Angela Eckstrom

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and ratification of the prior meeting minutes from January 22, 2026. Key discussions involved several resolutions and an ordinance related to the 2024 Elk County Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan, including the appointment of a Fair Housing Officer. New business focused on several contracts and agreements: the ratification of a Deputy Coroner agreement with Thor Lehman, an MOU with Northern Tier Community Action Corporation for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), the renewal of a residential placement contract with Northern Tier Children's Home, Inc., and multiple contract renewals and maintenance service agreements managed by the EMA, including one with Mission Critical Partners, LLC for the VESTA system and another with MCM Consulting Group, Inc. for CAD/CPE/GIS consulting. Additionally, approval was granted for benefits related to veteran burials and headstones, and a request for lawn use by the Ridgway Downtown Decorating Committee for Spring and Easter decorating was approved.

The meeting agenda included an introduction segment, presentations from the PA Treasury, and the consideration of resolutions. Key resolutions involved revisions to CDBG Applications for the FY 2022 and FY 2023 Ridgway Borough Curb Cut Projects. New business centered on contract renewals, including one with Maximus U.S. Services, Inc. for cost allocation services and another with For The Record for Justice Cloud software. The Board also addressed requests from Veteran Affairs concerning benefits for veteran burials and headstones. Correspondence noted intent from Beran Environmental Services on behalf of EQT Production Company to file for a Chapter 105 Waterway Obstruction and Encroachment Permit in Benezette Township. Updates were given regarding the America250PA initiative and the Act13 Spring Grant Round deadline.

The meeting included housekeeping notes about the recording, introductions of county personnel including the Emergency Services Office representative and Recycling Coordinator, and public attendees. The agenda was approved. Key resolutions involved appointing Kathy Mclullen as the 2026 Fair Housing Officer for the county and Ridgeway Borough, which administers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Another major item was the approval of Resolution 2026-02, which formally adopts the revised 2024 Outcount Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan, a process that experienced delays but ensures county capacity for the next ten years. This was followed by the approval of Ordinance 2026-01, which updates the accompanying enforcement ordinance for the solid waste plan, consolidating previous fragmented legislation. Discussion also covered the role and activities of the Solid Waste Enforcement Officer, compliance with recycling regulations, and comparisons of the county's recycling center model to those in other areas.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the July 24th, 2025 retirement board meeting. A comprehensive retirement plan and performance review for 2025 was presented, noting a plan balance of over 30.35 million and a 16.22% return, maintaining a neutral investment position (60/40 mix). The financial health was rated as very good at 90.6% funded, though slightly down due to increased pensioner payouts. Key new business involved reaffirming the county's selection of the 180th benefit class for 2026, approving the estimated Actuarially Determined Contribution (ADC) of $630,000 for 2026, and approving the maximum interest rate of 5.5% credited on balances for 2026. The board also took no action regarding the optional COLA increase for 2026, which would cost an additional $432,791, deferring the decision as per legal review cycles. Finally, the board ratified consent regarding a change in control of CSM McKe to its parent company, Azimut US Holdings Incorporated.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and introductions of attendees including County Emergency Services, the County Treasurer, Commissioners, and legal representation. The agenda and the minutes from the December 30, 2025 meeting were approved. Key discussions focused on approving several items under new business. This included the renewal contract with Barracuda for the IT department's cloud archiving service. Approval was also granted for a prevention and treatment services grant agreement with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (EDAP) for Single County Authority operations. Furthermore, the acceptance of 2025 911 statewide interconnectivity funding was approved, as was a service and support contract renewal with Virgin Corp for the Northern Tier Regional 911 System's UPS maintenance. A renewal contract for Children and Youth Services' agency solicitor was approved with a 2.75% increase. The commissioners also approved benefits for seven veteran burials, one widow burial, and six veteran headstones via Veterans Affairs. Under general matters, correspondence was noted, and announcements were made regarding the county offices closing for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and the upcoming America 250 kickoff event in Elk County.