Officials recognize local library

Board calls upon Lewistown Borough to agree to meeting regarding the water authority

LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday recognized the Mifflin County Library with a proclamation in observance of National Library Week.

During their regular meeting, Commissioner Kevin Kodish read the proclamation, in which the commissioners lauded the library for the service it provides and calling upon residents to visit the library and use its resources.

"Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the Mifflin County Commissioners, proclaim National Library Week, April 4-10, 2021 in Mifflin County," Kodish read from the proclamation. "During this week, all residents are welcome to visit our libraries, either in person or online, to obtain a library card and explore new worlds through access to books and eBooks, educational programs and technology."

Library executive director Susan Miriello was among those on hand to accept the proclamation.

"We've had a really rough year, and we so appreciate your support," Miriello commented during the meeting. "Our hours have changed but we are open. Thank you so very much."

In other business, near the end of the meeting, Commissioner Mark Sunderland read a statement calling upon the Lewistown Borough Council President Venus Shade and representatives of Lewistown Borough to agree to a meeting involving all the municipalities serviced by the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Lewistown.

The MABL board of directors and the borough council have been at the center of recent criticism from the other municipalities regarding their lack of representation on the board and the fear that a lease-back program or sale of MABL's assets would lead to increased rates for water customers.

"I just want to take a minute to touch on the letter published in The (Lewistown) Sentinel on Tuesday regarding the water authority," Sunderland read referencing a letter from the commissioners to the borough council. "As we stated in our letter, we believe that all of the outlying municipalities deserve a chance to have their voices heard -- that is the only fair thing to do when so many of their constituents are ratepayers who have helped build the water authority into what it is today.

"Members of borough council even echoed those same words back in the fall when everybody thought this matter was reaching a settlement mutually agreeable to everybody.

"We still think there is a chance to have those voices heard. That's why we are asking President Shade and borough council to halt any more actions or steps on this matter until we can have a meeting where representatives from the municipalities can be present, along with members of borough council, to insure that all concerns are heard and addressed.

"The county will gladly help facilitate that meeting by providing the space in the courthouse -- we look forward to hearing from President Shade on a time that will work for her so that we can get this meeting scheduled and get this process moving forward in a manner that is best for the entire county."

During the public comment period, Belleville resident Don Wright, who is an Army veteran, urged the commissioners to adopt a resolution making Mifflin County a "Second Amendment Sanctuary."

"We have a current administration that is proposing unknown restrictions on our right to keep and bear arms for self protection," Wright said.

He cited a recent incident in which a man leaving a local supermarket was approached by two people brandishing knives demanding his cellphone. Wright said the man had a concealed carry permit and that was enough to cause the attackers to flee.

"Having that concealed carry permit probably saved that man's life because nowhere in our Constitution does it allow and demand that police or security personnel provide protection for Americans," Wright said. "Our job to protect ourselves relies solely on ourselves in public or at home."

Wright acknowledged what he is seeking is primarily a symbolic gesture, but it would demonstrate a commitment to protecting citizens' rights.

After the meeting, the commissioners released a statement regarding Wright's proposal.

"The Mifflin County Commissioners are steadfast in upholding and supporting all 10 amendments that compose our nation's Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment," the statement read. "These principles have provided a bedrock for our government for over 200 years and continued adherence to the protections they afford, by all levels and all branches of government, will ensure that our nation continues for another 200 years."

Commissioner Robert Postal acknowledged the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital for being named one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the U.S.

"We are fortunate to have this institution in our community," Postal said. "It's been a tough, difficult year for all of us, but particularly for the dedicated staff at Geisinger-Lewistown. So, I was pleased to read about that recognition and I'm happy to acknowledge it (Thursday) morning."

Also on Thursday, the commissioners:

¯Approved the minutes from the March 18 meeting;

¯Approved a request for an exoneration of the 2021 county real estate tax bill and relieve the tax collector from collecting the $9.27 from a parcel in Granville Township because buildings have been removed;

¯Approved a request for exoneration of delinquent real estate taxes and relieve Rebecca Ganoe, tax claim bureau director, from collecting taxes on a parcel in Granville Township due to exempt status approved by the board of assessment appeals due to a worship room;

¯Accepted an offer of $201 for a parcel in Lewistown Borough that is currently in the repository for unsold properties;

¯Accepted an offer of $201 for a parcel in Derry Township that is currently in the repository for unsold properties;

¯Accepted an offer of $201 for a different parcel in Derry Township that is currently in the repository for unsold properties;

¯Approved a purchase of service agreement for use, if needed, by Mifflin County Children and Youth Services with Huntingdon County Children's Services in Huntingdon for a youth home;

¯Approved a project modification request for the Adult Treatment Court Grant;

¯Approved the following Adult Treatment Court Grant agreements: Clear Concepts Counseling therapy and counseling $6,220, Clear Concepts Counseling therapy $18,337.50, Brighter Visions therapy $9,090, Brighter Visions therapy $18,337.50, Juniata Tri-Valley Drug and Alcohol case management $5,450 and Juniata Valley Tri-Valley Drug and Alcohol case management $6,600;

¯Approved the following personnel matters: Promotion of Angela Crisswell from district judge case coordinator II to common pleas case coordinator I effective March 19, Rescinding of resignation of public safety operation and training officer Brian Fleegal, Hiring of Jessica Rogers as CYS caseworker effective April 5, Hiring of Jason Ciccolini and Marissa Long as part-time corrections officers effective April 5, Hiring of Brian Haubrick as temporary part-time building and grounds assistant, Resignation of Duane McMullen as field assessor effective April 16.

The Mifflin County Commissioners' next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 15 at the Mifflin County Courthouse in Lewistown.