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LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven City Council gave unanimous approval to participate in a Police Department Co-Responder program.
According to City Manager Greg Wilson, it’s a grant supported program that is free to the city and would provide the Lock Haven City Police Department with a social worker to assist in calls.
"The police department was approached by the Lycoming-Clinton Co-Responder Initiative to see if it would be receptive to receiving a grant that will pay for this person," Wilson said.
According to Wilson, the organization will pay for the staff member through 2026.
"This is to help police officers in their response to calls where mental health intervention (could) produce better results over time and reduce repeat offenses," he said.
Chief Matthew Rickard previously updated Wilson on the process to add a co-responder after meeting with Morgan Granlund, the program manager from Center for Community Resources (CCR).
According to the update, the police department staff were able to find a spot to place the new staff member, noting CCR would purchase a desk, chair, laptop, mobile radio, ballistic vest and other items needed.
"The co-responder, in most cases, will be driving their own vehicle to calls involving people in crisis," Rickard said.
However, Rickard said he'd like to ensure the city's insurance can cover the individual if they needed to use a police cruiser.
Rickard said the hiring process would begin once an agreement was signed with CCR.
"They will be doing the advertising and collection of resumes for the position. They will also be doing the initial interview of the candidates, then I will be involved in the second interview to ensure the person is the 'right fit' for our department," he said.
Rickard noted CCR has given him the ability to reject an application at his discretion.
"I think this is a good opportunity for LHPD to provide a very valuable connection to those in crisis with the resources they need, by a trained mental health professional," he concluded.
Council Member Barb Masorti requested information presented to council after the program had time to be put in place and utilized.
"That way we can see and tell the general public this is something that's happening and is working," she said.
Wilson agreed that information could be compiled in the future.
In other business council:
-- Heard an update from Planner I, Carter Simcox, regarding the upcoming Community Development Block Grant funding for 2024. Simcox took over the program from City Planner Abbey Roberts this year. Simcox told council applications for funding were mailed out to known non-profit agencies on July 23, with the first public hearing set for Monday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers.
-- Approved the solicitation for bids for the 2024 garbage and sludge removal agreements for 2025. Wilson said the request was made earlier after agencies expressed interest in submitting bids.
-- Appointed Council Members Steve Stevenson and Rick Conklin as a voting delegate and alternate for the Pennsylvania Municipal League's annual conference in October.
-- Approved a use request for Triangle Park, the East Main Street parking lot and Sarah's Alley by Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. for Oct. 5 from 4 to 9 p.m. for a Moonlight Market on Main Event. The event will feature vendors throughout the area and food trucks at the park.
-- Approved a use request for Peddie Park by Venture Crew 007 of the Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America from May 15-18. The approval included a resolution that will be considered at council's Aug. 19 meeting to waive prohibitions against camping and building fires within the city for the event.