News

SEDA-COG Secures $1.5 Million EPA Coalition Grant for Brownfield Assessments

SEDA-Council of Governments is proud to announce the successful award of a $1.5 million EPA Coalition Grant. This grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s investing in America agenda, which is providing over $300 million in grants to help states, Tribal Nations, local governments, and non-profit organizations assess and clean up polluted brownfield sites across the country.

The $1.5 million grant secured by SEDA-COG is designated for environmental assessments throughout an 11-county region in central Pennsylvania. The grant aims to provide thorough environmental assessments and reuse plans for brownfield properties, which are defined as properties that may have complications due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

The funds will become available on October 1, 2024. At that time, a Qualified Environmental Professional will be selected, with projects expected to begin in early 2025. Priority projects, identified in the grant application, are located in the coalition lead counties of Clinton, Mifflin, and Northumberland.

“This grant is a major step forward in revitalizing our region,” said Betsy Kramer, Community Revitalization Program Manager of SEDA-COG. “By addressing and mitigating environmental concerns on brownfield sites, we can pave the way for new developments, improve public health, and enhance the overall quality of life in our communities.”

The successful application and award of this grant highlight the collaborative efforts of the planning directors and commissioners of the lead counties, whose assistance was crucial in securing this funding. This achievement marks the third highly competitive EPA Brownfield Grant secured by the SEDA-COG Community Revitalization team since 2021, bringing the total EPA funds received to $2.8 million.

What This Grant Means for Our Region:

Revitalization and Economic Growth: This funding will enable the transformation of previously unusable land into valuable community assets, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. New developments such as diversifying downtown businesses and creating new affordable housing opportunities are key anticipated outcomes.

Public Health and Quality of Life: By addressing environmental concerns, we can improve public health and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

Infrastructure Connectivity: The project will capitalize on and connect with existing infrastructure such as biking and pedestrian trails, parks, and downtown revitalization initiatives.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the planning directors and commissioners of Mifflin, Clinton, and Northumberland counties for their unwavering support and collaboration in this endeavor,” added Frankie Cabradilla Hockenbrocht, Community Capacity Coordinator of SEDA-COG. “Their efforts have been instrumental in securing this transformative funding for our region. We also thank the talented and intelligent team at SEDA-COG, who are doing inspiring work in our communities every day.”

For more information about this grant and its impact on our region, please contact:

Betsy Kramer
Community Revitalization
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 524-4491
bkramer@seda-cog.org

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

Request for Proposals: Call For Subcontractors

Call for Subcontractors

FOR QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, HVAC, ASBESTOS ABATEMENT, MOLD REMOVAL, RADON MITIGATION, DRYWALLERS AND ROOFERS.

Project: WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For ongoing services in Columbia, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties.

This project is fully supported by grant funds that are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG).

Scope of Work
SEDA-COG is seeking to establish and maintain a list of qualified contractors who can perform and install electrical, heat system repair and replacement measures, radon mitigation, mold removal, asbestos abatement, drywall, and minor roofing repairs in program‐eligible homes located in Columbia, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties. The Agency reserves the right to accept or reject contractors for the contract year based on the number of active contractors already in its contractor pool. Professional Service contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, radon mitigators, asbestos abatement contractors, mold removal contractors, drywallers, and roofing contractors) will submit hourly billing rate information as part of the RFP. The duration of a contract awarded as a result of this Proposal will be for one year from November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025.

Subcontractors that demonstrate qualifications and meet all the requirements will be considered a qualified contractor and may be eligible for a contract to provide services as required by SEDA-COG. Subcontractors SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE for third party post-installation inspections of the work completed, if applicable. Being on the contractor list and having an active contract DOES NOT guarantee any work.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION:

  •  Subcontractors wishing to be considered for Weatherization work must submit Subcontractor Information Form and executed Agreement for Subcontractor Services for Activities.
  •  Subcontractors will be required to carry all applicable certifications required to perform their applicable scope of work.
  •  It is required that all prospective Subcontractors visit the following websites and read the Core Competencies for the Weatherization Assistance Program prior to requesting program participation. The document provides guidance for the Subcontractor of the expectations and standards required for participation in the Weatherization program. The website is located at https://nascsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/wap-core-competencies.pdf.
  •  Also, the Standard Weatherization Specifications may be found at https://sws.nrel.gov/. Subcontractors working this program will be held to these standard requirements. All work performed under this contract will be subject to a Quality Control Inspection by a SEDA-COG inspector and held to the standards set forth by the Standard Weatherization Specifications as stated above. Installation or repair services must pass the SEDA-COG Quality Control Inspection and if applicable, receive all third-party inspection approvals prior to the release of any payment for the services rendered by the contractor.
  •  Any Subcontractor who is found listed on the Federal Debarment List will not be allowed to participate.
  •  Subcontractors will be required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with SEDA-COG listed as a certificate holder and additional insured as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence, $1,000,000 personal and advertising injury, $2,000,000 Products-Complete Operations, and $2,000,000 Aggregate Limit. Contractors shall also be listed as a PA Home Improvement Contractor licensee through the Office of the Attorney General.
  •  Once a Subcontractor is accepted, they are subject to all the terms and conditions of the contracts obtained by SEDA-COG. Those terms and conditions become an addendum to SEDA-COG’s contract with the Subcontractor and/or its contractor(s).
  •  The Subcontractor is required to submit detailed analysis, testing, photos, and documentation to SEDA-COG. Per state guidelines, SEDA-COG is required to receive detailed invoicing for any services provided.
  •  Inquiries should be directed to Christine Bohart, WX Assistant at 570-522-7219. Application information can be found on our website @www.SEDA-COG.org, Request for Proposals / Quotes sections. They may also be picked up at our Weatherization office at 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or 598 South Juniata Street, Lewistown PA 17044.

All proposals will need to be submitted in a sealed envelope and delivered either by mail or in person to SEDA-COG WX, 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 by Friday, October 18th, 2024, no later than 2:00pm and shall be marked, “WX Subcontractor Work”.

All submitted applications will become the exclusive property of SEDA-COG.

Job Opportunities: Deputy Director of Operations

Starting Salary Range:$80-$95K
Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance and paid vacation & sick leave.

Do you take a proactive approach to problem-solving? Are you an excellent communicator and have strong analytical skills? Do you enjoy leading people and developing operations plans? Are you ready to make a real difference in the effectiveness and efficiency in the provision of economic development services, and governmental programming? If so, you have found the ideal position as SEDA-COG’s Deputy Director of Operations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted and highly regarded community and economic development agency in the Commonwealth! To do that we have to operate differently than yesterday, we need to measure our impact to the communities we serve differently, and we need to deliver enhanced value to our region with an entrepreneurial spirit. .This position is critical to realizing this vision by ensuring optimal agency performance and strengthening the productivity and efficiency of day-to-day business operations, all in alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and cultural values.

The Deputy Director of Operations reports to and works closely with the Executive Director and is the “second in command” of the organization, stepping in when the Executive Director is unavailable or unable. The position involves overseeing and improving the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of several programs and is expected to help provide organizational leadership while supporting the SEDA-COG mission.

A priority role of this position is to support the Executive Director by mentoring, coaching, and supervising Program Directors, and Division Chiefs, enabling them to achieve their program goals and to maximize their potential impact. The work of this position also includes ensuring the delivery of high quality services and evaluating staff performance, policy adherence, and facilitating conflict resolution. An additional primary function of this position is to identify and explore opportunities for synergy, efficiency, and cross-training across program areas within SEDA-COG.

The Deputy Director of Operations helps promote, support, and execute the strategic visions, goals, and directions of SEDA-COG as well as keeping the Executive Director appraised of all program issues and accomplishments.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Management

  • • Positively influence a culture of collaboration, recognition, and celebration in all activities and responsibilities.
  • • Acts as SEDA-COG representative/spokesperson for meetings, events, and other occasions when Executive Director is unavailable.
  • • Work with Executive Director on organizational strategic planning and ensuring strategic plan goals and objectives are communicated through all levels of the organization and are being met.
  • • Oversee and work with Program Directors and Division Chiefs to ensure optimum service delivery, efficient operations, compliance, and provide general guidance and technical assistance, as needed
  • • Facilitate interaction, coordination, and collaboration between programs, teams, divisions, and administration.

Operational Excellence

  • • Assess, manage, and coordinate processes, procedures, and systems by ensuring that consistent and efficient workflows are in place.
  • • Create a system whereby metrics, guidelines, and standards of efficiency and effectiveness can be tracked and evaluated across all programs and departments. Assist program and department leaders in establishing appropriate metrics, guidelines, and standards for their area.
  • • Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes while identifying areas for improvement; implement new or strengthened workflows that will increase productivity and performance.
  • • Work with the Operations Administrator to ensure all contracts are in compliance with internal policies and regulatory guidelines/requirements.
  • • Coordinate Strategic Initiative activities, identify potential funding sources and develop applications and work plans for proposed initiatives.
  • • Work with Human Resources to identify new agency policies.
  • • Work with Human Resources to assist in creating and maintaining positive work environment and engaged employees.
  • • Administer and complete special projects, as assigned.

Planning & Execution

  • • Communicate high-level organizational strategies and goals to all departments, and work with their respective leaders to establish program/department operational plans in support of organizational strategies and goals.
  • • Develop short/long-term operational plans and assess the health of the organization on an ongoing basis.
  • • Establish a system to enable tracking and evaluating progress to plan.
  • • Oversee and ensure customer satisfaction including instituting policy, process, and metrics to evaluate customer satisfaction.
  • • Coordinate changes and integration efforts along with Information Technologies Group (ITG)and Communications, where appropriate.

Executive Team Duties

  • • Work with the Executive Team to help define new and innovative business strategies that align with SEDA-COG’s mission, vision, and culture.
  • • Assist the organization to implement business strategies in a thoughtful and concise fashion.
  • • Work with the Executive Team to communicate business strategies and vision in a clear manner.
  • • Help to plan, process, focus, and achieve the organization’s growth goals by providing assistance with the development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan.
  • • Work with the Executive Team to evaluate and measure agency-wide and departmental business performance as it relates to the SEDA-COG mission, client need, and bottom-line improvement.
  • • Acts as an advisor on overall agency affairs.

Other Related Duties

  • • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

  • • Practical first-hand experience handling both internal & external engagements.
  • • Exceptional managerial and diplomacy skills.
  • • Strong relationship-building skills.
  • • Ability to facilitate change management to achieve alignment and engagement
  • • Knowledge of continual improvement and process improvement strategies and approaches
  • • Experience in navigating the complexity of federal and state programs and activities.
  • • Effective communication (verbal and written) including public speaking.
  • • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail.
  • • Continual learner demonstrating a vital interest in future trends of importance for the organization.
  • • Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.

Education and Experience

  • • Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • • Minimum of 7 years of experience in organizational management and employee oversight, program development, and strong understanding of community and economic development.
  • • Experience implementing successful process evaluation and improvement plans
  • • Experience in program development, management, and operations.
  • • Experience in financial management including understanding and interpreting financial statements, establishing, and monitoring budgets, capital improvement processes, and basic understanding of operating under grant requirements.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • • Master’s Degree in a related field
  • • Work experience in county or municipal governance
  • • Knowledgeable in Human Resources best practices

Certifications and/or Licenses

  • • Valid PA Driver’s License

Applicants are expected to supply a letter of application that elaborates on how their career has prepared them for this position along with a resume or curriculum vitae via mail or email to:

Rosemary Orner, Executive Assistant
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road,
Lewisburg, PA 17837
rorner@seda-cog.org

This position will remain open until filled, and candidates will be evaluated as their application materials are received.

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA, serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG…Building strong economies & strong communities

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation Secures $1,350,000 Grant for Georgetown Heights Elderly Housing Complex Improvements

Dalmatia, PA– The SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is thrilled to announce the securing of a $1,350,000 Housing Options grant funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, aimed at facilitating crucial improvements to the Georgetown Heights elderly housing complex located at 113 Georgetown Heights, Dalmatia.

Investing in Our Elderly Community
Georgetown Heights, operating under Dalmatia Elderly Housing Associates, L.P., is a pivotal 3-story housing complex, spanning 26,523 square feet and comprising 24 apartments (2 two-bedroom and 22 one-bedroom units). This grant will be instrumental in implementing several enhancements to the facility, ensuring it continues to provide a secure, comfortable, and accessible living environment for its residents while meeting current ADA compliance standards.

SEDA-COG manages Georgetown Heights on behalf of the HDC. Leslie Osgood, chief of the SEDA-COG’s rental housing department stated, “We are thrilled and honored to receive the $1,350,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for Georgetown Heights in Dalmatia. This funding will enable us to make significant improvements to the property, including replacing the roof, installing new HVAC systems, and upgrading apartments and community areas to meet current ADA compliance standards. If any funds remain, our goal is to further enhance sustainability by installing solar panels, making Georgetown Heights a potential net-zero energy building. We are committed to creating a safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly community for our residents.”

A Commitment to Quality Living and Environmental Sustainability
The grant funds will be judiciously utilized to replace the roof, install new HVAC systems, and upgrade apartments and community areas. Furthermore, in a bid to promote environmental sustainability and potentially establish the site as a net-zero energy building, any remaining funds will be allocated towards the installation of solar panels.

About SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation
SEDA-COG’s Housing Development Corporation provides and maintains quality, safe, accessible, and affordable housing options for SEDA-COG’s 11-county region elderly population.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.


About the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $17.6 billion of funding for more than 195,250 single family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 103,328 rental units, distributed approximately $239 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,860 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, Chief of Staff, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org