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Look For Our HUNTING SPECIAL In The NOVEMBER 24th ISSUE Of The County Transcript

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Issue Home November 9, 2004 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Large Election Turnout, But...
Forest City Taxes Going Up
Odd Poll in Harford
Gibson Barracks Report
Courthouse Report

Blacktop Not A Hazard
G. B. Twp. Is Snow-Ready

Great Bend Debates Budget
Montrose Budget Falls Short
Restore Roads, Creeks In New Milford
Complications In Thompson


Large Election Turnout, But...

Susquehanna County voters made a commendable showing in last Tuesday’s Presidential Election but the turnout did not come close to the modern day record that was set in the 1992 General Election.

Unofficial numbers show a voter turn out for the George W. Bush-John F. Kerry contest at 70 percent in the county which is up a scant two percentage points from the Bush-Gore battle in 2000. The number is far from the 85 percent turnout that the county logged in the 1992 campaign that pitted George W’s father, incumbent Republican President George Bush, against a then little-known Democratic challenger, Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas.

Last week’s turnout in some municipalities was in the mid-70’s range but a lesser showing in some places leveled off the countywide percentage at 70. In Franklin Township, for example, 443 out of 576 registered voters went to the polls, good for a 76 percent turnout in that municipality. However, of the 43 voting districts in the county, 18 recorded turnout percentages in the 60 percent range.

Susquehanna County Republicans did remain true to form in giving President Bush 11,420 votes compared with 7,237 for Democrat John Kerry. Again, these numbers are unofficial and may be changed some when the county Board of Elections finishes the officials count and certifies the election.
Perhaps the most significant attribute of the Susquehanna County voters is their loyalty to homegrown candidates regardless of party affiliation. Incumbent Republican Congressman Don Sherwood, a Tunkhannock businessman, once again was the top vote getter in the county logging an amazing 14,802 votes in handily disposing of his token opposition, Conservative Veronica Hannevig. And, in the race for state treasurer, Bob Casey, Jr., a Scranton Democrat and son of the late Governor Robert P. Casey, received 9,750 votes compared with 8,258 for his Republican challenger, Jean Craige Pepper. These results show that voters of both parties crossed lines to support the local talent. Mr. Sherwood and Mr. Casey both won the offices they were seeking.

In the race for US Senator, incumbent Republican Arlen Specter, who has been an ally of the dairy farmers for a number of years, came out of the county with a greater than two-to-one margin of victory over Democrat Joseph Hoeffel. Mr. Specter who received a sizable number of Democrat votes in the county, retained his seat in the Senate. The unofficial count shows Mr. Specter with 12,273 votes and Mr. Hoeffel with 5,238.

Another area candidate, Republican Joe Peters of Scranton, did not fair too well in his campaign for state auditor general but Susquehanna County voters again went to bat for a local candidate. Mr. Peters received a generous 61 percent of the votes filed for auditor general in the county but his Democrat counterpart, Jack Wagner won the statewide election.

Tom Corbett, who visited the county on a number of occasions when he was second chair behind Attorney General Mike Fisher, will be the state’s next attorney general. In a statewide race against Democrat Jim Eisenhower, Mr. Corbett came out on top. In the county, he received 11,834 votes compared with 6,252 for Mr. Eisenhower.

After the 2000 census, the Commonwealth was forced to realign legislative districts across the state. The concept is supposed to reapportion the legislative districts so that each state senator and representative would represent an equal number of people in the state in keeping with the Supreme Court’s one-man, one vote rule. Most political observers will agree that the reapportionment actually results in legislators swapping voting districts in order to strengthen their voting base in their respective districts.

The end result was that Susquehanna County now has five representatives to protect their tax dollars and bring needed money back to the county for industrial and agricultural needs.

The county now has two state senators and three state representatives protecting its interests in Harrisburg. The three representatives, Sandra J. Major, Tina Pickett, and Jim Wansacz were all successful incumbent candidates last Tuesday and will remain in the state House of Representatives. State Senator Roger A. Madigan was also reelected to his seat. They all won going away and were never really in danger of losing their seats.

The other state representative, Senator Charles Lemmond was not up for reelection this year.
Getting back to the Presidential Elections, Bill Clinton went on to defeat incumbent President George Bush in 1992 when the voter turnout hit a high note with 85.4 percent of the county’s registered voters casting ballots. Mr. Clinton received 43 percent of the vote in the county while President Bush got 37 percent and a newcomer, billionaire Ross Perot had 19 percent of the votes cast for president.
In 1996, the turnout in the county was 69.8 percent. President Clinton received 50 percent of the vote, Republican Bob Dole got 42 percent, and Ross Perot picked up eight percent. The election marked the first time since Franklin Delano Roosevelt that a Democratic candidate for president was elected to two full terms in office.

And, for the curious, in the 1988 Presidential Election the turnout was 76 percent with 53.4 percent of the vote going to Vice President George Bush and 45.6 percent to Michael Dukakis.

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Forest City Taxes Going Up


The Forest City Borough Council unanimously approved a tentative 2005 borough budget last week that calls for an increase of two mills in the local taxes. If the budget gains final approval next month, the real estate tax for borough purposes will go from 11.8 mills to 13.8 mills.

Councilman Paul J. Amadio, chairman of the finance committee, said the tax hike is unavoidable because of increases in required daily needs such as gasoline, diesel fuel and heating oil. He also cited increases in health insurance premiums in 2005 and in materials for road maintenance. “These increases are in items and services that we need in order to run the borough,” Mr. Amadio said. “They are comparable with unfunded mandates.” He said he is hoping the two-mill-increase that will generate an additional $40,000 in revenue, will allow the council to avoid any increases in the immediate future.

The new budget totals $560,759. About one third of the amount is for police protection. Salaries and wages for the police department total $115,000 plus health insurance, life insurance, pension costs and clothing allowances. Salaries and benefits for the two full-time police officers are dictated by union contract.

Mr. Amadio also pointed out that the borough’s contribution to the fire department is in excess of $15,000 a year or about three quarters of a tax mill. He said he is not complaining about it because the volunteer firemen are invaluable and the money given to the fire department is low compared with communities that have paid firemen.

Mr. Amadio also pointed out that the borough pays most of the expenses for Kennedy Park, the cost of the recycling program, half the fuel cost and the workmen’s compensation for the ambulance service, $10,000 a year for street lights, and $10,800 a year for fire hydrants.

“I am not complaining about any of these costs because they all pay dividends in service to our borough,” Mr. Amadio said. “I merely want the taxpayers to know where some of their tax dollars are going.”
In another financial matter, there was more bad news for borough residents.
Bids received by the council for garbage removal increased considerably and, while the council held up on awarding a contract for the service, borough residents will also see an increase in the cost of garbage removal.

Waste Management, the borough’s current trash removal company, has submitted a bid of $2.47 per bag, an increase of more than 50 cents a bag. There were no other bidders for the bag system but there was a petition presented to the borough with 87 signatures urging council to consider bulk pick up.

The woman who presented the petition said she puts out 10 to 12 bags of trash a week and she can no longer afford an increase in the collection costs.

After much discussion, council decided to sponsor a public meeting on November 18 solely for the purpose of receiving input on the issue of bag versus bulk collection. Three years ago, residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of retaining the bag system and council accepted the mandate and stayed with bags. They may get another opportunity to vote on the subject this year.

At the present time, the borough sells five bags for eleven dollars. However, with the new bid price of $2.47 per bag and the increase in fuel costs to operate the recycling truck weekly, the price could be increased to five bags for $13 or $14. The bulk rate would cost each family about $150 a year.

Council also heard about some aesthetic problems from one taxpayer and from Councilman Nick Cost. The complaints apparently center around unsightly conditions at a number of homes in the borough and will be turned over to the borough code enforcement officer.

Council acted affirmatively on a request from the Lions Club to designate a handicap parking area on Center Street next to the library. The governing body said the spot will be 15 feet from the fire hydrant at the corner of Main and Center streets.

The spot is currently used by the police department and Chief Paul Lukus said it is the only place near police headquarters where the police can receive calls from the Wayne County Communications Center. The issue will be taken up again by council at the next meeting.

Council was advised by Adams Cable Services that it will be increasing its rates effective December 1. The new prices will be $12.99 monthly for basic cable and $24.00 for expanded service.

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Odd Poll in Harford

Long-time poll watchers in Harford couldn't remember ever seeing lines at the polls on election day. This year at times 10 or more people stood patiently on the ramp to the door of the tiny township office waiting their turn to cast a vote in the 2004 general election. When the polls finally closed at 8:00 p.m., of the 859 people listed on the voter rolls, 621 had appeared to cast a vote, a 72% turnout.

457 of those also voted on the "special question." When the county election board refused to allow Harford to add a referendum question on the Odd Fellows Hall to the official ballot, the township Supervisors decided to take a poll of their own anyway.

The question was a lengthy one, because it included the full text of five restrictive covenants attached to the deed for the Odd Fellows Hall and property when the township acquired it sometime before 1970. The most important of the five says, "The TOWN HALL [the Odd Fellows Hall] will not be disposed of, except by vote of the ELECTORATE of HARFORD TOWNSHIP and at a regular election." Voters were asked to approve removing the five covenants from the deed.

Whatever the outcome of the poll, the matter will still have to come before a judge to have the deed changed. A positive vote by the people of Harford will be used to help make the case. If the restrictions are removed from the deed, then the Supervisors will gain complete responsibility for - and control over - the building and the lot on which it stands in the center of Harford village.

Although the deed requires a vote of the township's electorate, since this wasn't an official ballot anyway, the Supervisors decided to solicit the opinion of just about anyone with an interest in the matter. Registered voters were given a yellow sheet of paper with the question and a place to mark whether they agreed or disagreed to have the covenants removed from the deed. Others (this reporter included) were given an identical question printed on blue paper. Only 10 people not registered to vote in Harford chose to mark a blue ballot; two of those disagreed with the proposition.

Of the 457 registered voters who cast the special ballots, 353 were in favor (77%), 101 were opposed (22%), and one was not marked at all. The special ballots were counted by Rick Pisasik (Harford Township Supervisor), Sue Furney (Harford Township Supervisor), Bob DeLuca (Harford Township Auditor) and this reporter (also a property owner in Harford Township).

Several people studying the special ballots asked what the Supervisors have in mind for the building if and when the restrictions are removed from the deed. So far the Supervisors have not chosen a direction beyond the immediate goal. One of the Supervisors, Terry VanGorden, is on record favoring its demolition. Ms. Furney, before her election last year, said she favored repairing and renovating the building for the use of local residents. Mr. Pisasik's position has shifted over time. As chair of the Board of Supervisors, he has been taking only the most deliberate steps, preferring to elicit the opinion of Harford residents at each stage.

Well, so Harford voters had their say on this "special question." At least there was no line into the cavernous garage where the separate poll was taken. Whatever the result of the national election on November 2, this unprecedented experiment in democracy in Harford was well- received.

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Gibson Barracks Report

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
On the afternoon of November 4, Timothy Cramer, 18, South Gibson, was driving a 1994 Ford Taurus on State Route 92 in Lenox Township when he struck a deer that ran out onto the road. Cramer, who was wearing a seat belt, received a minor injury and was transported to Barnes-Kasson Hospital by the Harford Township Ambulance.

PROPULSION OF MISSILES INTO OCCUPIED VEHICLE
Melissa Henderson, Hallstead, was driving her 1998 Jeep Cherokee south on Route 11 early on the morning of November 4 in the area of the PENNDOT shed in New Milford Township. She heard gunshots and suddenly her rear window shattered. Henderson turned her vehicle around and went back to her home where she phoned state police. The area in question is surrounded by open fields, so this may possibly be a hunting accident. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is also assisting with this investigation.*

TERRORISTIC THREATS/INTIMIDATION OF WITNESS
It was reported on the evening of October 29 that Jared James Squier, 46, Montrose, and Donald Mark Overfield, Jr., Montrose, threatened the lives of four members of the Fiorentino family of Rush Township. An investigation is ongoing.

SIMPLE ASSAULT/TERRORISTIC THREATS
Trooper John L. McArthur of the Gibson Barracks was threatened by John “Jack” Barney, Lenox Township, while McArthur was conducting an investigation at Barney’s home on the evening of October 12.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
Kenneth Crawford, 52, Meshoppen, was negotiating a curve on State Road 3004 in Auburn Township when he lost control of his 1984 Chevy Camaro while trying to miss a deer in the roadway. He struck a tree, was wearing a seat belt and was injured. Crawford was cited for driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed in this accident that occurred on the evening of November 2.

UPDATE FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION
Elizabeth Nitterauer, 19, South Gibson, lost control of the 1997 Mercury she was driving on the afternoon of October 31 on State Route 92 in Lenox Township. Her car crossed over the center line, where its left side had a minor impact with the left side of a 2001 Buick Century sedan owned and driven by Harold T. Billings, 86, Vestal. Nitterauer’s car then continued northwest and hit the front of a 2002 Volvo station wagon owned by driver Donald Morris, 74, Windsor. Billings’ car came to a controlled rest south of the scene. Nitterauer’s came to rest in the northbound lane of Route 92, facing southeast. Morris’ car came to rest on the west side of the road, facing southeast. Nitterauer died at the scene. Morris died at an unnamed hospital after being flown from the scene. A passenger in Morris’ car who received moderate injuries was transported by ambulance to an unnamed hospital. Clifford, Harford, Nicholson and Hallstead fire/ambulance crews responded to the scene.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
On the night of October 31, Clifford Township police officer Donald Carrol stopped Benjamin Conrad, Uniondale, for driving his motorcycle at a high rate of speed and then running a stop sign. Patrolman Carroll then stopped Conrad on Williams Road, where he made threats to the officer and fled the scene. Conrad was then stopped by Trooper John Szuch in the parking lot of Chet’s Bar, located off Brace Road in Herrick Township, and began to fight with the trooper. Conrad eluded the trooper and went inside the bar. Troopers from Gibson, along with patrolmen Carroll and Owen Price went inside the bar and placed Conrad under arrest. He was taken to the state police barracks in Gibson and then arraigned before a district justice and remanded to the county jail.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Sometime between the evening of November 2 and the following morning, and unknown person(s) smashed out two windows of a John Deere 230LC excavator that was parked off the east berm of Route 11 near the Welcome Center in Great Bend Township. The excavator belongs to the Court Street Company in Binghamton.*

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
The bumper on a 1995 Mitsubishi Ellipse belonging to Brock Thomas Welch, Dimock Township., was damaged sometime between October 31 and November 11.*

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Between October 25 and 26, someone damaged the door hinges on the home of Edward Kozlowski, Brooklyn Township.*

THEFT
An unknown person(s) took a green and black Roadmaster 24-inch, 15-speed Fury mountain bicycle belonging to April Brown, Hallstead, from her porch sometime between the evening of October 31 and November 1.*

ONE-VEHICLE CRASH, MINOR INJURY
Stephen Reese, 32, Great Bend, received a minor injury when he lost control of the tractor he was driving east on State Route 11 in Great Bend Township. The rig traveled off the road, crashing into a building owned by Envirocycle. This accident occurred early in the morning of November 2.

BURGLARY
Someone broke into a garage belonging to Louis Eglesia, 69, Meshoppen between October 1 and 24 and stole his green, 4000 cc 1995 Yamaha Kodiak ATV with a black toolbox on the back. *

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Someone drover over the sign for a farm belonging to Allen Jayne, Laceyville, on October 24.*

BURGLARY
Electronic items were stolen by an unknown person(s) from a residence belonging to Stephanie Marcum, Harmony Township sometime between October 23 and 28.

BURGLARY
An unknown person(s) entered barns belonging to George Miguelez, Thompson, and stole tools. This theft was reported on October 30.

THEFT
A white male suspect, described as having dark hair with gray and accompanied by a white female with auburn hair, use a scheme to fool Tracey Lewis, New Milford, into giving him $450 extra in change at Rob’s Market, Great Bend, on the afternoon of October 10. A similar incident occurred at the Giant market in Binghamton on the dame day. State police and Binghamton City police are cooperating in the investigation.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Unknown person(s) spray-painted over the hood emblem on a vehicle belonging to Jennifer Lord, Hallstead, sometime between October 28 and 29.

CRASH
A 2001 Chrysler Sebring driven by Charles Church, 36, New Milford received moderate damage when Church failed to negotiate a left curve on State Route 492 in Jackson Township on the evening of October 29. The car rolled over, was moderately damaged. Church was seat-belted and uninjured.

BURGLARY
Unknown person(s) took various tools and equipment from the Hallstead home of Emmette Harper, 60, between October 7 and 15. Stolen were a metric American Saw set, Hertz tools, a red 6 hp, 133-gallon air compressor, a red plastic and a gray plastic tool box.*

HIT AND RUN
On the evening of October 16, an unknown person was driving a vehicle on State Road 2067 in the opposite direction of that of David Walker, 45, Jackson. The unknown driver drifted into Walker’s lane of travel, hit Walker’s vehicle and failed to stop. The driver fled in a red Pontiac Grand Am or Gran Prix-type vehicle.*

HIT AND RUN
Jeffrey Root, 46, Monroeton, was operating a log truck on October 9 on State road 858 in Middletown Township when he struck a power line, causing damage to the line and surrounding connections. Root failed to stop or notify owners of the property, and faces the charge of accidents involving damage to unattended vehicle or property.

* Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the State Police at 465-3154.

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Courthouse Report

DEEDS

Charlotte Whibeck to Darwin J. Thomas and Ann E. Thomas, in Lenox Township for $154,900.

Patricia Manni (nbm) Patricia Dellacorino and David Dellacorino to Jean Levenson, in Silver Lake Township for $144,000.

Ronald J. Beckler and Darlene J. Beckler to Ronald J. Beckler and Darlene J. Beckler, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Borden & Gerber Inc. to Carl J. Evans and Kelley A. Evans, in Herrick Township for $32,000.

Donald L. Purtell, Norene Purtell, Robert J. Purtell, and Ethel Purtell to Thomas Purtell and Sally Purtell, in Apolacon Township for $20,514.

Nicholas Mase Jr. and Janet G. Mase to Nicholas Mase III, in Jessup Township for $95,000.

Paul G. Montalbano and Linda e. Montalbano to Daniel A. Montalbano, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Nicole E. Mikloiche to Duane C. Sheare and Brenda R. Sheare, in Clifford Township for $63,860.

Claude F. Bauman and Pauline B. Bauman to Anthony C. Romano and Donna L. Romano, in Middletown Township for $38,000.

Albert H. Stickney and Doris J. Stickney to Albert H. Stickney and Doris J. Stickney, in Choconut Township for one dollar.

James W. Riecke and Mary L. Riecke to Lenora B. Phillips, in Great Bend Borough for $78,000.

Rolanda Port to Richard Jordan and Maureen Brown, in Liberty Township for $440,000.

JP Morgan Chase Bank (by attorney) to William Cavanaugh and Tina Cavanaugh, in Forest City for $23,000.

Denise A. Allen (by sheriff) and Douglas H. Browne (by sheriff) to Dennis A. Knowlton and Sherry L. Knowlton, in Clifford Township for $54,200.

Gerald Harvey (est aka) Gerald D. Harvey (est aka) Gerald Donald Harvey (est), Rebecca E. Kaminski, Jeffrey Kaminski, David E. Harvey, Gerald Daniel Harvey, and Heidi L. Harvey to Francis X. Spalding III and Barbara D. Spalding, in Lathrop Township for $50,000.

Helene E. Wilmarth (by atty) to Mary Jane Taylor and Brian E. Taylor, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Allen Balmer and Angela Balmer to Lawrence M. Grasso (rev trust) in Oakland Borough for $10,000.
Susquehanna County Land Sales Inc. to Gerard Donatacci, in Dimock Township for one dollar.

Thomas R. Whalen to Christopher T. Tracy and Cathleen A. Tracy, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Fred Joseph Cobb and Donna Elizabeth Cobb to Matthew J. Cobb, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Fred Joseph Cobb and Donna Elizabeth Cobb to Matthew J. Cobb, in Clifford Township for $25,000.

Albert H. Stickney and Doris J. Stickney to Mark Davella and Mary Davella, in Choconut Township for $82,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association (ala) Fannie Mae to Debra Brian-Susann Harris, in Forest City for $14,900.

Bernice James to Dewitt Darrow and Marguerite Darrow, in Silver Lake Township for $25,000.

Gerald A. Sorensen to David A. Sohara and Lisa M. Sohara, in New Milford and Great Bend townships for $20,000.

Richard Paul Robinson (aka) Richard P. Robinson, and Nina Robinson, to Richard Paul Robinson and Dawn M. Walworth, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

Harold L. Gilg and Carol A. Gilg to Joseph M. Barnhardt, in Silver Lake Township for $14,250.

Betty Scalzo to Guy A. Erceg II and Courtney L. Erceg, in Great Bend Township for $37,500.

Bonita A. Mitrow to Hesham M. Azzam and Arzu Azzam, in Bridgewater Township for $220,000.

Sheila Rae Spak, William M. Spak, William H. Sutton and Anita L. Sutton to Norman R. Hammer Sr. and Norman R. Hammer Jr., in Jackson Township for $45,000.

Bear Stearns Asset Bank Securities Inc. (by trustee) to Michael J. Stitley and April Stitley, in Dimock Township for $45,000.

Everhome Mortgage Company to Wachovia Bank, in Dimock Township for one dollar.

Wachovia Bank to Gregg Hitchcock and Casey Hitchcock, in Dimock Township for $130,000.

Michael S. Holmes to Lawrence T. O’Reilly and Christine M. O’Reilly, in Friendsville Borough for one dollar.

Susan Nadeau (nbm) Susan Barlow to Joseph B. Phinney and Yvonne Phinney, in Silver Lake Township for $90,000.

Donna Fekette, Paul A. Kelly, Pamela E. Kelly, Lawrence T. O’Reilly, Christine O’Reilly and Thomas O’Reilly to Stuart Shilling and Suzette Shillling, in New Milford Township for $70,000.

Martin J. Shauger (by sheriff) and Mary Rita Shauger (by sheriff) to EMC Morgage Corporation in Susquehanna for $1,710.

Dale L.Garrison and Deborah L. Garrison to Mark r. Franklin and Mary Ann J. Franklin, in Springville Township for $132,000.

Household Finance Consumer Disc. Co. to Robert Deschesnes and Frances Deschesnes, in Springville Township for $70,000.

Harvey Zalesne and Judith G. Zalesne to Jeffrey R. Seligsohn and Lisa W. Seligsohn, in Herrick Township for $165,000.

Stanley Cutler and Valerie Cutler to Bonnie J. King and Alwyn King, in Thompson Township for $48,000.

Gary R. Downer and Jean E. Downer to Frank J. Capalaces and Lois Capalaces in Montrose for $85,000.

Wayne Robinson, Ann Robinson, Scott Robinson and Wendy Robinson to Florence MacGowan, in Montrose for $77,000.

Leonora A. Geyer to Fox Enterprises Inc., in New Milford Township for $55,000.

Charles D. Fitzgerald, Eileen F. Fitzgerald to Bonita Mitrow, in Montrose for $90,000.

Kendall L. Mitchell, Lorraine P. Mitchell to Rena E. Graham, in Rush Township for one dollar.
Paula A. Boyer to Jean Mundy, in Gibson Township for $140,000.

Mark E. George, Joyce G. George, Thomas Huf to Thomas Huf, in Harford Township for $1,000.

Roy J. Gordon and Michelle A. Gordon to Chris Ogrodowicz and Jolanta Ogrodowicz, in Oakland Township for $86,000.

Charles F. Kappler III and Nell Ann Kappler to Ilale Gooden, in Auburn Township for $285,000.

MARRIAGES

Martin George Bickford Jr., Susquehanna, and Sharon Ruth Benz, Susquehanna.

Stephen Michael Carpenter, Union Dale, and Cheryl Lynn Mills, Union Dale.

John Lane Pauly III, Montrose, and Melody Sue Bennett, Montrose.

John Demmer III, Kingsley, and Tara Lynn Hess, Brooklyn.

Joseph W. Blaisure, Meshoppen, and Kathy V. Lewis, Meshoppen.

David B. Ayers, Hop Bottom, and Tammy I. Artley, Hop Bottom.

Brandon James Hunsinger, Springville, and Christina Marie Estell, Springville.

Jason Kyle Davis, Nicholson, and Ashley Renee Scott, Nicholson.

Charles William Neeld, Dallas, and Sue Ellen Boyes, Dallas.

DIVORCES

Tammy Taylor Word, Montrose vs. Paul W. Ward, Springville.

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Blacktop Not A Hazard


The Bridgewater Township meeting, Monday, November 1, began with a review of last meetings minutes. They were accepted with no corrections. Attending were Supervisors, Beverly Way, Chuck Mead and Bill Gorkski; also Bridgewater Municipal Authority Board Members, Rex Maxey and Bruce Carey.

Two building permits were reviewed and accepted with no objections. Old Business discussed included the need for hiring a Certified Licensed Property Appraiser to appraise the property that the Township wants to purchase from Montrose Borough. The property being purchased would expand the existing Township property which is now measured at 300 ft. x 200 ft. Some appraisers were suggested and Chuck Mead volunteered to call them.

Also, the Supervisors checked out the photos they had of the flooding problem to be included with the letter to the Northern Tier Regional Planning Commission. Chuck said that dates were needed on them and that some of them were from the 1996 flooding. Rex Maxey said he had some pictures showing the water over Rte. 29, but he would have to develop them. Chuck Mead said he would call Jack Lasher, who he knew also had some photos taken of the recent flooding problem.
Bill Gorkski suggested second notices go out for a sluice pipe and cleanup needed on some Township properties.

New business brought up addressed citizen’s complaints about fill being dumped on property near the inlet of Lake Montrose. Chuck Mead said that Doug Overfield saw blacktop being dumped there and called DEP. DEP told him that it is not a hazard and they would allow it.

Beverly Way said there was a request made for a “School Bus Stop Ahead” sign for Turnpike Road. The Supervisors agreed that because of the turn in the road, a sign may warn drivers to slow down a bit during school hours.

A franchise renewal agreement from Time-Warner Cable Company was reviewed. Chuck said that the Township Solicitor advised them not to do anything with it last year. Chuck motioned to not act upon it. Beverly seconded it.

Rex Maxey brought two quotes for review for work that needed to be performed at the Municipal Authority. He said that they need to have a certified operator perform the duties because of the lift stations. Steve Wilcox was the only one certified that submitted a quote. Bill motioned that the decision should be made by the Municipal Authority Board Members and Chuck seconded it. Rex said that when Montrose Borough and Bridgewater Township Municipal Authorities join together that would fix the problem because Montrose Borough has employees on the payroll who are certified.

Eleven checks were signed to pay bills totaling $5,808.65. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

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G. B. Twp. Is Snow-Ready


When the Great Bend Township board of supervisors met on November 1, petunias and geraniums were still blooming throughout the township to beat the band, thanks to an unusually warm October. Nevertheless, nature does what it does, and with a snow shower tentatively predicted for the weekend of November 5, it was fitting that winter preparedness was discussed.

Roadmaster and supervisor George Haskins reported that the trucks, spreaders and plows are either ready to go, or being made fit so that they are soon. He noted that township employee Nick Mace, in tidying up out back of the township building, dug up a lot of cinders in the old cinder pile, and in the doing, came up with “quite a few cinders.” Haskins said Mace told him that, with cinders leftover from last winter, plus the new-old cinders he uncovered, the township is looking pretty good for the first half of the year, cinder-wise. As Haskins noted, “We get to use the material we have on hand before we need to go out and buy more,” and that is good news.

Haskins also reported on the results of an executive session that was dedicated to interviewing applicants for on-call truck drivers during the winter. Selected were Scott Glezen, at $12 an hour for on-call services, and Charles Haley at $10 an hour because he brings less experience than Glezen, although Haskins reported that he gave Haley a road test and he did fine. Haskins will also ride with him the first few times. Dave Eddleston will continue as well, as an on-call driver. With three people, Haskins explained there would be enough to take care of the afternoon school bus runs as well as weekends, as well as be able to rely on having at least two available when needed.

In his roadmaster’s report, Haskins told the group that the blueprints finally came in from engineer Todd Schmidt and township secretary Sheila Guinan will notify the DEP of such and request their permit that will allow work on the lower slide there. Supervisors will decide if the township will go out to bid on having the work done this fall, if the weather (in spite of a snow squall) continues to be good.
Old Route 11, Haskins noted, was patched with 330 ton of Mod-3 process, which is cold process. “We didn’t do nearly as much as we expected to do with it because the material had to be put on thicker than anticipated,” Haskins explained. But that stretch of road that has been done is reportedly to be oh-so-nice.

A new sluice pipe was put in on Graham Hollow Road to take pressure off another sluice pipe. “There was so much volume of water that it was cutting the ditch out to 3-plus feet wide,” said Haskins. The extra sluice will eliminate some of that water.

As to the beaver problem, the beaver that has been vigorously damming up a drainage ditch on another township road has been moved. Haskins’ update included the fact that another, new beaver has shown up, but he’s not building a dam as frantically as the other, relocated beaver.
Information about the Ivan cleanup included the fact that the dumpster by the township building for deposit of flood-damaged material by residents has been removed. It was filled up twice. Guinan also reported that she followed up on information presented at the last meeting, which was that the township should apply to FEMA for funding to restore or rebuild what was removed by the flood along its creeks. This information was thought to have originally come from Mark Wood, of the county’s EMA. Guinan spoke with Wood who, in fact, confirmed to her that a township or other municipality cannot apply for funding for streambed damage unless the township owns the land on the streambed. Since the township does not own the damaged property along Salt Lick Creek, it approved a motion to no longer pursue bids and work-related activity on the creek.

In financial-related information, board chair Bob Squier reported that Pennstar Bank has asked the township to reconsider its loan payment schedule. As Squier explained it, the township pays its principal early on loans for the pickup and backhoe; last year, he said, this saved the township about $380 in interest. This requires the bank to rework its payment-schedule paperwork by hand. To make it easier all around, they asked the township to consider a payment schedule that would see the principal and half of the interest paid on June 1, and the other half of the interest on December 1. That was fine by the supervisors.

Supervisor Walt Galloway reminded the board to review the township’s proposed budget by its next meeting, where it should approve it for public notification and then adopt it in a timely manner. Galloway also reported that he has been working with Guinan on a block-grant whose application deadline is coming up at the end of the year. Galloway explained that the application would cover an addition to the township building or perhaps, at a minimum handicap accessibility and bathrooms for it. “Sheila [Guinan] did most of the work,” said Galloway, “and she has done a drawing of the proposal that I think will be adequate and which is required with the application.” The application also requires as estimate on the cost of the proposed work, and Galloway suggested that the supervisors meet in an executive session before its next meeting to put together specs and see if it can obtain estimates from contractors.

In notifications, the board noted that the township’s estimated turnback road maintenance allocation for 2005 is $3,375, and estimated liquid fuels allocation is $69,420. Adams Cable will be increasing its rates by $1.98 for basic and expanded basic service, effective December 1.

The next regular meeting of the board of supervisors of Great Bend Township is scheduled for November 15, 7 p.m., in the township building.

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Great Bend Debates Budget


Municipal councils and boards sometimes exhibit the most curious behavior. In the same meeting they might pass formal motions NOT to do things or spend money, and then turn right around and do things or spend money without a nod to procedure. And so it was at the November session of the Great Bend Borough Council, which patiently waded through Secretary Sheila Guinan's detailed agenda. Council chair Ray Holtzman seems to be making some progress in his struggle to discipline his colleagues, and they worked through the items in just over two and a half hours.

The Borough was offered the opportunity to sign up for a five-year extended warranty on its year-old tractor for $1,250. In a formal vote, they declined the honor as not worth the money. Similarly, they turned down an offer to winterize the tractor for another $200. They also rejected a proposal to install a "half pipe" for drainage on Franklin Street as too expensive. But they did agree to purchase 20 stop signs for distribution as needed.

With some pangs of conscience, Council decided to lay off the temporary worker for the winter. The man had been hired for the summer to help Alan Grannis with larger jobs, but Mr. Grannis said that, with winter coming on, he was having trouble finding enough for a second man to do.

The Borough had asked the Hallstead-Great Bend Sewer Authority to suspend billing for service at Recreation Park for the winter season when the parks are closed. Ms. Guinan read a confusing letter from the Authority that left unclear for which months the Borough would be billed or not billed.

The largest recent project in Great Bend - to clean and fill cracks in the streets - is complete. After some initial disappointment with performance on the contract, and asking the contractor to return to do better, several Council members pronounced satisfaction with the work, and Council authorized payment of the invoice. Pennsy Asphalt used some 400 gallons of tar materials, which will cost the Borough about $3,500 to help preserve the town's streets.

Jeff Burkett's report on Code Enforcement showed some progress, with two properties that had been cited earlier having been cleaned up. Some were concerned about an accumulation of unregistered vehicles at the south end of town, and asked Ms. Guinan to find out who owned them and the property on which they are located.

The Borough will save about $3,300 a year in workmen's compensation premiums as long as the Great Bend-Hallstead Ambulance Service is out of commission. Council regretted the need for the action, but Ms. Guinan said that if the ambulance corps goes back into service, they can be added back into the policy on short notice. Great Bend Borough spends just over $6,000 per year for workmen's compensation insurance for its two employees and the fire company.

Council recently proposed removing the one-way designation on Williams Street, mostly since no one pays any attention to it anyway. (Rick Franks said that he has seen school buses going the wrong way on Williams Street.) It was made a one-way street about 1990 because the intersection with Main Street was thought to be dangerous. There was some debate about whether Council had actually approved the ordinance changing back to two-way, or only approved advertising its intention. Rick Franks, who proposed it originally, supported the change he said, because he had been asked to by residents. In the end, however, his colleagues just decided to forget the whole thing and leave it the way it is.

Ms. Guinan presented her charges with a draft budget for 2005, which took up a fair chunk of time at the meeting, most of it in executive session, supposedly to discuss salaries for the Borough's two employees. When Council and Mayor emerged from the little office to resume the public meeting, Mr. Holtzman announced that there were still some problems with the budget. Council then decided to get together a week later, on November 10, for more discussions.

The draft budget proposal will have the Borough spending just under $90,000 next year. The 2004 budget was about $9,000 smaller. Council still needs to finish a budget it can propose to the public, for final approval in December.

It had been a long meeting, and when the seven Council members and their mayor emerged from the office, they must have been tired of looking at those walls. Because they immediately and enthusiastically offered ideas for repainting and recarpeting the office itself, and then just as enthusiastically adjourned.

But not before Mayor Jim Riecke commended the local Crimewatch group for its activities over Halloween. His comments were seconded by several Council members.

The Great Bend Borough Council meets regularly on the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Borough Building on Elizabeth Street.

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Montrose Budget Falls Short


Monday, November 1, President Maxey called the Montrose Borough Council meeting to order. Present for Roll Call: Randall Schuster, Craig Reimel, Fred Peckins, Jack Yeager, Bernard Zalewski. Other officials present: Jason Legg, Solicitor; Annette Rogers, Secretary; Officer Walker. Absent: Mayor Thomas LaMont.

Payroll and Expenditures for October approved by Council, $12,430.93 for payroll, and an estimated $62,000.00 for bills. President Maxey discussed whether to opt-in or opt-out of Uniform Construction Code Enforcement. Council decided to put off decision to a later date. Members of the borough council expressed concern that residential property owners and commercial business owners were not filing the proper permits with Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Real estate owners, living or conducting business in the borough, are hiring a licensed outside agency to enforce UCC requirements. Montrose Borough Council was not sure how to enforce codes without a hiring a Codes Enforcement Officer. Jason Legg suggested Montrose could not cite home and property owners if the borough chose to opt-out of UCC enforcement.

Around Montrose: Leaf pickup will continue, and a second round will be done. Vandalized stop signs will be replaced this month as well.

Parking Meters: Annette Rogers informed council that 160 new parking meters are needed. Annette stated she received a $20,000.00 estimate from a Scranton company. Jason Legg suggested the Borough advertise for bids for the meters needed, unless the Scranton company was the only company with the particular meter wanted. Annette mentioned to the council, due to being under-funded, the borough was short $61,000.00. A member of the council then asked, "So how do we pay for the meters?" Annette replied, "We can pull a little from here, and a little from there. We will find a way."
Joel Maxey suggested that the new parking meters be discussed at the next meeting.

Police In Need Of DSL Service: Officer Walker addressed council with figures he obtained from Time Warner Communications. Last month the borough approved the purchase of DSL service for law enforcement, if it could be purchased for $39.95 per month. Officer Walker stated that he was given a price of $59.95 per month for law enforcement to purchase DSL monthly.

At that time the Council made no motion to approve the new amount. Annette stated; "If the schools can get free Internet service, we should get Internet service for free also."

Restoration Committee Update: Debra Nagel, with the Montrose Restoration Committee, updated council with the sidewalk project. She stated the project would begin with Public Avenue having new granite curbs, new sidewalks and trees. Debra mentioned two estimates; (1) $200,000, (2) $315,000. Debra mentioned the Restoration Committee was meeting with a Binghamton, NY developer, and unsure if the committee was going to hire a landscape architect. Hiring a landscape architect could help the Restoration Committee obtain a grant.

Briefly: The budget is $61,000 short, and from somewhere in the budget, $20,000 will be paid for the particular parking meters. The borough wants Time Warner to provide law enforcement with free DSL service.

But don't forget, a second round for leaf pick up will be done.
Council will have a budget work session, November 18, 7 p.m. at the Montrose Borough Building.
The next Montrose Borough Council meeting will be December 6, 7 p.m. at the borough building. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month, and are open to the public.

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Restore Roads, Creeks In New Milford


A few residents of New Milford were on hand at the last regular meeting of their borough council last Thursday evening. A couple of them were there to air a concern that is shared by the Council as well. And that’s when and how the contractor who has been digging up and across roads and driveways as part of the sewer system will be “restoring” these to what they were prior to all the digging.

Restoration is called for in the contract, and Council member Chris Allen says that video and/or photos have been taken of all the “befores” to compare them with the “afters.” Not a lot seems to have been done on the restoring. And while some gravel is being dumped by the contractors in what are now more like inverted speed bumps in the streets and across driveways, it seems all it takes is a few cars to cross them to make the gravel pop up and out. As Council member Teri Gulick put it, “It is getting worse every day.” And with likelihood of snow increasing as we come into winter, there’s concern that plowing and other equipment could be damaged in an attempt to remove the white stuff. Some residents are already having difficulty getting out of their driveways, and without gravel and grass seed, one wondered if she’d ever get out.

This resident feared that the contractor would leave the borough “high and dry” in the spring when, perhaps, repairing the roads the right way, instead of a patch for the winter, could be done. Her fear was shared.

Fortunately, with borough solicitor Jason Legg at the meeting on another sewer-related matter, council looked to him as to what action they could take. Council member Rick Ainey expressed the group’s concern as to whether the borough would have any liability for the rough roads or when the snowplow broke because of the hundreds of dips in the streets. It was the borough that had to give the Municipal Authority and the contractor permission to use its streets.

Legg explained rules of immunity for municipalities for things like roads that cause accidents. In brief, a municipality would have sovereign immunity, except if it is put “on notice” that a hazard exists. If nothing is done about the hazard, then the question of negligence could, in effect, come into play, and the sovereign immunity goes away.

Ainey asked if it would be prudent, then, for the council to put the Municipal Authority on notice. Legg recommended that the borough’s street person review the town’s roads and prepare a list of roads that must be taken care of. He suggested that this list be sent along with a notice by the borough to the Municipal Authority, which could be sent by first-class mail. And that’s what council will do.

Mayor Joe Taylor reported that, for its part, the Municipal Authority was “aware of what is happening and they are trying to hold back some money.” In fact, borough secretary Amy Hine noted that at the last meeting of the Authority, it did decide to withhold money from the contractor until the problems are addressed. In the meantime, residents could also contact members of the authority, who include Donnie Button, Fran Warden, Helen Calgrove and Kyle Herbert, or attend its next meeting scheduled for November 16 in the borough building.

Council also spent a considerable amount of time discussing with Legg a request for an ordinance to guarantee a loan for the sewer work, in this case, for the up to $300,000 more it may cost since original estimates were put together in 1996. [While the cost of the system may be higher than estimated, Council noted that $39 monthly fee will not change because of it.] . Legg reported that 99 percent of municipal loans now require this kind of guarantee. Basically, he explained that the borough would be guaranteeing a loan with its tax base, who are the users of the system. As users pay their fees, the loan would be self-liquidating. Further, these kinds of self-liquidating loans are not counted against a municipality’s debt burden.

Based on Leggí’s advice and input, council voted to adopt a new ordinance that rescinds an older one, and which okays the loan guarantee.

Borough resident Mike McCain was on hand to tell council about his efforts to obtain a siren for the borough that could be sounded during emergencies. He spoke with a person at P&G, which, it seems, consider the needs of various nonprofits from time to time and to try to help them out. The borough is not a nonprofit, but some organizations in town are – such as the Men’s Club and the Blue Ridge Recreation Association – and the thinking is that one of them could sponsor the request. McCain volunteered to visit various businesses in the borough to get them to donate, too, since a gift from P&G would be, at most, about $2,000. He’s also researching the cost of a siren, and believes that the cost of a good, reconditioned one would be considerably less than $15,000.

Discussion arose as to whether the fire department would take a siren if it were given to them. McCain reported that the Hallstead department, like New Milford, relies on pagers to summon volunteers to an emergency, but still uses its siren, too, to alert the community of what is going on. A siren in New Milford could be used for emergencies, evacuations, chemical spills, and so forth. McCain will keep council apprised of his good efforts.

Taylor’s Mayor’s report included an update on the stone monuments that the Men’s Club is working on and donating to the borough. The monuments were to welcome those coming into the borough, but have run into a bunch of problems. The first stone broke while it was being cut, and the second stone is now in the finishing process. So, there will be one stone and, in addition to welcoming visitors, it will have a lovely medallion in its center that depicts a graceful mountain graphic with the words, “Gateway to the Endless Mountains.” Taylor had the medallion on hand and all admired it.

Since the stone project is down to one stone, he also showed council two signs that Men’s Club has bought and will install to welcome travelers. Taylor had one of these as well, and it is a large and eye-catching red and gold sign that says, “Welcome to New Milford.”

As for the stone monument, council affirmed that it agreed to contribute up to $1500 for its installation, but Taylor thought the cost wouldn’t be that much.

In flood follow-up, council also reviewed a report by Todd Schmidt of KBA Engineering who reviewed the proposed work in the bids the borough recently received to restore Blue Ridge Park and the Maple Street flood damage. The lowest bidders were awarded the contracts, and they were Ken Rau Excavating, for $47,300 for the Park, and Burns Excavating, for $8,660 for Maple Street. Council will also explore lines of credit available from local banks to access to pay for the restoration until it receives full reimbursement from both FEMA and the state.

Council president Scott Smith reported that an inspection was done on Beaver Lake on private property in New Milford Township. There was concern during the flood night that the dam could burst, and that’s what led to the evacuation of residents. Smith called the DEP representative who inspected it, and was told that he “didn’t see a problem,” that the dam is intact, and that it was never considered a problem. The representative also said that the dam is considered a low-hazard dam, and these are inspected every five years. The DEP will send a report letter to the owners of the property, and the borough will receive a copy of it. Hine will also send a letter to the DEP rep to confirm what he told Smith.

And in what is becoming a nice tradition over close to four years now, council recognized Good Neighbor Jill Mullens, Park Pool Manager, for her hard work in keeping the pool – the only community pool in the county – a success and a wonderful, safe and clean place for children to visit during their summer break.
Other agenda items discussed were:

– Economic Development. Smith reported he received a letter from county economic development director Liz Janoski regarding visiting with members; she is expected at its work session on December 16. “We need to talk to her about a lot of things that we used to regularly talk with Justin Taylor [who Janoski replaced] about,” said Ainey.

– Rail Authority. Council members have heard nothing about it, but a resident in the audience reported that she attended a Township meeting last month during which the Rail Authority requested, and received, permission from it to meet in the township building.

– Emergency Management. Mark Wood, county EMA director, is expected at council’s November 18 work session to review the borough’s emergency evacuation plan. Borough emergency coordinator will be there as well.

– Police Pension Plan. Sandra Kazinetz reported that she has not received a response from Great Bend Borough to her report, prepared and sent to both New Milford and Great Bend Boroughs, that summarized some issues in the state auditor general’s report on the plan that may need to be addressed by both the former sponsors of the plan. She will find out if a copy of the plan document, which might provide some answers, has been obtained for review by someone.

– 2005 Budget. The borough’s finance committee developed a proposed budget for 2005 which council will review. In the meantime, a motion was made and passed to advertise it.

– Here Comes Santa Claus. He’ll be at the Midtown Park on November 27.

And the next regular meeting of the New Milford Borough council is scheduled for December 2, 7 p.m. in the Borough Building.

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Complications In Thompson


A representative from the Thompson Hose Co. was present at the November 1 boro council meeting, to give an update on a flooding problem and subsequent water damage to a nearby home caused by the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. A committee has been looking at what can be done to alleviate the problem, but there are limited choices. Water cannot be directly channeled into the nearby stream, and the leach field next to the building cannot handle more water. One possible solution suggested by council was a dry well, on the fire company’s property where runoff from the roof could be directed. The committee will seek expert help to find a viable solution to deal with as much water as possible, and, before anything is done, will check to ensure that any suggested solutions are within their insurance carrier’s guidelines.

A final inspection of the new sewage system was conducted on October 12. President Dennis Price reported one unexpected development; although the equipment at the treatment plant is under warranty by the manufacturer for two years, RUS requirements supersede any contract and only provide for a one-year warranty. Mr. Price will contact Nassaux-Hemsley, the project engineers for clarification of this information.

A motion carried to authorize the last payment to Pioneer (the project contractor), in the amount of $32,821.03; payment will not be made until Pioneer furnishes proof that all of their subcontractors have been paid. Also authorized was payment of $8,123.42 for equipment for the plant and the last two payments to Nassaux-Hemsley, amounts of $6,148.89 and $3,323.66.

Final figures for the project’s costs were finally available, but this was not good news. Council had expected that there would be approximately $19,000 left after all was said and done; once the final figure was known, council would determine what additional items could be addressed. But, out of that $19,000, $17,000 must be used for OSHA mandated equipment for the plant, leaving the final balance closer to $2,000.

Items council had been considering to use the “leftover” fund for were guide rails along the road to the plant and an enclosure to protect the plant and electrical equipment from the elements, especially during the winter months. The rails will cost about $5,300, and the enclosure about $3,650. After discussion it was agreed that the rails are necessary due to safety concerns and the enclosure, while not absolutely necessary, will not only protect the system but will allow it to operate more efficiently when the weather gets below freezing. Monthly income from usage fees will be higher than had originally been budgeted (additional EDU’s were added after the original plans were drawn up), and the sewer account presently has about $12,000 over what is required to operate. So, a motion carried to proceed with purchase of both items, provided sections of the enclosure can be easily removed for maintenance.

Plant operator Larry Travis reported that everything is working well at the plant.
Council approved a subdivision of the Hubal property, which has been submitted to the county Planning Commission and approved. The property in question has two separate residences and septic systems.

Continuing discussion on the PA American Water Co. billing for monthly sewage fees, councilman Andy Gardner reported that two properties had been being double billed; the problem has since been straightened out. PAWC will send the boro a printout of all current sewer billings, to be compared with the boro’s information to make sure all who should be billed are. Mr. Gardner cautioned that any property owners who should have been billed but who have not will still be responsible for any fees that should have been paid.

Council discussed more unexpected news; a law has been passed requiring municipalities to file quarterly reports to the state, listing any permits issued under the new UCC regulations, along with a $2 fee for each permit issued. Proceeds of the funds collected will be used by the state to update CEO training. Council will review the boro’s fee schedule again in the spring, to determine if the present charges need to be changed to reflect the unexpected payment to the state.

Three items of correspondence were reviewed and approved, and will be sent out to boro property owners. The first outlines the procedure for obtaining a building permit; the second is a list of permit fees charged at present; the third, a letter regarding storm water. This last item outlines what can and cannot be done with storm water and lists the penalties involved for those who choose to illegally discharge the water into the new sewage system.

Councilman Allen Lloyd reported some difficulty in obtaining cinders for use during the coming winter. The problem, he said, is availability of material appropriate for use on the boro’s newly paved roads. And, if liquid fuels funds are used to purchase them, they must be state approved. He will continue working on it.

Council approved an agreement with Thompson Township to plow the boro’s streets. The agreement is basically the same as last year’s; council members Lloyd and Sheldon will be contacts for residents (residents should not call the township with concerns). The township will store the materials to be used, which the boro must purchase, and will provide a record of what has been used and where. And, the agreement excludes plowing of the road to the sewage treatment plant.
The ESCP has drawn up a report of its findings, based on information gathered at two public meetings and through a questionnaire that had been distributed throughout its six member municipalities. The topic of the next meeting, which will be held on November 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Thompson Hose Co., is “What do you want for the future?”

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the ESCP, brought up by Mr. Lloyd, in particular whether the boro’s representatives could act on behalf of the boro. Mr. Gardner explained that, in accordance with the agreement that had been entered into by all members, any binding action would first be brought to council for approval. He stressed that any council member or resident is welcome to attend any of ESCP’s meetings.

A motion carried to appoint Mark Carmody as the boro’s Emergency Management Coordinator and, over Mr. Carmody’s protests, reimbursement of $10 to him for a required background/records check.
Correspondence reviewed included an offer from Marel Delaney to plow the road to the sewage treatment plant whenever there is three inches or more of snow, at $20 per trip. A motion carried to accept the offer, providing Mrs. Delaney can provide proof of insurance.
Council member Nick Sheptak will work on compiling information and possible projects to apply for community development block grant funding.

In response to several complaints from residents, council noted that anyone can contact Penelec to report a malfunctioning street light. Residents are asked to call 1-888-544-4877; information to have on hand includes the pole number and the location.

Council continued work on the 2005 budget.

The next meeting will be on Monday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. in the fire hall.

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