1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:02,480 show at 10:00 to go. 2 00:00:02,480 --> 00:00:04,080 >> And we got to fix that clock. It's off 3 00:00:04,080 --> 00:00:08,710 by a minute. Man, [clears throat] 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:11,519 » good morning everyone and welcome. Uh we 5 00:00:11,519 --> 00:00:13,440 will call this regular meeting of the 6 00:00:13,440 --> 00:00:15,920 Lawrence Board of Commissioners to 7 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:20,800 order. Today is uh Tuesday, January 6 of 8 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:23,519 2026. 9 00:00:23,519 --> 00:00:25,600 An adjustment on our 10 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:28,160 >> agenda. 11 00:00:28,160 --> 00:00:31,760 A lot of us are doing that uh this time 12 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:34,480 of year. We always uh start our meeting 13 00:00:34,480 --> 00:00:36,079 with the pledge of allegiance. Then if 14 00:00:36,079 --> 00:00:38,000 we could remain standing for a moment of 15 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:39,600 silence and Commissioner Kennedy, could 16 00:00:39,600 --> 00:00:41,520 you lead us in the pledge? 17 00:00:41,520 --> 00:00:44,559 >> I aliance to the flag of the United 18 00:00:44,559 --> 00:00:47,280 States of America and to the republic 19 00:00:47,280 --> 00:00:50,160 for which it stands. One nation under 20 00:00:50,160 --> 00:00:53,360 God, indivisible, liberty and justice 21 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:54,239 for all. 22 00:00:54,239 --> 00:00:59,670 >> We'll have a moment of silence, please. 23 00:00:59,680 --> 00:01:02,960 Thank you all very much. Uh Vanessa, 24 00:01:02,960 --> 00:01:04,479 could you call the role, please? 25 00:01:04,479 --> 00:01:05,519 >> Commissioner Sado, 26 00:01:05,519 --> 00:01:06,080 >> yes. Here. 27 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:07,200 >> Commissioner Kennedy 28 00:01:07,200 --> 00:01:07,760 >> here. 29 00:01:07,760 --> 00:01:08,720 >> Commissioner 30 00:01:08,720 --> 00:01:12,560 >> here. We have a quorum. Uh 31 00:01:12,560 --> 00:01:15,360 ask everybody to put their cell phones 32 00:01:15,360 --> 00:01:18,960 on silent if you wouldn't mind. And uh 33 00:01:18,960 --> 00:01:22,080 right now we have no members of the 34 00:01:22,080 --> 00:01:24,479 public in the audience. for that matter. 35 00:01:24,479 --> 00:01:27,439 We we have no audience right now, but if 36 00:01:27,439 --> 00:01:29,680 anybody should come in, we'll give uh 37 00:01:29,680 --> 00:01:31,520 we'll give opportunities for public 38 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:33,200 comment 39 00:01:33,200 --> 00:01:35,119 and should also [clears throat] just for 40 00:01:35,119 --> 00:01:36,880 the record note that we're live 41 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:39,280 streaming this meeting and that it's 42 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:41,680 being recorded. 43 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:45,119 Uh we often we always give time for any 44 00:01:45,119 --> 00:01:46,880 of our role officers, but none of them 45 00:01:46,880 --> 00:01:48,479 are here today and that's all right. 46 00:01:48,479 --> 00:01:51,520 They don't have to be. And again at this 47 00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:54,159 point we have no members of the public. 48 00:01:54,159 --> 00:01:56,960 So we move on to uh fiscal and 49 00:01:56,960 --> 00:02:01,759 contractual. We do have a repository uh 50 00:02:01,759 --> 00:02:03,759 property that has been submitted to us 51 00:02:03,759 --> 00:02:06,960 by the tax claim office. This is a 52 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:09,840 parcel in Palaski Township uh 53 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:11,360 specifically 54 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:16,640 uh 798 Rainer Road. Parcel ID number 55 00:02:16,640 --> 00:02:22,710 29-901065. 56 00:02:22,720 --> 00:02:28,800 The uh bidder is Bruce Rener. He made a 57 00:02:28,800 --> 00:02:33,200 $500 bid on this parcel 58 00:02:33,200 --> 00:02:35,760 and uh 59 00:02:35,760 --> 00:02:38,640 the Palaski Township supervisors voted 60 00:02:38,640 --> 00:02:42,959 to accept the bid on December 19 of 61 00:02:42,959 --> 00:02:46,959 2025. Also, the uh Wilmington Area 62 00:02:46,959 --> 00:02:52,239 School Board voted likewise on December 63 00:02:52,239 --> 00:02:55,840 uh 11 of 2025. So, that now leaves it to 64 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:58,959 us. This is resolution one, I assume, 65 00:02:58,959 --> 00:03:00,959 >> of 2026. 66 00:03:00,959 --> 00:03:04,400 So, I will open it for you gentlemen. Uh 67 00:03:04,400 --> 00:03:07,120 if either of you wish to make a motion, 68 00:03:07,120 --> 00:03:09,120 >> I'll make a motion. We accept the bid 69 00:03:09,120 --> 00:03:10,080 and I'll second it. 70 00:03:10,080 --> 00:03:12,159 >> Thank you so much, Chris or Dan. Any 71 00:03:12,159 --> 00:03:14,560 concerns or comments? Hearing none, 72 00:03:14,560 --> 00:03:16,480 we'll ask Vanessa to call the role. 73 00:03:16,480 --> 00:03:17,599 >> Commissioner Senado, 74 00:03:17,599 --> 00:03:18,000 >> yes. 75 00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:19,040 >> Commissioner Kennedy, 76 00:03:19,040 --> 00:03:19,440 >> yes. 77 00:03:19,440 --> 00:03:20,400 >> Commissioner Bour, 78 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:20,800 >> yes. 79 00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:21,599 >> Motion carries. 80 00:03:21,599 --> 00:03:23,760 >> Thank you. Also in our packet, we have 81 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:27,280 the warrant register from uh December 29 82 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:30,080 of 2025. It's also known as the check 83 00:03:30,080 --> 00:03:32,239 reconciliation register. It's been 84 00:03:32,239 --> 00:03:33,680 submitted to us by the county 85 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:35,599 controllers's office. I'll give my 86 00:03:35,599 --> 00:03:37,280 colleagues whatever time they need to 87 00:03:37,280 --> 00:03:56,789 look it over. And once you've done so, I would certainly entertain a motion for us to accept uh this document. 88 00:03:56,799 --> 00:03:58,720 » I'll make that motion and I'll second 89 00:03:58,720 --> 00:03:59,680 the motion. 90 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:01,680 >> Thank you both. Uh any concerns, 91 00:04:01,680 --> 00:04:04,879 gentlemen? Hearing none. Vanessa, could 92 00:04:04,879 --> 00:04:06,480 you call the role, please? Commissioner 93 00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:07,200 Sanado, 94 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:07,599 >> yes. 95 00:04:07,599 --> 00:04:08,640 >> Commissioner Kennedy, 96 00:04:08,640 --> 00:04:08,959 >> yes. 97 00:04:08,959 --> 00:04:10,000 >> Commissioner Bogler, 98 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:10,319 >> yes. 99 00:04:10,319 --> 00:04:11,200 >> Motion carries. 100 00:04:11,200 --> 00:04:13,280 >> Thank you. Also in our packet, we have 101 00:04:13,280 --> 00:04:16,479 the uh minutes of our 102 00:04:16,479 --> 00:04:19,359 Tuesday, December 30 uh commissioners 103 00:04:19,359 --> 00:04:22,720 meeting. I'll again give my colleagues 104 00:04:22,720 --> 00:04:25,280 time to review them and 105 00:04:25,280 --> 00:04:27,280 when they've done so, uh would entertain 106 00:04:27,280 --> 00:04:40,070 a motion for us to adopt the minutes. 107 00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:41,199 I'll make that motion. 108 00:04:41,199 --> 00:04:42,720 >> I'll second that motion. 109 00:04:42,720 --> 00:04:44,479 >> I thank you both. Any questions or 110 00:04:44,479 --> 00:04:46,960 concerns regarding the minutes? Uh if 111 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:49,199 not, we'll ask Vanessa to call the RO, 112 00:04:49,199 --> 00:04:49,600 please. 113 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:50,800 >> Commissioner Sotto, 114 00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:51,280 >> yes. 115 00:04:51,280 --> 00:04:52,240 >> Commissioner Kennedy, 116 00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:52,639 >> yes. 117 00:04:52,639 --> 00:04:53,680 >> Commissioner Vogore, 118 00:04:53,680 --> 00:04:54,080 >> yes. 119 00:04:54,080 --> 00:04:54,880 >> Motion carries. 120 00:04:54,880 --> 00:04:57,199 >> Thank you. One document, one one piece 121 00:04:57,199 --> 00:04:59,280 of written correspondence has come in to 122 00:04:59,280 --> 00:05:01,360 us that we'll enter into the record. 123 00:05:01,360 --> 00:05:05,199 It's dated December 22 of 2025. It is 124 00:05:05,199 --> 00:05:08,320 sent to us by RA 125 00:05:08,320 --> 00:05:10,639 Engineering, which is based here in 126 00:05:10,639 --> 00:05:14,160 Lawrence County. uh on behalf of Three 127 00:05:14,160 --> 00:05:18,560 Rivers Aggregate. This project is uh the 128 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:22,639 Old Ash Mine and they're letting us know 129 00:05:22,639 --> 00:05:26,479 that they are submitting uh uh a 130 00:05:26,479 --> 00:05:30,400 document to the uh uh Department of 131 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:33,360 Environmental Protection. 132 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:36,080 This is uh for permitting an 133 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:41,600 approximately 126.4 4 acre non-coal sand 134 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:45,680 and gravel surface mine 135 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:48,880 uh on properties in both uh well and 136 00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:50,880 here it specifically does say in 137 00:05:50,880 --> 00:05:53,048 Lawrence County Plane Grove Township. 138 00:05:53,048 --> 00:05:53,680 [laughter] 139 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:56,639 Uh the proposed permit area is located 140 00:05:56,639 --> 00:05:59,919 west of West Park Road and north of 141 00:05:59,919 --> 00:06:03,120 Corey Road. Again, that's out in Plane 142 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:06,240 Road Township. again they will be 143 00:06:06,240 --> 00:06:08,720 applying to the D. 144 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:11,919 The law requires that we be notified of 145 00:06:11,919 --> 00:06:14,800 this and uh I would imagine that the 146 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:17,280 township of Plane Grove the supervisors 147 00:06:17,280 --> 00:06:18,960 out there have also received this 148 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:22,319 document. Um any concerns or discussion 149 00:06:22,319 --> 00:06:24,000 gentlemen? 150 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:25,680 Would one of you wish to make a motion 151 00:06:25,680 --> 00:06:28,560 for us to accept this uh correspondence? 152 00:06:28,560 --> 00:06:30,000 I'll make a motion we accept the 153 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:32,479 correspondence and I'll second. Thank 154 00:06:32,479 --> 00:06:34,080 you both. And if there are no other 155 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:36,560 concerns, we can ask for a roll call. 156 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:37,680 >> Commissioner Sonado, 157 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:38,080 >> yes. 158 00:06:38,080 --> 00:06:39,039 >> Commissioner Kennedy, 159 00:06:39,039 --> 00:06:39,440 >> yes. 160 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:40,400 >> Commissioner Cogler, 161 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:40,800 >> yes. 162 00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:41,680 >> Motion carries. 163 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:43,120 >> Thank you very much. 164 00:06:43,120 --> 00:06:46,319 >> Uh reports. Uh Commissioner reports and 165 00:06:46,319 --> 00:06:48,080 comments. Mr. Sonata, you're first 166 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:48,800 today. 167 00:06:48,800 --> 00:06:51,440 >> Well, I'm just going to uh pass this 168 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:53,600 week chairman. I mean, it's a one that 169 00:06:53,600 --> 00:06:55,680 we've had. I haven't been able to attend 170 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:59,199 very much. So looking forward to uh 171 00:06:59,199 --> 00:07:00,880 meeting with the commissioners from 172 00:07:00,880 --> 00:07:03,440 Mercer County next Tuesday. I know we 173 00:07:03,440 --> 00:07:06,240 have our quarterly meeting and as always 174 00:07:06,240 --> 00:07:08,400 been helpful to us because I think we 175 00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:10,639 have such a good working relationship 176 00:07:10,639 --> 00:07:12,319 with the three commissioners from Mercer 177 00:07:12,319 --> 00:07:14,639 County and Lawrence and Mercer have a 178 00:07:14,639 --> 00:07:16,720 lot of things in common and I know the 179 00:07:16,720 --> 00:07:18,400 past two years I think we've had a good 180 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:20,479 working relationship and it's been 181 00:07:20,479 --> 00:07:22,479 positive for us. So, that's what I'm 182 00:07:22,479 --> 00:07:24,319 looking forward to next Tuesday. And 183 00:07:24,319 --> 00:07:26,400 also on Monday, uh we're going to be 184 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:28,720 heading up to the Indiana County uh to 185 00:07:28,720 --> 00:07:31,199 meet with the whole region from uh the 186 00:07:31,199 --> 00:07:34,400 Northwest sector. Um and I just think 187 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,960 that's very helpful to us as well. Uh 188 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:38,639 many of our counties have similar 189 00:07:38,639 --> 00:07:41,680 interests and uh it's important we 190 00:07:41,680 --> 00:07:45,759 develop those relationships with the commissioners in the Northwest. 191 00:07:45,759 --> 00:07:48,560 And we've been very fortunate because as 192 00:07:48,560 --> 00:07:50,960 we said many times, Mr. chairman. Uh 193 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:54,225 Morris County has both a northwest 194 00:07:54,225 --> 00:07:55,520 [clears throat] and a southwest we're 195 00:07:55,520 --> 00:07:58,080 members of and uh we've developed good 196 00:07:58,080 --> 00:07:59,840 working relationships. I know you have 197 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:02,720 over the years and uh with your guidance 198 00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:04,479 uh you introduced us to some very 199 00:08:04,479 --> 00:08:06,240 important people that's been helpful to 200 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:07,759 us in Lawrence County, especially 201 00:08:07,759 --> 00:08:09,039 Commissioner Kennedy down in the 202 00:08:09,039 --> 00:08:12,960 southwest. He's made many visits uh to 203 00:08:12,960 --> 00:08:15,280 deal with economic development. So 204 00:08:15,280 --> 00:08:17,440 that's pretty much all I have. 205 00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:19,840 >> Thank you, sir. Uh, I'll turn it over to 206 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:21,360 Commissioner Kennedy for 207 00:08:21,360 --> 00:08:23,199 >> couple things. One, yesterday was a 208 00:08:23,199 --> 00:08:28,560 historic day around here. Um, and we uh 209 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:32,560 I'll start trying to look out. U we we 210 00:08:32,560 --> 00:08:36,640 had swearing in of three new judges and 211 00:08:36,640 --> 00:08:39,919 our new sheriff in town. So, 212 00:08:39,919 --> 00:08:42,880 plus uh the other three that got sworn 213 00:08:42,880 --> 00:08:46,720 in again. So, proud of them. Glad they 214 00:08:46,720 --> 00:08:48,880 stepped up their plate. 215 00:08:48,880 --> 00:08:50,160 We got some good people in the 216 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:53,200 courthouse. It's nice. Uh second thing 217 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:55,680 is you forgot about this one. Next week 218 00:08:55,680 --> 00:08:57,519 we get to go to act state. 219 00:08:57,519 --> 00:08:58,320 >> That's right. 220 00:08:58,320 --> 00:09:01,279 >> Um so uh hopefully we'll get to go down 221 00:09:01,279 --> 00:09:04,800 there after they win on Monday night. 222 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:07,120 We'll uh we're going down to talk about 223 00:09:07,120 --> 00:09:10,320 the NFL draft 2026. Get some more 224 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:14,480 information on that and what they what 225 00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:15,839 help they're going to need from Orange 226 00:09:15,839 --> 00:09:17,760 County. I think is one of the topical 227 00:09:17,760 --> 00:09:19,200 discussions we're going to hear next 228 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:22,320 week. So I already talked to Vince about 229 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:25,839 that new sheriff and he's well aware 230 00:09:25,839 --> 00:09:29,190 they've already 231 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:31,200 that'll be an interesting day for us to 232 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:33,920 see what's going on. Besides that, 233 00:09:33,920 --> 00:09:36,080 that's all I have. I'm embarrassed to 234 00:09:36,080 --> 00:09:38,399 ask this question, but you two probably 235 00:09:38,399 --> 00:09:42,399 know this meeting uh regarding the 236 00:09:42,399 --> 00:09:45,360 draft. Is it specifically for county 237 00:09:45,360 --> 00:09:47,760 commissioners or have they invited 238 00:09:47,760 --> 00:09:49,920 tourism people, economic development 239 00:09:49,920 --> 00:09:51,200 people? I can't recall. 240 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:54,480 >> I I thought it was just addressed to us. 241 00:09:54,480 --> 00:09:57,600 >> I think it is to us. I know that uh our 242 00:09:57,600 --> 00:10:00,560 Lawrence tour is very well aware and are 243 00:10:00,560 --> 00:10:01,680 working with them. 244 00:10:01,680 --> 00:10:05,120 >> Yeah. I said on that board and I think 245 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:08,160 it's just for us because you know it's 246 00:10:08,160 --> 00:10:09,760 the whole region all 10 of us. 247 00:10:09,760 --> 00:10:10,240 >> Yeah. 248 00:10:10,240 --> 00:10:12,880 >> And uh you know the goal is is 249 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:15,440 Commissioner Kennedy stated, we want to 250 00:10:15,440 --> 00:10:17,920 tap into any resources we can here in 251 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:20,160 county. And I know that Janet Jenny has 252 00:10:20,160 --> 00:10:22,480 reached out to them as far as any 253 00:10:22,480 --> 00:10:26,320 activities in Lawrence County 254 00:10:26,320 --> 00:10:28,320 drugs. I mean, because you're talking 255 00:10:28,320 --> 00:10:30,320 tens of thousands of people coming in 256 00:10:30,320 --> 00:10:33,519 for that event. So, I want you I commend 257 00:10:33,519 --> 00:10:36,320 our local tourist promotion agency for 258 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:38,320 being very active, proactive on this 259 00:10:38,320 --> 00:10:42,480 issue. And uh you I'm glad that uh Danny 260 00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:44,320 talked to our sheriff because that's 261 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:46,800 going to involve uh law law enforcement. 262 00:10:46,800 --> 00:10:49,120 It's also going to involve uh you know 263 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:52,000 EMS and everything just because they've 264 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:54,000 given us the guidelines. But you know 265 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:55,440 what? We want to be prepared because 266 00:10:55,440 --> 00:10:56,880 hey, Lawrence County is part of that 267 00:10:56,880 --> 00:10:59,200 region. You may be farther out, but 268 00:10:59,200 --> 00:11:00,800 there are people that don't want to stay 269 00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:02,800 right in the city and that's the 270 00:11:02,800 --> 00:11:04,079 opportunity we have. 271 00:11:04,079 --> 00:11:05,279 >> The big thing is they don't have enough 272 00:11:05,279 --> 00:11:07,360 rooms at the city for everybody. So they 273 00:11:07,360 --> 00:11:10,160 got to rely on me in all areas. I know 274 00:11:10,160 --> 00:11:12,160 Debbie watcher yesterday asked me about 275 00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:14,880 it and she said find out if I can go 276 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:16,399 with you guys. So I'm going to reach out 277 00:11:16,399 --> 00:11:18,640 and see if she like to do an article on 278 00:11:18,640 --> 00:11:21,600 it. What it's going to do to affect us. 279 00:11:21,600 --> 00:11:24,079 >> It's good. You're both absolutely right. 280 00:11:24,079 --> 00:11:26,720 I I look for our hotels here in the 281 00:11:26,720 --> 00:11:29,600 county to be filled. I would imagine. 282 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:32,640 Well, thank you both. Uh, I have just a 283 00:11:32,640 --> 00:11:36,320 couple other items to talk about beyond 284 00:11:36,320 --> 00:11:39,920 what you gentlemen have brought up. Uh, 285 00:11:39,920 --> 00:11:43,040 Dan was absolutely right. Yesterday 286 00:11:43,040 --> 00:11:45,760 uh was historic in this county. We've 287 00:11:45,760 --> 00:11:48,240 never in the history of Lawrence County 288 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:51,360 had three judges sworn in at one time. 289 00:11:51,360 --> 00:11:52,880 For that matter, I don't believe we've 290 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:55,600 ever had two at the same time. So, it 291 00:11:55,600 --> 00:11:58,399 was certainly uh historic for the for 292 00:11:58,399 --> 00:12:05,680 the county. Um, I will note that uh on a positive note, we've been invited 293 00:12:05,680 --> 00:12:08,959 uh this coming Friday to attend a ribbon 294 00:12:08,959 --> 00:12:11,760 cutting ceremony at the Wilson Lumber 295 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:13,839 Company out in Machanic Township. 296 00:12:13,839 --> 00:12:16,800 They're opening their new facility and I 297 00:12:16,800 --> 00:12:18,880 believe they're expanding. Yes. 298 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:23,839 >> Uh which is a good thing. We're real pleased [laughter] about that. And 299 00:12:23,839 --> 00:12:28,959 uh as uh was noted by my colleague uh 300 00:12:28,959 --> 00:12:30,480 Commissioner 301 00:12:30,480 --> 00:12:32,000 Sonata 302 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:36,880 uh next Tuesday, week from today at 1:30 303 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:38,720 we will have the quarterly meeting of 304 00:12:38,720 --> 00:12:40,560 the West Central Job Partnership 305 00:12:40,560 --> 00:12:43,920 Governing Board and we rotate the board 306 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:45,360 consists of the three of us and the 307 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:47,200 three Mercer County commissioners and we 308 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:49,440 move back and forth. So, next week's 309 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:52,720 meeting, it's our turn to host. And that 310 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:54,639 meeting will be here in this room at 311 00:12:54,639 --> 00:12:58,959 1:30 on the 13th of January, open to the 312 00:12:58,959 --> 00:13:02,320 public. And we'll be uh electing a new 313 00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:04,160 chair. I believe I've served as chair 314 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:06,079 for the last two years. And we again we 315 00:13:06,079 --> 00:13:08,160 rotate that as well. So, one of the 316 00:13:08,160 --> 00:13:10,480 Mercer County Commissioners, it will be 317 00:13:10,480 --> 00:13:13,040 up to them to determine who will who 318 00:13:13,040 --> 00:13:16,320 will now chair that board. Uh final 319 00:13:16,320 --> 00:13:19,680 thing that I have is that we were we 320 00:13:19,680 --> 00:13:22,399 were advised by the Commonwealth of the 321 00:13:22,399 --> 00:13:24,880 uh bid thresholds 322 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:27,120 uh for for public contracts and 323 00:13:27,120 --> 00:13:30,160 purchases each year. It changes based 324 00:13:30,160 --> 00:13:34,639 upon the consumer price index. So for uh 325 00:13:34,639 --> 00:13:37,519 according to the state rules we will 326 00:13:37,519 --> 00:13:41,120 adhere to contracts or purchases under 327 00:13:41,120 --> 00:13:43,360 13,200 328 00:13:43,360 --> 00:13:46,480 require no formal bidding or price 329 00:13:46,480 --> 00:13:48,399 quotations. 330 00:13:48,399 --> 00:13:52,160 Contracts or purchases between 13,200 331 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:55,120 and $24,500 332 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:58,560 require three written or andor 333 00:13:58,560 --> 00:14:01,519 telephonic price quotes. And then 334 00:14:01,519 --> 00:14:04,240 finally, contracts or purchases greater 335 00:14:04,240 --> 00:14:07,279 than $24,500 336 00:14:07,279 --> 00:14:09,680 require formal bidding and public 337 00:14:09,680 --> 00:14:12,959 notice. I and and Dan, help me with I'll 338 00:14:12,959 --> 00:14:14,320 give that to you. You probably have it, 339 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:14,639 but 340 00:14:14,639 --> 00:14:16,800 >> I do. 341 00:14:16,800 --> 00:14:19,440 >> If I'm not mistaken, this applies to 342 00:14:19,440 --> 00:14:21,760 counties and burrows, townships, and 343 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:23,680 cities. This would be applicable to our 344 00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:25,360 local municipalities. They're in a 345 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:26,480 state. 346 00:14:26,480 --> 00:14:30,480 >> Okay. Thank you for confirming that. 347 00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:33,680 Alrighty. Well, this is uh this is uh 348 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:36,400 this doesn't happen very often, but as 349 00:14:36,400 --> 00:14:37,920 [clears throat] we sit here today at 350 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:39,519 first meeting of the new year, we 351 00:14:39,519 --> 00:14:42,399 actually have no new resolutions for 352 00:14:42,399 --> 00:14:44,000 consideration. 353 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:47,279 Um, of course, the holidays uh added to 354 00:14:47,279 --> 00:14:50,240 that. Vanessa, do we have things lined 355 00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:51,680 up for next week yet? 356 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:52,800 >> I have one. 357 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:53,360 >> Okay, 358 00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:54,160 >> that's it. 359 00:14:54,160 --> 00:14:56,079 >> Okay. And I'm sure some more will come 360 00:14:56,079 --> 00:14:58,639 in, but uh this doesn't happen very 361 00:14:58,639 --> 00:15:01,440 often. We have no new business for for 362 00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:04,320 us to vote on which actually drops us 363 00:15:04,320 --> 00:15:06,399 down to announcements and we've touched 364 00:15:06,399 --> 00:15:08,320 on some of these already. This board 365 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:11,279 will meet again on a week from today, 366 00:15:11,279 --> 00:15:14,000 Tuesday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. in 367 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:16,639 this room. It's open to the public. We 368 00:15:16,639 --> 00:15:18,720 noted the West Central Job Partnership 369 00:15:18,720 --> 00:15:21,120 Governing Board meeting. Also, a week 370 00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:23,760 from today at 1:30 in this room, open to 371 00:15:23,760 --> 00:15:26,000 the public. The Lawrence County Planning 372 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:29,839 Commission is scheduled to meet one week 373 00:15:29,839 --> 00:15:34,000 from tomorrow, uh, Wednesday, January 14 374 00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:38,079 at noon at the Weber's Catering location 375 00:15:38,079 --> 00:15:42,800 on US Route 422 in Shenango Township. 376 00:15:42,800 --> 00:15:44,560 Not the Weber's Catering up in 377 00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:46,320 Wilmington Township. This is the one in 378 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:49,519 Shenango Township. And that meeting is 379 00:15:49,519 --> 00:15:51,920 open to the public. 380 00:15:51,920 --> 00:15:54,000 Speaking of public, we open the floor 381 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:55,759 for public comments, but we'll note for 382 00:15:55,759 --> 00:15:58,240 the record there are no members of the 383 00:15:58,240 --> 00:16:02,079 public in attendance. And so I'll ask uh 384 00:16:02,079 --> 00:16:04,880 my fellow commissioners if they have any 385 00:16:04,880 --> 00:16:08,399 closing concerns or remarks. Mr. Sonat, 386 00:16:08,399 --> 00:16:09,839 the only thing I'll do I'll emphasize 387 00:16:09,839 --> 00:16:11,759 what both of you said. It was historic 388 00:16:11,759 --> 00:16:14,079 here yesterday and it was good to see 389 00:16:14,079 --> 00:16:17,120 Judge McCome. Yeah. Here uh you know 390 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:19,600 he's very well respected in the 391 00:16:19,600 --> 00:16:21,120 community. may have health issues, but 392 00:16:21,120 --> 00:16:23,519 he looks great and it was nice to see 393 00:16:23,519 --> 00:16:26,240 him back. And I wish our other judges, 394 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:28,639 Judge Aker and Judge Hodge, the best in 395 00:16:28,639 --> 00:16:31,360 their retirement or semi-retirement. I 396 00:16:31,360 --> 00:16:33,040 think Judge H is going to come see their 397 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:35,360 judge now. So, right. And Judge always 398 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:37,839 good to see Judge M. And I think the 399 00:16:37,839 --> 00:16:40,240 three judges that got elected are going 400 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:41,839 to do a good job up there. And I think 401 00:16:41,839 --> 00:16:43,600 it was stressed yesterday, chairman, 402 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:46,000 that uh we've had a very good working 403 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:48,079 relationship with the judges in the past 404 00:16:48,079 --> 00:16:50,000 and uh we look forward to that same 405 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:51,680 relationship going forward with the 406 00:16:51,680 --> 00:16:54,000 three new judges. I I would I would 407 00:16:54,000 --> 00:16:56,480 certainly agree. And before I jump to 408 00:16:56,480 --> 00:16:59,199 Dan here, I'll note that uh this morning 409 00:16:59,199 --> 00:17:02,160 at about 20 to 8, uh Judge Flannry 410 00:17:02,160 --> 00:17:04,000 walked in the door getting ready to 411 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:06,720 start his day. And uh we asked him, we 412 00:17:06,720 --> 00:17:08,480 said, "What's on your agenda today?" and 413 00:17:08,480 --> 00:17:11,199 he said, "We have a uh an assessment 414 00:17:11,199 --> 00:17:14,959 appeal uh that started at 9:30. In fact, 415 00:17:14,959 --> 00:17:19,839 our solicitor is in court right now with Judge Flannry." So, but he was here 416 00:17:19,839 --> 00:17:21,839 bright and early and I'm sure the other 417 00:17:21,839 --> 00:17:24,799 two judges rolled in early as well and 418 00:17:24,799 --> 00:17:27,520 of course, Judge Cox. Uh Dan, closing 419 00:17:27,520 --> 00:17:30,400 comments? The only one I have is to talk 420 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:33,200 briefly about Wilson Lumber. The nice 421 00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:35,440 thing is they could have went to Mercer 422 00:17:35,440 --> 00:17:37,440 County. They had property up there, but 423 00:17:37,440 --> 00:17:39,760 they stayed in Lawrence County. So, we 424 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:41,679 have to suggest to them, thank you for 425 00:17:41,679 --> 00:17:44,400 staying here in Lawrence County. It's 426 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:46,240 going to be a nice operation up there 427 00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:49,280 for them. So, be interesting to see what 428 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:50,799 all they've done because I've got to 429 00:17:50,799 --> 00:17:51,679 watch it grow. 430 00:17:51,679 --> 00:17:52,240 >> Yeah. 431 00:17:52,240 --> 00:17:54,640 >> As I've gone by every day, but be 432 00:17:54,640 --> 00:17:57,440 interested and see what they've done. 433 00:17:57,440 --> 00:17:59,600 >> Is that the old Newcastle battery site? 434 00:17:59,600 --> 00:18:00,000 >> Yes. 435 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:01,600 >> That's what I thought. 436 00:18:01,600 --> 00:18:03,919 >> Oh, that reminds me real quick. And I I 437 00:18:03,919 --> 00:18:05,520 we may have talked about it last 438 00:18:05,520 --> 00:18:09,760 Tuesday, but I'm not sure. Uh but it's 439 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:12,240 been announced that uh a colleague of 440 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:14,640 ours from Bonango County, County 441 00:18:14,640 --> 00:18:16,880 Commissioner Chip Abramovic 442 00:18:16,880 --> 00:18:20,160 has been named uh the new director of 443 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:23,039 Forward Lawrence and we know Mr. Kennedy 444 00:18:23,039 --> 00:18:26,480 serves on that board. Excuse me. 445 00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:29,679 Mr. Kennedy serves on that board and uh 446 00:18:29,679 --> 00:18:31,600 Commissioner Abramovic is going to start 447 00:18:31,600 --> 00:18:33,039 I believe in early February 448 00:18:33,039 --> 00:18:34,160 >> February third 449 00:18:34,160 --> 00:18:37,280 >> and uh I've known Chip I think he's in 450 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:39,600 his third term now as a commissioner so 451 00:18:39,600 --> 00:18:42,080 he and I have been acquainted for if I 452 00:18:42,080 --> 00:18:44,000 do the math about 10 years and you 453 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:45,280 gentlemen have gotten to know him over 454 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:48,960 the last two years. Uh he'll bring a lot 455 00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:52,799 to the table. He's energetic. Uh he's 456 00:18:52,799 --> 00:18:54,320 wellconed. 457 00:18:54,320 --> 00:18:57,520 uh he uh uh 458 00:18:57,520 --> 00:18:59,919 was chair for a number of years of the 459 00:18:59,919 --> 00:19:02,799 Northwest Regional Planning Commission 460 00:19:02,799 --> 00:19:05,840 and uh equally important uh this is 461 00:19:05,840 --> 00:19:08,320 where his statewide connections come in. 462 00:19:08,320 --> 00:19:11,600 He was uh active in the has been active 463 00:19:11,600 --> 00:19:13,039 in the state county commissioners 464 00:19:13,039 --> 00:19:20,160 association in leadership uh vice chair president. He's held all the all 465 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:22,640 the important seats in statewide 466 00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:24,320 leadership. So, I think it was an 467 00:19:24,320 --> 00:19:26,880 excellent choice and we're all going to 468 00:19:26,880 --> 00:19:29,039 work with him. You'll work with him most 469 00:19:29,039 --> 00:19:31,200 closely since you're on the board. But, 470 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:34,480 uh, I commend forward Lawrence for uh, 471 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:36,080 an excellent choice. I don't know if you 472 00:19:36,080 --> 00:19:37,440 gentlemen have more to ask. 473 00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:38,880 >> The only thing I can say is, you know, I 474 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:40,960 met Chip at my daughter's wedding at the 475 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:43,200 Alman Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh in 476 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:45,840 the elevator. uh didn't know who he was, 477 00:19:45,840 --> 00:19:48,240 but him and I got talking on the 478 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:50,559 elevator when we were going down and and 479 00:19:50,559 --> 00:19:52,960 I said, "I just gotten elected in the 480 00:19:52,960 --> 00:19:54,960 primaries of county commissioner 481 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:56,799 Lawrence County." He said, "That's funny 482 00:19:56,799 --> 00:19:58,799 because I'm a county commissioner in 483 00:19:58,799 --> 00:20:00,720 Bernango County." So, we hit it off 484 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:02,960 pretty good and Chip and I have fast 485 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:05,520 become good friends. He's a good guy. I 486 00:20:05,520 --> 00:20:08,080 think u he's already got his boots on 487 00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:10,799 ground. He's he's I heard from him 488 00:20:10,799 --> 00:20:13,520 yesterday. um today he might show up 489 00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:15,760 here. We don't know yet, but he he said 490 00:20:15,760 --> 00:20:17,440 if he gets done up there early, he's 491 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:19,440 gonna show up this afternoon and we're 492 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:21,200 going to start going around and visit 493 00:20:21,200 --> 00:20:23,280 some people and get him introduced to 494 00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:25,520 Lawrence County pretty quick in the next 495 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:28,159 month. So when he hits February 3rd, 496 00:20:28,159 --> 00:20:30,559 he's ready to go. 497 00:20:30,559 --> 00:20:33,840 He'll be well prepared. So thank you for 498 00:20:33,840 --> 00:20:36,240 that information. And Chris, any other 499 00:20:36,240 --> 00:20:38,240 comments? I just like to say I met him 500 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:40,080 two years ago and you introduced us when 501 00:20:40,080 --> 00:20:43,440 we went off to the county and I've had a 502 00:20:43,440 --> 00:20:44,960 good chance to meet with him but you 503 00:20:44,960 --> 00:20:47,440 also mentioned he was very active in the 504 00:20:47,440 --> 00:20:50,080 national association commission right 505 00:20:50,080 --> 00:20:52,000 which I'm trying to play play somewhat 506 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:54,000 of a role as well as representing us 507 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,480 that group and uh you know I spent some 508 00:20:56,480 --> 00:20:59,440 time with Chip and Nico last year and he 509 00:20:59,440 --> 00:21:02,320 is well connected Washington DC as well 510 00:21:02,320 --> 00:21:04,240 I think that's going to pay dividends I 511 00:21:04,240 --> 00:21:06,559 commend forwardlords uh I I know it's an 512 00:21:06,559 --> 00:21:08,559 extensive search. They're looking for 513 00:21:08,559 --> 00:21:10,880 the best person possible. And you know, 514 00:21:10,880 --> 00:21:13,280 Chip, reading his resume, it's quite 515 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:14,720 impressive. I didn't even know some of 516 00:21:14,720 --> 00:21:16,480 the things that he has done or served 517 00:21:16,480 --> 00:21:19,120 that until I actually read the paper 518 00:21:19,120 --> 00:21:21,200 because he's very humble individual, but 519 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:23,760 uh he knows what has to be done. And I 520 00:21:23,760 --> 00:21:25,280 think that's what you need and you need 521 00:21:25,280 --> 00:21:29,270 a fresh set of eyeships. 522 00:21:29,280 --> 00:21:31,280 I think Ben Bush did a very good job at 523 00:21:31,280 --> 00:21:34,000 that. he came in uh and I think Chip is 524 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:36,559 going to follow in his footsteps as far 525 00:21:36,559 --> 00:21:38,640 as uh you know seeing the ways of 526 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:40,799 helping and he understands local 527 00:21:40,799 --> 00:21:42,159 government, he understands state 528 00:21:42,159 --> 00:21:44,159 government, federal government. So I 529 00:21:44,159 --> 00:21:45,679 think those are the important thing. You 530 00:21:45,679 --> 00:21:47,360 got to develop those relationships and 531 00:21:47,360 --> 00:21:48,880 we've got to all be on the same team 532 00:21:48,880 --> 00:21:51,200 moving forward. I think he brings that 533 00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:52,880 to the table. I know you've known him 534 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:55,200 the longest and you spoke quite highly 535 00:21:55,200 --> 00:21:57,200 of him when we first introduced us to 536 00:21:57,200 --> 00:21:59,440 him and I think I think it's a good 537 00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:02,000 choice and I know he's enthused and 538 00:22:02,000 --> 00:22:05,120 that's what you need right now. So I 539 00:22:05,120 --> 00:22:06,559 think prayer and I thank you both 540 00:22:06,559 --> 00:22:10,960 gentlemen. Uh Joe or Vanessa anything 541 00:22:10,960 --> 00:22:13,520 we've uh forgotten 542 00:22:13,520 --> 00:22:15,919 >> everything's well with you I hope it is 543 00:22:15,919 --> 00:22:18,960 >> good to hear. Well, we thank you all 544 00:22:18,960 --> 00:22:21,360 again. We did not have any folks from 545 00:22:21,360 --> 00:22:23,440 the public today, but uh there being no 546 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:24,960 other business to be brought before the 547 00:22:24,960 --> 00:22:26,960 court, may I have an adjournment motion? 548 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:28,720 I'll make that motion and I'll second. 549 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:30,080 >> Thank you both. All those in favor, 550 00:22:30,080 --> 00:22:31,760 please say I. I oppose. Same sign. 551 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:33,440 Motion carried. We are ajourned. Thank 552 00:22:33,440 --> 00:22:34,080 you all. 553 00:22:34,080 --> 00:22:35,679 >> Joe, you think you can keep it this way 554 00:22:35,679 --> 00:22:39,190 all [clears throat] year? [laughter] 555 00:22:39,200 --> 00:22:40,799 » We had to stretch it out. We don't want 556 00:22:40,799 --> 00:22:42,880 you around 15 [clears throat] minutes. 557 00:22:42,880 --> 00:22:46,345 >> I can get rid of some resolutions. 558 00:22:46,345 --> 00:22:47,679 >> [laughter] 559 00:22:47,679 --> 00:22:51,440 >> Now listen and and you know we saw