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HEADLINES:
Scher Trial: Coming Around Again Although the game may have changed, the evidence remains the same. Dr. Stephen B. Scher, a former Montrose General Hospital doctor, was convicted of the June 2, 1976 murder of his friend, Attorney Martin Dillon, who also happened to be the husband of the woman Scher was in love with, Patricia Dillon. Scher himself was married. The scene which is now painted includes a much older man, 30+ years), divorced from his love, Patricia, and seeking a new lease on life, and justice apparently standing in his way. Currently, the new trial, set in Montrose’s Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas, continues. It is expected to be concluded as early as Friday March 14, according to Judge William Henry of Pennsylvania’s 54th district. Testimonies this week include the expert witnesses for the prosecution, sure to add more testimony and formerly presented material, pointing to the schemes and lies of Dr. Stephen Scher. Prosecutor Patrick Blessing informed jurors that they would be convinced, and painted Scher as a man who repeatedly told friends and co-workers that he was a man “who got what he wanted, one way or another.” According to testimonies from those friends, coworkers, and even a newspaper delivery boy, the “affair” was well known and almost notorious. Scher made no apparent attempt to hide the affair, as he would go to the Dillon home when Marty Dillon was not there, waving to neighbors. He also was reported as having been “caught” groping Patricia Dillon in the drug room and other areas of Montrose Hospital. Scher even was caught by Dillon and Scher’s then-wife, Ann, massaging Patricia’s legs on a vacation with his wife, Patricia and Marty. Another key aspect in the case are the lies Scher told. ”The lies, upon lies, upon lies,” as described by Attorney Blessing, referring to the numerous lies Scher wove along the paths of prosecution. The lies to the state police, the public, his family, Dillon’s family, and the lie he told to the then-coroner, John Conarton. “(John,) I am a doctor, I knew he was dead.” The coroner, who took him at his word, even thought the murder (accident) scene had not been examined thoroughly. This lie even followed the path to Dr. Grace, who did the autopsy, stating that the death was ruled an accident. That was the first of many lies, not forgetting, of course, the one about the porcupine Marty had been chasing, and then “fell on his shotgun and killed himself.” A lie that was later proved incorrect, when a ballistics specialist, 20 years later, examined the 16-gauge shotgun which had killed Dillon, along with the 4-inch ammunition used that day, which killed Dillon. The report stated that usually an 8-inch ammunition casing was used to shoot clay pigeons or skeet. This information was certainly not the case as described by deceased Trooper Zanin, whose testimony was read. The testimony of the Trooper ascertained that Marty Dillon could not have been running, as his boots were still tightly laced around his legs, after the incident. Zanin explained that, had he been running, the boots would have loosened around his legs. In addition, adding more injury to this sad case was the marriage two years later of Dr. Stephen B. Scher and Patricia Dillon, the grieving widow. In June of 1995, Marty Dillon’s parents, Larry and Jo Dillon requested an autopsy. In June of 1996, Dr. Stephen Scher was arrested for the murder of Attorney Martin Dillon. (This taking place after a third autopsy.) In September of 1997, Scher’s first trial began and caused a huge stirring in not only in Montrose, but Susquehanna County, and eventually even achieved nationwide publicity. One month later, Dr. Stephen Scher was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in June of 1999, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the June, 1997 conviction. Scher was released shortly thereafter. In August of 2002, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reinstated Scher’s conviction and, after approximately four free years, Dr. Stephen B. Scher was returned to prison. In 2004, Superior Court changed the conviction and ordered a new trial, stating that the then Presiding Judge, The Honorable Kenneth Seamans did not discharge a juror in the 1976 trial properly. The Attorney General was denied an attempt to avoid a new trial. In January of 2008, Scher’s request for a change of venue was denied. The current trial began March 3, 2008, after a jury of impartial jurors was selected. Actual trial procedures began at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 4. As it stands currently, the prosecution has several expert witness/testimonies left, and then the defense of Dr. Stephen B. Scher by Harrisburg Attorney Joshua Lock, will begin. Atty. Lock has the job of proving Dr. Scher innocent. Presiding Judge William L. Henry believes the trial will be completed by Friday of this week. Stay tuned, as it is not over yet.
New Industry In Vision 2000 Park Greater Forest City Industries, Inc. announced that the elements are in place for JEC Technologies, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, to build a 47,000 sq. ft. electronic assembly plant in the Vision 2000 Industrial Park in Forest City. The final element of the more than $10 million project fell into place when Community Bank & Trust Company’s Board of Directors approved loans of more than $3.5 million for the startup technology company. Greater Forest City Industries, Inc. President Bob McGraw stated that this is a momentous announcement for GFCI. “This is the very best news we could possibly have, after many years of working to develop our industrial park,” he said. “We have dealt with many prospects over the past eight years, but were never able to get that first roof in the park. In most instances, with such a large project, this could lead to more local development and even increased employment locally.” JEC Technologies, headquartered in western Pennsylvania, became interested in locating in Forest City due to the extensive infrastructure available to support high-technology firms. Many key defense-related industries are already located along the I-81 corridor in northeastern PA and southern New York State. In addition, the area has an abundance of post-secondary technical and research institutions of higher learning. The local project has been directed by the Central Bradford Progress Authority (CBPA), which provides industrial development services under contract to Susquehanna County. CBPA handled the first contacts with JEC, directing them to Forest City due to the immediate availability of buildable land in the Vision 2000 Industrial Park, and the availability of natural gas in the park. CBPA has also handled the complex submissions of PIDA and MELF loans, which had to be converted to the Greater Forest City Industries, Inc. site here, after previously being approved for a site in western PA. Financing for the new plant includes a $2,250,000 loan from the PA Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), and a $1,000,000 loan from the PA Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF). A $2,800,000 loan from the Small Business Administration’s Section 504 loan program will round out the bulk of the financing package. The Governor’s Action Team has also added job training grants and other incentives to the state’s financing package for the new firm. JEC plans to begin construction of the building in the spring. When the building is completed, it will start production with sixty employees. It expects to expand production to over 260 employees within five years. It lists average salary of employees at $41,000. Its products include printed circuit board assembly, cable harness assembly, and built-to-order system assembly and integration. JEC Technologies is a US government 8(a) certified electronics manufacturing services company. It will provide world-class advanced electronic manufacturing solution and customized supply chain management to the Defense Department and aerospace companies, as well as industrial and medical electronics industries. It will offer customers comprehensive and integrated design services, efficient manufacturing methodology, and quality assurance, from initial product design and printed circuit board layout to prototype, full production and test development. The Vision 2000 Industrial Park is a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ) and an Enterprise Zone. Under the KOEZ designation, the company will not pay real estate taxes or state corporate taxes until 2013. They will also be exempt from paying sales taxes on products they will use in construction of the facility. As a recently designated Enterprise Zone in Susquehanna County, with the CBPA acting as zone coordinator, the industrial park location will allow the company to be eligible for a number of state incentives including the lowest possible rate on state financing programs such as PIDA and MELF. They also qualify for Enterprise Zone tax credits, which can be sold to provide additional funds for JEC’s equity in the project.
Great Bend Boro Is Out of Salt Like most municipalities in the area trying to cope with one snow-and-ice storm after another late in the winter season, Great Bend Borough is running out of materials to help its residents maintain traction. According to Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan (who is also a Great Bend Township Supervisor), all area suppliers have nearly exhausted their supplies of salt, cinders and other materials. And those who still have the stuff to sell are charging exorbitant prices. This was just the first of a variety of topics that occupied Great Bend Borough Council members at their March meeting on the 6th. With the official start of Spring barely two weeks ahead, they're hoping they can get by with the pallet of bagged salt they bought last month. Once the weather breaks, they want to get the remains of what they put down on the streets out of the way for summer. But they postponed a decision on whether to bring in work-release prisoners, or pay $125 an hour for a machine, to clean the streets for Memorial Day. With fuel prices continuing to rise, the Borough's maintenance employee, Dick Button, suggested applying for a fuel purchase card from one of the other gas stations in the area. He had been filling up at the Great Bend Exxon and signing for it. Now it seems that Council will get a card for purchasing fuel at the Pump `n Pantry, which also happens to be a locally-owned business. Some of the more egregious codes offenders were stricken from the list, at least temporarily, having been fined by the District Justice for non-compliance. Others are more than willing to comply, given a break in the weather. Without a Codes Enforcement Officer now, it was unclear what might be done about messy properties as the weather improves. There was also a notable lack of interest in volunteering to serve on a County "Watershed Plan Advisory Committee," which hopes to plan for storm water management and requested at least one official from each municipality. Since there didn't seem to be any drastic penalty for not supplying a volunteer, nobody did. Having requested new bids from contractors to install gutters and downspouts on the Borough garage, the Borough got the same bids back from the same contractors that it got the last time. So Council chose low bidder, Rob's Construction to do the job for just under $900. The borough is also looking to replace as many as 18 flags and 10 flag-pole holders for Main Street. The flags take a beating through the summer season, and Council doesn't want damaged flags adorning their main thoroughfare. They would like donations from the VFW and the American Legion, or from anyone who can help out. The borough received a copy of an agreement between the county and something called SEPP, Inc. that grants tax exempt status until 2017 to the Kime Apartment building in the middle of town. The county does receive a payment "in lieu of taxes" from the operators of the building, of which the borough receives about $1,500. SEPP, Inc. is a Binghamton, NY outfit that operates several low-income housing properties for senior citizens in the area. Last month a representative of the Great Bend Fire Company asked for council's help with keeping clearance open along John Street, which is often wide enough for only one vehicle and makes moving the firemen's big equipment in and out troublesome. Council considered making the street one way, but it seems that the borough will eventually try to restrict parking to one side only, installing no-parking signs on the south side. Any regulation of that sort, however, is problematic without a way to enforce it. Great Bend Borough hasn't had local police protection in some years. But they're still trying to find some. Council member Jerry MacConnell reported that he had met with the Lanesboro Chief of Police who offered to make his department's services available on a contract basis. Council considered a similar arrangement with the Susquehanna Police Department a year or so ago, but nothing came of that. Council will probably invite the Lanesboro chief to attend a meeting to explore the possibilities. Council members would like to hear about things like, how much would it cost per hour, how many hours could be expected, when does a contract hour begin (when the car leaves Lanesboro, or when it arrives at Great Bend), what kind of scheduling could be expected, who pays for insurance, would there be a fuel surcharge, how is court time accounted for. The Great Bend Borough Council meets on the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Borough Building at Elizabeth and Franklin Streets.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Frank and Sally Tansits to Mark Tansits and Vicki Jason, in Harford Township for one dollar. Shirley (AKA) Shirly Colwell to Shirley Colwell, in Great Bend Township. Chase Home Finance LLC to United States Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, in Great Bend Borough for one dollar. Robert W. and Dawn M. Fearnley to Robert W. and Dawn M. Fearnley, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. United States Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development to Jean M. Pierce, in Montrose for $66,000.00. Albert and Kim Delisa to Karen and Roger Stone, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Wells Fargo Bank and Option One Mortgage Corp. to Dorothy A. and Peter C. Douwes, in Great Bend Township for $73,000.00. Rebecca Ann and Noel Sorber to John F. and Connie J. Urciuoli, in Rush Township for one dollar. Edward Klim to Carlton D. and Enid C. Ball, in Springville Township for $69,000.00. John F. and Connie J. Urciuoli to Rebecca Ann and Noel Sorber, in Rush Township for one dollar. George W. Belcher to Frank and Mary Ellen Mela, in Gibson and Clifford Townships for $35,000.00. Donald D. and Linda W. Snedeker to Frank and Mary Ellen Mela, in Clifford Township for $100.00. Marvin A. and Johanna M. Foley and David Robert Curtis to Robert and Rosemary Curtis, in Harmony Township for one dollar. John L., III and Melody S. Pauly to Gordon and Marsha Mosier, in Rush Township for one dollar. Terri B. Bush (NBM) Terri Beth Hunsinger and Larry Bush to Raymond E. Hunsinger and Jeni-Rebecca Soules, in Dimock Township for $35,000.00. Mable Allen, William A., Jacqueline and Christopher J. Kingsbury to Jessica S. Hall, in New Milford Township for $75,000.00. Henry E., Carolyn A., Jeffrey W. and Patricia K. Niemitz to Jeffrey W. and Patricia K. Niemitz, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Fox Enterprises, Inc. to Misty Lynn Travis, in Susquehanna for $19,000.00. Manzek Land Co., Inc. to Frank and Heike L. Proske, in Auburn Township for $285,000.00. Jessica S. Hall to Jessica S. Hall and Christopher J. Kingsbury, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Diane L. Barber to James H. Barber, in Choconut Township for one dollar. Michelle Heller to William and Barbara Heller, in Uniondale Borough for $115,000.00. Richard and Jill Weida to Kevin and Shawn O'Malley, in Lenox Township for $150,000.00. Manzek Land Co., Inc. to William and Noel M. Cellini, in Forest Lake Township for $77,000.00. Wallace A., Jr. and Judy L. Stewart to Jan W. and Teresa E. Myczewski, in Choconut Township for $103,000.00. Robert and Harriet Pabst to Henry D., III and Beverly A. Kinsey, in Jessup Township for $30,000.00. Susan C. and Leroy, III Comly to Trehab, in Susquehanna for $5,000.00. Justin S. Lee and Kimberly A. Lee (NBM) Kimberly A. Robinson to Justin S. and Kimberly A. Lee, in Springville Township for one dollar. Richard L. and Darlene Pfeister to Kenneth and Lisa Schmidt, in Harford Township for $253,000.00. DIVORCES Marizel E. McAulliffe vs. Joseph J. McAulliffe, both of Hallstead, married 2000.
Road Issues In Forest City Corner parking was a hot topic at Forest City Borough Council’s March 3 meeting. Due to complaints about low visibility, council voted to eliminate parking at the corner of Dundaff and Main Streets. In order to facilitate turning, corner parking will also be eliminated at the corner of Depot and Delaware Streets. Solicitor Smith presented a copy of the consent agreement between Forest City Partners and Rails to Trails, signed by Mr. Linde, for the borough’s files. Smith also presented an ordinance for the official dedication and opening of Commerce Boulevard. The roadway, a project of Forest City’s Vision 2000 Industrial Park, has recently begun to see significant use and is to be “opened and accepted as a public street.” Council addressed the borough’s need for a larger recycling truck, and one possible solution is to file a joint application with neighboring Vandling Borough. Secretary Coleman explained that filing a joint grant application will increase the probability of receiving the grant, but will require the boroughs to share the truck. A meeting will be scheduled with Vandling officials to write the grant application. Coleman announced a need for a council member to serve as a delegate to the Susquehanna County Department of Planning and Development’s Watershed Plan Advisory Committee. Mrs. Mihelc volunteered for the position. In a related matter, Mr. Trusky announced that the borough’s application to complete phase two of its storm water project on Dundaff Street has reached the Department of Environmental Protection in Harrisburg for processing. An acceptance of the application will allow PennDOT to bid out the project for completion. Completion of the storm water project will entail replacing storm water drains, re-paving Dundaff Street and installing sidewalks. Council’s last announcement for the evening was that Xaysongkham Phonechank was hired to serve as a part-time police officer for the borough.
Water Problems In New Milford Boro The Johnson Street underpass remains a problem to several New Milford residents living in that vicinity, as the water now creeps up into residents’ yards at every rain storm. “Previously it was a one-time problem,” stated Rich Ainey, “but now it is an every rain storm problem. You, as a council should be concerned for yourselves, but also for these residents, as people couldn’t get out yesterday.” Another point was brought up at Thursday’s council meeting, as to what would happen if there were an ambulance or fire call and the fire company or emergency services could not get through. Although a number of residents thought that fixing the underpass would help the problem, Ainey told them that it is not the underpass that is the problem, but the creek, and he pointed out there is actually a hole in it, for water to collect in. Talk continued, with Council President Jim Carr asking for a brainstorm to come up with ideas to fix the whole problem. Apparently there was a four-foot bank, which was an excellent buffer, but it was ordered that the buffer be removed. Although there was some confusion, it was discussed that perhaps the buffer was required to be smoothed out. That smoothing out led residents on one side to become flooded every time there was even a small rain storm. Chris Allen said, “It isn’t going to help. If it would have been left there originally, it would have helped the problem. I’m very well aware that we have a big problem with the horrible rains now.” Teri Gulick studied the map of the area and asked Mayor Joe Taylor if there were any other ways over to Johnson Street. Taylor said there were not, but there may be a way around by the saw mill property if it were cleared out. Discussion again ensued and ideas for cleaning the area out were handled one by one. The final decision was for Secretary Amy Hine to get an Emergency Permit to allow new Milford Borough to work on the area. In other business, Council agreed to adopt a resolution to authorize the filing of an application for Housing Rehabilitation funds with the Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The resolution states that a need exists within New Milford Borough for funding in the amount of $348,000 for affordable housing under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. A second resolution states that New Milford Borough, acting through the Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority, will undertake a Home Investment Partnership Program, which is designated as “New Milford Borough Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program,” along with the required obligations and will be able to execute the cooperation agreement. COG has agreed to an additional five-year lease at $700 rent per month, with an option out after three terms with a 90-day notice required. In addition, the parking lot, sidewalks and curbs are slated to be put out to bid; information on the joint municipal building sites were compared, resulting in council members deciding to take a closer look at all the measurements and requirements, so as not to “waste the tax payers money,” as Mayor Joe Taylor stated. Taylor said that after review of the sites, the buildings proposed and current, along with added items to be done to bring things up to par, that a closer look to keeping the current building would be in the taxpayers’ best interest; Leggs Cleaning was awarded the job of cleaning the borough building at a cost of $40, twice a month; suggestions were made for Earth Day to be made a community project, involving community groups, including the Scouts to help clean up the community; property at 47 Montrose Street is still in the attorney’s hands; a letter was sent to the owner of 141 Church Street, and it looks like some of the cars, etc., have been moved; and the owner of the property at 121 Church Street has maintenance issues which have to be taken care of. The repairing and work on the bridges is being done and “work is moving forward” on them to get them completed as soon as possible. The next meeting of the New Milford Borough Council will be held on the first Thursday in April, at 7 pm, at the New Milford Borough Office Building.
Wine, Cinders, And Smoke In Montrose Montrose Borough may be looking to advertise a new ordinance in the near future, as it moves ahead with its initiative to control smoke. Last month a visitor had attended the meeting to complain of an outdoor wood burning stove in his area, claiming that it sent smoke so heavily into neighbors' property that one man at times thought his house was on fire. Borough zoning officer, Frank Spickerman attended the March meeting to report on the matter. He had been in the area several times, and said that on a rainy day with high atmosphere the smoke occluded vision. He brought with him information on outdoor stoves, which recommended that for optimum burning a stove chimney's be two feet higher than the peak of the nearest neighbor's roof. The stove ought to be at least 300 feet away from this neighbor. It was acknowledged, however, that in order to meet this height requirement, the chimney would have to be guided. Mr. Spickerman also brought with him a sample ordinance, put out by a stove manufacturer, which he felt would address all of the borough's concerns. It would not retroactively force stoves to be removed (borough members recognize that with the price of oil it is difficult to say that such stoves cannot be used), but would require them to be brought into compliance with regulations. The Ordinance Committee has a rough draft, for both an outdoor wood stove ordinance and a renter's ordinance. This committee plans to meet on March 13 to discuss these, and hopes to perhaps advertise at least the wood burning ordinance next month. Concerns over one borough resident burning without an outdoor wood-stove were also raised. Complaints have continued to be made regarding this resident and noxious fumes from the various items he burns. The borough does have an ordinance in place which forbids noxious fumes, and can be used in the regulation of such matters. The zoning officer was instructed to pursue the issue. Mr. Reimel, standing in for the organizer of the event, brought before council an update on the proposed chocolate and wine festival. The original location, Public Ave., has been abandoned, and the event is now planned to take place on Chestnut Street. The event itself is planned for May 17, between 3 and 7 p.m., though a fire company chocolate chip pancake event, a plant sale, some factory tours, a pork and sauerkraut dinner, and demos may occur in conjunction with it throughout the day. Ticket price to the festival itself would include a commemorative wine glass and map. Proceeds after expenses, and after a bit is set aside for next year's event, are to be divided between the library building and the hospital foundation building fund. The event organizers have acquired a permit from the liquor control board, and will abide by the restrictions this entails. The borough is planning to start policing its salt and cinder stores more stringently. The street foreman brought to council's attention the number of people entering the borough's store of these materials and helping themselves to large quantities. He expressed his opinion that borough residents should be allowed access, but not outside persons. As many other municipalities do not allow residents to take cinders at all, he said, people abuse Montrose's store, which has often been unlocked. Additional signs may now be posted, and the gate locked on a regular basis. There was discussion as to whether signs should also be erected stating that crosswalk laws will be enforced. While new signs may not be procured, the council expressed a desire that people remember pedestrians do have the right of way in crosswalks.
Starrucca Borough Council Minutes The Starrucca Borough Council met for their regular monthly meeting on February 6 at the Community Hall in Starrucca. President (Kirk) Rhone, Mr. Arthur Kopp, Mr. Donald Haynes, Mr. Robert Buck, Mr. Anthony Palonis, Mrs. Barbara Glover and Mayor (MaryAnn) DeBalko were present. (Mr. Fred Rhone was absent). President Rhone opened the meeting and announced the need for an Executive Session to discuss an issue regarding pending litigation. The meeting reopened and Mr. Palonis made the motion for the borough to contact the solicitor to set up a special meeting with council. Mr. Buck seconded the motion, motion carried. The minutes from the previous meeting were read, motion to approve carried. The treasurer’s report was given, motion to approve carried. The bills were presented for payment. Motion to approve payment carried. The following correspondence was received: A letter from the borough auditors - issue to be discussed with the solicitor. A resignation letter from Tax Collector Kathryn Downton. An Auditor General’s report of Thompson Volunteer Firemen’s Relief account. Two bridge inventory and inspection reports for the 07/08 years from engineer Stephen Knash. In Borough Reports: Mr. (Darl) Haynes told he had no new FEMA information to report. He stated that the Depositions Committee received Mr. Weldy’s “answers” and would soon be compiling a report. In New Business: A subdivision in the name of Williams/Potter was presented. The review letter from Wayne County’s Planning Department was read. The presented maps reflected the changes requested, along with a Component II planning module signed by the borough’s SEO, Andy D’Agati. After review, motion to approve carried. There was no public comment. No further business to come before the board, motion to adjourn carried, meeting adjourned.
Road Concerns In Great Bend Twp. Great Bend Township’s supervisors had a full house at their March 3 meeting. Many were residents of either Hall’s Road or Baptist Hill and were there to express concern about continuing water problems and treacherous conditions. Hall’s Road has consistently flooded; a drain that was put in some time ago has apparently clogged up and is not connected to drain pipes, water just sits and does not go anywhere. Baptist Hill was the site of an accident just the day before the meeting; luckily, the driver was not seriously hurt, but residents are concerned that the next time things may not end as well. They said that the road is very narrow, and runoff freezes, making it even more dangerous. The supervisors asked the residents to bear with them until winter has passed, as not much could be done until the ground thaws. Mr. Gaughan said that it was their priority to ride all of the township’s roads in the spring, to see what was what and decide what could be done. He promised to visit both sites within the next few days. Mrs. Guinan said that both supervisors would take a walk through the areas and would speak with residents there; no one knows the roads and their problems as well as the people who live on them. The supervisors added that they are looking to the state for professional advice; a program is in place that provides just that. The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) will be holding free classes; the township road workers who have not already attended a class on spring maintenance will be going to one, and the road crew and supervisors will be attending one on drainage. Both are timely topics that may provide helpful information to deal with both situations. In other business, permits issued during the previous month included an assessment permit to David Hinkley, for a garage, and a land development permit for William Gilbo/Blue Ridge Motors was issued. The supervisors approved a change to a land development permit for Bob Lee (mobile home park). And, the supervisors approved an on-lot sewage management agreement for the Dixon/Thompson property; a foreclosure had taken place, but at COG’s request, the agreement is necessary, as there is a unique system on this property. The agreement will allow for a notation to be put on the property’s deed that the system is unique and requires maintenance so that subsequent owner(s) will be aware of it. The township’s insurance policy is set to renew in June; an Errors and Omissions application for the renewal was signed. The maintenance contract for the traffic signal at the Routes 11/171 intersection is also due to be renewed; after a short discussion, the supervisors signed the necessary paperwork to do so. The supervisors reviewed a reinspection report for the T-842 bridge (Airport Road) over Salt Lick Creek, which is conducted by the county. The report had some minor recommendations for (routine) maintenance, such as cleaning the deck, painting some rust spots, and repairing the concrete approach. At the request of the county Planning and Development department, a motion carried to appoint Joe Gaughan as the township’s representative to the Susquehanna County Watershed Plan Advisory Committee; all of the county’s municipalities will be asked to appoint a representative. One of the committee’s goals will be to draw up a storm water management plan for the county. In unfinished business, the supervisors are still waiting to hear from DEP regarding the Allard property. Cleanup of the Reynolds property is in progress. The Carter property has been referred to the district justice. COG is handling the Long case, and has requested that the township hold off on filing with the district justice for the time being; it was noted that COG has reported that they are making headway in this case. The Oteri situation is ongoing, and the township is waiting for information from the Conservation District regarding the Kilmer property. The supervisors will send a letter to the owner of a property at Old Route 11 and Parks Valley Road in regard to “huge piles” of trash. And, the last action of the evening was to accept the resignation of supervisor David Sienko, with regret. Mr. Sienko’s letter of resignation said that he is unable to fulfill his duties due to business constraints and increased travel obligations. A motion carried to advertise the vacancy. The supervisors will accept letters of interest until April 4. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. in the township building.
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