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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County commissioners seem to be on the verge of returning to weekly meetings -- instead of twice weekly -- to reduce the time involved.
Commissioners Chairman Dave Kessling, who took office in January, said Tuesday that the developing change in practice reflects a request from county personnel.
"We'll see how it goes with the department heads," Kessling said.
On Tuesday, commissioners fielded several requests from department heads and immediately voted, then canceled Thursday's meeting where commissioners would traditionally vote.
One matter that surfaced Tuesday -- to certify substantial completion of the county's parking garage stair tower repairs as of Oct. 20 -- was delayed for action until the April 11 commissioners meeting.
Chief Clerk/County Administrator Nicole Hemminger, in responding to questions raised by Commissioner Amy Webster, said that an October report identified a punch list of tasks, some of which have been completed. To address the outstanding tasks, the county's project's engineering firm and bonding company have been providing assistance. While Hemminger reported that both are OK with certifying the project as substantially complete, she said an immediate vote wasn't needed, so no action was taken.
Kessling said he expects the commissioners to keep meeting on Tuesdays but for next week, they will convene at 1 p.m. Thursday.
Commissioners are canceling Tuesday's meeting for lack of a quorum.
In early January, after Kessling joined the commissioners board, he and fellow commissioners Webster and Laura Burke agreed to a 2024 meeting schedule for 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When they cancel their meetings, a notice is typically posted on the county website where their meeting agenda would be found.
Prior to September 2020, commissioners used to convene once a week. The practice of meeting twice a week has been going on for about 3½ years. It developed at a time when commissioners were being assigned pandemic-related responsibilities including the distribution of $11 million in federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to help small businesses.
Starting in January 2021, the commissioners continued to meet twice a week. Tuesdays were designated as work sessions for the presentation of pending actions and questions. Votes were scheduled for Thursday business sessions.
As Tuesday's commissioners' meeting proceeded, commissioners cast unanimous votes on more than 10 requests presented by department personnel or fellow elected officials.
District Attorney Pete Weeks secured the approval -- at no cost to the county -- for an agreement opening online access to more than 30 self-paced behavioral-changing courses, through Advent Financial LLC.
Weeks said his office will be able to make recommendations based on the company's courses.
Commissioners were offered information showing the cost of most online classes -- at $60. A few of the proposed classes were as low as $35 and a few higher-level courses will cost $120.
The company's website indicates that the classes require four to eight hours of work.
Commissioners also voted Tuesday in favor of writing a supportive letter for Duncansville borough's pursuit of a nearly $2 million grant toward the second phase of renovations at its community center. The supportive letter will be submitted to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.