(EDITOR'S NOTE: Each Monday, the Sun-Gazette summarizes major votes of the past week and, more specifically, how our locally elected and appointed officials voted on each matter. Watch for it each Monday in the Sun-Gazette.)
Locally elected and appointed officials voted on the following matters in the past week:
Federal
The House voted on a measure to make appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2013. Voting yes were U.S. Reps. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Howard, and Thomas Marino, R-Cogan Station.
State
The House voted to expand programs for state grants to fire companies and emergency services programs. The measure increases the total amount available from $25 million to $30 million annually. The money would be transferred from the Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund and the State Gaming Fund. The legislation also extends the program through June 2016. State Reps. Garth Everett, R-Muncy; Rick Mirabito, D-Williamsport; and Matthew E. Baker, R-Wellsboro, voted in favor of the measure.
The House approved a bill to widen the scope of professional evaluations for Pennsylvania teachers and principals. The bill would replace the present evaluations that are based entirely on classroom observations by superiors. Everett, Mirabito and Baker voted yes.
The Senate and House voted in favor of a $27.7 billion state spending plan to cover government services for this fiscal year. Voting yes were state Sen. E. Eugene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, and Everett and Baker. Mirabito voted no.
County
The Lycoming County commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing a $17.4 million bond issue that will be used to pay for upgrades and expansion of the county landfill. Commissioners Jeff C. Wheeland, Tony Mussare and Ernie Larson voted in favor of the ordinance.
The Lycoming County Housing Authority agreed to award a contract to Spencer Mechanical Inc. for the installation of central air conditioning at the Mary Slaughter Apartments. Henry Frey Jr. and Dorothy Engel voted in favor of the contract. Alfreda Baer and Kenneth Young were absent.
Municipal
Loyalsock Township supervisors approved a land development and subdivision plan for construction of 23 duplex homes along Warrensville Road in the township's Greenview section. Supervisors also voted to schedule a conditional-use hearing for the construction of six townhomes planned for construction near Sand Hill Road and Schick Boulevard. The hearing is set for 7 p.m. July 24 at the township building.
Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authorities adopted 2013 fiscal budgets that look like rates will remain stable when released in September. Voting in favor were Thomas A. Frazier, William E. Nichols, Eiderson A. Dean, William Ertel, Dean P. Muller, Thomas Marnon, Johnny R. Meyer, Matthew Rebeck and Gregory Zeitler.
Old Lycoming supervisors opened the bids for two road construction projects. Midland Asphalt will use about 1,200 gallons of material to seal cracks in local roadways, for a price of $15,420. Hammaker East will lay fiber matt and sealcoat to protect about 23,300 square yards of roadway, for a price of about $76,600. Hammaker also will place a single layer of sealcoat on about 33,000 square yards of road, for a price of about $38,900. All contracts were awarded with the stipulation that contractors meet all state and township guidelines. Voting were John W. Eck, Janet C. Hall and Linda Mazzullo.
City Council voted 4-2 with one abstention to table a demolition request by Lycoming College to raze homes it owns on Union Avenue to make room for green space. Council President Bill Hall and N. Clifford "Skip" Smith voted no, while Councilwomen Liz Miele and Bonnie Katz and Councilman Randall J. Allison and Don Noviello said yes. Councilman Jonathan Williamson abstained for professional reasons. He is a professor at Lycoming College.
School district
South Williamsport Area School District passed its final 2012-13 budget. Voting in favor were Jerry Broskey, Sam Burch, John Engel, Don Lowe, Sue Davenport and Chris Branton. Gregg Anthony, Gregg Balawajder and Mary Ann Cowden were absent.
Jersey Shore Area School Board voted 8-0 to approve school a boundary system to determine which elementary school students attend. Voting in favor were Robert Pryor, Shelley Helm, Heather Williamson, Craig Allen, John Shireman, Harry Miller, Denise Smith and Karen Stover. Board member Harry Brungard was absent.
