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January 2009 |
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While many residents enjoyed a turkey dinner as part of their recent holiday celebrations, this wild turkey was part of a flock seen foraging recently near Benezette. According to the website for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, "several theories explain how the bird got its name. Early naturalists may have confused it with a species of Old World guinea fowl found in Turkey. Or the word may describe one of the bird's calls, which sounds a bit like 'turk, turk, turk.' Still a third explanation is that the word sprang from an American Indian name for the bird. 'firkee.'" A turkey's diet varies depending upon the season. During the winter they typically eat any nuts or seeds they are able to find as well as plants and larvae found near spring seeps. Photo by Polaski
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Several reports heard at recent North Central meeting |
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Written by Publisher
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Thursday, 26 June 2008 |
By Heather Tressler
The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission met recently to discuss current events.
Executive Director Eric Bridges opened the meeting with his comments. He reported on the recently joined committees for human resources, finances, executive and strategic planning. The committees will be assigned a particular mission/objective. However, Bridges says that the work is not finalized.
"An important aspect of work that the board needs to do is to put together an organizational wide budget," Bridges said. "We are spending a right amount of time with a definitive amount of energy."
Bridges also reported about the collaboration with PMI. Bridges says that he has been meeting with different members of the two organizations so together they can become a service provider.
"We are working on last minute details that we didn't think of before," Bridges said. "We are impressed with the staff and their hard work. PMI is up and running, and offering classes. There is currently a CNC Programming class that recently started. Something that most people don't know is that 75 percent of the cost is funded and only 25 percent is responsible by the company."
If anyone is interested in classes, they are encouraged to call North Central and either talk to Eric Bridges or Suzi Snelick.
Amy Kessler gave her transportation report. She stated several organizations like PennDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection are facing similar issues. Kessler said that they are focusing on targeting their investments in order to get the most from money spent.
Jim Swanson reported that lightening strikes in this area seem to rather plentiful because lighting recently hit the Cameron County Courthouse and knocked out the local computer network. Swanson advised the board that from his experience that networks should be documented.
Swanson also reported about the progress the Zito Media project is making.
"Zito Media is progressing fairly well," said Swanson. "They are finalizing their infrastructure plan in Ridgway, and it could turn out to be a very good thing for our region."
Kessler had the floor again with her report on receiving funding for local bridge inventory. She stated that an inventory is being done for local bridges under 20 feet in townships and municipalities.
"Some of the bridges may or may not be inspected," Kessler said. "We are working with county planners, prioritizing the process, and running them through a filter to assess which bridges are in more need than the others. This is only an inventory because we are awaiting the state legislature's budget. Right now, we are just finding out how many bridges under 20 feet are in this region."
Kessler also reported on the Driftwood construction.
"Crews are being pulled out of the Driftwood project. DEP is cleaning up, and the construction is on hold until there is a resolution," said Kessler.
Kessler also reported on the streetscape projects, most of which are out to bid.
"Wilcox is very close to bid," said Kessler. "They had a few issues with utilities."
The commissioners present had sympathy for the residents in their counties regarding public transportation. The board discussed ATA and possible opportunities for public transportation. ATA is even considering van pools according to Kessler.
Jim Chorney reported that NCPRPDC should have its electronic time cards completely running by this Friday. He also spoke about a self-service program for the employees to view their profiles, pay vouchers and W2 forms.
Barb Leitzel from Human Resources added to Chorney's report. Leitzel said that with the third year summer intern they have, they were able to put all of the employee's beneficiaries on the program.
"This has really made the employees aware, and it really has been an eye opener," Leitzel said.
Leitzel noted that there will be seminars in July for the supervisors and in August for the additional staff, just as refreshers. The committee on wellness also begins on July 1, and they are trying for 10,000 steps.
Pat Brennan didn't have any loans to report on, but she did state that there has been some request for help with loans which in effect created a program that was recently awarded by the National Association of Development Organizations.
Barry Mayes visited the regular board meeting for the approval to purchase an infrared camera. The camera would be readily available to industries, municipalities, townships and boroughs to assist with basic energy assessments. The camera is able to detect moisture and air leakage. Upon purchase, the camera will be used to assess buildings as well as municipalities. The high tech equipment also comes equipped with a high price tag of $21,000. The board approved the purchase of this tool because they believe it will save on energy costs in the future. Fluke, the company that manufactures the camera, also offers training on the use of the camera.
Mayes also encouraged everyone to use energy efficient light bulbs because by using only four of these in one municipality, in return it would save $5,000 per year.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 27 June 2008 )
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