Concern for senior citizens during the current heat spell was expressed by the Schuylkill County commissioners who asked the Office of Senior Services to offer what relief it can provide in action taken at the work session held Wednesday at the courthouse in Pottsville.

Commissioner chairperson Mantura Gallagher discussed with Georgene Fedoriska, head of the senior agency, ways to help senior citizens beat the heat as temperatures reached the 90's this week.Fedoriska reported the senior centers in Mahanoy City and Pottsville, which are air conditioned, will be open extra hours this week to allow those who don't have air conditioning in their homes to take advantage. She also reported fans are offered those who want to stay in their homes. Also, friends and neighbors are asked to check with senior citizens living alone to look out for their health and safety.Other actionThe commissioners voted to continue the existing agreement with Diakon Company to provide an employee assistance program for all county employees.Under the term of the agreement the county will pay an administrative fee of $10 per covered employee and an additional fee of $60 for each counseling session provided to covered employees/household members under this agreement. The cost to the county for 685 employees will be $6,850 plus the cost of counseling sessions.The commissioners reviewed service contracts for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program, Children and Youth Services Agency, Rest Haven Home, Emergency Management Agency, Schuylkill Transportation System and Real Estate and Engineering Departments, which will be acted on at next Wednesday's public meeting.Warden Eugene Berdanier recommended to the commissioners award a contract to Starr Uniform Center, Scranton, to provide uniforms for the correctional officers at the county prison. He reported Starr was low bidder at $17,850.37.