Elk County Commissioner Daniel R. Freeburg, left, and Chairperson June H. Sorg, right, listen to a presentation during their meeting yesterday morning.

By Joseph Bell
Ridgway Record Staff

Representatives from Fox Township's Summer Recreation Program attended the recent Elk County Commissioner's meeting to discuss their program's initiative.

According to Chairperson June H. Sorg, the commissioners hope to promote awareness concerning summer community programs.

One representative, Katelyn Swanson, said several programs are in place for the summertime.

"Thursday is the last day of school celebration and they (students) can come down and eat," Swanson said. "We'll have a bunch of fun activities, including a magic show."

Another representative, Mike Carr, said many clubs are offered to children.

"We have a First Aid Club, which is new, and teaches kids to clean cuts and general things like that," Carr said. "The activities are open to everyone, not just Fox Township."

Swanson said another new addition, the Animals/Stable Club, will indulge in volunteer work.

"We also have a Boys Only Club," Swanson said. "They find old machines and take them apart and try to see how they work."

On the other hand, Carr said a Girls Only Club is also in place.

"Last year, I think they went to the mall and went shopping," Carr said. According to the Recreation Program pamphlet, the club will be given the chance to learn proper care of hair, make-up, nails, nutrition and many creative hands-on projects. The program culminates with a trip at the end of the summer to the Grove City outlets for back-to-school shopping.

Following the presentation, Commissioner Daniel R. Freeburg said he was impressed with the wide range of programs offered.

"We're impressed with this," Freeburg said. "It's very well organized."

Following the presentation, the commissioners discussed the bids for Highland Township Municipal Authority.

At the May 20 meeting, two bids were opened for the purchase and installation of two fire hydrants in James City. The bids received were from Bucktail Excavators out of St. Marys for $12,977, bond included, and Briggs Earthwork in Ridgway for $16,895, bond included. However, Community Development Block Grant Coordinator Tracy D. Gerber reviewed the bids and requested that they be tabled to the June 3 meeting. Both bids were well over the allocated amount.

"I ask the board to table the bids one more time," Gerber said. "The Municipal Authority has a meeting tonight and the supervisors meet June 11, so after that, we should have a decision," Gerber said. "We'll definitely have a decision by our next meeting."

The board tabled the bids until their June 17 meeting.

Chief Clerk Peggy Aharrah then opened bids for Fleet Preventative Maintenance for Elk County vehicles.

Bids were received from Cunningham's Auto Service Center, based in St. Marys; R & R Auto Service, based in Ridgway; Steve Brendel Auto Sales & Tires, based in Ridgway; Steve Kunes' Service, based in Ridgway; Boot Jack Auto Sales, based in Ridgway; and Winters Auto & Truck Repair & Detailing, based in St. Marys.

Due to the complexity of the maintenance, the commissioners agreed that a spreadsheet must be drafted in order to find the best bid.

"We have hourly rates, AC (air-conditioning) rates and inspections," Aharrah said.

The commissioners voted to table the bids until a comprehensive spreadsheet is completed.

The commissioners then adopted Resolution No. 2008-06 - North Central Greenways and Open Space Plan.

From the Elections Office, the commissioners approved an amendment to distribute HAVA (Help America Vote Act) Interest-1. According to the agenda, Elk County has been awarded a total grant of $44,823.48.

Elections/Voter Registration Director Kimberly Frey said the money is originally from interest accrued that is then distributed throughout the counties.

A bulk of the funds will be used for maintenance of voting machines.

The commissioners also unanimously approved the appointment of Molly Fernan to the CE (Cameron Elk MH/MR) Advisory Board.

The commissioners are scheduled to reconvene, Tuesday, June 17 at 10 a.m. in Conference Room No. 1 of the Courthouse Annex along Center Street.