AGENDA  WEDNESDAY.MAYIT202.IIDAM. PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING  1. Callt to Order. 2. Pledge of Allegiance.  PUBLICCOMMENTS/QUESTIONS CONCERNING TODAY'SAGENDA Motion to recess the Commissioners', Meeting to holda Retirement Board Meeting.  RETIREMENT) BOARD MEETING Motion to reconvene the Commissioners' Meeting. 1. Approve May 17,2023 Agenda. 2. Approve May 3,20231 Meeting Minutes. 3.A Approve May 10, 2023 Conference Minutes. 4. Approve payment from GENERAL: FUNDS (County Bills).  $506,757.32  OLDBUSINESS NEW BUSINESS $49,921.78.  1. Motion to open bids for Groceries and Frozen Foods for the period of. July 2023 October 2023, on behalf oft the 1. 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 $1,481.80 and Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2.0 in the amount of 2. Motion to approve the. Affordable Housing Payment Voucher ini the amount of $2,956.70, payable tol Family Promise of 3. Motion to approve thel Pike County HOME Program Payment Voucher int the amount of $530.00, payable tol Pike County 4. Motioni to authorize the Chairman to execute Revision Request #1 for Contract #C000071793 FFY 2018, on behalfo oft the 5. Motioni to authorize the ChiefClerk to execute thel Pike County Domestic Relations Section (DRS) Retirement Reconciliation Worksheet for the Calendar Year Ended December 31,2022, on! behalfo oft thel Domestic Relations Office. 6. Motiont to appoint SHANNON WISNIEWSKI tot the Pike County Children and Youth. Advisory Board fora a 2-year  Pike County Correctional Facility.  Monroe, for Mortgage Assistance, on behalf oft the Office of] Human Services.  Dispatch, on! behalf oft the Office of Human Services.  Office of] Human Services.  term, expiring 12/31/24. MISCELLANEOUS  PennState Extension Calendar of Events  PRESS & PUBLICCOMMENTSOUPSTIONSADJOURNMENT  THEI NEXT] REGULARI MEETINGOFTHEI PIKECOUNTY/COMMISSIONERS WILLBEHELDON WEDNESDAY.JUNE: 7,2023 AT11:00. A.M.I INTHE PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.    PIKE COUNTY RETIREMENT BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, May 17,2023 11:00 a.m. Pike County Administration Building  1. Call to order. NEW BUSINESS  2. Approve thel May 17, 2023. Agenda. 3. Approve the. April 19, 2023 Minutes.  1. Motion to approve refunds of contributions to employees nol longer with the County:  a. Edward Anderson b. Anita Conley Nicole Ranaudo d. Joseph Rios Matthew McWilliams 05/12/23 Robin Bednarski a. Patricia Stroyan b. Gary Orben C. Carol Welsh a. Korn) Ferry ADJOURNMENT  04/14/23 04/17/23 04/26/23 05/04/23 05/12/23 05/01/23 05/01/23 05/05/23 $597.55  PCCF Prothonotary Public Safety PCCF PCCF PCCF  2. Motion to approve the following retirements:  GIS/Tax Administration Commissioners Sheriff  3. Motion to approve the following invoices for payment:  2023 Pension Benefit Statements    RETIREMENT BOARD Wednesday, April 19, 2023  PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron, ChiefClerk Gromalski, and MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to convene the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the  Treasurer Gilpin. Retirement Board Meeting. April 19,2023. Agenda. March 15,2023 Minutes.  VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried.  Under NEW: BUSINESS, the following presentations were: made: refunds of contributions to employees no longer with the County:  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve  a. Dean Gentile b.] Brian) McCray d.I David Grimm e.I Dylan Harnish f.Joseph Gariti g.K Kaitlyn Reed h. Raymond Eddy  03/09/2023 03/17/2023 03/23/2023 03/27/2023 04/06/2023 04/10/2023 04/10/2023  PCCF PCCF PCCF PCCF PCCF PCCF PCCF PCCF  c. Christopher Valenti 03/22/2023  VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried. following deferred retirement (to age 60): a.. Jennal Moyer-Smith 11/18/2022 VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the  Courts  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the  following retirements: a. Laurel Larsen b.Cindy Brown c.Tracy Borchert  01/01/2023 01/01/2023 04/07/2023  PCCF, vested 08/08/2003 Tax Claim, vested 4/29/1994  PCCF  VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the  following death benefit: a. Rebecca Dotter  04/06/2023  Transportation  VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the  following invoices for payment: a. Korn Ferry Fees  $5,410.00  1st Quarter. Actuarial Services 1st Quarter Fee Billing 1st Quarter Asset/Transaction  b.B Biondo Investment Advisors $43,361.71 C. Broadridge Matrix Trust Co $11,876.69 VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried.    MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adjourn the  Pike County Retirement Board Meeting. VOTE: All members voted "aye". Motion carried. Retirement Board Meeting adjourned.    Wednesday, May 3,2023  The first regular meeting of May 2023 oft the Pike County Commissioners was called to order by Commissioner Osterberg atl 11:00a a.m. at the Pike County Administration Building, followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron; Chief Clerk Gromalski; and Solicitor Farley. Commissioner Osterberg requested a moment ofs silence for the passing of Dave Chant, we alll know Dave's importance to this community. When people think oft the Poconos, Ithink they think of] Dave Chant. He was beloved by many anda  mentor toi many. A moment of silence was observed. Public Comments/Questions concerning today's agenda- - none. include Resolution 23-27 (Item 2A under New Business).  Commissioner Osterberg announced that they will need to amend the. Agenda first. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to amend the May 3,2023 Agenda to MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the May 3, 2023. Agenda. Commissioner Osterberg announced they would, under New Business, Item #3, ask for a motion to adopt Resolution 23- MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adopt Resolution No. 23-25, Tick  25, as Tick Borne Disease. Awareness Month, May 2023. Borne Diseases Awareness Month, May 2023. Commissioner Waldron read Resolution No. 23-25 aloud.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Commissioner Waldron said he has learned al lot in the 161 months since he became Commissioner about the fact thati it's not all about just Lyme disease. There'sal lot of other diseases and quite frankly, I've learned a lot about how to deal with iti ify you do find one. Only 2 weeks agol Thad at tick on my arm. I followed1 through and sent it down tol East Stroudsburg, they providea great servicei int terms of lab work, and they got back to1 me within 2 days that, fortunately, it was not a disease carrying tick. What we've been able to dol here, with the Commissioner before me, was set up this Task Force and it's been really good for our community. In fact, we' 've.l become the model for the whole state and we're grateful that they did that and we're grateful that Commissioner Osterberg added that it's extremely important because iti is an educational component in our County. In 2015 the person who founded this was Mikki Weis who lived in! Milford Borough and brought this tot the attention oft the County Commissioners and us, not fully understanding of! how much ofa crisis it was ini the County; how many people were suffering from some form ofTick Bornel Diseases. Our goal here with the Task Force isay very active committee that meets once ai month here and its basic role ist to educate the public about ticks and the different diseases that they carry andt trying to remove from people's vocabulary the words Lyme disease. It's not just Lyme disease, ifyou're tested for justI Lyme, you could be missing the other pathogens that Tony (Commissioner Waldron) talked of. It's quite extensive. Its should be called "Tick Borne Diseases' not Lyme disease. The State has recognized Pike County as a leaderi int this. Wei took this oni in 2015 and there's a continual meeting here. Many times there are 8-10 people here int the room or on ZOOM and from everybody int this County, whether the Aging office or 4-H, our representatives in! Harrisburg trying to all come together SO we can educate the public. Education not fear - we' 'rei not telling people that they shouldn't go into the woods inl Pike County, they shouldj just be aware of their environment and surroundings. I'm so glad that the children at the school here are being educated on this because that'sthe other component that we do making sure the young people in our community are educated about the things that can occurif you get ai tick bite. We telli their parents ifthey geta a tick on them, they can at least know ifthere are going to be any symptoms. Commissioner Schmalzle saidi it's nice to see all the young people here and thanked them for coming today. Commissioner Osterberg introduced Brian Snyder of Community Planning and Rosie (Schoepp), both from the Tick Borne Rosie Schoepp thanked Delaware Valley School District for allowing us to have this art contest. It was an art contest that encourages children to create posters that explain what you should doi ifyouf find a tick on you or where the ticks live. We had one class that got together and did a beautiful poster that has lots and lots ofi information oni it. The kids did such an amazing job. Iknow you alll had something to do with making that poster and I'di like tot thank the teachers and staff of that class for helping them.. Just remember, now that you know about ticks and you made this beautiful poster, it's your jobt to tell everybody, sot they know what to do and not to be afraid, but to tell someone youl have a tick on you. Rosie then distributed the certificates MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the April 19, 2023 MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the April 26, 2023 MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from GENERAL  we are able to continue to provide thats service.  Disease Task Force tot talk about the art contest.  and shirts for each child. The poster was made into tee shirts for each oft the children. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. FUND (County Bills), int the amount of $1,691,516.49, subject to further review.  Commissioners' Meeting Minutes. Commissioners' Conference Minutes.    VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and' Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and' Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve exonerations presented by Gina Rios, Tax Claim Bureau Director for 34j properties sold out oft the County Repository between January and March 2023. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol hire CHRISTINA BEDNAREK as Administrative Assistant int the Public Safety Department, fora37.5-hour work week, effective May 11,2023, pending MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol hire RILEY CROUTHAMELasa summer intern ini the District Attorney'sOffice, for the period of May 8 until August 11,2023, without benefits. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol hire THOMAS SMALL: as Central Booking Technician ini the District Attorney's Office, for less than 1,0001 hours per year, effective May 8,2023, without MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol hire CIARRA CALABRESE as Dispatcher in the 911 Center, for a 40-hour work week, effective May 22, 2023, pending drug test results, with benefits MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to acknowledge receipt ofal letter from Warden Lowe advising that hel has hired, with Prison) Board approval, the following individuals as full-time Correctional Officers, for the Correctional Facility fora 40-hour work week, effective May 1,2023, with benefits after 90-days: MICHAELSEVERO; KURTI KELLER; ROSANGELA FERNANDEZ; JOSEPH RIOS; DARIUS PRICE; JUAN MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to acknowledge receipt ofal letter from Warden Lowe advising that hel has hired, with Prison Board approval, CHRISTOPHER LEDIARD. as temporary Maintenance Staff Member for the Correctional Facility, for a 40-hour work week, from June 1 until August 26, 2023, MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to recess the Commissioners' Meeting  PERSONNEL  drug test results, with benefits after 90 days.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  benefits.  after 90 days. This is a replacement position.  TEJEDA.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  without benefits.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  tol holda Salary Board Meeting.  ASALARY, BOARD MEETING WAS HELD. and reconvene the Commissioners' Meeting.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adjourn the Salary Board Meeting  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  OLDI BUSINESS amount of $74,500.00. NEW BUSINESS  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol Motion to award the bid for the Pike County Jail ICE Building Roof Replacement Project tol Pro Solutions Home Renovations, LLC, for the total contract  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to advertise bids for the Springbrook Commissioner Osterberg announced that this has been ai number of years that we' re getting this done. This is another one of the bridges in the County that we are able tot take care of with the $5.00 Registration Fee. Ify you' 're not familiar with Springbrook Road, this isa a road that leads into a development and this bridge needs to be replaced. Without this bridge, there is no other way into all of those houses back there. Iknow that we all pay that $5.00, but you can see what happens every year with that $5.00 Registration Fee. Things are getting done, infrastructure is being replaced int this County. Iknow the fire companies, everybody is very appreciative and soi is Dingman" Township that the bridge is going to be replaced. This is moving in the right direction. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adopt Resolution No. 23-24, Mental Commissioner Schmalzle read aloud Resolution No. 23-24. Commissioner Schmalzle announced after he reads the second  Road Over Rattlesnake Creek Bridge Replacement Project.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  We've been putting band aids ont that bridge for decades. Health Awareness Month, May 2023.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye". Motion carried.    Resolution (No. 23-27) they willl have a combined conversation.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adopt Resolution No. 23-27, Prevention VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and' Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Commissioner Schmalzle read aloud] Resolution: No. 23-27, National Prevention Week, May 7-13,2023. Commissioner Osterberg saidt these are really important issuest that the County Commissioners deal with. This part oft the population thati is sufferingt through boths substance abuse and mental health are very well connected. Wer meet every other month att the. Joinder Board andt talk aboutt these topics andt talk about what we're going to do as counties tol help solve some of these problems. Thes suicide ratei int this County, sometimes wel lose sight oft this with all thei issues going on around us, there are family members and friends of ours that are suffering; between 2021 and 2022 thes suicide rate went up 47%. That is an enormous amount of people that are suffering out there. We'll have some speakers come upf from Carbon Monroel Pike Drug and Alcohol and they work diligently to makes suret that we can brings support and services tot these individuals beforet those terrible acts occur int their lives. The ages oft them are all over thej place. We'ret trying toi identify who they are because ift they' 're people that are veterans, then wer need tol bolster the veterans' services. Ifthey' res senior citizens, we need tol bolstert that. If they' rey young people, wei needt toi figure out what's going on, but] feel the County and the residents need tol know that most of live really comfortable lives int this County, but there are people int this County that are suffering. We as County Commissioners and you asr residents need tol be aware oft that and work together as at team to bringl helpt tot thesei individuals through alleviating stigma ina all oft theset things. Mentall healthl has a stigma attached toi ita ands substance abuse has a stigma attached toi it and we need tog get over that and acceptt these people! back into our society and helpt them where wec can. There's not aj person int this room that has not be affected by either by somethingi inr mentall health ors substance abuse. You alll know somebody iny your family and wer need to work together to alleviate this. Commissioner Osterberg asked Shannon Wisniewski from CMP-Drug Mary Bethl Koniarski from Hemlock Farms said shel has a sont that suffers from schizophrenia, and we'vel lived! here about5 5 years and itl has been as strugglet to take care ofh him. Hel lives with us and hel has been hospitalized atl least 31 times. Att the end of thel last hospitalization either he could come home tol live with us or got toa a homeless shelter. That's shameful!I didn'tknow where to go or what to do. We took him home and] he'sbeen with usf for 5 years. Hel has someone come tot the house, a psychiatrist, therapist and life coacht that come every week andIa am very grateful fort that. This illness has taken him froma a person that was studyingi for the CPA exam toa aj person whoi is barely functional. My husband andI I refuse to give up onl him and Ihaves searched everywhere to get every resource available: for him. When] I came here 5y years ago, there was nor mental healths support for people like us orf for people who suffer from mentali illness. I1 looked upl NAMI, (National Alliance on! Mental IlIness) inl New York andI I hada a vision tos start as support groupi in Pike County and other outlying counties like Wayne, Monroe, etc. The mission was accomplished. Wel haves support groups that meet at Grandma's Bakery in Pike County outside of Hemlock ont the second and fourth Wednesday ofe eachi month. That has helpedi me and has helped other families thata are dealing with loved ones that ares suffering. Ina addition, Iam ai facilitator and a teacher for NAMI, Iteachi family to family courses andi if anyone isi interested in us, come into our organization: and talk abouti mentali illness. We would love that! Ont the third Wednesday ofe every monthl run as support group for people that suffer from mental illness. In order tob be al NAMI volunteer, onel has tol had walked the path.) Ihave walked the path.) Ihavel had depression int thej past, understand and] I understand family members that struggle with this. Oni that note, I wouldj just encourage everyone tol have less ofas stigma for mental illness is terrible. One oft thel hospitalizations Iwas waiting outside ofr my son's emergency room door and] he wasi ini full blown crisis. WhenI was standing there, emergency medical people were there witha a stretcher, and they were rolling their eyes. Upon observing that, a voice just came out ofi me and said how darey you dot that-you never had aj person with mentali illness screaming int that room like al lunatic?" That hurt me and affected my perception ofh how people really view mental illness. Even people that were int thel health field. Iremain positive that we can all change. Understand and listen to the people thatl have mental illnessi in Shannon Wisniewski: saids she works with thel Drug and Alcohol Commission and sits on a number of different task forces who work with the Commissioners very closely on making sure wel have the resources we need int this County. Obviously, we're constantly inr need ofa additional resources: therapists andp psychiatrists. Outreaching tol NAMI, outreaching to our office, outreaching tol MH/DS (Mental HealthDevelopmental. Services) ift there are additional needs regarding mental health, reach out to one ofu us! We'llo definitely helps youg get connected: int thel best ways that we can rightr now. We continue tol have conversations about how we bring additional resources here like NSPI (Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative). We continue tol bring suicide awareness out into the community, and we do a number of different events throughout the community with drug and alcohol and with mental health. Those ofu us who worked in Human Services int this County can definitely bridge some oft those Caroll Kneier, Wayne Memorial Hospital Representative- said withs suicide prevention, we try to work closely int the community with schools. During the pandemic wel know that many students are struggling sO we try toj provide resource cards SO we touched ons six different school districts, grades 7th-12th. That's over 7,500s students that we provided resource cards to. Ifit evenl helped one person, we arel happy with that. We continue to dot that and we are working closely with NSPI and Wallenpaupack High School rightr now tol hopefully initiate aj program for our student athletes. Wel know there isi increased rate ofs suicide or pride performance whicho can lead to mental health ands suicide ini individuals int that category. We're working with them tol helps support that. We work closely with NAMI, all different chapters tos support them. We'rev working withy younger students with our Wayne and Pike County system of care group. With NSPI we' re goingi in andi reading the book, The Hugging Tree, whicht talks about resiliency withy youth and children; to bring awareness that they can ask for help- there arep people out there top provide help. Lasty year we were in Wayne Memorial Hospital with our Together Schooll Program and we work with many organizations including NAMI where they wenti in with 7th graders and provided a program inf four different school districts abouts saying it out loud whichi means ifs someone is struggling with mental illness orr need! help, yous should go tot their counselor, teacher ora at trusted adult where they can ask for help and continue ony with that help. We all work together, itis never with just one group out there that provides this educationt tot try these resources ata any age out there. Thank you. Robl Mikulski CMPN MH/DS thanked the Commissioners for their support. We go to. Joinder) Board Meetings with allt three sets of our commissioners. We'rer really happy tol have thel backing oft the. Joinder Board. Ithink we're ata crossroads with prevention. Pennsylvania finally adopted Pennsylvanial Prevention Week. We'rei focusing more one evidence-based programs. It's nott the days of old where wej just say wel like this program because somebody liked it, it's based more ons size, on data, it's  Awareness Month.  and Alcohol Commission tos speak tot the attendees.  their families and suffert themselves from mental illness. Your support willl be appreciated. Thank you.  connections when iti is possible.    matching, your data withy your risk andj protective factors. One oft the things we're going tol bei focusing on upl herei isi increasing those protective factors. Most oft the time people look atr risk factors and say that's where we're at.) Ifwei increase those protective factors, Ithink wer really have as shot att the risk factors. That's one ofthet things that we do. We meet witht the Superintendents ands staff and wet try tol keepe everything above! board with the pace. Iwas doing ai meeting with the. Judge from Monroe County and! he was talking about 27% oft the students inl Monroe County reported havinga a suicide plan whent they took thet test in 2021. That'll be done againi in 2023. Unfortunately, they didn'thave one inI Delaware Valley. Thel District did not do thati in2 2021, we' rel hoping to doi ita again in 2023 and get some oft that data. The food insecurity, homelessness, suicide ideologies and thoughts whichy yout think wouldn't! be ani issue, are really starting to come tot the top. It's becoming ani issue of notj just drug and alcohol; it's mental health, case management services. We adoptedt that sayinga a couple of years ago not everybody needs treatment, but everybody needs prevention ofs some sort and that's kind oft the basis that we follow int the Drug Elaine Tuckers said there are al loto ofp programs for ours students in our schools, not only education programs and evidence-based programs but alsos support groups, sessions on ani individual basis. Iservedt thel Delaware Valley Schooll District as well as East Stroudsburg North, wes sito on all their student assistance teams whichi identify students at risk and offer students services for mental health or drug anda alcohol or whatever their need be, bei itl homelessness or whatever their situation is. There's always prevention, everyday going oni ins school and our faculties are aware ofi ita and our students certainly benefit from all that because there are support groups and outreach and wei identify students and offer them services. It'sa a continual, dailyj jobt top provide prevention. Robl Mikulski added that one oft the things we're doingi is working with the Area on Aging doings some gambling programs and drugt take back. We try to get that out to the community and] hit all the various levels, for peoplet to get rido of unnecessary medications, outdated medications ort they don't needi ita anymore and notj just focus on middle and highs schools, Elaine Tucker said throughout the year we are out witht the Dispose RX, we're ats school events and at different community events, being able tos say it's notj just about making sure tol have the conversations with your kids asi important as that is, but also making sure those access pieces. Thel Dispose RX we canl hand out at any point int time, having Narcan int the home even: ify you don't have someone whoi is actively using, you never know when you're goingt to runi into somebody who is struggling. It's not just the person whoi is actively using, but maybe, we doi it with the aging population, ifyou forgot and take a second pill ofy your medications. Wes see that different dynamic. One oft the things that we'll be doing is makings sure that thes schools are ablet to post the prevention: awareness materials, the QR Codes give access to allt the different brochures, there's new tips that they give out about why tot talk toy your kids about drugs, how tol have those conversations, being able to guide parents through all oft the differences that we'ves seeni in drugt trends. Wel have newi information about talking to teens about vaping. We've seen: ata all of ours schools thisl has been al huge uptick. There'st tons ofi resources about how tot talk toy your kids and how to access different Elaine Tucker said wel have tor remember that the average age oft the first use fora a child is eleven years old. When we speak to fifth graders, Isayl how old are you and theys say ten andI Itell them that fact and they say no, that can't be true andI say it's really true. Sometime, somewhere, withint that next year or twot they' re going tob be offered vape, an alcoholic beverage, they're going tob be offered some form ofas substance andi they need tor make good decisions about that. The age, unfortunately,is getting, younger than that. We'vel had ten and nine year olds that have been vaping. It's very ever-present. Robl Mikulski added that all the things we are talking abouti is given ats sixth, eighth, tenth and twelfth grades, this year they' re actually offeringi itin fourth grade. Thel Department of Ed and) Department ofI Drug and Alcohol see itiss starting earliers sO we need to gett this out and theyi implemented ai fourth grade base survey. They dida at test in 2021 and thisi is really the first year everyone has access tot that. Commissioner Osterberg said att the last meeting wet talked about fake pills. Thisi ist turning into a very serious issue. It's down inl Lehigh Valley andl Ithinki it's coming this way. How crucial isi itt that people are aware there are fake pills outt there that are being sold and lacedy with fentanyl? When wel have these discussions we always this is about children doingt this or young adults or people with addiction. brought upa a topic andI It thinki it should ber really thought about, because oft the costs ofmedications sometimes people are going tos say wait ar minute, maybeI I can get that same prescription ont the street for ai third oft the price of what I'mj paying the pharmacy, andt this canl happen tos seniors and everybody else. We discussed this that everybody needst tol be aware that they' 're making these pillst that are supposedly goingt tol bel Percocet or whatever the name oft them are and they are laced with fentanyl.. Asi reported att the last one, there was a gentleman who wasi ini recovery and had al bad back andi instead of waiting to got to thep pharmacy to get the right prescriptions, hel bought one ont thes street and overdosed: and nearly died. This isa program that Iknow Carbon-Monroe-Pikei is going tos start top push out, but we always want toj put people inac category, buti it can be anybody that cani fall intot this for financial reasons thinking they' re goingt tog get inexpensive prescription drugs from somebody ont the street." That program is going tob bei moving forward tor really education people about this and this is what this Ar meeting attendee, Cindy Defebo, askedi ifthey had reached out to any colleges, we' 'ret talking about seniors and talking about students, but those college kids are facing new challenges and runi into those problems as well? Carol Kneier answered absolutely, we'vet talkeda abouti itata allt the different task force meetings that we attend." Thesel kids are seen everyday inl high schoola and they have different people and they have trustedi individuals and they are sent to college andi it's, well, goodl luck! Some oft the programs at the colleges have, overt time, with COVID and things like that, you't 're seeing someone on your screen and yours seeing them inl littles snap shots not walking around campus, not doing those things. Wel have done different outreach with the different colleges int thea area. We've outreached: specifically within Carbon-Monroe-Pike, ESU and different community colleges within thet three counties. Carol Kneier addedt that NAMIj just dida a mental health first aidt training for the medical students at Geisinger CMCi in Scranton. Talking about college, but alsot the people going outi int the field toi increase awareness oft thei individuals thatt they' re going tol be working with on a daily basis. There are many programs out there for the public and the community toi increase that awareness ofr mentall health and mentall healthi first aid. How to approach someone or talk tos someone, not solve their problems, but how tol helpt them get the resources they need as al layperson. Mary Beth Koniarski addedi ify you ever havet to call 911 for a crisisi int thel home, ask for aj persont that's been trainedi in CIT (Crisis An meeting attendee Vitol DiBiasi askedi ifyoud cans speak as to one oft the ways ofr maybe lessening the stigma. Tot talk about genetic component, because Imyselfs suffer from depression and my mother had depression and it's similar tor my inherited  and Alcohol Commission.  but also focus ont the elementary.  treatments ifr need be.  isr really about- educating people as we deal with this crisisi in our communities. Mary Bethl Koniarski: asked the meeting attendees ifa anyone has a question.  Intervention Training). Theyl have been specially trainedt tol handle emotional episodes liket that.    genetic component ofn my father with heart disease.] Depression was a genetic component ini my mother that was passedt tor me also. They' re very similar.. Just becausei it's heart disease andI geti it, okay then you have al lot oft resources, buti ifi it's mental health genetic component thatI inherited then you'rei into something else and resources for mental health are not as greata as say forr medical when yout talk aboutl heart disease andt things like that. My wife isat therapist and worked asa a therapist and worked with suicide patients and you! knowt the resources: and payi isj just not great- this ist reality here, because oft the stigma, because oft the genetic component, it's being passed down,i it'si inc our genetics and we shoulda acknowledge it and treati it as al legitimate MaryBeth Koniarski replied that shel has a similar background, my mothers suffered from depression and, as a child growing up, you don't realize that your housei is different from your friend's house. Now Irecognize it of course. Each ofi my four children has a component ofr mental illness, not tot the degree that my son has, but they have anxiety. Anxiety isp prevalent andt that'sa mental illness, depressioni isar mentali illness. The meeting attendee agreed ands said aging, because my mother had anxiety that was passed down, but whens she reached 67, she was a woman who dressedj people, shes sold clothes ands she was reduced to sayingi inf front ofh her closet, shuffling back and forth, saying what dol put on?I don't! know what toj put on?] People can age Mary Beth! Koniarski continued we talk about the stigma and things like that - SOI much oft that is learned behavior right? We've seen other family members thatl have struggled with it. Ifit'saf family issue and we don'ttalk abouti it, how are other family members goingt toi feel comfortable talking abouti it? The more we address our owni issues and are open aboutt that and open with our families about those dynamics, yes there's a genetic component. We seei it with tick bornei illnesses, right? One oft the symptoms oft tick bornei illnesses is depression, anxiety. The thingst that come out with the different medical conditions wel look at ands say okay we're addressingi ita and getting thei medications and dealing with thatp part, but what do we do now with the life change that comes with that? Ifv we'rer not addressing that whole person. We look ati iti in drug and alcohol and wel look ati itin mental health. Aret they goingt tot their medical appointments?, Aret they getting their bloody work tested? Are wes seeing any other symptoms int their physical health that could be causing more oft those mental health issues that could be causing the addiction issues? This could be causing why we'res seeingt this progression ina ai fully, functioning, stable person then not being able to do that. It's why wel have to, as a community, address all oft those different pieces and being able to opent tot talking about itand being okay to get help. Fora al long time, it's something we didn'tt talk about. We didn't talk about drug and alcohol, we didn't talk about mental! health.) Ifyoul had aj problem, ity was alright, we'rer not dealing with this, rathert than "I see yous struggling, why don't wei makea a call together". Wel have doctors and gone through tons ofp primary care physicians working with ourl local doctors and being able tos say ify you' rei noticing any of these things, make those referrals, make the calls with them and dot the Commissioner Waldron said yout talk aboutt the stigma, that's why these awareness programs arel helpful. We dol have some resources, they' re not perfect, but they' 're there. Thej people have to come into the door or reach out toy your group, for example, that's why I'mj proudt to admit that I'ma ar recovering alcoholic and drug addict. II have 43 years ofs sobriety andt that's been great. One oft the reasons why AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) worksi ist because people come ina ands say I'm not alone, I'm not the only persont that has this problem. Ifit'sar mental healthi issue, as you found out, both ofyou, there'sal lot costi involved. Some people, because they have ar mental health problem, theys self-medicate because they don't know what else to do. Thenj people who arei involved ina addiction, that's al mental illness okay? The fact that you're doingt that and just because you stop drinking or using drugs or both, asi ini my case, doesn't mean you'r rei mentally healthy. Yous still need some treatment opportunities and sometimes juste even group therapy whichi is what AA isa and other types of programs out there." They help your maintain some mental health balance, but that awareness isi important. Wel have to get that out. One other thing P'll mention isi my Child Health Death Panel Review which wel hadn't donei in ai few years then) Itook over for what Steve (Guccini) was doing and two oft the kids, young adults, nineteen and twenty Ithinki it was, suicide. Thej pressure people feel these days from SOI many different ways, is very, very difficult. One oft the ways ist try this drug, it's okay, it'sj just aj pill. There's also cyberbullying, which we don't always! know abouti it becausei it's internal. It'sab big problem inl highs school these days and they' 're tryingt to deal withi it, butt they can'ta talways monitor that. Families have tol be aware of what's going on when the child is upi int that room ini front of that screen, maybe they' 're being traumatized andj just don't want to admiti it. The worst thingi is, they don'ts see any other way Commissioner Osterberg askedi ift they could give the commissioners the contacti information because hel knows the organizations int this community that always arei interestedi inl having people come and speakt tot them about topics int the community. Thisi is a very important topici ifwe puti ito out there soi ifyou canj justl leave it with Shannon (Devuyst) and we'llt talk to you about how we can dot this, andt the Commissioners willl be promoting this with press releases and whatever we need to do tob bring awareness.. As Tony (Waldron): said, awareness is one oft ther most important components we can dol here. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to adopt Resolution: No. 23-26,  disease.  into this. She aged into a very debilitating depression and that'sl hard to watch.  outreach. As long as we'ret talking abouti it, it's going to be okay.  out sO suicidei ist their only option. That's very sad, buti it's happening.  Motorcycle Safety Awareness. Month, May 2023. Commissioner Waldron read Resolution! No. 23-26 aloud.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Commissioner Osterberg introduced Scott Fahey from Total Control' Training, instructor and examiner oft the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. Mr. Fahey said while ABATE (Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education) isar major driving force int the Motorcycle Safety Program createdi in 1985, Motorcycle Safety Program isi its own entity based off of PennDOT and currently through a few contractors, one of whichi is Total Control Training. We'ret the boots ont the ground that actually providet them here andi in 2019 wel brought the first training site tol Pike County. Wet train al large amount ofs students every: year Mr. Fahey answered currently our classroom is at] Best Western (Matamoras) and thei riding rangei in Shohola Elementary Commissioner Osterberg saidt they could add al link tot the County (www.pikepa.org) websitet tol learn about motorcycle safety and said ify yout tell us whent thet training willl be we can helps you gett the word out. Mr. Faheys said we doi itt twot tot three timesa month ont the weekends and wer run al basic course and we are working withl Best Western tol bring ani intermediate class tol Pike  here and look forward tol keeping everyone safe. Commissioner Osterberg asked wheret they dot thet training? School. Total Control Training website is www.leamtonde.com.    County. Wer rand onel lasts summer and wel have hads somel logistic issues and we're working that out.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the following Human Services Payment Vouchers, on behalfofthe Office ofHuman Services: Homeless Assistance Program in the amount of $1,500.00; Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2.0 int the amount of $92,656.51; and PHARE int the amount of MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the CDBG Program Payment Voucher int the amount of $4,398.50 payable to Green" Trees Learning Center, on behalf oft the Office of Human Services. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Chairman to execute the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Contract for Professional Services between Pediatric Support Services of America, dba Avenna Healthcare and the County of Pike, on behalfof MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Service Agreement for Housing Out-of-County Juveniles between the County of Bucks and the County of Pike, on behalfofChildren and Youth MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Certification Statement of  $1,975.85.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Worker Protection and] Investment Certification Form, on! behalf ofthe Office ofHuman Services. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. the 2nd Quarter FY: 22-23 Act 1481 Invoice, on behalf oft the Children and Youth Services. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, toi tablei item #11. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded1 by Commissioner Schmalzle, tot table the Agreement for Information Technology Products and Services between Avenue. Insights & Analytics, LLC and the County of] Pike, on behalf oft the VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to appoint CHARLES GILLINDER1 to the Pike County Economic Development Authority Boardt toi fill the unexpired term ofl Maryanne Monte, ending 12/31/23. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Beach] Lake Sprinkler Agreement, on! behalf oft the Correctional: Facility, as recommended by the Prison) Board. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Chairman to execute the C.L.E.A.N.. Agreement, on! behalf oft the Correctional Facility, as recommended by the Prison Board. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and' Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Chairman to execute the Addendum tol Psychmedics Corporation Standard Agreement, on! behalf oft the Correctional Facility, as recommended by VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute the Project Modification Request for Grant 32996, on! behalf of thel District Attorney'sOffice. VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle: and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize thei fiscal year 2023 first quarter payment from Pike County Emergency Medical Services Matching Grant funds tol Dingman' Townshipi int the amount of $88,005.60; Milford Borough int the amount of $10,000.00; and] Lehman' Township int the amount of  Children and Youth Services.  Services.  Recorder ofl Deeds Office.  the Prison) Board.  $89,190.00.  VOTE: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Commissioner Osterberg: announced that public parking, wel know it's coming close tol Election Day and as you can see wel have construction going oni int thei front oft the building. Whaty wel have done because iti is al little inconvenient because people are parking int the front, there arer now some public parkingi int the back oft the building, approximately six spaces.. Just so people know there iss some convenience tog get tot the back because that is wherey you need to enter (the rear oft the building) that way and exit that way. Justt takei notice oft that andi it will only bej just another week ort two. It's muchr needed construction that neededt tob be done outi int the front oft the building. Commissioner Waldron addedt that people bringing inr mail-in ballots should bea aware oft that becauset they can just park there and the dropl box is right insidet the (rear) door next tot the Sheriff] Deputy.  MISCELLANEOUS:    Robbl Ruiz- - Director of Human ServicesTransportation: - Rider Appreciation Week May gth- May 12th- Director Ruiz announced that next week will be holding our First Annual Rider Appreciation Week. On Monday all three commissioners have agreed tor ride on our buses and ride with the riders. On' Tuesday I'II bet taking out some riders as well and going on different routes tot talk tot the riders. On Wednesday we willl be doing freei rides sot they willl be completely no cost at all. On Thursday we willl be doing a free week on selected rides and then on Friday we'llb be doing Feedback Friday and conducting: a survey. Ifyou have any questions, please let mel know. It's our way ofs sayingt thank youi for taking Pike County Transportation andi it'sa chance for ust to get out there Business Incubator Presentation- Workforce Development Agency Director, Cindy DeFebo Commissioner Osterberg announced that the Planning Department has relocated1 tot this building andt they have joined the Mapping Offices. That alleviated: some office spacei in the Shohola Complex where Workforce and Planning was. Our intention now ist tot take thats space and develop iti into a business incubator which Cindy Defebo will discuss. It'sint the early stages and there'ss some partnerships going onl here between ourselves, Work Force, East Stroudsburg University, Lackawanna Junior College and maybe some others. Director Defebo said our department is very excited about this because not many peoplel knowt thati not only do wel have job seekers but we work with employers, that's the other half of what we do. This will be and opportunity tol have al location where startup businesses cans share space and share resources. We will apply for a grant and work withl Planning. The Commissioners are going tol hold ont tot that space until the end oft the year until wel have time toi formulate the plan and proposal. It'sag great opportunity for businesses to create, grow and network. Some of our partnerships as you mentioned, we'rel hoping the University of Scranton SBDC (Small) Business Development Center), United States Small Business Administration they' re an active partner with us already, they come to all our events. Lackawanna College is on boardt toj provide resources through their office.) Economic Development willl be relied on, there will be classes, training programs and Pike County Chamber has a wide variety ofs services for employers. We visited East Stroudsburg University their incubation center, they have a greati facility and we can only dream tol have something liket that, but they started smallt too and builtt this beautiful building andt they're 80% capacity. I was at] Lackawanna College yesterday in. Jessup andt they are almost at capacity and it's an exciting opportunity. It'sap place tos start your business, have offices space, have al meeting room, have technology Commissioner Osterberg said het thinks this isa a great idea andi it gives small businesses the opportunity in] Pike County toi find al home and get their feet wet. Iknow there'sar number oft them out there that] Iknow are going to be extremely excited aboutl having this come tol Pike County. It was a greati ideay you (Cindy Defebo) had - she knew there was as space being vacated up therein and she asked what abouta a business incubator and we said,  and meet our riders.  Penn State Extension Calendar ofI Events May, 2023  andj partners that they can collaborate with others small businesses int the area.  perfect!  PRESS & PUBLICCOMMENTSIOUESTIONSADJOURNMENT  Meeting attendee and volunteer for thel Dingman Township Fire Department Steve Raider said it was not the last Commissioners' meeting, but the one before that, there was some statements made andI was personally offended. There was as statement madet that response time doesn'tr really matter, ifyou're int the ambulance and youl had a heart attack or anaphylactic shock, it's nothing that] BLS (Basic Life Support) can do, andI was really offended byi it. We try to do the best, the community, the volunteers do everything they possibly can to ensure thes safety and thel life of our residents. I want toj personally thank the Commissioners for supporting us for asl long as youl have and your continued support.Ido believe the system can get better, but wei need leadership like we'vel had tor makei it better. Thank you. Meeting attendee and Friends ofl Milford. Aquifer member Vito Dibiasi said he was just piggybacking offt the last topic. Didn'tt the surgeon general just list loneliness being an epidemic in our society? We should be aware oft that because obviously longlines can lead to other mental illness problems. One oft the solutions I'ves seen effective ist to, not just being at teacher but go beyond that and to be a mentor to somebody and that could have at tremendous effect on some kid that doesn'thave many people tol helpr navigate them through that. Ihad askedy you to1 make any kind of written statement that involved water protection, did you give that any thought? Commissioner Schmalzle answered wel have and we will. It was kind ofal last minute thing and we appreciatey your advocacy and think our position oni itl has not changed. We certainly want toj protect the water and will be putting something out through Krista (Gromalski, Chief Clerk). Mr. Dibiasi saidI think my mission overlaps what you'r re doing, You have thel Imagine Pike County 2035 andi includes the Comprehensive Plan, whichi includes as survey right now on your website. Ity was hard toi find, but maybe you could put it up more in front. ChiefClerk Krista Gromalski saidi iti ist thei first thing up at thet top oft the website. You' ve done the Pike County Conservation District Teaching Plan 2020a and you' ve done Pike County Mitigation Plan, so all these address the water issue. Commissioner Osterberg said righti now I'll addi tot that because Iwant toi find out aboutt this, we do have twenty one monitoring wells int this county that Conservation District monitors monthly throughout the county, different regions of the county. Therei is active procedures tor makes sure that the water stays ata a certain level so that ifs something does affect the water, they're going tol be able tol know that. Ifs something impacts it, they'lI know where top point itt to. Commissioner Waldron said that the three of us were at an event tol honor thel RSVP whichi isl helping seniors who are oftentimes lonely. Robin Skibber our Area Agency on Agingl Director isl here andt that's something that people can volunteer to do. Sometimes it'sj just being willing to call somebody and we also don'thave complete transportation int the community as Brian Snyder from Pike County Planning introduced himself and saidr right now the Comprehensive Plan Survey is live on the website and takes about fifteen or twenty minutes depending onl how detailed you want to get. Itc covers everything from housing, infrastructure, transportation, recreation and open space. There's spaces toj put or mark in depth details and you can puti iti in. Att the end oft the survey you can puty your email or contact information and you'llg geti invitedt tot the focus group that willl happen later ont this year. The survey ends at the end oft the month/beginning of. June. Any questions?  much as we'dl likes soi itisa an opportunity for people to volunteer.    Robin Skibber, Director of Pike County Area Agency on Agings said the Senior Chat Program is also a way anybody can get involved with being a phone buddy and those people are vetted and would set up with those people who would liket to be called and there's also the Healthy Ideas Program done at the Aging office. This is working with people who are lonely and need to get back to what they used to be, feeling much better about their life and things like that. Any of this Meeting attendee Kevin) Holian said he isa second home resident and he just drove up from Long Island early this morning and on both sides of Raymondskill from the north end on Route 6a and people are running for different positions. There are tons andt tons of political signs and I'm bringing it up because two of them I Ithink are in opposition tol Matt and Ron. Ifeel I need to give a sign of appreciation to the three commissioners. A Long Island doctor ini the early 2000's told mel Ihad gout. Al Pike County doctor told me Ihad Lyme disease. Mikki Weiss said I should get my doctor tot test for cO- infection which he did andI ended up with ehrlichiosis. A couple of years later in 2017Ihad several heart conditions and went to the urgent care in Milford and Milford Fire Department 33 showed up and asked me what hospital didI want to go to because I was having al heart attack and they recommended Sussex and Delaware Township showed up and brought me very effectively out to Sussex. The response time and support and leadership, there'sal heck ofa lot more leadership from a government standpoint and volunteer standpoint here inl Pike County than in] North Shore of Syosset, one oft the richest neighborhoods on Long Island, NY. Ijust wanted to give my appreciation to the County Commissioners. MEETING. ADJOURNED. THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILLI BE] HELDON WEDNESDAY.MAYIT.Z0.ATIKO, A.M. INTHE PIKECOUNTY  information will be ont the Pike County website (www.pikepa.org).  ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.    Commissioners' Conference Minutes Wednesday, May 10, 2023  PRESENT: Commissioners Osterberg, Schmalzle and Waldron; and Treasurer Gilpin. ChiefClerk Gromalski present via MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to callt the conference to order at 11:00  phone. A.M.  VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Public Comments/Questions concerning today'sagenda-NONE.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to amend the agenda toi include an item under OLD BUSINESS; Motion to open bids for the leasing ofapproximately 80 acres of tillable fields for the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the Agenda as amended. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve payment from the  purpose of planting for the 2023 growing season. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: GENERAL FUND (County Bills) VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: DEBT SERVICE. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: SRCPDEBT SERVICE. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. following: PIKE COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH: INSURANCE VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  $728,424.83 $133,088.77 $52,016.91 $15,980.70 $82,929.02  following: ACT44.  PERSONNEL  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to hire EMILIE PROTSKOas Summer Intern int the Public Defender's Office, through the Workforce Summer Youth Program, effective May 15, 2023. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to hire PATRICIA STROYAN: as part-time employee in the Planning and Mapping Office, for less than 1,000 hours per year, effective May 3, 2023. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to eliminate the position of Special MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, tol hire VICTORIA PEDONEas License to Carry Clerk in the Sheriff's Office, for a 40-hour work week, effective May 15, 2023, pending drug test results,  VOTE: All members voted 'aye". Motion carried. VOTE: All members voted 'aye". Motion carried. Assistant to the Commissioners int the Commissioners' Office. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. with benefits after 90-days. This is a replacement position. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. A Salary Board Meeting was held. OLDI BUSINESS  Motion to recess the Commissioners Conference to hold a Salary Board Meeting. Motion to adjourn the Salary Board Meeting and reconvene the Commissioners Conference. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to open bids for the leasing of approximately 80 acres of tillable fields for the purpose of planting for the 2023 growing season. Commissioner Osterberg stated that one bid was received from Hillcrest Farm in the amount of $2,500.00. He then asked MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to award the bid to Hillcrest Farm in  VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. for a motion to award the bid tol Hillcrest Farm. VOTE: All members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  the amount of $2,500.00.    NEWI BUSINESS amount of $191.50.  MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron ands seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the following Human Services Payment Vouchers, on! behalf oft the Office of Human Services: State Foodl Purchase Program int the amount of $1,313.43; Human Services Development Fundsi int the amount of $23,493.00; and Homeless Assistance Program int the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the. Affordable Housing Payment Voucher int the amount of $3,488.00, payable tol Delaware Run Associates for May Subsidy, on behalfo oft the MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to approve the CDBG Payment Voucher int the amount of $2,965.50, payable to Green Trees Early Learning Center, on behalf oft the Office of Human MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to execute Pike County Rental MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Chairman to execute the Allocation Letter acknowledging Pike County's Finall Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) allocation amount of $79,462.00, on! behalf of the Transportation Department. MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, toa authorize the Chairman to execute MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, toa authorize the Chairman to execute MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, to authorize the Chairman to execute thel Renewal ofl Existing Wastewater Facility Application for the Delaware River Basin, on behalf oft the Correctional MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, toa authorize the Chairman to execute MOTION: by Commissioner Waldron and seconded by Commissioner Schmalzle, toa authorize the Chairman to execute the amended Memorandum ofUnderstanding between Saw Creek Estates and the County of Pike, on! behalfoft the Area  VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye". Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  Office of Human Services.  Services.  VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Assistance Contract #52, on behalf oft the Office of Human Services. VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  VOTE: Alli members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried. the 2023-2024 PCORPI Insurance Costs Quotation. VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried.  the Certification of Cost Allocation Plan, on! behalfofChildren: and Youth Services.  Facility.  VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. VOTE: Alli members voted" 'aye'. Motion carried.  the quote from Sign Here Sign Co., on behalf of the District Attorney'sOffice.  Agency on Aging.  VOTE: Alli members voted 'aye'. Motion carried. Commissioners' Conference was adjourned.  PRESS & PUBLIC COMMENTSOUISTIONSTIONSADOURMMENT NONE  THEI NEXTPUBLIC MEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILLI BE HELDON WEDNESDAY.MAY 17.2023.AT11:00, A.M. INTHEI PIKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.    PennState Extension  Penn State Extension May 17, 2023 Upcoming Events  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  SPOTTED LANTERNFLY  Pike County is in the quarantine area. If you have spotted this insect, please call our hotline at 1-888-422- 3359 immediately to report a sighting. Contact your local Penn State Extension office with questions on spotted  lanternfly management.  Photo: Holly Raguza, Pennsylvania  FIRST THREEI INSTARS: APRIL THROUGH  FOURTHI JULY THROUGH INSTAR: AUGUST  OVERWINTERING: PREVIOUS FALL TOAPRIL/JUNE  EGGLAYING: SEPTEMBER TON NOVEMBER  ADULT LATE JULY EMERGENCE:  Figurel 1 Spottedl lanternfly life cycle. Illustration O Emily. S. Damstra. size. The first three instars are black with white spots. tpsllextenson.sucuuispatec-antenty  Newly hatched nymphs are small (1/8 inch) and can be hard to find, often being mistaken for small ticks or spiders. With each molt to the next instar, the nymphs roughly double in Learn about the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), and what action you can take to stop the spread oft this invasive insect that is threatening the northeastern United States from our website:  4-H/YOUTH:  ADULTS: WE NEED YOU!!  Pike County 4-H is in desperate need of adult volunteers to lead youth groups! Share what you are passionate about with kids who are interested in learning a new skill or hobby. As a Group Leader, you determine the time you spend in the activity that you choose to do. 4-H will help with supplies and support. Consider volunteering your time to make a difference in a child's life. 4-H is open to youth ages 5-18, unless otherwise noted. Contact Penn State Extension in Pike County for more information on the 4-H program by calling 570-296-3400 or send an email to the 4-H coordinator, Angela Smith, Please Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PkeeCountyPa4H 4-HFuture First Responders Camp - In person Event, June 26 30, 2023, (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM ET) - Join the 4-H, Department of Public Safety, and a host of local first responders for a week of fun and educational activities that introduce students to the world  ata axs1397@psu.edu  Finall Rev. 5/16/23    of Emergency Services. Learn emergency preparedness, CPR/first aid, and Leadership skills. For Middle and High School Students. To register, contact Angela Smith at pike4-  h@psu.edu, or call 570-832-2804.  WATER:  Penn State offers Drinking Water Testing through the Penn State University Lab. Call the Extension office at 570-832-2800 to arrange to pick-up test kits and information. Test results take one to three weeks orr more depending on the test. For more information on Water Quality, visit: nttp:llextension.psu.cdu/naturatresources/water, or call us at5 570- Water Webinar Series The Water Webinar Series is hosted by the Penn State Extension Water Resources team. Learn about a variety of private water topics such as common health and aesthetic impacts on drinking water supplies, preventing bacteria contamination, well construction, and septic systems. Each event will include an interactive Q&A session with the presenters! Go to extension.psu.edu and search 'Water Webinar Series'. There is no fee for this event, however you must register.  832-2800.  ** Ask the Experts Panel, May 24th, 1PM **  Community Science Tool - First Investigation of Stream Health (FISH) - Via Zoom, Tue., May 23, 2023, (10:00 AM 11:30 AM ET). Is your stream healthy? Would you like to explore it al little closer or monitor changes in your stream over time? Have you recently done something to improve your stream and now you want to measure the successful results? The First Investigation of Stream Health (FISH) tool is ai fun and easy way for individuals, families, volunteer groups, youth, and adults to explore a stream and share findings with the scientific community! Join us for Community Science Tool First Investigation of Stream Health (FISH), an introduction to the fun and easy-to-use mobile app and online reporting tools, free for anyone! We will show you how to access the reporting tools on your phone or computer and walk you through your first FISH visit to a stream. ntpslextension.psudu/communty-sscience-too-fisi. This event is being offered Watershed Friendly Certification Program for Urban or Small Spaces - Via Zoom, May 31, 2023, (7:00 PM 8:00 PM ET). Do you live in an urban area or on a small property and want to learn more about how you can have a positive impact on your watershed and the environment? During the Watershed Friendly Certification Program for Urban or Small Spaces, learn how to embrace environmentally friendly practices that welcome pollinators and keep our waterways healthy. tps/estensongsucuupaterhel-frendky: certfication-program-for-urpan-or-small-spaces. There is no fee for this event, however  at no charge to participants who pre-register by May 23rd.  you must register. FOOD SAFETY:  ServSafe Food Safety Program is for individuals who are serving as managers or are inas supervisory role requiring certification. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the ServSafe@ Food Protection Manager Certificate. Training meets the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act. Search the website for your closest class location and dates. httpsillextension.psuedu/servsate There is a $165.00 fee for this course and you  must pre-register. GARDENING:  Second Saturday Gardening Series - On Demand Webinars. Visit our website extension.psu.edu and search' Second Saturday Gardening Series.' You will find very informative classes on Composting, Enjoying Holiday Plants, Nature in Autumn, Winter Sowing, Pollinators, House Plant Propagation, Seed Starting, Pruning, Care of Winter Know your Natives Series On Demand Webinars. Visit our website extension.psu.edu and search Know your Natives Series. 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 and landscapes. Speakers will focus on  Holiday Plants.    pollinator-friendly, native plants in this fall series. However, the plants can be used in all native plantings in the garden and landscape. Enjoy classes on Native Seeds, Under Appreciated Plants, Shrubs and more. There is a $10. fee and you must pre-register. Stay Connected with the Master Gardeners! Home Garden News has the latest news andi information on classes, workshops, publications, videos, and online and in-person events. This monthly newsletter covers topics like vegetable, herb, and fruit production; garden and landscape maintenance practices; pest and disease identification and management; Master Gardener volunteer training; and more! Sign up to receive news, upcoming event details, gardening information, and the monthly e-newsletter. httpsillextension.psedufres-awnsawns-and-andscaningnhome-gardening By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. View our privacy Tomato Grafting for Home Gardeners Via Zoom, Thu., May 25, 2023, (6:30 PM- 7:30 PMI ET). Purchasing grafted tomatoes is becoming a common product in our nurseries and even box stores. But why grafted tomatoes? What is it, and what's its purpose? Better yet, how do you do it? Attending Tomato Grafting for Home Gardeners will answer those questions. We will also show you how to graft at home. https/lextension.Dsu.edu/tomato: atngtocomegansenes: There is a $5 registration fee for this event and you must Deer-Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast Via Zoom, Thu., Jun. 1, 2023, (7:00 PM- - 8:30 PM ET). Join the Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County and horticulturist Gregg Tepper for an entertaining and informative lecture inspired by Gregg's recent co-authored book, Deer-Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast. Gregg will delve into his experiences with what he's found to be the best native, deer-resistant plants and creating a strategy for rebuffing deer with effective and safe, natural deer repellent products. Additionally, you'll learn more about plant combinations, cultivation tips and the many, newer cultivated varieties of native plants now being offered in the market. htipsi/extension.psclu/deer-resiant-native-plants-tor-the-northeast There is a $10 registration fee for this event and you must pre-register by May31st.  policy.  pre-register by May 25th.  WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS  Siting and Zoning Considerations for Large-Scale Solar - Via Zoom, Thu., May 18, 2023, (12:00 PM 1:00 PM ET). The Siting and Zoning Considerations for Large-Scale Solar presentation will focus on the importance of having solar ordinances. Zoning ordinances should define exclusion areas, type of use, setback, screening, access, decommissioning, and other considerations. Examples of recently adopted regulations will also be shared. nttpsillextension.pscdusiting-and-zoning-consderations-for-large- scale-solar. This event is being offered at no charge to participants who pre-register by Facilitating Meetings and Managing Your Time - Via Zoom, May 23, 2023, (10:00 AM 11:30 AM ET). Facilitating Meetings and Managing Your Time is a segment of the Hiring and Retention webinar series. Attendees will learn about improving facilitation skills to help meetings and projects stay on track. This webinar will also cover personal time management strategies to help leaders manage multiple priorities. nttpsillextension.psedu/hinngeane-retenton-fadltating-meetings-anc-managing-your- time. This event is offered at no charge to participants thanks to funding provided by the Twilight Pond Walk - In Person at Delaware Township Pond, Wilson Hill Road. Wed., Jun. 21, 2023; (6:00 PM 8:00 PM ET). If you own or manage a pond, join Penn State Extension for the Twilight Pond Walk to learn about pond water quality, ecology, plant identification, and management. As we explore these unique ecosystems, there will be plenty of time for discussion and interaction. Ponds are a common feature of the landscape of the Pocono's and provide a source of enjoyment for many landowners. Although they occur naturally in this area, many have been constructed for various purposes. To assist private pond owners and members of lake-based community organizations with making informed and sound management decisions, this workshop will teach you everything you need to know about Getting to Know Your Pond Walk & Talk, Pond Water Testing, and land use issues affecting pond health. ntpslestensonosucaulghenoncmakz There isa $10 registration fee for this event and you must pre-register by June 20th, Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research - Via Zoom, Wed., May 24, 2023, (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM ET). The health of the brain and the body are  May 17th, Registration is required to receive the link to the webinar.  USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant.    connected, and now, science provides insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. To help people age as well as possible, Penn State Extension partnered with The Alzheimer's Association@ to provide Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research. httpsllextension.psu.edu/neathy-lving-foryourbrain-and-body This event is being offered at no charge to participants. Registration is required to receive the link to the Grant Writing Forum: Tips for Writing Clear and Concise Proposals Via Zoom, Fri., May 26, 2023, (1:00 PM 2:15 PM ET). The Grant Writing Forum: Tips for Writing Clear and Concise Proposals is an informal meeting opportunity where elected officials, community leaders, and grant writers can discuss issues and share best practices to enhance grant success. ntpsl/extension.psuednt-tng.tonum-tpsforaiting: deranésonckemooas: This event is being offered at no charge to participants, Home Food Preservation: Introduction to Preserving - Via Zoom, Tue., May 30, 2023 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET). The Home Food Preservation: Introduction to Preserving event will explain the scientific reasoning behind today's recommended methods for home food preservation while dispelling food preservation myths and unsafe practices of the past. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in home food preservation. Canning, freezing, and drying are preservation methods that allow you to enjoy seasonal foods all year long. While these methods of home food preservation have existed for centuries, we have learned much about the science behind these methods in recent years. ttps:l/extension.psuedu/home-food-preservation-introduction-to-preserving. This event is being offered at no charge to participants. Registration is required to receive the link to Home Food Preservation: Water Bath Canning - Via Zoom, Thu., Jun. 1, 2023, (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET). Join us for Home Food Preservation: Water Bath Canning to learn the basics of a water bath and atmospheric steam canning. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in home food preservation. Canning is one method of food preservation that allows yout to enjoy seasonal foods all year long. While this method of home food preservation has existed for centuries, we have learned much about the science behind safe canning methods in recent years. We will provide research to dispel food preservation myths and unsafe practices and discuss practical tips to ensure a positive experience when water bath canning foods. httpsl/extension.psu.edu/nome-food-preseration-water-bath- canning-webinar. There is a $5 registration fee for this event and you must pre-register by Home Food Preservation Can-Along: StrawberryJam - Via Zoom, Mon., Jun. 5, 2023, (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM). Join us for this informative event and learn the step-by-step process of making your own jam or jelly at home! Want to make your own jam or jelly at home but have not done it before? Have you made jam or jelly in the past and aren't sure you did it correctly? Join us for Home Food Preservation Can-Along: Strawberry Jam and follow a Penn State Extension Educator as they walk you step-by-step through the process. htpsilextension.psueu/nemetoépreseraton-canabneerpy-lam. There is a $15 registration fee for this event and you must pre-register by June 5th. Hiring and Retention Series: Managertoleaderand Effective Communication in the Workplace Via Zoom, Tue., June 6, 2023, (10:00 AM 11:30 AM ET). Hiring and Retention Series: Manager to Leader and Effective Communication in the Workplace is an event that focuses on improving your leadership and communication style. Different leadership styles and their use and the skills that facilitate relationships will be discussed. Participants will also learn to understand better the concept of effective communication and strategies that foster interpersonal relationships and promote self-confidence. httpsllextension.psuedu/nring-and-retention-manager-to-leaderader-and-effective- communcaton-n-ttne-workDace. There is no fee for this event, however you must  webinar.  however you must pre-register by May 26th.  the webinar.  May30th.  register.  Please visit ntpslleatensonpsu.edu to search for more topics that may be of interest, or visit nttpsllextension.psu.edu/abourme to sign up to have up-to-date information of your  choosing emailed directly to you.