LEWISTOWN - In an effort to encourage the public to ensure that all children are appropriately buckled up each time they ride in a motor vehicle, the Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday adopted a proclamation designating Sept. 16-22 as Child Passenger Safety Week and Sept. 22 as National Seat Check Saturday.
According to the proclamation, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages three and older in the U.S.
"Every year, thousands of children are tragically injured or killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes," Commissioner Mark Sunderland read from the proclamation. "Today, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and our territories have laws requiring the use of child safety seats and seat belts for children traveling in motor vehicles. Sadly, nearly three out of four child safety seats are not used properly, which is a grave risk when traveling. We urge everyone to help reduce injuries and the tragic loss of life by buckling up themselves and every child on every trip, every time."
On hand Thursday to accept the proclamation was Mackenzie Seiler, administrator of Mifflin County Children & Youth.
In other business Thursday, the commissioners approved a recommendation to enter into a contract agreement with consulting firm Delta Development of Mechanicsburg to update the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan as per state mandate.
Phil Lucas, director of emergency services, said three bids were received for the project, to be funded through grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Rejected were the EADS group of Altoona and the URS Corporation of Maryland. Delta's successful bid was $38,993.
In other action Thursday, the commissioners:
Approved a resolution approving a program modification to the 2009 and 2010 Community Development Block Grant programs because the Mann Edge Terrace Senior Housing project will not be ready for occupancy until October of 2013. It was noted the modification is necessary because 2009 CDBG funds were used for the project, meaning the building had to be occupied by the end of this year. He said by transferring $17,736 to the 2010 CDBG funding, the occupancy requirement can be moved up to next year.
Approved an application by Wayne Township for 2012 Liquid Fuels allocation in the amount of $9.955.63.
Approved an application by Union Township for 2012 Liquid Fuels allocation in the amount of $9,173.84.
Approved the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency 2012 Emergency Management Performance grant agreement in the amount of $75,629, which will be used for 50 percent of the Emergency Management Agency's staff salaries and benefits.
Approved purchase of service agreements for use, if needed, by Children & Youth with Youth Services Agency of Pennsylvania, York; and George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania, Grove City.
Approved a purchase of service agreement between Children & Youth and Clear Concepts Counseling of Lewistown for Sept. 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 in the amount of $55,319.50.
Approved the termination of a purchase of service agreement with Nancy Records.
Approved a Criminal Justice Advisory Board coordinator grant application in the amount of $25,546.
Approved a three-year proposal from NRG Building Services of Steelton to renew the HVAC Maintenance and Controls Agreement for $11,657 per year.
Ratified the June 13 name change amendment from the Juniata Valley Tri-County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program to Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services.
Approved the retirement of Michael Hoskavich as a corrections officer effective Sept. 27.
Approved the promotion of Charles Lyter to full-time corrections officer effective Sept. 9.
Accepted the resignation of Raymond C. Vogt as intake supervisor in the Children & Youth department effective Sept. 20.
