Dec 2, 2014 3 min read

• Date: Nov. 20

• Action: At the request of the Redevelopment Authority, regarding projects at the county airport, the commissioners approved the following modifications and amounts: J.J. Cunningham LLC for runway microsurfacing, $284,550 and an increase of $9,000; Lone Pine Construction Inc., an increase of $2,982; Abel Fence LLC, $148,095; Lone Pine Construction, installation of a grate known as a deer guard on airport road, $175,354.

At the request of the Planning Commission, the board OK’d the expansion of the National Fuel right of way to 50 feet from the previous 25 feet under the Panhandle Trail near Bulger for the installation of a new natural gas transmission line. A fence also will be constructed after the line is in place to block access to the trail by all-terrain vehicles. The county will receive a payment of $5,480.

At the request of the Human Resources Department, the board approved contracts with Highmark for three health insurance plans, all of which are effective Jan. 1. The county will be renewing the Freedom PPO Blue contract for retirees over age 65 at a rate reduction of $65. The cost of Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical coverage for employees will increase by 7 percent. Highmark vision coverage renewal will cost 4 percent more over the life of a two-year contract. Approximately 115 employees who have health insurance elsewhere will receive a monthly allowance of $200, which reflects a $30 increase.

At the request of District Attorney Gene Vittone, the commissioners approved a $4,951 federal Department of Justice grant to be used to promote National Crime Victims Week. No county funds are required.

At the request of the Children and Youth Services agency, the commissioners OK’d $16,000 for the Battling Addiction-Achieving Permanency meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn, which includes staffing, room rental, equipment, meals and other costs.

The board extended a contract with the Washington City Mission to provide housing and supportive services to homeless individuals and families through Sept. 30, 2016.

At the request of the elections office, the commissioners approved an $18,050 agreement with Election Systems and Software for maintenance and licensing of their electronic pollbooks through Nov. 30, 2015.

• Appointments: Veterans Advisory Council, David White, Roy Wise and Harry Thompson; Children and Youth Services, Jessica Wickard.

• Next meeting: 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in the public meeting room of the Courthouse Square office building.