Centre County Government: Authorities, Boards, and Commissions

Authorities, Boards, and Commissions

Authorities, Boards, and Commissions

Office of Aging Advisory Council

The requirement for an Advisory Council is in both the Federal Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended, and in the Pennsylvania Code which created the Department of Aging in 1978. The Board of Commissioners is the appointing authority. Of the required 15 members, at least 50% of members must be older people (60+), one should represent older people (Susan Keller-Hoover, Gerontology Center), one or more must be elected officials (Bob Taylor, Bellefonte Borough Council) and the rest are general public. The Advisory Council is responsible for reviewing documents pertaining to the substance and scope of the area plan and area plan contract and to review summaries detailing progress achieved by the agency. The Advisory Council is responsible to act as an advocate for older people by ensuring that the public is informed of needs of the County's elderly population. The council assists in advocating on various legislative initiatives. The council also assists in monitoring of senior center and transportation programs. They meet the first Wednesday of each month in 146 Willowbank Building at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are not held in January or July.

Agricultural Land Preservation Board

The creation of the Centre County Agricultural Land Preservation Board in August 1989 signified the County's full scale commitment to Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program. The Centre County Commissioners appointed nine members to the Board in accordance with the provisions contained within Agricultural Area Security Law, PA Act 43 as amended. Since that time the Commissioners have continued to support the program through providing staff support and matching funds for the purchase of agricultural land conservation easements. To date, twenty-six farms in six Townships totaling 4,441 acres have been preserved. Five farms are in various stages of the preservation process. In 2003, Centre County was awarded more than $363,000 from the Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Fund.

Goals and Objectives

The Centre County Agricultural Land Preservation Board's primary goals and objectives are to:

Administer a program for purchasing agricultural conservation easements in accordance with Act 43 of 1981 as amended and 7 Pa Code 138.
To preserve the prime agricultural soils of Centre County by purchasing, in the name of the County, or jointly, with a Local Government Unit and/or the Commonwealth, agricultural conservation easements within Agricultural Security Areas.
Promote efforts to support the agricultural community in Centre County.
Encourage the use of additional farmland preservation techniques through public and private organizations in Centre County.

Airport Authority

The Centre County Airport Authority was reestablished in 1978 as a successor to the State College Borough's Airport Authority. Authority members study and make recommendations on commercial air transportation principally at the University Park Airport. Although the Authority monitors related services provided by outside service providers, it is solely responsible for operating the University Park airport terminal.

Bi-County Central PA Community Action

Bi-County Central PA Community Action promotes self-sufficiency among low income and disadvantaged families and individuals of all ages in Centre and Clearfield Counties.

Brockerhoff House Board

The Brockerhoff House Corporation was established in 1983. The seven-member Board owns and operates the Brockerhoff building which consists of 33 HUD assisted rental units for the elderly/disabled and 3 commercial rental spaces. The Board implements regulation and policies established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the daily operation of the rental units as well as manage the preservation of the building and the rental of the commercial spaces.

Central PA Workforce Investment Board

This Board has a number of current partnerships with goals listed below:

Help identify key issues facing industries and what issues must be addressed if the Centre Region decides to preserve family farms and open spaces
Work on youth issues and better coordinate youth resources in the region
Increase the profile of the region's manufacturing sector and identify current and future workforce requirements and initiatives;
Identify and evaluate Business/Education best practices from across the region
Provide information on services that can be provided to employers to address foundation skill shortfalls in their workforce
Help identify employer training needs, to identify resources to assist in paying for these needs and to ensure that employers are aware of those institutions located in this region that can provide this training

Centre County Community Foundation

The primary purpose of the non-for-profit corporation is to receive and accept property, whether real, personal or mixed, by way of gift, bequest or devise, from any person, firm, trust or corporation, to be held, administered and disposed of for charitable purposes as that term is defined and used in Section 501C3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Centre Crest Trust

Commissioners to oversee and make decisions on the investment and spending of monies that are donated to Centre Crest. Sometimes the donations are large and other times small. We have four (4) CDs invested at four banks plus a money market account which receives donations and from which bills are paid. The Trust consists of a Commissioner, 3 members at large from the community which are appointed by the Commissioners for 3 year terms and the Centre Crest Administrator as the treasurer. The chairperson and secretary are elected each year. The Trust is scheduled to meet the second Monday of each month at Centre Crest but at times do not hold meetings as there is no actual business to transact.

Children and Youth Services Advisory Commission

The Committee is required by DPW regulations. The purpose is to promote an understanding to the public on agency services, to consult on the development of the annual plan and budget, to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners as appropriate, to raise funds for children served by Children and Youth Services, and to provide input to elected officials on the needs of CYS clients.

Community Action Board

The mission of the Central PA. Community Action Board is to promote self-sufficiency among low-income and disadvantaged families and individuals of all ages in Centre and Clearfield Counties. The purpose of the Centre County Community Action Board is to review, assess, and provide feedback to agency staff regarding services provided in Centre County by Community Action's outreach centers in Bellefonte, Millheim, and Philipsburg.

Centre County Emergency Communications System Advisory Committee (CCECSAC)

Commonly called the 'Radio Advisory Board', the CCECSAC was instituted in 1994 when the county took over communications by agreement with the various boroughs and townships. The CCECSAC was set up to act as a coordinating advisory board to provide adequate representation from the various emergency services in the county. The primary purpose of the advisory board is to insure that emergency services in the county have a means of input and to coordinate changes to operating policy of the communications system. In actual operation most revisions to procedures are proposed, discussed, and finalized within the various interest groups such as fire, EMS, or police. When acceptable to those organizations the modifications are brought to the advisory board for formal approval and implementation. The advisory board is also responsible for coordinating procedural changes that are multi-disciplinary. The advisory board also has the final word about who is permitted to utilize the system.

Conservation District

The Centre County Conservation District is a unit of County government and a sub-unit of State government responsible for local soil and water conservation program administration, including education, delegated enforcement, and providing technical and financial assistance to landowners. Information and assistance is provided to the general public, school students, contractors, developers, consultants, farmers, loggers, cooperating agencies and civic groups.

Drug and Alcohol Planning Council

The Purpose of the Centre County Drug and Alcohol Planning Council is:

To function as the Single County Authority (SCA) for Centre County, as defined by the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP).
To review and evaluate drug and alcohol abuse needs, services, facilities, and special problems in relation to the local health and welfare needs, services, and program.
To develop, together with the Administrator and the Drug and Alcohol Program Administrator, continuing plans for the program.
To make recommendations to the County Commissioners regarding the program and any other matters relating to drug abuse and alcoholism and funds required to implement the program.

Duties of the Drug and Alcohol Planning Council are:

To review and evaluate drug and alcohol services, projects and special problems in relation to the incidence and prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse.
To prepare the annual Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Plan.
To review and amend, on an annual basis, the Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Plan.
To recommend approval of projects and any other matters related to drug and alcohol services in the county.
To assist the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP) in evaluation of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention projects.
To conduct program surveys and evaluations of SCA funded projects for the purpose of program enhancement and in-house accountability.
To prescribe, amend, and repeal by-laws governing the manner in which business is conducted and the manner in which the powers granted to it are exercised.
To submit the annual plan to the County Commissioners for approval.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

This program is chaired by Centre County United Way, and consists of community resources who respond to persons experiencing basic need crises. It is a conduit for channeling Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds into counties for emergency food and shelter services. The Food and Shelter Program Board allocates the funds to eight (8) local agencies providing basic need services.

Federation of Public Libraries Board

The mission of the Centre County Foundation of Public Libraries is to provide the best library service to every resident of Centre County. The Federation was created in 1990 to improve library services through coordinated efforts among the public libraries in Centre County.

Fire and Emergency Services Training Committee

Since 1996 the volunteer firefighters and other interested parties in Centre County have been working with officials at the local, regional and state level to develop a fire training center for the fire and rescue services of Centre County. The center will be used for the training and testing of volunteer firefighters and other emergency service workers in Centre County. The committee, consisting of eleven (11) voting members from the fire companies throughout the county, was formed by County Resolution 3 of 2003 as an advisory and operational group to the Centre County Board of Commissioners. The committee is charged with the mission to oversee land development, bidding, construction, policies, and operations for a new Fire and Emergency Services Training Site.

Greenway Study Committee

The Nittany and Bald Eagle Greenways are a network of open space managed for conservation and/or recreation purposes. The network follows natural features of land and water. The greenways serve as links for natural areas, parks, cultural resources, historic areas, community destinations, and population centers. Greenways can serve as wildlife corridors and may or may not be open to the public.

The Committee will help protect the water quality, scenic, and natural resources of the Lower Bald Eagle and Nittany Valleys and provide a network of access ways for non-motorized transportation and low impact outdoor recreation for people who live, work, or visit here.

Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council

The council provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

Higher Education Authority

The Authority was activated in 1979, and has been in operation for 25 years. The Authority provides non profit colleges or universities in Pennsylvania with tax-exempt financing for building construction and expansion and equipment purchases.

Hospital Authority

Help provide wellness, provide state of the art care and offer outstanding service so patients achieve and maintain their best possible health.

Housing Authority Board

Established in 1971, the five-member owns and operates Crestside Terrace (40 1-bedroom apartments), Beaver Farm Apartments (20 3- bedroom public housing units), and the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program which includes 624 Housing Choice Vouchers. The Board implements regulation and policies established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the daily operation of each program as well as monitor the progress of each program.

Library Board and Historical Museum

The mission of the Library Board is to provide the best library service to every resident of Centre County. The Federation was created in 1990 to improve library services through coordinated efforts among the public libraries in Centre County.

MH/MR Advisory Board

The Centre County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Advisory Board was instituted by the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Act of 1966 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The area of concern to this Board is the area lying within the confines of Centre County. The purpose of the MH/MR Advisory Board is to review and evaluate mental health and mental retardation needs, services, facilities, and special problems in relation to the local health and welfare needs, services and program; to make recommendations to the MH/MR Administrator and to the County Commissioners regarding the program and any other matters relating to mental health and mental retardation services in the county, including purchases of service contracts and the extent of funds required to implement the program; to develop, together with the MH/MR Administrator, continuing plans for the program; and, to review performance under the mental health and mental retardation program and to participate in evaluations of the service delivery system.

Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership

This partnership is a private, non-profit corporation that was formed in 1987 to serve the economic development needs of Moshannon Valley. The purpose of the Partnership is to further the economic development of the Moshannon Valley in order to relieve existing unemployment and ensure against further unemployment by purchasing, owning, selling, leasing, remodeling, and repairing properties to provide industrial sites, housing units, and facilities which will further the economic development and welfare of the community.

Penn State Cooperative Extension Association Board

The Extension Board is the executive group of the Centre County Cooperative Extension Association. All citizens of the county are eligible to be members of the Association Board. The Extension Board works in an advisory and marketing capacity for Extension programs. The Board works in partnership with local Penn State extension staff to facilitate effective educational programs that meet local needs. The Board is responsible for obtaining adequate local financial support and resources needed to conduct the programs. They have final approval over budget, program, and resource support. The Extension Board works with the Extension Director to develop the local County Operating Budget and has final approval of the budget proposed to the County Commissioners. The Board in partnership with the staff is responsible for the development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation of a total extension program.

Planning Commission

The Centre County Planning Commission, through the comprehensive planning process, makes recommendations and decisions to maintain and enhance the high quality of life for all residents, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, and other laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the County of Centre.

RSVP Advisory Council

The mission of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council is to foster civic responsibility by providing opportunities fro people 55 and older to engage in meaningful service opportunities and to support a sense of community throughout Centre County.

SARA-LEPC

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is a group of people from the community, industry and response organizations who have volunteered their time and expertise to organize response plans for hazardous material emergencies. These plans identify facilities that store hazardous chemicals, map evacuation routes, identify shelters and compile other emergency information that can be activated instantly. This committee is mandated under the provisions of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 and by Pennsylvania Act 165 of 1990, as amended, to ensure that the community right-to-know and emergency planning portions of these laws are carried out in local emergency planning districts. Each county in Pennsylvania is a separate local emergency planning district with its own LEPC.

Most Centre County LEPC members are representatives of the chemical facilities for which it must plan. Other members, per the Act, are the leaders of the Penn State Hazmat Team and Eagle Towing and Recovery, two hazmat response teams certified by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council that have contracted with the County to provide response and mitigation services during hazardous materials incidents. The County Commissioners, the County Emergency Management Coordinator, representatives of municipal governments, police, fire, ambulance and emergency medical services, hospitals, the media and interested community residents complete the membership. Each brings his/her own concerns and expertise to the planning process, helping to ensure each issue is thoroughly addressed.

The LEPC has been assigned the task of compiling hazardous chemical inventories and material safety data sheets (MSDS) from facilities that use, store, manufacture or transport hazardous materials. This information is provided to emergency responders in Off-Site Emergency Response Plans and Emergency Operations documents and data bases and to the public through the Centre County Emergency Management Office, Department of Public Safety, Willowbank Building, 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

The LEPC'S mission is to provide an established, coordinated response to protect the public from the harmful effects of an accidental release of toxic or hazardous substances at the site of any chemical manufacturer, user, store or transporter or on any transportation route that may affect people or property within the County.

SEDA-COG Board of Directors

SEDA-COG (Susquehanna Economic Development Association-Council of Governments) is a regional; multi-county development agency which, under the guidance of a public policy board, provides leadership, expertise and services to communities, businesses, institutions and residents. SEDA-COG seeks to enhance growth opportunity in an environmentally sensitive manner while retaining the region's predominantly rural character. The organization is both a direct service provider and a link to other resources that can be applied to a wide range of community and economic needs. SEDA-COG is also an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels.

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Board

Rail service for Central Pennsylvania's industrial community has been preserved through the SEDA-COG (Susquehanna Economic Development Association-Council of Governments) Joint Rail Authority. Today, the Rail Authority owns the Juniata Valley, Lycoming Valley, Nittany and Bald Eagle, North Shore, Shamokin Valley, and White Deer and Reading railroads over 190 miles. The mission of the Authority is to preserve and foster rail service in Central Pennsylvania and to further economic development through retention, improvement and expansion of the infrastructure and the rail service it supports.

Solid Waste Authority Advisory Commission

The Solid Waste Authority Advisory Commission (CCSWA) was created in 1972, with its initial purpose to construct and operate a municipal waste transfer station so that area haulers would not have to drive to the Carlin Landfill in Snow Shoe Township. The Authority Board of Directors is comprised of 7 individuals representing different geographic areas of the County, which are appointed to 5-year terms by the Board of Commissioners. In 1988, the PA General Assembly passed Act 101, which mandated recycling for certain size municipalities and required county municipal waste management plans. The Act also required that the County appoint a Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which must review and approve the County Solid Waste Plan. The Act also established a grant program to assist municipalities in developing the mandated recycling programs. In order to meet state mandates, the Authority applied for and received approximately $2 million in grants to construct a recycling processing facility, purchase collection equipment and provide recycling educational services. Since the Act placed the mandate upon County government, Centre County Government elected to enter into a delegation agreement with the Centre County Solid Waste Authority, whereby the Authority was responsible for implementing the requirements of Act 101.

Currently, the Authority transfers approximately 100,000 tons of municipal waste annually to a private sector landfill in Somerset County; collects recycling from 18,000 residences and 500 businesses; provides just over 100 recycling drop-off box locations throughout the County; and processes and markets nearly 11,000 tons of recyclable materials each year. The Authority has 53 employees, with an annual budget of $8 million.

Spring Creek Watershed Commission

This Commission provides information and services in specific situations when relevant to the Watershed Plan. The group will be updated on the progress of the project once a month. Their work for the project will be determined on a case-to-case base basis at the discretion of the Watershed planner.

Water Authority

The County Water Authority is an organization that can provide specific operational or administrative services to participating local community water systems.

The County Water Authority is different from the water system assistance program currently offered by the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office. The County Water Authority is an organization that can provide direct operational or management services under contract to systems. It can also provide the legal backing that most loans or grants require. The member systems could share facilities, equipment or personnel that are more commonly associated with larger systems. The concept would obviously not apply to all systems, but it may make sense for many systems.

The County Authority could eventually own and operate water systems. The level of involvement in, or services to be offered, would be a decision by the duly appointed board of the County Water Authority. The Centre County Commissioners created the Authority to provide assistance requested by small water systems serving Centre County residents by such actions as:

Assisting the water companies obtain financing for needed improvements.
By applying for and administering grants and loans on behalf of water systems.
By working with the County Planning and Community Development Office to qualify additional water systems for the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program.
To sell maintenance, operational, and administrative services to other water systems.
To provide services requested by water systems at a rate sufficient to recover the cost of providing the service.
To acquire, hold, maintain, construct, lease and operate water works, water supply works, and water distribution systems for public purposes.
To sell water to other water systems.
For such other purposes as hereafter may be authorized by law.
To work with the County Planning and Community Development Office to develop a strategy outlining how the County Water Authority will grow into providing the vast array of services and responsibilities described above.