| |
| MAIN NEWS |
|
Please visit our kind sponsors |
|
||||||
|
HEADLINES: Susky Tables Parking Ban Susquehanna Boro Council met with a packed house on July 22 in response to their proposed boro-wide parking ban. Councilmember Dave Scales opened the discussion by clarifying that the proposed ban did not originate with the fire department. It was based on council’s observations and consistent parking complaints received from residents, he said. One resident asked, “Where do you plan on having people park?” Bill Perry responded, “We’re hoping you will help us come up with solutions.” Another asked if the size of fire trucks are a problem, why are they fire trucks are so large? The answer was that there is an industry standard, what the boro has is what is available. None of those present spoke in favor of the ban; one resident flatly stated, “We will not tolerate this plan. Reconsider it.” Another asked if boro homes would be reassessed once the ban was in place; if parking was not allowed, that would decrease a home’s value, which would in turn result in lower tax revenues to the boro. Another resident brought a petition opposing the ban with 180 signatures. He said that he could get more if necessary. One resident noted that, if the ban were to be enacted it would result in “open roads” with speeders everywhere. Who would see that drivers weren’t speeding all over the boro? Would there be more police officers on duty? And, there are some boro homes without driveways where it just isn’t possible to put one in; what then? One business owner stated that she already had a problem with people using her lot to park; wouldn’t the ban create a bigger problem? There were many suggestions about how to deal with the problems that arise: tickets should be issued to offenders, signs should be posted in “no parking” areas, municipal lots could be provided, make some streets one-way, alternate side parking, widening the streets, set up guidelines for when cars should be moved during snow conditions, and snow plowing could be done during daytime hours when most vehicle owners are at work. Mr. Scales said that the proposed ban was the result of the many complaints council receives. If drivers would comply with the law and not park at the edge of driveways (they should be fifteen feet from the center of the driveway), directly across from a driveway, or within thirty feet of an intersection, many of the problems would be solved. He also cited some areas where utility poles lean towards the street, blocking larger vehicles from getting through; perhaps those areas could be posted as no parking. “We’re willing to work towards a remedy,” he said. Mr. Kuiper and Mr. Perry suggested that a committee be put together, comprised of council members and residents, to discuss the problems and come up with a viable solution. “We put the ordinance out to get feedback... we had to do something to get interest (from residents),” Mr. Perry said. Several in attendance readily volunteered to serve on the committee, and council agreed to post an advertisement asking for others to get involved. Once a viable plan is worked out, flyers could be distributed throughout the boro. In other business, approval of the bill list brought some questions about a vehicle repair bill that had not been approved by council before the repairs were done; it was agreed that this should be discussed in an executive session. Bids had been advertised for heating oil; none were received. Mr. Scales suggested that Lanesboro Boro be contacted to see if they would be willing to put out a combined bid for both boros; a larger amount might bring better results. Mayor Reddon reported that the boro had received a $20,000 grant for a new police car, the boro’s first since 1979. Council would be looking at selling the older 1996 Chevy, with the proceeds put towards the new car. Over all, the new car would only cost the boro between $5,000 and $6,000, which would be paid over a four-year period. The mayor reported that she expected a report from PennDOT by the next meeting regarding repairs to the Main Street bridge (the turning lane has been blocked off for quite awhile). The mayor noted that there will be a public meeting regarding the B.S. quarry on August 7 at 7 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center. A resident said that her new driveway had been damaged by the boro plow truck, and that no one had ever responded to her complaint; Mayor Reddon said that someone would. Residents were urged to lock their cars at night, and not to leave any valuables inside as there have been a number of incidents lately. A resident new to the area remarked that, when she first moved here, there had been a river. “Where did it go?” Someone in the audience joked, “We traded it in for a nice, green lawn.” Council explained that the river level had gone down when the Oakland dam broke. And, Mr. Scales wanted people to know that they should not attempt to walk across. It may seem safe, but it is not. Several people have gotten stuck in the mud and needed help to get out. A motion carried to accept a gas lease offer from Chesapeake Energy, for the boro’s two park properties provided Chesapeake agrees with the addendums council requests. And, an amended snow removal ordinance was tabled for the time being, until the parking situation is worked out. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss a personnel issue. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 26, 7 p.m. in the boro building.
Good News For Local Hospitals In the early evening of July 4, 2008, the state budget of $28.2 billion was passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania Senate, and Governor Rendell. In this budget is a line item for funding Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) of $5.2 million. This amount will be matched by federal funds of approximately $6.5 million. The total amount will be paid out to the 13 CAH’s across the state. Barnes-Kasson Hospital in Susquehanna and Endless Mountains Health Systems in Montrose are both CAH’s. The term “Critical Access Hospital” is a federal status reserved for small, rural hospitals with 25 beds or less. This status allows a hospital to receive 101% of its cost for providing medical services to Medicare patients. Barnes-Kasson Hospital received this status in late 2005. Without this status, a hospital receives about 70% of its cost for serving Medicare patients. Barnes-Kasson Hospital has a patient population of approximately 55% Medicare and 28% Medicaid (welfare) patients. Reimbursement for Medicaid patients is approximately 43% of cost. For decades, the 70% Medicare and 43% Medicaid cost reimbursement has meant a large financial deficit impossible to overcome. About a year and a half ago, Attorney Charles Aliano had what he thought at the time was a novel idea. He felt there was a possibility that the state would pay CAH’s 101% of their cost for providing health care to Medicaid patients. With the support of the hospital board and its administrator, Charlie had several meetings with Senator Lisa Baker and Representative Sandra Major. They embraced the idea. Sandra Major garnered support for the idea in the House of Representatives, and through her efforts, the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) got involved and made it one of their top legislative priorities. Lisa Baker sponsored a bill in the Senate, and through her efforts, the Senate Republican Caucus made it one of their top priorities in budget talks with the governor’s office. U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Robert Casey wrote a joint letter to Governor Rendell in support of the legislation. U.S. Representative Christopher Carney also communicated with the governor, voicing his support. In terms of cash, this measure means approximately $800,000 per year for Barnes-Kasson Hospital, and it is reported that Endless Mountains Health Systems would realize approximately $400,000 a year. Throughout this last year and a half, Attorney Aliano complained of feeling helpless and, at times, inept. He kept at it and in the end was gratified at the empathy and hard work of Sandy Major, Lisa Baker, and all of those officials, agencies and staffers who did all they could think of to get this through. Some others with significant contribution include Senator Robert Mellow (Democratic Leader), Senator Roger Madigan, Senator Dominic Peleggi (Republican Leader), Senator Joseph Scarnotti (President Pro tem), and Representative Sam Smith (Republican Leader). Considerable work remains to make this reimbursement an unquestioned reality year after year. However, all involved are confident since this budget line item is viewed as a huge hurdle that has been cleared. It turns out that Charlie’s novel idea is already a reality in 22 other states.
ELSD Considers Policy Changes Soon, Dr. Cuomo explained at the July 22 Elk Lake School Board meeting, the district would like to hold high school students to the same level of responsibility as those in seventh and eight grade. The changes he was referring to involved the school's retention and promotion policy. Scheduled to begin not this year, but the next (so as to give students ample warning before it takes effect), the new policy would dictate that anyone who fails two courses be retained, or who owes two cumulative credits would not advance to the next grade. With the current policy, he explained, the administration is finding that students are hitting 11th grade with no stimulus to catch up on credits. They may have failed a lower English and be facing the PSSA's, or be trying to double up on math courses when they did not pass the prerequisites. Dr. Cuomo was not looking for approval of the policy at the meeting, merely presenting it as a matter for consideration. Revisions may also be made to the school's graduation project policy. A team of educators looked at the current policy, which is about four years old. Student information and opinions were also taken into consideration. The proposed alterations would include a change in the deadlines for the paper junior year, and the addition of five hours to those already required over the course of a year (moving from 15 to 20 hours). Speaking of graduation, a board member asked if the state had pulled back from the graduation test it was proposing (GCA's), which several districts, including Elk Lake, had publicly opposed. It was responded that perhaps pulled back wasn't the right expression so much as that it was on hold, or that they had their wings clipped. One board member expressed his opinion, however, that this is when policy makers could be the most dangerous. The district is working to expand its security system. Dr. Bush called the proposed alterations a “tremendous upgrade.” In addition to the current changes, it is planned that opportunities for further growth be built in. Three transportation contractors attended the Tuesday night meeting to check on the progress of the monetary assistance discussed at last month's meeting. One asked if the paperwork from contractors requested at that meeting was sufficient. It was responded that the district had received information from probably 50% of the contractors, with about 13 of the 23 contractors giving input. Board members and the contractors present alike expressed disappointment that there had not been more participation. Mr. Tewkesbury asked if the majority of bus drivers were happy with what was done last year. The contractors responded that there was some satisfaction, but that more needed to be done, and that feedback from other drivers at the time showed an expectation of more. It was pointed out that a permanent solution is difficult, as no one knows what will happen to gas prices in the future. It was said that the state needs to act on the matter, and that the board has been writing legislators. A contractor responded that she would not put this problem on the school; it was not their fault. A board member expressed his opinion that the state needs to do something, and assured those present that the board was still writing legislators, etc. Still, one of the contractors spoke of a $4,000 increase in cost between the years, and complained that his vehicle did not even get as many miles to a gallon as it had before. The board assured those present that they were actively seeking a solution, though more discussion was desired and they were not ready for action that night. Various staff changes were also made. The district accepted with regret the resignations of Jaclyn McGlynn (tennis coach) and Carol Engle, who retired from an education position. At the SCCTC Elena Bennett was hired as the Perkins Tutor Associate, and Mr. Squier will be remain in the Co-OP/School to Work Position. The SCCTC had several positive items to note. Mr. Stephen Reinhart attended the meeting, having been awarded as Educator of the Year for Pennsylvania. He is a new staff member, having taken on the building Trades 2 position last year. He was nominated for the New Educator of the Year, but received the greater honor. He in turn complimented Mrs. Davis for her management of the program and her support. He also spoke of the students, several of whom he said blew him away with their success and improved behavior. Mrs. Davis also reported that the summer career camp went well, being attended by children grades 5-9. The house projects were also recognized for having best practices in the state.
Courthouse Report DEEDS George W. Belcher to Donald D. and Nicole M. Snedeker, in Gibson Township for $14,370.00. Robert E. (AKA) Robert and Susan Gauthier to Robert E. and Susan Gauthier, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Marion C. Webb (Estate) to Douglas and Tara Ruckle, in Oakland Boro for $73,000.00. Jacqueline R. Hunter to Robert R. Hunter, in Dimock Township for one dollar. David R., Sr. and Ann Taylor to David Robert, Jr. and Kandy Taylor, in Springville Township for one dollar. B&B Bluestone, Inc. to Christopher S. and Michael C. Grzankowski and Erik H. Hansen, in Oakland Township for $150,000.00. Natalie A. (AKA) Natalie Roffey to Roman and Cathleen J. Drab, in Forest Lake Township for $245,000.00. Paul and Rosalie Bradley to Jeffrey and Christine Kelley, in Clifford Township for $21,025.00. Chad D. and Christina M. Wallace to Steven C. Danatos, in Jackson Township for $160,000.00. Donald and Marylynne Twining to Donald and Marylynne Twining, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Donald and Marylynne Twining to Donald and Marylynne Twining, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Philadelphia Federal Credit Union to Edward and Mary Donnelly, in Forest Lake Township for $65,000.00. Gary L. Latimer to Gary L. Latimer, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Doris R. Henry to Randy J. and Jennifer P. Henry, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Victor and Mildred C. Cappucci, Charlotte and Richard Place and Cappucci Trust (By Trustee) to Charlotte and Jesse C. Place, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Kenneth J. and Julie A. Soden to Kenneth J. and Julie A. Soden and Chip Shimanaky, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Jessica A. Dibble to Jessica A. Dibble and Michael Koscelnak, in Montrose for one dollar. Andrew and Sophie Onufrak to Andrew (Trust) and Sophie Onufrak (Trust), in Gibson Township for one dollar. Ben and Joan Augustine to Ben and Joan Augustine, in Springville Township for one dollar. Choice Properties Of PA LLC to Smart Choice Tobaccos Corp., in Little Meadows Borough for $30,000.00. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Westhoff Holdings, Inc., in Montrose for $8,000.00. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Daniel Vinsko and Jeffrey L. Butts, in Susquehanna for $4,705.00. Kenneth R. Schoonover to Richard M. and Frances Valentine, in Bridgewater Township for $97,850.00. John W. and Linda L. Magill to Roger A. and Nancy J. Myers, in Lathrop Township for $450,000.00. Chester E. Kilmer, Jr. and Brent W. Vanteger to Kenneth J. Jesse, in Lenox Township for $59,500.00. Berry and Culp PC to Isobel Berry and David R. Culp, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Kimberly M. and Jesse Kane Harris to Gregory T. and Cathy A. Liggett and Robert M. Davis, in Bridgewater Township for $178,500.00. Steven and Ronda J. Carnwath to Richard W. Warshany and Heather Paladino, in Jessup Township for $182,500.00. Deborah Adoff to Brenda Brown, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Susquehanna County Housing Authority to Susquehanna County Development Corp., in Hallstead Borough for $54,000.00. Chad T. and Christina M. Rieselman to Gary Lee Hill, in Silver Lake Township for $160,000.00. Leroy P. and Judy A. Spadine to Michael S. and Jennifer Spadine, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Sandra L. Kelly (NBM) Sandra L. and William R. Tripp to Brett D. and Cynthia L. Wambold, in Middletown Township for $35,000.00. Rolland J. and Janice M. Hawk to Donald Button, in Franklin Township for one dollar. R. Lydabel (AKA) Lydabel R. Glover to Bonnie Smith and Ruth Ann Burkhalter, in Thompson Township for one dollar. William E. and Mary Patricia Webster to William E. and Mary Patricia Webster, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Jason L., Lori L., Joseph I. and Kasey L. Prehodka to Joseph and Judith Prehodka, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Jason L., Lori L., Joseph I. and Kasey L. Prehodka and Joseph A. Bartonek to Joseph and Judith Prehodka and Joseph A. Bartonek, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Greenpoint Mortgage Funding, Inc. to TCIF REO GCM LLC, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. TCIF REO GCM LLC (By POA) to Dava and Joseph Cowan, in Brooklyn Township for $13,500.00. George and Barbara Matreyek to George and Barbara Matreyek, in Clifford Township for one dollar. SF JV 2005 LLC (By POA) to Stefan Schir and Margareta Schirova, in Gibson Township for $45,000.00. Bruce F. and Nancy R. Slocum to David F. Rimple, in Clifford Township for $214,500.00. MARRIAGES Keith Allen Mudge and Sharon L. York, both of Susquehanna. Kristopher G. Bunnell of Montrose and Allison M. Jerauld of South Montrose. William Wallace Conrad, IV and Heidi Lynn Schell, both of Carbondale. Jason A. Presley and Jaclyn V. Streich, both of Chittenango, NY. John R. Benscotter of Laceyville and Kristy L. Bliss of Binghamton, NY. Adam Joseph Soden of Nanticoke and Heather Michelle Pease of Susquehanna. David Robert Caswell of Saskatoon, Canada and Rosalia M. McMahon of Brackney. Joshua S. Orland and Allison W. Bush, both of Montrose. David Joseph Meszaros and Joann Marie Reed, both of Starrucca. Kenneth P. Ely and Emmagene Elioda Samoy, both of Dimock. Dakota James Berg of Springville and Elizabeth Mulligan Davenport of Montrose. Scott D. Hollister and Ashley L. Grall, both of Montrose. Todd M. Calabro of Forest City and Rachel Lynn Lambert of Kingsley. Dirk Alan Rudock of Hallstead and Justine A. Rood of New Milford. DIVORCES Thomas L. Harvey of Susquehanna vs. Christi M. Harvey of Horse Cave, KY, married 2002.
Harford Needs Volunteer With the recent loss of Ted "Poppy" Batzel, Harford needs a new Emergency Management Coordinator. At the meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors on July 22, Terry VanGorden, chair of the Board of Supervisors, Township Roadmaster, and member of the local Fire Company, announced a letter from the county emergency management agency requesting that the township appoint a replacement for the late Mr. Batzel. None of the Supervisors volunteered, and apparently the two deputy coordinators, both active members of the Fire Company, have declined the honor. A municipal Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) is an unpaid volunteer who is responsible for managing local resources in the event of a flood or other similar disaster. An EMC uses guidelines defined in a large binder and answers to both the local municipal officials as well as the county emergency management agency. These positions became much more important following the flooding of June 2006, and the county insists that each municipality have one. Mr. VanGorden encouraged anyone with an interest in the post to please come forward. Garry Foltz opened the Supervisors' meeting with a recap of the new driveway ordinance that he has been working on for some months. The ordinance "regulates the installation and replacement of driveways, private roads, drainage pipes and access to township roads." Having been duly advertised, the Supervisors voted to enact the ordinance, to become effective on July 27. The Supervisors then passed a resolution authorizing Mr. VanGorden to sign for the township on the project to replace the bridge over Butler Creek on Pennay Hill Road. He will need to sign the papers engaging ProCon Construction as the contractor, as well as any other supporting documents on behalf of the township. There was no further information concerning the replacement of the sluice under Stearns Road at the outlet of Tingley Lake. This project, for which the engineering has been completed and paid for, will be the sole responsibility of the township; there is no reimbursement available so far on this project that could cost above $200,000. The Supervisors seem to prefer to get the Pennay Hill Road project well under way before tackling another one. The Supervisors decided not to solicit bids for gas leases on township property for the time being. According to Ms. Furney, the township owns a total of about 15 and a half acres, of which about 10 are the ballfield in Harford village. They indicated that they wouldn't want the ballfield interfered with at all. Mr. Foltz speculated that per-acre bonuses could go as high as $3,000-$4,000, with royalties as much as 18-20%. However, no actual exploration or production is currently in progress in Harford township. And finally, Mr. VanGorden recommended that the 90-day probationary period for the township's newest employee be truncated to 60 days. He said Hollis Adams had taken on more than had been expected and deserved the waiver. As of August 4, Mr. Adams will be a full-time Harford Township employee, with benefits, and will receive the 50-cent-per- hour wage increase customary at the end of probation. The next meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors will be on August 12, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the township office on Route 547.
Upgrades, Improvements For Oakland Borough Oakland Boro Council had several guests at their July 24 meeting. First was Bradley Weaver, a Boy Scout who is working on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Weaver asked for council’s approval of his project of choice, to refurbish the basketball court. He would like to clean debris, paint lines, trim brush, mow the grass, repair a hole in the fence and seal the court after pressure-washing it. He would also like to place a bench and a trash receptacle there, and would be wiling to periodically empty the trash. He would be enlisting help from volunteers, and is willing to hold fund-raisers to pay for supplies, perhaps a three-on-three tournament. Council heartily approved of his proposal, and promised to take a look at the budget to see if any funds are available to help with the project. Next, Codes Enforcement Officer Shane Lewis was on hand to answer some questions that had arisen at a previous meeting about continuing violation situations, or to be more specific, how some of them seem to span such a long period of time. After a rundown on current situations and two new ones that were brought to his attention, Mr. Lewis explained the process by which violations are handled. They could be taken before the magistrate, where nominal fines might be issued, but this involved considerable time on his part, as well as for the police officer who issued the citation. By taking violations directly to county court, the boro stands a better chance of recouping the costs of pursing violations and the violator is given a time limit to address the problem. But the boro has to show that they were willing to work with the violator. Any progress, no matter how slow it is, would be taken into consideration. In these cases, progress is often slow, but the violator has to be given the opportunity to address them. The court will look at a number of factors in any given situation, and will take them into consideration. Roger Holleran was present to talk about the boro’s water system. Some improvements are needed; when the system was built, the most economical plan was used and need to be upgraded. The building housing the electric panel needs to be enlarged and a bigger electric panel put in. The drawing capacity of the number two well needs to be increased, so that it can adequately take over whenever the number one well is not working. A draw-down test can be conducted on the number two well, to see how much of an increase it can handle; the cost for that is about $1,500. Council approved the test, and the lowest of three price quotes received for replacement of the building. It would not have to be bid out, as the cost is less than $10,000. Some of the funds for the improvements are available in the water budget. The rest will come from selling water to Chesapeake Energy, which council also approved. The system has handled as much as 100,000 gallons per day, and presently produces about 55,000 to 60,000. It was noted that the DEP permits for the system allows for up to 395,000 per day. There will be an agreement drawn up, which will stipulate that Chesapeake can only draw water if there are no emergency situations, such as drought. They will be notified of any times at which water cannot be drawn. The water will be drawn from a hydrant that will be placed so that it can be drawn before the water reaches the plant and is treated, which will be more economical for the boro. In other business, bids for the sewage project on State Street came in over budget, and had been readvertised, to be opened on Monday. The grant application for sidewalks on Westfall Ave. is still in progress. The last unit in the Oakland Heights apartment complex has been rented; this is the property where the old boro building used to be. The owner of the property on the corner of Westfall Ave. sent correspondence asking if the boro would restrict parking there while repairs of a hole in the sidewalk are in progress. Since it is private property, the owner does have the right to restrict parking. The boro’s auditor had suggested that the liquid fuels funds be placed in a higher-interest bearing account. One of the options looked at was to join PLIGT, which is a pool of municipal funds, or to stay with a local bank. This item was tabled for more information. River Bounty has been looking at getting the dam repaired and the hydro-electric plant up and running. There is reportedly someone interested in doing that, at a cost of between $2.3 and $3 million. In response to concerns expressed by property owners near the river in the Lanesboro area who have faced flooding in past years, if the dam is repaired release pipes could be put in that would alleviate flooding. Council is looking into replacing the boro’s truck, and will consider whether or not to keep the old one as a backup or to sell it. The Tri-Boro Sewer Authority, in conjunction with Lanesboro and Susquehanna Boros, is purchasing a “jetter” through a matching grant. Oakland was asked if they would be willing to go in on it. A jetter is used to clear debris out of sluice pipes, and would be a more economical way to do that than digging them up and re-placing them. Oakland’s share could be paid over a five-year span; a motion carried to approve. Council had discussed whether or not to sell the lot the boro owns below the Oakland Heights apartments. Since it is municipal property, it could be sold to a non-profit government agency without being put out to bid. If it is to be sold to an individual, it would need to be put out to bid. In either case, an appraisal would be needed. This, too was tabled for further discussion. Susquehanna Boro has been trying to set up a multi-municipal meeting with Oakland and Lanesboro. Some tentative dates were discussed, and Susquehanna will be contacted to try to set it up. Half of High Street is in Oakland Boro, and half in Oakland Township. The township will be contacted to see if they would be interested in ceding their half to the boro, and if they are, council will look into what needs to be done to make it happen. With only a part-time police force, and officers who do not live in close proximity to the boro, there has been some difficulty getting shifts covered. President Ron Beavan asked council to consider working out a more permanent coverage contract with Lanesboro. The next meeting will be on Thursday, August 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center.
SCSD Gears For New School Year Many of the reports given at the July 23 Susquehanna Community School District Board meeting concerned the quickly approaching 2008-09 school year. Planned improvement projects are moving along; student schedules have been mailed out; the buildings are in the process of summer cleaning. An Early Childhood night is scheduled for August 20, to provide information on services available through various agencies. It will be held in conjunction with K-4 and K-5 orientation. Correspondence included a thank you from Susquehanna County Cares, which had held a readiness program recently for incoming kindergarten students and their parents in conjunction with Head Start and the district. Superintendent Bronson Stone commented that the program had been very successful in this, its first session, and that he hoped to see it continue. Mr. Stone expressed the board’s appreciation to Mary Wescott, who had resigned from her position on the board. He commended her for her hard work and dedication during her years on the board, and said that she had been a valuable asset to the district. One note of not-so-good news, AYP results show that the juniors as a whole did not score so well in math, which Mr. Stone said would be rectified through a detailed improvement plan. In all other grade spans, the number of students scoring proficient or advanced in reading and math increased dramatically. The board approved a Homestead/Farmstead Resolution revision. Based on a disparity in data from various sources, the tax credit to eligible properties has increased from $319 to $325.50; this credit is reflected on tax bills. Permission was given to the superintendent to tentatively hire pending board approval for any vacancies that may occur between July 24 and the beginning of the 2008/2009 school year, and Janet Roe was approved as the Oakland Township tax collector’s deputy. Hiring of the following was approved: Melissa Sussman– Art Teacher – Elementary; Beth Davis- Guidance – Elementary; Jeremy Page- Science Teacher – High School; William Szili - Health and PE Teacher – High School; Kathy Matis - Technology Department Head – High School; Elementary School Teacher Mentors Beth Tingley, Robin Glidden, Tammy Stone, Carol Dubas, Sharon Lubaszewski, Carol Homer; High School Teacher Mentors Charlene Brieden, John Salinkas, David Lee, Pam Weiss, Denise Reddon; John Seigle – Newspaper Advisor; Pam Weiss - Senior Class Advisor; Charlene Brieden - Senior Class Advisor; Bridget O’Neill – Honor Society Advisor; Kimberly Garrison – High School Science; Holly Warneke – Assistant High School Principal. Carl Zukus was approved as a volunteer football coach. The resignation of Kathleen Maier- High School Science Teacher was accepted, effective July 17, 2008. With gas prices being what they are, a fuel subsidy for the district’s bus contractors was approved for the 2008-09 year. It will be at a rate of $.015 per mile/per $.10 increase in the average cost of fuel as computed quarterly. A maintenance contract with Beck & Beck Service was approved for the 2008-09 school year (HVAC system). The business office was given permission to pay bills in August. Brian Kelly CPA of Carbondale was approved for required audit services for the 2008-09 school year; Mr. Kelly is experienced in conducting such services and comes highly recommended. Parente-Randolph, which has done the district’s audits for some years, are no longer auditing public schools. Two bus contracts were approved, and a list of per capita tax exonerations were also approved. There will be no meeting in August, the next one will be on September 17, 7 p.m. in the administration offices in the elementary building.
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe
|
