(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

One facility is in the middle of renovation, another is in need of such renovation, and both of them headlined the discussion at the August 17 work session for the Beaver County Commissioners at the Beaver County Courthouse.

The Vicary Mansion in Freedom has yet to start its renovations, as Brenda Applegate–executive director for the Beaver County Historical Landmarks & Research Foundation–is seeking a financial starting point for such plans and projects. Public Works Director Dan Colville had met with Applegate recently in regards to the situation.

“I’m certainly not comfortable making recommendations for what needs to be done on that building,” Colville told the Commissioners. “I think the RFP we need to put out is for an architect to look at that building and to give us recommendations on how it should be restored historically.”  The Vicary Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places, further amplifying the urgency–but also the careful nature–of restoring the building.

While the Vicary Mansion is awaiting its beginnings for renovation, the outdoor courts and ice arena at Brady’s Run Park are drawing closer to its completion. “We started laying water on Monday for the ice arena’s floor,” said Parks & Recreation director Tony Caltury. “By week’s end we should be ready to go. We’re opening up for business weekdays; we have some contracted ice starting Monday, so we’ll be up and running for the season. The first Monday after Labor Day being the full opening with evening and weekend hours.”

Caltury also mentioned that the new Zambonis for the ice arena are set to arrive in mid-September, and that the outdoor courts have finished establishing the fenceposts and set the majority of the concrete at the site.

Beaver County EMS director Eric Brewer announced that the county received a grant for “about $400,000” to upgrade its 911 emergency centers. Commissioner Jack Manning spoke about a proclamation for the County to be in support of “Operation Green Light” for veterans seeking to transition into the workplace. The work session concluded with Monaca resident Susan Footeridge speaking on behalf of Fair Districts PA and Upper Beaver Valley Veterans’ Service Center president John Ramer requesting the Commissioners’ inquiry into their 2022-23 budget.

The next Commissioners’ work session is scheduled for August 24 at 10:00 AM.