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HEADLINES: Great Bend Police On Hold Last month it looked like Great Bend Borough would soon be enjoying some police presence, up to perhaps 12 hours per month, to help reduce speeding on Main Street and reduce vandalism in the parks. An agreement had been worked out to make use of Lanesboro police officers to patrol in Great Bend, and the Great Bend Council had approved the contract. Lanesboro, however, has not yet formally approved the arrangement, and now seems to be having some second thoughts. The July meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council on the 3rd considered a communication from Lanesboro Mayor Chris Maby, who expressed some concern about the dramatic increase in fuel prices. Under the agreement, Great Bend Borough would have been billed a fixed amount of $27 per hour for the presence of a Lanesboro officer in Great Bend; there were to be no extra charges, even for the 25-mile round trip between Lanesboro and Great Bend. The Great Bend Council came to no conclusion on the matter, electing to await a decision by Lanesboro. However, Lanesboro police have been seen in Great Bend. Council member Bea Alesky, who operates a tavern on Main Street, said she had seen the Lanesboro police car parked across the street from her establishment, and expressed some worry about how that would affect her business. Council member Mike Wasko said he thought the police might have been there as part of the county District Attorney's Drug and Alcohol Task Force operations. The borough's attorney told Ms. Alesky that, when she sees the car parked like that, she could simply ask the officers to move. Council was not eager to "start the [police] contract on a bad footing," and understood that Lanesboro couldn't operate the service at a loss. Presumably the two towns will have to renegotiate the agreement once Lanesboro has had a chance to review it again. In other business, the Great Bend Council attempted to find a way to get some work done on the streets this year. The project to refurbish drainage on Washington Street at Walcott is nearing completion, but will probably drain the street fund for the year. The project will cost some $25,000, with $18,000 remaining to be paid. Yet, the street fund balance is only $16,000. Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan suggested that the general fund could be used, perhaps by shifting some $600 per month that is spent on street lighting. So members traded some ideas about what else could be done for the streets. "The streets are not in too bad a shape right now," declared Council member Jerry MacConnell. He suggested that the borough's maintenance employee, Dick Button, could do some patching, clean out some sluices, and trim some trees. That idea provoked some debate about how Mr. Button's work is scheduled and prioritized. Council member Joe Collins (who did not attend the meeting) has been responsible for assigning tasks and supervising Mr. Button's work. Council wondered if perhaps it might be more efficient if Mr. Button could be tasked directly. The discussion generated some heat before all agreed to drop it for now. Mr. Wasko brought up a concern about how the parks are used. About a month ago, a local business rented one of the parks under the standard agreement, that includes a deposit. It seems that the event was intended to allow fireworks manufacturers to display some of their wares. Mr. Wasko and Mr. MacConnell both said they had received numerous complaints as a result. Council decided to modify the parks policy so that rentals would be for "non-commercial use only;" that is, a park could not be rented to promote a business. Moreover, a park rental application would have to be approved by two borough officials. Council also agreed to monitor fireworks permits more closely. Council also received word that operation of the Blue Ridge Senior Center in the borough building is being transferred from Barnes-Kasson Hospital to the Area Agency on the Aging. So the lease agreement for the building would have to be reviewed. With the recent spike in energy costs, Council considered the clause in the lease agreement that concerns the price of propane used to heat the building. In the end, however, Council decided to leave it as is for now, with the understanding that the rental charge may have to be adjusted accordingly. For similar reasons, the county Council of Governments (COG) announced that it will soon begin charging two cents more per 1,000 square feet for building permits for member municipalities like Great Bend Borough. The letter from COG also attributed the increased fees to rising premiums for health insurance for COG's employees. The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau has requested a donation of 10 cents per resident to help support its operations. Council turned the request aside, noting that the borough's contribution last year did not yield even a mention in the Bureau's tourist brochures. Council endured not one, but two executive sessions in the course of the two-hour meeting. Borough Solicitor Frank O'Connor called one to discuss "potential litigation" without describing further the risk to the borough. Council President Rick Franks described the second executive session as related to a "personnel situation that we have resolved." At the suggestion of Mr. MacConnell, the borough will try to acquire some large stones for placement in Greenwood Park to try to inhibit further damage by ATV riders. The Great Bend Borough Council meets regularly on the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Borough Building at Elizabeth and Franklin Streets.
Commissioners Create New Position The Susquehanna County Commissioners and the Salary Board made a motion to drop the position of Voter Registration Clerk/Clerk Typist, effective June 25, 2008, and create the new position of Assistant Director of Elections/Assistant Voter Registrar at range 10, rate $9.70 per hour, 40 hours per week, six months’ probationary period, with benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract as of June 25, 2008. The person hired must maintain a non-partisan position and be willing to assist voters of all parties in a friendly, timely and efficient manner. Pleasant, professional behavior must be maintained at all times. In addition, this person must be able to perform all duties relating to the Voter Registration/Election Department and have full knowledge of the election process. A sidebar to this new employee’s duties is that of backup for the switchboard position for breaks, lunches, vacation, sick time and any additional time as directed by the Voter Registrar/Election Director. Duty lists are available at The Court House for those interested. In other action at the commissioners’ meeting, bids were opened for the review of carpet in Children & Youth and bids for fuel oil/kerosene and buckwheat coal. The purchase of a 2008 Ford Fusion for Children and Youth was authorized. The vehicle was from Hondru Fleet, Manheim, PA, total amount of $17,925.42 with a cost to the county of $3,585. The commissioners signed a lease agreement with Susquehanna County Services for Children and Youth and The Shops Plaza LLC to lease the premises at 230 Erie Boulevard, Susquehanna, for the period June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009, amount $550 per month, with a cost to the county of $88.00 per month. Commissioners also authorized the Application Service Provider Agreement between Children & Youth and Avanco International Inc., McLean, VA. This will give access to the Child Accounting and Profile System (CAPS), Help Desk Support, Data Security and Backup and Recovery if necessary for the period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 for the total amount of $20,900, county’s portion is $3,762. Another agreement was signed for Susquehanna County Human Services/Avanco Business Agreement, which would provide for additional training, project assessments, design and development and other items not covered by the help desk, on an as-needed, hourly basis for July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 at rates ranging from $50 per hour to $102 per hour. It stated that the county portion of these rates would be approximately 16% of the listed amounts. An agreement between Lackawanna- Susquehanna Counties Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program and 40 entities, term agreements are all dated for July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, with dollars allocated to early intervention in the amount of $2,478,700, mental health services $8,062, mental retardation services $4,622,700, and waiver services $29,309,200, for $44,473,200 federal state, and local monies, with the local match for 2008-2009 being $104,000. Ordinance 2008-01, Amended Hotel Room Rental Tax amended the previous Ordinance 2002-01. A 3% tax on room rentals (motel, bed and breakfast, hotels, etc.) has been in order beginning in 2002. The types of businesses listed above have paid monthly to the county. It is utilized by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and the Susquehanna Tourism Committee. The purpose of the tax is to help grow the county’s tourist properties. The new ordinance is supposed to be paid on a monthly basis, with a penalty of 9% per year or three quarters percent each month on the unpaid remaining taxes. Enforcement ideas and penalties are also in the ordinance for business owners. The contribution agreement #69-2d37-5-118 between the commissioners and the Susquehanna County Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture, Amendment #2 which changes the expiration date from February 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 and the NRCS fiscal year 2008 funds in the amount of $14,584 will be obligated for June 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Commissioners were authorized to sign the Emergency Generator Set Planned Maintenance Agreement with Penn Power Systems in the amount of $1,590.00 for inspection and preventative maintenance on the following generators: jailhouse, courthouse, fairgrounds, lower office building, Pig Penn Alley, Friendsville and emergency repair service at rates between $89.00 per hour and $149.00 depending on day and time of occurrence. Jamie Dench, Peckville, PA was appointed to the open, part-time position of assistant public defender, minimum 12 hours per week with health and retirement benefits effective June 19, 2008. Jeni Hunsinger, voter registration clerk was terminated per the recommendation of Laura Watts, Director of Elections/Voter Registrar. Jay Megivern was terminated from the Susquehanna County Law Enforcement Task Force. Raymond Totten, Clifford was hired to fill the open, full-time position of Caseworker I, $14.23 per hour, 7.5 hours per day, six months’ probationary period and benefits per the Residual Professional Bargaining Unit Contract. Tracey Breslin, Montrose was hired to the open, full-time position of Caseworker II, $15.23 per hour, 7.5 hours per day six month probationary period, benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract. Joshua Atherton was hired to the part-time, temporary County Detective position to serve as a member of the Susquehanna County Law Enforcement Task Force effective June 25, 2008. Joshua already serves as a deputy sheriff; this position allows Atherton status as county detective with full police powers and he will be paid at time and one half for all hours over 40. Rigid plastics will no longer be accepted at the Susquehanna Recycling Center due to the problems caused by the heavy (thick), rigid plastics. Domestic Relations professional services went from $50.00 per hour to $60.00 per hour and the mileage reimbursement rate went from $.45 cents per mile to $.50 cents per mile effective June 25, 2008. The public defender’s salary was set at $17,000 per year, minimum 12 hours per week with health and retirement benefits. Brittany Ely received a raise to the amount of $7.70, which is the amount she would be receiving had she been given the yearly increases since her 2006 hire. The Susquehanna County commissioners’ meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 9 a.m. in the Susquehanna County Office Building in the Emergency Management Conference Room.
Gibson Barracks Report BURGLARY Sometime between the 11th and 13th of June, one or more unknown persons arrived at a residence near Liberty Park Rd. in Liberty Twp. The property belonged to Sara Marks of New York, New York. The person(s) entered through an unlocked door and removed two jackets and a lamp from the premises before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction by unknown means. CRASH On July 2, at around 3:17 p.m., Cameron Wyllie of Pine Grove, PA was traveling south on I-81 when he fell asleep and lost control of his vehicle. The Volkswagen Jetta struck an arrow board and a construction barrel before traveling across both lanes and coming to an final, uncontrolled rest facing south in rest area grass. No EMS or fire responded to the scene. DEATH INVESTIGATION PSP Gibson is investigating an apparent murder/suicide which occurred during the morning hours of June 30. On that date, both Clark Steele of Springville, PA and his juvenile daughter were found deceased at their residence. Preliminary indications are that both died from gunshot wounds to the head. The two victims lived at the residence with another sibling, who returned home from work to find them deceased. The investigation is continuing. THEFT Sometime between the 21st and 24th of June, unknown perpetrator(s) entered the property of Raymond Hunsinger in Dimock Twp., removing 8 scrap radiators. HARASSMENT On June 24, at around 9:17 p.m., Gerald Hundley of Scranton forced his way into the residence of Christine and Robert Clayton. Hundley broke the Clayton's first door and directed obscenities toward the victim. There was a custody battle with the victim's child and Hundley. Charges were filed at District court 34-3-01. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT On June 27, at around 2 a.m., Jody Inman of Cana, VA, and Clifford Grosvenor were involved in a physical altercation at the Queen of Hearts Bar in New Milford. They were separated, and Inman proceeded to his truck and retrieved a .25 cal. pistol, firing two rounds into the ground. Inman then drove to the Blue Ridge Motel where two of his co-workers were staying. One of them drove Inman back to Rock Ridge Stone where he was living in a camper trailer. At this site Inman discovered that someone had punched through the window of the front door, and there was a large amount of blood on the ground in front of the camper. At this time, Bradford Page of New Milford and a female bartender from the Queen of Hearts drove into the stone yard and, according to Inman and the other male with him, fired three rounds from “a big shiny revolver.” Inman and the other male exited the trailer, and Inman fired several rounds at the vehicle, striking it several times. Subsequently it was discovered that Clifford Grosvenor and Bradford Page had returned to Inman's camper in an attempt to continue the fight from the bar. Grosvenor's arm was badly damaged when he punched the window in Inman's camper. Page drove Grosvenor to the Endless Mountain Health Center for the self-sustained injury to his arm; he was then taken by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Page was charged for lying during the initial investigation and Criminal Attempt Conspiracy to Burglary. Inman was charged with Aggravated Assault and other charges. Additional charges are forthcoming. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between the 16th and 17th of June, between 4 and 8:30 p.m., the front tires were slashed on a vehicle belonging to Jacob Seeley while it was parked in Middletown Township. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE Between the 18th and 19th of June, between 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., one or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered unlocked vehicles on Church and Main Streets in New Milford Borough. Change and jewelry were removed from the vehicles. COLLISION/AUTO THEFT On June 28, at around 5:26 a.m., a 2002 red Pontiac Grand Am was involved in a one-vehicle collision on SR 3029 in Forest Lake Twp. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle was in use without the authorization of its owner, Melanie Teed of the Friendsville area. BURGLARY On June 27, some time between midnight and 1 a.m., one or more unknown person(s) arrived at the Township Cabin in Little Meadows and pried open the side window with an unknown object. Once inside the bar, the perpetrator(s) removed change from a cash register and an ATM machine that was next to the window. THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING Sometime between the 18th and 24th of June, approximately 5 feet of copper tubing and a gas regulator were removed from an LP tank at the summer house of Jan Quackenbush from Binghamton, NY. THEFT FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE On June 25, the left rear window was smashed out of a 1996 Geo Prism belonging to Jennifer Johnson of Easton, PA. Johnson's purse was then removed from the vehicle. The incident occurred at Salt Springs State Park in Franklin Township. CRASH On June 24 at around 1:35 a.m., Matthew Frost of Bolivar, MO was traveling south on SR 81 when he lost control of his vehicle on the exit ramp to New Milford Township. The tractor trailer rolled over, trapping the driver for nearly an hour. He was life-flighted to CMC in Scranton. The southbound ramps were closed for approximately four hours. State police were assisted by Columbia Hose Company of New Milford, Hallstead Fire Co., Montrose Minutemen, and Harford. THEFT Between the 23rd and 24th of June, an unknown person removed the inspection sticker, PennDOT registration card, and insurance card from an unlocked Ford F 250 belonging to Barbara Sartell of Thompson. CRASH On June 20, at around 11:30 a.m., an unnamed person was traveling west on SR 492, 820 feet east of an unnamed street in a Pontiac Grand Am. At this point the vehicle left the roadway and crossed over two yards before running into the side of a garage in New Milford. It then came to an uncontrolled stop with its front facing northwest, partially inside the garage. The vehicle was removed from this position on its own power and driven from the scene. CRASH On June 20, at around 8 a.m., Alexis Axtell was traveling north on SR 1039 when, for an unknown reason, his vehicle left the roadway, entered an east-side ditch, and continued to travel within this ditch. Axtell's Dodge caliber then struck a culvert and large rock with its right front end before coming to an uncontrolled stop in the southbound travel lane. Axtell was wearing his seatbelt and sustained minor injury. CRASH On June 14, at around 2:22 a.m., Debbie Carpenter of Ithaca NY, and Derek Carpenter of Richmond, KY were traveling north on SR 81 in Hartford Twp. when Ms. Carpenter fell asleep. The vehicle veered into the median, then continued to roll over into the southbound lane. Both the driver and passenger refused medical treatment. THEFT One or more unknown person(s) removed a propane regulator and approximately 2' of 1/4” copper tubing and 2' of 1/2” tubing from property in Lenox Twp. belonging to Richard Marino of Moriches, NY. THEFT An unknown thief stole the starter and batteries from a Caterpillar 973 bulldozer belonging to Keith Meagley of Susquehanna. The bulldozer was located in a field off SR 1009 in Harmony Twp. at the time.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Gary and Sherrie J. Bazin to Gary Bazin, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Leonard D. Aldrich and Susan E. Mincey to Leonard D. and Beth A. Aldrich and Susan E. Mincey, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Charles Pooler to Gerald F. and Sandra B. Benson, in Lanesboro Borough for $6,000.00. Gerald L. Skelton to Gerald L., Sr., Gerald L., Jr. and David Skelton and Sharon Ollson, in Springville Township for one dollar. Francis W. Hackett (Estate) to Robert J. McCarthy, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Clayton T., Jesse J., Jr. and Elaine Hinkley to Plebe Circle LP, in New Milford Township for $490,000.00. Joseph L., Jr. and Roxanne Marie Hickey to William R., Jr. and Suzanne J. Schwalm, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Carl and Sarah J. Silver to Cynthia L. Tompkins, in Hallstead Borough for $55,500.00. Oswald A. Johnson (Estate) and Marjorie and Donald Smith to Marjorie and Donald Smith, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Bonnie Lynne Groves (By Trustee NBM) Bonnie Lynne Reba to Andrew R. and Inga G. Morris, in Clifford Township for $247,500.00. David J. and Carol J. Clemens to Paula R. Clemens, Karen C. Dennis and Sarah C. Smith, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Ruth Trella to Ruth and Craig Trella, in Forest City for one dollar. Ronald Edward (Estate AKA) Ronald E. and Ellen Morcom to Linda and Michael J. Karp, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Debra Wahl to Westwahl LLC, in Harford Township for $24,627.00. James A. and Dolores A. Carpenter to Ashley N. Kelly, in Oakland Borough for $40,000.00. Joseph J., Jr. and Kimberly J. Johnston to Joseph J., Jr. and Kimberly J. Johnston, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Warren C. and Christine Anne Taylor to Warren C. and Christine Anne Taylor, in Harmony Township for one dollar. Carole K. and Richard Rose, Christine K. and Richard Lathrop and Kathleen K. and Thomas Pascoe to Paul D. and Janet L. Welliver, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Cecil and Marilyn Kilmer to Charles, Barbara, Glenn J. and Carol L. Pompey, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Charles, Barbara, Glenn J. and Carol L. Pompey to Cecil and Marilyn Kilmer, in Lenox Township for one dollar. David Cannon, Jr. to Linda and John Centrella, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Norris A. Fitch (Estate) to Lura Colinet, in Dimock Township for $45,000.00. Mark and Sandra Wilmot to Joseph Johns, in Forest City for $105,894.00. Edgar S. and Phyllis L. French to Shawn A. and Susan M. Roy, in Susquehanna for $92,500.00. Michael P., Sr. (By Atty) and Betty C. Lee to Mark Ronald Benwell, in Liberty Township for $195,000.00. Kevin R. and Laurie J. Weber to Thomas J. and Kathleen A. Lonzinski, in Franklin Township for $10,000.00. Albert Piselli (By POA) to Gabriel Piselli, in Rush Township for $40,000.00. Edward L. Kelley and Joseph L. Flaherty to Jeffrey R. Strohl, in Choconut Township for $177,000.00. Shirley D. Sheridan to Robert Fassler, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. Clarence E. (Estate AKA) Clarence Heisler (Estate) and Adam and Donna Manzer to Adam and Donna Manzer, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Darrin L. and Jennifer Miller to Darrin L. Miller, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Stanley L. and Brandy C. French to Casey L. and Jesse Ranson, in Bridgewater Township for $118,700.00. Jessica F. (By Sheriff) and Jesse W. (By Sheriff) Thomas to HSBC Bank USA, in Forest City for $2,859.23. MARRIAGES Joshua M. Owens and Megan Rowena Cavanaugh, both of Montrose. Joseph Anthony Adornato and Sara Francis Iveson, both of Susquehanna. James M. Marinaro of Butler, NJ and Tiffany Farrell of Montrose. Chard Edmund Jones of Susquehanna and Elena S. Cavarocchi of West Chester, PA. Gary P. Svecz of Forest City and Darlene M. Wallinger of Clifford. Michael L. Davenport of Montrose and Joanne Marie Noel of Wilkes Barre, PA. Kevin Joseph Little of Saint Johns, PA and Laura M. Pike of Brackney. Raymond R. Lasher and Patricia Anne Wood, both of Montrose. Tyler C. Kelley of New Milford and Tanya Lea Manzer of Montrose. Matthew Allen Goff of Hallstead and Kelly A. Murphy of Chenango Forks, NY. Jordan Paul Keefe and Rachel Joy Camacho, both of St. Matthews, SC. Todd A. Carter and Jeannette E. Coleman, both of South Montrose. Walter J. Davis, Jr. and Roxane D. Smith, both of Great Bend. Michael F. Novitch and Amanda Rae Ryce, both of Nicholson. Andrew G. Burrell of Uniondale and Justine D. Zigon of Forest City. Ryan A. Soden and Courtney J. Lienert, both of Honesdale. Daniel A. Freebes and Sheila Mae Parente, both of Forest City. Jared A. Bennett and Elizabeth A. Trinca, both of Montrose. Jonathan P. Edwards of Apalachin, NY and Jennifer L. Dziwak of Owego, NY. Earl W. Daniels, Jr. and Jessica A. Breau, both of Carbondale. Frank Mileti and Carol Joy Mileti, both of Montrose. Christopher C. Jerauld and Amber Cronk, both of Highlands Ranch, CO. DIVORCES Brian Posten vs. Ronnie A. Posten, both of Meshoppen, married 2005. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has Bench Warrants for the following individuals as of 7/2/2008 at 11:12 a.m. Leroy J. Adams, Robert L. Andersen, Myrtle Anthony, Harry Ashley, Edward R. Ashman, Ryan A. Aukema, Albert Barney, Sr., William Barton, Michael J. Beach, David S. Blaisure, Joseph Bonavita, Daniel E. Boyer, Michael P. Bradley, Jr., Kevin P. Brink, Kenneth G. Burgess, Howard A. Burns, III, Lynn M. Cokely, Mark T. Conklin, Steve Conklin, Steven Cook, Jeffrey Craig, Joshua Crawford, John C. Creps, Michele Devito, Paul H. Donovan, Deborah Drish, Thomas D. Earley, Keith L. Edwards, Jr., James Esposito, Jonathan Fathi, Kristoffer B. Fazzi, Shawn P. Fiorentino, David J. Fischer, Mary E. Fish, Thomas Fisher, Nesbitt Fitch, Jr., Joseph Flynn, Jason Y. Gardner, Moriah L. Garrison, Brian J. Gary, Sr., Christopher Gennarelli, Yvette Glover, Gary Gorton, Jr., Charles R. Groover, David Haines, Jr., Suzanne R. Hansen, Keith G. Harms, Michael A. Hartman, Shawn D. Hartzell, Gregory R. Henry, Linda Higgins, Edward C. Holmes, Timothy M. Holmes, Jeffrey J. Horrocks, Roy M. Huntley, Steven Jones, Erik E. Krisovitch, Victoria Kutney, Charlie Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Howard J. Linder, George D. Lowery, Joseph E. Malloy, Jr., John A. Manning, Patricia J. Marrero, Jason K. Marshall, Fred C. Materese, Nancy McGillis, Erica Y. Mead, Joseph C. Moore, William Negron, Benjamin Newell, James E. Purse, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Kim Read, James A. Rebernik, Raymond Ricci, Phillip Robertson, Tomothy Rogers, Nathan Rosene, Brandon Scott, James F. Secrist, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Jeffrey C. Skinner, Jason Smith, Jason E. Sopinski, Amy M. Squier, Earl Thompson, Justin Thompson, Laura M. Thorn, Keith W. Vroman, Steven G. Warner, Bradley D. Warner, Sr., Robert J. Weidow, Christine A. Wilbur, Glynn Wildoner, III, Kenneth L. Wilmot, Patrick Yachymiak. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at (570) 278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Economic Board Hears From Rail Authority Tony Ventello, of Economic Development discussed the ins and outs of infrastructures and upgrading more than 19 projects on hand within Susquehanna County. Ventello discussed each one complement with the phase each was at the time of the meeting. Nine of those projects were ranked in the high attention of the Economic Development’s list. They ranged from a transportation infrastructure to municipal infrastructure, industrial development to program development. The Susquehanna County Rail Authority had members, Don Button and Joe Franks at the meeting to bring ideas to the Economic Board to help look for answers to the Rail Authority’s problems. Button began with, “It is no secret that we (Rail Authority) are broke, but we feel that the proposed trans-loading site (located near New Milford in Summersville) is very important for economic development throughout the county.” Button stated that the authority needs ideas and ways to raise money via grants or other options to help secure even part of the land they have been looking at. Ventello stated that the authority may not be able to purchase the amount of land previously intended, but added that he would come to the Rail Authority’s meeting and if they could have some ideas ready, the Economic Board could help with that. He added that CPR (Canadian Pacific Rail) could possibly be consulted as another ear, and possibly a way to gain more insight. In other business, suggestions were made regarding each of the 19 projects and directions were given and discussed which would be the way to go in many of them. The Economic Development Board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month in the County Office Building, Public Avenue, at 10 a.m. Starrucca Council Meeting Minutes The Starrucca Borough Council met for their regular monthly meeting on June 4 at 7:00 p.m., at the Community Hall in Starrucca. President (Kirk) Rhone, Mr. Arthur Kopp, Mr. Donald Haynes, Mr. Fred Rhone, Mrs. Barbara Glover, Mr. Anthony Palonis, Mr. Robert Buck and Mayor (MaryAnn) DeBalko were present. President Rhone opened the meeting and announced the need for an Executive Session to discuss legal matters. The meeting was reopened and 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. (With the addition of General Bills: Dennis Whitmore $500.00 – Lawn care and Blue Ridge Better Builders $3000.00 – Buck’s Road Bridge) Motion carried to approve payment with special instructions: ProCon to be paid $18,000.00 from the State Fund and $54,000.00 from the General Fund. Mrs. Glover was opposed. Motion carried to transfer $1400.00 from the Borough’s Recreational Fund to the General Fund for the 2008 Lawn Care. The following Correspondence was received: A request to adopt the County Hazard Mitigation Plan was received from the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency. Motion to adopt the plan carried. A notice from the Wayne County Department of Planning, concerning the storm water management plan. Mr. Rhone reported during the meeting, papers were given out, for the towns to identify their own storm water problems (creeks, roads, and sluice pipes). He said, they were told that if the towns would compile these reports the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) would relax their regulations. He and Mayor DeBalko will have the papers prepared for the county by July 1, as requested. He asked anyone that knows of a problem to please report it so it can be added. He told of his statement at the meeting, that he felt if the creeks were cleaned, it would alleviate 75% of the problems. He welcomed any available help to complete these reports. A notice of “taking of Depositions”(Jack Downton) from Attorney Bugaj’s office was read. As a follow up: Engineer Steve Knash was contacted concerning the HAVA grant available for the Community Hall consists of: to replace the side entrance door with a handicap accessible door, to build a platform to raise the jamb, and to pave a strip to the roadway for access. He stated the floor problems at the building do not apply to this funding. In Borough Reports: It was reported that Russ Warner reluctantly accepted the SEO (Sewage Enforcement Officer) position. The auditors had nothing to report. Mr. Darl Haynes, FEMA Agent suggested the borough send the ineligible money for the Shadigee Creek wall project ($63,021.90), back to FEMA as the project is on private property and the money has been de-obligated by FEMA. Motion to support carried. Mr. (Darl) Haynes representing the Depositions Committee spoke of a meeting the committee and the borough solicitor had with the Auditor General’s office special investigators on May 15. He stated there was some documentation turned over, with more to come. He said the Auditor General’s office has had an ongoing investigation for more than a year that was not initiated by council nor the depositions committee. Mr. Rhone read Jack Downton’s findings. (Editor’s note: the findings were published in their entirety in the County Transcript issue of June 25). Motion carried to assess the costs of the investigation against Mr. Jack Downton and to authorize the borough’s solicitor to use whatever legal actions necessary to collect. Mrs. Glover was opposed. In New Business: Mayor DeBalko stated she contacted Ruth Moraska concerning the windmill issue and Mrs. Moraska will head up the committee and will attend the council’s next meeting. She also reported she contacted PPL about the recycling kits they offered. The first is free and the second would be brought in the fall. Kit costs are $72.00 per container. Mayor DeBalko suggested contacting Preston Township to place the container there as part of their recycling program. Motion carried to authorize her contact and offer. President Rhone on behalf of the Road Committee read the following Machine Hire Quotations: Miller Brothers: Dump truck $60.00 (per hour), Backhoe - $75.00, Excavator - $100.00, Bulldozer- $60.00, (Vibratory) Roller - $60.00 Schaefer Enterprises: Dump truck - $110.00, Backhoe- $85.00, Excavator - $165.00, Bulldozer - $90.00 (Roller would have to be rented, price unavailable). * Plus surcharge for fuel costs. Warren Stone: Dump truck - $90.00, Backhoe - $85.00, Excavator - $100.00, Bulldozer - $100.00, (vibratory) Roller - $100.00. *Prices good for one month – fuel prices. After review, the motion carried to award the Machine Hire to Miller Brothers. Mrs. Glover opposed. Mr. Rhone reported that Harmony Township would supply sluice pipe for the same price as last year. Motion carried to purchase up to 300’ (feet) of 18” (inch) and 250’ (feet) of 24” (inch) of sluice pipe through Harmony Township. Mr. Rhone, on behalf of the Road Committee thanked all of those persons who helped patch potholes and cut brush. He especially thanked Mr. Palonis for the use of his tractor and President Rhone for supplying a truck. A letter will be sent to Thompson Township letting them know the bridge (Buck’s Road) work is complete. The Hall floor will be worked on and the building will be ventilated. Brian Kelly will use the tables and chairs June 7 and Ginny Williams will do the same on July 5. Mr. Palonis stated a Hall rental should take precedence over the use of just the tables and chairs. Motion carried to authorize. There was no public comment. No further business to come before the Board, motion to adjourn carried, meeting adjourned.
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