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HEADLINES: Commissioners
Back Jail Personnel The Susquehanna County Commissioners had nothing but praise for employees at the county jail and said medical treatment of two ill prisoners, one of whom died, was done according to prescribed instructions. And while the commissioners did order an investigation into both incidents, Commissioner Jeff Loomis said he does not believe there was anything wrong with the way the employees handled them. "It is my feeling," Mr. Loomis said, "that the guards are perfectly in the right with what they are doing. They are doing everything they are supposed to do." "I am really comfortable with the people who are running the jail," Roberta Kelly, chair of the Board of Commissioners, said. "I am very proud of what I have seen so far as a commissioner and I have full confidence in their ability." On April 2, Beth Ann Croasdale, 38, of Great Bend, died at the Endless Mountains Health Systems Hospital in Montrose where she was taken after she suffered an asthmatic attack in the jail. Mrs. Croasdale had been serving 90 days in the lockup on a charge of driving while her license was suspended due to a driving under the influence conviction. Warden Bill Brennan said Mrs. Croasdale had respiratory problems and brought a nebulizer with her. A nebulizer is a device used to change liquid medication to an aerosol particulate form and is extremely beneficial when it is inhaled and deposited in the lungs. Mr. Brennan said Mrs. Croasdale requested a nebulizing treatment about 4 a.m. on April 2. A short time later she requested another treatment and her condition appeared to worsen. A call was made to 911 and an ambulance arrived and took her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later. The second incident involved 33-year-old Daniel Hauer who is serving four months to 23 months for insurance fraud. Authorities alleged that Mr. Hauer burned his residence in Lanesboro in order to collect the insurance. In a television interview, Mr. Hauer’s mother said her son was not receiving his prescribed medication on a regular basis. However, Mr. Loomis said Mr. Hauer has been getting exactly what the prison physician, Dr. Hasson Khalil was prescribing. He said Dr. Khalil was trying to weed Mr. Hauer off narcotics and replace them with non-narcotic medication for his pain. "Our doctor," said Mr. Loomis, "determined he (Mr. Hauer) does not need all those narcotics. And is it our doctor who is responsible for him when he is in jail." In another matter, the commissioners said they have been advised by their union counsel not to talk about any changes in the county’s health insurance plan. There has been talk in the courthouse that the commissioners are considering a plan to have the county employees contribute toward their health insurance. "We cannot comment on that," Mr. Loomis said. He did, however, say he would like to see the union contract amended so that the county could shop around for health insurance plans. At the present time, the contract mandates that the county provide the employees with Blue Cross/Blue shield coverage. The commissioners said they would like to seek competitive bids for the same coverage now provided by BC/BS. The commissioners approved a resolution supporting the Susquehanna County Industrial Authority’s move to assist the Pennfield Corporation with the refinancing of its manufacturing facility located in Bridgewater Township. Attorney David O. Twaddell told the commissioners that the resolution will help Pennfield issue tax-exempt industrial development bonds for the refinancing. He emphasized that the $5 million bond issue will not constitute a general obligation on the part of the Industrial Authority or the county. Mr. Twaddell indicated that the primary reason for the refinancing is to obtain a lower rate of interest. Another resolution approved by the commissioners obligates the county to maintain and preserve the Susquehanna County Civil War Monument in accordance with national standards for the treatment of historic properties. New employees hired by the commissioners and their pay rates set by the Salary Board, include: Lindasu Hutchinson, full-time 911 dispatcher trainee, $7.19 an hour; LouAnn Kiefer, part time clerk typist in the Ag Extension Office, $7.60 an hour; Mary Noldy, field appraiser trainee, $10.05 an hour; and, Melinda Novakowski, part time correction officer, $10.54 an hour. The availability of ambulance service in the Hallstead/Great Bend area was the agenda on April 7 when approximately forty people met at the County Office building in Montrose. Brent Meadows, Executive Director of Bradford/Susquehanna Emergency Medical Services (B/SEMS) opened the meeting by stressing that he was not there to chastise the Hallstead/Great Bend Ambulance Service (H/GBAS), but to help that agency find a way to fix its problems. At present, volunteers are so few that the ambulance service can not take calls between 5:00 A.M. and 5:00 p.m. They are also not meeting the requirements for reporting. Meadows had sent letters to the Borough Council advising them that the ambulance service was operating on a provisional license and informing them of the Wednesday evening meeting. Members of other communities‚ ambulance and fire services, who could be impacted by the breakdown of the H/GBAS, were also in attendance and deeply concerned. John Brant, President of the H/GBAS, spoke about the problems of volunteers, stating that he had lost members to burnout after they were involved in, what he termed, "bad calls". They are now down to ten members and Brant stated that they were considering partnering with Broome Volunteers Ambulance Service. He also stressed the challenge of paperwork that accompanies a call. Meadows stated that B/SEMS Council would be willing to work with traumatized volunteers in a crisis intervention program similar to the work done with firemen after the September 11 attack on the Trade Center in NYC. "We will bring in experts to debrief them (volunteers). Let them talk," he said. As for paperwork, he suggested that patient care records can now be done in about fifteen minutes using electronic software. Both Brant and Meadows were in agreement that the last thing they want to see is the closing of the H/GBAS. David Scales, vice chairman of the B/SEMS Council and Captain of the Susquehanna Firemen’s Ambulance Association, stated, "If Great Bend/Hallstead Ambulance Service goes out of business, we will have a nightmare. We all must work together to solve this problem. We need checks and balances; a Board of Directors." Scales’ Board of Directors idea was well-received and Bill Bayne, Liberty Township supervisor, volunteered to coordinate this effort. Robert Cooney, program specialist of Emergency Management Services out of Harrisburg, did a powerpoint presentation on an EMS community planning and integration project regarding rural health policy. Tom Carmon, President of the Bradford/Susquehanna Health Services Council also spoke about planning, community support, quality improvement and volunteerism. Joe Smider of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, was on hand to offer information about licensing and other matters. H/GBAS is up for re-licensing in June, 2004. "If you meet all the requirements, you get re-licensed," he said. Meadows reiterated that they had been looking at the Hallstead/Great Bend problem since 2002. "We started talking with them in the late fall of 2003. In January we said, ‘We need to look at this and fix the problem.’ We will do what we can to help, but you have to want to help yourself." Questions and comments from the floor encouraged forming a Board of Directors, offering EMT classes for volunteers, publicity of National EMS week in May and more. It was clear that those in attendance were concerned, partly because they were in ambulance services now being asked to stretch their people and equipment and because of the need for the local on-call service in the Hallstead/Great Bend area. Meadows needs a contract in his office in thirty days. After the meeting, when Brant was asked for comments, he said, " I’m going ahead with our attorney working on a merger with Broome Volunteers. We will keep up our discussion with them. As for the Board of Directors, I’m all for it. It would be a great relief to all the organization." Forest City School Hires Stracka The Forest City Regional Board of Education hired former Susquehanna Community School District Superintendent William Stracka as interim school superintendent for the balance of the 2003-2004 school year. Mr. Stracka will be paid $19,000 for 45 days. Mr. Stracka replaces Bernice Lukus whose controversial departure ended last Monday when the board approved her request for a sabbatical leave through the end of the school year. Board President Thomas Baileys denied reports that he told Mrs. Lukus to pack her things and leave the school prior to her letter requesting the sabbatical. John Moses, defense attorney for Dr. Stephen B. Scher, said he will ask the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to consider issues that were included in his initial appeal to the Superior Court but were not ruled upon because the court ordered a new trial based on the replacement of a juror at Dr. Scher’s first trial. The move by Mr. Moses comes on the heels of an announcement by state Attorney General Jerry Pappert that he will ask the state’s highest court to hear an appeal of the Superior Court’s reversal of Dr. Scher’s first-degree murder conviction. Mr. Pappert said his office has until April 26 to file a petition with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court asking them to hear the appeal. He further noted that prosecutors from his office will seek to keep Dr. Scher in prison while they await a decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In 1997, a Susquehanna County jury found Dr. Scher guilty of the fatal 1976 shooting of Attorney Martin Dillon. Mr. Dillon died of a single gunshot wound on the Dillon family recreational property in Silver Lake Township. Dr. Scher, who subsequently married Mr. Dillon’s widow, was not charged with the murder until 1996. "I am going to cross-appeal," said Mr. Moses, "on issues that were raised in my appeal such as the misconduct of the attorney for the Commonwealth and a number of other issues." In his initial appeal, Mr. Moses claimed that during the course of the six-week trial, there were no less than 292 separate examples of prosecutorial misconduct. "We will not separately address each of appellant’s claimed instances of misconduct," the Superior Court said, "nor even a substantial percentage of them, but can state with firm certainty that the record is replete with examples of offensive conduct on the part of the prosecutor, often in glaring defiance of the trial court." Mr. Moses also said he would ask the Supreme Court to rule on his claim that the trial court erred in denying his requests for a change of venue, a change of jury venire or sequestration of the jury panel. A change of venue is the transfer of a legal action from one county to another county for trial. A change of venire is selecting a jury from outside the county and bringing it to the county where the trial is held. A sequestered jury is usually housed together at night in a hotel and prohibited from contacting people, watching television or reading newspapers. In its decision, the Superior Court said that Susquehanna County President Judge Kenneth W. Seamans, who was the trial judge in the Scher case, considered "all material offered by the appellant and conducted an extensive and thorough jury selection." "Based upon our review of the record," the court said, "we detect no basis upon which to conclude that the trial judge abused his discretion in denying appellant’s motion for change of venue, change of venire, or sequestration." However, while the Superior Court saw no reversible error in the decision of the trial judge to conduct the first trial in Susquehanna County, it further stated that "when the case is remanded for a new trial there are a multitude of new factors to weigh before resolving issues of venue or venire." The Superior Court said some of the experiences of the trial court at the first trial raises the question of whether an unaffected jury can be selected from the same geographical area. MARRIAGES: Chad Robert Foster, 25, and Denielle Lynn Mortal, 21, both of Binghamton, NY, March 30. DEEDS: Robert J. Nanius, Union Dale, to Mathew Ferrel and JoAnn Ferrel, Union Dale, in Union Dale for $1,000. Charlotte Shamro, Forest City, to Charles Shamro, Princeton, Va.; Robert Shamro, Hayward, Wisconsin; Karen Falcone, Stockton, CA., in Forest City for one dollar. Charles E. Morrison and Doris B. Morrison, Harford Twp., to Steven Wormuth and Bonnie Wormuth, Harford Twp. in Harford Township for one dollar. Ruth A. Cohen, Little Meadows, to Ruth A. Cohen, Little Meadows, and Archibald F. Johnson, in Apolacon Twp., for one dollar. Adia Ahmed and Fraheen Masood, Bridgewater Township, to Bertice L. Lewis and Sally L. Lewis, New Milford, in Great Bend Borough for $10,000. Mary E. Trible, RR 4, Montrose, to Brian D. Trible Sr., RR5, Montrose, in rush Twp. for one dollar. Michael J. Newfrock and Kathleen Newfrock, Endwell, NY, to Joseph Moore, Brooklyn Twp., in Brooklyn Township for $152,000. Estate of Helen Louise Tegeler, Choconut Twp., to Martin Stratton, Choconut Twp., in Choconut Twp., for $25,000. William L. Ditmar, West Milton, to Gregory P. Dischinat, Nazareth, in Liberty Twp., for one dollar. Ruth Roberts and Elmer Roberts, Montrose, to Nancy R. Wiker, Litiz, and Sue Kipar, RR6, Montrose, in Bridgewater Twp., for one dollar. Estate of Rose Ann Mahon, late of Montrose Borough, to Timothy A. LaRue and Teresa A. LaRue, Montrose, in Montrose for $90,000. Bruce Ross, Union Dale; Nancy Ross, Union Dale; Raymond Swingle, Union Dale; Lulu Swingle, Union Dale; Jerilee Turner, Union Dale; James T. O‚Brien, Leewood, KS; Kathleen O‚Brien, Leewood, KS.; Barbara Campbell, Pasadena, CA; Clarence Fleming, Pasadena, CA; and Judd and Marilyn Roberts, SanMarino, CA, to Mary Beth Davis, Avoca, in Herrick Twp., for $22,000. Estate of Betty Lessig, Springville Twp., to Joseph P. Smith, Milford, in Springville Twp., for $154,222. John J. Liepinis Jr. and Adele Liepinis, Kingsley, to Lawrence Selenski Jr., Wyoming, PA, and Melissa Finegan, Wyoming, PA, for $68,000 in Gibson Twp. John and Donna Brozoskie, New Milford, to Briane and Brooke Breese, New Milford, in New Milford for $139,000. Harold Bolcavage, County of Susquehanna, to Harold Bolcavage in Clifford for one dollar. Mary E. Gardner, New Milford to Clair Walter Gardner Jr., Vestal, NY; Harry Eugene and Julia Gardner, New Milford; and Timothy Alan and Debra Gardner, New Milford, in New Milford for one dollar. StanleyA. And Rianoris Konczyk, Bridgewater Twp., to Thomas Lopatofsky, New Milford, and Donna Fekette, New Milford, in Brigewater Twp., for $13,500. Randy C. Bruch (by Sherrif Lance M. Benedict) and Verona Brush, Forest City, to JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee, in Forest City for $2,759. Edwin R. Rodriguez (by Sheriff Lance M. Benedict) and Annette Rodriguez to United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Forest Lake Twp., for $1,816. Petrona D. Lavigne and James H. Lavigne, Montrose, to Patrona D. Lavigne and James H. Lavigne, Montrose, in Bridgewater Twp., for one dollar. Last month the Blue Ridge School Board opened discussions on the district's budget for the fiscal year beginning in July with a briefing from Business Manager Loren Small on projected revenue. At the latest meeting, on April 5, Mr. Small offered a preliminary expense budget that draws over half a million dollars from the fund balance reserve in order to keep taxes level. So far it appears that revenue is expected to come in at about $13.5 million, while expenses may top $14 million. The district is allowed to maintain a reserve ("fund balance") from annual surpluses up to about 12% of total budget, and has been accumulating such funds for the past few years to help with major projects - and to cushion significant shifts in expenses. At one time the Board considered hiking taxes marginally each year in order to avoid large, periodic increases, but it appears that approach has been abandoned in favor of holding the line on current taxes. Mr. Hall has been hoping for some form of "tax reform" from the state legislature, but so far without joy. The Board has a ways to go yet on this budget, and Board President Alan Hall told his charges to expect a long workshop on April 26. According to Mr. Small, major increases in insurance account for a large part of the increase in overall expenses expected next year. Health insurance alone for the faculty and staff will jump some 15%, or about $190,000. Property and liability insurance is projected to increase about 10%. The budget will also show a significant increase in debt service over the current year, primarily because a series of bonds was refinanced and the savings taken immediately; debt service payments will actually be only returning to more normal levels. Mr. Small is also suggesting that $70,000 be put aside to finance the new fitness center, just in case something goes awry in the unusual subsidy structure designed for that program. Mr. Small's estimates also include a new Assistant Technician, which he didn't describe. But the new position would add to staff that seems to grow on the margins each year. For example, at this meeting the Board appointed Suzanne Seamans in a Schedule B position as Math Club advisor for the fourth and fifth grades. They also formally approved the administration's recommendation to add Christina Whitney as a part-time "career services aide" in the High School Guidance office. Both of those slots had been discussed over the past couple of months, both in committee and on the Board. An addendum to the meeting's agenda created a new position, Activities/Grounds Coordinator, and hired Greg Summers for the job beginning in May. According to Mr. Hall, the position was reviewed in committee and will be a redefinition of a custodial job with increased responsibilities. Mr. Summers will be responsible for setup for school activities and athletics, and fill in a gap between the Activities Director and the Maintenance Department. Board member Joel Whitehead voted against the new position, which, he said later, he didn't think was necessary. In other business, the Board: * Donated $750 to the county library in response to a request for help making up a 37% shortfall in the library's state subsidy. The library asked for $2 per student, which would have cost the district about $2,400. * Approved contracts with Tri-County Human Services Center, Inc. and Bethesda Day Treatment Center, Inc. for the next school year. These arrangements provide services on an as-needed basis for students in special situations that the district does not provide locally. * Approved what all hoped would be the last change to the current school year calendar. The last day of classes will be June 10th, with graduation on Saturday, June 12. * Hired Rhonda Levine as a full-time teacher in the Elementary School. The Board also denied a request from a teacher for a further extension to a leave of absence through the next school year. The Board was clearly disinclined to allow the extension when no motion rose to Mr. Hall's request for action. According to Elementary School Principal Robert Dietz, the new Math Club for fourth and fifth graders created by Ms. Seamans has already attracted some 50 participants. Mr. Dietz said that a club project would involve selecting an equipment purchase for the school from among competing vendors, evaluating insurance options and costs, and then recommending the purchase to the Parent-Teacher Organization. Board member Harold Empett renewed his campaign to bring behind-the-wheel driver education into the school year, pressing High School Principal Michael Thornton for details that might allow the program to be shoehorned into the schedule. The classroom part of driver training was recently added to the academic schedule, but Mr. Thornton said that he couldn't see how on-the-road training could be done with the teachers currently available. Blue Ridge typically offers the program during the summer when a vehicle can be leased for a relatively short period of time. Each student is given six hours of training at the wheel of a car. For as many as 120 students, bringing the instruction into the school year might require a longer lease, and would strain the resources of the Physical Education Department. The focus of the budget, which drives expenses, is to be the major topic for the Board's next public session, a workshop, on April 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. The Forest City Borough Council approved a request from Greater Forest City Industries (GFCI) to add three Main Street buildings to the tax-free Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ). The move will cost the borough about $2,500 a year in real estate tax revenue through the year 2010. The buildings are the former Kartri Sales site in the 500 block, along with the adjoining building that formerly housed a NAPA Auto Store, and the former ABC Market in the 400 block. The three buildings are currently empty. Brian Fitzsimmons, who represented GFCI at the council meeting, said the borough’s investment would be cheap if it pays off with the sales and subsequent occupancy of the buildings. He said the buildings could become rundown and unsightly if the tax relief was denied and said council’s positive action would be a "contribution of hope for a positive future for the town." Fitzsimmons also said that Kartri Sales has offered the buildings to the Susquehanna County Library Association as a new site for the Forest City Library. He said the move to declare the buildings eligible for KOZ tax breaks would become moot if the library association accepts the Kartri buildings. Councilman Paul Amadio said GFCI is putting the cart before the horse in seeking tax relief status for the buildings as an incentive for someone to purchase them. Mr. Amadio was particularly critical of the ABC Building request which is presently owned by the Community Bank and Trust Co. "We have a wealthy bank," said Mr. Amadio, "that spends millions putting up new buildings all over the area but they want the senior citizens on fixed incomes to pick up the slack while they get a tax break on a rundown building in the borough." Mr. Amadio said he could support the Kartri request because the main building is in good repair and could be occupied quickly without expensive renovations. But he said the ABC building is in bad repair and doubted if anyone would purchase it in its present condition. On a motion by Councilwoman Ruth Fitzsimmons, seconded by Councilman Bernard Scalzo, council voted 5-2 in favor of putting the ABC building in the KOZ. Councilmen Amadio and Nick Cost voted against the move. The motion by Mary Twilley to put the Kartri site in KOZ was seconded by Alan Gordon and passed unanimously. Liz Janoski, director of the Susquehanna County Economic Development Department, said the buildings must be brought up to code standards before they can qualify for KOZ tax breaks. And she said the buildings could be inspected annually to make certain they are qualified to remain in the KOZ. In a related matter, Fitzsimmons advised the council that GFCI expects to spend another $500,000 in the borough’s Industrial Park off Route 247. He said the money will be used for additional landscaping and for improving lot sites. Fitzsimmons said about 25 prospects have looked at sites in the park but none of them decided to locate in it. Among the lookers he listed a motel, restaurant, used car lot, and a machine shop. Lanesboro
Council Meeting Minutes Following are the Lanesboro Council meeting minutes from March 2, as submitted. Present: Ray Barnes, Dan Boughton, Paul Corse, Regina Dilello, Chris Maby, Bob Mireider, Bob Page. Also Present: Mayor Slater, Secretary Aileen Shay. Visitors: Gerry Benson, Sandy Benson, Police Officers and Bob VanFleet. Motion to accept minutes with changes carried. Visitors Shane Lewis was a visitor. Mayor Slater explained that Shane is no longer working for COG. His purpose was to inquire about becoming Lanesboro’s Codes Enforcement Officer. Council had questions on the billing from COG. Shane explained the billing rate, and that COG had to go to a third party to enforce the new building codes. Page stated that in the PA Bulletin it stated that if you opt out that Labor and Industries (L&I) would do commercial inspection or council can hire their own inspector. Lewis explained that L&I will continue to do commercial building inspections. He also stated that his certification for inspections is only good for three more years and he is not going back to school to keep the inspections up to date after his three years. Corse asked if Lewis had to have new training. He responded that he is grandfathered in by the state, so he does not need any new training until his three years run out. If hired, Lewis could do the codes enforcer and the building part of the codes. Maby asked council if they wanted to have Shane Lewis be the codes enforcer and do the building codes inspection. Lewis also explained that if council hires him they would have to come up with building permits, notice of violation forms, condemned signs, inhabitable signs, stop work orders, and anything else that might be required. He can work with the secretary to come up with this forms. Barnes asked if we opt out of COG would the building codes go through council before they went to him or would they go straight to him. Lewis explained that they would go to him and with a monthly report for the council, including any building permits that were issued. Lewis can also look at old ordinances and change them so they are enforceable. Lewis stated that council should develop an ordinance committee to go through ordinances. Motion carried to opt out of COG and hire Shane Lewis. Council also discussed that his fees would be passed on to the person building. Correspondence: Received letter from Myron DeWitt regarding a letter he sent to G. E. Capital for the lease of the copier. The letter stated that they were sending the check for $350 for settlement of the lease and also the copier could be picked up at their convenience. Letter from Myron DeWitt about deed for Luciana Park. Letter from Little & Nelson. This letter stated that he has the renewal figures ready and he will be available after March 10 to go over them with council, which is looking at a minimal increase of 4%. Corse stated if he gets some information from the police and also Aileen he will take it to Jeremy Stout with Tri-County insurance to get figures before council insurance renews in April. Received a building permit that went through COG. Steve Screanka is putting in a modular house. PSAB survey to see how many towers are on borough property. Maby to fill out. Labor and Industries asking council to opt in or opt out. Must adopt ordinance. Aileen to take ordinance to DeWitt to look over. Letter from COG to opt in or opt out to have them enforce the new UCC building codes. Maby asked council what they thought about the COG enforcing the building codes. Council agreed to opt out of COG. Maby stated council would have to advertise the ordinance so council cannot do this immediately. DeWitt will look at this ordinance for legal issues and councilmen will look at it before next meeting, then advertise it after approval at the next meeting. Notify COG that we are not going to use them. Also see if they have anything in the works that pertains to COG they should send it to us. Council stated that if COG needs anything from council that Aileen could take care of it. Police Report: Officer Van Fleet gave the report – 2 crimes code arrests. Officer VanFleet stated that in the winter it is slow. Mayor Slater stated that Corse asked a question a month ago about State police going to a borough residence. State police responded, and told the owner the same thing that Lanesboro Police stated when they were there. The matter in question was between neighbors and was considered a civil matter. Dilello asked what Susquehanna Police are doing in Lanesboro. Mayor stated that they have an agreement with the school, and Lanesboro is not paying them. They also don’t have any jurisdiction in Lanesboro, and would need to notify our police if they stumbled across a problem. Mayor Report: Mayor Slater stated that he fell against the truck and it was turned into workers comp. Everything is moving along on the garbage. The truck needs a little work, but can wait until next month when more money is available. Mayor mentioned about moving a streetlight that is down past the community center across the street from the community center. Street Commission: No activity to report on this month. Maby stated that something needs to be done on the end of Jefferson Street to get the water off the end of the road. Slater to contact Ozzie Miller to grade a small swale across Jefferson St. and fill with crushed stone. Boughton stated that if council had no objections he would go to a Susquehanna Council meeting and ask them to use the street sweeper twice on Lanesboro Streets. Corse stated if he wanted to go to one of their meetings he had his blessing. Maby suggested Boughton ask them for two sweepings – one in the spring, one in the fall. If they refuse to do it council will go back to state and ask them because it is under the state agility program. Community Center: Regina stated that the hall is rented for the 22nd for a baby shower, and she bought two new brooms for the community Center. She stated that she thinks the tool sale made out well because every time she was downtown, there were cars and people all around. Corse suggested that in the future, there should be a charge for dumpsters. After discussion, it was agreed that commercial business renting the community center should be charged $50 per dumpster; if they don’t use dumpster they will get the $50 back. Dilello has a list of when the cub scouts will be meeting, so it doesn’t interfere with anyone renting the community center. COG Report: Mireider showed council a letter that has been sent to Senator Lemmond about the Clean and Green Act. Mireider suggested that council should send a similar letter to Senator Lemmond. Council agreed to send this letter to Senator Lemmond. Secretary Report: All letters and refund checks were sent out that needed to be. Treasurer’s report: Tri-boro bill is included in the bills. Also Ozzie Miller’s past due balances are paid. Maby explained that the deposit for snow removal in the general account was from Niles Dubin. Also, the closing on his property was the day before the meeting and the lawyer had all the past due figures so council should be getting money from that. Maby also explained that the check for him was for the certified postage regarding snow removal letters. Barnes suggested that an expanded definition be included in future treasurers report to eliminate the appearance that someone may be getting paid when they are not. Council agreed. Boughton made a suggestion that Benson Bros. only make a minimum oil delivery to the community center. Dilello suggested prepaying around $100 per month in the summer to get ahead for next winter. Maby asked how much money was left to pay back the motor license fund. Secretary Shay stated that it was all paid back. Motion to transfer $900 from sewer to the general fund and also pay Benson Bros. $200 for the community center for fuel oil carried. Utilities Report: Maby and Shay provided spreadsheets that show how PAWC is doing billing, along with what borough is billing. Maby brought up that Mrs. Rigo has changed the big house from two-family to one-family, and would like the bill reduced accordingly. Council agreed this cannot be done until we receive a letter. Maby also stated that there are people with big delinquent balances and something has to be done. He doesn’t think they should keep waiting for money to come in. Corse suggested sending certified letters to anyone with a bill three months or longer past due. Suggestion was made to state in the letter they have to make arrangements to pay within 30 days of the receipt of the letter. Another suggestion was that the agreement be notarized and then mailed back, and the letter sent certified. Letter to also include notice that failure to respond will result in the matter turned over to the District Magistrate. All councilmen were in favor of this approach. Maby will compose the letter. Unfinished Business: Council approved Aileen to get a key for the borough hall. A resident was sent a certified letter requesting payment for snow removal (violation of the snow removal ordinance). There was no response, so it will be turned over to the District Justice. Corse to coordinate with the Magistrate. Council then started to discuss where to relocate streetlights. After brief discussion, will hold off until next month to discuss more. Meeting adjourned. Montrose
Handles Business' Requests A lot of people were at the April 5 Montrose Borough Council meeting and most of them were there to learn about their requests for provisional occupancy for their businesses. All council members were present, as was borough solicitor Jason Legg. The borough and its CEO Shane Lewis have lately begun enforcing various ordinances that relate to building codes – especially for commercial properties – that generally were not enforced, or enforced to less than their full extent, in the past. With new state universal construction codes soon to be effective, the borough both wants and needs its businesses to be in compliance with its regulations. The situation some business owners are dealing with is waiting for state Labor and Industry representatives to come and inspect their businesses or otherwise get back to them with information. Council also wants to continue to encourage business growth in the town. So, it took some time out of the meeting to gather in a closed session, after which it announced the adoption of a policy of conditional occupancy, provided certain conditions are met. In general, this means that the business owners must regularly provide a progress report to council, including copies of correspondence with Labor and Industry, notes on conversations with them, and other activities that bring them closer to obtain L and I approval. Council considered several requests and acted upon them as follows: Town and Country Florist on Public Avenue; conditional occupancy approval was given for 60 days, with two 30-day progress reports required. Hot Compact Parts; conditional occupancy for 30 days, permission to work on owner’s own vehicles only, and notification to borough secretary Annette Rogers about date of L and I inspection. Rosemont Bed and Breakfast; conditional occupancy approval for 60 days, with a progress report every 15 days during that period. A representative from the Montrose Bible Conference also requested a zoning variance because it has recently started converting several rooms in its Homestead Avenue building into office space. He was also requesting a permit for the associated remodeling work. Council referred the Conference to the Zoning Hearing Board because, putting in offices changes the use of the building and violates zoning laws. The process with the Board usually takes about 90 days. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, the borough would then consider the request for a building permit. In the meantime, the Conference was advised not to use the offices until the situation is settled. With a hearing looking imminent for the zoning board, council acknowledged and accepted with regret Brian Lathrop’s resignation from it. This leaves three people on the board. Street foreman Ken DiPhillips provided council with a report that was heavy on the status of cleaning up the long-closed dump that is leaking waste into a creek in the borough. He said that all reports are in and it looked like the DEP, with whom DiPhillips is working closely, would accept his/the borough’s report about proceeding with the clean up. For his part, DiPhillips has done what he can until the process is approved and, on the advice of the Conservation District, until the spring water levels go down in the creek. In the meantime, he’s removed trees and vegetation, sandbagged the sides, and found sources of fill – a lot of which will be required. The borough has applied for grant money for what could be a $30,000 clean up, and would continue to scout other grant sources for it. The borough’s insurance agent is also looking into other sources of financial help. DiPhillips also made a pitch for street maintenance that would stretch the time and money spent on street repairs to date. He would like to put a slurry seal on the streets, a cost-effective way, he said, to get 7-8 more years of use out of a street before it needs to be repaired. The slurry seal costs about a dollar a square yard, and he thinks it would be money well spent for the longer term. By preserving the streets that are more or less in pretty good shape, he could more speedily address those that do need repaving or significant repairs. DiPhillips reported that Syracuse has taken a micro-paving tack, and is using a lot of slurry seal in the process. Council president Joel Maxey asked DiPhillips to present his analysis in a written report to council, who will consider it later on. Council members also learned from the Municipal Authority’s Pat Ely that the borough’s insurance company, without admitting any liability, have offered a $1,500 settlement to the Morgans, owners of a residence on Maple Street that was overrun with sewage and which caused significant damage to their home. Ely also reported that it was a root ball that basically ran amuck which caused the blockage and back-up, and that the Morgans were not in compliance which seems to have caused the Authority, as explained at the meeting, to be unable to get its equipment into the infrastructure. The offer was reported to have been made to the Morgans on March 30, and neither the Authority nor its insurer had heard anything back from them at the time of the meeting. In another Municipal Authority matter, Council accepted with regret the resignation of Jerome Washo from its board. It appointed Dr. David Rechlicz to fill the vacancy. In other borough business, Council took the following actions: Said it was okay by them to a request from county district attorney Jason Legg to find out whether the borough wanted to participate in a litter pick-up by crews of inmates from the County correctional facility; Legg said the country wanted to get the inmates working, and this was also a way for some of them to fulfill community service obligations. Approved a request by the Endless Mountains Health System to put up no parking signs in designated areas. Agreed to advertise that it will be considering how it will handle compliance with the state UCC code. Adopted ordinances specific to the Police Pension Act and involving administrative compliance by those who administer the program. Approved the purchase for $734 of a terrific radio recommended by council member and emergency coordinator Bernie Zelinski; the radio, says Zelinski, has gotten rave reviews from those in the area who have used it – including continuing to work after falling off trucks or being run over by them; $500 of the cost comes from a grant the borough received when Zelinski attended a FEMA seminar; Zelinski expects a subsequent amount to be available in conjunction with other FEMA seminars, and will earmark those funds for the balance of the cost of this radio, and set it aside for the purchase of more of them. The next regular meeting of the Montrose Borough Council is scheduled for May 3, at 7 p.m. in the Borough Building.Montrose Handles Business’ Requests By Sandra Kazinetz A lot of people were at the April 5 Montrose Borough Council meeting and most of them were there to learn about their requests for provisional occupancy for their businesses. All council members were present, as was borough solicitor Jason Legg. The borough and its CEO Shane Lewis have lately begun enforcing various ordinances that relate to building codes – especially for commercial properties – that generally were not enforced, or enforced to less than their full extent, in the past. With new state universal construction codes soon to be effective, the borough both wants and needs its businesses to be in compliance with its regulations. The situation some business owners are dealing with is waiting for state Labor and Industry representatives to come and inspect their businesses or otherwise get back to them with information. Council also wants to continue to encourage business growth in the town. So, it took some time out of the meeting to gather in a closed session, after which it announced the adoption of a policy of conditional occupancy, provided certain conditions are met. In general, this means that the business owners must regularly provide a progress report to council, including copies of correspondence with Labor and Industry, notes on conversations with them, and other activities that bring them closer to obtain L and I approval. Council considered several requests and acted upon them as follows: Town and Country Florist on Public Avenue; conditional occupancy approval was given for 60 days, with two 30-day progress reports required. Hot Compact Parts; conditional occupancy for 30 days, permission to work on owner’s own vehicles only, and notification to borough secretary Annette Rogers about date of L and I inspection. Rosemont Bed and Breakfast; conditional occupancy approval for 60 days, with a progress report every 15 days during that period. A representative from the Montrose Bible Conference also requested a zoning variance because it has recently started converting several rooms in its Homestead Avenue building into office space. He was also requesting a permit for the associated remodeling work. Council referred the Conference to the Zoning Hearing Board because, putting in offices changes the use of the building and violates zoning laws. The process with the Board usually takes about 90 days. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, the borough would then consider the request for a building permit. In the meantime, the Conference was advised not to use the offices until the situation is settled. With a hearing looking imminent for the zoning board, council acknowledged and accepted with regret Brian Lathrop’s resignation from it. This leaves three people on the board. Street foreman Ken DiPhillips provided council with a report that was heavy on the status of cleaning up the long-closed dump that is leaking waste into a creek in the borough. He said that all reports are in and it looked like the DEP, with whom DiPhillips is working closely, would accept his/the borough’s report about proceeding with the clean up. For his part, DiPhillips has done what he can until the process is approved and, on the advice of the Conservation District, until the spring water levels go down in the creek. In the meantime, he’s removed trees and vegetation, sandbagged the sides, and found sources of fill – a lot of which will be required. The borough has applied for grant money for what could be a $30,000 clean up, and would continue to scout other grant sources for it. The borough’s insurance agent is also looking into other sources of financial help. DiPhillips also made a pitch for street maintenance that would stretch the time and money spent on street repairs to date. He would like to put a slurry seal on the streets, a cost-effective way, he said, to get 7-8 more years of use out of a street before it needs to be repaired. The slurry seal costs about a dollar a square yard, and he thinks it would be money well spent for the longer term. By preserving the streets that are more or less in pretty good shape, he could more speedily address those that do need repaving or significant repairs. DiPhillips reported that Syracuse has taken a micro-paving tack, and is using a lot of slurry seal in the process. Council president Joel Maxey asked DiPhillips to present his analysis in a written report to council, who will consider it later on. Council members also learned from the Municipal Authority’s Pat Ely that the borough’s insurance company, without admitting any liability, have offered a $1,500 settlement to the Morgans, owners of a residence on Maple Street that was overrun with sewage and which caused significant damage to their home. Ely also reported that it was a root ball that basically ran amuck which caused the blockage and back-up, and that the Morgans were not in compliance which seems to have caused the Authority, as explained at the meeting, to be unable to get its equipment into the infrastructure. The offer was reported to have been made to the Morgans on March 30, and neither the Authority nor its insurer had heard anything back from them at the time of the meeting. In another Municipal Authority matter, Council accepted with regret the resignation of Jerome Washo from its board. It appointed Dr. David Rechlicz to fill the vacancy. In other borough business, Council took the following actions: Said it was okay by them to a request from county district attorney Jason Legg to find out whether the borough wanted to participate in a litter pick-up by crews of inmates from the County correctional facility; Legg said the country wanted to get the inmates working, and this was also a way for some of them to fulfill community service obligations. Approved a request by the Endless Mountains Health System to put up no parking signs in designated areas. Agreed to advertise that it will be considering how it will handle compliance with the state UCC code. Adopted ordinances specific to the Police Pension Act and involving administrative compliance by those who administer the program. Approved the purchase for $734 of a terrific radio recommended by council member and emergency coordinator Bernie Zelinski; the radio, says Zelinski, has gotten rave reviews from those in the area who have used it – including continuing to work after falling off trucks or being run over by them; $500 of the cost comes from a grant the borough received when Zelinski attended a FEMA seminar; Zelinski expects a subsequent amount to be available in conjunction with other FEMA seminars, and will earmark those funds for the balance of the cost of this radio, and set it aside for the purchase of more of them. The next regular meeting of the Montrose Borough Council is scheduled for May 3, at 7 p.m. in the Borough Building. Oakland Boro council met on April 8 for their regular monthly meeting; Chad Crawford was not present due to illness. Jim Davis of DGK Insurance addressed council regarding renewal of the boro’s policy. He gave an outline of the boro’s coverage and asked if there are any plans for major projects or purchases in the coming year; there are not. He reviewed a list of boro property, vehicles and major equipment. There was one question from secretary Flo Brush; a boro worker had recently been injured on the job and, due to insurance regulations, had been required to seek medical help in Scranton rather than at Barnes-Kasson Hospital. Mr. Davis promised to see what could be done about changing that requirement. And, there was a question from an audience member about the deductible, $2,500. In light of recent changes in state code regulations, she said, municipalities might be left open to more liability. Mr. Davis said that the deductible could be lowered to $1,000, but that it could not go any lower. All agreed that it will be interesting to see what changes the new codes regulations bring. Overall, there would be an increase in the yearly premiums of about $300, due to inflation. A motion carried later in the meeting to approve continuing the policy. Under old business, council president Ron Beavan reported that Mr. Crawford had been getting estimates for work to address a water problem at the Medlar property; the best estimate came in at $500 less than had been expected. Council is pursuing grant funding to repair the retaining wall on River Road, with the help of the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Although final approval will not be known until June, Mr. Beavan reported that it does look favorable. Council will continue working on a paving plan for the coming season; most paving companies will not be starting work until early in May. The parks and recreation committee has been busy. The basketball hoop has been put up at the park. Fund-raisers are being planned. An Easter egg hunt was planned for boro children at the park on April 10. The committee will hold regular meetings at 6:30 on the first Thursday of the month at the boro building. Any interested residents are welcome to attend. The committee was given approval to open a separate checking account, and will provide monthly financial reports to council. Police chief Bob VanFleet reported that repairs had been needed for the police car, as well as a new tire. And, he will be attending a two-day update course in Carbondale. A complaint about vehicles parking too close to an intersection was discussed; it was agreed to look into posting "no parking" signs. Mr. Beavan reported that an inspection of the boro building had been conducted. It is, he said, structurally sound. There are some problems, such as bricks separating from the building in several areas, and the roof is not anchored, although this should not be a problem as it is too heavy to move. A final report will be available in a few weeks. Council will be holding a public, informational meeting some time in May for property owners with "stacked" apartments, which must be registered with the state. Registration forms will be made available; it is the property owner’s responsibility to register the properties. Council has received an application for grant funding to have an old oil tank removed from the boro building property; Doug Arthur agreed to look at it. At the suggestion of the CEO, council will work on an ordinance that will require a percentage of insurance funds to be placed into an escrow account in a situation where a home is destroyed or severely damaged. The funds will be held until the owner has cleaned up the property. A motion carried to adopt a resolution to introduce the Route 92 byway designation into state legislation; the byway will run from Lenox up to the New York State border. Peoples Bank sent information regarding a seminar they plan to hold on grant writing; several in attendance expressed interest in going if it does come about. Responding to information from the county, the boro will participate in a litter pickup program, using inmates from the county jail. The three main targeted areas will be State St., Westfall Ave., and High St. and, of course, any other areas the crews would like to address. Council approved purchase of a new copier for the office; grant funding is available for 75% of the cost, total cost to the boro will be about $62. And, it was agreed to look at the budget to see if it is possible to keep Bruce Moorehead on as a part-time employee. Mr. Moorehead came to the boro through the Experience Works program; his time with the boro will be coming to an end soon. It would cost $3,520 to keep him on, for twenty hours a week, until the end of the year. The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building. Starrucca
Borough Workshop Meeting Starrucca Borough Council hosted a workshop meeting on roads, March 18, 2004. The meeting was called to order at the Starrucca Community Hall by Council President Pete Downton. The council and the public had been notified of the workshop meeting by a posting on the Community Hall bulletin board on March 8th and by a legal ad appearing in The Susquehanna Transcript on March 10th. The council had voted unanimously to schedule the workshop at the regular March Borough Council meeting. Council members present at the workshop were Andy Bennett, Mary Ann DeBalko, Paul Everett, Lou Gurske, Helen Haynes and Robert Weldy. Mayor Frank Mrozcka was absent. In the audience were Robert Buck, Jack Downton, Darl Haynes, Don Haynes, Rachel Jones, Inge Karcher, Art Kopp, Charlie Levchak, Bob Lunt, Tony Palonis, Fred Rhone and Kirk Rhone. At Mr. Downton's invitation, audience members gave their views on the condition of borough roads and voiced their concerns about them. Rachel Jones described the condition on Jacob’s Ladder Road as hazardous, with deep gullies that filled with ice over the winter, especially near the intersection with Starrucca Creek Road. Roads Lack Crowns She said the Jacob’s Ladder Road was graded improperly and had no crown, adding she felt that Dave Hobart had been doing a good job of plowing the road, but that the situation was beyond plowing. Neighbor Inge Karcher agreed with Mrs. Jones's estimation of the problems with the road, adding that the ditch alongside it hadn't been cleared for 15 years or more and that water runs down the middle of the road. Other speakers chimed in that none of the borough roads are properly crowned. Art Kopp complained that because of poor drainage some borough roads have potholes that have persisted for five or six years despite repeated efforts to fill them and that brush and trees have so encroached on the roadways in places that when the trees are in leaf drivers can't even swerve to avoid potholes, because they can't see oncoming traffic. Kirk Rhone commented that the road manager's worst enemy is standing water, which softens a road's surface and the subgrade beneath it. By cleaning the ditches, clearing culverts and crowning the roads properly, the problems with borough roads can be eliminated, he said, adding he thought there should be enough material in the ditches – material washed from the roads – to crown them back up properly. Maintenance Plan Sought Mr. Rhone also asked whether the Road Committee had a detailed plan for repairing borough roads. Mr. Downton replied that the committee did not and that the reason for calling that night's meeting was to develop such a plan. Fred Rhone noted that because of the narrowing of roadways and the damage to road edges that most people drive down the middle of borough roads, putting extra wear in that area. He added that dust control in dry weather was also an issue. Without it, road materials will just blow away, he said. Returning to potholes, Charlie Levchak suggested putting coarsely crushed rock into them, then topping them with "modified" (a mixture of crushed stone and stone sand). Mr. Downton remarked that Como Construction had done just that on Stefano Road, filling potholes with crushed red shale, then putting "modified" on top. The road was smooth for a while, then the potholes returned, Mr. Downton said. Weight Limits Suggested Bob Lunt asked whether the council might consider limiting the weight of vehicles using borough roads during the winter and spring. Mr. Downton said posting and bonding the roads would be very expensive. Mr. Lunt remarked that in the past Lou Gallo of PENNDOT had suggested that such a move would not be too expensive. Mr. Downton replied that the borough could consider making heavy truck operators post a bond and require them to fix any damage they might do to borough roads, but that this would raise enforcement issues. The focus then shifted to financing road repairs and ways to attract bids from contractors for road repairs. Mr. Downton remarked that the borough had begun the winter with around $3,000 in the road maintenance bank account, which is funded by state taxes on liquid motor fuels. Darl Haynes asked why the borough had spent as much money as it had on road repairs last summer when it would halve the money available from liquid fuels taxes for winter maintenance. He also questioned whether the borough can make up the liquid fuels shortfall with money from the general fund and still do what needs to be done in areas other than road maintenance. Mr. Haynes then suggested offering to bid three- or four-year contracts for road repairs as a way of attracting more bidders and, perhaps, lower bids. Robert Buck said he felt this approach would be much more attractive to contractors. Kirk Rhone suggested working out a road maintenance budget that would allow the borough to put back into the general fund the money used for road work in 2003. Road Repair 'Specs' Fred Rhone urged the council to make sure that any future contracts for road work specify precisely the way the borough wants the work to be done. Kirk Rhone then offered council members copies of a technical information sheet on the design and maintenance of gravel roads that was issued in 1989 by the state Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). Having the "specs" you want in your job description would stop a lot of the problems, Fred Rhone remarked, adding that if a contractor still did something the wrong way he could now be made to fix it at his own expense. Jack Downton suggested that any job description should specify that the contractor hired to do road repairs this summer must use a road rake, and not just a grader, to finish road surfaces and remove large stones. A road rake would do the job for half the money, he said. Mr. Lunt said he had removed large stones by hand from Penn Hill Road when it was repaired. He also suggested having the borough secretary send letters soliciting bids from any contractor who presented a bid to the borough in the last five years and to anyone else expressing an interest in working on borough projects. This would be in addition to newspaper ads. Mr. Downton agreed this was a good idea. Mr. Haynes said that he, Kirk Rhone and others would bring a road maintenance proposal, a detailed plan, to the Borough Council in a week and urged the council to have a plan of its own ready in the same amount of time. Mr. Downton responded that the council was struggling to get everything right and wanted to take the time to get everyone's input. There's nothing to be gained by not paying attention to what residents have to offer the council, he said. At this point, the audience members left to allow council members time to confer quietly among themselves before adjourning. 'Plan of Attack' Needed Council member Weldy said the council needed to outline a plan of attack. We have the "specs" right here, he said, indicating the LTAP bulletin. We'll have to prioritize because we don't have the money to do all that needs to be done. We have to figure out a road maintenance budget, so we'll need to know what our income and our recurring expenses will be. And we'll need to get the message out how we want the work done. Council member Everett echoed that last point, saying the council had to tell contractors that, starting in 2004 the council wants the work done according to the "specs" council will provide. At this point, council member Helen Haynes submitted a handwritten report outlining the work she feels needs to be done on each of the borough's roads. Among her suggestions were grading each road with crown built up from material removed from the ditches, cleaning ditches and sluices, filling potholes and cutting brush. Mr. Downton said the council had to get road maintenance in the borough back on track and to stay within budget, adding that if people are complaining about roads, taking some money from the general fund to repair roads may not be the worst thing. The Road Committee, he said, would hash out the information gathered earlier at the meeting and give the committee's impressions of what should be done at the April Council Meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Thompson Boro council met on April 5 with an unusually large audience in attendance. The treasurer’s report and bill list were approved, as were minutes of the March 1 regular meeting and a special meeting held on March 10. At the end of the March 1 meeting, council had reluctantly accepted the resignation of Roselyn Lee, and had appointed Mark Carmody to fill the remainder of her term. However, at the March 10 meeting, Mr. Carmody had tendered his resignation; he had discovered that, due to military obligations, it is not permissible for him to hold an elective office. As always, the main topic of the April 5 meeting was the ongoing sewage project. Council president Dennis Price reported that he and council members Scott Halesky and Andy Gardner had attended the plant startup on March 23; at this point, the system is operating as needed. On March 25, the manholes were opened to look for deficiencies, and the sidewalks were inspected. There is still a "punch" list of items that need to be addressed, such as finishing material for the inside plant walls that has not been applied. There was some confusion as to whether this item had been omitted when the original specs were altered; the project engineer is looking into it. The thermostat is not working properly, causing the furnace to run more than necessary. Fencing has been placed around the plant, and the system was scheduled for flushing the week of April 12. And, there are a number of reports and other related paperwork in the process of being filed with the appropriate agencies. Once the final close-out cost of the project is known, the engineers will pass this information on to RUS; the total will determine how much paving can be done, as "leftover" funds from the project will be used. Mr. Price said that it may turn out to be possible to extend some of the sidewalks. He stressed that council and the engineers have worked vigilantly to reduce costs wherever possible. The engineers are also going to look into including resolving water problems on Willow and Pleasant Aves. with the paving project. Two applications were received for the position of plant operator; a motion carried to hire Larry Travis, with Calvin Ripple as alternate. Mr. Price said that Mr. Travis has already made some excellent suggestions; one is that plastic tee caps on individual properties be replaced with metal, which would make it easier to find with a detector if they get buried. Mr. Price noted that this item was included in the construction contract. And, the system was set up to send tests out to a lab; but, Mr. Travis is qualified to do them. He will check with the Tri-Boro Municipal Authority to see if they can be done there; this would not only lower the cost of the tests, but would allow for quicker results. A total of 38 homeowners qualified for CDBG grants for hookup costs, up to $1,500 each. Information on low-interest loans is available for those residents who did not qualify. Mr. Price said that the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority will be meeting with a representative in Harrisburg to see if the unused funds from the total grant allocation could be used in some other way by the boro, perhaps for those who have more than one EDU. If the results of this meeting are not favorable, Mr. Price said that Rep. Major will be contacted to see if she can help, as at least 51% of the boro’s residents are at low-income levels. Mr. Price requested that if residents have questions or concerns, they are to call the boro phone number (727-1075) rather than his residence; the messages are checked frequently and the appropriate person will respond to calls. There were several questions regarding uses that may or may not be applied to old systems, whether on-lot tanks or the old "wildcat" system. Those homeowners who have on-lot tanks may use them as dry wells for storm water. They must be pumped out first and can be filled with No. 2 or No. 4 stone. But, before this is done, a release must be signed to absolve the boro of any liability in the case of a backup. However, the old wildcat system cannot be used for storm drains as the lines are not dependable and it is not legal to use it for any reason once the new system is operational. Homes formerly connected to that system must install sump pumps for storm water and pump it to a location outside of the home. Mr. Price stressed that it is illegal to use the system for any reason whatsoever. Council approved an inspection form for connections; it is comprised of three parts, one each for the homeowner, the contractor, and the boro. Residents may pay the inspection fee when they obtain their hookup permit. It had been decided to charge a flat fee for the inspection, which could involve two visits by the inspector, one for the inside connection and one for the outside. Additional visits by the inspector would be at an additional charge. Mayor Delaney asked why the homeowner should be responsible for an additional inspection fee, as the additional inspections would most likely be a result of incorrect installations. Mr. Price said that this would be something the homeowner would have to work out with his/her contractor. He added that homeowners should also check with their contractor to insure that the home’s traps and vents are adequate. Mr. Price noted that a few right-of-way agreements have not yet been received by council; the homeowner(s) cannot hook into the new system until the required paperwork is received by the boro. Two applications were received for the on-site inspector’s job, from Shane Lewis and Charles Boman. A motion carried to appoint Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lewis was on hand to discuss the new Uniform Construction Codes. Basically, he said, a municipality has three choices. It could opt in with a third party (inspection) entity; new construction could involve a total of five inspections, with the approximate cost to the homeowner between $800 and $900. A second choice is to join COG; COG has contracted with a third party; inspection cost is approximately $750. A third choice is to use an independent inspector, who must be certified or registered with Labor & Industry. At an hourly rate, inspections would involve an approximate cost of $175. Mr. Lewis and council discussed the pros and cons of those choices, with an emphasis on the financial aspect. Mr. Lewis is experienced in building codes and enforcement, and, under the new UCC regulations, is "grandfathered" for three years for residential inspections, five for commercial. At this time, he said, he has no immediate plans to take the certification course, but he predicted that the next three years will see more people getting certified, resulting in competition for jobs, which would ultimately be good for the homeowners as inspections costs would go down. Mr. Lewis said that violations can be handled at the county level, which he prefers as it has had good results; the violator would be responsible for the legal costs involved. Mr. Gardner noted that construction within the boro mostly consists of renovations, repair, replacement or additions, with not too much new construction going on. Mr. Lewis suggested that council discuss changing the boro’s permit fees, to cover the inspection fee. And, permits would need to be issued by the inspector instead of by council. There was also discussion about the state’s property maintenance code, which Mr. Lewis said goes hand in hand with UCC regulations but is not required for municipalities to adopt. A motion carried to accept an agreement with PAWC for monthly billing of sewage fees. In response to a question from the audience, Mr. Price explained that it had been decided to go with monthly billing, as it would involve a payment of $41 per month, which should be easier for residents to "come up with" rather than a $123 quarterly charge. In the case of delinquent payments, quarterly billing would mean a longer time period involved to pursue legal action and for the boro to have to deal with a shortfall of funds. And, the agreement with PAWC allows for the water service to be turned off if the sewage fees are not paid. The boro will be hosting its second annual town fair on June 19; several donations have already been received. Last year’s fair cost $1,700, with this year’s expected to be about $1,900. All proceeds and expenses will be administered through the boro’s community fund. Among activities planned are an antique car display at the Methodist Church, outdoor music all day, a dance at the Masonic Hall from 6 to 9, and a parade (floats are needed). Mr. Price said that the fair committee will be trying for something a little different each year. He added that the date would be a good day for residents to hold yard sales. A motion carried to adopt a setback ordinance; it covers new construction, sheds, porches, or any additions. New structures must have a ten foot distance from a property’s sidelines, fifteen feet from the rear, and fifty from the center of the road fronting the property. Any exceptions would require a written variance from the owner of the affected neighboring property. Mr. Gardner reported that there was an Eastern Susquehanna County Partnership meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, with the consultants who will be drafting a comprehensive plan. Representatives from the consulting firm as well as the six member municipalities will be taking a bus tour of the area to get an overview of the area’s assets, liabilities and resources, culminating with a meeting in the afternoon to discuss "where we see ourselves going in the future, and what we would like to see happen." It was to be the first of many meetings, he said, as well as public meetings and work sessions. Four building permits were approved. Mr. Price said that Harry Flanagan, owner of the old fire hall, has consented to allow a bulletin board to be posted in front of the building, between the bays. The board will be used to post council meeting agendas and public notices. Concerns from the audience included speeding, with one resident commenting that the road surface is rough now from the sewer construction, but what will happen after it’s been resurfaced; will speeding get worse? He said that he has been able to identify one driver; Mayor Delaney and Chief Rivenburgh will look into it. Another resident asked if the guard rails on one of the boro’s bridges could be painted. Mr. Price noted that the boro does not have a work crew, but council has received information about inmates who are willing to conduct litter cleanups. He will contact the county to see if the crews would be able to take on other projects. In response to letters sent to residents regarding sewer hookups, Mayor Delaney reported that he has received several inquiries from residents asking how an EDU is determined. Mr. Price responded that criteria from DEP determines what an EDU is, according to the structure’s use. "We follow their guidelines," he said. He went on to say that council has been explaining this for at least ten years, in numerous newsletters and during meetings, when the sewage project has always been the first item on the agenda every month. "Council has distributed information with definitions, and (the definition) is in the ordinance copy that every resident received along with their notice to connect." He added that property owners must notify the boro if a structure’s use changes. There were several complaints/questions regarding incidents occurring from construction of the sewage system. Mr. Price said that Pioneer, the contractors, took videos of affected areas both before and after construction. Complaints will be passed on to Pioneer. Letters will be sent to eleven homeowners delinquent in their sewer maintenance fees (for the present system). Mr. Price said that, until a home is hooked into the new system, the current system still has to be maintained. All collected funds go into sewer account. The last question was in regard to a malfunctioning street light; any resident can call it in to PENNDOT. All that is needed is the pole number. Two candidates were interested in the vacant council seat, Shawna Alleman and Nicholas Sheptak. Both expressed interest in being involved in boro government and in being part of decisions being made by council. After some discussion and votes, Mr. Sheptak was appointed; he will be sworn in at the next meeting. Council member Allen Lloyd asked council to consider moving the meeting time up to 7:00 as the meetings usually end up running quite late; this particular meeting adjourned at 10:30. The next meeting will be on Monday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. in the fire hall.
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