Bedford County commissioners approve CDBG contracts and personnel actions; commissioner opposes new Fair Housing resolution

The Bedford County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a series of administrative actions, grant-related agreements and personnel moves, while adopting a Fair Housing resolution over the objection of one commissioner.

Commissioner Stiles convened the meeting at 10 a.m. and the board unanimously approved the March 11 minutes and the month’s listed expenditures and payrolls, which included payroll totals of $424,746.10 (March 21) and $455,938.22 (April 4). The commissioners also approved changes to the county’s Change of Assessment Notice Control Report for March and a Purchase of Service Agreement between Bedford County Children & Youth Services and Bedford County Juvenile Probation covering July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 on the recommendation of Christopher Gresko, Administrator, Bedford County Children & Youth Services.

On community development work funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Jeffrey Fellers, Bedford County’s CDBG administrator, recommended several items that the board approved. The board authorized a Force Account Agreement with the Borough of Everett Area Municipal Authority for the BEAMA Water Meters Replacement Project (CDBG FFY 2023) and issued a Notice of Award to L/B Water Service, Inc., of Ebensburg, PA, for procurement of the meters in the amount of $160,581.65. The board also approved the Bedford County Planning Commission’s Language Access Plan and the CDBG Complaint/Grievance Policy and Citizen Complaint Form.

The board adopted Fair Housing Resolution No. 04.08.25, which restates county policy that discrimination in housing is prohibited consistent with Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Jeffrey Fellers read the resolution text, which states that "discrimination in the sale, rental, leasing, financing of housing or land... is prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Federal Fair Housing Act) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act." Commissioners Stiles and Baughman voted in favor; Commissioner Winck voted no. Commissioner Winck said a resolution passed the month before was "comprehensive enough" and that he did "not see the need for another one this month," noting differences in terminology and recent federal developments as factors in his opposition.

The board approved several proclamations and recognitions. It proclaimed April 2025 as Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month, endorsing the state’s underground utility protection law (PA Act 287 of 1974) and encouraging use of 811 before excavation. Alex Delia, director of Emergency Services, read a proclamation recognizing April 13–19 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and introduced staff accompanying him. The board also approved proclamations for Young at Heart Weeks (April 28–May 16), Alcohol Awareness Month (April), National Library Week (April 6–12) — with library director Matt Godissart describing upcoming programs and free library cards for residents — and Child Abuse Prevention Month; Christopher Gresko noted Bedford County Children & Youth Services confirmed 14 substantiated child abuse cases in 2024.

The board accepted a slate of personnel actions submitted by department heads, including new hires, transfers and separations as listed in the meeting packet. That motion carried with Commissioners Stiles and Baughman voting yes and Commissioner Winck abstaining.

The meeting concluded at 10:38 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2025 in Room 303 unless called sooner.

Sources: Bedford County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes, April 8, 2025.