Cameron County commissioners approve paving contract, grant match and multiple support letters

Cameron County commissioners on May 9 approved a series of contracts, grant matches and letters of support that the board said advance local infrastructure, recreation and social-services efforts.

The board voted to award the CCIDA access road paving contract to Solveson Contracting based on Cliff Clark’s recommendation. Commissioner Zucal made the motion and Commissioner Moate seconded; Commissioner Herzing abstained and the motion carried.

Other actions included approval of a $17,000 local match for the North Central Greenways Grant and an implementing agreement with the North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission (NCPRPDC) to carry out projects in the Greenways Plan. Commissioner Zucal moved the local-match motion; Commissioner Moate seconded both votes, which passed.

The commissioners also approved letters of support for CAPSEA’s STOP Violence Against Women project serving Elk and Cameron counties and for the Barbara Moscato Brown Library’s grant request for computers and equipment. The board authorized a letter of support for a Bucktail Monument Park grant application and approved professional services agreements for the Cameron County Housing Rehabilitation Program.

A $500 annual allocation to the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce for 2024 and service agreements between Avanco and Cameron County Children and Youth for consulting were approved. Most motions were moved and seconded by Commissioners Moate and Zucal and carried by unanimous vote unless noted.

One funding request drew a limiting response: a request to fund or support the Major Thomas E. Clark Scholarship Fund was discussed but the board noted that the county cannot fund private organizations and no formal county-funded grant was approved.

The board adjourned at 5:36 p.m.

Votes at a glance (as recorded):
- Approve previous meeting minutes: mover Commissioner Moate; second Commissioner Zucal; outcome: approved unanimous.
- CCIDA Access Road Paving (award to Solveson Contracting): mover Commissioner Zucal; second Commissioner Moate; outcome: approved; Commissioner Herzing abstained.
- Letter of support, CAPSEA STOP Violence Against Women (Elk and Cameron counties): mover Commissioner Moate; second Commissioner Zucal; outcome: approved.
- Letter of support, Barbara Moscato Brown Library (technology/computers): mover Commissioner Zucal; second Commissioner Moate; outcome: approved.
- Letter of support, Bucktail Monument Park grant: mover Commissioner Zucal; second Commissioner Moate; outcome: approved.
- Cameron County Housing Rehabilitation Program professional services agreements: mover Commissioner Moate; second Commissioner Zucal; outcome: approved.
- Local match $17,000 for North Central Greenways Grant: mover Commissioner Zucal; second Commissioner Moate; outcome: approved.
- Agreement between NCPRPDC and Cameron County to implement Greenways projects: mover Commissioner Moate; second Commissioner Zucal; outcome: approved.
- $500 annual allocation to Cameron County Chamber of Commerce (2024): mover Commissioner Zucal; second Commissioner Moate; outcome: approved.
- Service agreements between Avanco and Cameron County Children and Youth: mover Commissioner Moate; second Commissioner Zucal; outcome: approved.
- Motion to adjourn at 5:36 p.m.: mover Commissioner Moate; second Commissioner Zucal; outcome: approved.

Why it matters: The approved local match and Greenways agreement enable state-funded recreation and trail projects that the county expects to use for non-motorized routes and regional tourism partnerships. The housing rehabilitation agreements and children-and-youth contracts move forward locally administered services. Several letters of support position local groups to compete for outside grant funding.

What’s next: The board did not set further county funding for the Major Thomas E. Clark Scholarship Fund, and no additional county financial commitments were made without solicitor review where legal or insurance questions apply.