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HEADLINES: Winds Of Change At MASD Seniors in Florida, library assistance, new taxes, and school security – these and other items were discussed when the Montrose Area School Board came together on October 10. The current educational atmosphere seems fraught with change, as area schools contemplate issues of safety, taxation, and progress. The board meeting, and subsequent work session, evinced that Montrose is not immune to this trend. One large change which all districts are facing, due to Act 1 of 2006, lies with the mandatory establishment of tax-commissions to consider the establishment of either an earned income tax or a personal income tax. Mr. Chris Caterson reported on items learned recently from an ESBA conference. It has been widely thought that with both the school district and the borough looking into an earned income tax, if both enacted it the two entities would share the 1% tax, with each getting half. At the conference, however, representatives from the district were informed that this idea was erroneous- the law allows the district to establish its own 1% tax separate from the actions of the Borough. It was also reported that the district would be capable of collecting tax from people working in New York. This led to questions of collection, and the means by which it should be pursued. In addition, Mr. Caterson suggested that an alternate be appointed to the tax-study commission. Currently there are purposefully 7 members, in order to prevent a deadlock, but other districts have been appointing an alternate to maintain an odd number in case a member is absent. Mr. Caterson emphasized to the board that the decision to be made in December, that of which tax should be established, is a big deal. Another issue on the mind of various districts right now is that of school security. A favorable report was given at the meeting of the school shooter in-service held at Mountain View the previous Friday. This led to the question of how secure Montrose is against attack. The district’s current security system was discussed, as well as programs like the Bully Busters program intended to try and prevent problems from developing. The diligence of the staff in identifying and reporting potential student problems was also mentioned. Even so, the board discussed potential problem areas, and proposed measures for making the school grounds even more secure. This will be discussed further at a future Building and Grounds meeting. Another matter relegated to a future Building and Grounds meeting was that of energy conservation. Some big energy conservation companies have come to the district and proposed programs, but this topic has been shelved due to Act 1. Mr. Sives has therefore asked Mr. Ognosky if there is a program which could be implemented within the school on a smaller scale, involving simple actions like turning off monitors and lights, thereby saving energy and money. There is change within the school as well, as the Senior class plans to go to Orlando, Florida this year, and Mr. Tallarico (the high school principal) addressed some board member concerns. One big concern was the price, around $700 (including meals). Mr. Tallarico said that whether or not students get this money is largely up to them; if they really work at it they should be able to raise most or all of it through fundraisers. The way fundraisers are run, 50% of what each student raises goes into their accounts and 50% goes to the senior class. Five students have already raised all the necessary money from the first fundraiser alone. He also mentioned that in the past, when students worked very hard and still fell a little short, the school has stepped in to allow them to go. In response to concerns over safety, Mr. Tallarico stated that it was easier to monitor student safety at Disney than it was when the students went to the beach in Virginia. Students will have a non-stop flight and a shuttle to transport them to the park. They will not be able to leave the park, and the park is dry and smoke-free. Depending on success this year, and the interest of future students, this may become a regular occurrence. One senior in particular was honored for her charity. Johanna Reed, as her Senior Project, organized a free community concert to benefit the Susquehanna County Library. As a three-year employee of the library, she knew that they needed funds, and decided to do something about it. She recruited seven performers to play for free at the event, and sold baked goods made by library staff and board members during break. The event was a success, with over 200 people in attendance and over $1200 raised. Representatives of the library attended the meeting to speak highly of her and express their appreciation. Mr. Tallarico also denied rumors that a seventh and eighth grade formal dinner/dance was being scheduled. There has been talk about having something for the seventh and eighth grades, but it won’t be a late night dance. They are, however, having their own pep-rally, etc.
Concession Stand Recommended Watching outdoor athletic events at Forest City Regional can be a chilly experience in the Spring and Fall seasons of the year. The cold winds from nearby Lake Erie sweep across the playing field causing the shivering fans to bundle up or leave. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate can go a long way toward keeping the crowd around for the entire game or track meet. Combine that with the thought that the school’s athletic teams could always use some financial assistance and a thought projected to the Board of Education last week by Elaine Malsch of Vandling makes a good deal of sense. Mrs. Malsch suggested that the school board consider allowing a concession stand at all home athletic events. She said it does not have to be an extravagant structure and that perhaps the construction material and manpower to build the stand could be donated. “Just a place where spectators could get a cup of coffee and maybe a hamburger, a hotdog, or a bowl of chili,” Mrs. Malsch said. She said the parents of the athletes might consider donating some of the food and running the concession stand. She said the home team that happens to be playing when the stand is operating would reap the profits from that day’s receipts. Mrs. Malsch pointed out that many outdoor athletic events begin about 4 p.m. and that is about the time many working folks are heading home. She said they could come to the school grounds, watch a game and if they are hungry, get a snack. “Everyplace you go,” Mrs. Malsch said, “all ball fields have concession stands nearby.” Dr. Robert Vadella, school superintendent, said he thought it was a great idea. Anthony Rusnak, high school principal, said it has been discussed and that it will be pursued. Someone else said perhaps it would be a good senior project for the Spring sports season. High School Principal Anthony Rusnak advised the board of the following elections: Senior Class: Dom Cino, president; Jim Pasternak, vice president; Danielle Long, secretary; and, Mickayla McHale, treasurer. Seventh and Eighth Grade FBLA Officers: Shannon Novak, president; Cassie Erdmann, vice president; Brian Nebzydoski, secretary; R. J. Kresok, treasurer; Phylicia Galvin, parliamentarian; and, Ryan Jensen, historian. Ken Swartz, elementary principal, told the board the following teachers were recognized in the 2005/2006 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers: Cathy Walker, computer teacher; Sharon Longo, elementary guidance counselor; Joann Warhola, third grade; Andy Torch, elementary physical education; and, Annette Seber, fourth grade. The teachers were nominated by students. Donna Potis, director of special education, reported she attended a Gifted Program Conference at NEIU 19 and that there will be a meeting on October 27 with gifted parents, students, administration and staff. Patricia Chesnick, transportation coordinator, reported that the transportation costs for 16 contracted vehicles in the 2005-2006 school year cost the school district $606,281. She further noted that there were two contracted parents who provided transportation at a total cost of $6,750. Mrs. Chesnick also told the school board that a reduction in fuel costs since the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year eliminated the need for an adjustment allowance for the van contractors in the month of September. She said there will be a two percent fuel adjustment paid to the bus contractors for September. The Maintenance Department reported that two roof leaks were patched by Dunmore Roofing in accordance with the warranty, and the ceiling in a boys’ locker room was painted. Motions approved by the board completed the following business- - approved the appointment of Dorothy Curtis as a regular van driver for the 2006-2007 school year. - accepted the highest bid of $900 from Kathy Eroh for the 1988 John Deer lawn and garden tractor. - approved the appointment of Charlene McGraw to a 260 day secretarial position (from 210 days) working in the high school guidance office and for the special education coordinator. - approved the appointment of Patricia Gardus to a 260-day secretary position (from 210 days) working in the high school guidance office and for the special education coordinator. - accepted the resignation of Kim Conklin, a teacher assistant. - approved Jason Griffiths as junior varsity girls’ volleyball coach for the 2006-2007 school year. - approved the high school trip to Boston from May 16 through May 20, 1007. - accepted the resignation of Shaun Loftus as a school counselor.
Roads, Recovery In New Milford Twp. The October 11 New Milford Township Supervisors’ meeting opened with much discussion regarding area roads, which was prompted by visitor questions. One visitor requested that grading be done on Houlihan Road, to improve drainage. He reported that the last heavy rain washed the road out. This led to an inquiry regarding where the Township was in the process of road repair following June’s flood. The answer was positive. While not 100% complete, the work is coming along well, in fact better than was expected. The Township is working in conjunction with FEMA, inspecting roads and repairing them, and dealing with problematic bridges, etc. Repair of the Highlands Road, for instance, has been completed. Two additional announcements were made regarding disaster recovery efforts, when it came time to go through correspondence. FEMA is running an upcoming dinner/help session in Great Bend. They have invited local municipalities to this event, where they will meet regarding recovery assistance. The Township supervisors plan on being in attendance. The township also received applications for part-time employment. Northern Tier Regional Planning Development is sending people to help clean out the creeks, and have part-time work available. Since the last meeting, two business related decisions were made. First, DEP approved a small non-coal mining permit to Mr. Tingley. Secondly, the Mawhaw company was granted approval by the Planning Commission to open a tire-change business in Gibson between the Flying J and the fireworks store. The proposal had been rejected previously, due to the Commission not being satisfied with the blueprints. The company has since made the required alterations. The conversation returned to roads, when a discussion was started regarding what roads were and were not maintained. The question was raised as to whether or not all of the roads which have not been vacated, and for which fuel tax is collected, are being maintained. It is a requirement that this be the case, where a property owner desires it. The supervisors asserted that to the best of their knowledge, all roads meeting these criteria are currently taken care of. Near the end of the meeting attention was turned to money matters. A special meeting was announced for Friday October 13, at 7:00 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is to pass a resolution to get a low-interest government loan for $555,000. The money is needed to pay off debts from the flood and subsequent recovery, until such a time as money is received from FEMA. It is expected that this entire sum will be reimbursed. An ordinance was also passed regarding the transfer tax. The ordinance was stated as not representing any significant change, simply serving the purpose of keeping up with the times. Previously the tax lacked a uniform percentage; this ordinance, and the resolution approved at the last meeting, remedy this situation. With a motion for the payment of bills, the meeting was adjourned.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Brendan Dowling to George Dale Howell, Springville, in Oakland Borough for one dollar. Jason T. Auckland, Amy D. Auckland to Kyle R. Landis, Kristin M. Landis, Quakertown, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Jason T. Auckland, Amy D. Auckland to Dennis R. Landis, Stephanie D. Landis, Richlandtown, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Ernest Romanofski, Joan Romanofski to John Romanofski, Deposit, NY, in Susquehanna for one dollar. John Romanofski, Colleen Romanofski to Dale Howell Enterprises Inc., Springville, in Susquehanna for $30,000. Virgie Forkal (estate) to Mark Forkal, Springville, Randolph Forkal, in Springville Township for one dollar. Virgie Forkal (estate) to Judy Forkal, Clarks Summit, in Springville Township for one dollar. Robert D. Heck, Gimmee A. Heck to Oscar L. Durbin, Jr., Diana D. Durbin, Monroe, NJ, in Rush Township for $245,000. Gregory Cugliari, Sr., Gregory Cugliari, Jr., Joseph Cugliari to Gregory Cugliari, Sr., Neshanic Station, NJ, Gregory Cugliari, Jr., Joseph Cugliari, Matthew Cugliari, in Rush Township for one dollar. John J. Kleske, Alda L. Kleske to John Thomson, Vestal, NY, Aubrey M. Clark, in Silver Lake Township for $50,000. Nellie Buchanan (by attorney) to Cathy Mae Buchanan, Mahopac, NY, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Christopher T. Tracy, Cathleen A. Tracy to Gary D. Cameron, Serena L. Cameron, New Milford, in Harford Township for one dollar. Peter J. Antidormi, Jr., Brenda J. Antidormi to Frank Daniel Homes Inc., Centereach, NY in Forest City for $81,000. Richard J. Latwinski, Christine K. Latwinski to R. M. Chamberlin (revoc. trust), Sacorro, NM, L. E. Chamberlin (revoc trust), in Harford Township for $130,000. Tressa Blank to Tressa Blank, Kingsley, John Witiak, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Mahlon D. Tyler (est) aka Mahlon Donald Tyler (est) to Joseph F. Andusko, Kathleen Andusko, Susquehanna, in Great Bend Township for $16,500. Edward J. Kraft, Sr., Marie Kraft to Edward J. Kraft, Sr., Marie Kraft, Hop Bottom, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Edward J. Kraft, Sr., Marie Kraft to Edward J. Kraft, Sr., Marie Kraft, Hop Bottom, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Jeremy R. Kays, Heather Kays to Jeremy R. Kays, Heather Kays, New Milford, in New Milford Township for one dollar. John C. Bready, Jr. (est) aka John C. Bready (est) to Philip J . Pass, Jr., Lauri A. Pass, Union Dale, in Herrick Township for $113,000. Robert B. Gilleran, Rachel C. Gilleran (fka) Rachel C. Price to Raymond Ayres, Susquehanna, Christina Osterhout, in Susquehanna for $48,000. Gordon R. Towner, Virginia A. Towner to Lisa Towner, Susquehanna, in Oakland Borough for one dollar. Sean R. Smith to Sean R. Smith, Brackney, Amy Rydill, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Barbara A. Jacques, Vern R. Hatch to Barbara A. Jacques (trustee) c/o Agnes Carey, Endwell, NY, in Union Dale Borough for one dollar. Anna E. Malina (aka) Anna Malina to Elwood J. Sickler, Meshoppen, Kimberly A. Sickler, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. James B. McCreary to Christina A. McCreary, Hallstead, Sandra Llewellyn, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Champion Mortgage – Division of Keybank – (by atty) to Lawrence M. Grasso, Vero Beach, FL, in Franklin Township for $32,000. Stephen A. Drobish, Renee Drobish to Mario Matrone, Dalton, Alphonse Matrone, in Herrick Township for $40,000. James Thomas Rillstone, Jr., Shawna Ann Rillstone to Paulette C. Banford, Yardley, in Lenox Township for $120,000. Ronald C. Nagy, Nancy Nagy to Ronald C. Nagy, Nancy Nagy, Little Meadows, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. John G. Daly, Doris S. Daly to Gerald N. Daly, Montrose, in Rush Township for $29,500. Barbara A. Troeger Talcott, Joseph Talcott to Edgar L. Neff, Little Meadows, Marlene M. Jewett, in Borough of Little Meadows for $69,995. Richard W. Parson, Carolyn A. Parson to Alan R. Burgess, Waverly, NY, Brie Burgess, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Christopher T. Tracy, Cathleen A. Tracy to Troy L. Williams, Bradford, RI, in Harford Township for one dollar. Alan Scott Sciaretta, Tammy Sciaretta to Troy L. Williams, Bradford, RI, in Harford Township for $29,850. Eugene A. Fraser, Patricia Fraser to Fred L. Mack, Paul J. Mack, South Montrose, in Forest Lake Township for $84,000. Jesse H. Squier, Helen A. Squier to Elizabeth Smith, Montrose, in Jessup Township for one dollar. Frank N. Picciano, Diane M. Picciano, Michael A. Cerasaro, Traci Cerasaro, Cataldo V. Gianfrate, Tara M. Gianfrate, Mark Williams, Patrice J. Williams, Paul Corbin, Pamela Corbin, Nicholas Picciano, Jorun Picciano to James A. Volz, Hainesport, NJ, Richard S. Kauffman, in Apolacon Township for $67,500. Richard H. Bennett, Sandra Bennett to Tracy Wayne Bennet, Lawton, in Rush Township for one dollar. MARRIAGES Thomas J. Morse and Amy L. Guerin, both of Johnson City, NY. Jeremy J. Horn and Katie Sue Sherman, both of Springville. Myles Chester Kilmer and Alissa Halene Gajda, both of Lenoxville. Isaac Thayne Tiley and Nicole D. Harvatine, both of Tempe, AZ. TAX LIENS The Internal Revenue Service has filed liens on the following individuals: Daniel A. Yoder, Susquehanna, $1,740 for income tax period ending Dec. 31, 1996. Debora Fava, RR2, New Milford, $3,000 for income tax period ending Dec. 31, 1999 and $4,257 for income tax period ending Dec. 31, 2003. Baker Offers Change Of Pace Fred Baker II praised the county commissioners last week. Not just one of them, but all three commissioners. “I just want you to know,” Baker told the commissioners, “that the efforts you three show is appreciated.” Baker offered the compliment after expressing disappointment that only a half dozen people bothered to attend last Wednesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting. “This has nothing to do with you guys,” Baker told the commissioners, “but I think it is a crying shame that you go through all this effort and this is all the public that shows up. I wanted you to know that.” Baker’s brief presentation was the highlight of an otherwise boring meeting that the commissioners breezed through in about 20 minutes. It was in complete contrast to the critical shots he has been taking at Commissioner Roberta Kelly. At the meeting, the following motions were approved: - Entering into an agreement with Maximus, a national firm headquartered in Reston, VA, to provide the county with a Cost Allocation Plan for 2006 and 2007 at a total cost of $8,600. Commissioner Jeff Loomis said Maximus will offer consulting services and will also advise the commissioners what the various county departments should be charged as a fare share of the cost of maintaining the county courthouse and office buildings on Public Avenue in Montrose. - passed a resolution proclaiming October 15-21 as Business Women’s Week in Susquehanna County. There was no Salary Board meeting. Gibson Barracks Report THEFT On September 27, David Neal of Susquehanna PA reported the theft of his 1973 dump truck. The vehicle is white in color, with a red dump, and had a trailer with a John Deere backhoe in tow. STOLEN VEHICLE Sometime between 10/02 and 10/03 at the M&H Body Shop on state route 3029, an unlocked vehicle was stolen from next to a garage. The perpetrator(s) arrived by unknown means, took the vehicle using the keys left on the driver’s side floor, and fled the scene. The vehicle was driven on an unknown course, ending up on Green Road. It was taken 20 feet into a dirt driveway, then approximately 100 yards up a logging road, before being locked and abandoned. The perpetrator(s) then left by unknown means. STOLEN VEHICLE Jonathan Gardner, of Broad Street New Milford, had his white 1998 Toyota Corolla 4-door sedan stolen on 10/06. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Sometime between 10/04 and 10/08 the quarry of William Arnold in Dimock was entered without permission. The unknown actor(s) used rocks to break five windows in a 1971 Caterpillar bucket loader and the right side passenger window in a 1987 Ford F-250 pickup truck. The damage totals approximately $600.00. BURNT BALES Between 10/07 and 10/08 one or more people set fire to ten rolled hay bales belonging to Kenneth O’Dowd of Meshoppen, PA. Total damage to the property totals $1,000. MOTORCYCLE CRASH At approximately 4:15 p.m. on 10/8, Robert Mock III of Binghamton, NY lost control of his motorcycle while traveling on a curve on state route 4002 in Silver Lake Township. The motorcycle left the roadway and flipped, throwing Mock into a grassy field. He was not wearing a helmet, and was transported to Wilson hospital in New York for injuries. He faces charges of driving on roadways laned for traffic. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On 10/06, sometime after 8:000 p.m., someone broke a window at the Great Bend Alliance Church in Great Bend, PA. Anyone having information on this is requested to either contact the Gibson police barracks, or Pastor Jude Park. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Sometime between 5:00 on 10/05 and 10:30 the next morning, a rifle round was expended on the property of G.E. Modular Space in Lenox Township, damaging a window, paneling, and aluminum siding on an office trailer. THEFT-FRAUD Carl Drechsler of Oakland Township did not receive the item he attempted to buy off of E-Bay, after sending the money for it via Western Union. E-Bay was contacted, and replied that they did not have a record of the transaction. They advised that people make sure that bids are placed through the E-Bay website to insure more secure transactions. COLLISION On 10/02 at 9:11 p.m., Randy Konstas of Montrose lost control of his vehicle on a curve, left the road, and collided with a tree and two cars. He emerged from the crash uninjured. SINGLE CAR CRASH On 10/05 at approximately 8:01 p.m., John Anthony of Glenside PA was traveling East on State Route 3001 when he swerved to avoid a deer and went off the road into a ditch. His vehicle traveled in the ditch for approximately 90 feet, struck a tree with its side, and continued traveling for another 80 feet before hitting another tree head on. He was not injured. BURGLARY On 10/02 around 2:33 a.m., the Endless Mountain Pharmacy in Clifford Township was burglarized. The rear door of the pharmacy was forced open, and an undetermined amount of Oxycontin tablets removed. A small red compact vehicle was seen in that area at the time of the burglary, and was last seen traveling south on state route 2012. DUI CRASH On 09/30 Vincent Beckett of Hop Bottom crashed his Honda 300 ex ATV. Beckett, who was inexperienced in riding ATVs, hit a guard rail after turning onto state route 0092 from 2039 in Lenox Township. He was thrown from the vehicle and suffered minor injuries. He was arrested for DUI and transported to Marion Community Hospital to have blood drawn, in order to determine his BAC. This case is continuing pending the BAC results. If you have information regarding any of these cases, please contact the Gibson State Police barracks at (570) 465-3154.
Oakland To Add Police Officers Mayor Dudley reported at the October 12 Oakland Boro Council meeting that officer Eric Brush has requested not to be on the schedule for regular patrol hours, but will work as a backup officer when needed, to fill in when officers are unable to work their shift or when an extra officer is needed. His other work commitments and distance from the boro have caused difficulties in working regular shifts. Officer Devries is limited in how many shifts he can work, as he also has a work conflict. She recommended that the boro advertise for one or two additional officers so that more shifts can be covered; the only additional expense to the boro would be for uniform allowance. In the meantime, there is money in the police budget to arrange for Lanesboro’s to cover shifts if needed. The police have been conducting traffic control and are investigating complaints about parked cars being broken into. Mayor Dudley also reported that the grant application for park improvement has been approved, in the amount of $32,000. The parks and rec. committee is in the process of meeting deadlines associated with the grant. The streets committee reported receiving complaints about a dog problem near the park; at an adjacent home, there was said to be an excessive odor of feces. The CEO will be asked to check into it. The committee has been looking into a complaint about a drainage problem; although they had several ideas of how to deal with it, they want to be sure that any remedy is the right one. With council’s approval, they will contact several contractors for ideas and estimated cost, and to try to get it taken care of before winter. Brush near the bridge on State St. will be cut as well as possible; most of it is on a steep incline. Randy Glover reported that he had fixed a grate at the intersection of High St. and Westfall Ave. Council reviewed a rundown of codes violations cases; some were said to be in the process of cleanup, some are in the process of legal action, one is unresolved as the CEO has been unable to contact the owner, and several new complaints will be referred to the CEO. The boro’s truck is in the shop getting a number of needed repairs, including a fuel pump and a pressure sensor, and several other possible problems will be checked out. Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Dudley is in the process of completing paperwork for FEMA relevant to flood damage. The boro has received an insurance check in the amount of $11,750 to cover damage to the contents of the garage and the backhoe. After discussion, council carried a motion to proceed with advertising for bids for a new backhoe. What to do about storing salt for the winter was discussed, after which it was agreed that, for this coming winter at least, the boro would accept an offer from Susquehanna Boro to store salt at their facility. Doing so would also mean that there would be no immediate rush to purchase a new backhoe. With the demolition of the boro’s old building slated for later that week, council meetings are being held in the Lanesboro Community Center. Several council members remarked that something similar would be advantageous for Oakland to have, as there could be the possibility of income from its rental, in addition to new office space. Several possible scenarios for the new building were discussed, as well as its possible location. A property on State St. is for sale, and Mr. Beavan was approached about it. After discussion, no action was taken. While some council members thought it would be a good site for a new garage, others thought it would not be a good idea to situate one on the main corridor. In the meantime, a motion carried to purchase a two-stall carport to be situated at the old boro building parking lot, until the boro has a permanent garage for the truck and backhoe. Jack Agler, Ron Beavan, Wendy Dudley and Randy Glover had completed NIMS training. Work will begin immediately on the 2007 budget with Mr. Beavan and Mrs. Dudley on the committee; the proposed budget will be brought to council for review at the November meeting. As council usually schedules trick-or-treat time in conjunction with Susquehanna, it will be held in Oakland on Sunday, October 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., with extra police coverage to be scheduled. A resident asked if council could do anything about vehicles parked at the lower end of Prospect St. during bad weather. When the roads are icy, vehicles going up the hill have been known to slide down, and there was concern that the parked vehicles could be hit. Council agreed to send a letter to the owners of the vehicles, apprising them of the situation and asking that they not park there when there are bad road conditions. A committee has been reviewing the boro’s ordinances that relate to sidewalk maintenance. As they are very outdated, updates are needed. But, the present ordinance contains provision for maintenance, snow removal and construction (where there are no sidewalks). Mayor Dudley asked if council could look into separating the maintenance and construction provisions, dealing with the maintenance provisions now, and taking more time to deal with the construction provisions at a later time, which would give more time to come up with an equitable solution. Council agreed that the solicitor should be contacted to see if this would be feasible. Mayor Dudley also asked that residents be urged to call the Comm. Center with complaints, rather than calling her. Although she is concerned with residents’ complaints, calling the Comm. Center would ensure that there is a record of the complaint. And, there were some questions about a bill for repair to the boro’s tractor; although the repairs were the result of flood damage, wouldn’t these repairs be covered under warranty? Council will contact Susquehanna Small Engine to determine whether or not the warranty applies. The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. in the Lanesboro Community Center.
Earned Income Tax, Canine Officer On Susky Agenda At their last meeting the Susquehanna Boro Council had discussed the possibility of canine police training for one of its officers’ German Shepherd. At the October 10 meeting, Mayor Reddon reported that an estimate for the training had been received, at $5,000, somewhat higher than had been expected. Adding a canine officer to the boro’s insurance policy would only result in an increase of about $80 per year. Mayor Reddon also had some questions about the boro’s financial responsibility for the dog itself; would the boro be required to also pay for its housing and upkeep (vet bills, etc.). It was agreed that these questions should be answered before any final decision is made. In the meantime, Mayor Reddon will contact municipalities who have canine officers to see if they feel that the program is worth pursuing. The mayor also reported that officer Joe DeMuro should be rejoining the police department within the next week or so, and that the police officers’ union contract will expire at the end of the year and will not be renewed (by the union). The streets committee reported that an onsite inspection was scheduled for ditch work on Vine St. Some time ago, the old street sweeper had been put out to bid, with none received. Bill Kuiper reported that he has been approached by an individual who may be interested in buying it; he will contact streets commissioner Steve Glover for specs. Mike Matis reported that the PA American Water Co. has guaranteed repair of any damage caused by line replacement work on Jackson Ave., that it will be restored to pre-construction condition. PAWC will also mill the macadam, after which the boro will pave (with grant funds). The codes committee reviewed a summary of the CEO’s previous month’s activities, and discussed landlords’ compliance with the renters ordinance. Those who have sent in their yearly renewal will be scheduled for inspection; those who have not will be sent a second notice. The parks committee will begin shutting down the Prospect St. park once the soccer season has ended, and another cleanup is scheduled at the riverfront property on October 21 at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed and will be welcome. The Endless Mts. Heritage Region is helping coordinate it, and will cover the cost of chipping organic debris under the bridge, which will be used for the planned park, perhaps for walkways. Two volunteers have offered their time and skid-steers to help remove debris, and a pick up arranged for removal of metal debris. Once the 2007 budget is complete, council will consider amendments to the boro’s rental ordinance. And, an update to the UCC ordinance has been reviewed by the solicitor and is ready to be advertised for enactment. The Lions Club will be hosting their traditional Halloween parade on Sunday, October 29 at 3 p.m. Trick-or-treat time will follow, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the same day. Barbara Fairchild of Berkheimer Associates had requested time on the agenda to discuss an Earned Income Tax; as she was unavoidably detained, council continued work on the budget. After Ms. Fairchild’s presentation, a motion carried to further investigate enacting the tax. As a result of Act I (the Taxpayer Relief Act), school districts throughout the state have formed tax study commissions to determine how proposed changes in school funding will be dealt with, particularly whether an earned income tax should be imposed, and it is expected that most will. While either a municipality or a school district can impose such a tax, there is a one percent cap; while both entities can impose the tax, each are limited to one percent. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 p.m. in the boro building.
Shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child will be collected at The First United Methodist Church, Pratt St., New Milford from November 1 through 17. Incorrect dates were inadently published in an article in the County Transcript’s issue of October 4.
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