The Centre County Correctional Facility took its first steps to replace its video security system.
On Sept. 19, county commissioners approved a contract with CDI Architects to provide documents for when the project is eventually bidded out. The cost of the contract is $8,000, with additional site visits by the firm at a cost of $500.
Warden Christopher Schell said CDI did the drawings for the current facility and is familiar with it. He said it would likely save money to use CDI to prepare bidding documents.
The commissioners also approved a request for the Central Susquehanna Regional 911 System to lease a tower in the Woodward area on Winkleblink Mountain. The regional 911 system is a partnership between Union and Snyder counties and the county has previously leased the tower to Union County, according to Dale Neff, director of emergency communications. The agreement is good for five years with $1,200 per year paid to Centre County.
Kathy Arbogast, administrator from the departments of mental health/intellectual disabilities/early intervention and drug and alcohol, presented the outline of a small grant that would provide trauma-related services. She said her department has found a common cause of substance addiction is mental trauma, and a $4,000 grant through the Behavioral Health Alliance would help pay for training and materials.
The commissioners approved the grant application for the consent agenda for Tuesday, Sept. 26.
The commissioners also approved a renewal for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Shared Ride and Persons With Disabilities Grant. The shared ride allocation is $489,400, with the PWD allocation at $73,400.
Commissioner Mark Higgins highlighted the “Big Idea Contest” from Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Entrepreneurs in 12 counties, including Centre, can compete for $50,000 in cash as well as another $16,000 in services. The deadline for entry is Monday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m. Finalists will be selected by Friday, Oct. 6, with the final event to be held in November
