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Great Bend PowWow On Water? “We know this was a swampy-type area.” Thus Jerry MacConnell characterized the historical geography of the place now known as Great Bend Borough. The little town nestled in a sweeping curve of the Susquehanna River has been understandably preoccupied with water for most of its 150-year life. The latest major inundation, in June of 2006, isolated the place, and Mr. MacConnell is determined to keep that from happening again. At the Council meeting on February 4, Mr. MacConnell reported that he is trying to arrange a meeting - preferably in the borough sometime soon - between borough officials, representatives of the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP), and perhaps one or more local legislators, to consider a variety of issues related to water and how to deal with it. Mr. MacConnell vows never to drop the matter of a sluice under the interstate that drains a mountain into the borough until PennDOT - or somebody - does something about what DEP has called a “fresh-water fishery” but, until a heavy rain, is mostly just a damp ditch. PennDOT has also steadfastly refused to accept responsibility for water problems on Randolph Road, which is a state thoroughfare, or Main Street, otherwise known as U.S. Route 11. Some of the grates over drains are either missing or damaged, or sluices are plugged up, resulting in deep crevasses in the pavement in some places, and misdirected flows in others. One person who lives on Randolph Road attended the meeting to loudly complain about water coming down from Maple Street and into his basement because of a plugged sluice. He said the damage caused by 4 feet of water in his house cost $10,000 to repair, and he wasn’t about to let it happen again, come heck or … high water. Council President Rick Franks sympathized with the man’s troubles, but said that, since Randolph Road belongs to the state, if the borough were to try to do something about the problem, the state would simply hand over ownership to the borough. And the borough can’t afford to do this kind of thing anyway. He recommended that the problem be addressed with PennDOT in Montrose. So far the borough hasn’t had much luck dealing with PennDOT about grates along Main Street; maybe he could do better. Like Mr. Franks, Mr. MacConnell expressed sympathy with the resident, but, frustrated, said, “I don’t know what the answer is.” Mr. MacConnell also reported discussions with PennDOT and with Charlene Moser, director of the county emergency management agency, about creating an emergency exit onto Route 11 from the Welcome Center on the interstate. During the 2006 flood, a temporary ramp was installed there to offer escape to town residents. The borough would like a permanent, locked, gate installed through the curbing at the center (which is actually in Great Bend Township). The Welcome Center is less than a mile from the fire house and ambulance shelter in the town, but without access from Route 11, emergency vehicles must get on the interstate, go north to a turn-around, and then back to the center, a trip of nearly 5 miles. Mr. MacConnell seemed hopeful that a solution could be found. Council member Bret Jennings is the borough’s “code enforcement” officer, but as his own business picks up, he has less and less time to give to the job. So council is looking to pay somebody to do the job. They have a candidate in mind, but if he turns it down, borough Secretary Sheila Guinan said she would do it. She already handles a lot of the letter writing that goes with the job of trying to keep owners and residents maintaining their properties in acceptable condition. It wasn’t clear what the job would pay. Ms. Guinan and Mr. MacConnell also reported on the latest meeting of a group looking to establish a local police force. The group has selected its own officers and will try to get a state representative to help them understand the undertaking in more detail. Ms. Guinan said that she and a partner are creating a survey asking the various municipalities that might be interested in joining about their needs and desires. She said that she didn’t think there was much point going too far without knowing what the objectives should be. Ms. Guinan also reported that the Great Bend Post Office has expanded its hours somewhat. The P.O. will have a longer lunch hour, but during the week will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a reversal from what council some time ago feared would be a prelude to closing the P.O. entirely. Ms. Guinan reported that the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs is accepting applications for awards of Robert C. Edwards scholarships. Applications must be in by May 4, 2010 for this year. High School seniors who reside in member boroughs are eligible. The borough will be distributing flyers to residents to encourage the prominent display of the new house numbers issued over the past year. The re-addressing was mandated by the county as a way to offer more efficient emergency service. Some municipalities have enacted ordinances requiring residents to display the numbers under penalty of a fine. At least for now, the Great Bend Council is not enthusiastic about such an approach, which might be largely unenforceable anyway. New council member Ruth Loucks reported the latest on plans for “Great Bend Days” this summer, a celebration that is to recognize the 150 years that the town has been so incorporated. Her committee’s next meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on February 25, at the fire house. All sorts of ideas have been proposed, and some local businesses have offered significant support, notably - as usual - Rob Robinson, of Rob’s Market. The next meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, at the Borough Building at Elizabeth and Franklin Streets.
F. C. To Goose Geese “With regrets,” Council accepted the resignation of code enforcement officer Jim Shields at a Forest City Borough meeting February 1. Robert Tedesco later was appointed to fill the vacancy, in addition to his other duties as head of the public works department. Council members have been assigned to committees in order to manage administration and finance, buildings, grounds and parks, public works, personnel, and public safety. In order to maximize public access, borough residents will receive information cards listing committees and phone numbers. Residents with unwanted bicycles are asked to donate bikes for use on the Rail-Trail. Ten-speed bikes do not comply with trail regulations. Interested individuals should contact Pat Coles, mayor. With Council preparing to sign another one-year contract for goose control, much consideration was given to a request by Forest City Regional that the borough train a resident to scare geese in Kennedy Park. Barbara Mihelc asserted that operating an air pistol close to Route 247 would worry motorists. Fran Graytock stated that the geese would quit coming if a few were shot, but other council members reminded him that the Game Commission would not get involved last year. Mary Twilley stated, “I am against shooting [the geese]” and added that other people are, as well. In regard to training an individual to scare geese in Kennedy Park, Council President Robert Trusky pointed out, “We’re paying [the USDA] for those services, anyway; I’d rather let professionals handle it.” Council tabled the matter until it hears back from Forest City Regional. A borough subcommittee meeting was held recently after Christ Episcopal Church appealed its sewer assessment. Christ Episcopal claimed that its sewer bill, based on 1.5 EDUs, is high, given the church’s actual water consumption. Solicitor Smith pointed out that the firm Forest City hired assessed all churches with a kitchen on a commercial level. He added that the USDA approved the assessments. Smith received permission from Council to send Christ Episcopal a letter explaining that the church will remain at 1.5 EDUs. During a public works report, Tedesco announced that some old telephone poles along the south end of Delaware Street are creating drainage problems, causing the road to fall apart. Council will research property owners and arrange a meeting to discuss the problem. Trusky mentioned a tree on Hudson Street that needs to be cut. In order “to keep the foliage going and keep a nice street front,” Trusky requested that the tree committee look into acquiring some smaller, replacement trees that will remain below the power lines. Other problem trees will be considered on a case-by-case basis. At the suggestion of Code Inspections, Council voted to join the International Code Council, agreeing that it “might be beneficial.” Annual dues are $100. Council is considering an electricity provider for the garage and borough building. Secretary Susan Coleman is expecting a proposal from Glacial Energy by next month’s meeting and will research other companies in the meantime.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Lorraine P. Keeney to L. Thomas and Jack H. Keeney and Jill Lunger, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Lorraine P. Keeney to L. Thomas and Judy A. Keeney, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Lorraine P. Keeney to Wade and Jill E. Lunger, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph Michael, Andrew David (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph Michael, Andrew David (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph Michael, Andrew David (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph, Andrew (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph, Andrew (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph, Andrew (estate) and Bonnie Basso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph, Andrew (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph, Andrew (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph, Andrew David (estate) and Bonnie Masso to Hummingbird Way LP, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Ronald G. and Linda Kemmerer to Ronald G. and Linda Kemmerer, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Sandra Timek to Sandra Timek, in Rush Township for one dollar. John Driscoll (by sheriff) to US Bank (by trustee), in Forest City for $1,894.68. Arthur R. Roberts to John M. Komar and Emily R. Wise, in Clifford Township for $127,000.00. Matthew E. and Renee L. Curley to William F. and Laura C. Curley, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Richard and Patricia Rosenkrans to Richard W. and Jeanette E. Rosenkrans and Patricia A. and John F. Oleniacz, in Liberty Township for one dollar. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 4:03 p.m. on February 4, 2010. Antonio L. Alcantara, Duane Aldrich, Erika L. Back, David Shawn Blaisure, Lisa D. Bollard, Joseph Bonavita, Mechele D. Bonciewicz, Howard A. Burns, III, Darryl M. Chaffee, James W. Donahue, III, Deborah L. Drish, David J. Fischer, Racheal L. Frisbie, Deborah E. Gould, George Graham, David Haines, Jr., John J. Hall, Amanda L. Hendrickson, William N. Hendrickson, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Jason Lindquist, Patricia J. Marrero, Bradley W. Megivern, Joseph Mershon, Kimberly L. Mershon, Ronald N. Mitchell, Joseph C. Moore, Robert A. Muzzy, Steven Nannie, Shane Nelson, Anthony Neri, Jeffrey A. Norton, Anthony E. Olszewski, Sheri Pabon, Amberly D. Payne, James E. Purse, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., Ryan A. Rhoads, Timothy W. Rogers, Robert A. Ryman, Richard D. Shoemaker, Darin Sink, Duane Spencer, Michael Stark, Donald Louis Stocks, Garrett M. Thomas (aka Staudinger), Keith W. Vroman, Donald L. Welch, Kenneth L. Wilmot, Jr., Patrick L. Yachymiak. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
The February 1 meeting of the Great Bend Township Supervisors’ began with a lengthy roadmaster’s report. The township’s road crew had been busy dealing with the recent snowy weather, spending most of their time cindering and plowing, and dealing with washouts from the prior week’s heavy rain. Repairs would continue as weather permits. There will be a spring road maintenance training session in Montrose on March 30. All three supervisors expressed an interest in attending; all of the township road workers have already attended sessions. CECO Associates conducted their annual inspection of the Airport Road bridge; their report included some recommendations. Permits issued for the month included an assessment permit for Timothy and Joann Palmatier, and a land use questionnaire was received from Jeb’s PA Bluestone Quarry LLC. Correspondence included a notice regarding Emergency Management Coordinator training sessions in February and March. The township is still in need of an Emergency Management Coordinator and a representative to the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority. No responses had been received from advertisements placed after last month’s meeting. It was noted that the trailer park in the township had been evacuated during the heavy rain the week before; Great Bend Boro’s EMC had volunteered to help out until the township can find their own, and had responded to the situation. The survey of the township’s property on Route 11 has been completed; it had been ordered some months ago when there was a question of where the property lines are from the owner of an adjacent property. The township acquired the property through the buyout program following the floods of 2006. The supervisors had met with representatives from Laser MidStream regarding a gas pipeline that will cross through the township. The township itself will not see any royalties, but individual property owners who grant rights-of-way will. A motion carried to appoint Bob Starr to the position of constable. And, a motion carried to set the supervisors’ mileage rate at $.50 per mile, in accordance with the IRS’ current standard. During public comment, a resident asked about the Hallstead foundry property; although the front portion of the property is in Hallstead Boro, the rear portion of the site is in the township. He said that there have been kids riding four-wheelers on it and was concerned for their safety, as there are several large, open excavations on the site. DEP is currently involved, and it was said that DEP had ordered that the excavations be left open, as they are being tested for contamination from fuel tanks that had been there. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Cemetery Pipeline In Montrose? A local gas company wants permission to run a pipe through the cemetery as part of a filling station system, it was reported at the February 1 Montrose Borough meeting. The Crizzo gas company had spoken with the borough’s street department foreman about erecting a filling station off 706 leaving town, tapping the main near the connection of Jackson and Park streets and running the pipe through the cemetery. According to the company, apparently they received a permit to take 75,000 gallons from the lake, and managed to obtain permission from the cemetery association. Response from the council members was mixed. One kept repeating that the company should be told to bring its checkbook, seemingly in favor of the plan if it did. Others desired to see drawings of the scheme, and copies of the contract with the cemetery and the permit for the water. Mr. Reimel also wanted to know what graves it would be going over. The “old” borough building has been having some chimney issues, with bricks falling off and cutting the rubber roofing. The deteriorated structure was, at the time of the meeting, over 20 ft. tall. Having spoken with a few people who recommended that it be shortened by ten feet, he requested permission to do so. He also broached the subject of roof repair or replacement, bringing before council a proposal with several estimates. Mr. Schuster expressed his opinion that with what the borough currently has going on now, he would give permission to see the chimney fixed and the roof patched, but did not want to incur any large expense. Mr. Reimel and Mr. Granahan agreed, with Mr. Reimel not really wanting to saddle the constituents with more improvements. Mr. Yeager, however, was in favor of replacing the roof now, while the borough was already making improvements. He was voted down however. The concrete steps behind the com center were discussed. They have been deteriorating. The Baptist church apparently bought them when they were originally put in, though at the time no one said who was to fix it. There was a mild amount of talk about this subject, who’s fault it was that the steps were already in decline, and who ought to pay for their repair or replacement. One council member declared, seemingly sarcastically, that the church “pass the plate” to cover the cost. It was decided in the end to address the matter in the spring, when the weather was warmer. As is their wont, ordinances discussed, but not necessarily passed, in the past resurfaced for another scrutiny at the meeting. Mr. Darrow expressed a desire to tweak the outdoor burn notice ordinance, and wondered why leaves could not be burned. It was answered that this hearkened back to the days when everyone would rake their leaves to the ditches to burn them there. Also, it was said, leaves don’t really burn, they smolder. The renter’s ordinance re-reared its head. Alice Walsh had worked on it extensively a previous time it was discussed, but at the meeting another version was presented for perusal. Mr. Granahan asked what the point of the ordinance was. Two explanations were given: the 1% earned income tax, and the ability to locate insurance companies in case of a fire. The only one of these ordinances on which action was taken was the Act 98 (Fire Escrow) ordinance. This was simply an amendment to a prior ordinance thus, it was explained, no public hearing was necessitated. The change had, reportedly, been advertised however. Some erosion on Bank Street was brought up by Mr. Granahan, where, he said, close to a foot and a half of the road is eroded on either side. It’s a state road, it was stated, and it’s been in poor condition for about a year. Mr. DiPhillips had made several calls to the state, he reported, though the situation was still ongoing. Nevertheless, it was suggested that perhaps the council do something to further prompt them, as it could be a very dangerous situation. Deb Nagle presented a report on the Streetscapes project. PennDOT, apparently, has no more money for sidewalks. The restoration committee had been invited by Congressman Carney to apply for federal appropriation money, and she expressed a desire to do so by applying for additional streetscape funds. She brought before the board a request for permission to apply. The question was raised of what else could be done with the money, such as renovating the old building. Mr. Granahan proposed that this could be rolled into a request for streetscape money, as the building would house the equipment necessary for the project’s maintenance. While on the subject of the MRC, it was announced that this group had a new president - Al Reimel. Julianne Skinner spoke before those present on behalf of the League of Women Voters. She was announcing a series of educational sessions regarding Marcellus shale. The meetings are slated to be held on the 19th and 26th of February and the 5th of March, at the Elk Lake School auditorium from 7-9 p.m. They will address the issues of air quality, water matters, and legislation, taxation, and regulation, respectively. She also mentioned that the EPA has a tip line, should citizens have concerns. There was some discussion at the meeting regarding the legal rights of handicapped parkers. Someone asked if the borough was not ticketing this population, leading to a query as to whether or not handicapped persons had to be given extra time. The question was not fully answered that evening; more research needed to be conducted. Mr. Reimel gave a brief report on the work of the tax collection committee. This entity, created at the behest of the law, was in the process of building the budget, he said, and had plans to continue to meet every month. The group was not, he said, obligated to commit to anything until the year 2011, and even if it were to decide to do so, it could opt back out after one year if it were able to show that more money was being put out than taken in. While some on the committee might not like the process they were being required to submit to, he stated that the group was “moving forward quietly.” Mr. Granahan queried the cost to upgrade the borough code. An update would include the ordinances passed since 1998, and perhaps a comprehensive plan (which is supposed to be updated every ten years but has not been). As regards the plan, it was pointed out that this would require the money and effort of gathering new data, though this cost might be alleviated by the impending census anyway.
Johnson Arrested For Sex Abuse Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson have arrested Ralph Elwood Johnson, 82, Church Road, Gibson Twp., Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania for sexual contact with a minor. He is accused of having the sexual contact with a male victim when he was between the ages of 11 and 15. The alleged activity occurred at Johnson’s Gibson Township home starting in 1992 and continuing until 1995. Johnson has been charged with: 15 counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse; 15 counts of Indecent Assault; 15 counts of Corruption of Minors. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Suzanne Brainard, Clifford, PA. Judge Brainard set bail at $50,000.00, unsecured.
New Milford Budget Woes The New Milford Borough Council again revisited its proposed 2010 Budget. Although not the sole cause of the budget’s increases, the swimming pool was again the scapegoat and the main topic of discussion. Resident Rick Ainey presented a proposal to conserve spending and try to keep the budget’s increase from going through. In Ainey’s proposal, residents would be charged $.50 more than the previous dollar per day and non-residents would be charged at total of $3.00, a two-dollar increase. Council’s Teri Gulick, Barb James, Penny Scarborough and Mayor Joe Taylor disagreed with the proposal. Council’s Ken Carey added that a number of children couldn’t even afford the $1.00 cost for a days’ swimming at the pool. Council’s Sue Abbott followed Carey’s sentiments. Ainey reminded that numbers of Susquehanna and Hallstead, plus other areas just “drop off” their children for the day as a means of “cheap babysitting.” Although Ainey’s proposal was outlined for the budget line and effected numerous areas of “budget lines” Council decided to keep the $7,500 (pool budget) amount it had proposed. Parks and Recreation Committee members, Council’s Ken Carey and Vicki Drake reported that they have worked on the statistics and have decided that the pool will be opened from June 7 through approximately August 16, or ten weeks. Drake added that the decision to “close down the pool,” once the $7,500 amount was reached, was necessary. “We have worked hard on this, and we also propose that the pool be shut down one hour less than previously done to help save on costs,” Drake stated. Drake continued saying that “we have a number of fund raisers and pool money makers, but we are planning for more opportunities to raise funds to help keep the pool going.” Although Ainey’s proposition was well presented, the Council opted to go with the 2010 Budget as proposed and was passed 5-1 with Council President Jim Carr voting no while Council members Teri Gulick, Sue Abbott, Penny Scarborough, Ken Carey and Barb James all voting for the budget. Ainey told Council that “New Milford has always been the type of place that lived within their means, we dug deep into our consciences and figured a way to go without raising taxes. I just want to be sure you have all done your homework. New Milford has always done what they can with what they can.” Ordinance#190, fixing the tax rate for the fiscal year 2010 was passed in that the amendment shall be made to the schedule of taxes levied on all property within the said Borough: 1. For General Purposes the sum of 6.30 mills. The amended became official on February 4, 2010. Council’s Gulick reminded those on hand that among items they have handled (without an increase) in just the past year included: fixing the bridges and decks -$36,000; fixing the parking lot - $16,000; fixing the roof - $14,000; work on the creek bed - $10,000; plus acquiring a Police Contract for part time police coverage. Another area was the Columbia Hose Fire Company’s request for a .55 mill increase (or about $25 per person). Columbia’s Chief Duane Conklin was on hand to tell those in attendance that the money is needed for acquiring a new engine, as the current main engine they have is over 22 years old and will soon have to be replaced. Adding to that piece of equipment is a Mac pumper tanker which is 15 years old and needs to be refurbished, (“We can make that last maybe another 10 years,” Conklin intimated); a 2006 Ambulance we purchased used and finally a 1999 Ford Brush Truck.” “We want to let the community know that we support them and that the fire company and the residents are neighbor to neighbor, we can help each other. We like to be there for them and we want to provide the best services possible.” Conklin relayed after the meeting that just for one mandated class for one firefighter, the cost is approximately $300. He added that the company currently has about 1 active member with about 30-35 members on the books.” These people are all volunteers and are required to take and pass all the tests mandated by the state and are also required to have all the training and maintenance that paid fire companies are mandated to have. Conklin also relayed that their buildings are aging, especially one that dates back to the 1800’s. “We have to fill the tankers completely so they will be low enough to fit into the building.” Conklin said that they have several EMT’s, 2 current Water Rescue on crew, with one coming up and soon all three will be take a water, ice recovery training course, which could really affect this area in a positive way. While Conklin feels the .55 increase is needed, he wants the community to know that “the Fire Company and Ambulance are here and ready to serve them. When the calls come in, we don’t have time to repair a broken vehicle. They all need to be kept up to date and in perfect working order to best provide the emergency protection and service they are made to do.” Also in attendance was Julianne Skinner from the League of Women Voters. Skinner informed Council and those in attendance that there will be 3 forums, starting at 7 p.m. at the Elk Lake School on February 19, February 26, and March 5. The forums will include guest and professional speakers regarding Marcellus Shale, Air Quality, Water Quality and other related topics. “We are not partisan here, but would like to provide an accurate view regarding the impact and concerns the natural gas drilling throughout Susquehanna County has on its residents.” Also on hand was a Census representative who encourages residents to join the group of Census 2010 and information concerning the Census can be found in brochures throughout county municipalities and at the Court House and County Office Buildings. She also said that the starting positions begin at $11.50 plus mileage. There are numerous openings available and positions are chosen after a 28-question test is taken. New Milford agreed to go into an agreement regarding an Emergency Alert system with the municipality Authority at a cost of $87.45, which equals half of the cost. It is mandated for the Municipal Authority but would be a good option for the residents of New Milford Borough. Residents must call the Borough Office to leave a number where they can be reached in case of emergency. They will not be contacted but must call the office to be included on the Emergency Alert List. The system is like the system currently held by the Blue Ridge School District. Council’s Sue Abbott reported that she had only one (on call) backup snowplow operator. She said that she is waiting for calls from other interested parties and said that if anyone is interested in becoming a back up snowplow driver please contact the Borough Office. Mr. Ron Kovaleski examined the catch basin on Smith Street and he told Mayor Taylor that a concrete sleeve could be installed, with a few other minor adjustments and that area would be in good working order. He also reported that it wouldn’t need to be done before spring. Mayor Taylor revisited the Burn Ordinance and by moving the set backs, thought he had corrected the problem. He added that burning only natural items will be allowed, but that plastic, tires, garbage and the like will be in violation. Council moved to send the new version to Solicitor Jodi Cordner. The next meeting of New Milford Borough Council will be held March 4, at 7 p.m. Work sessions are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the New Milford Borough Council Building.
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