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HEADLINES: All members were present for the September 11 meeting of the Oakland Boro council. The meeting began with presentation of a new flag, complete with pole and stand, for the council room, made by Carol Gordon on behalf of her mother, Catherine Van Loan. The gift was given in remembrance of Mrs. Van Loan’s late husband, John, who had been a member of council for many years. The meeting got underway after the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence in recognition of our nation’s loss on this historic date. As has been the boro’s custom, council has requested yearly updates from the county library (representatives had addressed council at their last meeting) and from the Susquehanna Depot Area Historical Society; the boro makes yearly contributions to both organizations. On the historical society’s behalf, representative Cal Arthur began his address by putting council members "on the spot." He asked, "How many of you have ever been to the museum?" Only a few had. "It’s not ‘our’ museum," he said. "It’s ‘yours.’ You should come and visit. We’re not going to badger you for money if you do," he joked. He said that the museum has many interesting exhibits with local significance, and had brought one item with him, dating from 1895, which is of interest to the local area. To find out just what its significance was, council was invited to attend the society’s open house on October 12, which is free of charge. He gave a rundown of the museum’s expenses and revenue, which is obtained through contributions and fund-raisers. He thanked the boro for its continued support, and ended with an invitation to "Come see us." Moving on to regular business, council president Ron Beavan reported that a water problem on Prospect St. had been addressed as well as a blocked sluice pipe and what he jokingly referred to as a "geyser" that the sewer authority had been requested to check. Part of this particular problem may be storm water from homes being emptied into the storm drains, in which case council has the option not to proceed; or, if the problem is from natural sources, new sluices could be put in. A special meeting had been scheduled for September 13, to open bids for paving work. Secretary Cindy Cordner reported that one bid has been received, but another paving firm had made an inquiry and requested further information. Several attempts had been made by Mrs. Cordner to contact this firm with the information, but were unsuccessful. After discussion, it was agreed that Mrs. Cordner and council member Leon Dubanowitz would try to contact representatives of the firm to provide the information requested. In the meantime, opening of the bids would be postponed for one week. The boro’s emergency management coordinator, George Smith had obtained information about surplus equipment, available through the state. The boro will be receiving a grant of $500, through cooperation with the county Emergency Management, which must be used for emergency management. Mr. Smith will provide council with his recommendations as to how the funds should be used. One suggestion he made was that a generator be purchased, large enough to power the boro building so that in the event of an emergency heat would be provided for those in need. Fuel oil has been ordered for the boro building for the coming year. There was some discussion as to whether or not to put the basketball hoop up in the boro building parking lot now, or wait until spring, as there have been a number of vandalism incidents recently including broken windows at the boro building and damaged equipment at the boro park. Mr. Beavan said that Jeff Wayman, the boro’s maintenance/water worker, has been really busy; he wasn’t sure there would be an opportunity for the hoop to be put up. After some discussion, it was agreed that if time allows, Mr. Wayman should put up the hoop. Mrs. Cordner noted that the boro will be receiving the services of an Experienced Worker (formerly known as the Green Thumb program) for a period of six months. Possibly this is one task that that worker could attend to. Mr. Beavan reported that the water company has required a lot of time consuming work recently, such as checking all of the shut-off valves, raising hydrants, and painting markers where the shut-off valves are located. Under new business, Mr. Beavan suggested that council meetings be held in a room on the second floor of the boro building, as the rooms presently used are rented out and require being set up with tables and chairs, which must then be removed when the meetings are over. He was concerned with the fact that moving the meetings to the second floor might be a problem for some elderly residents, and the heating on the second floor is uncertain, as some pipes have been cut and winter is approaching. It was agreed to check the heating and see if the room in question can be heated before any further action is taken. Motions were carried to approve Mr. Wayman’s attendance at a winter road maintenance seminar, and for Mrs. Cordner to attend two workshops, one for using Quick Books for payroll, another for electronic filing of DCED reports. Mr. Beavan had been asked to look at a retaining wall on River Road, near State St.; it was reported to be in bad shape. Council member Bob VanFleet said that the wall had been erected by WPA workers. (WPA was a public works program put into effect after the Depression.) There was some discussion about whose responsibility the wall is. Some options were discussed; it was agreed to contact PENNDOT for information and to request an inspection by an engineer, and to provide some suggestions as to what should be done if the wall is, in fact, the boro’s responsibility and, if it is, for some idea of whether or not it can be addressed next spring when liquid fuels funds will be available. Mrs. Cordner was given the go-ahead to order winter road materials. In compliance with a requirement by the boro’s insurance carrier, an employee policy manual has been prepared by Mr. Beavan, based on a sample obtained from another municipality. Copies will be made available for council members to review; discussion at next month’s meeting will include any "input" they may have. A resolution to adopt the manual will be required. Mr. VanFleet has already prepared a policy manual for police officers. A draft sidewalk maintenance ordinance was obtained from PSAB; Mr. Dubanowitz agreed to look it over and bring his recommendations to next month’s meeting. Mr. Beavan reported that information was available on the American Red Cross website, for individual homeowners, giving information on how to prepare for rolling blackouts or in the case of storm outages. Mr. Beavan wanted to forewarn all that, in going over the water company’s budget, it may be necessary to raise rates next year. As the system gets older, he said, it needs more work. There has been a major drain on the budget this year, just with routine work that has been needed. Mr. Beavan reported that council member Jack Agler had inquired whether it would be permissible to keep horses on his property in the boro. According to the ordinances, Mr. Beavan said, it is legal to do so provided the horses are contained and are not wandering "at large." He said that there is also a provision that the animals must be taken care of, so that there is no problem with odors; the area must be kept clean and waste must be taken care of. Mr. Dubanowitz suggested that the neighbors of the site in question should be contacted to see if they have any objections. Mr. Agler said it was just something he was looking into, no definite decision had been made. Correspondence reviewed included a notice that the county would be hosting a hazardous waste recycling program, on September 12, for items such as paint. A sample lease agreement was received from a concern interested in erecting a cell tower in the boro; it will be reviewed and discussed further at next month’s meeting. There was some discussion regarding damage to a home caused by flooding from recent storms. Mr. Beavan said that some work had been done on Wilson Ave.; during heavy rain at a subsequent storm there had been improvement. Some of the problem was apparently caused by a blocked sluice pipe at an adjacent property; the owner of this property will be sent a letter to apprise him/her that it is the owner’s responsibility to maintain or replace the pipe. During public comment, a resident reported a problem getting rid of trees, which she had had cut down after a neighbor complained. Mr. Beavan said that as long as it is only tree limbs and not household garbage, the trees could be taken to a specific boro property to be disposed of. An incident was discussed, where two larger dogs had attacked a smaller dog, which had had to be destroyed as a result of its injuries. Mr. VanFleet said that the dog warden had been called and had responded, but he was not sure of the outcome of the incident. Mr. Dubanowitz reported that some children have not been going to their assigned bus stops because of the incident, and that he has been told that some parents have been wearing firearms while walking their children to their bus stops. There was, he said, concern for the children’s safety. "What is a six-year old going to do," he said, if he or she was confronted by these dogs? Council member Cynthia Beavan said that there had been a number of complaints about the dogs running loose. Mr. Dubanowitz requested that Mr. VanFleet contact the dog warden and relay council’s concerns; Mr. VanFleet agreed to do so. Mr. VanFleet reported that officer Phil McDonald has agreed to take boro calls after 11:00 p.m., provided they are relayed to him by the county Comm. Center (911), rather than having the State Police called in; council approved. There was a lengthy discussion regarding a resident who has been excavating; there is concern that water and sewer lines are in close proximity, and that the road itself could be undermined. Mr. Beavan will draft a letter to be sent to the resident, stating that if damage is caused to boro property as a result of the work, the resident will be held liable for repairs. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss a personnel issue. When the meeting reconvened, motions carried to increase Mr. Wayman’s salary by fifty cents per hour and to pay water bills for Mr. Wayman and water technician Roger Holleran. The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m. in the boro building. Faculty
Resignations At Blue Ridge The Blue Ridge School Board met on September 8 for the first time since school opened for the year. All administrators declared a "very good start" to the new school year. There was some chagrin on the Board, however, at the resignations of two teachers so early in the session. Mary Lou Heron accepted a position with the Intermediate Unit, and special education teacher Heather Smith moved to the Montrose district. Ms. Heron's move was long anticipated by her principal, Robert Dietz, who told the Board that Ms. Heron had kept him informed of her plans during the summer. Ms. Smith attempted to tie her resignation to the approval of her new position at a Montrose Board meeting on September 12th; Blue Ridge Superintendent McNamara said that he had inquired at Montrose and expected no problem at that end. There were a number of other routine personnel actions taken at the meeting. A list of instructional substitute appointments included a few to be used under the "guest teacher" program. Pennsylvania in recent years has allowed school districts to hire - in shortage situations – faculty that are not completely certified. The teachers must have four- year degrees and must be pursuing the courses required for full certification. According to Board President Alan Hall, "guest teacher" substitutes would be used if no certified teachers were available for substitute positions. Mr. Hall also requested that a complete list of all coaching and activity positions be made available electronically. The Board approved the sixth-grade Washington trip for next Spring, scheduled for April 21-24, 2004. The trip is sponsored by Creative Adventures For Education (C.A.F.E.), a group of local parents and citizens who organize the trips and the fund-raising to support them. C.A.F.E. is also organizing a trip for the first time this November to Gettysburg for the fifth grade. Last Spring sixth grade students returning from Washington visited the battlefield park in south-central Pennsylvania and pronounced it a winner. But the civil war battle is studied in fifth grade, so C.A.F.E. decided to try to arrange a trip that would be more closely associated with classroom work. The trip is scheduled for one day, November 13, and will leave Blue Ridge at 7:30 a.m. C.A.F.E. is paying for the bus and the tours; students are expected to bring a bag lunch, and money for supper at a fast-food restaurant on the return trip. High School Principal Michael Thornton reported that his students did well in the pilot test in the sciences given by the state Department of Education to evaluate a new section of the PSSA standard testing series. The science tests will not become official until 2007-2008. Blue Ridge students participated in the early "field test" with over 27,000 others in Pennsylvania and performed well against their peers even without changes in curriculum. Elementary Principal Robert Dietz reported that his school's status under the new "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) from last year was recently changed from "Warning List" to "Approved List" as a result of attendance information provided to the Department of Education. AYP is the latest buzzword coming out of the Pennsylvania education establishment in an effort to meet Federal guidelines under the No Child Left Behind education initiative. AYP and the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) are standards-based measurements intended to encourage schools to improve by offering (and withholding) financial incentives. Attendance figures are a major component of the AYP measure. Mr. Dietz told the Board that "family/educational trips" approved by the Board accounted for 8 percent of absences during the last school year. Such trips are considered excused absences, but are counted as absences for AYP purposes. Mr. Dietz also reported kindergarten attendance at 92 so far. With five classes available, two of them have 19 students each, one more than the maximum provided for in guidelines set by the kindergarten task force that recommended full-day kindergarten a few years ago. To deal with the larger class sizes, the kindergarten faculty originally recommended hiring another teacher. Once classes got under way, however, and the teachers had bonded with their charges, they agreed that a better solution would be to hire 2 more aides. With salaries the largest single component of the district budget, the Board looked at the situation closely, and agreed to take on the 2 additional classroom aides. Business Manager Loren Small reported that the new sewer line to the proposed hook-up point should be completed shortly. He also reported that the new, second, well has been tested and will be brought on-line soon. He complimented the contractor and the soccer players for accommodating each other during two days of testing over a recent weekend. Superintendent McNamara told his Board that the District had received two significant grants recently. $12,000 will be made available to support alternative education, both in-school and through the Bethesda program in South Montrose. Another $250,000 will be used to purchase fitness equipment as the District has the time and resources to absorb it. The 0-2 record of the Susquehanna football team so far hasn't diluted the spirit of Blue Ridge participants and supporter of the cooperative program. Some 15 Blue Ridge students are members of the team. At a recent game against Montrose there were more Susquehanna rooters than Montrose could bring out at its own field. The Blue Ridge School Board will meet next for a work session on Monday, September 22, with committee meetings beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. The two attending Harford Township Supervisors covered a wide variety of topics at their meeting on September 9, from bees to backhoes and everything in between. One recurring issue was Stephens Road, which will be outfitted with speed-limit signs (35 miles per hour). No one suggested that the limit could be enforced, certainly without an ordinance to back it up. "We're not going to create a police force to slow people down," said Rick Pisasik. "Some people will see the signs and slow down," said he, remarking that, for now at least, the main purpose in slowing traffic on Stephens Road is to try to minimize the dust problem. Apparently the road has enough calcium on it already. One resident of the area said that the heavy application of calcium chloride for dust control on Stephens Road is already damaging his vehicles. Chemically similar to ordinary road salt, calcium chloride can be corrosive to metals. The Supervisors took up a proposal submitted last month by Garry Foltz of Home Services, Inc., to do some renovations on the township buildings. Mr. Pisasik wasn't inclined to accept – or pay for – the entire package, but he and Terry VanGorden did agree to spend $2,820 to fix the roof. Other parts of the proposal might be spread out over the next few years. Mr. VanGorden reported on his study of swarming bees at the Odd Fellows Hall in the village. According to available local information, it may be best to wait until the end of winter to remove the bees, when they're in a winter stupor. Removing the bees now would leave the walls full of ripe honey that they will instead consume over the winter. So far the Supervisors are not considering extermination, "because that raises some eyebrows" in Mr. VanGorden's words. The saga of what's to become of the Odd Fellows Hall continues. Apparently the insurance company that recommended that the building be razed contacted the township to find out what had been done. In the meantime, of course, the township had asked the insurer for more information about needed repairs. The company has simply stated that it needs to be "brought up to code." That prompted Mr. Pisasik to declare that "It is up to code. There is no code." The owner of some property near the sewer plant is asking the township for help removing an assortment of old tires. According to Township Secretary Sue Furney, he says that debris from the excavation of the sewer plant was dumped on his property and that the township burned some brush there as well, apparently all with his permission at the time. He is said to be claiming that Supervisor Jim Ketterer told him at the time that if he found some tires in the rubbish the township would help to remove them. Mr. Ketterer was not present at the meeting, so the matter was set aside for further study. At the recommendation of township maintenance employee George Anson, the township will try to sell a small stainless-steel cinder spreader. Mr. Anson said that the unit came with a truck the township purchased some eight years ago, but is too small to be of practical use on 47 miles of township roads. He told the Supervisors that the equipment is in excellent working condition even though it hasn't been used for many years. Mr. Anson also presented more information about a replacement for the township's four-year-old backhoe. Last month he suggested the purchase of a bigger machine, but now is recommending a unit that would be essentially the same machine the township has now. The new Caterpillar 420IT would cost the township some $37,000; the existing machine, with about 2,700 hours, still has good trade-in value. Mr. Anson also gave a cursory assessment of the township's near- term equipment needs. But most of all, Mr. Anson said the township needs another worker. "I wish Bob would come back," he said, noting that two people just aren't enough to maintain the township's miles of roads properly. Roadmaster Bob Simon has been off the job for several months with health problems. Secretary Sue Furney recognized the achievement of Ted Batzel for receiving a certificate from the county for his EMT training and many years of work for the Harford Fire Company. Most of the Harford Township Supervisors meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at the Township building on Route 547. MARRIAGES Keith L. Kegelman, 35, Great Bend Township, and Carrie Lee Lesinski, 23, Great Bend Township. Michael Martin Timek, 42, Rush Township, and Darlene Joy Cotton, 44, Rush Township. Michael Lee Shores, 53, Liberty Township, and Julee Elbrecht Brigham, 46, Liberty Township. John B. Golightly, 28, Rush Township, and Laurel Lee DeLong, 26, Rush Township. William Elbert Buechel, 41, Liberty Township and Debra Jean Marvin, 37, Jackson Township. Justin Lee Davis, 22, Bridgewater Township, and Danielle M. Baker, 26, Springville Township. Michael Robert Rutter, 25, Great Bend Township, and Kelly Erin Jesse, 24, Hallstead Borough. David Charles Denkenberger, 24, Bridgewater Township, and Jill Mildred Stone, 22, Dimock Township. Dwan Christopher Alexander, 36, Norwalk, CT, and Mary Denise Duncan, 32, Norwalk, CT. Michael James Koscelnak, 29, Gibson Township, and Amy Ruth Burchell, 24, Jackson Township. Darin Jay Mason, 34, Brooklyn Township, and Vicky L. Wilbur, 38, Brooklyn Township. DEEDS Mark E. Gregory and Petrina R. Gregory to Joseph T. Restaino in Springville Township for $42,500. Lowell M. Crandall and Terry K. Crandall, Warner S. Crandall and Janet O. Crandall to Cynthia L. Millard in Gibson Township for $91,000. Rosamond Morack and Louis Morack to William Langridge and Shirley Langridge in Forest City Borough for $62,500. Stalla Lance to Robert McGonagle in Herrick Township for $85,000. Charles E. Parente and Mary M. Parente to Francis J. Pheasant and Laura A. Pheasant in Herrick Township for $38,200. Seth Turock to James D. Reynolds in Lenox Township for bluestone mining operation. Francis E. Thaller to Stanley A. Post and Marie E. Post in Springville Township for $13,250. Paul E. Kelly and Pamela E. Kelly to A. Hunter Wilcox and Louise K. Wilcox in Montrose Borough for $1 ogvc (transfer tax paid on fair market value of $100,000). Wayne G. Martin and Penny D. Martin to Laurel L. Brabson in New Milford Township for $85,000. Homer Ferrante and Tina Hall to Homer Ferrante in Thompson Township for $1 (transfer tax paid on half fair market value of $21,900). Daniel R. Darrow and Donna Darrow to Howard Wilmarth in New Milford Township for $1 ogvc. Howarth Wilmarth to Burr Darrow and Mary Jane Darrow in New Milford Township for $1 ogvc (transfer tax paid on fair market value of $39,625). James B. O'Hora and Nancy Ann Salmon, Executors of the Estate of Helen M. O'Hora to Harold E. McFall and Carolyn A. McFall in Silver Lake Township for $151,000. Wendy D. White to David Compton and Sandra Compton and Scott Compton in Lenox Township for $161,000. EMC Mortgage Corp. to Richard H. Lane in Oakland Borough for $21,000. Richard Kossack to Jennifer Tighe in Clifford Township for $141,500. Catherine B. Vavrina to Thomas W. Docherty and Diane M. Docherty in Franklin Township for $125,000. PennDOT to William & Margo Burchell in New Milford Township for highway occupancy permit. JJM Partnership to Anthony L. Caruso in Gibson Township for $138,000. JJM Partnership to Anthony L. Caruso in Clifford Township for $487,000. George M. Payne and Dawn Payne to Lisa M. Bennett in Lenox Townshp for $41,000. Doris G. Cahill and Linda A. Cahill to Fox Enterprises, Inc. in Oakland Borough for $35,000. Ronnie Romain and E. Dawn Romain to Jake A. Romain and Tonya L. Romain in Silver Lake Township for $150,000. Robert A. Burke and Maria G. Burke aka Maria G. Cutrona to Mary Laun Brighoff in Bridgewater Township for $165,000. Eugene P. Fisher and Michele A. Fisher to Martin P. Nahlen and Joyce Short in Clifford Township for $135,000. Lance M. Benedict, Sheriff, to Associates, A Division of Citifinancial, in Liberty Township for $5,037.61. Lucille Hans to Arnold Mark Sackadorf in Forest City Borough for $14,000. William Yasonovitch and Eileen Yasonovitch aka William Yasnovitch and Eileen Yasnovitch to Jason Yasnovitch and Aime J. Button in Lenox Township for $25,000. Roger R. Valentine to Judy A. Conklin in Hallstead Borough for $1. Judy A. Conklin and John L. Conklin, III, to Judy A. Conklin and John L. Conklin III and Roger R. Valentine, Jr. and Joan M. Johnson in Hallstead Borough for $1. Joan Root and Roger C. Root to Luke A. Thomas and Bridget L. Thomas in Harford Township for $66,500. Julie Hill to Joseph J. Buczynski and Debra M. Buczynski in New Milford Township for $93,400. Benjamin Jenkins, Jr. and Valeria L. Jenkins to Diane Moreck in Rush Township for $25,000. Lance M. Benedict, Sheriff, to Peoples State Bank in Forest Lake Township for $6,219.83. Margaret Demonovich aka Margaret Deminovich and through her Power of Attorney, Helen Kaschak, to Helen Kaschak in Clifford Townshp for $1. The Doris D. Larnerd Revocable Living Trust by Doris D. Larnerd, Settlor and Trustee, to Kara J. Zimmerman and Michael J. Zimmerman, John J. Syron and Colleen McKinney-Syron, Teresa McKinney-Haynes and Christopher P. Haynes, Kathleen A. Turney and Monty S. Turney and Mary Kay McKinney in Forest Lake Township for $49,000. Allan Kazmierski and Paula Kazmierski to Allan Kazmierski and Paula Kazmierski in Clifford Township for $1. Richard Herbert to Richard Herbert in Lenox Township for bluestone mining operation. William L. Soloduk to Ronald C. Garrison and Amy Garrison in New Milford Township for $55,000. Beatrice V. Pilling to James Aten and Joetta Aten in Auburn Township for $95,000. Ralph W. Koeb and Ethelyn B. Koeb to Carole K. Rose, Christine K. Lathrop and Kathleen K. Pascoe in Dimock Township for $1. Stephen P. Lyons and Marlene F. Lyons to Floyd W. Roper III and Mary Jury P. Roper in Silver Lake Township for $65,000. Nichaolas Dellecave, Jr. and Patricia Dellecave to Paul R. Judd and Tara A. Judd in Lathrop Township for $52,800. Luc Novovitch and Barbara Novovitch to Daniel L. Blass in New Milford Township for $88,250. Ramon A. Serra and Marion T. Serra to J. Parker Properties, LLC in Ararat Township for $8,000. PennDOT to John & Adele Liepinis in Gibson Township for highway occupancy permit. John Liepinis, Jr. aka John J. Liepinis, Jr. and Adele Liepinis to John J. Liepinis, Jr. and Adele Liepinis in Gibson Township for $1. From Bremer Hof Owners, Inc. to the following: Gary T. Wilcox and/or Joan J. Wilcox for $100, David Williams for $750, Michael R. Hebert and/or Linda M. Hebert for $100, Clyde Probst & Jane Probst Revocable Family Trust for $100, Edward A. Jones and/or Kathleen A. Jones for $100, William J. Landmeser and/or Joyce M. Landmesser for $100, Dana Conner for $100, Mary Belle Gilroy for $100, Steve Casey and/or Julyie Casey for $100, all in Herrick Township. Parks Family Limited Partnership to Denton Crick Sportsmen in Great Bend Township for $11,000. Patricia Zujkowski to Harold S. Davenport in Dimock Township for $55,000. Donald Spencer and Lisa Spencer to Donald Spencer and Lisa Spencer (formerly Lisa Luther) in Lenox Township for $1. John D. Singer and Shirley Singer, by her Attorney in Fact, John D. Singer, to David D. Tompkins and Sharlene J. Whitney in Liberty Township for $59,000. Thomas R. Williams and Pauline A. Williams to Christine Mazaika in Clifford Township for $131,160. Alfred Swanson to Alfred Swanson in Thompson Township for bluestone mining operation. Amelia H. Sykes by Kathleen Brown, Attorney in Fact, to Phillip C. Hodges and Donna Hodges in Forest City Borough for $11,000. John E. Watts, and John E. Watts as POA for Joan E. Watts, to John E. Watts in Bridgewater Township for$100. John Klemovitch and Lisa Klemovitch to Joseph Earl Casterline and Kathleen T. Casterline in Ararat Township for $123,000. Margaret Prezelski to David Prezelski and Richard Prezelski in Herrick Township for $1. GMAC Mortgage to The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in Lenox Township for $1. Ronald W. Howell to Ronald W. Howell and Leanne Simmons in Springville Township for$1. Elsie M. Cannon to George Sobeck and Jennifer Sobeck in Dimock Township for $180,250. Raymond Matulatis and Shirley A. Matulatis to Kevin F. Muench and Eileen Muench in Ararat Township for $59,000. John Rafferty and Gail Rafferty to Colleen Rafferty Schake in Montrose Borough for $1 ogvc. Marla Bisnerand and Wayne S. Wayman to David A. Depew and Annette J. Depew in Dimock Township for $68,458.65. The Estate of Theodorsia S. Dobrosielski by Dorothy Hendershot and Sheila M. Dobrosielski, Co-Executrices, to Steven J. Dobrosielski and Marguerite S. Dobrosielski in Auburn Township for $89,000. J. Thomas Quigg and Shirley L. Quigg to J. Thomas Quigg and Shirley L. Quigg in MontroseBorough for $1. Christopher Conrad to Christopher Conrad and Jodi A. Wadge in Union Dale Borough for $1 (transfer tax paid on half fair market value of $31,974). Albert T. Belinsky and Daniel J. Spellman and Jane B. Spellman to Daniel J. Spellman and Jane B. Spellman in Montrose Borough for $1 ogvc. Angelo Scarfalloto and Jacqueline Scarfalloto to Alma W. Wood in Montrose Borough for $47,000. Benjamin Usatch and Robin Usatch to Josef G. Kiehstaller and Kristin F. Kiehstaller in Herrick Township for $75,000. Kenneth Colwell aka Kenneth C. Colwell by his attorney in fact Robert B. Colwell to Raymond T. Cicon and Beverly J. Cicon in Great Bend Township for $80,000. David L. Temple to David L. Temple and Frances J. Temple in Auburn Township for $1. Harold E. McFall and Carolyn A. McFall to Larry T. Forkey and Rebecca M. Forkey in Silver Lake Township for $182,000. Lance M. Benedict, Sheriff, to Secretary of Veterans Affairs in New Milford Township for $1,062.20. Gibson
Barracks Report DUI MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Peter A. Swawola, 49, New Milford, lost control of the 1990 Plymouth Colt he was driving on Main Street, New Milford Borough, on August 22 and hit a utility pole. Swawola was arrested for DUI. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT On August 23, Jody Luce, Hallstead, was traveling west on State Route 1022, Liberty Township, and fell asleep. Luce's 1990 Jeep rolled over, landing on its roof. Luce was not injured. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT On June 28 at 2:00 a.m. Derek Potts, Endicott, NY, lost control of his 1992 Dodge, which resulted in the car striking small trees and a ditch. He was not hurt. The incident occurred on State Route 4014, Apolacon Township. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Mindy Mae Williams, Hallstead, traveled off of State Route 1033, Great Bend Township, on June 7 at 3:00 a.m. and struck a drainage culvert. She had minor injuries. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT E. S. Petrosino, 39, Auburn, NY, was traveling on Interstate Route 81, New Milford Township, on Sept. 5 at 10:32 p.m., and struck a bear. One passenger, Sara Colvin, 38, Auburn, NY, received minor injuries. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between September 4 at 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 the next morning someone damaged the front windshield of a 1986 Fiat Beatone belonging to Wendy D. White, State Route 2067, S. Gibson. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 570-465-3154. BURGLARY/CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Someone broke into a second floor unoccupied apartment between September 2-4, belonging to Robert Aiken, Hallstead, and damaged drywall throughout. The apartment is located on Main St., Hallstead, above Binghamton Optical. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 570-465-3154. TRAFFIC COLLISION Don Hawkins, Montrose, in a Dodge Neon, and Carole Sipos, Windsor, NY, in a 1997 Cadillac, were stopped in the southbound lane of State Route 11, Great Bend Township, in a construction zone that was controlled by a flagman. Harry Shibley, New Milford, in a 1999 Pontiac Montana, failed to observe the stopped traffic and struck the rear of Sipos' vehicle, which was pushed into the rear of Hawkins' vehicle. Shibley and Hawkins received minor injuries and Sipos was injured (not defined in the report) in this September 4 incident. THEFT Between August 25 -29 the front grill from Hillary Hunsinger's (21, Montrose) 1994 Pontiac Sunbird was stolen along with a black nylon CD case with 100+ CDs. This may have occurred while parked in Dimock or while parked at the Humane Society in Montrose. CRASH Brian Dolan, Jr., Scranton, was traveling west on Township Route 349, Lathrop Township, on August 28, when his 1995 GMC Sierra truck veered right off the road and struck a small tree, then continued and struck a second tree. Dolan and an unknown passenger were transported to CMC for injuries. FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE Upon responding to a disturbance at a Main Street, Hallstead Borough, apartment above Binghamton Optical, on August 16, Jermaine Archer, 27, Binghamton, NY, was found to be wanted by New York State Parole for a parole violation. Archer was taken into custody without incident. INTIMIDATION OF WITNESSES OR VICTIMS Jamie Lowe, 23, Montrose, is accused of intimidating David Truesdell, Vestal, NY, prior to a court proceeding at District Justice Peter Janicelli's court in New Milford on August 21 between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT William Brownell, RR4, Starrucca, received minor injuries, when his 1995 Toyota 4 X 4 hit a deer causing Brownell to lose control. The vehicle then traveled into a large water deposit which had gathered on the roadway causing the vehicle to leave the road and strike an embankment. It then did a clockwise spin, flipping onto its roof. The incident occurred on State Route 1005, Thompson Township, on September. 2. THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING Someone removed two chainsaws from a seasonal residence at Lake Idlewild, Clifford Township, belonging to John G. Bechtel, RR2, Thompson. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 570-465-3154. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT On August 12, Tai Chung, Mohnton, lost control of a vehicle on Interstate Route 81, Lenox Township, resulting in the vehicle rolling over onto its roof. Chung sustained minor injuries. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF A window was smashed by someone on August 29 at1:00 p.m., in a residence belonging to John McAllister, State Route 2035, Lenox Township. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 570-465-3154. Project
Bankrupts Trailer Park The owners of White’s Mobile Home Park in Clifford Township say a plan to include their park in a sewer project incorporating the Village of Dundaff and the township’s portion of Crystal Lake would bankrupt them. Karen White told the township Board of Supervisors last week that hookup fees alone would cost her and her husband, John, $240,000. The trailer court has 40 lots and the suggested hookup fees per lot is $6,200. Mrs. White and her husband, John, were among a group of residents who questioned the need for the sewer system. There were also petitions submitted to the supervisors for and against the project. Besides the hookup charge, residents who are serviced by the sewer project in the Dundaff/Crystal Lake areas will also pay monthly or quarterly fees to Clifford Twp. to finance the township’s cost of the project and to the Greenfield Twp. Sewer Authority for processing the raw sewage. "You are putting us out of business," Mrs. White told the supervisors of their plan to include their mobile home park in the sewer project. She said Greenfield Township did not include the Finch Hill Trailer Court in their sewer project. The Whites started the trailer park in 1974 when both of them were in their early 20s. The trailers are currently serviced by state approved on-lot systems that allow seven trailers to each large septic tank. They also have their own water system with three wells providing tested and approved water to their tenants. "We raised five children," said Mrs. White, "and we finally reach a point where we can enjoy life and then this." Mrs. White said many tenants are retired senior citizens who live on fixed income. She said if she is forced to raise rents because of the sewer costs, she does not know what the seniors will do. "How are they going to get more money to pay increases in rent?," she said. "Why are you hooking up Dundaff when the problem is at Lake Idlewild?," John White asked. He was told the current project involves the Dundaff and Crystal Lake areas but the overall plan encompasses the entire township. The township supervisors sat quietly and offered little consolation to the problem facing the Whites. Dave Klepadlo, the engineer on the project, said the plans are not in their final design but that wasn’t much in the way of hope for the Whites. "The decision is in the funding," Chairman John Regan said. "If there is no funding available, we have nothing." Regan also told the large crowd that the township has not been reimbursed by the state for one-half the cost of updating the township’s Act 537 Plan. It cost the township $18,000 and the supervisors have been assured that the township will get $9,000 back when the state approved the township’s updated plan. Asked why the township does not consider its own sewer system rather than tying in with Greenfield Twp., Regan said the township could not afford it. He said the system would cost millions. "Twenty years from now," Regan said, "if it is mandated that the township put in sewers, your children will not be able to afford to live here." "I think you should get another opinion," said Gerald Hallstead. Regan said the supervisors decided to hire Klepadlo and that he is and will be the project engineer. In response to another comment, Regan said the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must approve the sewer plan. "Anything we get here tonight," Regan concluded, "letters, petitions, comments, will all be forwarded to DEP." However, he emphasized that the funding for the project will come from the US Department of Agriculture Rail
Authority Is For Real The Susquehanna County Commissioners approved a resolution last week authorizing the filing of articles of incorporation for the county’s new Railroad Authority. But the authority may have gotten off on the wrong track. Commissioner Lee Smith abstained from voting on the resolution because it included the names of the first appointees to the new authority. Smith said the list failed to comply with recommended names approved by a vote of the County Rail Committee. Smith asked for separate motions, one to file the papers for the formation of the authority and the second to name the members of the authority. Chair Gary Marcho said it could not be done that way. "The names were presented on March 19," Smith said. "Now suddenly there is a new list of names and two names previously presented have been dropped." "Do you want these names or don’t you?" Marcho asked of Smith. "You are cutting two people who hardly missed meetings," Smith answered. "I don’t know why some good attendees and workers were left off. If you will not split the motion, you are tying my hands." The Rail Committee members who were dropped off are Paul J. Amadio of Forest City and Paul Healey of Springville. Marcho said that Amadio and Edward Tourje of Union Dale were from the same area so that area did not lose its representation on the authority. Regarding Healey, he said that he was replaced by someone from a municipality that might be directly affected by the return of the railroad. The new members of the authority, neither of whom served on the Rail Committee, are Janet Haulton of Hallstead and Joe White of Oakland. They join the following list of individuals who previously served on the Rail Committee: Tom Wooden Sr. of RR 4, Montrose; Richard Ainey of New Milford; Rowland Sharp of Thompson; Sam Merrill of Montrose; and Edward Tourje of Union Dale. "We are not trying to hurt feelings," Marcho said. "And I thank them (Healy and Amadio) and appreciate what they have done." The revised list with Healy and Amadio removed was presented to the commissioners by Rowland Sharp, chairman of the now defunct Rail Committee. After the meeting, Sharp admitted that he prepared the list and did not discuss it with other members of the Rail Committee. Actually, Wooden was also removed from the original list and then was returned to it when District Magistrate Peter Janicelli turned down an invitation to serve on the authority. In another matter, the commissioners approved a union agreement that put eligible employees of Children & Youth Services on the same level as eligible employees in the Probation Department. The move sets the starting wage in C&Y at $13.20 an hour. Unconfirmed reports are that some of the C&Y workers will realize pay increases at or around $3.00 an hour as a result of the new contract. Motions approved by the commissioners were as follows: –Accepted the resignation with regret of John Rudzianski who was recently hired as a temporary worker in the MIS Department. –Hired Jeanette Smith as a Correction Officer in the county jail retroactive to Sept. 5. –Termination of Howard Albrecht,. a 911 dispatcher trainee, on recommendation of 911 coordinator Dawn Watson. –And awarded a paving contract in the amount of $6,841 to State Aggregate Construction of Tunkhannock for paving Veteran’s Drive near the courthouse. Emergency management awards were presented to Theodore Batzel Sr., Ardith Callender, William Conboy, Arthur Donato Jr., Katherine Shelly, Wayne Very, and Charlene Moser. Letter
Copies Finally Surface Despite the fact that copies of the lost letter of resignation believed to be written by former Forest City School Director Ken Goben finally surfaced, the Board of Education will not ask the Susquehanna County Board of Elections to remove Goben’s name from the November ballot. At a work session last Monday, School Superintendent Bernice Lukus said it would cost the district about $2,000 to petition the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas to remove Goben’s name from the ballot. And Board President Joseph Lucchesi said he believes it would be a waste of taxpayers’ money. Since Goben was unopposed in the primary election, his name will appear on the Republican and Democrat ballots. While there are write-in candidates seeking his seat, there is the possibility that Goben could win the election even though he has not resided in the region he formerly represented since July. The board is expected to fill Goben’s seat at its regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 15, which will be past the deadline for the current edition of The Transcript. At last count, there were three individuals interested in the appointment. They are Barbara Mihelc, Mary Emmett, and Leroy Rotherforth. In a letter of resignation dated August 11 and faxed to the school on September 4, Goben said that "as of August 11, I will no longer be living in the region that I was elected to represent." Coincidentally, August 11 was the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the November election, although they had until September 4 to petition the court for removal of their names from the ballot. On September 4, Goben faxed a letter to the county Board of Elections asking that his name be removed from the ballot because he is not eligible for reelection. "I never got the letter," Lucchesi said, referring to the Goben’s original letter of resignation. "It must have been lost in the mail." As a result, Director Tom Heller will never get to see the postmark on the envelope. At a board meeting, Heller said he wanted to see the envelope to determine the date the letter was mailed. In another school matter, the board is expected to appoint Ken Swartz as acting elementary school principal effective September 15. Swartz will replace Janice Joyce who resigned to accept a position in the Lackawanna Trail School District. The district has advertised for an elementary principal and Lukus said she has received three applications. The deadline for applying is October 3. Lathrop
Drying Out According to Ann Marie Shevchek, secretary/treasurer of Lathrop Township, supervisors Nick Sabaucak and Dennis Phelps were in attendance, with Elwood Phelps being unable to be present at the Lathrop Township monthly meeting at the Union Grange Hall on Tuesday, September 12. She reported that the total receipts to the general account for last month were $3,024.14. Shevchek noted it was shared at the meeting that despite the recent heavy rains which accompanied last weeks storms and tornado like winds, the roads around Lathrop township came through very well. With the exception of a few washouts that included Blossom Road in the township, the new salt brine application helped keep the roads together and are doing a great job holding dust down. This remark was shared also by some in the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting. This is the first year that Lathrop is using salt brine application, but it is beginning to look like it is making a difference. Shevchek commented that "I did not raise up any dust" in her wake as she is traveling roads that have had the application. Correspondence was received from the Susquehanna County Planning Commission regarding subdivisions for Hal and Bev Pashchuk and Donna Fekette and Tom Lopatosky. The supervisors approved the paperwork without additional comments, according the secretary/treasurer. Tom Buttons, the SEO, was not in attendance at Tuesday's meeting. Dennis Phelps met with people from the Susquehanna County Soil Conservation District regarding the water problems over at the Lakeside area. Permits will be obtained for two or more sluice pipes that will eventually drain into the Lake. It is interesting to note that no Lakeside residents were in attendance at the monthly meeting. Ron Bookin is cleaning out debris and soil and rocks from ditches from the last storm and has look at one road with Nick Sabaucak. According to Shevchek another resident of the township noted that he has been cleaning out debris and bushes from the Deckertown Cemetery and that a tree needs to be taken out. Ron Bookin will look into this matter. The next meeting of the Lathrop Township Supervisors is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14. Mt.
View Rolls Into New Year The Mountain View School Board had a full complement of Board Members and Administration members at its Monday, September 9, bi-monthly board meeting. After the approval of minutes, the Treasurer and Cafeteria Report was given by Mrs. Sondra Stine, Treasurer. Under Financial Reports, Kevin M. Griffiths reported confirmation of the August 2003 General Fund Bill List, Capital Reserve Fund Bill List, Cafeteria Fund Bills list and asked for the ratification of employee payroll, transportation contracts, fringe benefit payments and fund transfers in the amount of $1,374,491.09. It received the board approval. A list of bills covering the General Fund, Cafeteria Fund and Capital Reserve Fund was reviewed and approved. The Project Cost Payments were discussed with a testing company bill that will be reimbursed through Marpol Construction Co., as discussed Art Chambers, School Superintendent. There was no legislative report from John Halupke and Ron Philips, who chairs negotiations, reported all negotiations are still on-going. The Policy report covering the third reading of the new changes to the District's Tobacco Policy and Computer Acceptable Use Policy was given board approval. Under transportation, John L. Beeman, presented and received approval for $1.426 for diesel base price and $1.476 for the 2003-2004 bus and car/van contracts fuel escalation clause. The superintendent specifically invited members of the Press to be present at the Sunday, October 5, official yellow ribbon cutting ceremony for the work done on the High School during the past few years. The ceremony will begin at 2 PM. The final odds and ends that needed board input were given approval for the plaque that will be placed at the site for the completion. Conference attendance was approved for Anne Urnoski, Mary Hvezda, Aaron Sinkovich, David Jagger, Kevin Reuss, Shirley Granger, Karen Voigt and Colin Furneaux and Karen Krizauskas. In the report of the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Chambers gave the floor to the school administration. Margaret Foster reported on the positive attitudes and a beefed up meeting schedule for all teachers in the elementary school. Eliza Vagni, Assistant Principal at the High School, noted how well things went for all students at the assembly on the first day that was topped off with skits portraying school activities as an intro for new students and ended with donuts and juice. Principal Colin Furneaux gave the honors to talk about the new dress code (a bit tighter, but apparently not a problem) to Vagni. Chambers spoke at length on various topics. He noted in particular that the school has not only maintained but exceeded enrollment projections over the last three years. However, he believes that enrollment has now stabilized and will change with the younger people coming in next year and this graduating class departing. He was very positive in his belief of the importance of the United Way of Susquehanna County and noted that the district will support it again this year. The Superintendent felt that the opening of the school year for the district was very good and noted that Ordie Price, Vice Chair of the Board welcomed the students on behalf of the Board. Chambers announced "Success through Personal Commitment" will be the catch-words for this year’s goals at the district. He feels strongly that each individual must commit personally, as there are very special targets for this year. He specifically pointed out this importance within departments. The first portion of reporting on this year's progress will take place in a few months. Resignations were accepted from Gail Jackson as National Junior Honor Society Advisor and Rene Reynolds from her instructional aide position. A number of supplemental salary positions were added and approved at this board meeting. An addition to the substitute lists is Judy Wech of Nicholson, PA for secretary, instructional aide, library aide, and hall/cafeteria monitor. Volunteers for athletics that were approved include Bruce Edwards, Boys Soccer, and Rebecca Schmidt, Cross Country. The students’ art work that normally lines the walls of the board room has been moved to other locations and new work will be displayed in special frames that will make it easy to change the exhibit. The Mountain View School Board meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the elementary school board room at 8 p.m. The meetings generally are very concise and end within an hour after they begin. Susky
To Sell Park Property Susquehanna Boro Council met on September 9, with members John Bronchella, Pat Frederick, Bill Kuiper, Ron Whitehead, and Mike Matis present, as well as secretary Margaret Biegert; streets commissioner Steve Glover; CEO Shane Lewis; officer in charge, Tom Golka and a number of residents. President Whitehead announced that two special meetings have been scheduled; on September 17 there will be a meeting to work on the 2004 budget, and on September 22 there will be a meeting to open paving bids. Both meetings will be at 7 p.m. in the boro building. Dick Hennessey and Tom Kelly, members of the Parks and Rec. committee, were present to discuss several issues with council. Mr. Hennessey began by reporting a busy year, with soccer still in progress. It was the committee’s recommendation that the five-year old tractor be replaced, as it is wearing out; it has recently had its transmission rebuilt. He suggested that a larger, more compact tractor, complete with roto tiller and mulcher would be better suited for the park property. He obtained prices for a New Holland diesel, that would allow for a small bucket to be added some time in the future. He found that a state bidding program offered only a two dollar savings for the same model available from a local dealer where service is also available, cost $12,800. The old tractor and roto tiller could be sold, with the proceeds put towards a new tractor. There is currently $3,700 in the concession stand account, and $5,900 in the boro account. $2,000 could be put towards the tractor, out of concession account and $2,400 out of the boro account; a two-year loan could be obtained for the balance. This would mean that only small projects would be planned for those two years. A motion carried to approve. Mr. Hennessey reported that the Drinker Creek and Washington St. parks have been cleaned. But, problems have been found at the Drinker Creek park; the road is caving in, wooden tiers and support cables have shifted, and a section of sidewalk is undermined. A three foot section of the retaining wall is leaning badly, with about ten feet leaning overall. He asked about PENNDOT’s plans to put in a new bridge. Mr. Bronchella responded that a new bridge is planned; putting new sidewalks on a section of Main St. has been delayed because of this. Mr. Hennessey said that the committee would hate to put money into the park if it is going to get torn up in the near future; there would be time to take another look at the situation once PENNDOT gets involved. Mr. Kuiper added that the bridge is going to be taken care of within two years. Mrs. Biegert said that PENNDOT is trying to tie this project in with another within the boro; there should be a better idea of when these projects will begin within the next few months. With the discussion shifting to the Washington St. park, Mr. Whitehead expressed the opinion that the property should be sold, with the proceeds put back into Parks and Rec. The playground equipment had to be removed at the direction of the boro’s insurance carrier; although exact figures were not available, it could be extremely expensive to replace it. "I don’t feel taxpayers should be putting revenue into it when it could be put back on tax rolls," he said, but added that he was open to discussion. Mr. Kelly suggested that sale of the property be with the contingency that a house be built as the number of boro properties being demolished has resulted in a decrease in tax revenues; he also suggested that proceeds of the sale be applied towards the planned river front park. Mr. Kuiper stated that the property should be held for off-street parking for West Main St. residents during snow emergencies until that problem is resolved. "Until we get a definite solution there," he said, "the park is for emergency parking. If we sell it, what do we do with West Main St.? I’d like to see it back on the tax roll, too, provided we sell it with the stipulation that a home be put on, but I don’t want to mess up this other deal." Mr. Whitehead asked, "Will Parks and Rec. still take care of it until (this) gets resolved?" Mr. Hennessey responded, "I would say the streets department would be in charge if it’s not being used as a park." Mrs. Biegert noted that it had cost $15,000 to pave the boro building parking lot; costs to pave the Washington St. property are expected to be similar to that amount. Mr. Kuiper said, "My understanding was to repave the existing blacktop; it’s only going to be a temporary parking area." Mr. Whitehead asked, why should the boro be paying for a few people to park on boro property? Parking is a problem all over in a snow emergency. A motion carried to sell the property, with Mr. Kuiper’s the lone dissenting vote. Mr. Whitehead stressed that council will still work on the West Main St. problem. Mrs. Frederick asked the committee about the condition of the girls’ softball field at the Prospect St. park. Mr. Hennessey said that the revenues from advertising signs at the field must be used towards maintenance of the field, but apparently there is a disagreement between the softball and little leagues as to what should be done; he agreed to contact those organizations to discuss the situation. In closing, Mr. Kelly noted that the Parks and Rec. committee has been comprised of pretty much the same people for the last six or seven years; if anyone knows anyone who is interested in the whole spectrum of sports, he said, "we could use some help, some fresh faces." During public comment, Shane Lewis was clearly unhappy with council’s decision to sell the Washington St. property. "We (the committee) spent four or five months coming up with a short term solution," he said. "Are you going to be willing to help us come up with another short term solution?" "Yes," Mr. Whitehead responded. "My concern is pouring money into it... if we could raise taxes five mils, we could do anything, but we can’t do that. We’re trying to keep it at a half mill increase. I can’t see streets taking over maintenance (of the property)." He added that he was concerned as to the costs of liability and of cost of paving. And, there are also parking problems on Washington and Prospect Streets as well as East Hill. "Everybody has to be off the streets in a snow emergency, not just West Main St. I can’t see the boro taking on the burden of ‘park’ when it’s not a park anymore." He pointed out that it would probably take some time before the property is sold. "Now we have to go back to square one," Mr. Lewis said, after spending months to come up with a short term solution. Mrs. Frederick responded that, "At that time we weren’t ordered by the insurance company to remove the equipment. Everything changes." "We will need some help," Mr. Lewis answered. Mr. Kuiper noted that the (parking) committee wasn’t designed to find a solution for the whole town. PENNDOT had sent council a letter, asking that this particular situation be addressed. "My understanding was to find a solution for each situation. We found one, but there are only five or six cars that are a problem." Mr. Whitehead is also concerned that others will see parking at the park, and also start using it. "What kind of upkeep will we be expected to pay?" he asked; and, he has questions about the boro’s liability. Mr. Bronchella commented that, years ago, there was not a problem with residents moving their cars when it snowed. "I made my own parking place," he said. "We don’t have to provide parking for everybody." An audience member agreed, saying that she had bought an additional piece of property to create room for parking, as have other residents. Continuing on to other business, council has discussed decreasing the number of seats from seven to five. Mrs. Biegert reported that this would involve at least a two-year process which would include petitioning the courts, and having a referendum placed on the ballot, which can only be done in November elections. It is too late to do so this year. No action ws taken. In his codes report, Mr. Lewis said that condemnations are proceeding; two structures on Erie Ave. and one on Prospect should be coming down in the next month or so. TREHAB has purchased another property on Prospect, with the intent of tearing it down and putting in a modular after their Washington St. project is completed. A motion carried to approve attendance at a winter road maintenance seminar in Honesdale, for Mr. Glover and Robbie Hall. Mr. Glover gave a report on the streets department’s activities; they have started curbing on Prospect St., with 140 feet completed, and sixty more to go. If time allows, curbing will be put in at a portion of Willow Ave. Next year, his plans are to finish curbing on Prospect to Third Ave. This area, he said, may need a block wall on the curve. More curbing is planned for spring, when TREHAB workers are usually available to help. Four or five streets are scheduled for patching, and he is hoping to get to some drainage work done this season. Six winter snow emergency signs have been purchased for West Main St., from Fourth Ave to Center Lane. There was some discussion about purchasing additional signs, how many were needed, and where they should be placed. It was agreed to post signs at all of the boro’s entrances. Mr. Kuiper said that he would like to see advertisements placed in local newspapers, reminding residents of the regulations regarding parking during snow emergencies. "Our police are going to enforce it," he said. Mr. Bronchella asked if PENNDOT could be contacted about the guard rail at the intersection of Center Lane and West Main; it is dilapidated and needs to be replaced. During the police report, officer in charge Tom Golka noted that the department has been busy, and that there has been a lot of positive feedback from the public. He requested approval for one or two officers to attend a DUI/underage drinking seminar in Lancaster in October, cost $245 per person. He would, he said, be willing to cover his own lodging costs. Mrs. Frederick asked if there is training money available in the budget; Mrs. Biegert said there had been, but it has been used for the year. She reminded all that there is a resolution in effect for all departments to stay within their budgets. Mr. Whitehead said that the matter would be discussed with Mayor Hurley; if it is feasible, action could be taken at the budget meeting on the 17th, in time to meet the September 23 reservation deadline. Returning to the winter parking ordinance, Mr. Kuiper asked if the boro has an impound lot available. "When it snows, we’re going to need it. No ifs, ands or buts, this ordinance will be enforced." Mr. Glover responded that a local auto salvager has always provided this service. Mr. Kuiper said that he would like to get an agreement in writing. Mr. Golka said that other communities put this service out as a bid, and contract for the year. There are also stipulations involved, such as requiring that the area where the cars are stored after they are towed are fenced. And, Mr. Golka reported that vests have been ordered for the department, at a lower cost than originally anticipated, and should arrive soon. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss a personnel issue. The next regular meeting is on Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m. in the boro building.
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