AGENDA  WEDNESDAYIUNES,02JEVDAM. PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING  1. Callt to Order. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 1. Approve June 5,2024 Agenda. 2. Approvel May 15, 20241 Meetingl Minutes. 3. Approve May 22 and! May 29, 2024 Conference. Minutes. 4. Approve payment from GENERAL FUNDS (County Bills).  PUBLIC COMMENTSQUESTIONS CONCERNINGTODAY'SAGENDA  $189,181.81 $82,512.66  5. Approve payment from PIKE COUNTY) EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE FUND  PERSONNEL  1. Motion tol hire CASEY BROWN: as CaseworkerI Iin Children and Youth Services fora 40-hour work week, effective June 17,2024, pending successful drug screening results, with benefits after 90 days. Thisi is a replacement position. 2. Motion tol hire. JAZMIN VAZQUEZ: as aj part-time Mairom/Accoumting: Clerk for less than 1,0001 hours per year, effective. June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results. Thisi isa a replacement position. 3. Motion tol hire RODEN ODENDAHL as ai full-time Clerki int thel Prothonotary's Office fora 37.5-hour work week, 4. Motion tol hire. JOSEPH WETZEL as af full-time Clerk in the Prothonotary's Office fora a 37.5-hour work week, effective June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results, with benefits after 90 days.  retroactive tol May 29, 2024, with benefits after 90 days. This isar replacement position.  Thisi isar replacement position.  Motion to recess the Commissioners' Meeting tol hold a Salary. Board Meeting.  SALARY BOARD  1. Motion to convene Salary) Board.  2. Motiont to approve the May 15, May 22, and! May 29, 2024 Salary Board Minutes.  3. Motion tos set the annual salary of CASEY BROWN: at $36,342.00 per year as Caseworker. Ii in Children and Youth Services for a 40-hour work week, effective. June 17, 2024, pending successful drug screening results, with benefits after 4. Motion tos set thel hourly rate of JAZMIN VAZQUEZ: at $12.75 per hour as aj part-time Mailrom/Accounting Clerk for lesst than 1,0001 hours per year, effective June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results. 5. Motion tos set thel hourly rate of] RODEN ODENDAHL at $12.75 per hour as a full-time Clerk int thel Prothonotary's Motion to set thel hourly rate of. JOSEPH WETZEL at $12.75 per hour asaf full-time Clerk in the) Prothonotary's Office for a37.5-hour work week, effective. June 10, 2024, pending successful background check and drug screening results,  90 days.  Office for a3 37.5-hour work week, retroactive tol May 29, 2024, withl benefits after 90 days.  with benefits after 90 days.  7. Motion to adjourn the Salary Board Meeting. Motion to reconvene Commissioners", Meeting.  OLDI BUSINESS  1. Motion to award bids for Tri-Annual Groceries andl Frozen Foods for the period of] July 1,2024 - October 31, 2024, on behalf oft the Correctional Facility, tol Mivilai int the amount of$162,551.42;1 Driscoll int the amount of$41,478.44; Sysco 2. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute. Payment. Application #3 Rev from Rutledge Excavating, Inc. for the 3. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute. Payment. Application #61 from] LHI Reed & Sons, Inc. for the Bennett Ave 4. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute. Payment Application #5 from) Myco Mechanical for the Bennett. Ave 5. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute. Payment Application #6 from Grimm Construction for the Bennett. Ave 6. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute Change Order No.: EC-2 for the Bennett Avel Building 1 Interior  int the amount of $26,548.15; and Bernard int the amount of$15,619.18. Springbrook: Road Over Rattlesnake Creek Bridge Replacement: Project.  Building 1 Interior Renovation: Project. Building 11 Interior Renovation: Project. Building 11 Interior Renovation Project. Renovation. Project from North) End Electric.    NEW BUSINESS  1. Motion to advertise: a Request for Proposals for the Delivery ofNutrition Services for the Contract Period 2024-2027, on 2. Motion to adopt Resolution) No. 24-14, Pike County Child Welfare Appreciation Week, June 3-7,2024. 3. Motion to adopt Resolution) No. 24-15, Child Welfare Service Providers Appreciation Week, June 10-1 14,2024. 4. Motion to adopt Resolutionl No. 24-16, Pike County Commissioners Resolution to Authorize Submission ofa Grant 5. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the Commercial Lease Agreement between Westfall Senior. ApartmentsI Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the LSA Grant] Payment Request Form, onl behalf oft the District. Attorney's 7. Motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the PCCIDI New Hire Enticement Grant Award Letter, onl behalfofthe 8. Motion to approve the followingl Human Services Payment Vouchers on behalf oft the Office of Human Services: Human Services Development Fund int the amount of$1,500.00: and PHARE: int the amount of$12,354.00. 9. Motion to authorize the fiscal year 2024 first quarter payments from the Pike County Emergency Medical Services Matching Grant Fundt tol Matamoras Borough int the amount of $6,655.00 and Palmyra Township in the amount of  behalf oft the Area Agency on Aging.  Application For Funding For Al Dam Restoration Project.  Associates LLC and the County ofPike, on! behalf oft the Area Agency on Aging.  Office.  District. Attorney's Office.  $44,500.00. MISCELLANEOUS  PennState Extension Calendar ofE Events Gumble Family Conservation Easement  1st Annual Ohliger/Mcintyre Charity GolfOuting check presentation tot the Pike County Emergency Services  Initiative Fund VetStock  PRESS & PUBLIC COMMENTSOUESTIONSTONSADIOIRMMENI  THE NEXTI REGULAR! MEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL BE HELDON WEDNESDAY.JUNE: 20, 2024AT 11:00 A.M.INTHE PIKE COUNTY. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.    PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONE BUILDING 506 BROAD STREET MILFORD, PA 18337 570-296-7613 FAX:570-296-6055  MATTHEWN M. OSTERBERG RONALDR. SCHMALZLE CHRISTALCACERES  KRISTA GROMALSKI CHIEF CLERK THOMASR.FARLPV,ESO.  COMMISSIONERS  DRAFT RESOLUTIONNO.24 JUNE3-7,2024  PIKE COUNTY CHILD WELFARE. APPRECIATION WEEK  WHEREAS, every day inl Pike County, children are atr risk ofo child abuse and neglect or havel been WHEREAS, Pike County recognizes the risks andt the need toj protect the children oft the County; and WHEREAS, the challenging task ofi investigating child abuse, providing services toi families, assessing safety, andj providing services to ensure that Pike County's children are provided with nurturance, family connections, support ast they transition into adulthood, and services that allowa a child tor remain safely int their home orr returnl home as expeditiously as possible falls tot the child welfare professionals of the child WHEREAS, the work of child welfare professionals may require them to enter into situations in WHEREAS, child welfare professionals work in difficulta and emotional situations with children who have been victimized by physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and other forms ofn maltreatment; and WHEREAS, child welfare professionals must develop great skilli in working with families who are in crisiss situations, struggling withi mental health challenges, suffering from drug and alcohol afflictions, WHEREAS, child welfare professionals must develop substantial knowledge and skills surrounding the rights of families, the laws surrounding child welfare, how to develop culturally sensitive services, and WHEREAS, child welfare professionals selflessly undertake the endeavor to protect Pike County's children, often with low pay, long hours, tremendous demands, little appreciation, great criticism, and with WHEREAS, every year, child welfare professionals are injured orl killedi in their pursuit toj protect WHEREAS, workforce challenges have created tremendous challenges in the field of child welfare; WHEREAS, innumerablei injuries and deaths of children have been averted due tot the efforts of THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED, in special recognition oft the efforts oft the Child Welfare Professionals serving the children of Pike County, we, the Commissioners ofl Pike County, dol hereby proclaim. June: 3-7,2024 as PIKE COUNTY CHILD' WELFARE. APPRECIATION WEEK.  removed from their homes due to such abuse and neglect; and  welfare system; and  whicht their personal safety may be put atr risk; and  poverty, and other difficult issues; and the legal processes governing the system; and dramatic impacts tot their personal life; and children across thel United States; and  and  child welfare professionals.  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PIKE COUNTY  Matthew M. Osterberg, Chairman Ronald) R. Schmalzle, Vice Chairman Christa L. Caceres, Commissioner  Attest:  Krista Gromalski, Chief Clerk    PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PIKE COUNT/ADMINSTRATION: BUILDING 506E BROADSTREET MILFORD, PA 18337 570-296-7613 FAX:570-296-6055  MATTHEWN M. OSTERBERG RONALDR. SCHMALZLE CHRISTALCACERES  KRISTAG GROMALSKI CHIEF CLERK THOMASF. FARLEY,ESQ. COUNTYS SOLICITOR  COMMISSIONERS  DRAFT RESOLITIONNO.5 JUNE10-14,2024  CHILD WELFARE SERVICEI PROVIDERS. APPRECIATION WEEK  WHEREAS, every dayi in) Pennsylvania, thousands of children receive services from Child Welfare WHEREAS, Pennsylvania recognizes thei risks and need toi intervene top protect the State's children WHEREAS, many oft the services provided to children and families through Pennsylvania's child welfare system are provided by private service providers working with County Child Welfare Agencies; and WHEREAS, these providers fulfill crucial services that help top protect children, strengthen families, WHEREAS, child welfare: service providers work with children who have experienced trauma and have been victimized by physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and other forms ofr maltreatment; and WHEREAS, child welfare service providers bring culturally-relevant and trauma-informed expertise tot their work inf family preservation, foster and other out-of-home care, counseling, behavioral health WHEREAS, child welfare service providers must develop and maintain substantial knowledge and skills surroundingi the needs and rights off families, laws and regulations surrounding child welfare, and the WHEREAS, child welfare service providers exhibit tremendous dedication tot the endeavor of protecting Pennsylvania's children and families, often with uncertain financial security and the inevitably WHEREAS, child welfare service providers continue tof face significant challenges related to the recruitment and retention ofs staff atat time when children's and: family's needs have significantly increased; WHEREAS, County Child Welfare Agencies and the entirety oft the Pennsylvania Child Welfare System benefit greatly fromt the commitment, dedication, and perseverance oft the child welfare service WHEREAS, many of Pennsylvania's children and families have benefited greatly from the efforts of THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED, ins special recognition oft the efforts ofthe Child Welfare Service Providers ins supporting the children andi families of Pennsylvania, we, the Commissioners ofl Pike County, dol hereby. June 10-1 14,2024as CHILD WELFARE SERVICE. PROVIDERS APPRECIATION  Service) Providers as at result oft their involvement with County Child Welfare. Agencies; and  and families and provide services for the betterment oft their lives; and  and prevent future abuse and neglect; and  treatment, independent living skills, and other challenging areas; and intricacies of working with county child welfare agencies; and challenging work ofs servingt traumatized individuals; and  and providers; and  child welfare service providers.  WEEK.  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PIKE COUNTY  Matthew M. Osterberg, Chairman Ronald R. Schmalzle, Vice Chairman Christal L. Caceres, Commissioner  Attest:  Krista Gromalski, Chief Clerk    PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONI BUILDING 506E BROAD STREET MILFORD, PA 18337 570-296-7613 FAX:570-296-6055  MATTHEWN M.C OSTERBERG RONALDR. SCHMALZLE CHRISTALCACERES  KRISTA GROMALSKI CHIEF CLERK THOMASF. FARLEY, ESQ. COUNTY SOLICITOR  COMMISSIONERS  DRAFT RESOLUTIONNO.2+16  PIKE COUNTYI BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  TOAUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION: FORI FUNDING FORA WHEREAS, Kintz Creek High Hazard Dam has been identified by both Pennsylvania Department ofl Environmental Protection Division of Dam Safety and the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service as requiring urgent upgrades toi meet current design and performance standards for the safety of thes surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, the Pike County Board of Commissioners wish to apply for additional funding from DCED for purposes of securing sufficient funding to be ablet to undertake thet restoration project. NOW, THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED, by the Pike County Board of Commissioners as 1. Pike County hereby requests al Pal DCED Flood Mitigation Program grant of $500,000.00 to 2. Pike County designates and authorizes the following officers of the County to act on behalf oft the project as needed for execution ofall documents and agreements submitted on behalf of Pike County tol DCED to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant: a. Matthew. M. Osterberg, Chairman, Pike County Commissioner 3. Thel Pike County Planning & Mapping Director, Michael Mrozinski, is hereby authorized and directed toj prepare and submit al hard copy and electronic grant application tot the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: for the above grant, on behalf oft the County. Duly presented and adopted by the Pike County Board of Commissioners, Pike County,  DAM: RESTORATION: PROJECT  follows:  be used for thel Kintz Creek Dam Rehabilitation Project.  b. Krista Gromalski, Pike County Chief Clerk  4. This resolution shall take effecti immediately.  Pennsylvania on. June 5, 2024.  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PIKE COUNTY  Matthew M. Osterberg, Chairman Ronald R. Schmalzle, Vice Chairman Christa L. Caceres, Commissioner  Attest:  Krista Gromalski, Chief Clerk    PennState! Extension  Penn State Extension Upcoming Events  June 5th 2024 4-H/Youth:  Adults - We NEED you!! Pike County 4-H isi in desperate need of adult volunteers to lead youth groups! Share whaty you are passionate about with! kids who are interested inl learning a new skill or hobby. Asa Group Leader, you get the opportunity to determine howr much time you spend and what activity you do, while 4-HV willl help withs supplies and support. Consider volunteering: your time tor make a difference ina Contact Penn State Extension inl Pike County for more information on the 4-H program by calling (570) 832-2800 ors send ane email tot the 4-H coordinator, Angela Smith, at axs1397@psu.edu. Please like us on! Facebook at! tpsV/Awwfacehokcom/PXaCoumyAa  child's life.  4-Hi is opent toy youtha ages 5-18, unless otherwise noted.  Community Development:  FOURTHI INSTAR: JULY THROUGHA AUGUST  FIRSTT THREEI APRIL  OVERWINTERING: PREMIOUS FALL TOAPRILJUNE  EGGL LAYING: SEPTEMBER TONOVEMBER  ADULTE LATEJULY EMERGENCE:  Spottedi lanternfly! lifed cycle. llustration 0 Emilys. Damstra.  Spotted Lanternfly  Pike County isi int the quarantine area. Ify you! have spotted this insect, please call our hotline at 1-888-422-3359 or visit our website toi immediately to report a sighting. Please contact your local Penn Newly hatched nymphs are small (-1/8i inch) and can be hardi to find, often being mistaken for small ticks or spiders. With each moltt to ther next instar, ther nymphs double ins size. The first three instars are To learn more aboutt the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and what action you can take to stop the spread oft this  State Extension office with questions on spotted lanternfly management.  black with white spots.  invasive insect, visit our website, tps/exensionpsueduspate.-lamenty. Remember, every adults stomped out can prevent 30-50 eggs being laid!  1  Please visit! httpsextension. psu. edut tos searchf forr moret topics thatr may bec ofi interest, orv visit httpsllextension.s psuedu/aboutme tos sign upt tohaveu up-to-datei information ofy your choosing emailed directlyt toy you.    PennStateExtension  Family:  Kinship Family Forum  Kinship care is a1 term usedf fori individuals raising children by grandparents, other extended family members, and adults with whom they have a close family-liker relationship, such as godparents and close family friends because biological parents are unable to do so1 for whatever reason. Visit our website, extension.psu.edu, and search' Kinship Family Forum." You willf find highly informative pre-recorded classes on 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 Statet to offer Thrive resources. There is no registration fee fore each pre-recorded online seminar.  On Demand Webinars  thec children they are raising for whatever reason.  Business:  Manage Better: Time and Expectations  Via Zoom - Friday, June 15th, 2024 (12:00 PM -1 12:30PMET)  Learne effective strategies for setting andi managing realistic expectations iny your business, ensuring smoother operations and customer: satisfaction. Additionally, gain valuable insights into optimizing your time management techniques to enhance productivity and achieve your goals efficiently. There is no registration feei fori thee event, buty your mustp pre-register. Forr morei information or to register, visit httpsilextension.psedumansgebetebetertmeandexpectations-mastery-torentrepreneurs.  Forestry:  Pollinators in Pennsylvania's Forests  Via Zoom - Tuesday, June 11th,2024 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET or 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMI ET) Insect declines havet been well-documented globally and conservation actions are being taken to mitigate and reverse those declines. Pennsylvania's vast forests provide a refuge for countless insects, which havel beenr relatively undocumentedi until recent years. In1 this webinar, youy willl learn about the insects of Pennsylvania's forests and what can be done tol better understand and conserve them. This webinar has been approved for one credit from the Society of American Foresters (SAF). There is no registration fee for1 the event, buty your must pre-register. Fori more information ort to register, visit htpsllextensionnsueduasupemsdanilarstsemhnurgalinstoringemsyanasforsts:  Advice from the Deep Woods  Via Zoom - Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 (12:00 PM -1:00 PMI ET)  Advice from the Deep Woods: Special Subject Discussion Non-Timber Forest Products will use) your questions ands scenarios pitchedt to a panel of Forestry and Wildlife Extension Educators and Faculty to dive deeper into single, specific topic areas related tot forestry and wildlife. Ini this session, we wanty you tol bringy your questions ands scenarios related to non-timber forest products - cultivation, planting, management, harvesting, and whatever perspective: you bring tot this issue. There is no registration fee fort the event, buty your must pre-register. Forr morei information ort tor register, visit smmaadassstREasaaNss  Food & Safety:  SERV Safe  SERV Safe Food Safety Program is fori individuals who are serving as managers or are in a supervisory role requiring certification. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the SERV Safe@ Food Protection Manager Certificate. Training meets the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act. There is a $165.00 fee tot take the course andy you mustp pre-register. Forr more information or to determine the closest class location and dates, visit  oatmessaNt Dining with Diabetes  2  Please visit! httpsllextension. psu.edut tos searchf forr moret topics thatr may bec ofi interest, or visit  ReNnSESNENE tos sign upt toh have up-to-date information ofy your choosing emailed directlyt toy you.    PennState! Extension  Via Zoom - Tuesdays, June 4th. - June 25th, 2024 (3:00 PM -4 4:15PMET) Dining with Diabetes is ap program for adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and their families. This series willi increase your! knowledge of healthful food choices and diabetes management. Four consecutive classes arel held with at three-month follow-up. Each class offers discussions regarding important information to helpy your manage your diabetes, food demonstration videos, and physical activity suggestions. Therei is a $15.00r registration feei fori thee event, and you must pre-register by May 31St, 2024. Scholarships andi financial aid funds may be available to qualified participants. For more information ort to register, visit mssmamaaualdanmgamdattisatin:.  Let's Cook a Home: Herbs and Spices  Via Zoom - Thursday, June 20th, 2024 (6:00 PM -7:00 PMI ET)  Join us for avirtual cooking class to learn about cooking delicious foods with herbs and spices and creating al healthy eating pattern that tastes great! During this webinar, we invite you to discover new recipe ideas using herbs ands spices to enhance the aroma andi taste of foods. What are youv waiting for? Let's Cook with Extension! Therei isa a $10.00 registration feet for thee event, andy your must pre-register. For more information ort to register, visit! htps/lextensionpsuedes.ktnomehetsancspces  Gardening:  Master Gardeners and online and in-person events.  Home Garden News has thel latest news and information on classes, workshops, publications, videos, Sign upt tor receive news, upcoming event details, gardening information, andt ther monthly e-newsletter at mtps/estensonpsuedunestwpendanisappnghomegereming. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension - view the privacy policy.  Know your Natives Series On-Demand Webinars  Visit our website, extension.psu.edu and search' 'Know) your Natives." Expand garden enthusiasts' knowledge and appreciation of these versatile and valuable plants. The Master Gardeners will cover native plants' many benefits to our home gardens andl landscapes. Speakers willi focus on pollinator- friendly native plants int this falls series. However, the plants can be usedi in all native plantings in the garden andl landscape. Enjoy classes on Native Seeds, Under Appreciated Plants, Shrubs andi 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 ther relationships between soilt texture, soil structure, compost, soill health, and soilf fertility. Margaret willr review topics including soils structure development acceleration, compost nutrient adequacy, soil fertility test significance, nutrient supply through compost and fertilizer, and choice between natural/organic ands synthetic amendments. Therei is a$10.00r registration feef for the event, andy your must pre-register. Forr morei information ori to register, visit ps/atemnsnasusbok  heatt.foreveny-garden. Sow,Grow, and Pollinate  Inl Person - Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PMI 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 green thumbs aged 5to 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 seed starting, composting, flower parti identification, plant-based dyeing, beekeeping demonstrations, and an enthralling scavenger hunt. Spaces are limited, so seize the opportunity and sign upt todayf for al blooming adventure! Therei is a $5.00 registration feet for the event, andy your must pre- register. For more information ort to register, visit! httpsl/extension.psedU/SOM-gTOW-and-polinatea:  histemsgurenngademur. Sow, Grow, and Pollinate  3  Please visit tps/esensionsuedt tos search forr moret topicst thatr may bec ofi interest, or visit BassnsNsaNaNE tos sign upt tol have up-to-date information ofy youro choosing emailed directlyt toy you.    PennStatel Extension  Inl Person - Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PME ET)  Pike County Penn State Extension - Milford, PA  Embark on) your gardening journey with thel Master Gardeners of Pike County! This workshop offers essential insights into cultivating thriving gardens, covering topics like composting, soill health, plant selection, andt the creation of certified Penn State Extension pollinator gardens. Explore the significance of native plants and participate ina a planting project, capped off with a guided tour oft the Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens. Whether you're a novice or seasoned gardener, this eventi is your gateway to a greener thumb and a deeper understanding of sustainable gardening practices. Don'tmiss out on1 this opportunity to cultivate bothy your garden andy your knowledge! Therei is a $10.00 registration feef for the event, andy your mustp pre-register by, June 20th,2024.F For more information ort to register, visit  httpsllextension.psLdu/welcomesummerinspratonetions-foryour-garden.  Health:  Dementia Conversations  Via Zoom - Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PMI ET)  Conversations with family members about dementia can be challenging and uncomfortable. The fear or lack of awareness thatr may accompany these conversations can result in delays that have serious consequences fori thee entire family. Common difficult discussions include going to the doctor, stopping driving, andr making legal andi financial plans. Tol helpy you prepare for these conversations, Penn State Extension is partnering withi the Alzheimer's Associatione to provide Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal and Financial Planning. Therei is no registration fee for the event, buty your must pre- register. Forr more information ort tor register, visit https//extension.psuedu/cemente-conversations:  drving-doctorvists-egalancfinanchlnnar.  Suicide Prevention Training  Via Zoom - Monday, June 17th, 2024 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PMET)  Developed by the QPRI Institute, this 2-hour training is designed for all people concerned about! helping others with mental health and substance use challenges, regardless of their background. QPRi is an emergency mentall health intervention forp persons considering suicide. Participants will learn skills to identify andi interrupt a crisis and direct someonet to proper care. There is no registration feef fort the event, buty your must pre-register. For more information ort to register, visit! ps/ecemssnpsucauae  gatekeepersuicdeprevention.training.  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) 832-2800 to arrange to pick-upi test kits and information. Test results take one to three weeks or more depending on thet test. Forr more information on' Water Quality, visit tos/atemsbnmsuatintunataaueatE: or call us at (570) 832-2800. Visit our website, extension.psuedu, and search 'Water Webinar Series.' The Water Webinar Series is hosted byt the Penn State Extension Water Resources team. Learn about a variety of private water topics such as common health and aesthetici impacts on drinking waters supplies, preventing bacteria contamination, well construction, and septic systems. Each event will include ani interactive Q&A session with thep presenters! There isr no registration feei for this event, but your must pre-register.  Water Webinar Series  Testing Emerging Contaminant Mixtures  Via Zoom - Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 (1:00 PM = 2:30 PMET)  Thep prevalence of emerging contaminants like PFAS, PPCPS, and pesticides in drinking water is a growing concern. Despite serving millions, private wells receive limited attention. This live webinar will discuss findings from recenti monitoring of 70 wells in Pennsylvania. There is no registration feei fori the event, buty your must pre-register. Forr morei information or to register, visit! htps/extensionpsuedu  testing-emerging-contaminant-mxures.npennsyvania-privatewells.  Wildlife:  4  Please visit htpslextension. psu.e edut tos searchf forr moret topics thatr may bec ofi interest, or visit  httpsllextension.r psu.edu/aboutme tos sign upt toh have up-to-date information of your choosinge emailed directlyt toy you.    PennStatel Extension  Pennsylvania Invasive Species  Via Zoom - Friday, June 7th, 2024 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PMET)  Pennsylvania has identified over 150 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that significantly impact bothi the environment and agricultural production, resulting in annual economic losses amounting to! hundreds ofr millions of dollars. Join Pennsylvania Sea Grant for an! hour-long webinar about aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Pennsylvania andt theiri impacts tot freshwater ecosystems. There is no registration feef for the event, buty you must pre-register by. June 64h,2024. For morei information orto register, visit mtuslestemsiompisadurensABEAAmANARCESNr-mashePaiE:  Livingon a Few Acres  Via Zoom - Thursday, June 13th, 2024 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PMI ET)  Livingo on al Few Acres: Maple Syrup Production and Beekeeping' will discuss the basici information you needt tol begin producing maple syrup and extracting honey. Join ust to learn the new techniques and skills you willr needt to get started! Therei is a $5.00 registration feei for thee event, buty youmustp pre- register. Forr morei information or to register, visit htps//extension.psudu/Mingonatfew:acres-maple  sytup-production-and-beekeeping.  5  Pleasey visit! httpsllextension.s psu.edut tos searchf forr moret topics thatr may bec ofi interest, or visit  paasmingsaam: tos sign upt tol have up-to-date information ofy your choosinge emailed directlyt to you.    2 EVENTS o JUNE 30TH DOWNTOWN MILFORD, PA BENEFITING VETSTOCK REVITUP1 10AMt04PM D BIKE NIGHT @ APPLE VALLEY AFTER 4PM  KEYFOOD 7TH ANNUAL  MARKETPLACE. ALLF PROCEEDSTO BENEFITVETSTOCK @ KEYFOOD'S PARKING LOT 501 W HARFORD ST, MILFORD, PA 18337  MILFORD'S COMMUNITY EVENT  DJ PROVIDED BY  VETSTACK wedoitforvets.com CHRIS RAABE ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY APPLE VALLEY  ANAPPLE VALLEYEVENT ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT PIKE COUNTY VETERAN CENTER  PARKING AVAILABLE ORI WALKO)ERFROMRYITUR MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR WEEKLY BIKE NIGHT AT APPLE VALLEY FOR THE SUMMER!  AFTER 41 PM  APPLE VALLEYRESTAURANT 104F ROUTE6 MILFORD, PA1 18337 570-296-6831    Wednesday, May 15,2024  The second regular meeting of May 15, 2024, oft the Pike County Commissioners was calledt to order by Commissioner Schmalzle atl 11:00 a.m. at thel Pike County Administration Building, followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance" to thei flag. Commissioner Schmalzle announced that Commissioner Osterberg is away on vacation, andl he will not be with us or calling  PRESENT: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres; Chief Clerk Gromalski; and Solicitor Farley.  in.  PUBLIC COMMENTSQUESTIONS CONCERNING' TODAY'S. AGENDA- -none Motion to recess the Commissioners'. Meeting to) hold al Retirement. Board/ Meeting. A RETIREMENTBOARD Motion to adjourn the Retirement. Board. Meeting andi reconvene the Commissioners', Meeting. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the May 15,2024, Agenda. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the May 1, 2024, Meeting MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the May 8, 2024, Conference MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the GENERAL MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from BRIDGE MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from PIKE  MEETING was held.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. FUNDS for COUNTYI BILLS int the amount of $1,110,009.25. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. REPAIR. ACCOUNT in the amount of $217,700.25. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. COUNTY EMPLOYEES HEALTH: INSURANCE FUND in the amount ofs $83,616.99. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye". Motion carried.  Minutes. Minutes.  PERSONNEL days.  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol hire NICOLE: HECK as Associate Director for the Veterans' Affairs Office fora a3 37.5-1 hour work week effective May 20,2024, with benefits after 90 Motion to recess the Commissioners', Meeting to hold a Salary Board Meeting. A SALARYBOARD, MEETING was held. Motion to adjourn the Salary Board Meeting and reconvene the CommisionerMecting, MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to open bids for the Tri-Annual Groceries Solicitor Farley opened the following bids: Driscolll Foodsi int the amount of $216,487.46; Syscol Foods in the amount of $220,217.06; Mivilal Foods int the amount of $222,939.11; and Bernard Foodsi int the amount of$15,619.18. Solicitor Farley recommended tabling the awarding ofbid pending review by the Warden of Pike County Correctional Facility. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tot table the awarding of bidi for the Tri- Annual Groceries and Frozen) Foods bid pending review byt the Warden ofPike County Correctional Facility until June 5, MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to open bids for the sale of Solicitor Farley opened the only bidi received from John Lombardo in the amount of $200.00 per vehicle for each vehicle MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to award the bid for the sale of  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye". Motion carried.  OLD] BUSINESS  and Frozen Foods Bid for the period of July 1,2024- - October 31,2024. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye". Motion carried.  2024, Commissioners' Meeting. Transportation vehicles. listed for at total of$1,600.00.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Transportation vehicles to. John) Lombardo.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.    MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to award bids for the! Pike County Jail Reporter Preston Ehrler askedi ift they were drillinga a well att the. Jail? Commissioner Schmalzle answered ai redundant well to the other two existing wells based ons studies andi needing at third well. We've hadi no bidders int thej past. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice Chairman to execute. Payment Application #3 from North] End) Electric: for the Bennett Ave] Building 1 Interior Renovations MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice Chairman to execute Change Order No. GC-71 fort the Bennett Ave Building 1 Interior Renovations Project from Grimm MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice Chairman to execute Change Order No. PC-1 fort the Bennett. Ave Building 1 Interior Renovations Project from LH Reed & MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice Chairman to execute Change Order No. EC-1 for the Bennett. Ave Building 1 Interior Renovations Project from North End  Well #3 Project tol Knight Well Drilling for thet total contract amount of$105,203.28. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Project.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Construction.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Sons.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Electric. NEW) BUSINESS  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle. and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to advertise bids for the Painting of MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to appoint HARVEY. MCKEAN to the MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner: Schmalzle, to correct the appointment of GEORGE. ANNS tot the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District Board as AtL Large Representative MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the Estimate for Service MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice Chairman to MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Contract for Professional Services between Adelphoi Village and the County ofPike, on behalf oft the Children and Youth MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the following Human Services Payment Vouchers, on behalf ofthe Office of Human Services: Emergency Rental Assistance 2.0in the amount of $20,139.88; Homeless Assistance Program int the amount of $274.04; and PHARE in the amount of MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the County Human Services Non-Block Grant Report Certification Statement on behalf oft the Office of Human Services.  Office Space att the Correctional Facility.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle. and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Road' Task Force asl Milford Township Representative fora3 3-year term ending 12/31/26. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  toi fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2028.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. from Screamin' Junipers LLC: for the Pike County Courthouse Garden Project. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. execute the Letter of Agreement from the ReDCCo Group. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Services.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  $2,000.00.  VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle: and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MISCELLANEOUS:  PennState Extension Calendar of Events  PRESS & PUBLICCOMMENTSIOUFSTIONSADIOURNMENT    Meeting attendee, Jill Gamboni, Pennsylvania House District 139 staff member, asked ifNicole Heck is replacing Josiah (Schrader)? Commissioner Schmalzle answered no, his assistant took aj job witht the State and it'st to replace Meeting attendee, John Hellman, Dingman Township resident, said he understands and has been told at various Township meetings that I can come off as confrontational or aggressive. I wantt to share with you why when we are talking about the Pridel Proclamation issue.) Iwas born in California and my dad was bor inl New York and my mom was borni in Colombia and I was raised Roman Catholic. I went to college with the exception of grad school. Iv wentt to church twice a week, once with my class and once with my family.Ilovet ther rituals and) II Iove reciting the prayers andt thet fellowship and even corrected some classmates, i.e., when they were kneeling and they were supposedt to be sitting, I would tellt them. My family moved to Texas when) I was eleven and for high schooll Iwent to an all boy Catholic and Jesuit inl Dallas. Att this time, Ihad troubles with my sexuality and reconciling that with my faith! hit me like at ton oft bricks.Iwasn't: aware ofa any anti-gay sentiments within the Catholic church up until high school. Ifelto caught in between my faith and community that Iloved and felt very passionate and aj part of and my own coming to terms with being gay.] I didn't know who to turn to and this crisis ofs self and community eventually led toi me attempting suicide ini my sophomore year ofhigh school.Iisolated: myself from my family and became very angry and started tol become confused about how) I was supposed to relate to others. Over time I completely lost my connection to my Catholic identity because the anti-gay messages were suddenly omnipresent. John Hellman continued, ini my senior year of high schooll I wrote al letter to the principal asking for a gay-straight alliance because there were students coming out and felt the same things sol I though this would be something we could do.) He accepted the meeting; hei met with me and told me that this would never happen at school because of the conservative donors that would: not like to see this. Iended up at] Boston College which was rated the most homophobic schooli in the country my freshman year by the) Princeton Review.I wasi involved in some local LGBTQ clubs andt this trend of losing battles connected tol LGBTQ issues continued for me. My sophomore yearI organized hundreds ofs students for campaign to add sexual orientation to the school's non-discrimination clause; we. lost. Myj junior year wet triedt tol have a dance that was also a fundraiser for al locall HIV/AIDS organization in Boston and after months oft transparency with the school administrators with the plan, the school cancelled the event a week before it was supposed tol happen. Ialso got my first death threats atl BC. One of the school's newspapers called mei the F word inj print regularly with no consequences. Wer met with the school administrators constantly and there were many good people that would tell us privately that they supported us, but they would In 20141 my husband proposed to me. We were livingi in New York where gay marriage was legal and wel both had to deal with the factt that our home States ofTexas and Alabama would never recognize our union as legitimate. Our wedding was September 20, 2015.1 In. June of that year the Supreme Court ruledi in Obergefell V. Hodges that bans ons same sex marriage violated the Fourteenth Amendment oft the Constitution. Ir remember I was sitting at worki in thel Bronx when the decision was announced, and Icried for almost anl hour. I can'tr remember at time before when] I felt like this.I felt] like my love, my identity and my relationship would be seen: for whati it was, and Ihad a full breakdown because ofit. In 2022 when the Supreme Court ruled in the Dobbs decision to overturn Roe v. Wade andi inl his concurring opinion Supreme Court. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the Court should reconsider all its substantive due process precedents including Griswold. Lawrence and Obergefell" and] Ifelt terrified. This decision ledt tor my first true feeling oft being seen and now it was at great risk and the hundreds of anti LGBTQ bills that arei introduced now year after yeari in States across the country including Pennsylvania ensure that thisi is still at great risk along with all oft the other LGBTQ'ers that are being targeted. This even led the Humanl Rights Campaign, the nation'sl largest LGBTQ rights group, to declare a state of emergency fort the Last Monday Westfall Township and last Thursday Lehman' Township voted ins support oft the Pride Proclamation, Ihad toi fight back tears.. As at thirty-tight-year-old, I felt seen, I felti recognized, and I felt like Ibelonged. When yous see mel here asking fora al Pride Resolution, which should give people in our community that are. living in this state of emergency aj moment tot feel seen, to feel recognized andt toi feel like they belong to our community, you see me get confrontational or angry or aggressive, thisi is why. Youl have an opportunity to bea a light int the dark for young people, adults, and older adults out here inl Pike County that may be struggling with feeling like that belong here. I want to say something directly to you, Commissioner Schmalzle. You said on multiple occasions, both publicly and privately, thati inj your business yout treat everyone with respect. Ibelieve you when you say this.] I now ask for yout to do this fort the 60K residents inl Pike County because you have an opportunity tol bei this person for many morej people. The attacks on our rights, the hateful messages wei receive on social media and the dissemination ofr misinformation about how wel live our lives will be here with or without your support for Pride, but ifyou dids support Pride this year, you can be thel lifeline that some of us need. You can give someone that we' re feeling ofb being seen for who they are and that they are valued part of our County. From the bottom ofr my heart, I hope that youa agree to meet with me sot that we can work this out. Ihope you consider supporting Pride this Commissioner Schmalzle thanked John Hellman for his tone and his story ands said that he did feel attacked at the meeting two weeks ago. Ifelti it was made totally political andj judgmental in saying there's only two answers; one,  his assistant.  Thisi is al loss Istill feel thej pain oft today.  also: say their hands were tied andt they couldn'to do anything to address our issues.  community last year.  year. Thank you.    you're with us, and the other one is you're against us. That's not howIf feel at all. Event thoughId don'tsupport Meeting attendee, Yehudit Judith' Moch, said shei is as social worker and the whole tone of! polarization in this country breaks my heart. I appreciate at another: meeting I was at how much the Commissioners looked fora different tone. Ithink we could talk about any political issuei in this country now and leads tot this great polarization. Alll human beings, especially for the huge box you get, that you' 'rel here because you care about the County and that really matters to me. My wife and Iare newl here. To me, there are many reasons we chose to live here, and we want tol be involved in the: future ofthis County. As a social worker, I'ves seen children and teens who, as. John (Hellman) unfortunately referred tol himself, develop extremely self-destructive behaviors because of internalizing! homophobia, or racism or sexism or anti-Semitism. We're seeing SO1 much oft these issues in society right now. People taket those things in and what's al Proclamation?I worked in a Y and we'd get this Proclamation and that Proclamation for this and that events, it didn'tmean that every Mayor or every Governor or every Commissioner supported every single thing we said. Does marchingi in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade mean as a Jew I'mt trying toj pass as Irish?1 No.] In our society we show our support: for each other. Inl New YorkIbeen in different ethnic celebrations and, again, okay Imight be a 'wanna be', but] I wasn'tr really trying toj pass as Latina or as) Black, but something about showing up for each other, especially for groups that have been sO oppressed. In this case, the issue ofhomophobia, that's what al Proclamation means. It's saying Isees you, you're ap part ofmy Yehudit Moch continued, the other thing is it's notj just you, us andt them thing. For straight people, thisi is SO important. My wife and Ihave been together for twenty-six years and because ofh homophobia we couldn'tget married. We goti married the week we could legally get married. That next year, any diner I went toi ifIs said my wife's getting tea, and they woulds say ohi my cousin got married, they were together for ten years and suddenly there was an opening! For decades, we never talked about it. This isi not] passing any sort of policy, buti it's saying we see you; you matter andi in that spiritIreally hope. Ilivei in Hemlock and I'm on the Board of. Jewish Fellowship there. Wel haves submitted, officially, al letter of endorsement and I'm speaking on my own behalf today. Pvel been involvedi inl lots of dialogue groups, and we' ve talked about how can we bring our community together more and! how can wei reallyl hear each other?) It's part of why Imoved here. Leti me tell you, ini my little bubble in Brooklyn, Ididn't gett tol hear much oft thes stuffI'm! hearing from people I disagree with now and it's not always easy, butI Ithink it'si important. That's myi request, think about] how we alll know some gay: people inl life, andi if you don't, goi meet one. Let's all figure out how we can come together and on the assumption of respect, on the assumption that we all meant the best, how can we: finally hear each other and have what we calli in Hebrew Commissioner Schmalzle said welcome to Pike County, and we do see you and we do hear you.  some oft thet things, Ir respect the tone that you came with here today so thank you.  community.  shalom bayit', peace int the house-peace in our community. Thank you.  Meeting attendee Lisa] Jenkins, Milford Borough, said she wants to sharel her personal story. I've lived inl Milford for almost a decade, andI I felli inl love with thist town. Years before that, friends and I would meet here at ai midway point to get together. It was a quaint, lively and welcoming town. Often when we came it was winter butt there were. Pride flags visible in some stores. Imoved here on a whim because oft the magic oft this town thatIf feltt then. The first. June Ilivedi in Milford was wonderful. It was the one and only Pride parade Ie experienced here. There were: flags everywhere- planters, store windows and] I feltImadei thei right choice moving here. It thought it was sO welcoming ands supportive ofe everybody. That winter when) I was walking toward the Fauchere, people across the street ont the other side of Broad Street yelled Merry Christmas waving one small Pride flag. Ilooked behind me and literally Iwast the only one on the street and at that moment I remember thinking I am living the best part of 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Let me clarify that Iami not ai member of the LGBTQ community, some oft the people here that I admire, respect and adore and consider family are. Most importantly, Iam a parent of an absolutely Lisa Jenkins continued, fast forward to now, the environment we all: find ourselves in, much of the Milford magic that) I fell sO completely inl love with feels like it's gone andi replaced by bullying, threats and hate in the open.I I have been a literal witness to friends running into an office where we were volunteering sinking to the floor in a panic attack because shej just left Rite Aid after being screamed at about being a groomer in front of her child and no one stopped it. Meeting up with friends whol hadt their small children at a readers and writers event att the library and literally ran down the sidewalk because aj prominent, far-right, character in our community followed them and filmed them after being asked to stop numerous times. I've walked past the post office where there were campaign tables outside and they had aj photo ofaj personI 1a adore in drag with a poster calling them a pedophile and groomer. Ihave friends, members oft the LGBTQ community who usedt to come toi the Fauchere, five or six times a year, they would come almost every New Year's and1 bring their extended family, they got married] here and were looking for as second home here. They won't come here anymore. Ihaven'ts seen themi in Milford in years.1 Icould go on and on with other examples oft things that I've experienced, but what is most] heartbreaking, is my daughter, who very much wanted tor move here after college and work for a nonprofit, changed her mind after the Proud Boys banner went up on the mountain by thel high school.. After the hateful comments that followed on social media against those who were brave enough to take it down, she came tor me ands said mom I'm sorry,I was going to movel here after college, butI can't because) I'm afraid oft the hate that is sO seemingly obvious everywhere. What would shel have felti ifIl had toldl her about thel Pride Boys behavior that was allowed to go oni in this very  incredible human being whoi is.    room ata a meeting last year? Int that moment, Iknew the magic of this place Iloved was broken into pieces. Idon't think any of us want tol livei in a hate-spewing place where respect and caring for others is gone. You) havet the power tol help start mending that process with acknowledging June as Pride month. Your may thinki itas small thing, buti iti is not. Itis al huge gesture -ai nodt toward healing and ar return to respectfulness that this County desperately needs. Hate should have nol home here. Lisa Jenkins said her daughter said tol her once, respect and empathy are notj just words, they are actions. Please show ust that your respect and care for all your constituents and residents by Commissioner Caceres said I have always saidt thist topic begins and ends with humanity. You can debate people's Meeting attendee, name withheld, said she wanted to meet with the Commissioners inj private about our situation, how does that work? Commissioner Schmalzle answered that our doors are open. I'm speaking for Christa (Caceres), Commissioner. Commissioner Caceres asked what is the topic? Meeting attendee answered it's an issue with discrimination. I'vet triedi my best and havel been working on this for quite somet time and it'si involving people and] Ibelieve it's discrimination. I'vel beent trying andj just needs some assistance with this ast tol how toj proceed. Commissioner Caceres said she'db bei more than] happy to talk butI Ia am assuming you also reached out to the authorities? Meeting attendee answered this has beeni ini regard to security, State Police, DEC, there's been multiple agencies andi it's more than one situation that's occurred. Commissioner Caceres said she' d be happy to Reporter Preston Ehrlers said we were. here two weeks ago, and thisi idea (Pride Proclamation) was put forward,I don't want to guess, and Id don't wantt to assume, but you've seen the Proclamation and had some time to reviewi it, ist that accurate?: Now, we're at the point where two weeks have gone by and you wanted to review it, can you Commissioner Schmalzle saidI I am speaking individually here today; thisi is something we wouldn't entertain without the three oft us alll being here. I will tell yout that dug in on this when) I didn't last year and I've freely admitted that I was caught off guard last year, butI Ihave dug in. You all know we're int the early part ofai reelected position here and Ireached out to constituents and reached out toj people on both sides oft the matter tol havea better understanding oft this and) Ic continue to do that. I'm on the phone each and every night. Iv will also say thatI engage in very respectful conversation with Commissioner Caceres on a daily basis, on anl hourly basis, and we share our thoughts ont this openly and freely, in a very respectful manner. I'll also say I don'tt think that we're ata time where this willl be on the agenda. Ireally appreciate what the group has done. Ithink goingt to the Municipalities is a great step anda a good first step. I think it'sa a temperature gage. I come from the other end of the County, it'sa ab big County andI I think that'sag good step. You' vel had some success out there, we certainly are monitoring ita and monitoring ther responses ofit, but at this point in timel I don'tb believe itis ai function oft the  allowing us to acknowledge Pride.  lifestyle aty your kitchen table, that's not what this is about.  listen. Thank you.  share some ofs your thoughts now?  Commissioners officet toj putt this on the agenda. Meeting attendee John Hellman asked why not?  Commissioner Schmalzle replied there'sal lot of reasons and) Ithink I've stated a lot oft them.  Reporter Preston Ehrler asked ifyou're worried about retaliation?  Commissioner Schmalzle answered no, we'r re prepared to make a statement on this prior tot the next meeting Reporter Preston Ehrler asked Commissioner Caceres, you' ve given us some thoughts already, would you like to Commissioner Caceres replied that, asl always say, I have the utmost respect for the two gentlemen that I work with. Whether Iagree with their opinion or not, they have ar right to it. personally believe that we. have a unique role ast the highest office in the County to set at tone and that tone should always be that everyone that lives here has ai right to feel respected. That'sj just where it begins and ends with me. Iam disappointed that it will not be on the agenda. Ia am one oft three att thist table, butI Ithink the community is clear on where I stand and] how Ifeel and Commissioner Schmalzle let. John Hellman know that his door is open. I'm happy to talk to you. Id do appreciate THE NEXTREGULARI MEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL BE HELDON WEDNESDAYJUNE 5. 2024 ATI 11:00 A.M.) INTHE PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.  collectively.  see this Pridel Proclamation ont the agenda, how do you feel about that?  that will never change.  the tone where you came from today.    Commissioners' Conference Minutes Wednesday, May 22,2024  PRESENT: Commissioner Schmalzle, Chief Clerk Gromalski, and Solicitor Farley. Commissioner Caceres present via MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to call the conference to order at 11:00  phone. 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: GENERALI FUND (County Bills) VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: BRIDGE! REPAIR. ACCOUNT (County Bills) VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: DEBT SERVICE! FUND (County Bills) VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: SRCP DEBT SERVICEI FUND (County Bills). VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the Agenda. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment fromt the MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the  $1,395,009.95 $25,580.43 $112,194.35 $15,869.50  PERSONNEL  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to! hirel NICOLE! RICCIO as full-time Clerki int the Tax Claim Bureau for a37.5-hour work week, effective. June 10, 2024, pending successful drug screening  results, with benefits after 90 days. This is ai replacement position. VOTE: Allr members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. A SALARYBOARD! MEETING WAS HELD Motion to reconvene the Commissioner's Conference. Application on behalf oft the Public Defender's Office. VOTE: All members voted 'aye". Motion carried. VOTE:. All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Workforce Development Board. VOTE: All: members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Workforce Development. Areal Locall Elected Officials. Agreement. VOTE:. Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted" 'aye". Motion carried. VOTE:. All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Motion tor recess the Commissioners' Conference to) hold a Salary Board Meeting.  NEW) BUSINESS  MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Indigent Defense Grant MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice-Chairman to execute the Scope of Services Proposal for the Brooks Cabin Road Survey Work from Conrad, Close & Ewald, P.C. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Agreement between The Counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne And The Pocono Counties MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Pocono Counties MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Pocono Counties MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Vice-Chairman to MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Contract for Services between. PennCares Support Services and ADRCI Link Monroe/Pike/Wayne Counties, on behalfo of the. Area Agency on MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the following Human Services Payment Vouchers on behalfoft the Office ofH Human Services: Human Services Development Fundi ini the amount of $3,832.00; Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2.0i in the amount of$1,010.00; State Foodl Purchase  Workforce Development Area Chief Elected Officials/Fiscal Agent Agreement. execute the 2024-2028 Local Area Plan, on behalf ofthe Area Agency on Aging.  Aging.  VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.    Program int the amount of $6,306.64; Homeless. Assistance Program int the amount of$1,838.95; andl PHARE int the MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve thel Pike County HOME Program Payment Voucher int the amount of $63.75 payable tot the Pike County Recorder ofI Deeds, on behalfofthe  amount ofs $5,300.00.  VOTE: All members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Commissioners' Conference was adjourned.  Office of Human Services.  PRESS & PUBLIC COMMENISOUESTIONSADOTRAMINI: NONE  THEN NEXTI PUBLICMEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILLBEI HELDON WEDNESDAY.JUNE: 5.2 2024 AT 11:00 A.M.] INTHE PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONI BUILDING.    Commissioners' Conference. Minutes Wednesday, May 29,2024  PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and Caceres; Chief Clerk Gromalski, and Solicitor Farley. 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: GENERALI FUND (County Bills) VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the Agenda. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve payment from the  $569,296.81  PERSONNEL position.  MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle: and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to acknowledge receipt ofal letter from Warden! Lowe advising that he has hired, with Prison) Board approval, JESSIE HEIMBACH as a full-time Correctional Officer fort the Correctional Facility fora4 40-hour work week, effective. June 3, 2024, pending successful completion ofa written exam, ai medical exam, drugt test and aj physical agility test, with benefits after 90 days. Thisi is a replacement MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to acknowledge receipt ofal letter from Warden Lowe advising thatl hel has! hired, with Prison) Board approval, CHRISTOPHER UNGER: as a full-time Maintenance Staffl Member fort the Correctional Facility fora a 40-hour work week, effective. June 3,2024, with benefits MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, top promote KATHLEEN ANN GORMAN to Officel Manager for District Court 60-3-04, effective. July 1,2024. This isar replacement position. MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to approve the lateral transfer of] LISA KURLAND: from ClerkIin! Magisterial District Judge Cavallaro's Office to ClerkI Iin Magisterial District. Judge MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, tol hire MORGAN. DELICIO. as a911 Dispatcher Trainee for the 911 Center, fora a 40-hour work week, retroactive tol May 28, 2024, with benefits after 90 days.  VOTE: Allr members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. after 90 days. Thisi isa a replacement position. VOTE: Alli 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. A SALARYI BOARD. MEETING WAS HELD Motion to reconvene. the Commissioner's Conference.  Menditto's Office, effective. June 17,2024. This isai replacement position.  Thisi isar replacement; position.  Motion tor recess the Commissioners' Conference to 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 of the Office ofH Human Services: Homeless Assistance Program int the amount of $1,800.00; PHARE int the amount of $6,234.44; and State Food Purchase Program int the amount of$1,479.52. 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 Vice-Chairman to MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to authorize the Chairman to execute  VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. thel Proposal from L.J. Bogumil, Inc., as recommended by the Prison Board. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye". Motion carried. execute the Agreement from) M& & S Septic Service, for Bennett. Ave. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. Commissioners' Conference was adjourned.  thel Notice ofI Intent Requesting Election Security Grant Funds, on behalf oft the Elections Office. PRESS & PUBLIC COMMENTSQUISTIONSTIONSADIOURNMENT NONE  THEI NEXTPUBLICMEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILLBEHELDON WEDNESDAY.JUNE 5. 2024 AT11:00 A.M. IN THE PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION. BUILDING.    SALARY BOARD May15,2024  PRESENT: Commissioners Schmalzle and Caceres; Solicitor Farley; ChiefClerk Gromalski; and Treasurer MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to convene Salary Board. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the May 1 and MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to set thel hourly rate of NICOLE HECK at $22.00 per! hour as Associate Director for the Veterans Affairs Office for a 37.5-hour work week, effective May 20, 2024, witha a 90 day probation period and benefits after 90 days. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, toi increase the annual salary OfCARRIE! BRANCH to $70,000.00, following the completion of her probationary period, retroactive to May MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adjourn the Salary Board.  Gilpin.  VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'!. Motion carried. May 8,2024 Salary Board) Minutes. VOTE: Alli members voted' laye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' 'ayel. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Salary Board Meeting Adjourned.  12, 2024.    SALARY BOARD May 22,2024  PRESENT: Commissioner Schmalzle, Chief Clerk Gromalski, Solicitor Farley, and Treasurer Gilpin. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to convene Salary Board. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to set thel hourly rate of NICOLE RICCIO. at $13.00 per hour as full-time Clerk int the Tax Claim Bureau for a 37.5-hour work week, effective June 10, 2024, pending successful drug screening results, with benefits after 90 days. MOTION: by Commissioner Caceres ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adjourn the Salary Board.  Commissioner Caceres present via phone. VOTE: All members voted' 'ayel. Motion carried.  VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted' 'ayel. Motion carried. Salary Board) Meeting Adjourned.    SALARY BOARD May 29,2024  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, tos set the hourly rate of JESSIE: HEIMBACH at $26.23 per hour as af full-time Correctional Officer for the Correctional Facility fora 40-hour work week, effective June 3, 2024, pending successful completion ofa written exam, ai medical exam, MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to set the hourly rate of CHRISTOPHER UNGER at $21.00 per houra as ai full-time Maintenance Staff Member for the Correctional MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, toi increase the hourly rate of KATHLEEN. ANN GORMAN by $2.00 per hour to $20.07 per hour as Office Manager for District Court 60- MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle and seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to set the hourly rate of MORGAN. DELICIO at $21.36 per hour as a 911 Dispatcher Trainee for the 911 Center, for a 40-hour work MOTION: by Commissioner Schmalzle ands seconded by Commissioner Caceres, to adjourn the Salary Board.  Treasurer Gilpin.  VOTE: All members voted' 'ayel. Motion carried.  drug test and ap physical agility test, with benefits after 90 days. VOTE: Alli members voted' laye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted' laye!. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. week, retroactive tol May 28, 2024, with benefits after 90 days. VOTE: All members voted' 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted' laye'. Motion carried. Salary Board) Meeting. Adjourned.  Facility fora a 40-hour work week, effective. June 3, 2024, with benefits after 90 days.  3-04, effective July 1,2024.