| |
| MAIN NEWS |
|
Business Directory Now Online!!!
Please visit our kind sponsors |
|
||||||
|
HEADLINES:
Harford Focuses On Roads In one way or another, almost everything that township government in a place like Harford does has to do with roads. And in the Springtime, the township tries to repair the damage winter has caused, and begins to prepare the roads for the next winter. How to do that with only 2 people to get the work done? Terry VanGorden presided at the meeting on April 13, but Supervisor Garry Foltz dominated the discussion as temporary Roadmaster, while Mr. VanGorden recovers from some health problems. With another worker also out with health issues, Mr. Foltz and Wayne Frederici are the township’s entire work crew. The meeting was relatively well-attended on a cool Spring evening, with most questions related to roads and dust. To help out, the Supervisors decided to hire Eric Allen on a part-time basis. If he works out, they hope to hire him as a full-time employee after a 6-month probationary period. Mr. Foltz reported that discussions with the county and soil conservation have cleared the way to proceed with preparations for replacing a sluice under Richardson Road. The work will be paid for in part by a county grant. The holdup was related to the permits that are required to work in the area, which is considered a wetland. Mr. Foltz also reported that the township is advertising for bids for gas leasing for the 4 properties owned by the township, some 15 acres altogether. He said that any such lease would prohibit surface activity on township land. He also reported that Cabot Oil may soon be applying for permits to begin drilling in Harford township. He said that he had taken the road crew on a tour of the Dimock area recently to take a look at what could be expected when gas drilling comes to Harford. In one area the drillers had “done an excellent job” repairing damage done to a road. But the impact of heavy equipment on the roads cannot be minimized, he said. Mr. Foltz also said that he is preparing a couple of new ordinances that he hopes to have passed by summer. One of them would try to control noise in the township, including fireworks and barking dogs; he said that the new ordinance would not try to prohibit the exhibition of fireworks for recognized holidays. It’s primary purpose, however, would be to limit the impact of noise from large gas compressors in the two unincorporated villages in the township. The other ordinance would try to “protect historic sites” in the township, presumably restricting gas drilling activity in the neighborhood of Harford’s treasured historical buildings and other sites. While he said that he didn’t want to limit the economic benefit that might come from the gas-drilling activity, he wants to protect the quality of life in the township as well. A few of those in attendance at the meeting represented the township’s elected auditing committee, headed by Connie Breese, who read the auditors’ report. The report commended township Secretary/Treasurer - and Supervisor - Sue Furney for the quality of her computerized records. The auditors are still urging the township to complete the computerization of the township payroll. According to Ms. Furney, the county is looking for nominations to a “solid waste advisory committee.” The correspondence said that the committee would be selected by the county commissioners and would meet 4-6 times over the next 18 months. The Supervisors “noted” the correspondence, and suggested that interested persons should apply through the county offices. The Supervisors received only one bid for lawn-care services for the summer, so they accepted the bid from Randy Ball, who will charge $20 for each cutting at the township building, and $30 for each cutting at the sewer plant. In his road report. Mr. Foltz reiterated that he will close township roads when necessary when township crews are working on them, in particular, when they are laying new pipe. He expressed exasperation with drivers who menace his crews, who are choked with dust when vehicles speed through work zones. He also noted that anonymous calls may not receive follow-up by the township. “If it’s important enough to call, then it’s important enough to know who you are,” he said. Reviewing a recent problem on the sewer system, Mr. Foltz said that a considerable amount of excavation led to the discovery of “inappropriate” material in the sewer line leading from a residence. The property owner will receive a bill for the work to unblock the sewer system. Ms. Furney reported that the township has been fully reimbursed for the work to replace the bridge on Pennay Hill Road over Butler Creek by state and federal emergency management authorities. She said the Supervisors have not yet discussed what to do with the $400,000 balance of an interest-free loan that was used to help manage the project before the reimbursement was completed. The next public meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the township building.
County Designated "Recovery Zone" At the April 14 meeting Susquehanna County Commissioners Maryann Warren, Leon Allen and Michael Giangrieco adopted a resolution designating the county a "Recovery Area." The resolution denotes significant poverty, unemployment, home foreclosures or general distress in the entire county, and makes the county eligible for an allocation limit of $1,703,000 for recovery zone economic development bonds and a limit of $2,555,000 for recovery zone facility bonds. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 made it possible for the government to authorize the two new types of bonds, and the U.S. Treasury allocates the limits to the county. The commissioners are leaving it to the Susquehanna County Economic Development Board to review project proposals and make recommendations to the commissioners. Both municipal and private company infrastructure projects will be eligible. Commissioners emphasized that the "county is in no way guaranteeing or otherwise responsible for the debt service on the recovery zone economic development bonds or the recovery zone facility bonds." Director of Assessments/Chief Assessor Richard J. Kamanski will retire at the end of August. Kamanski has been employed by the county since June, 1958. The Commissioners accepted the resignation with regret, and wished Kamanski well in his retirement. The position is advertised and the county plans to have a replacement in place by August 31. The county is also advertising the position of deputy warden at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to fill a vacancy created by officer promotion. A one year staffing agreement with Care Givers America, Clarks Summit, to provide part-time nursing services to the prison was approved. Terms are one nurse per day, minimum four hours per day, regular schedule to be five hours per day, seven days per week, at $34.50 per hour, with two nurses rotating. Three proclamations were approved at the meeting. April was designated Environmental Awareness Month, as well as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The 2010 Census proclamation urges county residents to fill out and return their census forms. Nationally, the census participation rate is at 67 percent. Pennsylvania's rate is at 72 percent, with Susquehanna County residents lagging behind at 53 percent. Commissioner Maryann Warren urged residents to complete and return their forms, as census figures determine how much of the $400 billion per year in state and federal funding is allocated to states and communities. Rachel Carrico was presented with an EMA Certification plaque by Emergency Management Agency director Charlene Mosier. Carrico has been with the agency since 2007, and has now completed the final level of advanced training. In salary board matters, Public Defender Linda LaBarbera received approval to hire an attorney to act as Assistant Public Defender, as necessary, for up to 300 hours per year at $50 per hour, plus mileage, with no benefits. The next Susquehanna County Commissioners meeting is 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 28, in the conference room of the County Office Building, 31 Public Ave., Montrose. Meetings are open to the public and public comment is addressed before adjournment.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Robert H. Williams to Pennsylvania Commonwealth, Dept. of Transportation, in Little Meadows Borough for one dollar. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and Donna M. Manzer (by tax claim) to Paultin Realty Holdings, in New Milford Township for $1,465.00. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and John (by tax claim) and Gelline (by tax claim) Phillips to Dennis J. and Sandra L. Bennett, in Lathrop Township for $1,141.58. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and John (by tax claim) and Elisie (by tax claim) Savinsky to Robert Johnson, in Gibson Township for $541.58. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and Kenneth Weideman (estate by tax claim) to Joe Sturchio, in Franklin Township for $2,487.34. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and Martin E. Wharton (by tax claim) to Joe Sturchio, in Brooklyn Township for $4,600.00. Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau and Addolorato and Susanna Cifelli to Philip and Antoinette Degruccio, in Bridgewater Township for $3,109.87. Daniel W. and Noreen A. Diaco to Daniel W. Diaco, in Harford and Brooklyn Townships for one dollar. Terry (AKA) Terry N. Freundlich to Scott Freundlich, in Thompson and Ararat Townships for one dollar. Mark A. and Suzanne M. Sickinger to Karl Sickinger, in Oakland Township for $27,000.00. Paul Bucco to Paul A. and Kimberly A. Bucco, in Susquehanna for one dollar. Marjorie M. Clifford (estate) to Michael D. and Angela A. Mooney, in Bridgewater Township for $220,500.00. Smittys Construction, Inc. to Susan Edwards, in Montrose for $105,000.00. Daniel Devivo and Edward E. Volovitch to Daniel Devivo, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Frankie G. Baertschi to Frankie G. and Donald Baertschi, in New Milford Township for $100.00. Anthony and Mary A. Blodnikar to Anthony Blodnikar, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Bremer Hof Owners, Inc. to Charles E. and Mary E. Howell, in Herrick Township for $100.00. James V. and Nancy Fowler to Roy E. Cole, Jr., in Montrose for $66,500.00. Scott (by sheriff) and Sylvia M. (by sheriff) Rowlands to Fannie Mae, in Lanesboro Borough for $1,476.34. Bruce Spencer to Bradley C., J. Elliot and Donald E. Ide, John R. Fowler and Floyd R. Root, in Oakland Township for $5,000.00. Stonecrest Income and Opportunity Fund I LLC to Garrison Properties LLC, in New Milford Township for $12,752.80. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. (by POA) to BBG & M Enterprise, Inc., in Susquehanna for $38,200.00. Gail L. Abbott to Gail L. Abbott, Mark B. Moore and Catherine Coleman-Moore, in Lanesboro Borough for one dollar. Robert E., Jr. and Beverly B. Lee to Robert E., Jr. and Beverly B. Lee, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Daniel Eriksen to Daniel Eriksen, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Fannie Mae (AKA) Federal National Mortgage Association (by POA) to James Wolf, in Susquehanna for $17,000.00. Paul D. Kilmer to Christine M. Byrd, in Forest City for $74,200.00. Ronald and Arlene Leone to Ronald Leone, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Ronald and Arlene Leone to Ronald Leone, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Ronald and Arlene Leone to Ronald Leone, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Ronald and Arlene Leone to Ronald Leone, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Christopher W. Bartels to Willard C. and Kimberly H. Anglemyer, in Jackson Township for $15,000.00. Sylvia Beamer to Great Bend Township, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Nestor B. and Margaret K. Morales to Barton A. and Douglas M. Morales, in Harford Township for $115,061.75. DIVORCES Brad W. Button vs. Katherine A. Button, both of Great Bend, married 1993. Nicole Visakay of Montrose vs. Brian Visakay of Tobyhanna, married 1996. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:41 a.m. on April 16, 2010. Antonio L. Alcantara, Duane Aldrich, Erika L. Back, Neeko A. Beahan, David Shawn Blaisure, Joseph Bonavita, Howard A. Burns, III, Darryl M. Chaffee, Deborah L. Drish, David J. Fischer, Racheal L. Frisbie, George Graham, David Haines, Jr., John J. Hall, Ceejay B. Halstead, James Karhnak, Erik E. Krisovitch, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Jason Lindquist, Kimberly L. Mershon, Ronald N. Mitchell, Robert A. Muzzy, Shane Nelson, Anthony Neri, Sheri Pabon, James E. Purse, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., Richard D. Shoemaker, Duane Spencer, Timothy A. Taramelli, Christina L. Trayes, Keith W. Vroman, Donald L. Welch, Jamie L. Williams, Kenneth L. Wilmot, Jr., Karl D. Zantowsky. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Clifford Disputes Road Status Road clean-up day in Clifford Township is scheduled for April 24, Clifford supervisors announced at a business meeting held on April 12. Volunteers who wish to collect roadside trash may obtain bags, gloves and vests at Clifford Hardware and Dundaff Store. Township clean-up day will be held on May 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the township building. Tire recycling will be available. Residents should consult the Clifford Township website for a list of fees. The supervisors passed a motion to advertise for bids for spring road work. A resident suggested berming the roads, which are badly eroded in some areas. “We are in need of some ditch work,” admitted Dennis Knowlton, chairman. This year, the board hopes to obtain an outside contract for carnival workers. Although the township only needs the workers for about three days per year, hiring them “explodes the price of worker’s comp,” Knowlton explained. The board will look into solutions for the next meeting. A road take-over dispute concerning Hemlock Lane in the Crystal Lake Forest Development became the dominant discussion of the evening, with residents of Hemlock Lane asserting that the township agreed two years ago to take over maintenance of the road. “[John Regan] told us that it was taken over,” stated one woman. “I’m not dreaming about it; I was here.” A man who also lives on Hemlock Lane stated that he and his neighbors paid two years ago to have the road brought up to Penn-DOT specifications. The township, he continued, “let [the road] go for a year, [and now it is] not in condition again.” However, Knowlton and township secretary Renee Reynolds claimed that a review of the minutes from the meeting in question only showed that the township promised to look into taking the road over; an actual promise of take-over was not given. Knowlton stated, “we can’t just take over roads.” James Locker, road master, added that state records do not show a take-over of Hemlock Lane: “[a Penn-DOT official] put a lot of time into [searching] this for us, and he said there’s nothing.” Regan was not in attendance at the April 24 meeting. “I was hoping he would be here to help us straighten this mess out,” commented Knowlton. Knowlton told the Hemlock Lane residents, “We’re going to have to do some… more research on [this]. We’ll do the best we can for you.” Planning commission meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m., prior to board meetings. Several matters concerned the police. First, the supervisors passed a motion to hire a part-time police officer to assist Donald Carroll, police chief. Additionally, Carroll requested two “Police Parking Only” signs for the township building. In order to promote ease of service, the township will purchase a Ford with police car grant funds. “I’d like to commend the board for reestablishing Mr. Carroll,” one resident stated. “It’s great to see somebody back on the job,” he said, explaining that the state police department is understaffed, and crimes are up. Several individuals in attendance applauded. Sandy Wilmot of the historical society announced a work day at Burdick Cemetery, May 1, at 9 a.m. Wilmot also suggested floor repair in the township building, stating that installing tile would be ideal. Knowlton stated that he cannot justify the expense, explaining that the project has been estimated to cost $20G - more than the township spends on road work in the course of a year. Rachel Kochmer pointed out that dust from the unfinished floor is unhealthy for those who use the township building, adding that children are in the building on a daily basis. The supervisors agreed to look into applying a sealant as a temporary, cheaper measure to replacing the floor. Wilmot stated that she will continue searching for grant money for the project.
Much of the discussion at the April 15 meeting of the Hallstead Boro Council meeting concerned the boro’s parks. One of the two tennis court nets at the Chase Ave. parks is in need of replacement; a motion carried to purchase a new one. The court has cracks in its surface. They were sealed last year, but are in need of more repairs; council will get prices to have them filled in and sealed. There was a report of some individuals driving a truck along the fence at the Chase Ave. park near the basketball court into the park. After discussion, a motion carried to install posts at the area at the end of the fence to prevent further incidents. One of the pieces of equipment at the Chase Ave. park, a carousel ride, is reportedly tilting. There was some discussion as to what could be done to straighten it out, as it is anchored in a slab of cement. Council will see what can be done to straighten it in the meantime, and will consider replacing it when next year’s budget is drafted. And, one of the swings at the park next to the library broke and was replaced with another that was on hand. Council agreed to check prices to replace it should it be necessary. Poles for a volleyball area were purchased for the Route 11 park; there was some discussion as to where they could be placed. There appears to be some activity at the old foundry property; holes where fuel tanks had been removed have been filled in. And, the boro’s truck needs repairs. There was no word on when the new truck will be ready for delivery, but it would be checked into the day after the meeting. The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.
At their April 13 meeting, the Oakland Township Supervisors approved a resolution to work on a regional police committee with Oakland Boro and Lanesboro. Delegates, elected officials, will be appointed to represent the township on the committee. The supervisors are keeping their options open, and will continue to attend meetings for the other regional police committee in the area with Susquehanna, Great Bend Township, Great Bend Boro and Hallstead. Correspondence reviewed included a notice from Codes Inspection, Inc. outlining 2009 changes to the UCC (building codes); notice of the PA Association of Township’s annual state conference; notice that Adams Cable is offering expanded HD services; notice of the Act 101 updates to the county’s municipal waste plan; and information from the US Department of Agriculture’s community facility loan/grant program, which provides either low interest loans or matching grant funds for purchase of equipment or vehicles. Codes violations were reviewed; several property owners will receive letters from the supervisors, one will be referred to the district justice, and one will be referred to the township’s solicitor. The Game Commission has been contacted about a substantial beaver dam that has appeared in the township. The Game Commission’s usual practice is to trap the beavers and move them to another location, after which the dam can be removed. The supervisors will conduct their annual spring road review later this week. Two ordinances are in process, one dealing with land development and the other with (road) weight limits. Due to a scheduling conflict, the next meeting will be rescheduled to May 18. Silver Lake Twp. Police Report Following is the March, 2010 Silver Lake Township Police Report as submitted. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY On February 1, Margaret Ragantesi on Showalter Road, Forest Lake Township, reported that she had items moved and others missing at her property. Patrols were increased in her area and she was advised to change locks and call immediately upon any further activity. TRESPASSING On February 2, individuals fishing on Longford Lake, Silver Lake Township, were told to leave because it is a private lake and no non lake residents are allowed to fish. The individuals left the lake. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On February 3, a raccoon was trying to enter a residence in Silver Lake Township. The animal had a face full of porcupine quills and was dispatched. LITTERING/SCATTERING RUBBISH On February 5, it was reported that several bags, from what appeared to be items left from a celebration party, had been left in the Ayres driveway on Donovan Road, Silver Lake Township. All of the bags and items were picked up and removed by responsible parties. MVA On February 6, a snowmobile accident on Barney Road, Silver Lake Township, resulted in serious injuries to the driver of the machine, Donald Wood of Marathon, NY. Wood suffered two broken legs and was transported to Binghamton General Hospital via Silver Lake Ambulance Squad. The snowmobile was found to be owned by another and not registered or insured. MEDICAL EMERGENCY On February 8, SLTPD was dispatched to a medical emergency on Progy Road, Silver Lake Township, at the Tammy Anderson residence. The Silver Lake Emergency Squad arrived and Anderson was transported to an area hospital. MISC. INVESTIGATION On February 10, a Forest Lake Township resident reported that some valuable cherry trees had been cut and removed from his property. After investigation of the activity, it was determined that the cutting was accidental and a settlement was made. MVA On February 10, SLTPD came upon the scene of an accident on SR167. The vehicle had slid on the slippery roadway and struck a tree. The owner of the vehicle, Glenn Taylor of Oxford, NY, and an unidentified female driver called for service and took responsibility for the vehicle which was removed by Rod’s Towing. THEFT/BURGLARY On February 16, Mindy Sue Rombach, of Forest Lake Township, called and reported her credit cards stolen. Her cards were cancelled and this incident went under investigation. MVA On February 25, Terri Blachek, of Montrose, crashed her 2003 Chevy Impala on SR29 into a telephone pole and over a bank in Franklin Township. It was determined she was driving too fast for conditions. The vehicle was towed and the victim was transported to EMHS in Montrose. DOMESTIC DISPUTE On February 28, a Forest Lake Township couple were involved in a dispute sending the female to the hospital for treatment. Alcohol was involved. DOMESTIC DISPUTE On March 1, a couple in Silver Lake Township were in an on-going dispute over property and possessions with a current separation in progress. Threats were made and the parties were separated until proper court proceedings could take place. MVA On March 3, Jennifer Mathis of Binghamton, NY struck a deer on SR 267. She had small children in the vehicle and was disrupted by the crash. The vehicle was drivable and no one was injured. MVA On March 8, SLTPD was dispatched to a two vehicle crash on the North Road near Day Road. Beth Wiseman-Lawerence of Avoca, PA, along with three passengers, were stopped for a school bus in her 1996 Ford. A 2000 Dodge driven by Nancy Daines of Corning, NY was distracted and ran into the rear of the stopped vehicle. A passenger in the Lawerence vehicle, Unadine Wiseman, was injured and transported to the hospital. 911 HANG-UP Multiple 911 hang-up calls from the same residence in Franklin Township turned out to be a 10 year old youngster disgruntled with parents. The situation was quickly rectified by the officer in charge. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT On March 21, Mike Smith of Brackney, assaulted his girlfriend, Melinda Doud, sending her to the local hospital for treatment. Smith suffered wounds to his arm and was taken to EMHS for treatment before being arraigned and sent to jail. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On March 25, several mailboxes were reported smashed or damaged on SR4007 North Road. The incident is still under investigation. TRESPASSING On March 23, David Vanduren on Crowley Road, Silver Lake Township, reported that someone was looking in his window at his property. When confronted, the individual stated that he worked for a gas lease company and was verifying wells etc. He was driving a green Gator representing PSG. This activity is still under investigation. THEFT On March 29, George Welch of Brackney, reported that someone had stolen his 2008 white/silver Suzuki motorcycle out of his garage. The vehicle was entered into the national registry and the investigation continues. MVA On March 30, Nicolette Freuhan of Brackney, was driving on SR 4002 near Laurel Lake when she lost control of her vehicle and rolled it over and up onto it’s top into a ditch. Investigation at the scene showed that she was not driving too fast, but did hit the potholes and bad shoulder in the area. Freuhan was not injured in the crash. MVA On March 30, George Welch of Brackney, crashed his 2007 Toyota truck on SR4006 Hawleyton Road. Welch was not injured and his vehicle was towed by Parks Garage. This MVA is still under investigation. Any information or questions for the Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or e-mail silverlaketwppd@epix.net. All information will be held strictly confidential. Visit the Silver Lake Township website at silverlaketwp.org to see all of Silver Lake Townships’ news, profiles and resources, including the police reports. A Diverse Vote At MASD A few people were honored as usual at the beginning of the April MASD public school board meeting. Amanda Rucker recited one of her Poetry Out Loud selections, in which competition she made it to the state level. Jake Myers, a sophomore, has made it to all state chorus. He now has a chance of progressing to all-region, the highest level. Both students were commended and they, along with faculty M.J. Kelly and Scott Zimmerman, received handshakes and certificates. The calendar for the upcoming school year is a little different than the draft which was put out, it was stated. School was to begin on Wednesday, August 27, with in-service days scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The original plan had been for the two days to be Friday and Tuesday, but it was changed at the request of the staff. For the students, then, the first week would be a three day week, the second week a full week, and the third week four days due to Labor Day. The pay scale for administrators was agreed upon, and Mr. Caterson publicly commented on the professionalism with which the staff took it. He said that they took a pretty legitimate hit, but took it like the professionals they are. He thought the district had, however, an outstanding administrative staff, and hoped that they would understand the situation the district was in, and realize that it was not a reflection of the board’s opinion of them. Along the lines of contracts, it was announced that early bird discussions were held with the professional staff. The negotiations committee and the professional association had unanimously voted in an agreement the day of the meeting. This process keeps the district from having to go through the formal negotiation process, and the current agreement will keep the district through the next five years. The negotiation committee itself was recognized. Several contracts have been worked with in the past year. Mr. Caterson felt that this was a good deal for both sides. The motion to hire an engineering firm to work on the new administrative building almost didn’t pass, something rare at the Montrose board. Mr. Caterson spoke before the vote, publicly stating that he was voting against the motion not because he disputed BCK’s (the firm) qualifications, but because he was a little concerned that they had been the most expensive of the bids. The contract was to be based on a percentage of the total project cost (10%) and, he said, he had seen such agreements in the past get out of hand as construction costs grew. He would be much more comfortable, he stated, working on a fixed rate. He also said that some board members were concerned about their ability to work with PDE, and that there was another company in Scranton which would work for 7% of the cost and had worked with PDE in the past. In the end there were 5 yes votes, and 4 no, and Mr. Ognosky had to contact his lawyer during the intermission to determine whether or not it passed at all. (It did pass in the end.) Mrs. Mordovancy expressed her opinion that the situation needed to be monitored very closely. She said that she did not think anyone wanted to spend the district’s money frivolously, but that she did feel a professional agency needed to oversee the project. Perhaps due to this discussion, Mr. Ognosky reopened the subject during the work session, stating that he wanted to ensure that the majority of the board was okay with every step of the process. He queried as to where the board wanted to place the location. He asked if the board wanted to place it where they had previously discussed, or wanted the firm to do a study of the grounds to see about alternate locations. Mr. Wimmer asked what the conveniences of the current proposed site were, and it was responded that the electrical, water, and sewer hookups are right there, along with the most easily accessible parking spaces. A study of the grounds would incur extra expense, since the company is being paid a percentage of the total costs. In the end it was agreed that unless a problem was seen with the proposed location, that would be what the district suggested to the engineers. There is no asbestos in the administration building, Mr. Clapper reported. It had been thought that there might be, but when a survey was performed it was determined that the site was clear. Three basic changes to the student handbook were outlined by Mr. Canaveri. The first would change the current rule that when a student is late to a class they are warned the first time, and then assigned a detention the second time they are late to any class. The new rule would stipulate that they had to have two tardies in a marking period to the same class to warrant a detention. The second change would eliminate the holding area for tardy students. They would now be sent to homeroom with a late pass from the secretaries. The third would alter the dress code slightly, to include the barring of yoga pants, flip flops, and gym shorts. Finally, Ms. Smith asked about bullying, after the recent media blitz. Mr. Canaveri said that there is less bullying than last year, but it does still happen. Some of it happens at home, through the means of i.m. He was asked how kids would know who to talk to if they were being bullied. He responded that he believed there was a passage in the student handbook, but that an official program hadn’t been held at the school. Mrs. Smith proposed that perhaps it could be said during announcements. It was also suggested that it might be discussed at orientation, as it’s largely amongst the younger kids, be included in a hand out, or placed on posters around the school. Mr. Ognosky asked that if anyone approached someone asking where to go, that person please refer them to Mr. Canaveri. He added that there have been less physical alterations at the school than in the past due to a new policy where it was taken to the police. Mrs. Mordovancy and Mrs. Staats both spoke of the benefits of being proactive about it. Mrs. Staats said that part of the problem is that people don’t take legal action, where they can. Also, she talked about how students used to be able to escape the bullying at home, but now they can’t. She recommended people print electronic bullying, quipping that the “e in e-mail stands for evidence.” Mr. Ognosky commended Mr. Canaveri for his work in his role.
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe
|
