|
By MICHAEL D. McELWAIN (mmcelwain@reviewonline.com)
NEW CUMBERLAND - Hancock County Sheriff Mike White praised
the efforts of those who responded to Tuesday's industrial
plant accident in New Cumberland.
"They did an outstanding job down there," White told the
Hancock County Commission Thursday afternoon.
"Unfortunately, there was the tragedy of one fatality, but
the fire departments, rescue personnel and law enforcement
response was outstanding. They really did a stellar job,"
White told commissioners.
The cause of that fire at Jamegy, Inc. is still under
investigation by federal, state and local officials.
Commissioners on Thursday also considered a request from
First Judicial Circuit Judge Martin Gaughan. The judge
requested a more suitable location for the probation
department and home incarceration offices.
Currently, those offices are housed in an older,
residential building off Ridge Avenue, close to the Smith Oil
service station.
In a letter to commissioners, Gaughan said, "Over the past
few years the landlord has allowed the property to
deteriorate. In addition, there is a mice infestation that he
refuses to address."
Gaughan's letter went on to say, "Due to the run down
condition of that office space as well as the lack of
security, the probation and home incarceration offices need to
be moved to a more suitable location."
Commissioners directed county Administrator Chuck Svokas to
find temporary office space, most likely in or near the
courthouse facility, while a permanent office location is
found.
In other business on Thursday, the Hancock County
Commission:
Heard from Doug Comm, chairman of the Chester-Newell
Chamber of Commerce, thanking the commission for their
interest and concern for businesses in the northern part of
the county.
Asked Tom Zielinsky, executive director of technology and
communications, to find a suitable representative to serve as
a point of contact for the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Tabled a request from George B. Hines, chairman of Pride
Park, asking commissioners for possible funding to purchase an
old-fashioned street clock for the park. Commissioner Mike
Swartzmiller said budget digest money may soon be available
for such a purchase, according to information Swartzmiller
received from state Senator Ed Bowman.
Approved Jolene Zuros, Roger Stewart, Brian Sweeney and
Bernard Virden to a two-year term on the Hancock County
Abandoned Building Ordinance Committee.
Agreed to the hiring of Dennis Knaffler as a field deputy
in the assessor's office.
Decided to reconvene the meeting on July 24 to consider
budget revisions and other matters.
The next regular meeting of the Hancock County Commission
is 1 p.m. Aug. 3 n the county courthouse. |
