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June 18th

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Issue Home June 14, 2006 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Montrose Revisits Earned Income Tax
Great Bend Hears Cell Tower Facts
Oakland Building Coming Down

Courthouse Report
Gibson Barracks Report
FC Mayor Stays On Clean-Up Kick



Montrose Revisits Earned Income Tax

More than six months after enacting a three-mill property tax increase in response to business owners’ protests, Montrose Borough Council will once again consider passing a one-percent earned income tax (EIT).

Both Central Tax Bureau of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Centrax) and Berkheimer Tax Administrator are courting the borough, hoping to administrate a tax that could bring in as much as $250,000. Borough Secretary Annette Rogers said both companies charge approximately the same fee – around two percent – but Berkheimer’s EIT collection estimates are significantly higher ($250,000) than Centrax’s ($190,000 first year’s high estimate).

Paul Robinson from Centrax will meet with Council members and the public at 7 p.m. July 10 to discuss the EIT. Berkheimer District Manager Barbara Fairchild has met with Council previously to discuss the tax.

The EIT, which will most likely be passed for the 2007 calendar year, would impact borough residents who work in Pennsylvania and non-residents employed in the borough who don’t pay EITs in their municipalities. Wages, commissions, salaries, bonuses, fees, tips, incentive payments and other earned compensation are taxed; interest, pensions, dividends, and social security earnings are exempt.

Under Pennsylvania Borough Code, municipalities can tax real property up to 30 mills; with the three-mill increase, Montrose is at 17 mills. Should a municipality need to exceed 30 mills, the governing body must petition the Court of Common Pleas. One millage point equals $25,000 in Montrose.

Rising gas prices, and a police pension to which the borough must contribute $65,000 in 2006, forced Council to raise taxes somewhere.

More than $5 million worth of property within Montrose is tax exempt. County buildings, the hospital, fire hall, post office, library, churches and parsonages, phone company buildings, electric company buildings, water company buildings, borough buildings, and nonprofit organization buildings are tax exempt.

No council members discussed the possibility of lowering property taxes should they enact the EIT.

One issue that may come up at future meetings is the borough’s ability to appeal assessments made by the county assessment board. Neither Rogers nor Ellen O’Malley, county assessor, knew the exact impact lowered assessments had on borough taxes. The last countywide assessment took place in 1993.

In other business, Council followed the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) recommendation to pass a resolution opposing the passage of two bills – one in Pennsylvania and one in Washington, DC – that would change local cable franchise laws. The legislation, drafted by Verizon, would, according to the PSAB, eliminate local franchising authority, reduce franchise fee revenue and end local enforcement of cable operator obligations. Council’s resolution will be forwarded to the PSAB, which in turn will lobby against it at the state and federal levels.

The borough receives $16,000 annually from cable franchising fees.

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Great Bend Hears Cell Tower Facts

At their last meeting, the Great Bend Township supervisors heard from a group of Harmony Road residents, concerned about a cell tower possibly being placed in close proximity to their homes. At the June 5 supervisors’ meeting, the news was not good.

Secretary/supervisor Sheila Guinan reported that she had done extensive research on the subject. Unfortunately, the township does not have zoning regulations, and there is no county zoning concerning cell towers other than a requirement of a setback of a collapsible distance plus 15 feet. As the towers are designed to collapse within themselves, only a 15-foot setback is required.

A resident in the audience asked, “What guarantee is there that it will collapse within itself?” And, what impact would its proximity have on the property values of nearby homes? Another question was whether or not the site in question is enrolled in Clean and Green; if it is, wouldn’t that preclude siting a tower there?

Mrs. Guinan said that the county Planning Commission has to approve any plans; although the plans are reportedly in progress, none had been presented to the Planning Commission as of the date of the meeting.

One of the Harmony Road residents asked what his next course of action should be; he was advised to contact the Planning Commission.

In other business, a representative from DGK Insurance was present for the township’s annual policy review. After discussion, it was agreed to add the replacement cost for an outdoor fuel tank at an additional cost of $12 per premium, and to add the replacement cost of the traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 11 and 171 (the township is responsible for its maintenance and replacement).

NE Signal had recently repaired the traffic signal, and left information for an annual preventive maintenance program that they offer. An annual price of $675 includes a 12 month guarantee on bulbs, which cost approximately $80/each. This service is in addition to on-call emergency service. The supervisors tabled the matter for further discussion.

One application was received for the vacancy on the roads crew, and the candidate was subsequently interviewed. A motion carried to hire James Shaffer, to start on June 12 at $12/hour with no benefits (he has his own). And, a motion carried to appoint supervisor Dave Sienko as roadmaster.

Bob Squier reported that one item of interest had been offered at a recent convention he attended. New, improved cold patch material is available that can be used in any temperature. It would, he said, be very handy to have. After discussion, a motion carried to purchase a pallet, approximately 2,600 pounds.

Mr. Sienko gave an update on grading work completed and in progress. It was agreed that the township’s road crew should see to mowing the area around the township building.

Auditor Virginia Austin reported that Carol Clemens has offered to fill the vacant auditor’s position; a motion carried to appoint her.

A motion carried to adopt Ordinance 56, reestablishing the township’s membership in COG.

A permit was approved for an alternate septic system for the Boisson property on Harmony Road; it has been approved by COG.

A letter will be sent to the owner of an Airport Road property, requesting that he cease and desist using an unapproved driveway, and use one that is permitted.

FEMA/PEMA has closed out project worksheets pertaining to damage caused by Ivan; the township has received an additional $1,465.

Information from Pennstar Bank was reviewed, regarding Municipal Liquid investment Accounts, which offer a higher interest rate than several of the township’s current accounts. It was agreed to transfer two of the accounts already at Pennstar into one of these accounts, the machinery and building funds, and possibly the money market savings account. Peoples Bank will be contacted to see if they offer a service at a comparable rate.

Under unfinished business, Joan Long reported that she has taken one trailer down and has done a lot of cleanup, and plans to keep going. The supervisors complimented her on the work done, saying that the property does look better. They asked if she plans to work on the area around the house next; she said that she does.

A list of other properties in violation of the new nuisance ordinance was reviewed; it was agreed to send letters to those owners, as well as a copy of the ordinance.

The supervisors were asked to take a look at an apartment complex on Randolph Road for possible violations; they agreed to do so.

Discussion continued on getting a dumpster for a township cleanup. After discussion about what services are already offered by Joe’s Disposal and problems that had occurred during the Ivan cleanup, it was agreed that what Joe’s offers would suit the purpose as well as or better than what the township could do. A motion carried to contact Joe’s and offer to pay for two advertisements of those services, to make township residents aware of them. And, a metal goods dumpster is (and has been) available as a free service to township residents at the township building.

An FYI reminder was made available regarding fireworks permits; state law requires a $500 bond, and any proposed site should be inspected by a fire marshal.

During public comment, Del Austin thanked those who had supported and contributed towards a servicemen’s memorial site at the Great Bend Visitors Center. Benches are in place, as is a plaque, stone work is done, and flowers and seven trees will be planted soon. It is expected that the 109th should be home by June 18; a dedication will most likely take place in July. The effort, Mr. Austin said, is something the community can be proud of.

Mr. Austin had another concern. During the Memorial Day weekend, he had observed a number of young people riding bikes and skateboards in the Hallstead Plaza. As there was heavy traffic, he had spoken with some of them out of concern for their safety. When asked why they rode around the plaza, several asked where else they could go. Mr. Austin said that it made him realize that there are no safe alternatives, and urged the youths to go to their municipalities to see if a solution could be found.

The next meeting will be on Monday, June 19, 7:00 p.m. in the township building.

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Oakland Building Coming Down

According to the minutes of a special meeting held on June 3, Oakland Boro has received approval for grant funding to demolish their building. Final date for occupancy is August 30. The building’s tenant, Windwood Hill Dance Academy, has requested that they be allowed to remove the hardwood floor they installed in the two rooms they rent. A suggestion was made to sell bricks from the building as mementos, proceeds to apply towards the Christmas lighting fund. And the furnace, which is somewhat new, could be sold; a local merchant may be interested.

The Canawacta Rod & Gun Club is considering selling their building on State St. If the boro were to purchase it, the club would like to be able to rent for parties and bingo. And, the club is willing to rent space to the boro for meetings as of September.

According to the minutes, other topics discussed at the June 3 meeting included passage of an ordinance to enact a cooperative agreement with the Lanesboro Police Dept. for coverage; it would allow for each of the boros to provide coverage to the other. The agreement provides both boros the opportunity to withdraw with 30 days’ notice. A motion carried to approve. And, Officer Michael DeVries has been hired to the Oakland department.

Also discussed was purchase of a new, larger truck and plow. Specs from two models were reviewed, one of which is through the CoStars (piggyback) program through PENNDOT.

The solicitor would be contacted for information about the boro cleaning up the property at 14 State St., and placing a lien against it for recovery of the cost.

Information from the county readdressing program indicates that High Street will be renamed East High Street and West High Street, and East Street will become Wilson Avenue, contingent upon approval from the Postal Service.

And, Lanesboro requested that Oakland consider a cooperative agreement for street plowing.

At the June 8 meeting, council continued to look into purchasing a used police car that is available locally, a 2003 Impala with 119,000 miles. The car does have some equipment in it, and more may be available for purchase in addition to the $1,000 asking price.

Paul Dudley, the boro’s Emergency Management Coordinator, brought council a resolution to sign up for the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which is offered through the office of Homeland Security. Municipalities that fail to adopt NIMS could find themselves facing a loss of federal emergency funding, such as the reimbursements most municipalities received to deal with damage caused by Ivan. At this time, NIMS training is not required of municipal officials, but it is strongly urged and it will most likely be mandatory in the near future. Mr. Dudley gave council information on where the training could be found on-line, and which course needs to be taken. A hard copy of the manual and the related test will also be available in the boro office.

Doug Arthur gave a rundown of a list of current codes violations and their status. Council agreed to proceed with cleanup of the property at 14 State St., and will keep a record of how much is spent, including legal fees so that a lien can be filed. Cleanup of the Washburn property on Wilson Ave. was said to be moving along, but slowly. Another on Westfall Ave. has been taken care of. The CEO will be asked to check on properties on Boyden St., Prospect St. and Third Ave. And, DEP has given a thirty-days notice to the owner of a River Rd. property, with a deadline of June 30.

The May report for Parks and Rec. was read. Beginning with a balance of $1,562.92, there were $2,680.20 in receipts, $836.87 in expenses, leaving a balance of $1,843.33 at the end of the month.

Mayor Dudley had no police report, as none of the boro’s officers had been on patrol. However, during the Memorial Day parade, retired officer Bob VanFleet did conduct traffic control, at no charge to the boro. Council will send him a letter of thanks.

With the agreement with Lanesboro finalized, the boro would have coverage for the following weekend until Oakland’s vehicle is up and running.

A motion carried to adopt the ordinance to participate in the county’s readdressing program.

Discussion continued on plans for the building’s demolition. Should Windwood Hill be allowed to keep the hardwood flooring? Mr. Beavan said that, although the boro did reduce the academy’s rent for several months to cover the cost of the floor, to be kept it would need to be removed and refinished. His recommendation was to allow the academy to keep it. Mr. Dibble concurred; he felt that the time and labor involved to properly remove it and then store it would not be worth it to the boro. A motion carried to approve Windwood Hill taking the flooring. Mr. Arthur’s was the only “no” vote; he felt that the boro did pay for the floor through rent reduction, and the academy should make the boro an offer for it.

Mr. Arthur relayed that he had spoken with Roland Salamon about selling some of the building fixtures on eBay. Mr. Beavan thought it would be worth meeting with Mr. Salamon to discuss particulars.

Mr. Beavan had some concerns about offering the building’s brick for sale. The contractor who would be doing the demolition should be consulted, as that might not be feasible. And, he is concerned about the liability should someone be injured while trying to remove the bricks from the property. The idea was tabled until the contractor could be consulted.

Discussion continued about buying a new truck. There is a loan program through DCED that would finance half of up to $25,000 at 2% interest; the remainder would need to be financed through a local bank. Mr. Beavan’s concern was that the budget does have funds set aside, but only a fraction of the amount needed. He questioned, does the boro really need a new truck now? After discussion, it was agreed to hold off for the time being, especially as repair of the backhoe is a more immediate need. Council will look into getting a new motor for it, as they have been unable to find anyone to repair it. In the meantime, as a backup plan, council will proceed with the application for the DCED loan.

At this time, there was no firm offer for purchase of the Rod & Gun Club building; it is still under discussion. If an agreement does work out, Mr. Beavan pointed out that the building would cost considerably less than the boro building has ($5,000 this last season), and the boro could rent it out for community functions, providing a source of revenue.

Council approved sending one of the boro’s two police officers to attend a bi-monthly communications committee meeting in Montrose. Mayor Dudley had been attending, but felt that the subject matter is more appropriately suited to having an officer attend.

With police patrols resuming, it was agreed that the stop sign at the intersection of Westfall Ave. and State St. should be a priority, as there have been many complaints about motorists ignoring it.

And, council will look into getting community service workers to see to some of the tasks that need attending to, such as cutting grass along the roads in several areas.

The meeting adjourned to an executive session.

The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m. in the boro building.

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Courthouse Report
Compiled by P. Jay Amadio

DEEDS

Elaine Tompkins to Alderson Wiley Lilly, Mt. Bethel, in Lathrop Township for $76,000.

Richard J. VanBrunt, Diane J. VanBrunt to Shawn Brown, Montrose, Patricia Brown, in Bridgewater Township for $205,000.

Theodore R. Oldziejewski, Mildred Oldziejewski to Michael J. Rossi, Mountaintop, Corinne M. Rossi, Mark F. Scully, Donna M. Scully, in Auburn Township for $80,000.

Donald Gerola to William Cherry, Furlong, Ann Cherry, in Herrick Township for $240,000.

Lawrence M. Grasso (trust by trustee) to James R. Minton Jr., Newark, NJ, in New Milford Township for $69,000.

Harry L. Spickerman, Patricia Spickerman to Thomas Chickey, Old Forge, in Lathrop Township for one dollar.

Scott D. Leister, Linda J. Leister to Ronald A. Cleaver, Fairfax Station, VA., Mary Ann Fricano, in Apolacon Township for $60,000.

Matthew McGowan, Marion G. McGowan to Timonthy J. Maye, Quakertown, Deborah L. Mayae, in Dimock Township for $132,000.

Kenneth Schmidt, Lisa Schmidt to Chad E. Jones, RR2, Susquehanna, in Great Bend Township for $85,000.

Eleanor Elizabeth Seamans Lawrence Family Limited Partnership to New Milford Borough in New Milford Borough and New Milford Township for one dollar.

Andrew Banko, Mary Banko to George R. Banko, Kirkwood, NY, Regina G. Halecky, Patricia Witkor, Mary M. Gehman, in Jackson Township for one dollar.

Otto S. Folin, Nancy L. Folin to Marlene Sensale, Tannersville, in Clifford Township for $900,000.

Emmette T. Harper to Denise Brennan, Folsom, in Great Bend Township for $54,000.

Michael Russo, Marie J. Russo to Michael J. Beasley, Meshoppen, Janet L. Beasley, in Auburn Township for $288,000.

Ronald S. Moll to Eric J. Loux, Red Hill, Kristine K. Loux, in Dimock and Auburn townships for $200,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association (aka) Fannie Mae to Michael A. Hoffman, RR2, Montrose, in Dimock Township for $64,000.

Wayne A. Ripke to Jeffrey S. Treat, Honesdale, in Harmony Township for $170,000.

Jeff Tigue, Jennifer L. Tigue to Jeff Tigue, Taylor, Jennifer L. Tigue, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Theresa Gasper to Theresa Miller, Forest City, in Forest City for one dollar.

Thomas J. Lopatofsky, Jr., Donna M. Fekette to Ronald J. Perry, Sr., Riverside, NJ, Eleanor M. Perry, in New Milford Township for $122,500.

Marlene J. Snitchler, Melvin D. Snitchler, Ruth J. Snell, William R. Snell, to Tasmas LLC, Uniontown, OH, in Siler Lake Township for $30,000.

John J. Ward, Pamela Ward to Joseph Lucchesi, RD2, Union Dale, Patricia E. Lucchesi, in Herrick Township for $133,000.

Joseph Waresk to John T. Collins, Center Morhiches, NY, Natalie Collins, in Ararat Township for $107,500.

Vicky L. Page to Keith A. Kovalefsky, New Milford, in New Milford Township for $36,000.

Timothy Craig (by sheriff) aka Timothy S. Craig (by sheriff), Nickie L. Craig (by sheriff) aka Nickie Craig (by sheriff) to JP Morgan Chase Bank, Mendota Heights, MN, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., in Susquehanna for $1,308.

Mark S. McClure, Maria A. McClure to Christine A. Barton, New York, NY, in Montrose for $135,000.

Randy L. Payne, Sandra D. Payne to Henry Cieplinski, RR1, Brackney, MaryAnn Cieplinski, in Silver Lake Township for $176,000.

Alice B. Price, Kenneth W. Price to Alphonse J. Matrone, Jr., Clarks Summit, Mario G. Matrone, in Herrick Township for $29,500.

Eleanor G. Jesse to John G. Jesse, Danbury, CT, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Albert C. Piselli, Francis Piselli, Rita Piselli to Francis Piselli, Glenolden, Rita Piselli, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Albert C. Piselli, Francis Piselli, Rita Piselli to Albert Piselli, Clearwater, FL, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Thomas P. Cawley to Bronson Pinchot, Harford, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Brad Schmidt, Shaela Schmidt to Joseph C. Roy, Susquehanna, in Lanesboro Borough for $48,410.

Francis T. Yankauskas, Elizabeth Yankauskas to Dale R.Shifler, Forest City, Kirk Matoushek, in Forest City for $96,000.

Michael Pope, Michael Jeschke to Michael Pope, Luzerne, Albina Pope, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Stephen Sobiech III, Renee D. Sobiech to Thomas Newberry, Conklin, Pamela Newberry, in Little Meadows Borough for $99,900.

MARRIAGES

Jon D. Carpenter, Susquehanna and Abbey Marie Robinson, Tunkhannock.

Kurt J. Schillinger, Houston, TX and Shannon E. Mullican, Philadelphia.

Jack M. Rood, Jr., Endicott, NY and Peggy A. Smith, Tioga, NY.

Kevin D. McCarthy, Montrose and Angeline Costigan, Montrose.

Kristopher D. Hiller, Mechanicsburg and Breanne Elizabeth Simons, Kingsley.

Daniel R. Stone, Thompson and Jennifer Elaine Hilkert, Thompson.

John Kenneth Mulligan, Montrose and Theresa A. Hogan, Montrose.

Andrew R. Bednarz, Denville, NJ and Lisa A. Lindhorst, Susquehanna.

Charles W. Newman III, Binghamton, NY and Melissa M. Krisko, Binghamton, NY.

DIVORCES

Lisa S. Diaz, Great Bend vs. Benedict F. Diaz, Nicholson. Married on May 27, 1989.

Theresa A. Decker, RR3, Susquehanna vs. James A. Decker, Susquehanna. Married on October 4, 1997.

Brian Delaney, Susquehanna vs. Christine Delaney, Susquehanna. Married on Nov. 28, 2004.

Kristen Beach, Hallstead vs. Michael J. Beach, New Milford. Married Sept. 5, 1998.

Lori A. Baker, Montrose vs. Brian M. Baker, Montrose. Married August 15, 1998.

 

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Gibson Barracks Report

IDENTITY THEFT & FORGERY

Michelle Lynn Shepard of Montrose was criminally charged with identity theft, forgery, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property June 2. Shepard has been arraigned before District Justice Peter Janicelli and is now behind bars in the Susquehanna County Jail; bail is set at $10,000.

ATV CRASH

Robert Devaney, 46, of Manahawkin, New Jersey was riding his Polaris Magnum south on Baldwin Rd. in Ararat Twp. May 27, when he lost control and flipped his ATV. Devaney was flown from the scene by Life Flight with moderate injuries. His ATV was moderately damaged in the accident. Devaney has been cited for a traffic violation.

CAR ACCIDENT

Michael Dooley, 28, of Great Bend was traveling southbound on SR11 near the SR492 intersection in New Milford June 5, when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed across the road, skidded over a sidewalk and crashed into a tree. Dooley was rushed to EMHS in Montrose by Columbia Hose Company.

ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

Darren Gentilquore, 44, New Milford Twp. is now behind bars in the Susquehanna County Jail after shooting two New Jersey men. State police say the incident began when Ryan Bigelow, 34, Hillsborough, NJ and his brother, Shaun Bigelow, 36, Somerville, NJ were at Gentilquore’s home, TR824 near The Highlands Rd. in rural New Milford Twp. on May 26 to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend. After leaving that night, the two New Jersey brothers returned to Gentilquore’s home on ATV around 3 a.m. and started banging on his door, complaining of what sounded like gunshots. Gentilquore armed himself with a shotgun and armed his own stepson with an AR-15 rifle and started shouting out of the house that he was armed. Ryan Bigelow started striking the door again when he was shot in the abdomen by Gentilquore. After Ryan was shot, police report that Shaun started striking the door and was also shot in the abdomen by Gentilquore. Both Ryan and Shaun Bigelow were rushed to UHS in Binghamton, NY where they both went under emergency surgery. Gentilquore has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Gentilquore’s bail is set at $750,000.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Marshall and Mary Ellen Tompkins were driving in their 2000 Suzuki Vitara southbound on I-81 near mile marker 220 June 2, when a deer jumped out in front of them. Their car hit the deer, yet was able to make it to the right side of the highway after the impact. Both Marshall and Mary Ellen were wearing their seatbelts and were not injured in the accident. Their Suzuki Vitara’s air bags did not deploy during the accident.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

State Police are investigating what happened May 26 when Seth Turock of Union Dale left his broken-down truck to get help. His truck broke down at the intersection of SR2024 and SR2053 in Brooklyn Twp. around noon. After coming back to his truck after calling for help, he found his windshield smashed.*

BURGLARY

Someone broke into Hector Hegay’s home in Montrose June 1, stealing three gold necklaces, a black onyx ring, a blue sapphire ring and a jar with over $200 worth of change.*

HIT & RUN

State Police are looking for whoever drove a motorcycle off the road June 3 in Hallstead. Someone driving on Church Rd. drove a motorcycle off the road and then hit a mailbox. The driver fled the scene on Church Rd. heading towards New York.*

THEFT

Someone broke into Edward Kozlowski’s home in Uniondale May 27 and stole an unknown amount of cash from his office.*

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Dorothy Ann Tanner of Montrose reported to police that sometime overnight between June 3 and June 4 someone vandalized her 1986 Buick Cutlass, scratching the hood, left and right side. Tanner also found three of her tires slashed.*

SEXUAL OFFENDER COMPLIANCE FAILURE

Richard Bryan Allen, 41 of New Milford was arrested May 24 for failing to register as a sexual offender. Allen was arraigned before District Justice Jeffery Hollister and later released.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH

Emergency responders found Rocco Longo, 36 deceased in his residence on Phillips Rd. in Auburn Twp May 25. This investigation is still being considered as a suspicious death.*

CAR CRASH

Deane Shedd of Montrose was traveling on SR29 in Liberty Twp. May 27, when she failed to negotiate a turn a hit a road sign. Her Chevy Suburban was towed from the scene by Klock’s Towing.

THEFT

During the afternoon of May 26, someone entered Stephen Benjamin’s property near Brackney and stole a chain saw, Snap On Tool box, a 34”x30” window and a wood splitter.*

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Peggy Jenkins of Kingsley was driving her 1998 Toyota Rav4 on SR0106 in Lenox Twp. around 3 a.m. May 27, when she lost control. Her SUV left the road and crashed into a tree. Jenkins was wearing her seatbelt during the accident.

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FC Mayor Stays On Clean-Up Kick

Forest City Mayor Nick Cost continues to pursue a mission he started when he took office in January and pledged to clean-up the borough.

At last week’s borough council meeting, Cost zeroed in on residents who stockpile garbage on porches and in yards. “Get stickers and put the garbage at the curb to be picked up,” he said. “Don’t stockpile garbage. That really annoys me.”

The mayor also pressed council for action on a new animal control ordinance that has also become a pet peeve of his. He wants animal owners to clean up after their pets even when the animals confine their droppings to their owner’s property.

“It’s getting hot now and nobody wants that smell when they are having an outdoor cookout and are opening windows to allow some fresh air in the house,” he said.

Council pledged its full support to the mayor’s efforts and should have the new animal ordinance ready for introduction at the next meeting.

In another matter, Shane Lewis, the borough’s code enforcement officers, advised council that he issued citations for five violations in May. He also said he completed 15 general inspections last month and issued 3 permits.

The police department responded to 318 calls in May and rendered assistance to other police departments on 20 occasions. They also served eight warrants, responded to 7 domestic incidents and handled 6 animal complaints.

During May, the police made 42 arrests including eight violations of traffic control devices, five for receiving stolen property, four for disorderly conduct and four for receiving stolen property.

 

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