Mule with 13681 hours- $75.00; 4.) Finn T- 30) Hydro Seeder- $300.00; 5. 100K KWI Diesel Generator- $200.00; 6. Construction Office Trailer- $100.00; Totall Due: $1,626.00. Thei following items are awardedi tol Brittany Mieglio: 1.2 20061 Landscape Trailer- $300.00; 2. Track Vac 4. Motion to readvertise bids for the sale ofa20101 Landscape Trailer and an) Electric Cement Mixer, on behalf oft the 5. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute Change Order No.: GC-81 for thel Bennett Avel Building 1 Interior  System- $50.00; Total Due: $350.00. Correctional Facility.  Renovations Project from Grimm Construction.    6. Motion to approve the) Fire Alarm System Quote for the Bennett Avel Facility from Vector Security.  NEW BUSINESS  1. Motion to changet the. July 3,20241 Public Meeting ofthe Pike County Commissioners' to a Conference Meeting. 2. Motion toe execute thel Project Modification Request for the Dickson House Grant, ont behalf oft thel District Attorney's 3. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the Kudu Creative Agreements for the continuation oft the We Fight Fentanyl 4. Motion to execute the SHARE Housing Counselor Agreement between Patricia (Kelly)) Foley and the County ofPike, on 5. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the Sequoia Tree Service Agreement, on behalf oft the Tax Claim Bureau. 6. Motion to execute thel Purchase of Service. Agreement between Advantage Independent Living, LLC and the County of 7. Motion to execute the County Children & Youth Social Services Programs Certification Statement, on behalf of Children 8. Motion to appoint Commissioner Matthew Osterberg as the County Representative tot the Northeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan: Planning Organization (NEPAI MPO) for ai term commencing July 1,2024, ande expiring on. June: 30, 2026. 9. Motion to appoint Brian Snyder as County Representative. Alternate tot the) Northeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan Planning Organization (NEPA MPO) forat term commencing July 1,2024, and expiring on. June 30, 2026. 10. Motioni to appoint Michaell Mrozinski as At-Largel Representative to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan Planning Organization (NEPA MPO) for at term commencing July 1,2024, and expiring on. June 30, 2026. 11. Motiont to adopt Resolution: No. 24-17, Al Resolution oft the Board of Commissioners of] Pike County to Submit al Request for Revision of Community Development Block Grant Funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2020 tot the Commonwealth of 12.1 Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the Contract #C000077648 FFY 2020 Revision Request #1, on behalf oft the 13.1 Motion to approve the followingl Human Services Payment Vouchers on behalf oft the Office of Human Services: State Food Purchase Program int the amount of$ $81.15; PHARE int the amount of$7,430.04; ERAP2.0: int the amount of $5,860.00; Whole Homel Repair int the amount of$18,115.00; and Homeless Assistance Program int the amount of 14. Motion to approve the 2022 CDBGI Program Payment Voucher payable tol Hailstone Economic int the amount of 15. Motion to approve the Affordable Housing Fund Payment Voucher payable tol Hailstone Economic in the amount of  Office. campaign.  behalfo ofthe Area Agency on Aging.  Pike, on behalf of Children and Youth Services.  and' Youth Services.  Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.  Office of Human Services.  $1,238.80.  $3,493.75, ont behalf oft the Office ofE Human Services. $156.25, on behalf oft the Office of Human Services. PennState. Extension Calendar of Events  MISCELLANEOUS VetStock  Annual Back to Schooll Event, Children and Youth Services- Michele Burrell, CYS Administrator  PRESS & PUBLICCOMMENTSOUESTIONSADJOURMMENT  THE NEXT REGULARI MEETINGOF THE] PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL] BE HELDON WEDNESDAY.JULYI 17,2024 AT 11:00 A.M.] IN THE PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.    PIKE COUNTYRETREMENT BOARD AGENDA Thursday.June: 20, 2024 11:00 a.m. Pike County Administration Building  1. Callt to order. NEW BUSINESS  2. Approve the June 20, 2024. Agenda. 3. Approve the May 15, 20241 Minutes.  1. Motion to approve refunds ofc contributions to employees nol longer with the County:  Ralph Stanczuk . Christine Irwin Andrew Waz-Fullum d. Victoria Sohmer Cody McCord Jake Dubeau Sabrina Ryan a. Patricia White ADJOURNMENT  01/28/24 03/25/24 05/19/24 05/20/24 05/24/24 05/30/24 06/04/24 05/18/24  PCCF C&Y PCCF Sheriff Sheriff PCCF PCCF PCCF  2. Motion to approve the following retirements:    PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONI BUILDING 506 BROADS STREET MILFORD, PA 18337 570-296-7613 FAX:570-296-6055  MATTHEWN M.C OSTERBERG RONALDR.S SCHMALZLE CHRISTAL CACERES  KRISTAGROMALSKI CHIEFCLERK THOMASF. FARLEY,ESQ. COUNTYS SOLICITOR  COMMISSIONERS  DRAFT RESOLUTIONNO.27  ARESOLUTION OF' THEI BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OFI PIKE COUNTY' TO SUBMIT. A REQUEST! FOR REVISION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT: FUNDING FORI FEDERALFISCAL YEAR 2020 TO' THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY ANDI ECONOMIC! DEVELOPMENT  WHEREAS, the need exists within) Pike County for rental assistance; and  WHEREAS, Pike County participates int the Community Development Block Grant through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development as an WHEREAS, Pike County wishes to revise Community Development Block Grant Funding for federal WHEREAS, thel Pike County Board of Commissioners has determined thati rental assistance meets the requirements oft the Community Development Block Grant Program by assisting low- tor moderate- NOW,THEREFORE, BEI IT ADOPTED ANDI RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners ofPike . Pike County is hereby authorized top prepare a Community Development Block Grant revision request to thel Pennsylvania Department of Community and) Economic Development as follows: Reduction ofF FFY 2020 funding for owner-occupied: rehabb by $162,863.30. b. B. Allocation of$162,863.30 ofFFY 2020: funding toward rental assistance. 2. That thel Board of Commissioners of Pike County directs and designates Robert Ruiz, Executive Director ofHuman Development, to acti in all matters inc connection withi this application and Pike County's participation int the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Community Development: Block Program; and 3. Pike County officials and staff are directed to do any and all acts necessary to carry out thei intent ofthis DULYI RESOLVED, this 20 of] June, 2024, by thel Board of Commissioners of Pike County, in lawful  entitlement grantee; and  fiscal year 20201 to address this need; and income residents ofthe County.  County that:  resolution. session duly assembled.  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PIKE COUNTY  Matthew M. Osterberg, Chairman Ronald R. Schmalzle, Vice Chairman Christa L. Caceres, Commissioner  Attest:  Robb Ruiz, Executive  Director of Pike County Human Services    PennState! Extension  Penn State Extension Upcoming Events  June 19th_2024  4-H/Youth:  Adults - Wel NEED you! Pike County 4-Hi is in desperate need of adult volunteers to leady youth groups! Share whaty you are passionate about withk kids who are interested in learning a new: skill orl hobby. Asa Group Leader, yous gett the opportunity to determine how much time you spend and what activity you do, while 4-H willl help with supplies ands support. Consider volunteering: your time to make a difference ina Contact Penn State Extension inl Pike County for more information ont the 4-H program by calling (570) 832-2800 or send ane email tot the 4-H coordinator, Angela Smith, at axs1397@psu.edu. Please like us on Facebook at! tos/www.fasehokemm/PkeCoumpealH  child's life.  4-Hi is open toy youth ages 5-18, unless otherwise noted.  Community Development:  FOURTHINSTAR: JULYT THROUGHA AUGUST  FIRSTT APRIL THREEI THROUGH. INSTARS: JULY  OVERWINTERING: PREVIOUS FALL TOA APRIL/JUNE  EGGLAYING: SEPTEMBER TO! NOVEMBER  ADULTE LATEJULY  Spottedi lanternfly life cycle. lustration OE Emilys S. Damstra.  Spotted Lanternfly  Pike County isi int the quarantine area. Ifyoul have spotted this insect, please call our hotline at 1-888-422-3359 or visit our websitet toi immediately tor reportas sighting. Please contact your local Penn Newly hatched nymphs are: small (-1/81 inch) and can be hard to find, often being mistaken for small ticks or spiders. With each molt tot the next instar, ther nymphs double in size. The first three instars are Tol learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and what action you can take to stop the spread of this  State Extension office with questions on spotted lanternfly management.  black with white spots.  invasive insect, visit our website, htps/Petensionpsueduispoteclantenty Remember, every adult stomped out can prevent 30-50 eggs being laid!  1  Pleasev visit httpslextension. psu.edut tos searchf forr moret topics thatr mayb bec ofi interest, or visit  httpslextension.: psu. edu/aboutme tos sign upt toh have up-to-datei information ofy your choosing emailed directlyt to you.    PennStateE Extension  Family:  Kinship Family Forum  Kinship care is at term usedf fori individuals raising children by grandparents, othere extended family members, and adults with whom they have a close family-like relationship, such as godparents and close family friends becausel biological parents are unable to do so for whatever reason. Visit our website, extension.psuedu; and search 'Kinship Family Forum.' You willf findi highly informative pre-recorded classes onl Kinship care - at term used fori individuals that are not the biological parents of Penn State Extension collaborates with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State to offer Thrive resources. Therei is no registration fee for eachp pre-recorded online seminar.  On Demand Webinars  the children they are raising for whatever reason.  Food & Safety:  SERV Safe  SERV Safe Food Safety Program isf for individuals who are: serving as managers or are inas supervisory roler requiring certification. Upon successful completion, participants willr receive the SERV Safe@ Food Protection Manager Certificate. Training meets the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements fort thel Food Employee Certification. Act. There is a $165.00 feet tot taket the course and you must pre-register. For morei information or to determine the closest class location and dates, visit  httpsllextension.psu.edu/servsafe Let's Cook a Home: Herbs and Spices  Via Zoom - Thursday, June 20th, 2024 (6:00 PM -7:00 PMI ET)  Join us for a virtual cooking class to learn about cooking delicious foods with herbs ands spices and creating a healthy eating pattern that tastes great! During this webinar, we invite yout to discover new recipe ideas using herbs ands spices to enhance the aroma and taste off foods. What arey you waiting for? Let's Cook with Extension! There is a $10.00 registration feet fori thee event, andy your must pre-register. For morei information or tor register, visit! htpsllextensionpsueuisokathomehetbsandspices:  Gardening:  Master Gardeners ando online andi in-person events.  Home Garden News has thel latest news and information on classes, workshops, publications, videos, Sign upt to receive news, upcoming event details, gardening information, and the monthly e-newsletter at https//extension.psudu/reeslawnsanclandscaping.nome-gardening. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension - viewt the privacy policy.  Know your Natives Series On-Demand Webinars  Visit our website, extension.psuedu, and search Knowy your Natives.' Expand garden enthusiasts' knowledge and appreciation of these versatile and valuable plants. Thel Master Gardeners will cover native plants' many benefits to our home gardens and landscapes. Speakers will focus on pollinator- friendly native plants int this falls series. However, the plants can be usedi in all native plantings in the garden and landscape. Enjoy classes on Native Seeds, Under Appreciated Plants, Shrubs and more.  Soil Health for Every Garden  Via Zoom - Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PMI ET)  During Soil Health for Every Garden, Soil Scientist and Penn State Master Gardener Margaret Sams will helpy yout tol better understandi the relationships between soil texture, soil structure, compost, soil health, and soili fertility. Margaret willr review topics including soil structure development acceleration, compost nutrient adequacy, soilf fertility tests significance, nutrient supply through compost and fertilizer, and choice between natural/organic ands synthetic amendments. There is a $10.00 registration fee for the event, andy your must pre-register. For more information or to register, visit p/atesnsusak  healtforevenv-garden.  2  Please visith htpslextension.: psu.edut tos searcht forr moret topics thatr mayl bec ofi interest, or visit  htps/extension.psedu/aboutme to sign upt toh have up-to-datei information ofy your choosinge emailed directlyt toy you.    PennState! Extension  Sow, Grow, and Pollinate  Inl Person - Saturday,June: 22nd, 2024 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET)  Middle Smithfield Community: and Cultural Center - East Stroudsburg, PA  Come one, come all to Sow, Grow, and Pollinate hosted! by the Master Gardeners of Monroe County! Calling ally young greent thumbs aged 5to1 121 for a day brimming with gardening excitement. Embark ona captivating journey through an array ofi interactive stations, where budding enthusiasts will delve into the wonders of seeds starting, composting, flower part identification, plant-based dyeing, beekeeping demonstrations, and ane enthralling scavenger hunt. Spaces are limited, so seize the opportunity and sign upt todayf fora al blooming adventure! There is a $5.00 registration feei fort the event, and you must pre- register. For more information ort to register, visit palatemaoaueduEoNpamalinses  hltenagaenngsdemee Welcome Summer Inspirations  InF Person - Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PME ET)  Pike County Penn State Extension = Milford, PA  Embark ony your gardening! journey with the! Master Gardeners of Pike County! This workshop offers essential insights into cultivating thriving gardens, covering topics like composting, soil health, plant selection, and the creation of certified Penn State Extension pollinator gardens. Explore the significance ofr native plants and participate ina ap planting project, capped off with a guided tour oft the Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens. Whether you're a novice or seasoned gardener, this event is your gateway to a greener thumb and a deeper understanding of sustainable gardening practices. Don'tmiss out ont this opportunity to cultivate both your garden and your! knowledge! Therei is a $10.00 registration feef fori thee event, andy your mustp pre-register by, June 20th, 2024. For more information ort to register, visit  htipsllextension.psudu/welcomesumesummer-nspratons'tions-foryour-garden.  Health:  Mental Health First Aid  Via Zoom = Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 (12:45 PM = 4:00PME ET)  and Wednesday, July 10th,2024 (8:45 AM - 12:00 PMI ET)  Increasey your comfort leveli in offering initial support to an adult experiencing a mental health challenge ors substance misuse problem and connect them with appropriate resources. As certified instructors, Penn State Extension educators teach the! National Council for Mental Wellbeing's Mental Health First Aido course. This course consists oft two hours of self-paced online learning and as six-hour virtual class, including activities and opportunities to practice support strategies. There is a $35.00 registration fee fort the event, andy your must pre-register by April 215,2024. For more information ort to register,visit  httpsllextension.psudw/adut-mental-heatth-frstaid. Via Zoom = Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 (12:45 PM 4:00 PMI ET)  and' Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 (8:45 AM - 12:00F PMET)  Mental Health. First Aidi for Adults Working with Youthi is designed toi teach adults who regularly interact with) young people how top provide initial support to youth experiencing mentall health or addiction challenges and assist them inf finding the help and care they need.. As certified instructors, Penn State Extension educators teach thel National Council for Mental Wellbeing's Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course. Therei is a $35.00 registration feef for the event, and your must pre-register by June 28th, 2024. For morei information or1 to register, visit htps/lextensionpsucdumentalheatn.frstalc-adults:  working-with-youth.  Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia  Via Zoom = Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 (1:00 PM -2:00PMET)  Int thel United States alone, more than 6r millioni individuals live with Alzheimer's disease and 11 million people serve as their unpaid caregivers. Globally, the disease impacts ane estimated 50 million people. However, no one must facei this disease alone orv without information. Penn State Extension is partnering with the Alzheimer's Associatione to provide: Understanding. Alzheimer's and Dementia, an educational webinar that provides a general overview of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. There is no registration feet for the event, buty you must pre-register by. July 8th, 2024. Forr morei information or tor register, visit  htps/esemsonsu-dundestnaigathenerdsasenebnat.  3  Pleasev visit httpsllextension. psu.edut tos searchf forr moret topicst thatr mayb be ofi interest, or visit  asaeNinaasaN: tos sign upt toh haveu up-to-datei information ofy your choosing emailed directlyt toy you.    PennState! Extension  Substance Use Trends in PA  Via Zoom - Tuesday, July 16th,2024 (12:00 PM -1 1:00 PM ET)  Isi its still the opioid epidemic, or are we facing something different? During Substance Use and Trends in Pennsylvania, we will discuss the changing nature of what we have come tor refer to as the' opioid epidemic" in Pennsylvania and! beyond. We willl be highlighting some significant changes that are important as we consider prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to address this critical public health and safety issue. Therei is no registration fee for the event, buty your must pre-register by July 15th, 2024. Fori more information or to register, visit p/esesnsausinslubsbstangeusetede.n  pennsylvania.  Suicide Prevention Training  Via Zoom - Monday, July 15th, 2024 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PME ET)  Developed byt the QPRI Institute, this 2-hour training is designed for allp people concerned about helping others with mental health and substance use challenges, regardless of their background. QPRI is an emergency mental health intervention for persons considering: suicide. Participants will learn skills to identify and interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care. Therei is no registration fee for the event, but) you mustp pre-register. For morei information ort to register, visit! tps/ctsonpsucauae  gatekeepersuicdeprevention-traning.  Water:  Water Testing (Drinking & Lake/Pond)  Penn State offers drinking water, as well as lake/pond water, testing kits through the Penn State University Lab. Callt the Extension office at (570) 832-28001 to arrange toj pick-up test kits and information. Test results take one tot three weeks or more depending on thet test. Forr more information on Water Quality, visit tos/etemstnnsuatunttaesaurenatE. or call us at (570) 832-2800. Visit our website, extension.psuedu and search' 'Water Webinar Series.' The Water Webinar Series is hosted by the Penn State Extension Water Resources team. Learn abouta a variety of private water topics such as common! health and aesthetic impacts on drinking waters supplies, preventing bacteria contamination, well construction, and septic systems. Each event willi include ani interactive Q&A session with thep presenters! There isi no registration feei fori this event, buty your must pre-register.  Water Webinar Series  4  Please visit httpsllextension. psu.e edut tos searchf forr moret topics thatr may bec ofinterest, or visit  saNsnsaa/aAnE tos sign upt tohave up-to-date information ofy your choosinge emailed directlyt toy you.    GU3  Pike  Children and  Lu  County  Youth  Back to School Event  Backpack handouts & local resources  COMMUNITY PROVIDERS PLEASE CALL TO BE A PART OF THIS EVENT  Friday July 19,2024 from 12-4 Ann Street Park, 5thst MifordPA  questions call  570-296-3446    CI3  Pike County Childrenand Youth  Backto School Event  Backpack handouts & local resources  Friday, July 26, 2024 from 12-4  Lehman Township, PA COMMUNITY PROVIDERS PLEASECALL TO BE A PART GE  THIS EVENT NO CHARGEI  questions call 570-296-3446    RETIREMENT BOARD Wednesday, May 15, 2024  PRESENT: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres, Chief Clerk Gromalski, and' Treasurer Gilpin. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to convene the MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the May 15, MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the. April 17,  Retirement. Board Meeting, 2024 Agenda. 20241 Minutes.  VOTE: All members voted" "aye". Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted "aye". Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted" "aye". Motion carried.  Under NEW BUSINESS, the following presentations were: made: contributions to employees no longer with the County:  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve refunds of  a. Stephanie Langlois b.) Ryan Hashagen C. Tessa. Jackson d.) Eric Davis  04/18/24 04/20/24 04/26/24 04/27/24  C&Y PCCF DA PCCF  VOTE: All members voted" "aye". Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the following  retirement:  a. Steven Crum b. Dawn Contreras  05/01/24 05/07/24  Probation (vested 12/31/86) Tax Assessment (vested 07/31/04)  VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried. County Retirement Board Meeting. VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried. Retirement Board Meeting adjourned.  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adjourn the Pike    Wednesday, June 5,2024  The first regular meeting of] June 2024 oft the Pike County Commissioners was called to order by Commissioner Osterberg at1 11:00a a.m. att thel Pike County Administration Building, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance" tot the flag. PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres; Chief Clerk Gromalski; and Solicitor Farley.  Public Comments/Questions concerning today's agenda - none.  Commissioner Osterberg announced thatt today's Agenda will be amended toi include under 'Old Business' the opening MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to amend the. June 5,2024 Agenda to include under Old Business the opening ofbidsf for al list of items for sale as recommended by the Pike County Prison MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle. and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the. June 5,2024, Agenda. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve thel May 15, 2024, Commissioner Osterberg abstained due to his absence ats said May 15, 2024, Commissioners' Meeting. MOTION:by Commissioner Osterberg and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve thel May 22, 2024, Commissioner Osterberg abstained due to his absence ats said May 22, 2024, Commissioners' Conference. MOTION: by Commissioner Osterberg and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve thel May 29,2024, VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve payment from GENERALFUNDS (County Bills), int the amount ofs $189,181.81, subject toi further review. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve payment from PIKE COUNTYI EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE FUND, int the amount of $82,512.66, subject to further review. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Commissioner Osterberg announced that we are goingt to havet the Gumble Family Conservation Easement. Itisareally great addition tol Pike County Open Space. Wel have some members oft the family here and the Solicitor, Tony Waldron here. Thisi isa Conservation Easement where they've donated fourteen hundred acres of property tol Pike County through an Easement. Agreement witht the County along with) Palmyra Township. Commissioner Osterberg introduced Solicitor Tony Waldron tos speak tot this because he handled this with the family, and we have family members here. Solicitor Tony Waldron thanked Commissioner Osterberg and said he worked with the family for the pastt two years although they were working on itl long before that. This is one thousand four hundred andi nine acres, alll located within Palmyra' Township. Aj portion ofit up ont the ridge can be seen from the middle ofLake Wallenpaupack. Ita also borders I-84 as well as a stretch through Route 390. Thata alone provides scenic benefit, but more importantly it restricts development. This] property developed could! have hundreds ofhouses or dwelling units, but it's going tol bei restricted to only four units. That's one on each oft thei four parcels. The reason we'rel herei is because back in 2005, Pike County voters approved al Referendum establishing regulated land preservation and municipal improvement and it became a reality in 2006. Sixty nine percent oft the voters approved of that. I was one of the: founding members appointed by the Commissioners. Over that period oft time,t theyl have been able toj provide millions of dollars tol Municipalities, Ibelieve allt thirteen. Municipalities took advantage oft that to one extent or another to upgrade their Planning Ordinances. They've also put ins severalr million dollars to acquire a Conservation Easement. That's when you are paid, along with State funding, toa agree toj put restrictions on their property development. Allt together there have been thirty-five hundred acres preserved that way.) In addition, there was aj provision writteni into the program thats says property owners that donated easements, meaning they don'tsellt their rights, they don't get paid fori it, could be entitledt to offsets some of their costs by applying fora a grant up to $25K. The SRCP (Scenic Rural Character Preservation). Board did vote to recommend that the Commissioners provide $25K to the Gumble Family and we'res going toi introduce them in a moment. That's subject tos signing a Grant Agreement and finalizing some other documentation. Solicitor Waldron continued, my clients have spent over $55K to make thist thing work and are getting some reimbursement: fort that ($25K). The County has helped top preserve another thirty-seven] hundred acres. We're talking almost eightt thousand acres that'sb been protected from development. That benefits everyone. There are four families that own these fourteen hundred acres. The reason why it's that wayi is because back in 1926: four brothers acquired most ofthep property and downt through the yearst the descendants oft those families make up the fifteen people, wel had to get fifteen peoplet tos signt the necessary documents. Sometimes, that's likel herding cats, but Brian Williams is one ofthose family members. Itv was hisi idea to go tol Palmyra' Township and say would you! bei interested inl being the holder ofthis easement, meaningt they enforcet the regulations that are int there andr make sure the property can'th be developed other than what's allowedt tol be done. No commercial, noi industrial and only four homes or hunting cabins, int total, can be built. I would] like toi introduce the: four people that arel here, Brian Williams, Dana Gumble, Floyd Gumble and Todd  ofbids for al list ofi items for sale as recommended by thel Pike County Prison) Board.  Board.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Commissioners' Meeting Minutes.  Commissioner' Conference Minutes.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Commissioner' Conference Minutes.    Gumble. They were instrumental ins seeing thatt thist thing could be followed through. We thank the County for providing Commissioner Schmalzle thanked Solicitor Waldron and the Gumble: family for preserving their legacy. 1 know each and every one ofs you! because upi in our neck oft the woods, a Gumble; Coutts, or Schmalzle is one oft the names that dominate that area with our names andl large families. It's an honor tol know you all and your impact ont the County and Palmyra" Township andt the entire Lake (Wallenpaupack): region is profound. Congratulations and thank you for doing Solicitor Waldron added that he forgot tor recognize Ken Coutts and Tom Mueller oft the Palmyra Township Supervisors. Supervisor Ken Coutts said they were happy to do it, preserve the land and the wildlife. Commissioner Osterberg replied that we're! happy that you'vet takent that on because somebody always has tot take these Easements and control them. Obviously, it's controlled for perpetuity, notj just for a few years. As you can see, where that] landi is andI say this because it's soi important in this community that wej preserve viewsheds, you can see itf from Lake Wallenpaupack: and certainly thati is going to continue1 to be al beautiful area to view. Thank you to the Gumble family Commissioner Osterberg announced the next thing we're going toj jump to is Attorney Jason Ohliger andt the First Annual Ohliger/Mcintyre Charity GolfOuting Check Presentation for thel Pike County Emergency Services Initiative Attorney Ohliger said wel had our first annual golft tournament, my partner Nick McIntyre andl I. Thep purpose oft that was tor raise funds for thel Emergency Services Initiative. As the Commissioners are well aware, this initiative was startedi in 2020, coincidentally,just: as COVID was starting. Recognizing thatt there was an epidemic problem int the County witht training volunteers and retaining volunteers for ambulance services, itl became apparent that a volunteer whoi is giving theirt time away from their family toj provide emergency: medical services tot the people int this County, shouldn'thave toj pay fort their training. The training is $600-$800 al head andt that was being paid for byi individuals or fire departments ont their behalf. We came up with thei idea to create ai fundi toj pay for that training and that fund! has been paying for thatt training for four years. All the training in the County is done att the Training Center for volunteer EMS workers andi is paid for byt that fund. Thef fund ultimately has just broken $100K and we'rel here toa add to that. We had a golft tournament onl May 20th andi it was fantastically attended, wel had almost onel hundred golfers. Wel had numerous: sponsors, andi it was really a great day, a beautiful day anda a fun time. Attorney Ohliger continued to say he wantedt to especially thank, who without them it would not have been possible to do this: my office staff, Malibu Wellness Ranch, a corporate sponsor, Shaun Burger real estatet team, Thel Dimmick Inn, Attorney Matthew Galasso, Morey Construction, Turano Insurance, Dimel Bank and Servpro. Thank yout to everybody it was really great, and we The Commissioners thanked Jason Ohliger. Commissioner Osterberg said Iknow that Tim Knapp (Pike County Director of Emergency Management)! helps tos spend that money very efficiently and effectively. Please Tim, give us an idea ofv what $15K will got toi fromi that fund. EMA Director Knapps said thank yout to. Jason and) his team and everyone elset that! has donated. I stills say, and! I'm al little biased, but we' re second to none wheni it comes tot taking care of our responders and making ite easy for them to doi it. Once again, we couldn'tdot this without that (the fund). This money willf fund, wej just gota a creditf for Advanced EMT, whichi is thel level right below ap paramedic, it's the wave oft the future and wel have that class startingi int the Fall. Our EMT class in August already has a dozen people signed up to it. We've gota a good program going and once again, we couldn'tdoi it without thel help oft the Commissioners and people like Jason Ohliger that! keep us going with that.. Attorney Ohliger addedt that he'dl liket tot thank Greater Pike Community Commissioner Osterberg said we are now goingt toj jump around a bit, we. have a few people from Children and Youth MOTION:1 by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to adopt] Resolution. No. 24-14, Pike  this opportunity tor recover some costs and! Ithink I've covered everything.  this!  for all you did!  Fund. Commissioner Osterberg introduced. Attorney. Jason Ohliger.  havet this oversized, publisher's clearinghouse sized check for $15K to present.  Foundation, the people who madet thisl happen.  here who want to get back to work sO we're going straight tol Item 21 under 'New) Business. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  County Child Welfare. Appreciation Week, June 3-7,2024. Commissioner Caceres read) Resolution. No. 24-14 aloud. Welfare Servicel Providers Appreciation Week, June 10-14,2024. Commissioner Schmalzle read Resolution! No. 24-15 aloud.  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to adopt Resolution: No. 24-15, Child Commissioner Osterberg said when wet talk about Children and Youth Services, VIP (Victim Intervention Program), CAC( (Childrens' Advocacy Center), Commissioner Caceres added and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as well - what you dot tol helpf families and children int this County cannot bes said enough, the praise you should get, but we understand that thej jobs that all ofs you do are very difficult positions thaty you are put in and we appreciate all you do. We dot thet best we can to support you asf far as we can, andy youl know we do. Commissioner Osterberg introduced Penny Seltzer said our Agency Administrator, Michele Burrell, regrets she was not able tol bel here inj person, but she did prepare this statement to ber read on her behalf. Case workers are asked to make extremely difficult decisions to ensure the safety ofc children in our County. Oftentimes, this involves working with very difficult situations under extreme weather conditions andl long working hours to get thej job done. Today, we acknowledge the dedication and hard work ofF Pike County Case Workers. Additionally, thisj jobi wouldi not be possible without the support of our community partners liket thel Pennsylvania State Police, thel District Attorney's Office, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), our drug and alcoholl liaisont team, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates): and our mental health providers who support us  Penny Seltzer from SAM (Service Access Management).    and our families by working together to making families stronger. Wet thank our community churches, food pantries andl local schools who also] provide support to families struggling with various issues. Itt takes a village to raise a child, andt this is obvious with thes support of thet team which includes our County Commissioners. Thank you for your support! Finally, to our Case Workers, we understand the difficultt task that they have all undertaken and we applaud your hard work. We appreciate you and your dedication, and we vow to continue to support you and the agency wishes Commissioner Osterberg announced we are going tor move back tot thel beginning oft the meeting. There is one other Tim Knapp announced he would liket to bring out] Bob Carpenter, Executive Director ofNortheast EMS and his crew. Anthony Martin,] Director oft the) Bureau of EMS for thel Pennsylvania Department of Health introduced himself and he introduced. Janette Swade, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, Dave Jones, President of Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, and' Tony Devin, Vice President of Pennsylvania Anthony Martin, Director oft thel Bureau of EMS for the Pennsylvania Department of Health said we're! here today to recognize contributions to) Emergency Medical Services across the state, regionally and] locally. EMS in 2024 certainly looks different than it did whent the: first EMS Act was established in 1985.) Different faces, different needs, new procedures, new equipmentt to care forj patients and new challenges int the readiness and response to calls for service. Today's EMSi isar mix of clinical and administrative volunteers and employees working side by side to ensure the availability of care whenr needed for our neighbors or visitors and our families. Although the services have recently seen manys struggles including thei impact ofag global pandemic along with financial and staffing shortages, these volunteers and paid staff continue to deliver excellent medical care during times when stress, danger and hardship are at their The award we're presenting today recognizes strong examples ofthis care: and compassion as leaders, innovators and mentors dedicated tot the community and thej people who live and visit and work here. The selection oft this year's award recipient andt today's ceremony isa a joint project of] Pennsylvania Department ofl Health Bureau of EMS and the Pennsylvania Emergencyl Health Services Council. The award's nomination process is peer driven; individuals and agencies are nominated each year based on1 theire extraordinary services tot the community and Pennsylvania's EMS system. Today's awardi ist the 20241 Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Contribution to EMS. Award. This award isi in memory of Georgel Moerkirk, past President ofl Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council. Dr. Moerkirk was instrumental int the development and growth of] Pennsylvania's EMS: system. Hej provided EMS education tol EMT's and Paramedics and was actively involved inc clinical care as ai medical command position and facility director. Dr. Moerkirk was knownt throughout Pennsylvania ast the father ofEMS. This award honors ani individual or organization whol has provided significant contribution tot thel Pennsylvania EMS system in either statewide, regional, or locals system development ora administration, EMS agency development or administration advancement, clinical care education, professional development, medical direction, research, advancement in safety ori injury prevention or vehicle or Pike County recognized a distressed EMS delivery system and commissioned a comprehensive report in July 2018 outlining several areas ofc concern and opportunity with ani intent to assess existing conditions andi formulate: a series of options toi improve or enhance the availability of EMSt tol Pike County residents and visitors. This reporti identified several key findingsi including the need for enhanced basic life support skills and utilization; adjustments to mutual aid for out ofs service times and: financial support requirements for EMS agencies. Consideration of utilizing existing EMS agencies supplemented with] paids staff versus replacing these agencies with contracted services or with a County operated service necessitated a large financial need: for each option. Joint venture was also considered, utilizing municipal funding as a primary source.. Additionally, other considerations including provider training, locating hospitals within the County's geographical' boundaries, and assessing aj program tor reducet thei impact of the assisted and skilled livingi facilities ont thel EMS system. Municipality EMS tax options and provider tax credits were also considered. The report represented al broada and telling story oft the dire situation Pike County was experiencing in ordert tor maintain adequate staffing and coverage of EMS servicest throughout the region. Ofr most significance is the result of Pike County Emergency Services Matching Grant Program, developed out oft this study and subsequent elaborate conversations with agencies, municipalities, and County stakeholders. That program began in 2022, combining local municipality financial support with matching County dollars and allows a funding stream tot the Pike County EMS agencies supporting staffing, training, and equipment. Currently, annual municipal contributions and County match are in excess of$4M being made availablet tos support County EMS agencies. Ofr note, ani immediate improvement was a significant reduction in overall response times, seeing pre-hospital care arrive in a manner of minutes versus times in excess oftwenty-five minutes. Inp place ofE EMS agencies closing their doors asi is occurringi ini many areas int the State, Pike County EMS agencies are seeingi improvement in all categories ofr need. Mosti importantly, Pike County residents ares seeing an Inr recognition ofs your outstanding servicet toi the community and dedication tol Emergency Medical Services across the region, we are pleased toj present the 2024 Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Contribution tol EMS. Award tot thel Pike Commissioner Osterberg said we appreciate it very much. As yout talked about how we developed this program, some ofit was int the report, some ofitj just came: from leadership int the Commissioners' office to realized that to have good, ample ambulance services int this County takes the entire community. As wel know, legislation says thata all of that responsibility is laid ont thes shoulders oft the municipal leaders. Those Townships are very small, and they just do not havet the ability to doi it financially. Christa Caceres, Commissioner, is part oft this team now and Ron Schmalzle, Commissioner, was here and Tony Waldron, former Pike County Commissioner, was here and we made a commitment tos say we didn'tneed1 to doi it, wet toot twoi mils of general tax payer dollars, whichi ist not something directed for us to do that, but wet took that leadership to doi it because now wel knowt that ambulance services int this County is here toj protect  thata all children andi families willt thrivei in a safe environment. thing, Tim Knapp, EMAI Director, wants to speak ofaf fewt things.  Emergency Health Services Council.  highest level.  technical rescue. This year'sa award recipients aret thel Pike County Commissioners.  improvement: in) Emergency Medical Services availability and care delivery.  County Commissioners.    all ofus. AsIs said earlier, the only people that are going to make a differencei int thel health and wellbeing of the people oft this County aret the people int the County. We appreciate you coming! here from the State, but we alsol know that the Statei ist not going to come! here and give us $2Mt tor match that. Wei neededt to dot this andi it's all ofu us that are paying for that. When we didi this, to givey you ani idea ofv what thatr really equates to, ite equates to about $35.00 per household. It was hardlya a hard thought to do. Nobody wants their taxes to go up, but wej justs saidt thisi ist tooi important. We appreciate Commissioner Schmalzle: saidt thank you ands said thisi iss something that we certainly were criticized for doing, for stepping out of our lane, but wei felt it was int thel best interests of the community safety and health. We werei ina severe crisis and, as youl know, the statistics andi numbers and with Tim Knapp's leadership, we' ve made a difference. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tol hire CASEY: BROWNas Caseworker. Iin Children and Youth Services for a 40-hour work week, effective. June 17, 2024, pending successful MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to hire. JAZMIN VAZQUEZasa a part-time Mairom/Accounting: Clerk for lesst than 1,0001 hours per: year, effective June 10, 2024, pending successful MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle: and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tol hire RODEN ODENDAHL: asa full-time Clerki int the Prothonotary's Office fora3 37.5-hour work week, retroactive tol May 29, 2024, with benefits after MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tol hire JOSEPH WETZEL: as a full-time Clerki int thel Prothonotary's Office for a 37.5-hour work week, effective June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results, with benefits after 90 days. This isa ai replacement position. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Motion tor recess the Commissioners' Meeting to holda a Salary Board Meeting. ASALARYI BOARD. MEETING was held. Motion to adjourn. Salary Board! Meeting and reconvene Commissioners'. Meeting. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to award bids for Tri-Annual Groceries and Frozen Foods fort thej period of July 1,2 2024- - October 31, 2024, on behalf oft the Correctional Facility,to Mivilai int the amount of$162,551.42; Driscoll int the amount of$41,478.44; Sysco int the amount of $26,548.15; and MOTION:by Commissioner Schmalzle ands secondedl by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute Payment Application #31 Rev from Rutledge Excavating, Inc. for the Springbrook Road Over Rattlesnake Creek Bridge VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle: and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute Payment Application #61 from LHI Reed & Sons, Inc. for thel Bennett. Ave Building 11 Interior Renovation Project. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION:by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded1 by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute Payment Application #5 from Mycol Mechanical for the Bennett Ave Building 11 Interior Renovation Project. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute Payment Application #6 from Grimm Construction for1 the Bennett Ave Building 1 Interior Renovation Project. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye". Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute Change Order) No.:) EC-21 for thel Bennett Ave Building 1 Interior Renovation Project from North) End] Electric. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to open bids for the list ofi items received fors sale or disposal as recommended by the Pike County Prison Board. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  ther recognition.  Wel believe that lives have been saved.  PERSONNEL  drug screening results, with benefits after 90 days. This is ai replacement position. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. background check and drug screening results. This isar replacement position. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  90 days. This is ar replacement position.  OLDI BUSINESS  Bernard int the amount of$15,619.18.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Replacement Project.  Solicitor Farley opened the following bids: $300; #8 $25; #9 $200; and# #10$100.  John Lombardo for Items Numbered: 11 through 68 and) Items 8,9 and 10: #1 $50; #2 $100; #3 $901; #4 $50; #5 $50;#6 Brittany Mieglio for Items Numbered 1,2,6 6,7and 8: #1 $300; #2 $100; #6 $150; #7 $50; and #8 $25.    Solicitor Farley said wes should! have the Warden look and review these. Commissioner Osterberg asked for a motion to MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tot table the award oft bid for the list ofi items received for sale or disposal as recommended by the Pike County Prison) Board at the Commissioners' June 20, MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to advertise a Request for Proposals for thel Delivery of Nutrition Services for the Contract Period 2024-2027, on behalf oft the Area. Agency on Aging. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to adopt Resolution No. 24-16, Pike County Commissioners Resolution to Authorize Submission ofa Grant Application for Funding for AJ Dam Restoration MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute, as amended, the Commercial Lease Agreement between Westfall Senior. Apartments IAssociates LLC and the MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle: and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve thei following Human Services Payment Vouchers on! behalf oft the Office ofH Human Services: Human Services Development) Fund in the MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the fiscal year 2024 first quarter payments from thel Pike Countyl Emergency Medical Services Matching Grant Fund tol Matamoras Borough in  award the bid at the Commissioners' June 20" meeting. 2024, meeting in order for Warden tor review.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  NEW BUSINESS  Project.  County of Pike, on behalf oft the Area Agency on Aging.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. thel LSA Grant Payment Request) Form, on! behalf oft thel District Attorney's Office. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. thel PCCIDI New Hire Enticement Grant Award Letter, on! behalf of the District Attorney's Office. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye". Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. the amount of $6,655.00: and Palmyra Townshipi int the amount of $44,500.00. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres voted" 'aye'. Motion carried.  amount of$1,500.00: and PHARE in the amount of $12,354.00.  MISCELLANEOUS  PennState Extension Calendar of Events Gumble Family Conservation Easement  1st Annual Ohliger/McIntyre Charity Golf Outing check presentation to the Pike County Emergency Services Commissioner Osterberg said last week we opened up our new' Veterans' Centeri in Shohola, PA. There were overa hundred people there, it was well received. Part oft this is Veterans' Centeri is going to get help- Veterans organizations are going tol help ust fund that center. Our VSO (Veterans Services Organization): Director. Jesiah Schrader isas shining star int the State. They have recognized the factt that! he's taken our County from getting $8M ofbenefits for our Veterans int this community, where there are four thousand Veterans, tol being onj pace tot being $12Mt this year. We've expanded tax credits for Veterans in our community. To me, whatever we're doing for Veterans today, we can do more tomorrow. Ont the 30th oft this monthi it will be announced again, butI I want people tol be aware there willl be VetStock at Key Food.) Keyl Foodi is always very generous, but the funding that's going to come: from one ofthose events is going directly to the Veterans' Center So we can do even more services and help offset our budget. We understand that the money is used tof fund the Veterans' Center, therei is noi funding from the State, there is noi funding from the Federal Government. It's annoying on the County-end that wel have all these services that we're providing for these men and women whos servedt thel Nation, but nott to say we don't want toi fundi it, we do, but we would like tol be ablet to do even more, but we need those fundst to do that. It'se easy for ust to got to one place and that's all up to you for the tax dollars. It's certainly our hope and we'r 're going to push this with our State Representatives and] Federal Representatives that they need tos step upi tot the plate. Somebody like. Jesiah Schrader is doing all thisl hard work, but he needs the help and the resources tol be ablet to doi it and they (State and Federal) need tol help us dot that. Just make note that on. June 30th that the event will bet taking place. There will be another announcement: as we get closert to thei next meeting on. June 20th. Please knowt the next Commissioners' meeting instead of Wednesday, iti is actually Thursday, June 20th. We are closed Commissioner Caceres welcomed everyonel here and acknowledged June 2024 as) LGBTQ Pridel Month. Love all of you. Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender. Pridel Monthi is celebrated annually in. Junet tol honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots and workst to achievej justice and equal opportunity forl lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and questioning Americans. In. June of 1969, patriots and supporters ofthe Stonewall Inni inl New York City staged an uprising to resist thej police harassment andp persecution to which) LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning ofar movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against these. Americans. Today, celebrations  Initiative Fund  VetStock- Annual Event: at Key Foodi inl Milford, PA - Commissioner Osterberg-  on) June 19th for. Juneteenth.  PRESS & PUBLICCOMMENTS/QUESTIONS/ADJOURNMENT    include Pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposiums, and concerts. Prider month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials arel held during thist month for thoser members oft the community who have been victims ofl hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose oft the commemorative: monthi is tor recognize thei impact of Commissioner Schmalzlei thanked Commissioner Caceres ands said two weeks ago at our meeting] I said that we would makea a statement ont the requested Pridel Proclamation. I aml heret to offer a statement issued on behalf of Commissioner Osterberg andi myself. We recognize that there isa a significant LGBTQ+ population in Pike County andt that alll human beings are equali in dignity and worth. Ast the executive governing body of County government, our responsibilities as Commissioners are clearly outlinedi in the Pennsylvania County Code. We are responsible for implementing the County budget and overseeing contracts and we are required byl law to provide certain services to citizens. Withint those duties, the Commissioners' officel has al longstanding precedent on acting on Proclamations and Resolutions related to County initiatives, programs ands services which we administer to validate our support and also to validate our support oft the United States andl Pennsylvania Constitution as dictated by our oath of office. As elected officials, we recognize and are committed tor representing and supporting all County residents. Our office does not single out individuals or groups for lifestyle choice, sexual orientation, political platforms, heritage, or religious beliefs. Therefore, we will not placet the requested Pridel Month Proclamation on our Agenda. The United States Constitution provides the framework that protects individual liberties and promotes general welfare thereby creating the conditions necessary for people toj pursue theiri individual happiness. We stand by all whol live and visit Pike County and we affirm that hate should never be tolerated. Ifanyone experiences hate or needs support, we urge you to contact law enforcement or the appropriate professional: services specific toy your situation. The Commissioners' office will continue tol have respectful and educational dialoguet to maintain! Pike County as a community that accepts and respects allp people. We will continue to be engaged with) Locala and State law enforcement andt the services within the County with ai focus on safety, wellbeing and happiness ofa all residents. We encourage members oft the LGBTQ+ community to continue tol bei involved ini the manys good organizations within our County that foster a better quality of1 life for all. Thel LGBTQ+ community is always welcome at our public meetings, and we are available tor meet and hear your prospectives. We will alsol honor Reporter Preston Ehrler asked Commissioner Osterberg what brought you tot this decision to maket this statement today? Commissioner Osterberg answered we: standl by our statements heret that we don't think thisi isi int the purview of Pike County Commissioners." There are many groups of people int this community that we can have the samet type of Resolution and) Proclamations towards. AsI I've saidi many times att this meeting, Iknowt that there's people in our community that hate every other individual in this community.I I don'tthink it'say widespread hate. I'vel lived! here for fifty years, andI I'ves said this tor many ofs you, Ihavei never, ever, had disdain for anyone that's livedi in this community.1 I have accepted everybody;I don'tt thinki it'st ther role oft the County government to dot this andt that's what) I am standing by.I I'ms sorry people don'tagree with us ont that, but that'sv what we' rel here for. Christa (Commissioner Caceres) read her statement: and that's perfectly: fine. Ir respect what all ofs youl live for and what you doi in Pike County.) I also respect everybody elsei int this County and whatt they doi in this County. Therei isn't one single groupt that does more than Commissioner Schmalzles saidI I willa add to that.. John (meeting attendee Hellman)I want tot thank you for opening up the dialogue and coming ina and meeting with us andl having respectful conversation. We will continue tol have that conversation and we will continue tol have the conversation with Christa (Commissioner Caceres). Wes see you, wel hear you and we dot think you're an important part of our community. Wej just do not think itis part of our purview int this Jerry Weinstock: asked what is your objection, Ic don't understand? Commissioner Schmalzle answered iti is not our job. Jerry Weinstock asked why can'ty you make al Proclamation? Pike County has the most same-sex couples in the entire State, andy you can'tmake: al Proclamationt tor recognize LGBTQ people? Whati is wrong with you? Why can'tyou do Jerry Weinstock said no you don't,youj justs saidy you respect everybody, but you won'tissue: al Pride Proclamation? Commissioner Osterberg answered Idor respect everybody. I'll make al Proclamation thatI I respect everybody in the Jerry Weinstock asked again, why won'ty your maket thel Proclamation? Commissioner Schmalzle answered! Ijust told you why we wouldn'ti make thel Proclamation. Jerry Weinstock: said you recognize other groups. Commissioner Schmalzle answered we don'trecognize other groups. Jerry Weinstock: said yes, you do, how about the Second Amendment Sanctuary group, you recognize them? Commissioner Schmalzle answered let me address that. We never passed a Second. Amendment Sanctuary Resolution. Never, ever, ever. We called out the Constitution in both Pennsylvania and the United States. We never passeda a Second Amendment Sanctuary Resolution; we recognized the Constitution. Solicitor Farley theni interrupted to tell the meeting attendee thatt this is public comment not public yelling, Meeting attendee. John Hellman, Dingman Township resident living in Pike County seven years said last week there are three things that happened that Iv want to share. Last Wednesday or Thursday my friend) Lisa. Jenkins andI wentt to Paupack United, al LGBTQ streaming group at the Wallenpaupack Area High School. Wet toldt thel kidss sort of what was happening, updating them aboutt the conversations about some oft the reasons people were giving in support, in opposition and everything in between and we asked them what would they like to say tos you ifthey hadt the opportunity tod dos so? The heart ofv what these 9, 10th and IIth graders, all Pike County residents, said was they felt so unsafe, unwelcome andi fori many oft them their parents are their first bullies and the only place where they feel safe is atan after-school: student group wheret they canl have conversations withl like-minded people, people with similar experiences. Ifthe County Commissioners couldi recognize LGBTQI Pridel Month, they would feel more welcome. Meeting attendee. John Hellman continued that this past Sunday he was askedt toj perform at Pocono Pridei inl Monroe County in Stroudsburg. Daytime dragi isat thrill: for no one. We were there for about seven hours and we were surrounded! by LGBTQ parents, LGBTQ students, LGBTQ children, babies, dogs, friends, people ofreligious faith and  LGBTQ individuals have had! historically, locally, nationally, and internationally.  andi respect your rightt to assemble and celebrate peacefully.  another. That's alll Icans say about this.  office. Ity would bes setting aj precedent that we are not going to begin to set att this time.  that? Commissioner Osterberg answered wei recognize everybody,  community.  let's respect each other, okay?    people elected to office, thel Mayor of Stroudsburg was there and both Statel Representatives that cover Monroe County, Maureenl Madden and Tara Probst were there. Wel hada a cameo by Commissioner Christa Caceres introducing one ofthe drag performers ons stage. The entire time there wasj joy, laughter, mutual respect andi insane outfits.Istill, as a thirty- eight-year-old, going top pride celebrations for a while, couldr not hold back my emotions from the feeling thatIg get from Meeting attendee. John Hellman: said thet third story I want tos sharei is that after we were done at Poconol Pride, Ihavea camps site atap private LGBTQ campground called Camp Out Poconos in) East Stroudsburg. I joined some ofmy friends int the poolt tor relax anda after aboutt thirty minutes, andi ifyou'ref friends with an) LGBTQ bully you try to come up with the dumbest drag names possible over people that don'te exist. After thirty minutes, the conversation shifted to can you believe there are peoplet that hate us? They! have noi idea what our lives are like, what we're up to, they have noi idea who we are andt they cannot carel less. Is sharet these stories because there are pockets in our areai that are affirming. There are people outl here who have come out because ofthel Pride) Resolution that we announced on May 15t that have really reaffirmed my own belonging and safety int this County. There are also people whol have come out in opposition. Regardless of whaty you say andt think here, this past Monday when nine people associated with the Rod ofIron Ministry wentt toi the Westfall Township Supervisors meeting, they used your decision and your wordst toj justify asking them to rescind their votet tor recognize Pride. Regardless ofyour intent, your decision is being used as a victory for people who hate us. People continue tol livel here, tot thrive here andt tot try to buildb bridges because wel knowt there are people who just don't understand that wel have never met an] LGBTQ person, they don't tl know our history, they don't! know what we're about andt they want tol learn. Ifyoud continuet tos succumbt tot the worst] parts of our community, then you are no different. To quote Commissioner Osterberg, the only people that will address thel health and wellbeing ofthis County Meeting attendee Lisa Jenkins saidI Ichose tos speak today tos share what thisj journey to Pridel has been like for the last month. Howi incredibly disappointed more peoplei int this County are than you dare tot think about the result of your short-sided decisions. It! has been an overwhelmingly positive and supportive experience in every municipality at every meeting wel have attended. Event thoset that tabledt their vote against thisl Pridel Proclamation, wel have met wonderful people, both) Republican and Democrat, young and old, whol have cheered us on ands supported us. They jumped int to help in aj plethora ofy ways, but most profoundly touching are the things that have happened and encounters Ihave had with strangers. Iwas at Walmarta and ar man int the parking lot calledi my name. Iturned around and he said hi, you guys are doing great, keep going; I did not know him. I was walking my dog anda a woman stopped me and said Iknow you, thel Prider meetings, my husband andI I wrote. letters, but we were afraid to come tot the meetings, we won't be anymore.I was doing yardwork on Saturday and a woman drove downt the alley and said what you andi that boy are doingi is kind and brave and) It thank you.I I didn't know her either. Lisa Jenkins continued, toj piggyback on what John Hellman said, we did speak tot the LGBTQI high school agedl kids, andy we did ask them specifically what we should sayt to you ini this Tmas sophomore at Wallempaupack There isn' 'tal lot afachowledgement. OfLGBTO people out here. It can go: under the radart that we even exist, and it's reflected in people's ' attitudes and behaviors. Acknowledging us officially would be T'm ai ninth grader and sincel Icame out as a lesbian, it's been pretty isolating. The girls that were myj friends. saidI didn' t4 belong anymore. My parents are not accepting themselves. Ifwe have recognition in Pike County, more kids would realize that we' 'rei not alone and that we all have stories that we can share and tell.. Maybe one day, people can Tmo ai ninthg grader and Igo to) Wallempaupack. Ifeel like our area. should try to be more accepting ofpeople like me. We' 'rei really noti that different from other people, even though everyone thinks that we are. We' 'rej just people who like the same gender. Ifeel like everyone. should try to be more accepting and thent the world would feel sqfer for people like Tmo ane eleventhg grader at) Wallempaupack Pridei is a very important thing for all oft us here in this group. Itis very important tof feels sqfe and respected inj your own environment. A lot oftimes, we don' 'tfeel like that in the world outside because people ares going to cally you out, they' 're going to cally your names, they' re going tot threaten you. Youc don' "tfeel welcome in SO) manys spaces, but here and in. June during Pride Month, everyone feels accepted, welcome ands seen. I feel like they have ap place to be themselves. We. should be accepted all the time like this in any. space that we do to'. Lisa) Jenkins said those are just four of pages that wel have. Thank youf for your time andI Ireally wish you would Commissioner Osterberg said as yous said, some ofthe Townships have not entertained it, but they did tell yout that they have respect for everybody and understand. Lisa. Jenkins saidi that is not what they have said. Commissioner Osterberg saidI believe thatt they didi in Shohola. Let'sj just! be clear that there are' Townships that have not approved this, that have also saidt thaty youy were welcomed and accepted in this community, and we will not tolerate hate. As far as the schools are concerned, ift there's programs that we need to doi int thes school for these children, then we as Commissioners need to talkt tot them, to makes sure that they're addressing them withint their schools. Ifthere are programs wei need to do, thisi is County role with Carbon-Monroe-Pikel Mental Health, then wer need to talkt toi them. Meeting attendee Lisa Jenkins asked do you understand this has got nothing to do with programs? Commissioner Osterberg answered it does, ifthey feel unaccepted, ift they need counseling and need support int their community, they can help them. Lisa Jenkins said because they'rel LGBTQ does not mean they need counseling. Whatt they need is acknowledgment oft their existence and acceptance. Meeting attendee. John Hellman saidi ifyouy were offeringt to do more withint the schools,I would suggest yous start with thel Delaware Valley Schooll District, wheret there are School Board Members that are openly hateful toward trans students and want them to be out their parents andt they say this at public meetings constantly. Thati isa public record andI Ihave mentioned thist to you, others! have mentioned thist tos you, let's meet tomorrow. and start working ont that. Commissioner Osterberg answered absolutely.. John Hellman said he'dl love to bet there.  beingi ina ap place where everyone knowst thatt they're welcome.  aret the people of Pike County.  meeting today. Some oft the things that they said: agreat) way tos start to change this';  bez more open to us, and wei wouldn' 't) have this fuss during Pride';  us and people like them! '; and  reconsider.    Commissioner Caceres said beforet the next person speaks, Ijust feel compelled to sayt this because nothing hurts me moret than tos see aj young person feeling unworthy. I know the struggles, we've all been' there as teenagers andI Ijust want tos say ift there's anyone in! here that's young, ifthere's anyone that's watching that's young or in high school andi is unsure,. you don'tr need aj piece of paper tol know that you'res special, tol knowt that you're important and valuable. Yes, you should be affirmed at every level ofg government, but youy weren'ttoday." That's okay, you're still the greatest and don'tworry abouti it. Keepr moving, keep moving forward and keep pushing, one dayi it willl happen. Meeting attendee Susan Olds, long timer resident ofPike County said she isa aj proud mother ofat transgender woman.I urge yout top publicly express support for a Gay Pridel Resolution. Iwant to draw your attention to a study done by the US Office ofVictims of Crime. Its states statistics documenting transgender people's experience with sexual violence indicate shockingly highl levels ofs sexual abuse and assault. One int two transgender individuals are sexually abused or assaulted sometime int their lives'. Itg goes ont tos say 'acts ofhate violence, sucha asl harassment, stalking, vandalism and physical ands sexuala assaulta are often supported by socially sanctioned expressions oft transphobia, biphobia, monophobia and arei intended tos send ar message tot thel LGBTQ communities'. .It think that what that says, asIreadi it, is that silencet to say something counter tot that behavior indicates ori is construed as consent to upholding that behavior. Or itiso construed as permission fort that behavior. Wel have many groups out there that are expressing thisl kind ofbehavior, ande everybody. just looks the other way and that's easy. I'm asking you to dot the hard thing and say those types of behaviors are not accepted here andt these behaviors are not necessarily things you call the police about. What are you Meeting attendee Asa Abbott from Honesdale said he is ai wenty-threeyearold gay man.I Icamet tol Honesdale fleeing from domestic abuse. Ifled domestic abuse from my father because oft the acceptance that he could not commit or even deal with ort understanding what itisl like having a gay child. This is why itiss soi important to embrace and recognize because this community isk hit with hate, disrespect, and vandalism. Therei is time when murder and death come into play. Sex crimes, thisi isa atrocious andi horrid for this community to deal with. Itiss sad thatI IK have tol leave my community tof feel asi ifI am safe and accepted.1 Iaml happy to announce: ands state hereI I am ina ai relationshipi in! New York and that is wherei it feels safer. Thati iss sadt tos state, we need tor makei iti feels safer, everybody. It does not matter skin color, sex, anything, people are people and love is love and that is whate everyone deserves andt the recognition behind iti is soi important. Icome up to speak ofv whatI I went through; it was not aj pleasant experience. I've gone through extensive therapy tot try tol help and deal with, but att the end ofthe day you are the people who have power than can adjust ita and fix thei issue. The issue ofhate crimes ist ratchet and! horrid.) Ifly al Pridel Flag anda a Palestinian Flag outside ofr my house, also an American! Flag. Iam waiting for the day for my home tot be vandalized because oft the support that Ishow. Not only for my community, but for others. Ifthere are people who can actually change the insight and protect usi ina ai more: formal sense, that would be great. Even calling the policei ini my own experience, they didn'thelp me, not at all. Itv was because. I grew upa and Ihad a voice, andI I used my voicei in front ofe everybody here. Itiss soi important to Meeting attendee Yehudit! Moch ands saids she wants tot talk about her vision of Pennsylvania and US democracy. It's an evolving process.] Ihadt thel honor of! hearing. Justice Sotomayor speak ata a pre-July 4th gathering. She spoke about the evolving sense of democracy int this country. When this country started it was about whiter men with money, Christian white men with money, I'm. Jewish. Thate evolving sense has been a really important part of who we are and) Ithink the diversity ofv who we are today and whoi isi int thist room and whoi is out there is part of what America is. For me, it's also part of what] Pennsylvania is. William Penn's vision was very much about diversity and living inp peace, even with the native people who, most oft the colonies, did nott think about, and he really did. That to mei matters. I wentt tot the University of] Pennsylvania andi majored in international relations int the Middle East and] I'm as social worker.Iam: ag gay women marriedi tor my wife who ist back there. We're. Jewish and we choset tol live! here many years ago.) Part ofitI remember how muchI II lovedt the Delaware Water Gap and Milford and how welcoming Milford was to many different sorts of people. Wel live inl Hemlock, which was bought by someone who was] Irish, and! he couldn't get into the WASP'y country club andi that's why hel built ab better golf course than the WASP's.. Iremember whenI I saw signs in Sparta, New. Jersey that were about Jews, that were about black people andi that wasi ini my childhood. Ialso remember what it was liket top push for basic civil rights fori me as a gay person. My wife andI Ihave been together twenty-six years, married since 2011, because that was when we could get marriedi inl New York State. Symbols matter, you says you don't pass Resolutions that are only for part oft the community, I don't believe thisi is part ofy your community. Ithink that homophobia affects everyone,. justl liker racism affects white peoplet too. Homophobia affects straight people. Ithink that's part ofv whaty you're not takingi in, that there's been an evolving increasei in democracy. Thel Fourteenth Amendment is about citizenship and passing on an expansion of citizenship. To me, this involves that vision ofan Meeting attendee Yehudit Moch continued that whens she was inj highs school, she had thel honor of going to the Supreme Court on a class trip. To me, ity was the citadel oft the United States and democracy ati its best. Imet with William O. Douglas during Watergate, andI Iasked a question knowing they wouldn'tsay: anything specifically about Watergate. He saids something tot the effecti ine every generation there willl be challengest to democracy andi iti is up to yout to do your part to defendi it. Ir really do wish you could hear how muchy people have suffered from homophobia and] how mucht taking thats symbolic step of passing aF Proclamation andi notj just saying the wordsIs see you; Ihear you. Wel have Proclamations for this, New York City has Proclamations for everything. I wonder whys you won't even puti it on your Agenda. Iunderstandy yous say we don'tp pass Proclamations for certain people, but homophobia affects everyone. It affects my straight son whoi isi int the Navy who was told he had to act a certain way and, frankly as a. Jewish boy from Brooklyn and son oft twol lefty social worker biological parents, and raised by two queer moms, he didn'te exactly fit that stereotype ofal Navy boy. Thati is al hurt for him thati is whol he is, nerdy, whatever, skinny, those things are examples of homophobia because that stereotype of what ai real mani is doesn't! happen toi include asi it happens a straight. Jewish man asas stereotype. Allt these stereotypes hurt all ofu us andj passing a. Resolution helps all of us, gay and straight. That's what 'Overj fiffy, years ago, Igrew upi inc as small town in Bloomsburg, PA. Isawj firsthand the decency, good character and  goingt to do? Thank you.  help protect the people oft thel LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you.  expanding concept of freedom.  Iwant you to consider and nowl I'm going to read as statement fromi my Rabbi:    benevolence oft the people ofours small town, and Ibelieve that extends toz many ofthe people in the small towns across the great State ofl Pennsylvania, including Milford and Pike County ing general. The golden rule from Leviticus 19, the Old Testament, the Torah, invites, summons and beckons each ofust to love our neighbors as ourselves. Neighbors don't necessarily look like us, not a reflection ofourselvesi int the mirror. Yet, every one of us human beings is made in God's image and deserves our mutual respect, honor, andi recognition. For centuries, groups onz thej fringes have had toj fight tol bez recognized whether ity was the Suffrages who would nots give up until women got the vote. Handicapped and disabled whose voices were heardt to enact the American Disabilities Act. The Civil Rights Movement and the whole Emancipation. Movement, and now the Gay and Lesbian community. It's not asking for al lot, simply to be recognized andi to) proclaim the recognition as part ofour liberties that our great country was founded on.. Ihope you will open your hearts to do the right thing so that all ofGod's children canj feel love andi respected and honored.' Ar meeting attendee said she may bet the only person int the room who is so annal about rules that Is see your point really well. IfI werei in your position, I would not maybe! be sayingt this tos you, buts saying yes these aret the rules wel have to work by andy wel have toi follow them. I understand that and sympathize. Ithink what's al little differenti is first ofa all, as an older woman, I'm goingt tol bes seventy-one and anyone else near my age, we weren't out whenI I was as young as these people. We were scared, we were attacked and even now, depending on wherel Igo or where we go wel have tol be careful about! holding hands. It's current and present. Ihavet tos say that) think Christa (Commissioner Caceres)i is one of the only extremely: few people of color int the room andt this isi in a sense aboutt that too, but) I guess what I want to say is instead ofi incorporating: your owni role and the rules as we can't open the door because wel have to opent to everyone, I say. just thaty you'rer responsible, thoughtful guys and adult enough to open the door and then make wise decisions and Meeting attendee Kevin Holian said we' ve been talking about hate for the last couple of months, years, decades. I'm seventy years old, so atl least seventy years. Hatel brings tears to my eyes.I I remember nine or ten years ago, Ihad anger inr my heart, andIs struck out ats somebody,al lot ofp people and one oft their daughters calledi my homei in Long Island (New York) and shel laidi into me. At that time, Itoldi my wife about it, andI Is said that person has a child and Ijust hurt that child.) Fast forward several years later, I went tot the swearing in oft the Commissioners andI I wanted to ask some hard questions to Christa (Commissioner Caceres) about her views on different things andl low and behold the same exactt thing happened again! because Isaw your son withy you and more ironically, I sat next to your mom andy your mom' 'sas sweetheart. Christa's mom: isal lovely woman, and her son isa very intelligent young man. P've been aj product ofaf former dislike or disrespect, probably some self-induced: and some not. I've been the victim ofpolice assault, andI cant talk about itr now because wes settled. May gth and then it was approved by the City May 21S by botht thel Democratic City Council and the Republic City Council, whichi is unique. Republicans and Democrats agree onj police assault, it blew me and my wife away. Ithink even my attorney pissed her pants, she didn'texpect it, but we settled and it'sa fair amount of money. We need, asl Pike County residents, to remain strong, strong asi individuals. Tol be strong as individuals you need tol have a support system.I Idon'talways: agree with the County Commissioners, whether they are Meeting attendee Kevin Holian continued, anybody that isal history buff remembers Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy Roosevelt was a very sickly young boy. Hej passed away at the age of sixty. In! his short life he was Police Commissioner, Mayor, Governor, Vice President, President, farmer, cattler rancher, conservationist and sO on and so forth. Please protect our youth by giving them something tol lean against, okay? That's allIask. We talked aboute establishinga a hate task force at thet turn oft the year, thel Pennsylvania State Police call it) Heritage Affairs. Tor me it'sl ludicrous terms. I would liket to see our Commissioners, people like. John, Jerry Weinstockj just gett together and maybe sign al Proclamation for Pride Month, maybe it's not a constant query among ourselves about do we celebrate. Asian American, Italian, Irish, German, Native American. Iam Native. American and Hispanic andl Polish. Iwishl Iknew that whenI I was in the service and Federal Government, I could've gotten extraj points. Please, whatever iti is we want to calli it,j just freaking doi it,j just do it. Itd doesn'thave tob be al Proclamation, ith has tob be thes strength and unity like Teddy Roosevelt did, tol have the courage, the strength to stand by his beliefs. He unified rural. America and the emerging technological America. Thisi is, in 2024, the cultural view oft the future of America, straight, LGBTQ, whatever you want to call ourselves, we still at the end of the day are Americans whol haves sworn to the United State Constitution that the Veterans, likei myself, fought for, protect the Constitution while also protecting what is behind the Constitution, whichi is the people ofthe United States. Meeting attendee and Dingman Township Supervisor, Thomas Mincer, Esquire, said he was talking tol his oldest daughter about Days andl Proclamations, andI I was joking with my daughter andI Iasked when are they going to havea days set for old, white, straight guys ands she answered every day. I understand the unique position you'rei in, I'ma Township Supervisor. I understand. Proclamations and Resolutions andl how difficult they are, particularly as to what Municipalities putt through. We're talking about our neighbor, our residents, to paraphrase the Constitution 'people who arej just looking tob bei inp pursuit ofl life, liberty, and the pursuit ofh happiness', wer need tot talk about what's in our Constitution concerning the: factt that we can discriminate because oft their religion, gender, sexual preference, skin color and all oft these things. Maybe what the Commissioners can doi is do something along the lines that won'tb be specific maybe tol Pride, buts specific tot the fact that we as a community, as a County, will not tolerate, willr not allow any form ofp prejudice. Whether it's based ont race, gender, religion, and take into account that we can'td do that because of someone'ss sexual preference. Maybet thati is something thatt the County is doing is that Constitutionally we support this, Meeting attendee Thomas Mincer, Esquire continued this community is better for so1 many oft the people who arei in this room who have moved into and come to our community who are business owners, volunteers, people that care what happens in! Pike County and aret tryingt to makei ital better place, we needt to makes sure that we as a Township, we asa County, say we'rer not going top put up with anybody discriminating. Maybe that's the direction the County can goi in with a very strong statement which doesn't openi it upt to saying nowl Ihavet tol have an old, white, straight guy month. Maybe we can doi itt that way understanding that we are protecting peoplei in our community. Understanding that these are our neighbors, notj justt taxpayers, notj just residents, but our neighbors. That's my quick hit, thank you.  make wise decisions about what you'vel let through.  Republican orl Democrat.  God bless you all.  Constitutionally we will not allowt this.    Meeting attendee and Milford Borough) Mayor Sean Strubs saidt this Resolution ist the most benign collection of words that'sb been assembled. Itd doesn'ttalk: aboutl legislation, bathrooms, transition or all the specific issues that become flashpoints for division. Itt talks about thel Pike County community, the people. Based on ani immutable characteristic, something they can't change, something they're born with and recognizing and respecting these people and their families as part of our community.) It's about a symbol fromt the Commissioners saying theys sharei ini the vision for Pike County that isi inclusive and welcoming in that way. Who is against this? Arei there people here who are against this? The only people who showed up and spoke against ita at any ofthel Municipalities were people from thel Rod ofI Iron. An extremist, anti-gay cult called out by the Southern Poverty) Law Center that equates homosexuality with pedophilia, with bestiality andt there are reports thatt their leader oft this cult called for the execution ofhomosexuals. I've never once heard any ofs you Commissioner Schmalzle or Commissioner Osterberg call out their rhetoric. Reverend Sean Moon, Rod ofI Iron, who isl luredt to this County andi is now a major forcei in] Pike County Republican politics. A force anda funder. That's who's against this. You cant talk to al lot of people who don'tcare one way or another, but you don'ts see peoplef from this community showing upa and saying don'tsignt this Resolution, this willl hurt my family. Yous seet the opposite, you see al huge cross section, people from across Pike County who are asking for thisi incredibly modest request oft the Commissioners. You have: friends who arel LGBTQ, you! have relatives who arel LGBTQ, youl have County employees who arel LGBTQ, one ofv whom tot the other day about coming to this meeting and he saidt that would put at target oni my back. Commissioner Osterberg asked from who? Meeting attendee Mayor Strub answered right, like Meeting attendee. Mayor Strub continued this isn'ts something tol be done for an awful lot of people, the gay people who are most visiblei inc our community, I'm aj person ofr relative privilege. This is about those kids who are alone, frightened, in unwelcoming environments int their homes and sometimes int their churches ands schools. That's whoy you are abandoning, that's who you are failing to stand up for. As political leaders your rolei is beyond passing Ordinances and Resolutions or paying! bills or hiring employees in the County. Itisa al leadership role; itisar role standing up for the best of us and seeing and] helping move us toward a community that is more unified andi more together. Yet, you are bowing toa avocal, very openly anti-gay hateful minority thati is part ofa broader national movement to use thesei issues to divide. The Colorado Republican Party today sent out ai memo urging people tol burn Pridel Flags. This is progressive and the reason why we'res seeingr more and more oft this kind ofh hate and intolerance, isn't! because those who are! hateful andi intolerant, it's because of people like the two (Commissioner Osterberg and Commissioner Schmalzle) ofs you who are unwilling tos stand upa ands say that's wrong, this isr right. We celebrate this part of our community even as we may Meeting attendee Mayor Strub said of course thei irony is that the Supervisors and the Councilmembers who did passt the Resolution, a majority ofthem are Republicans. Someone saidt to me when] Iwas talking about this there'sa a lot ofs silent opposition. Maybet there'sar reason whyi it's silent. It's liket there'sal lot ofs silent racism, wel knowt that. Wel know why it'ss silent, because people are ashamed becauset they really know better. When you think about the silent opposition out there, ort the people maybe talk tos you abouti it, Idon'tknow, you haven'ts said anything about people talking about it. Thec only opposition wes seei ist thel Rod ofI Iron, the group thatt thinks we're pedophiles andi into bestiality and should be executed. That's who you ares standing up for today. I (know you don'ts see it that way, but that is how itiss seen int this community. Iti isa aj profound disappointment: anda abdication ofyourr responsibility tol bel leaders in our community. You'rer not leading on anything right now. Yourl leading intolerance and a message tol LGBTQ people andt to the Borough and1 tot thel Pike County community thaty you don't matter. Youl have compounded, by denying there'sa problem in! Pike County, I'vel heard yous sayt this 'Id don't see this, Ilived here my wholel life'. That is bulls*@e,Ican't tell you! how many times T've been called f*@#lt walking down thes street onl Broad Street when) I was working on the hotel (Fauchere). When wel hadp paints spraypainted onl Log Tavern Road outside our house, the signs that we'vel had around town, yesi it's there. Talk to anybody in the schools, talk to young people in schools, I'di love tos see you ata student forum atI Delaware' Valley with the student body there talking aboutt this. Try ands see yout two defend yourselves THENEXTI REGULARMEETING: OF THEPIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' WILL BE HELDON THURSDAY.JUNE20,2024.ATII.OO. A.M. INTHE PIKE COUNTY. ADMINISTRATION. BUILDING  I'ms going tot tell your right! here att this meeting.  disagree ons specific issues even amongst ourselves.  there. You're soj profoundly out oft touch.  Att this time both Commissioner Schmalzle and Commissioner Osterberg said enough.    Commissioners' Conference Minutes Wednesday,June) 12,2024  PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres; and Chief Clerk Gromalski.  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to call the conference to order at 11:00  A.M.  VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Public Comments/Questions concerning today's agenda- NONE. VOTE:. All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: GENERAL FUND (County Bills). VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: BRIDGE. REPAIR. ACCOUNT. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the. Agenda. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle. ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve payment from the  $970,235.43 $13,989.22 $30,425.50  following: PIKE COUNTY: EMPLOYEES HEALTH. INSURANCE: FUND  PERSONNEL  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tol hirel RABECCALANIER: as Family Support Advocatei int thel District Attorney's Office for a37.5-hour work week, effective June 17, 2024, with  benefits after 90 days. Thisi isar replacement; position. VOTE: All members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. ASALAR/POAEDMEETING WASI HELD Motion to reconvene the Commissioner's Conference.  Motion to recess the Commissioners' Conference toi hold a, Salary Board Meeting.  NEW) BUSINESS  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle: and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the following Human Services Payment Vouchers on behalf oft the Office ofH Human Services: Homeless Assistance Program ini the amount of $1,238.80; Human Services Development Fundi int the amount of$ $21,225.24; and PHARE int the amount of $2,000.00. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the Affordable Housing Fund Payment Voucher payable tol Delaware Run. Associates in the amount of$ $2,711.00, on! behalf oft the Office of MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the! Pike County Home Program Payment Voucher payable tol Pocono Craftsman Home Builder int the amount of$14,173.00, on behalfofthe MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to execute the Office of Children, Youth, and Families Family First Transition. Act] Invoice/Claim, on behalf of Children and Youth Services. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to execute the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation. Program Grant Agreement between Palmyra Township and the County of] Pike. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute the Contract. Amendment for Extension! Request for the Community Development Block Grant award, on behalfofthe MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to advertise Request for Proposals for the Delivery of Personal Emergency Response Systems for the Contract Period of2024 to 2026, on behalf of the Area  VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye". Motion carried.  Human Services.  VOTE:. All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Office of Human Services.  VOTE:. All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  the quote from Phoenix Graphics, Inc., on behalf oft the Elections Office.  Office ofl Human Services.  Agency on Aging.    MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to advertise notice thatt the Pike County Board of Commissioners Public Meeting set for Wednesday, July 3,2024 at 11:00 a.m. will be changed to a Conference Meetingt tob bel held Wednesday, July 3,2024 atl 11:00 am att thel Pike County Administration Building.  VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Commissioners' Conference was adjourned.  PRESS & PUBLIC COMMENISQUESTIONSADIOURAMIENT- NONE  THEI NEXTI PUBLICI MEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILLBEI HELDON THURSDAY.JUNE: 20.2 2024AT11:00 A.M.] IN THE PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.    SALARYBOARD June 5,2024  PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres; Chief Clerk Gromalski; Solicitor Farley; and MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to convene Salary Board. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the May 15 and VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted' 'aye'. Commissioner Osterberg abstained. Motion MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the May 29,2 2024 MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to set the annual salary of CASEY BROWN: at $36,342.00 per year as Caseworkerlin Children and Youth Services for a 40-hour work week, effective. June 17, 2024, pending successful drug screening results, with benefits after 90 days. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to set the hourly rate of JAZMIN VAZQUEZ: at $12.75 per hour as aj part-time Mairom/Accounting: Clerk for less than 1,000 hours per year, effective. June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to set the hourly rate of RODEN ODENDAHL at $12.75 per hour as a full-time Clerk in the Prothonotary's Office fora37.5-hour MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to the hourly rate of JOSEPH WETZEL at $12.75 per hour as a full-time Clerk ini the Prothonotary's Office for a 37.5-hour work week, effective June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results, with benefits MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to adjourn the Salary Board.  Treasurer Gilpin.  VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. May 22, 2024 Salary Board Minutes.  carried.  Salary Board Minutes.  VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted' 'ayel. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried.  work week, retroactive tol May 29,2024, with benefits after 90 days. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried.  after 90 days.  VOTE: All members voted' l'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' l'aye'. Motion carried. Salary Board Meeting Adjourned.    SALARY: BOARD June 12, 2024  PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Caceres; and Chief Clerk Gromalski.  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to convene Salary Board. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to set the annual salary of RABECCA LANIER at $37,050.00; pers year as Family Support Advocate int the District. Attorney's Office for MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to adjourn the Salary Board.  VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' 'ayel. Motion carried. Salary Board Meeting Adjourned.  a37.5-hour work week, effective June 17,2024, with benefits after 90 days.