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HEADLINES: Sewage Enforcement Committee Eleven members were present when Committee president Rick Pisasik opened the August meeting. After last month’s minutes and the latest treasurer’s report were accepted, the first item up for discussion was the hiring of a perc hole preparer. Because he is fairly recent to COG, Pisasik was unsure what the protocol on hiring was. He asked if members had a preference to vet any applicants as a group, or did they give that authority to the group’s executive committee. Former Committee president Don Stone noted that in the past, people were hired as needed by the executive committee, and usually on a trial basis. The reasoning behind the hiring is simple need and cost-effectiveness. Pisasik reported that the person would help out during very busy periods – the summer and well into the fall – and would be paid at a lower rate than the Sewage Enforcement Officers. He noted that on subdivision in particular, where COG doesn’t get paid, it is cost-inefficient when an SEO has to go out. Further, an SEO’s salary is set for up to a certain number of hours of work. There is no shortage of that, meaning that an SEO is paid for the time spent above the total-hour limit. Having the extra person would save money there, as well. Pisasik also thought it important to keep a person in the flow. He noted that COG has the three best SEOs in the county. If more municipalities join, more work would be there for the doing. "If we bring in someone, we can help prepare them for the next level," adding that all current SEOs have suggested that the Committee needs someone to help out for busy times, and for the future. Two members of the group’s executive committee were on hand, and both wanted to get started on hiring someone. Thus, the group voted to hire a perc hole preparer on a part-time, on-call basis, and the executive committee will do the hiring. Pisasik noted that a former SEO is interested in the position, and Committee members are speaking with others. He noted that the hiring will happen soon, but wanted to share input with members as well. Bill Bayne suggested that perhaps Pisasik might send out the names of the front-runner to members as well as the date the person is expected to be brought in. That way, members can comment or not. In other personnel matters, Pisasik announced that the Committee’s current part-time office assistant would be leaving. He’s discussed with other members on the executive committee of replacing this assistant with a full-time person to expand the hours that the office is open, coordinating with secretary Karen Trynoski. Member Rick Ainey suggested that if the group expands to another full-time office person, he also saw it as becoming more user-friendly to those who need access to COG. For instance, Ainey noted, current office hours are 8:30 to 3, "and if you’re working, it’s tough to get in here." Ainey also thought that perhaps having Saturday morning office hours would be helpful, especially during the summer, for those who are around on weekends, or for others whose only real availability was a weekend. Member Mike Greene asked if the Committee could afford the position, and Pisasik said it could. Thus, another motion was made and passed to hire a full-time office assistant, with the goal of flexible hours to make COG-related business more accessible to those who live in member municipalities. The Vadovsky appeal hearing on August 1 didn’t exactly go as planned. It was to be held before Judge Seamons, but COG counsel Jason Legg recommended that the group settle one of the two cases in which fines were assessed against Vadovsky. Total fine and court costs of $550 prior to Legg’s recommendation were reduced to $250, and COG Sewage accepted this agreement, which Vadovsky agreed to provided it included no admission of wrongdoing on his part. Another case – and the one considered more important than the one that was settled – found Vadovsky put in a sewer system without any permission at all. Pisasik noted that Vadovsky is not appealing this case. A father and son duo from Hawkins Homes attended last month’s meeting, asking the group for leniency on a $5,000 lien placed on the son’s property. Pisasik said his feeling was that he really didn’t want to move on that. "I’m not sure we did this for the money, and I’m not sure we should try to reduce the lien down." Pisasik wanted to send them a letter from the group, "with at least some conclusion on our part." Trynoski noted that the homeowner in the Hawkins Homes situation is still struggling with Hawkins to finish up their job. "They planned to move in last fall; they’re still waiting in their trailer," she said. Members agreed with Pisasik’s thinking. Greene noted that the would-be homeowners are still having problems, and he wouldn’t give Hawkins anything. Ainey thought the group should let them know that their solicitor said the group can negotiate the fine, "and we’re not going to do it. We’re here to hold every contractor that works with our residents accountable." And that, basically, is what the Committee will do. Ken Laurie gave the SEO report, noting that the SEO team is doing an experimental system as a repair in Liberty Township. It’s been approved through the Department of Environmental Protection, can be used in cases where there’s not 20 inches to a limiting zone (but there is 17), and only on a repair to an existing system. It’s experimental, Laurie added, because the reporting is done every three months, via a monthly sample taken by the homeowner, reported to COG, and forwarded on to DEP who, said Laurie, "wants the data to see if this is going to work." COG Sewage has the responsibility for enforcement, which is to make sure that the results of the sample are sent in every three months. Council of Governments One of the first pieces of business chairman Elliot Ross conducted with members was the selection of a website designer for a COG website. COG’s website committee received several proposals, and recommended the group hire CQ Services, whose estimated fee for services, $250-$400, was considerably lower than all the others. According to Ross, the committee’s thinking was that the site was expected to be informative, it is very inexpensive, and even if it wasn’t exactly what the group wanted, it could do something different in a year or so without having invested a considerable amount of money. Members voted to go with the website committee’s recommendation. Ross, who is also the Street/Road Signs Committee, reported that he’s received requests for signs from New Milford Borough, as well as Springville Township. Cheryl Wellman was next up, telling members about two proposals requested by COG’s Insurance Committee. The current insurance agent – TriCounty – has, it seems, been unresponsive, and a recent rate increase led to marketing COG’s coverage. As it turns out, one of the proposals received had a higher cost than the cost of the current coverage; the other’s costs were lower. Both, however, offered more comprehensive coverage. And while there will be some cost associated with canceling the current coverage, that’s what the group voted to do because it sees more gains over the long-term than the short-term setback. Thus, Davis, Gregory and Kyle, with higher coverage and lower prices overall, will be COG’s new insurance agent as soon as that can be effected. And while it was on the subject of insurance, the group also passed Ainey’s motion that COG cover the deductible for any claims made against an employee while the employee was doing COG business. Members shared some interesting information, too. Bill Bayne reported on the Clean and Green hearing recently held in Tunkhannock, where some members of the commonwealth’s House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee were present. Bayne noted that he and others spoke in support of Rep. Sandra Majors’ bill that would restore the base acre to agriculture reserves and forest reserves land. Said Bayne, "The Secretary of Agriculture spoke in favor of it; so did the Farm Bureau, the County Assessors Association, and the County Commissioners Association." Mike Greene added that commissioners from several counties were at the hearing. None of them were from Susquehanna County ("It would have been good to have some sort of support from them"), although representatives from several county municipalities – including Don Stone from Ararat – were there. Clean and Green has had the effect of sharply reducing tax revenues, putting a strain on municipalities in our very rural area. Ross informed other members about a new program being administered by the Endless Mountain R, C and D, which makes up and reimburses municipalities up to $197 for each stream-crossing sign it provides the municipality. The program is intended to make people aware of the watershed in which they live. Ross offered to pass along further information and any requirements to any member who requested it. Before adjourning, Greene noted that the county planning commission will be holding an open forum at the courthouse about the county’s comprehensive plan on September 9, the day before commissioners meet. Codes Enforcement Committee The member municipalities in Codes is now up to 14, president Ted Plevinsky reported, adding that representatives from Lenox Township and Lanesboro Borough were in the audience to find out more about Codes. With more members, with regs due out in a few weeks, with the new international codes expected to become effective early next year, talk turned to employees to handle the work. Plevinsky reported that the Committee recently hired Jan Nowiski, on a three-month probationary basis at $10 an hour, to work on Codes enforcement and not inspecting, which will have to be done by certified CEOs. With two officers certified, the Committee is looking to hire a third, and expects to do so shortly. Currently CEO Shane Lewis is grandfathered as certified, and recent employee Eric Teichman is going through the certification process right now. Karen Trynoski, Codes secretary, noted that both employees in the field and in the office would be well served by networking the computers in the office, getting Wellman a computer that works, and providing laptops to CEOs while out in the field. The latter would be used to report on inspections immediately, contain the Codes on a CD-ROM for instant look-up, and in general lead to more efficiency. Trynoski has already spoken with an organization that partners with IBM and Dell, and has been in touch with Joe Krumpski to see about writing up a grant for the equipment. "I have no idea what this costs, we have no quotes yet, but we are looking to do it through a grant," said Trynoski. Plevinsky next reported on recent discussions at two meetings of Codes’ Steering Committee, composed as well of Mike Greene (Thompson Township), Chuck Mead (Bridgewater Township), Eric Teichman, Trynoski, CEO Shane Lewis and soon to be joined by Rick Ainey (New Milford Borough). Plevinsky said that a suggestion was made to have contractor-information meetings; that it will be recommending that CEO Lewis be reimbursed for mileage (currently he is not, although at last month’s meeting the group increased his pay from $10 an hour to $13); and discussed how mileage would be billed to various municipalities or to the group as a whole. No decision on this was made at the meeting. Trynoski noted, however, that once new codes are effective, fees and mileage will be billed directly to the homeowner/ contractor and not to the municipality. She also noted that the committee spoke about putting together an information packet for homeowners who come in to the office. Farming out plan reviews, said Plevinsky, was also discussed. This review, he said, is the first thing that’s done under the new building code. "A builder or architect draws up your plans, brings them in here, and they are reviewed to see if it’s a viable project. We sign off, and then you can set some footers and go ahead." He also pointed out that, under the new code, anything under 500 square feet doesn’t need a building permit. Plevinsky cautioned that he thought municipalities might want to require this via an ordinance to get these structures on the tax rolls. Trynoski added that Codes was trying to develop a sample ordinance to address this, and Bayne will see if PSATS has any sample language. The next meeting of the Council of Governments is scheduled for September 16, at 7 p.m. in the New Milford Borough Building on Main Street. All of the administrators declared readiness for the beginning of school next week at the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on August 18. Elementary Principal Robert Dietz reported 35 new enrollments over the summer, more than customary, and his school will introduce kindergarten to as many as 95 youngsters early next week. High School Principal Michael Thornton told the Board that preparation for Fall sports is already under way; 19 Blue Ridge students will be on the Susquehanna football team's 49-man squad, the first football for Blue Ridge in many years. Business Manager Loren Small reported paving complete, and only finishing touches to be made to connect the new second water well to the school. The only Board meeting for August opened with a briefing by Lynn Parker, Blue Ridge Dean of Students. His job is primarily concerned with discipline and behavior, and he offered Board members some statistics on attendance and disciplinary problems, along with measures he is implementing to continue improving attendance and behavior at the schools. Overall, said he, attendance last year averaged 92.59%, up from 91.57% the year before. Attendance is becoming a larger issue as the Federal and state governments begin to base some of their funding support on maintaining high attendance standards. Mr. Parker tries to maintain constant communication between teachers, students, administrators and parents, so that problems can be identified and dealt with as quickly as possible. Board member Harold Empett expressed some frustration that students held in detention classes are provided with bus transportation. He said he expected parents to take more responsibility when their children misbehave in school. Yet, as his colleague Priscinda Gaughan said, there are some parents who don't care even that much, and the students have to get home somehow. Problems aside, Mr. Parker reported, "we have some of the best behaved students in the state of Pennsylvania." Among routine personnel matters, the Board welcomed William Arthur as health and physical education teacher. Mr. Arthur accepted the welcome in person (with his young son), and said that he is nearing completion of certification requirements for teaching driver education. He will also be the 7th-grade girls' basketball coach. Mr. Empett renewed his effort to have driver education scheduled during the regular school year, rather than paying part-time staff for the summer program. Administrators said that they were continuing to study the issue, but that schedules are already very tight, and that it might not actually be cheaper to offer driver training – particularly behind-the- wheel practice – during the year. The Board also hired Rudolph Sumpter, of Arvada, Colorado, as the full-time business education teacher at a salary of $38,352. Julie Rumage and Holly Haynes were taken on as para-professionals for the new school year. Under new legislation, educational aides with at least a two-year college degree will be given additional responsibilities along with the new title. Ms. Rumage was present to accept a welcome from the Board. Jaclyn Lynch and Deanna Zarzeski will be added to the staff as full-year long-term substitute teachers. The Board accepted bids from Hartt Dairy for supply of dairy products to District schools, Huff Ice Cream for ice cream products, and Butter Krust Baking for bread products. All of the administrators stressed attention to mandated standards in their reports. Government education subsidies are increasingly tied to performance against quantitative standards for attendance and on standardized tests, known in Pennsylvania as the PSSA. The Pennsylvania Department of Education defines goals in terms of "Adequate Yearly Progress," so "AYP" has become the latest buzzword for administrators trying to meet state guidelines based on the Federal "No Child Left Behind" legislation. Meeting these goals is significant for maintaining or improving levels of state funding. For rural school districts like Blue Ridge with relatively small enrollments, slight changes in attendance numbers can have major effects when translated into the percentages that are the basis for the AYP guidelines. For the High School, for example, which graduates about 100 students each year, a single drop-out represents one percent against a goal of a 95 percent graduation rate. Mr. Thornton said that creative measures will have to be developed to continue improving Blue Ridge performance against the standards. He noted that "students and parents [now] have no stake in [the PSSA]," and that some way must be found to make performance on the standardized tests more important to the students and their families. Some schools, for example, use scores in the PSSA as part of the overall school grade. Mr. Dietz reported that the Save for America program, an introduction to banking sponsored by Community Bank, has been canceled. Over 100 students participated. Information about accounts can be had by contacting the bank. He also reported that the End of Day after-school program that was to start at Blue Ridge this year did not get the funding it needed, but the operator will continue to pursue additional sources, hoping to restart the program next year. The program is still operating at Lathrop Street school in Montrose. Mr. Dietz reported that the successor to the Read-to-Succeed summer program was a success, with some 34 students attending the 10-day second session. The first of two sessions this summer was the last to be funded by the state-sponsored program. The second was funded from other sources, as well as a $10 "activity fee" that was used to pay for snacks and materials. The Blue Ridge School Board will resume its twice- monthly meeting schedule in September. The first session will be on September 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. MARRIAGES Greg Kenneth Hitchcock, 25, Jessup Township, and Casey Lyn Michielini, 23, Jessup Township. Brian James McFadden, 35, Lubbock, TX, and Susan Hillary Burns, 31, Lubbock, TX. Jason Daniel Knight, 23, Bridgewater Township, and Brandy S. Newhart, 24, New Milford Township. Stanley L. French, 25, Elkton, MD, and Brandy Catrina Cassidy, 23, Elkton, MD. Christopher Oleniacz, 23, Franklin Township, and Tanya Marie Balzer, 23, Franklin Township. James Michael Kwader, 34, Mayfield, and Michelle Renee Peffer, 26, Mayfield. Frederick Clayton Brosius, Jr. 24, Shamokin, and Robin Heather Ahearn, 23, Kingsley. Jason Dale Daye, 29, Dimock Township, and Jody Eileen Traver, 33, Dimock Township. William R. Christiansen, 46, Wharton, NJ, and Lorraine M. Eckmann, 40, Wharton, NJ. DEEDS Janet M. Brown to Harry D. Stoke and Lorraine E. Stoke in Little Meadows Borough for $168,000. Bernard Zembrzycki, Jr., to Bernard Zembrzycki, Jr. and Linda Zembrzycki in Herrick Township for $1. George Wiggins and Helen Wiggins to Lawrence M. Grasso, Trustee of the Lawrence M. Grasso Revocable Living Trust in New Milford Township for $20,000. Richard J. Thomas and Ann H. Thomas to Robert W. Cain and Vicki A. Cain in New Milford Township for $90,000. Ahmad Haroun Mahdavi and Susan Haroun Mahdavi to Gene A. Bidwell, Jr. and Starrlyn Bidwell in Brooklyn Township for $78,000. David J. Saylor and Darlene L. Saylor, Robert M. Saylor and James D. Saylor to David J. Saylor and Robert M. Saylor in Springville Township for $1 ogvc. Michael J. McGuigan to Pennsylvania Electric Company in Lenox Township for easement. Nicholaus G. Krudthoff Trust to Pennsylvania Electric Company in Lenox Township for easement. James Albert Rockwell and Shannon Rockwell to Sinon Timothy Gulley in Jackson Township for $40,000. Claire J. Chamberlain to Harold Scott Stoudt in Gibson Township for $169,000. Shirley Sheridan and Raymond G. Sheridan, Jr. to Karen Van-de-Griek in Rush Township for $188,500. George W. Berg to Warren Handy in Jackson Township for $32,500. Ronald W. Powers and Rita A. Powers Revocable Trust to Ronald J. Powers and Mark Powers in Middletown Township for $1 ogvc. Ronald W. Powers and Rita A. Powers Revocable Trust to Ronald J. Powers and Mark Powers in Forest Lake Township for $1 ogvc (two parcels). James J. Losier and Jennifer E. Losier to James J. Losier and Jennifer E. Losier in Montrose Borough for $1. Theresa Kohler to John D. Hayes in New Milford Township for $12,000. Frank A. Kwader and Betty A. Kwader to James M. Kwader in Gibson Township for $1. John F. Long and Sharon D. Long and Mary Jane Long to Aaron F. Sinkovich and Brenda J. Sinkovich in Montrose Borough for $115,000. William Briar and Debra Briar to Dermot Anthony O'Hare and Brooke O'Hare in Oakland Township for $250,000. Peter R. Taylor and Anne R. Taylor to John P. McGurrin in Lenox Township for $165,000. Jan Larcheveque, James Cecere, Marilyn Tarbox and Kenneth J. Roe, Esquire to Habitat for Humanity for Susquehanna County, PA, Inc. in Susquehanna Depot Borough by court order. Habitat for Humanity of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Inc. to Pearl A. Benson in Susquehanna Depot Borough for $39,000. Christine Moenke and Carl A. Moenke to Floyd C. Wood and Simonne L. Wood in Bridgewater Township for $1. Gary P. Durst and Nadine Durst to Eric B. Spangenberg and Dawn Borick in Forest City Borough for $74,900. Terry A. Bridge and Virginia C. Bridge to T. J. Cauley in Clifford Township for $20,000. Homeq Servicing Corp fka TMS Mortgage Inc. dba The Money Store c/o Rosicki, Rosicki & Assoc, PC to Dale Howell Enterprises, Inc. in Susquehanna Borough for $17,900. Andrea Novak and John S. Kolosinsky III to Edward Pace in Forest City Borough for $67,200. Timothy Carey and Bina C. Patrick nbm Bina Carey to Bina Carey in Bridgewater Township for $1. The Miers' 1998 Family Trust, Glenn L. Miers and Joyce Miers, Trustees, to Eugene J. Hahn and Lisa A. Hahn in Harford Township for $98,000. Robert J. Derby and Janice C. Derby to Chester E. Kilmer, Jr. in Dimock Township for $63,774. Daniel J. Snyder and Karen E. Snyder to Daniel J. Snyder in Susquehanna Depot Borough for $1. Richard York and Marilyn York to Patricia Scarzafava in Apolocan (sic) Township for $200. Ardith Calander, as Executrix of the Estate of Elton S. Peck to Gerald Peck in Jackson Township for $1. Gerald B. Peck to Gerald B. Peck and Ardith Callender in Jackson Township for $1. Ardith Calander, as Executrix of the Estate of Elton S. Peck to Ardith Callender and Vivian Stevens in Jackson Township for $1. Gail L. Gates and Joseph M. Gates, Sr., to Timothy D. Evans and Rebekah Evans in Forest Lake Township for $65,000. Thomas W. Johns and Heather R. Johns to Jamie Strohl and Erica Henning in Auburn Township for $87,000. Gerry N. Wing and Barbara A. Aldrich Wing to Thomas W. Johns and Heather R. Johns in Auburn Township for $152,000. Patricia Clark Kirkingburg to Francis S. Clark, Executor of the Estate of James G. Clark in Apalachin (sic) Township for $1. Michael Clark to Francis S. Clark, Executor of the Estate of James G. Clark in Apalachin (sic) Township for $1. Joseph Clark to Francis S. Clark, Executor of the Estate of James G. Clark in Apalachin (sic) Township for $1. Gerard Clark to Francis S. Clark, as Executor of Estate of James G. Clark in Apalachin (sic) township for $1. Francis S. Clark, as Executor of the estate of James G. Clark aka James Clark to Peter E. Giannone & Erin C. Giannone in Apolacon Township and Warren Township (Bradford) for $89,900. John P. Drann and Arline Drann to John P. Drann and Arline Drann in New Milford Township for $1. David E. Potter to Michael J. Greene and Jo-Ellen S. Greene in Thompson Township for $1 ogvc. David T. Baker, Jr. and Wendy D. Baker to Richard H. Lane in Susquehanna Borough for $40,000. MARRIAGES Christopher James White, 28, Hallstead Borough, and Macie Nicole Reynolds, 21, Hallstead Borough. Jose Artemio Orona-Diaz, 20, Friendsville Borough, and Joscelyn Danielle Rocha, 16, Friendsville Borough. Jack Fick, 68, Moravia, NY, and Kathleen A. Eaton, 55, Moravia, NY. Scott A. Halesky, 32, Thompson Borough, and Brenda Ann Rockwell, 28, Thompson Borough. DEEDS The Estate of Frank Slabon, by Marvin Lieberman, ESQ, Executor, to Wayne Robinson and Scott Robinson in Montrose Borough for $1. Leon Repella and Jennifer Repella to James M. Foy and Mary H. Foy in Lenox Township for $22,000. David W. Neal to Geneva E. Neal in Susquehanna Depot Borough for $1. Richard J. Wallace and Nancy S. Wallace to Richard J. Wallace and Nancy S. Wallace in Clifford Township for $1. James P. O'Neill and Lynn E. O'Neill to Mark G. Spelman and Carol E. Heckman in Silver Lake Township for $260,000. Steven Wormuth and Bonnie Wormuth to John Swierczek and Geraldine Swierczek in Lenox Township for $17,000. Mel Martinez, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to L & T Homes Again LLC in Rush Township for $36,616. Richard Pitts and Cynthia F. Weinberg to David P. Goble and Betty J. Goble in Brooklyn Township for $18,000. Monica Pooler to Joseph Yannone in Susquehanna Borough for $1,000. Dale A. Rhone and Tara L. Rhone to William Briar and Debra Briar in Oakland borough for $60,000. Eugene P. Brown and Kathy A. Brown to Brian Shiner in Choconut Township for $105,000. Marjorie N. Mitchell to David R. Mitchell and Heidi E. Mitchell in Franklin Township for $1 (two parcels). Robert J. Brown & Deborah R. Stone to John B. Eidenier & Joan M. Zelkowitz in Montrose Borough for $128,000. Scott J. Woodruff and Lucrezia C. Woodruff to John F. Miner II, in Brooklyn Township for $145,000. Stephen M. Wagner and Gena D. Wagner to Stephen M. Wagner and Gena D. Wagner in Herrick Township for $1. Homer J. Hall and Donna J. Hall to Joseph Yakoski and Diane Yakoski in Auburn Township for $204,900. Jacqueline Antunes Hoffman nka Jacqueline White to Roland Sharp and Beth Resseguie in Lathrop Township for $1,000. Mel Martinez, The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to Donald F. Tantanella and Linda Tantanella in Hop Bottom Borough for $47,500. Gerald Verboys to Clyde Seamans in Clifford Township for bluestone mining operation. Mt. Valley Longhunters to Clyde Seamans in New Milford Township for bluestone mining operation. Josephine Wojciechowski and Russell Wojciechowski to Rossell Wojciechowski in Oakland Township for $1. Christopher L. Phillips and Melody C. Phillips to Christopher L. Phillips in New Milford Borough for $1. Beverly Cameron, Administratrix of the Estate of Samuel R. Clapper to Norman N. Norton, Sr. and Tammy Norton in Oakland Township for $102,000. Robert E. Kamansky and Yvonne M. Kamansky to Robert E. Kamansky and Yvonne M. Kamansky in Bridgewater Township for one dollar and love and affection. Amy A. Lusk nbm Amy A. O'Donnell and John O'Donnell to Melody C. Phillips in New Milford Borough for $27,000. Joseph S. Manzek, Jr. and Lynne C. Manzek to Deidre Shepherd in Rush Township for $137,000. Ralph Grecco and Marie Grecco to Joseph Grecco, Mary Hagan, Ralph Grecco, Jr., John Grecco, Annette McDonnell, Kathryn Matichak, James Grecco and Angela Grecco in Clifford Township for $1. Emily C. Hamilton nbm Emily H. Jaeger and William J. Jaeger to Lucrezia C. Woodruff in Montrose Borough for $70,000. Sparrow Associates, LP to Sparrow Associates, LP in Jessup Township for surface mining activities. John C. Devine and Mearalyn M. Devine, Julia Gilroy and Robert Gilroy and Teresa D. Dee and Robert Dee to Gary Johnson and Carolyn B. Johnson in Clifford Township for $99,900. Rose Ann Streznetcky & Jeff Streznetcky to Edward J. Lucas & Jennifer L. Lucas in Montrose Borough for $1. Timothy C. Button and Christina J. Button to Pennsylvania Electric Company in Harford Township for easement. Theora B. Myers to Meshoppen Stone, Inc. in Springville Township for bluestone mining operation. Bernard L. Bell and Gretchen Bell and Chadwick Bell to Bernard L. Bell and Chadwick Bell and Alice M. Davis in Montrose Borough for $1. Theora B. Myers to Meshoppen Stone, Inc. in Springville Township for bluestone mining operation (a separate filing from above). Donna M. Cosmello to John K. Ainey in New Milford Township for bluestone mining operation. Boundary line agreement between Carol M. Jordan and Agnes Kilodinsky in Lenox Township. Cynthia D. Oruska to Paul A. Kelly in Dimock Township for surface mining activities. Faye M. Teresco aka Fortunata M. Teresco aka Fannie M. Teresco to William J. Teresco, Grace Marie Kilmer, Angela Helen Frammosa and Peter Thomas Teresco in New Milford Township for $1 for corrected warranty deed. Richard L. Ainey, Sr. and Margaret Ann Ainey to Richard L. Ainey, Sr. and Margaret Ann Ainey in New Milford Borough for $1. Harold S. Davenport and Janet L. Dunn Davenport to Peter J. Bohn in Springville Township for $237,000. Larry D. Jackson & Lillian E. Cohn to Geoffrey T. McKernan & Nancy Ward McKernan in Harford Township for $310,000. Robert Cutsogeorge and Jennifer Glover to Robert Cutsogeorge and Jennifer Glover in Forest Lake Township for $1. Richard L. Ainey Sr. and Margaret Ann Ainey to Alice L. Canfield and Marbeth Brickner-Stevens in New Milford Borough for $204,000. David A. Carpenetti and Kristine L. Carpenetti to David A. Carpenetti and Helen Carpenetti in Lathrop Township for $1. CRASH A crash occurred on State Route 2067, 50 feet south of Township Route 494, Gibson Township, on August 11 at 2:40 a.m. Amy Scotti, 30, Susquehanna, was traveling north in a 2002 Ford Explorer and failed to negotiate a left curve. She went into a spin and slid off the west berm, colliding with two trees. Scotti was not seat-belted and was ejected from the vehicle and landed approximately 15 feet down the embankment. She was transported to CMC Hospital, Scranton. CRASH Christopher Gunther, 21, Endicott, NY, lost control of a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer, owned by Curtis Gunther, Apalachin, NY, on August 4 at 10:20 a.m. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Gunther was transported to Barnes-Kasson Hospital, Susquehanna. CRASH On July 24 at 2:50 a.m. Janelle Davidson, 22, Uniondale lost control of a 2000 Dodge Durango, owned by Brian Beam, Uniondale. The vehicle left the roadway, State Route 374, Herrick Township, and struck several trees. Davidson was not injured. FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT On August 10 at 12:45 p.m., Remo Radicchi, a 73-year old man from Windsor, NY, driving a 2000 Suzuki motorcycle, was in a fatal traffic accident. He failed to negotiate a curve in State Route 706, Bridgewater Township, which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. The vehicle then struck two trees before falling on its side, throwing the man onto the highway. He was flown via Guthrie One helicopter to CMC, Scranton, where he was pronounced dead at the emergency room. His name was withheld pending notification of next of kin, and later released by the Lackawanna County Coroner's office. HIT & RUN ACCIDENT An unknown operator lost control of his vehicle on State Route 2024 at the intersection with Township Route 542, Brooklyn Township, and drove onto the Neal Chidester property, damaging a flower bed in the process. The driver then drove away towards the town of Kingsley. The vehicle in question is described as a small black vehicle, possibly a Ford Probe. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PA State Police at 57-465-3154. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Floyd Welles, 77, Montrose, received minor injuries when his 1989 Chevy Cavalier, traveled off the roadway, State Route 706, Rush Township, on July 22 at 3:10 p.m. and struck a tree. According to the report, a medical condition may have caused Welles to lose control. Welles was flown to Robert Packard Hospital for his injuries. ONE-VEHICLE CRASH Ruth S. Witherell, Williamston, MA, lost control of her 1995 GMC van which was towing an Airstream trailer, which jacknifed while she was braking on Interstate 81, Lenox Township. The incident occurred on July 14 at 7:10 a.m. TWO-VEHICLE CRASH Thomas Fletcher, Susquehanna, approached the intersection of Interstate 81 and State Route 106, Lenox Township. He brought his 2003 Buick to a stop, then proceeded into the intersection striking an eastbound vehicle driven by Karne Krizauskas, Lenoxville. No injuries were noted in this August 6 incident. TWO-VEHCILE CRASH On State Route 3013, Springville Township, Tammie Golden, Montrose, crossed over the double yellow lines and struck John Mehaffey, Dalton, as the units passed. No injuries were noted. THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING Someone stole a Polaris ATV from a storage shed at Township Route 768, (Booth Rd.), Franklin Township, between 8/5 at 10:30 and 7:45 the next morning. It belonged to Norval Joseph Potts, 34, RR2, Hallstead, and was valued at $5000. It was recovered on August 6. BURGLARY Someone smashed the door window on the front of Lisa Winner's Beauty Salon, Main Street, Susquehanna Depot, sometime between 8:15 p.m. on August 18 and 8:20 the next morning. Once inside they removed $55 from the cash box and $1.00 from a picture frame before departing the scene. Anyone with information please contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3154. BURGLARY Following a report by John Lycke, 32, Lenox Township, of the theft of a handgun, an investigation by PA troopers at Gibson charged a 16-year old juvenile with the crime. The handgun was recovered. The incident occurred August 12-13. TRAFFIC CRASH On August 13 at 5:50 p.m., Richard Durling, 19, Nicholson, failed to yield at a stop sign while turning onto State Route 106 from Gun Hill Rd., Clifford Township. A collision occurred with Christopher Powers, 22, Susquehanna , who was on State Route 106. All were taken to area hospitals. THEFT A Nokia cell phone along with $380 was taken from the vehicle of Walt Nitterauer, 56, S. Gibson. It was parked at Dunnier's Country Store, State Route 106 & 374, Clifford Township. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3154 and refer to Incident # R5-508508. MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION Victor Snedeker, Whitney Point, NY, was traveling on Valley View Rd., Franklin Township, on August 4, and lost control of his 1989 Ford Escort while negotiating a curve. His vehicle left the roadway and went over an embankment, coming to rest on its roof. Snedeker was not injured. TWO-VEHICLE CRASH Murat Sahin, Roanoke, VA, was traveling south on Interstate 81 on August 13 at 7:40 a.m. when he fell asleep and sideswiped a vehicle driven by Howard McCarthy, Camillus, NY. Sahin then struck a guide rail. There were no injuries. HIT & RUN ACCIDENT Julie P. Whipple, 58, Elmira, NY, was stopped at the exit from the parking lot at the Flying J, New Milford Township, and a white truck tractor and trailer, making a turn into the parking lot, struck Whipple's front end. Anyone with information on this August 11 incident is asked to contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3154. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT John Wright, 38, Tunkhannock, received moderate injuries when he went off the roadway on State Route 858, Rush Township, on August 9 at 2:45 a.m. The 1988 Chevy vehicle flipped over and came to rest on its roof. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT David Wynn, Wilkes-Barre, lost control of his 1989 Jeep Wrangler on August 3 on State Route 4015 (Irish Hill Rd), Rush Township. It then rolled over and struck a tree. Wynn was taken to a hospital for his injuries. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On August 3, someone drove past a 1995 Oldsmobile belonging to Denise Vega, Kingsley, while it was parked on State Route 29, Dimock, and threw a beer bottle at her car smashing a side window. THEFT Someone removed a concrete chicken lawn ornament from a front yard belonging to Winfield Appleman, on Township Route 556, New Milford Township, on July 25 between 1:00 and 8:00 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PA State Police at 570-465-3154. Oakland
Approves Joint Grant Oakland Boro council met for their regular monthly meeting on August 14; Chad Crawford and Leon Dubanowitz were absent. Also present were a number of guests. The water company’s accounts have been audited, with a good report. Susquehanna Boro secretary Margaret Biegert was present to discuss a joint grant application between the two boros for codes enforcement. The grant, if awarded, would pay half of the salary for a CEO; the remaining half would be split between the two boros at a ratio of 80/20, with Oakland being responsible for 20%. The funding would allow Oakland to increase the CEO’s hours from approximately 2.4 to eight per week. A committee, comprised of two council members from each boro, would meet monthly to oversee codes activities and to review reports of what has been accomplished. Each boro would determine their own needs as far as codes activities, which would comply with their respective ordinances. Mrs. Biegert predicted that the boros probably wouldn’t know until early 2004 whether or not the grant would be awarded. Susquehanna has proceeded with their 2004 budget preparations without considering receiving the grant; if it is awarded, that borough would be able to increase the CEO’s hours and see more money in their budget. Susquehanna’s council, she said, feels that the codes program is paying off, as a difference can be seen in the boro. Assessed valuations are going up, and seven dilapidated buildings have been taken down, with more in the process of being demolished. Council member Bob VanFleet had a question for Shane Lewis, who serves as CEO for both boros; if the grant is obtained, would Mr. Lewis be able to increase his hours to the boros and continue to work as COG’s CEO? Mr. Lewis assured him that he would be able to do so as he has been working as CEO for all three entities for the past three years. A motion carried to proceed with the application. Mr. Lewis gave an update of several ongoing situations in the boro. One property owner has been removing debris; the progress, he said, is minor, but it is progress. Another case is scheduled for a court hearing in September. Mr. Lewis reported that there had been a problem with a floor collapsing at a structure; he has been keeping an eye on it, and the owner has been complying with repairs. The owner of another property has been notified of a violation by registered letter. It was noted that one problem property will be included in an upcoming tax sale; the boro’s solicitor is in the process of registering codes violations involved with this property with the county, so that any prospective buyer will be aware of them and of the need to address them. A resident in the audience brought up a situation of concern; Mr. Lewis said that complaints are discussed with council before he proceeds to act on them. All complaints are prioritized, with the most serious being addressed first. Council member Doug Arthur had a question for Mr. Lewis regarding Susquehanna’s renters ordinance; was it true that property owners were required to install GFI boxes for washer and dryer hookups? Mr. Lewis explained that it depends on the location of the outlets in relation to the water lines. Several representatives of the county library system were on hand to apprise council of local activities. Susan Stone, director, related that the Susquehanna branch library has offered some wonderful programs for patrons of all ages and interests; she credited Amelia Paterno, Susquehanna’s librarian for implementing many of these programs. Circulation at the Susquehanna branch has nearly doubled since it moved to its new facilities. An immediate concern is that there is a possibility that the state budget for next year will include drastic cuts to library services. The library does conduct a number of fundraising events, but a state budget cut could drastically affect local services. The library board, she said has determined that none of the four branches in the county system (Montrose, Hallstead–Great Bend, Forest City, Susquehanna) would be closed, but it may become necessary to reduce the number of hours and services that are now available. Mr. VanFleet reported that five four-wheeler operators had been arrested. He added that there is a $300 fine involved for operating ATVs on the highway, all vehicles must be registered and insured, and any operator under the age of 12 must wear a helmet.; all violations are subject to fines. Due to damage occurring at the boro building recently, it was decided not to install the basketball net in the parking lot until after school starts. Among other incidents, glass in a relatively new door at the rear of the building has been broken. Mr. VanFleet said there have been complaints about teens loitering as late as three or four in the morning. It was agreed to review the boro’s curfew ordinance and update it. Several water problems were discussed, as well as possible options to address them. Mr. Arthur and Mr. Dubanowitz, with assistance from PENNDOT, had prepared a list and paving specs of the streets most in need of paving, including 260 feet of Walnut, 275 feet of Chestnut, 226 feet of East High, as well as a number of potholes. A motion carried to advertise for bids for repaving. Councilmen Ron Beavan and Jack Agler had inspected a police car being offered for sale by Forest City Boro; it is a 1995 Crown Victoria, asking price $1,000. It was agreed to proceed with purchasing it; it will be available as soon as Forest City receives their replacement car. Mr. Beavan was pleased to report that resident Catherine VanLoan has offered to donate a flag, pole and stand to the boro for the council room, in memory of her late husband, John. Council gladly accepted her offer. There was discussion regarding the supplier of heating oil for the boro building. Yearly usage does not require that it be bid out, but it was agreed that the best price should be obtained. Mayor Towner agreed to contact the current supplier to discuss prices. A situation occurred recently when the low level alarm at the water plant had been activated. A system is in place so that phone calls are automatically made to notify the boro’s water technicians. But, in this instance boro/water employee Jeff Wayman had been out cutting grass and was not at home when the call was made. Roger Holleran had to leave work to check the system. At Mr. Holleran’s suggestion, it was agreed to purchase a pager for Mr. Wayman, to be programmed into the alarm system, so that he would immediately know if the alarm was set off and could respond accordingly. Mrs. Beavan reported that River Bounty has had the generating equipment at the dam inspected and it appears to be in good shape. River Bounty is considering commissioning a feasibility study, to see if the plant can be put back into operation. And, discussions are underway to transfer a tract of property owned by River Bounty, adjacent to the river, to Susquehanna boro, the fire company and the Tri-Boro Sewer Authority. The last item discussed was the upcoming elections in November; Dale Rhone has withdrawn his candidacy. Council would need to submit a candidate to the county Republican party; if no nomination was submitted by a specified date, the party would then choose a candidate. A motion was made and carried to submit Cynthia Beavan (Mr. Beavan abstained). The next meeting will be on Thursday, September 11, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building. Susky
Boro Fills Vacancy Susquehanna Boro council met for their rescheduled monthly meeting on August 18 with Roy Williams presiding due to the absence of president Ron Whitehead and vice president Todd Glover. Correspondence read included a letter from Gerald F. Gow, an East St. resident who had addressed council at a previous meeting to discuss a runoff problem. Mr. Gow’s letter thanked council for listening to his concerns and discussing them with him. Shortly afterward, the letter said, the boro crew provided a truckload of asphalt and fixed the potholes, which have been a large part of the problem, and he feels confident that council will address other aspects of the situation. He thanked council for the courtesy extended to him. Council received a letter of interest from Michael Matis, who inquired about the vacancy on council resulting from Tom Kelly’s resignation; among other statements, the letter said that he would like to take part in the continuing growth of the boro. After a very short discussion, a motion carried to appoint Mr. Matis to council; he was then sworn in by Mayor Hurley. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss a personnel issue; after reconvening, a motion carried to hire Brian Rose as a part-time police officer. Secretary Margaret Biegert reported that the boro has received a quote for liability coverage for the coming year, which was a few hundred dollars less than the anticipated 18% increase. She recommended that council follow through on a topic that had been discussed at previous meetings, and request that each department supply a complete inventory of boro equipment and property, along with serial numbers for the boro records; a list would be helpful in determining the boro’s insurance coverage. Councilman Bill Kuiper suggested that the list also include an estimated value of all equipment. It was agreed to send a memo to all department heads requesting that lists be submitted by September 1. Mrs. Biegert has been working on the 2004 budget, and getting together the projected year end balances and budget figures. The finance committee has been discussing using new, simplified budgeting methods that will also serve as a helpful tool to allow council to oversee 2004 projects and work scheduling. The figures will be ready for discussion at next month’s meeting. In response to a statement made at last month’s meeting that no paving could be done because all the paving money was put into the sidewalks, Mrs. Biegert wished to clarify that the first two phases of the sidewalk program (downtown and Franklin Ave) were totally funded through state and federal grants; the third phase to complete the project required a small match, which was approximately three percent of the overall project. It was determined that the streets department had money to complete paving and drainage projects; only surplus funds were applied to the sidewalk project. "It was wise of council to invest so little in a project with such enormous returns, rather than add to an area of the budget that already had a surplus available to complete projects," she concluded. In her police report, Mayor Hurley noted that the number of incidents for July had increased; she included a breakdown of the number of hours officers had worked, a list of calls responded to, and the number of patrol hours for the month. The department, she said, has been trying to keep kids (and adults) under control on the streets and has been working very hard to keep our community safe. Mr. Kuiper related that he had received a request for more frequent patrols of the Prospect Park Apartments; he added that, although the boro’s Crimewatch is still active, more volunteers are needed. Mrs. Hurley said that she had also received a request for the boro police to patrol the apartments more often, and the request was being addressed. Under old business, Mrs. Biegert had attended Oakland Boro’s last council meeting to discuss the proposed joint grant application for codes enforcement. Motions carried to pass a resolution accepting the joint agreement between the two boros, and to submit the application. Under new business, John Bronchella suggested that, due to the difficulty that has been encountered in getting people to serve on council, it might be time to consider a proposal made by former mayor Roberta Kelly, to reduce the number of council seats to five. The process could take a few years, he said, and recommended that council get more information and think it over. Approval was given for the BPW to use the council meeting room for a meet the candidates night, tentatively scheduled for October 24. Discussing the boro’s parks, Mrs. Biegert reported that the playground equipment had been removed (by the boro) from the Washington St. Park at the direction of the boro’s insurance carrier. There were some questions during the ensuing discussion, such as whether the equipment should be replaced when there is another park nearby, or if the property should be used for another purpose, such as parking. It was agreed to ask a representative from the Parks and Rec. Committee to come to the next council meeting to discuss it further. Mr. Kuiper commented that he has received complaints about the "sloppy maintenance" of the Washington St. Park, as far as mowing the grass. This, too will be discussed with the committee. Mayor Hurley reported that the boro police have been working with the CEO to address codes violations, and have been getting a lot accomplished. "It does take some time (to deal) with legal issues," she said, "but we are on it. It does take time, but we are doing it and it’s working" Mr. Bronchella reported that the streets department’s summer help (TREHAB) had completed their service the previous week. And, Mr. Williams commended Todd Glover for a job well done coordinating a recent appliance pickup. Last year’s pickup had required one 80-yard container; this year, two 50-yard containers were filled by late morning, and an additional one had to be obtained. He added that Barnes-Kasson Hospital had donated use of two trucks as well as manpower for the project. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 9, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building. Storm
Closes Brooklyn Road Linda Spinola, Brooklyn Township Secretary/Treasurer, reported that there is a balance in all funds of $79,067.11 at the monthly township meeting on August 21. Supervisors Dan Anthony and Jackie Thomas were present that evening; supervisor Dan Anthony was unable to attend. Bids for gas, heating oil and low sulfur diesel were awarded to Airline Petroleum of Nicholson. Thomas reported that he has completed the work he was doing for Lathrop Township on their roads laying down 1500 gallons of salt brine. Lathrop contracted for this work with Brooklyn. The bill for Thomas' labor will cover 27 hours at $40.00 an hour. The bill for the truck will be taken care of separately. Regarding roads, the supervisors noted that Zicks Hill was completely washed out when a freak storm that hit the hill section in which the road was located dumped 2.5 inches of rain, closing the road for three weeks. In addition, it took the township two days to clean up the mess on the Creek Road which had closed sluice pipes. The township's one ton dump truck is now repaired after necessary work was completed by Phillips Garage in Hallstead. A letter was received inviting the supervisors to the Susquehanna County EMA Training that will be held on September 9. The Susquehanna County Township Supervisors Association Fall Meeting will be held at Montrose Bible Conference on September 18. The supervisors discussed going. The supervisors tabled discussion about the new BOCA laws and its effect on permits. The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. will hold a meeting for township supervisors on September 4. The Brooklyn officials are invited as some of the pipeline does come into Brooklyn. The company which supplies water to Brooklyn has had a name change to Aqua American PA, Inc. PSAT’s health care package will be compared to the township's present carrier. The supervisors approved getting insurance for volunteers who are involved with township activities from American Sentinel Insurance Co. A good deal of discussion covered the approval of the purchase of a 1990 Case 1102 vibratory roller with an 84 inch drum in the sum of $19,500, from Franklin Township. The Brooklyn Township meeting is held in the old Brooklyn School on the corner of Route #167 and Maple Street on the third Thursday of each month.
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