JIM THORPE — Carbon County commissioners on Thursday tabled a $60,000 proposal to replace the failed heating and air conditioning system at its Communications/911 Building in Nesquehoning.
The commissioners had questions regarding prevailing wage with the proposal and Commissioner Chair Wayne Nothstein said they would likely have to proceed with a replacement system under an emergency declaration.
The 16-year-old HVAC system went down two days earlier, and the commissioners were hoping that the weather would stay cool, as the computer equipment needs to be climate controlled, he said.
Commissioners hope to get replacement parts as soon as possible and make the necessary repairs, but Nothstein noted concerns about the nationwide supply chain issues and shortages.
“We don’t have a backup, unfortunately,” he said.
The 911 dispatchers are dealing with the cooler than normal temperatures at the communications center — some better than others, he said. The concern, though, is if the temperature outside rises to about 60 degrees, which could affect the computers.
“As long as it stays below 60, we might be safe,” Nothstein said, noting that they can’t open the windows, as the building is a secure facility.
The commissioners hope to have the repair or replacement done as soon as possible, and will likely ratify the action at the next meeting on Nov. 18. There is no meeting Nov. 11 due to Veterans Day.
Election Board
The county Election Board met Friday to begin the canvassing process. The county has 20 days to certify the election results. No date has been set for that meeting, Lisa Dart, elections director, said.
The commissioners noted on Thursday that everything seemed to go well on Tuesday with the general election.
Nothstein offered congratulations to the winners and condolences to the losers.
Other
In other business, the commissioners:
- Authorized the advertisement of the 2022 county budget.
- Reappointed Cathryn Porambo of Jim Thorpe to the county housing authority.
- Approved a purchase of service agreement with Edward Business System of Wyomissing for a printer/copier/scanner for the Communications/911 Center at a cost of $8,325.
- Approved a proposal from Johnson Controls Fire Protection of Allentown to provide service to the fire pump system in the pump house at the correctional facility at a cost of $2,603 a year for the Sept. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022.
- Approved a proposal from Johnson Controls Fire Protection of Allentown, for one additional electronic door lock and new motherboard for $3,186. The proposal includes parts, labor and programming.
- Approved an agreement with Kristiana Mistretta of Summit Hill to perform janitorial services at Lansford magistrate’s office at a cost of $250 a month.
- Failed to second a motion by Commissioner Chris Lukasevich contract with Penn Credit Corp. for collections in the Clerk of Courts Office. The commissioners previously tabled the same action until after the General Election due to the
ongoing Clerk of Courts race.
