By Heather Tressler

Record Staff Writer 

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission met yesterday morning to discuss current events.
Executive Director Eric Bridges began the meeting with his comments. He reported about the recently joined committees for human resources, fiances, executive and strategic planning. The committees will be assigned a particular mission/objective. However, Bridges says that the work is not finalized.
"An important aspect of work that the board needs to do is to put together an organizational wide budget," Bridges said. "We are spending a right amount of time with a definitive amount of energy."
Bridges also reported about the collaboration with PMI. Bridges says that he has been meeting with different members of the two organizations so together they can become a service provider.
"We are working on last minute details that we didn't think of before," Bridges said. "We are impressed with the staff and  their hard work. PMI is up and running, and offering classes. There is currently a CNC Programming class that recently started. Something that most people don't know is that 75 percent of the cost is funded and only 25 percent is responsible by the company."
If anyone is interested in classes, you are encouraged to call North Central and either talk to Eric Bridges or Suzi Snelick.
Amy Kessler gave her transportation report. She stated several organizations like PennDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection are facing similar issues. The issues that many organizations are facing is to get your bang for your buck. Kessler said that they are focusing on targeting their investments in order to get the most from money spent.
Jim Swanson reported that lightening strikes in this area seem to rather popular because lighting recently hit the Cameron County Courthouse and knocked out their local computer network. Swanson advised to the board that from his experience that networks should be documented.
Swanson also reported about the progress the Zito Media project is making.
"Zito Media is progressing fairly well," said Swanson. "They are finalizing their infrastructure plan in Ridgway, and it could turn out to be a very good thing for our region."
Kessler had the floor again with her report on receiving funding for local bridge inventory. She said that an inventory is being done for local bridges under 20 feet in townships and municipalities.
"Some of the bridges may or may not be inspected," Kessler said. "We are working with County planners, prioritizing the process, and running them through a filter to assess which bridges are in more need than the others. This is only an inventory because we are awaiting the state legislature's budget. Right now, we are just finding out how many bridges under 20 feet are in this region."
Kessler also reported on the Driftwood construction.
"Crews are being pulled out of the Driftwood project. DEP is cleaning up, and the construction is on hold until their is a resolution," said Kessler.
Kessler also reported on the streetscape projects, which most are out to bid.
"Wilcox is very close to bid," said Kessler. "They had a few issues with utilities."
 The Commissioners present had sympathy for the residents in their counties regarding public transportation. The board discussed ATA and possible opportunities for public transportation. ATA is even considering van pools according to Kessler.
Jim Chorney reported that NCPRPDC should have its electronic time cards completely running by this Friday. He also spoke about a self-service program for the employees to view their profiles, pay vouchers and W2 forms.
Barb Leitzel from Human Resources added to Chorney's report. Leitzel said that with the third year summer intern they have, they were able to put all of the employee's beneficiaries on the program.
"This has really made the employees aware, and it really has been an eye opener," Leitzel said.
Leitzel noted that their will be seminars in July for the Supervisors and August for the other staff, just for a refresher. The committee on wellness also begins on July 1, and they are trying for 10,000 steps.
Pat Brennan didn't have any loans to report, but she did report that their has been some request for help with loans which in effect created a program that was recently awarded by the National Association of Development Organizations.
Barry Mayes visited the regular board meeting for the approval to purchase an infrared camera. The camera would be readily available to industries, municipalities, townships and boroughs and it assists with basic energy assessments. The camera is able to detect moisture and air leakage. Upon purchase, the camera will be used to assess building and municipalities. The high technology comes equipped with a high price of $21,000. The board approved the purchase of this tool because they believe it will save on energy costs in the future.
Despite the high price, Fluke, the company who makes the camera, offers training to be able to use the camera.
Mayes also encouraged everyone to use energy efficient light bulbs because by using only four of these in one municipality, in return it would save $5,000 per year.