Commissioners promote director, approve next steps of Somerset Lake Nature Park project

Madolin Edwards, The Daily American
·2 min read

SOMERSET ― At their March 26 meeting, Somerset County Commissioners promoted Anna Beal from county recycling coordinator to director of parks and trails at an annual salary of $45,000, effective April 1.

Commissioners also approved some of the next steps in getting the Somerset Lake Nature Park completed. The funds for this project come from various grants and private donations, Beal said.

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Commissioners approved Phase 2B Engineering and Oversight of Trail Construction for $8,500 with Apex Engineering. The construction for this section of the trail is out on bids. Apex Engineering will oversee the company awarded the contract to make sure specifications are followed, said Beal.

Phase 2C Design/Engineering and Permitting of trail project was approved for $20,900, also with Apex Engineering. Phase 2C is the next section of the trail that goes to the spillway of the dam and this approval gives the go-ahead to start working on the plans for that part of the project.

They approved civil engineering for the construction of a multi-use pavilion and amphitheater for $19,400 with Apex Engineering. They approved steel construction to clear and seed around the proposed future site of the pavilion at Somerset Lake Nature Park for $600. Clearing and seeding needs to be done and then the project planners will be able to pinpoint the exact location of where the pavilion and amphitheater will be built.

More: Somerset Lake Nature Park to receive $184,000 for next phase of project

The commissioners also approved a non-motorized watercraft concession lease agreement with Lisa Maurer for $300 per season, and 15% of the monthly gross sales.

"We think she'll do a nice job. She is at the Quemahoning Dam," said Commissioner Irv Kimmel Jr.

The commissioners said they were sure she will do a good job for the lake and were happy to see she was interested. It was an easy decision, the commissioners said.

Madolin Edwards can be reached at medwards@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Commissioners promote director; approve next steps for lake project