Article featured in the New Castle Courier Times, January 23, 2003.

Rails-to-trails project gets support of commissioners

By Franki Zile
STAFF REPORTER
fzile@thecouriertimes.com


Henry County Commissioners gave the nod to a variety of cost-cutting actions in some future projects.

   Commissioners approved a letter of support for a consulting firm to seek governmental funding for a possible rails-to-trails project for Henry County.

   The board gave Butler, Fairman and Seufert the go-ahead to begin the application process to receive federal assistance with a project that could turn the former Penn Central railroad bed into a public trail for walking and bicycling. According to representatives from the firm, the county could be eligible for assistance that would pay for 80 percent of the engineering, right-of-way acquisition and construction costs for the project. Commissioners also are hoping for assistance from the Healthy Communities organization.

   The trail would be completed in three phases from the YMCA northeast through the edge of Mooreland to the county line, officials said. The project is still in the works and is not definite yet.

   The commissioners also passed a resolution to apply for reimbursement for the cost of new voting machines. The new voting equipment is mandated by the federal government.

   In similar action, commissioners approved renewal of a grant that helps pay the salaries of some officers with the Henry County Drug Task Force. The grant is for approximately $75,000.

   In other action, commissioners approved a contract pertaining to privacy rights with Anthem insurance. A new federal law requires a contract be filed among "business associates" in an effort to protect the privacy rights of individuals covered under the county's insurance program, county attorney Nancy Brown told the board.

   Brown also suggested the board meet to discuss some changes and requirements of the new law. Commissioners are also to appoint an official to make sure the new requirements are being met.

   The commissioners also approved the sale of properties at 1419 and 1423 Broad Street to the city of New Castle. The county and city have been in negotiations recently in an effort to turn over the properties to the city for demolition and revitalization.

   Commissioners also granted Larry Hightchew, veterans services representative, the OK to purchase 46 gross of flags for veterans graves. Hightchew said the full amount needed would be purchased at a reduced rate from the original quote. It was discovered last week that the budget did not cover the purchase the full 46 gross.

   The board also continued its discussion about the legality of an executive meeting with the Henry County Memorial Hospital's board of trustees. Since the commissioners are unaware of the subject of the meeting, they are not certain if it meets the criteria they must follow for executive sessions. County officials will continue to investigate the legality of the meeting as well as the subject.