HONESDALE, PA — Although it was a brief meeting, the Wayne County Commissioners were still able to fully recognize three individuals for their service to the county. A lot of their time spent serving the community came at a time when it was needed most.

Taylor Britton, who had just returned from maternity leave, was recognized for her five years of service in Wayne County Behavioral Health. Britton facilitates meetings to help children access mental health services.

Britton was praised by her supervisor for her commitment and ability to go above and beyond.

“This is a pretty important job that you have and we recognize that. The population that you serve needs your help and we know that you’re doing your best all the time so we appreciate that,” said commissioner Brian Smith.

Two individuals from Wayne County Transportation, John Avon and Willi Angermeier, were recognized for their five years, and one year of service respectively.

“On the job, they’re dependable, they’re reliable and they’re safe drivers, they’ve driven over thousands of miles,” said Carl Albright, director of the Wayne County Transportation System.

The pandemic made the job of transportation all the more important. People needed to get to doctor’s appointments, stores and more.

“You may have been the only contact that many people had with other human beings,” said commissioner Joseph Adams, attending the meeting virtually.

Joining forces

The commissioners made a series of motions that executed and extended contracts between various human services agencies and other businesses within Wayne County.

The Wayne County Area Agency on Aging will be entering into a contract with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, a non-profit community development organization centered around revitalizing neighborhoods and addressing housing needs. The contract will be for home modifications services for an amount not exceeding $20,000 annually. They will also be entering into a contract with Telespond Senior Services, an adult care organization based out of Lackawanna County, that specializes in adult day care programs.

In addition, Wayne County Children and Youth Services will be entering into a contract with Preventative Aftercare, Inc. for intensive aftercare. The contract between Wayne County 9-1-1 Communications Consulting and Essential Management Solutions will be extended through the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Wayne County Election Board

The commissioners met with Amy Christopher from the Wayne County Board of Elections. On Friday June 30, the county received nomination papers for Roger J. Schaffer Jr. Schaffer is running for supervisor of Salem Township as a Libertarian. There were problems with his paperwork, as he did not specify whether he wanted a four-year or six-year term.

“The people who signed his petition, I’m sure would be willing to support him as township supervisor whether it was a four-year position, or a six-year position,” added Smith.

Another campaigner who had issues with paperwork was John L. Robinson. Robinson is running for auditor in Damascus Township, also as a Libertarian. He also filled his information out on a “Political Body Nomination Paper” and not a “Minor Political Body” one. County Solicitor Wendell Kay concluded that both were virtually the same document, sans a few wording differences.

A motion was made to approve both nominations.

In other business, the commissioners moved to approve an amended adoption subsidy contract for one female child and held an executive session on real estate and personnel matters. No official action was taken.