Schuylkill commissioners approve natural gas contract

Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday approved a contract with New Jersey Resources to replace a contract with Talen Energy for the use of natural gas energy at the prison at a cost of $4.285 per one million British thermal units from Nov. 1 through Oct. 31, 2018, or until canceled by either party.

In other matters, commissioners awarded a $49,200 contract to ADM Logistics for a demolition project located at 209 E. Biddle St., Gordon.

Commissioners also reappointed Craig S.L. Shields, of Pottsville to a five-year term as a member of the Schuylkill County Airport Authority, effective Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2022. They also reappointed four people to three-year terms on the Schuylkill County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, effective Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2020.

They are Keith Masser, of Sterman Masser Inc., Sacramento; Glenn Hetherington, Ringtown; Kent Heffner, Pottsville; and Stanley Fidler, Pottsville.

Commissioners reappointed Frank Zukas and Ned Connors, both of Pottsville, to five-year terms on the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, effective Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2022.

In other news, the courthouse will be closed next Monday in observance of New Year’s Day.

There will be a commissioners’ reorganizational meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.