SMETHPORT — The McKean County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to award $44,550 from Act 152 to applicants as recommended by the McKean County Act 152 Review.
Under Act 152 of 2016, any county’s governing body may adopt a resolution or ordinance which allows the recorder of deeds to charge and collect an extra fee not over $15 for every deed or mortgage recorded, which will be deposited in a county demolition fund and used only for the demolition of blighted property in the county.
According to the resolution adopted Tuesday, the following five properties are to be demolished: 415 East Mill Street, Port Allegany, which tied with 19 Miller Street in Bradford; 407 Chase Street, Kane; and 319-321 Chase Street, also in Kane; as well as a location on Route 6 in Wetmore Township.
In a related matter, commissioners accepted the award of $75,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Grant Fund for the 30 Boylston Street Adaptive Reuse project in Bradford City.
Commissioners also agreed to submit a letter of commitment for the National Telecommunication and Information Administration grant application to be sent in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, including a commitment of county resources for administration, fiscal and project management for the Broadband project.
“The project submitted by the county has a budget of approximately $3.24 million and would add equipment in four regions including the villages of Wetmore and Marshburg, as well as the Bolivar Drive and Seaward Avenue areas of Foster Township,” said Bob Veilleux, McKean County economic development liaison, responding to questions from Harriett Nevill. “The application is due to the NITA by August 17, and the NTIA has indicated they anticipate announcing awards in November or December. All funded projects must be completed within a year.”
The American Recovery Plan is another source for Broadband funding.
“The ARP is the most recent Federal Covid-19 response bill announced in May of this year,” Veilleux said. “These funds are to be disbursed directly to counties and municipalities with the first tranche of funding released this summer and the second tranche in 2021.”
The county is currently working on a survey to gain public input on how this funding should be allocated. When finished, the survey will be publicized in the newspaper and the county’s website.
Pat Barrett, who attended this meeting advocated the spending of funds for rail service in this region.
In other business, two applications for county aid were OKd. Port Allegany Borough plans to encumber its $4,196 for a future project. In Eldred Township. officials will use their allotment of $6,020 to purchase NY#1A gravel.
Tyler Hannah’s bid of $250 was accepted for the purchase of a used Canon copier 2525.
Commission Chairman Thomas Kreiner provided a human resources update, which showed three new employees. They are Heather Funk, part-time corrections officer at the jail; Jessica Hendershot, second deputy, Recorder of Deeds; and Susan Hughes, court monitor.
Commissioners also:
*approved a repository sale for 34 Welch Street in Kane to Sam Yoder for $250;
*renewed the Employee Assistance Program for an additional year for $10,036.78; and
*approved changes to the county emergency operations plan to reflect personnel changes.
The commissioners’ next public meeting will be at 10 a. m., August 24.
