| |
| MAIN NEWS |
|
Please visit our kind sponsors |
|
||||||
|
HEADLINES: The Tuesday sessions of the Harford Township Supervisors tend to be quite brief these days, what with the Odd Fellows Hall no longer on the agenda. The meeting on May 23 set no record for brevity, but those in attendance (one) at least got a thorough road report. Cleanup is a major topic in Harford at the moment, considering the mess in the village, with two old buildings reduced to rubble, and a major bridge project underway (which could quadruple the number of traffic lights in Susquehanna County, if only temporarily). The first week in June – this year, June 5-9 – the township sponsors a campaign to give residents a chance to be rid of just about anything. The cost this season is $38 per load, and they'll take everything but household trash or tires. To carry out the cleanup program efficiently and still keep the regular crew working on the roads, the township hires temporary help. This year they're looking for two people; at least one will need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The Township will be offering $8 per hour (no benefits) for one week of work. "Maybe summer will last until December this year, because it hasn't started yet," was the hopeful surmise of Roadmaster George Sansky beginning his road report. A major part of the discussion was about what might be done with the highway millings Harford is expected to get again this year. When highway crews replace sections of the Interstate, a big machine grinds up the existing asphalt pavement, and they have to put the stuff someplace. So they give it to local municipalities. Last year Harford used about 4,000 tons of it to resurface a section of Stephens Road on the Kingsley end. This year there will be less material, but no one knows how much, or when it might become available. So Mr. Sansky said all he could do would be to decide at the time where to put it. Tyler Lake hill is one possibility, but that stretch has five manholes which would have to be raised. Or, another section of Stephens Road could be treated, beginning at the Tingley Lake end; or maybe continue where they left off last year. Or School Street in the village. Or perhaps the aprons where township roads meet state roads. Tingley Street was offered as a possibility, but that is a long road with houses widely spaced. Mr. Sansky was concerned that there wouldn't be enough material to benefit enough people along Tingley Street and only lead to dissatisfaction. Roads are supposed to be the major focus of a second class township's operations, and the crew is hard at work in Harford preparing for summer, assuming it ever gets here. With some luck, it should be by the time of the next Supervisors' meeting, on Saturday, June 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the township building.
FCR Taxes Going Up Real estate taxes to help finance the Forest City Regional School District for the 2006-2007 school year will increase but not as much as had first been anticipated. The Board of Education approved a tentative budget last week that sets the millage by county as follows: Susquehanna, 31.0; Lackawanna, 77.3 ; and Wayne, 11.5. Earlier this month, the school board unveiled a preliminary budget that would have set the millage at 33.1 in Susquehanna County, an increase of 3.6 mills; 12.3 mills in Wayne County, up 1.4 mills; and, 82.5 mills Lackawanna County, an increase of 11.6 mills. Figures compiled by Carolyn Price, who took over the financial responsibilities of the school district following the resignation of Karen Forsette, and based on an average assessment, the preliminary budget would increase taxes by $43 in Forest City, Union Dale and Herrick Township; $54 in Mount Pleasant Township and Clinton II (Browndale), and $72 in Vandling. The Board shrugged off a proposal from Director Al Dyno that would have set the tax rate at 30.18 mills in Susquehanna County, 11.26 Mills in Wayne County, and, 75.20 mills in Lackawanna County. Dyno said he had spent the weekend going over the budget and actually prepared three alternative spending plans but his colleagues on the school board did not seem interested in what he had to offer. Dyno suggested that the board approve one of his options as a tentative budget and then meet in executive session to discuss it. He said the move would allow the board additional time to study his proposed changes. His budget showed a reduction in the overall budget from $10,536,884 to $10,440,086. Option C in his presentation would cut even more spending, reducing the budget by more than $400,000. Mrs. Price asked Dyno where the cuts would come from. “We would have to look at line item by line item,” he responded. “I believe,” he continued, “that if we sat down for about 15 minutes we could probably put the right numbers in the right categories.” His suggestion not to transfer $60,000 from the general fund into the capital reserve account and to purchase technology needs from the capital reserve prompted Mrs. Price to point out that technology equipment could not be purchased from the capital reserve account. On a motion by Director Fred Garm, the board voted 7-1 in favor of the $10,536,884 tentative budget prepared by Mrs. Price. Dyno cast the lone negative vote and Dr. Michael Sterchak was absent. Final action on the budget will take place at a special meeting on June 22. Increases in the budget pointed out by Mrs. Price include $259,695 in salaries, $136,004 in benefits, $34,755 purchases for professional and technical services, $138,953 in other purchased services, and $31,308 in the property account. Decreases include $158,313 in purchasing for property services; $29,915, supplies; $9,257, other objects including interest on bonds, and $69,346 in principal on bonds, and transfers. Besides the real estate taxes, other revenues for education will come from wage taxes (1/2 of 1 percent), real estate transfer taxes (1/2 of 1 percent), per capita tax, Section 679 of School Code (five dollars),and per capital tax, Act 511 (five dollars). In other business at the special meeting, the following motions were approved: -Amending the school district’s Wellness Policy to delete the section under Nutrition Guidelines that reads: "All competitive foods available to students in district schools shall comply with the Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools. The nutritional standards shall be implemented as a three-year plan." -Accepting the retirement of Helen Lahey, longtime third grade teacher, effective at the end of the current school year. Class night for graduating seniors will be held on Wednesday, June 7 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, and commencement for the Class of 2006 will be held on Friday, June 9 at 7 p.m., also in the auditorium.
Blue Ridge Looks To Hire The Blue Ridge School Board combined a business meeting with a workshop on May 22. From a special, truncated agenda for the business session, the Board hired two specialists at unusually high salaries. Thomas McGrath, of Whitney Point, NY, will help John Ketchur as Assistant Director of Information Systems beginning with the new fiscal year, July 1, at $50,000. And Jessica Girts of Ridgway, Pennsylvania signed on as school psychologist at $42,000. Mr. McGrath was present to accept a hearty welcome from the Board. Jane McNamara, leader of the teachers' union, the Blue Ridge Education Association (BREA), asked about the basis for the high salaries. Board President Alan Hall said that the salaries were "based on market survey," that is, a survey of salaries for similar positions in the area. Blue Ridge has been advertising for a number of additional positions. The district currently needs three special education teachers, one language-arts teacher, two librarians, one learning support teacher, one teacher of music in the Elementary School, and two kindergarten aides. All of this will presumably be paid for out of the new budget to be formally adopted at the next business meeting, scheduled for June 12, 2006. Bus contractors will be making room for some of the new expenditures. With declining enrollment, the Board is realigning bus routes and downsizing the contractors' fleets, using fewer full-size buses and adding smaller "micro-buses," which should be more agile on some back-country roads, as well as cheaper to operate. The goals are to fill the buses, keep all routes under one hour, and minimize the cost to the district. One contractor attended the workshop to express concern that some of the contractors are being squeezed. "Two contractors [were] hurt pretty bad [by the changes]," he said. Mr. Hall made an effort to describe how the changes – at least over a period of years – are as equitable as possible for all the contractors. He said that even with the changes for next year, the system still is "not 100% efficient," but he hopes that it will get even better for taxpayers next year, when he predicts further cutbacks, particularly in the number of full-size buses. Two of the contractors have already been notified that they can expect serious cuts next year. Depending on enrollments, he hopes there will be no further changes beyond that at least for another 3-4 years. Board members had a lengthy discussion with Middle School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski about family-life and consumer-awareness courses. Mr. Nebzydoski sparked the topic when he asked the Board to consider purchasing a set of new textbooks for the course for next year, to supplement instruction on pregnancy prevention. High School Principal John Manchester said that the additional attention to pregnancy prevention was introduced by his predecessor when a spike in teen pregnancy caused some alarm. A mechanical baby was procured. It is farmed out to seniors for overnight (and some over-weekend) stays to give students a taste of what it is like to care for an infant. Some Board members wondered if twelfth grade might be a little late in the game for some teenagers. Mr. Nebzydoski said that he had nothing against introducing the program much earlier, if the Board is willing to add it to the Middle School curriculum – and buy a couple of additional babies (at about $1,000 each). There is some concern about what age is appropriate for such material, but Mr. Nebzydoski did say that one eighth-grader is pregnant now. No decisions were made, but the issue is sure to come up again. When it does, it will be on the second or fourth Monday of the month, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. During the summer, some Board meetings are canceled on account of good weather.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Rural Investments LLC, Clifford W. Tinklepaugh to Clifford W. Tinklepaugh, RR1, Union Dale, in Ararat Township for $500. Clifford W. Tinklepaugh, Tinklepaugh Rural Investments to Rural Investments, RR1, Union Dale, in Ararat Township for $500. Michael C. Tugend, Kathleen Tugend to Arthur E. Barndt, Betty Barndt, Elbourne Beach, FL, in Lenox Township for $12,000. Cindy K. Tompkins, Mark Tompkins, Bryan G. Parks, Colleen A. Parks, Catherine W. Parks to Blair C. Weig, Bound Brook, NJ, Gina M. Verne, in Franklin Township for $137,500. Frederick W. Howell, Jr., Lucinda L. Howell to Frederick W. Howell Jr., RR1, Montrose, Lucinda L. Howell in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Robert J. Demaree (estate) to John R. Demaree (trustee), Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. John R. Demaree (by trustee) to Margaret Ann Demaree, Charlotte, NC, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. John R. Demaree (trustee) to Robert John Demaree, Brackney, Jennifer Louise Demaree, Nicholas Bader Demaree, Justin Philip Demaree, in Silver Lake Township, for one dollar. Margaret Ann Demaree to Nicholas B. Demaree, Brackney, Robert J. Demaree, Jennifer L. Demaree, Justin P. Demaree, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Margaret Ann Demaree to Nicholas B. Demaree, Brackney, Robert J. Demaree, Jennifer L. Demaree, Justin P. Demaree, in Silver Lake Township for $576. John R. Demaree (trustee) to Margaret Ann Demaree, Charlotte, NC, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. John R. Demaree (trustee) to Nicholas Badger Demaree, Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Margaret Ann Demaree to Nicholas B. Demaree, Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Margaret Ann Demaree to Nicholas B. Demaree, Brackney, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Mario Fitzgerald, Dorothy A. Fitzgerald to Roy G. Roney, Thompson, in Thompson Township for $300,000. Joseph Kupst, Jr., Joann Kupst to Darlene Rose, Hallstead, Lorraine Rose, in Hallstead Borough for $49,000. Richard H. Prentice to Prentice Trust, Vestal, NY, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Harriet Harrower (estate) (aka) Harriet M. Harrower (estate) to Steven J. Cubberly, RR1, Forest City, in Bridgewater Township for $38,900. John Dalickas, Delores Dalickas to Amy E. Dalickas, RR1, Union Dale, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Edward D. Miner (by sheriff), Jacqueline M. Campbell (by sheriff) to Wells Fargo Bank, Frederick, MD, in Dimock Township for $1,135. Ronald A. Ofalt, Christine Ofalt to Geraldine A. Salvi, Union Dale, in Herrick Township for $85,000. Anthony Edward Trecoske Jr. to Paul Trecoske, RR3, Montrose, Holly Trescoske, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Richard A. Repa, Dawn C. Ripa to Richard A. Repa, RR3, Susquehanna, in Harmony Township for one dollar. Glenn E. Frisbie to Sherry L. Upright, RR1, New Milford, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Norman Forche (estate) to Keith Birchard RR3, Montrose, (aka) Donald Keith Birchard, Diana Birchard, in Franklin Township for one dollar. Barbara Hicks Smith, Paul T. Smith, Louis C. Hicks, Marg Hicks, Sandra Hicks Adriance to Dawn M. Arnold, RR5, Montrose, in Jessup Township for $32,000. Rosemarie Moore to Alar Family Limited Partnership, Montrose, in Rush Township for $60,000. Wayne R. Adams, Anne Adams to James Tighe, Exeter, in Harford Township for $47,500. Arthur Inden, Sheila Inden to Theodore F. Felix, Ambler, Judith L. Felix, in Herrick Township for $224,000. Joseph Rutecki to Izet Gashi, Miradije Gashi, Clifton, NJ, in Jackson Township for $4,000. Patricia A. King to Phillip J. Pass, Jr., RR1, Union Dale, Lauri Pass, in Herrick Township for $30,000. First Commonwealth Bank (fka) Great American Federal Savings & Loan to James Berry, Jr., Carbondale, in Forest City for $50,000. Gordon C. Whitney to Paula Whitney, RR1, Montrose, Gordon C. Whitney, in New Milford Township for one dollar. John Ward, Pamela Ward to Robert M. Caughey, Rutherford, NJ, Patricia H. Caughey, in New Milford Township for $75,000. Tammy Ellis to Tammy Ellis, RR6, Montrose, Gerald Ellis, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Shawn Reed Gerrity, Susan Gerrity (aka), William J. Gerrity, Sr., Kelly Gerrity, J. Bartholomay Grier, Dawn Gerrity Barnett, Deborah Grier Kozik, John J. Kozik, Suzanne M. Gerrity to Spencer Gerrity, San Marcos, CA, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Bank of New York (by POA) to Jennifer S. Lord, Hallstead, Rebecca Otasevic, in Great Bend Borough for $49,500. Jeffrey Craig (by sheriff), Carla Woodruff (by sheriff) to Evelyn P. Gerchman, RR3, Susquehanna, Anthony S. Gerchman, in Jackson Township for $51,000. Beverly J. Tingley (estate) to William C. Burchell, New Milford, Margo J. Burchell, in New Milford Borough for $83,000. FEDERAL TAX LIENS The Internal Revenue Service has filed income tax liens against the following: William D. Barton, Brooklyn, PA, $6,332. Teresa A. Marbaker, RR4, Montrose, $8,046 Mike Tyler Trucking, Meshoppen, $7,512. MARRIAGES Lawrence Douglas Fraser, Montrose, and Julie Lynn Goff, Montrose. John L. Vanous, Hallstead, and Sharlene R. Inman, Windsor, NY. Larry Alan Biesecker, Hallstead, and Laura Ann Gemmer, Hallstead. DIVORCES Theresa A. Decker, RR3, Susquehanna vs. James G. Decker, Susquehanna. Wed in 1997. Lori A. Baker, Montrose vs. Brian M. Baker, Montrose. Wed in 1998. Lisa S. Diaz, Great Bend vs. Binedict F. Diaz, Sr., Nicholson. Wed in 1989. Gibson Barracks Report ONE VEHICLE ROLLOVER Jeanne Rosenburg of LeRaysville was driving her Dodge Durango on Rte. 496 in Rush Twp. May 17, when a tire was blown out, causing Rosenburg to lose control and flip over. Her Durango was severely damaged. FATAL ATV CRASH Robert Wandall, 41, Montrose was driving his Suzuki Quad Runner on Herb Button Road in Springville on May 19, when he drove off the single-lane dirt road and struck a tree. Emergency responders found Wandall at the scene not wearing a helmet and transported him to Endless Mountain Health Systems in Montrose where he was pronounced dead on arrival. ASSAULT John Wood and Alexis Martinos, both of South Montrose, started a verbal argument inside the Shady Lane Trailer Park May 12, when a fight broke out. Martinos is accused of throwing several knives at Wood, resulting in two injuries on his back. Wood was treated for his injuries at The Endless Mountain Health Systems in Montrose, and later released. Wood does not want any charges filed. CAR CRASH Barbara Lake, 41 and Vincent Lake, 16, both of Susquehanna, were traveling on SR171 May 18, when Barbara claims she swerved to avoid an opossum in the road. The car slid off the roadway, careened into a ditch, rolled over, slid across a yard and struck a wooden split rail fence. Barbara was wearing her seatbelt and received minor injuries. Vincent was not wearing his seat belt and also received minor injuries. Barbara has been cited. BURGLARY Sometime between May 15 and 17, someone broke into Sami Jo Crawford’s home in Ararat Twp. Whoever is responsible stole an X Box system with several games, along with a DVD player and several DVDs. * TWO CAR CRASH Steven Warner, 18, Montrose and a 15-year old girl were traveling on Hamlin Road in Forest Lake Twp. May 21, when they lost control on the wet dirt road and slid into a pickup truck driven by Samuel Finch, 56, Montrose. Steven Warner and Samuel Finch were both not wearing their seatbelts, the 15-year old girl was. Warner and the 15-year old girl both were injured, transported themselves to EMHS. THEFT Between May 14 and 16, someone stole a chainsaw from Peter Kane’s property on SR167 in Bridgewater Twp. The chainsaw is described as a Husqvarna, Model #228, serial #004100614.* ATV ACCIDENT A 14-year old girl and 15-year old girl were riding an ATV on Town House Road in Apolacon Twp. May 24, when they swerved to avoid a deer in the road and rolled the ATV. Both girls were wearing helmets and received minor injuries. The Yamaha Blaster received minor damage. BURGLARY A 9-year old boy and 12-year old boy are now facing possible charges after entering the Lee & Son Antique Furniture warehouse in Springville May 21, and stealing several pieces of property. The investigation is still continuing.* VEHICLE ACCIDENT Charlotte Stone, 52, Thompson was driving John Stone’s 1996 Ford Taurus near SR1001 in Thompson Twp. May 22, when the car’s brakes failed. Charlotte also attempted to use the emergency brake, which also failed. She ended up swerving the car into the woods, hitting a tree. Both passengers, Abralyn Stone, 19, Clarion, and Quarry Weidow, 4, Clarion were taken with Charlotte Stone to Barnes Kasson Hospital by a family member, all with minor injuries. All involved were wearing their seatbelts during the accident. The Ford Taurus was severely damaged. FRAUD Between May 11 and May 13, Linda MacDonald, 55, Dimock Twp. reports that there were several unauthorized PayPal transactions on her credit card bill. An investigation is underway. DUI CRASH Adam Makosky was driving his 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier on SR29 in Bridgewater Twp. May 23, when he crashed into the guardrails, partially resting in the northbound lanes. When police arrived, Makosky showed several signs of being intoxicated. Makosky was taken to EMHS in Montrose for BAC testing. Charges are pending results. MOTORCYCLE THEFT Sometime between May 12 and 13, someone stole a motorcycle from Roxanne Beaver’s property in Great Bend. The motorcycle is a black and silver chopper bike with flames, with West Coast Chopper and Jesse James logos. * TWO CAR CRASH William Sickles, 38, Wayne, NY was driving a Ford F350 truck southbound on I-81 in New Milford Twp. May 25, when he dropped his cell phone on the floor. While distracted picking up the phone, he crashed into a Mack Superliner driven by James Ganoung, 46, Port Crane, NY. Sickles has been cited. His truck was disabled and towed from the scene by Marv’s Towing. SIMPLE ASSAULT Two young teenagers were involved in an assault May 18 at Bethesda Day Treatment in Bridgewater Twp. A verbal argument turned physical, when a 15-year old boy punched a 16-year old boy in the mouth, injuring his lip. A juvenile petition has been filed against the 15-year old. *Anyone with information is asked to call The Pennsylvania State Police in Gibson at (570) 465–3154.
Mt. View President Votes No To Budget On Monday, May 22 the Mountain View board faced a crowd of citizens full of questions and concerns. The Federal Wellness Policy that is proposed is under scrutiny. The template for the policy was created by the School Board Association. The Wellness Policy committee is large, with at least 30 members of the public and two board members. Parents present at the board requested a public meeting just to discuss the policy. One parent questioned whether the school is in violation already for selling Gatorade and iced tea at lunch. The board’s response was no, adding that the cafeteria manager said it is permitted. Further, it is also approved as per the vendor, according to the board, to sell iced tea in the “milk machines” as well. When asked to explain the budget transfers, Jennifer Hilkert, Business Manager, stated unequivocally, “We have misappropriations.” These need to be corrected as per the auditor from the recent review. Votes were all unanimous by the board this evening except for two. A fund transfer motion received a 6-3 vote. Three board members voted against transferring $1,000 from the General Fund to the Athletic Fund. The proposed General Budget received a vote of 5-4. The proposal was for a bottom line of $15,381,338.00. This is a per diem student tuition cost of approximately $11,000. Board President Mr. James Zick voted no after much discussion. Although Mr. Kevin Griffiths voted yes, he stated on the record he did not accept the budget saying, “It should go down, not up with costs!” It is now available for the public. All motions by the Personnel Committee were approved. Five part time tech assistant positions for the summer will be advertised with applications due June 15. A fulltime gifted facilitator position was created. A part time Latin teacher was hired to begin in August. Four policies were approved: Use of Facilities # 707; Purchases Not Budgeted #612; Student Wellness #246. A Graduation Policy received its first reading. The graduation policy addresses the dilemma of students who fail to present their Senior project . Parents and some board members voiced frustration with scholarships going to some students for private schools and other students not being informed adequately as to what scholarships they qualify for. Administration expressed that senior students said they don’t like doing the essays for applications and therefore do not pursue the scholarships. A suggestion was made to have the essays done as part of class projects. Transportation is an ongoing problem for one family; the father is asking the board to address it again before the beginning of the next school year.
No Quorums In Susky Due to a lack of a quorum, the May 23 meeting of the Susquehanna Boro Council could not take place. Only members Ron Whitehead, John Bronchella, and Mike Matis were in attendance, as well as Mayor Denise Reddon. As there were a number of residents present, at Mayor Reddon’s suggestion, an informal “question and answer” session was held. It was made clear that no action could be taken as it was not an official meeting. The first question was about potholes, particularly on Front St. Mr. Matis said that paving of Front St. is on the top of council’s list for paving, which is being discussed with PENNDOT as their contribution towards the Agility program. At this point, Mr. Matis said, it was his understanding that the (proposed) agreement was waiting for approval from PENNDOT’s union. As of this date, no word was available as to whether the project list had been approved. Council was asked about the status of Main Street, where barrels have been placed to close off the turning lane at the Exchange St. intersection. Mayor Reddon said that council was still waiting for word on this, too, from PENNDOT. Several present wanted to know what was being done about water problems on Front St., caused by a plugged drain on Main St. There has been property damage caused by water running down the hill from Main St., onto Front St. Mayor Reddon said that the boro needs to obtain permission to go across the Main St. (private) property and has been unable to do so. Mr. Matis said that the boro solicitor was requested to contact the owner by letter on council’s behalf to notify him/her that access for repair must be allowed within ten days, or he/she would be responsible for repair. Ms. Reddon and Mr. Matis agreed to go on a site inspection of the Front St. property immediately after the question and answer session closed. Another concern was about blocked drains on Washington and Prospect Streets, causing water to stream down Fourth Avenue whenever there was rain. Council agreed to look into it. Council was asked about plans to fill potholes. Mr. Matis said that street sweeping was scheduled to be wrapped up by the end of the week, after which potholes would be addressed. Ms. Reddon said that this had been discussed previously and it had been decided that the patching would be done properly, by cutting out the areas and filling them correctly, to ensure that the patching lasts. She and Mr. Matis both said that this would be more time consuming, but the boro is making every effort to ensure that it is done the right way. A resident asked, why is the streets department spending time mowing near the guardrails on Main St., rather than patching? He thought it would be a good idea to take one area at a time, sweep up the debris and patch potholes, and then go on to another area. Mr. Matis said that the sweeping schedule had been set when it was to get all of the streets swept in preparation for patching before the end of May, when the plants that supply patching material traditionally open for the season. Yet another complaint was that not enough water was being used during the sweeping, and caused dust to be blown around. Council had planned to take action on a resolution that needed to be adopted, to submit an application for grant funding for a boat launch at the boro’s riverfront property. As there was a May 31 deadline to file paperwork for the application, it was agreed to schedule a special meeting for Thursday, May 25. On Thursday, May 25, the special meeting could not be held as there was, again, no quorum. Council members Tom Kelly and Ron Whitehead, and Mayor Reddon were the only attendees. A notice was to be published and posted that a rescheduled meeting (from May 23) would be held on Tuesday, May 30, so that the resolution for the grant application could be acted upon, the bills could be approved for payment, and council could take care of any other business that might need to be taken care of before the next regular meeting, which will be on Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m. in the boro building.
County Receives Recycling Grant HARRISBURG – Reps. Sandra Major (R- Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and Tina Pickett (R- Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) announced that a $20,248 environmental grant will be awarded to Susquehanna County under the County Recycling Coordinator Grant Program. “Recycling is an important component of protecting our environment and keeping our communities clean,” Pickett said. “Unfortunately, it is also costly.” Major added, “This grant will help to offset expenses associated with running a successful program so that necessary improvements may be made to the communities’ recycling system.” Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued the grant that will be used to reimburse 50 percent of the county recycling coordinator’s salary and expenses. The grant was awarded under Act 101 of 1988, also known as the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act.
Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors for June, 2006 to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, on the 12th day of June, at 9:00 a.m. Apolacon Twp.: Robert Creller, Marsha Gana. Ararat Twp.: Alice Miszler, Rowland Sharp. Auburn Twp.: Susan Hallock, Michael Melan, James H. Murray, Anthony Scott Newhart, Charlie Tyler. Bridgewater Twp.: Connie Burgh, Eric David Diaz, Robert M. Lewis, C. Loudon Manning, E. Jeanne Mulligan. Clifford Twp.: Caroline L. Krupovich, Roger Lee. Dimock Twp.: Patrick J. Martin, Tammy L. Miller. Forest City Boro 2W: Sarah J. Neuls. Forest Lake Twp.: Raymond R. Clifford, Michelle Y. Gregory, Rebecca J. Hollister, Franklin J. Johnson, Sr., Ronald V. Smith. Franklin Twp.: Daniel L. Depue. Gibson Twp.: James Canfield, Mark A. Sillaman. Great Bend Twp.: Reed A. Mullen, Melanie Reid, Warren A. Smith. Hallstead Boro: Timothy Burnett, Erving C. Ross. Harford Twp.: Penny Conrad, Minerva M. Manzer, Beth Tingley, Dorothy Tyler, Nelson J. Warren. Harmony Twp.: James A. Tracy. Herrick Twp.: Carol A. Panuska. Jackson Twp.: James Leo Shimer, Jr. Lanesboro Boro: Renee Foote. Lathrop Twp.: Robert S. Decker, Beverly J. Paschuk, Lynn K. Stephens. Lenox Twp.: Eleanor C. Meyer. Liberty Twp.: Joan Root, Patricia A. Tomlinson. Little Meadows Boro: Jean Smith. Montrose Boro 1W: Cyrus R. Smith. Montrose Boro 2W: Charles M. Keihl, Dirk M. Marshall. New Milford Boro: Scott Tingley, James White. New Milford Twp.: Valerie Hall, James K. Snyder. Oakland Boro: Nancy Hadden. Rush Twp.: Ann Marie Bowen, Robert E. Boyanowski, Patricia Ann Lyman, Thomas Irvin Moore, Raymond W. Poulsen, James G. Walker. Silver Lake Twp.: Anthony J. Desanto, Eileen Ellis, James C. Huntley, Jerry H. Tokos. Springville Twp.: Joyce E. Geritz, Robert B. Matthews, Mark R. Rosengrant, Bonnie Smith, Thomas Yakoski. Susquehanna Boro 1W: Pamela M. Hubal, Michelle Lake. Union Dale Boro: Robert Stark.
Commissioners Breeze Despite a one month layoff, the Susquehanna County Board of Commissioners breezed through a short agenda last week and a salary board meeting in slightly more than half an hour. At its regular meeting, the commissioners passed a handful of motions, none of which were of extreme importance, before a small audience of county taxpayers. The commissioners did reappoint the advisory council to the Area Agency on Aging. County residents who serve on the council along with representatives from Bradford, Sullivan and Tioga counties include: Clara May Benning of Kingsley, Donald Rittner of Hallstead, Rita Tiffany of Kingsley, Harold Wegman of Montrose, Josephine O'Peka of Forest City, Lillia Thomas of New Milford and William Wagner of New Milford. Mr. Wegman, who is chair of the Northeast Regional Council, reported on the April meeting of the council held at West Hazleton. He said several members of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging (PCOA) attended a meeting hosted by PENNDOT to provide input into the development of a statewide transportation plan. He said the council also held a planning session to finalize adoption of its two top priorities – promoting home and community based services, and healthy aging. Other motions passed by the commissioners completed the following business: -accepted with regret the resignations of Mary Jo Carlton, first deputy in the Clerk of Courts office, and Darrel Sands, courthouse security officer. -ratified the award of a bid in the amount of $1,050 from Henry Valone of Friendsville to purchase a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice owned by the county. In salary board matters, the commissioners along with county Treasurer Cathy Benedict, approved the following motions: -eliminated the position of probation clerk/office manager in the Adult Probation Program effective April 27, per recommendation from Kenneth W. Seamans, president judge. -eliminated the fulltime temporary clerk typist position in the Clerk of Courts office effective May 5, per recommendation of Sue Eddleston, Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. -created a third fulltime second Deputy Clerk of Courts position per recommendation of Mrs. Eddleston. -created a second fulltime First Deputy Clerk of Courts position, non-union, Range 13, $11.48 an hour plus benefits and eliminating the fulltime First Deputy Clerk of Courts position currently held by Mrs. Carlton who resigned effective June 22. -increased the annual salary of Mark Darmofal, assistant public defender, from $18,000 to $25,000 effective immediately as per recommendation of Linda LaBarbera, public defender.
COG To Proceed With Ordinanc COG COG will be proceeding with adoption of the ordinance for member municipalities, reestablishing membership in COG. Office manager Karen Trynoski reported at the May 16 meeting that all but four had sent in the required paperwork by the deadline that had been given. Franklin Township would have theirs in by the following day. Brooklyn Township and Friendsville Boro would be contacted the next day; if their paperwork was complete it could be faxed in. But, Lanesboro Boro did not act on the ordinance at their last meeting; it would have to be acted upon at their June meeting, for adoption at their July meeting. Should COG hold off any action, or continue as planned? After discussion, the consensus was that COG should proceed; it would be unfair to hold up the process. Any municipality that missed the deadline could advertise the ordinance on their own. Mrs. Trynoski also asked if there was any word on a county ordinance that is in the works by the planning commission regulating cell towers; one of COG's members had made an inquiry. It is still pending. New state regulations for road signs will go into effect in 2012; more highly reflective material will need to be used. Elliot Ross noted that COG currently has almost two rolls for lettering in stock. He is checking on what should be used now, as the material is quite expensive, about $530 per roll. He would not like to see COG go to the expense of buying new if the rolls can still be used. He will provide an update once more information is available. At last month’s meeting, Mrs. Trynoski was authorized to seek bids for CPA audits of the Codes committee’s accounts. She reported receiving one, with possibly two more to come. Further investigation shows that a full CPA audit would not be necessary; a “review” would cost considerably less and would satisfy the bank’s requirements. It would also be less expensive, as a full CPA audit would cost anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000, and a review should cost $750 - $1,000. And, the bank would accept a review after April 15, in May or June, which would allow more time at a better rate than during tax season. At present, the insurance committee was comprised of Secretary Cheryl Wellman; Harvey Rosenkrans and Ted Plevinsky agreed to serve. The committee’s responsibility is review the proposal for renewal of the present policy, which expires in September. A key issue is to ensure separate billing for each of COG’s three committees. During public comment, a New Milford Boro resident had some questions about the fee he was charged for inspection of hookup to the sewer system, which was put in last year. He felt that the $112 he had to pay was excessive, and asked who determined what the rate should be. Mrs. Trynoski explained that the fee is determined by several components, one of which is the fee charged by COG’s third party inspectors, Building Inspection Underwriters. Other components include administration fees and state charges. Under the UCC, hookups must be inspected by certified inspectors. Whether the inspections were performed by COG or another entity, the fee would still need to be paid and would probably be about the same. The resident had other questions. Mrs. Trynoski suggested that the resident speak directly with the inspector, and would ask him to contact the resident to set up an appointment; the resident agreed. COG Sewage Ted Plevinsky had some questions about a situation that had taken place where sewage was backing up into a trailer; would this be something for the municipality to deal with, or should DEP be called? SEO Duane Wood said that it would be up to the municipality to deal with it, to see if it is a matter of a simple repair. A malfunction is a municipality’s responsibility, he said, even those permitted by DEP. COG Sewage is in the process of pursuing court action in a situation in Rush Township; otherwise, things were reported to be going well. COG Codes Ted Plevinsky had another question regarding a situation where he was contacted by a tenant; the home’s roof leaks, and the landlord won’t fix it. Is it, he asked, a landlord/tenant problem or is it the municipality’s? The consensus was, if the municipality has adopted an ordinance covering property maintenance, the landlord could be brought before the magistrate. Many municipalities have adopted or are in the process of adopting rental ordinances, which would cover a situation like this one. In a case where condemnation might be needed, a UCC certified inspector would have the knowledge to determine if the problem is fixable or if the structure should be condemned. In a note of levity, Oakland Township representative Cy Cowperthwait related that his municipality had pursued a violation case in October, 2005. The township won the case, and had requested the maximum fine, which was imposed at $600. The township had just gotten the first installment last month, a grand total of $3.00. “But, we are getting paid,” he joked. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m. in the COG offices in New Milford Boro.
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe
|
