County restores EConDev office, hires Geary / By Martha Knight

SMETHPORT—Another position abolished by the post-New Directions McKean County Board of Commissioners has been resurrected and filled, practically in one comprehensive action, according to an announcement by the commissioners at their meeting Tuesday morning. Sherri Geary of Bradford is the new official.

The announcement was made by chairman Joe DeMott in the Commissioners’ Comments portion of the meeting after opening ceremonies. He stated the action, then handed a press release to the reporter present. It was couched as a joint announcement by the three commissioners.

The release states, in part, “Geary will lead economic development initiatives, develop and execute a strategic plan aimed at attracting businesses and support the growing McKean County business community.”

It goes on to quote DeMott as saying, “Sherri is an accomplished economic development professional and public servant and is an excellent match for this critical position. I’m confident she will be an invaluable asset and a constructive partner with our legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and our knowledgeable and experienced countywide community and economic development team.”

Geary is described as having over 20 years of economic development experience and to have served as the executive director of the Geneva Business Improvement District (in New York) and CEO of the Worker Ownership Resource Center.

Recently Geary was responsible for implementing the City of Elmira, N.Y. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan program, New York Main Street program and Urban Initiative Program, securing several million dollars of new private investment

DeMott told The Era Tuesday night that Geary has had a position with the McKean County Redevelopment Authority, recently, assisting with such projects as streetscape planning.

Included in the release is a statement by Geary, saying, “I am very excited to be joining McKean County; this is a terrific opportunity. I am eager to get started. I believe through the leadership and vision of the Commissioners…we will work successfully as a team to strengthen our local economy, assist our local businesses through aggressively promoting the region and seek new businesses to locate to the county.”

Geary will assume her duties on November 4.

The county had a Director of Economic Development position for a time, but folded it down about two years ago. Some of its functions have been served on a consulting basis, with Bob Veilleux of the Potter County Education Council providing services from time to time.

The commissioners granted real estate tax exemptions to the YMCA for two parcels of land on Boylston Street, Bradford, one relating to a child care center and the other used as a parking lot.

A similar exemption was granted to the Kane Area Revitalization Corporation for .10 acre on North Fraley street, to be made into a community park. Another was approved for Bradford Regional Medical Center, for .86 acre at 122 West Main Street, to be used as a satellite medical office.

All four exemptions are effective for the 2013 tax year.

A 2013 real estate tax refund was granted to Sherman and Carole Ann Keller of Mt. Jewett of overpaid taxes in the amount of $103.24. Borough taxes of $197.70 and Kane Area School District taxes of $394.12 also would be refunded.

The commissioners voted to authorize a professional services contract with The Mark Carey Group for consulting services in connection with implementing the evidence-based program in the juvenile justice system. There are no costs to the county, because the program is funded by a grant. Some 23 small counties are involved. A recent seminar was part of the implementation.

Two other actions had to do with enhanced 911 services. In one, commissioners voted to enter into an agreement with Link Computer Corp. of Altoona for upgrading the existing domain controllers. In the other, they authorized an agreement with TransCore for the delivery of the new 6 GHz microwave system in the county.

Invoices approved for payment included two for the Area Transportation Authority (ATA): $15,244 representing the budget allotment for October 1 through December 31, and $193,735 for the second quarter of fiscal 2013-14 Medical Assistance Transportation administered for the county, using a Public Welfare grant.

Annin Township will be paid $5,994 from the Liquid Fuel Fund, for the township’s completed project for 2013.

The YWCA will receive $9,048 for October through December costs  of the Homeless Assistance Program they run for the county. That, too, is funded through the Public Welfare grant.

Corydon Township’s application for 2013 county aid was approved in the amount of $1,310, to be used toward the purchase of a new plow truck expected to cost $121,209.57.

The commissioners also appointed 47 voting machine inspectors to serve in the November 5 municipal election. They will receive election officer training.

Commissioners announced that Dinah Gallegos had been appointed Director of Voter Registration and Elections. She had served as Tax Claim Director for the past six months, having succeeded Kathy Roche when the latter assumed full-time duty as Human Resources Director. Gallegos has begun working in the Elections office part time learning the procedures from soon-to-retire director Judy Ordiway.

The commissioners now are seeking a new Tax Claims Director. Also still to be chosen from eligible applicants is a new Human Services Director.

Commissioner Cliff Lane was absent because he was attending a regional Conservation District meeting.