Meeting Minutes
Mercer County
Regional Planning Commission
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2002
7:30 PM - MCRPC OFFICES, HERMITAGE
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MUNICIPALITY
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PRESENT
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ABSENT
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FARRELL CITY
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Jerry Miller
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Mark A. Petrillo
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HERMITAGE CITY
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James A. Rollinson
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James Pat White
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Rita Ferringer
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SHARON CITY
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Frank Smeraglia
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Lou Rotunno
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George
Gulla
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CLARK BOROUGH
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James Carucci, Jr.
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Russell Shaffer
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FREDONIA BOROUGH
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Larry McAdams
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Patricia McAdams
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GREENVILLE BOROUGH
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Burroughs Price
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GROVE CITY BOROUGH
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Clifford McCandless
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JACKSON CENTER BOROUGH
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Todd Sturgeon
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JAMESTOWN BOROUGH
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Doug McElhaney
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Darryl Pinney
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MERCER BOROUGH
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Jerry Johnson
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Jim Carnes
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NEW LEBANON BOROUGH
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Janice Good
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Mary A. Ziegler
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SANDY LAKE BOROUGH
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Carol Paul
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Robert W. Kaltenbaugh
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SHARPSVILLE BOROUGH
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Alex Kovach
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Bob Piccirilli
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STONEBORO BOROUGH
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Samuel A. Scott
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WEST MIDDLESEX BOROUGH
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Linda Bollinger
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Raymond Lucich, Jr.
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WHEATLAND BOROUGH
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Ray Foster
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Thomas R. Stanton
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FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP
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Jane Clark
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Mont Clark
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FINDLEY TOWNSHIP
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John B. Courtney
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Elliott Lengel
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HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP
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Pamela Brown
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Russell
L. Dawes
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP
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Linda L. Baun
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Mary Gealy
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
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Bert Weston
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Robert F. Angermeier
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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP
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Dave Beatty
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Ron Faull
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NEW VERNON TOWNSHIP
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Albert W. Law
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Frank
Cochran
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OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP
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Richard Straub
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Paulette
Young
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PERRY TOWNSHIP
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Richard Marshall
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PINE TOWNSHIP
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H. Thomas Paxton
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Fred
Brenner
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PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP
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James M. Kaller
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Walter L. Weir, Jr.
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SHENANGO TOWNSHIP
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Charles
Gilliland
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Kristen Robinson
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S. PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP
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Mike Nashtock
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Mourice
Waltz
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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP
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Judy L. Hassler
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Larry T. Gruntz
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WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP
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Jeff Hoy
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Charles Garrett
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WOLF CREEK TOWNSHIP
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Mark Smith
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Jim Morton
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MERCER COUNTY
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Lynn Christman
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Richard A. Mackell
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Tom Jack
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James L. Hogan
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Jeff Fiedler
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Patty Meehan
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Jean Hodge
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Richard A. Mackell
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BOROUGHS ASSOCIATION
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David George
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SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
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COUNTY COMMISSIONER
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Olivia M. Lazor
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STAFF
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OTHERS PRESENT
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Dennis
G. Puko, Executive Director
Dan Gracenin, Assistant Director
Don
Blakesley, Recycling Coordinator
Jeremy Coxe, Planner
Fred Frank, Planner
Chris Conti, Senior Planner
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Larry Robinson, Shenango Twp.
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CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Larry McAdams, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Cliff McCandless, Vice-Chairman, led
the Commission in the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
ATTENDANCE SIGN-IN
An attendance sign-in sheet was passed
around and representatives present were asked to mark their attendance. A
quorum was present.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM
There were no public comments.
MINUTES OF THE
DECEMBER 19, 2001 MEETING
A motion was made by Mr. Hoy and seconded
by Mr. Garrett to approve the Minutes of the December 19, 2001 meeting with no
additions, corrections, or deletions. The motion passed.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Beatty and
seconded by Mr. Hoy to approve the December 2001 Financial Statement as
presented. The motion passed.
PRESENTATION OF GAVEL TO 2001 CHAIRMAN RON
FAULL
Mr. McAdams presented the gavel to Mr. Ron
Faull, 2001 Chairman, and thanked him for his services during the past year. Mr.
Faull commented that it was a privilege, and he enjoyed it.
STAFF REPORTS
Mr. Frank stated that back in December,
the Zoning & Subdivision Review Committee approved the Mercer County
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and noted that it would be presented
to the Mercer County Commissioners for their review and comment on January 24th.
He also noted that on January 29th, he would be meeting with
Jamestown Borough on creating their first zoning ordinance.
Mr. Blakesley reported that on January 30th,
7:00 PM at MCRPC offices representatives from PA Cleansway would be making a
presentation regarding their organization and hopefully Mercer County would have
enough interest/participation in helping clean up roadside dumps. He encouraged
all to attend.
Mr. Coxe explained that during the next
few months, MCRPC would be redesigning their website to make it more user
friendly and posting more information. He asked if anyone had any suggestions or
information about the website, to please contact him.
Mr. Conti introduced himself as the new
staff member who would be working with Greenville Borough and Pine Township
regarding CDBG. He also is working with Wheatland Borough to get their Housing
Rehabilitation Program started.
FINANCE-PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT
Dr. Brenner, Committee Chairman, noted
that the Committee addressed the following two items:
1. Staff salary changes for 2002
– Dr. Brenner noted that the Committee recommended a 2.2% increase in staff
salaries, which is in line with the cost of living increase as well as increases
for other county employees. The total salary budget would be $309,810, which is
within the budget of $309,978. A motion was made by Dr. Brenner and seconded by
Mr. Hoy to approve the staff salary changes for 2002 as recommended by the
Committee. The motion passed.
2. Change in staff benefit insurance
– Mr. Puko noted that Highmark Select Blue notified the Commission of a 23.6%
increase in employee hospitalization coverage effective April 1, 2002. The
Commission budgeted only a 15% increase. The staff evaluated other
hospitalization options with lesser cost and recommended changing from Highmark
Select Blue to Highmark Community Blue. The cost is lower (a 6.7% increase) and
the doctor and facility network is smaller, but coverage is equal or better and
employees have doctors within the network. The staff also recommended changing
vision coverage from Highmark Vueflex to Highmark Annual Optichoice. The costs
of the two programs are similar, but the Optichoice program has better benefits.
A motion was made by Dr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. Johnson to approve the
changes for both benefit programs as presented. The motion passed.
PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR MERCER COUNTY 2002
CDBG FUNDING
Mr. Puko noted that Mercer County would
receive an entitlement of $363,048 for FY 2002 CDBG. Since 1986, the County has
asked the Commission to make a recommendation to them in terms of the projects
that they would select and fund for CDBG funding. MCRPC put out a solicitation
for project proposals, by mail, to municipalities and organizations in Mercer
County that do not receive their own annual entitlement of CDBG monies. He noted
that 8 project proposals were submitted. (A copy is attached to and made a part
of the permanent record of Minutes.) Mr. Puko briefly explained each project
proposal. After his recap of all the projects, he asked if anyone had any
questions. A question was raised if Fredonia Borough would be able to seek
financing or have a way to come up with the money, since the amount they
requested is more than the entitlement projected? It was stated yes. Mr. Puko
noted that the County Commissioners had set forth some evaluation criteria on
their projects, and they are typically looking for projects to serve the
greatest need, to provide the most complete solution to the problem, and, if
possible, to utilize other funding sources, in addition to their own. A question
was raised if Fredonia Borough’s water reservoir replacement had been on the
program previously? Mr. Puko stated that back in 1991 or 1992, a Borough-wide
project was done to replace 1/2 to 2/3 of the water lines in the Borough. He
stated that they might have cleaned and painted the tank, but they did not
replace the tank.
Mr. Puko asked if there were any more
comments or if someone wanted to speak on behalf of their project. A question
was raised about considering funding the Fredonia project, since no information
was provided on LMI benefit. Mr. Puko stated that if Fredonia Borough did not
meet the LMI, then we would have more money than projects to fund. He stated
that a housing rehabilitation project could possibly be funded. A few members
suggested that we fund all the projects, and give the balance to Fredonia. There
was also concern about funding public service type projects. Mr. Puko next asked
for a recommendation from the Commission. A motion was made by Mr. Price and
seconded by Mr. Hoy to recommend to the Mercer County Commissioners the Fredonia
Borough project due to the fact that it could affect serious health problems to
the municipality. The Chairman asked if there was any further discussion on the
motion.
Commissioner Lazor asked for more
discussion in regards to public services. She stated that the County would not
be committed to all of this, but they would like to hear if anyone would want
the County to have a change of philosophy, and change of policy in going forward
and beginning to entertain public service programs, as opposed to having the
County Commissioners making that decision. There was concern that we should put
the money to other projects, and not public services. There was concern that we
should consider public services, and not use the County as a crutch to fund
these programs. It was noted that it would be a lot cheaper to pay the cost of
transportation and admission for LMI persons to enjoy the recreation facilities
at the Chestnut Run Swim Beach, than to have to pay to keep a person at a
Juvenile Justice system. It was also noted that if the County decides to fund
pubic services, that they put a note with it stating that this is a pilot
program to see how it would work for one year, with the understanding that it
may not be renewed after one year. Commissioner Lazor also stated that the
contract between the County and the Corps of Engineers expires this year and the
Corps of Engineers might close the Chestnut Run Swim Beach if the County does
not renew or request to renew their lease. She stated that the County
Commissioners are not interested in renewing the lease. Someone questioned if
this one-year limitation would apply to the Children’s Center of Mercer
County? Mr. Puko stated that the Children’s Center of Mercer County was also
seeking funding for 2003 and 2004. There being no further discussion, the motion
passed.
CDBG COOPERATION AGREEMENTS –
GREENVILLE, PINE & COUNTY
Mr. Conti, Senior Planner asked for
approval of Cooperation Agreements between the Commission, Greenville Borough,
Pine Township and Mercer County to provide for full administration of their CDBG
grants for FY 2002. He stated that these are standard agreements adopted yearly.
A motion was made by Mr. Law and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to approve entering
into Cooperation Agreements with Greenville, Pine and Mercer County for
administration of FY 2002 CDBG Programs. The motion passed.
AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
GRANT CONTRACT
Mr. Gracenin, Assistant Director, stated
that PennDOT requires MCRPC to adopt a resolution authorizing the Chairman, or
Vice-Chairman or Secretary respectively if Chairman is not available, to sign
the annual grant agreement with PennDOT for transportation planning. A motion
was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Ms. Christman to sign the annual grant
agreement with PennDOT for transportation planning. The motion passed.
ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM FOR 2002
Mr. Puko distributed the annual work
program to the members present. He noted that according to our Bylaws, the
Commission must approve a list of projects and work activities to be undertaken
by the staff in 2002. After Mr. Puko highlighted some of the work activities, a
motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Mr. Price to approve the annual
work program. The motion passed.
APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A motion was made by Mr. Hoy and seconded
by Mr. Paxton to reappoint Denny Puko as Executive Director of the Commission
for 2002. This action is required annually by the Commission’s Bylaws. The
motion passed.
APPOINTMENT OF SOLICITOR
A motion was made by Mr. George and
seconded by Mr. Hoy to reappoint Bob Kochems as Solicitor of the Commission for
2002. This action is required annually by the Commission’s Bylaws. The motion
passed.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES
Mr. McAdams reviewed the list of
committees, which was mailed to all representatives in their meeting packet. Mr.
Ron Faull, Liberty Township, asked that he be put on the Zoning &
Subdivision Review Committee. Mr. McAdams asked if there was any representative
who wanted to be added to or deleted from any committee. There being none, the
committee appointments were approved as read.
OTHER BUSINESS
---February Commission Meeting -
Mr. Puko stated that the Shenango Conservancy arranged to have David Hess,
Secretary of the PA Department of Environmental Protection speak at the
Conservancy’s Annual Dinner, which is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26th,
the only day Mr. Hess was available. Unfortunately, this is same day as the
Commission’s meeting date. He asked Commission members if they would want to
change the Commission’s meeting date, or since February is a month that
usually attracts little or no business, cancel the February meeting date and
give a one-month authorization to Committee’s for any action that would need
to be taken. As of today, the only action that he is anticipating right now is
the regular Zoning & Subdivision Review Committee agenda. A motion was made
by Dr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. Foster to cancel the February meeting, unless
there was an extreme emergency, and give the authorization to the Committee’s
to act on behalf of the Commission. The motion passed.
---Mercer County Solid Waste Authority
Cooperation Agreement – Mr. Puko stated that the Commission has a
partnership with the Authority in implementing the solid waste and recycling
programs that are undertaken in the County. He asked for approval of a
Cooperation Agreement between the Commission and the Authority to administer the
program, which would be the same as last year’s Cooperation Agreement, with
the exception of the cost and work program, which changes yearly through its
budgeting and work program process. A motion was made by Mr. Price and seconded
by Ms. Lazor to approve entering into a Cooperation Agreement with the
Authority. The motion passed with Dr. Brenner abstaining.
---Award – Mr. Puko presented a
10-year service award to Mr. Frank Cochran, New Vernon Township. Mr. Puko wanted
to present the award to him in person, since he was unable to attend our
December meeting when awards/recognition are usually done. Mr. Cochran thanked
everyone.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business or discussion,
the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted and Certified By:
James Pat White, Secretary - MCRPC
Mercer
County Regional Planning Commission
2491 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
mail@mcrpc.com www.mcrpc.com
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