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HEADLINES:
B/R Board Adopts Budget The Blue Ridge School Board meeting on May 24 started earlier than it usually starts. Board meetings are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., but committees generally meet at 6:30 p.m. Except this time, the Career Development Committee kicked off at about 6:00 p.m. Committee chair Christina Whitney and her team examined a proposal to add a couple of modules to a software package that would help students develop “portfolios” of their work that could be used as a basis for further pursuit of higher education or job interviews. According to committee member (and teacher) Joe Conigliaro, the modules would cost about $125 apiece. Ms. Whitney also hopes to close some gaps in the mapping of courses to career choices, and the principals pledged to make an effort to arrange courses and scheduling to better support students’ career goals. The Facilities Committee heard a presentation from a trio of representatives from Johnson Controls. They updated a presentation heard by the Board 2 years ago, proposing a major project to improve energy efficiency at the schools, and this time including the installation of a windmill that might power the schools and send excess capacity back into the grid. The new proposal, estimated to cost nearly $3 million, would be funded completely under the “performance contracting” principles enabled by Act 77, which requires that all costs be recovered by energy savings/earnings within a 15-year period, all of it exhaustively measured and verified. The proposal outlines a process that would start with another detailed feasibility study that would generate an “investment-grade audit.” Upon subsequent approval by the Board, the company chosen for the work would spend about a year conducting a comprehensive study - including a “wind study” to determine the potential for electricity generation on the campus. The team making the presentation specializes in K-12 projects. They said that the project would not require detailed approvals at each stage by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, would guarantee there would be no change orders, and would be “self-funded” by issuing bonds that would be repaid from savings. They said that there are many state and federal sources of funding for projects of this type, including Act 129 rebates, that might contribute as much as half a million dollars to the effort. The group claimed that they could reduce electricity consumption on campus by between 15% and 30%, and that a 600kw windmill might supply as much as 93% of the district’s demand for electricity. They also described some educational opportunities that could be made part of the project, that would offer students an introduction to energy conservation and measurement. The full board meeting was originally scheduled as a workshop. As frequently happens, however, the Board had some business to conduct. The original agenda was augmented by several addenda resulting in 6 points. The meeting actually opened with a brief introduction to the Federal Department of Education’s Inspector General’s functions and responsibilities. A Mr. Jeff Wood, identifying himself as an agent of that office assigned to the Pennsylvania region, said that with the $80 billion or so that the Federal government provided to schools in the “stimulus package,” there might be more opportunity for “waste, fraud and abuse,” and that it was his job to root it out. Perhaps the most significant business item was the final adoption of a “preliminary” budget for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1. Formal approval will be voted in June, following a period for public review. Considering the appearance of Mr. Wood at the meeting, the Federal government’s paltry $300,000 contribution to the new budget seemed hardly worth the effort. The new budget projects expenditures of $17,750,075, up 6.1% from the current year. It requires a real-estate tax rate increase of 1.89 mills, which is 4.3% higher than the current rate of 44 mills. The property tax accounts for about 28.1% of total revenue in the budget. Revenue from state sources is expected (the state budget is not yet final) to provide $10,587,150, or 60.7% of total revenue. The rest comes from other local sources, federal subsidies, and miscellaneous other income. The budget expects the fiscal year to end on June 30, 2011 with a reserve fund of $677,977, down about $400,000 from the expected fund balance at the end of this year. The Board went on to approve an “Executive Search Program” sponsored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA). According to Board President Alan Hall, this is essentially a “head-hunting service,” in this case presumably to help in finding and hiring a new Superintendent to replace Chris Dyer, who retires at the end of June. In other personnel matters, the Board accepted with regret the retirement of School Nurse Barbara McNamara. Ms. McNamara has been at Blue Ridge for 10 years. She recently enjoyed a sabbatical leave which allowed her to advance her education. She expects to earn an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner. In recent years Ms. McNamara has urged the board to augment the nursing staff at the school; her letter to the board expresses some disappointment that the district was not able to create what she called a “school based health center.” At the last minute, the Board also accepted the resignation of Wendy Reimel as teacher in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. When they finally got around to the workshop, Mr. Hall led his colleagues in a detailed examination of the handbooks proposed for the 3 schools for the coming year. All of the new handbooks made an attempt to formalize disciplinary standards by defining “levels” of infractions, and corresponding penalties. The principals said that in some cases they drew verbiage directly from the district’s Policy Manual. Nevertheless, Mr. Hall and others debated the various levels and the language that define them, particularly with respect to the discretion allowed to - and expected by - the principals. Some of the language was considered vague and ambiguous, yet no one was able to suggest language that might be more precise and still allow the principals the discretion they believe they should have. There was some additional discussion along similar lines with respect to the sections on bullying and cyberbullying. When Middle School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski noted that the language was lifted from the Policy Manual, Mr. Hall conceded that perhaps the Policy Manual could use some tightening. There was considerable debate about the differences among the various types of detentions and suspensions, and their relative effectiveness. Some thought that “in-school suspension” was not much punishment at all and would like to have it eliminated; others differed. The debate about cell phones echoed similar debates at schools around the country. The handbooks state that students are not to use cell phones at the schools. One Board member asked about the policy for staff. There was general agreement that cell phones should not be used during “instructional time,” yet in at least one case, a teacher found a good use for cell phones in his actual lessons, and was allowed to do so, again at the discretion of the principal. These debates will no doubt continue. The next session is officially scheduled for Monday, June 14. All formal meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Commissioners Hear Complaints Susquehanna County Commissioners Warren, Giangrieco and Allen heard more complaints about the ongoing county re-addressing effort to bring residential locations in compliance with Global Positioning Systems. Herrick Township resident Carl Stahl questioned the Commissioners about the new address for his property. He was notified of the new address, 15606 SR 374, during the winter, which he complied with. Stahl says his mail is being directed to 30 Airport Drive - an address that does not exist. The Commissioners arranged for Stahl to meet with re-addressing director Art Donato to correct the mistake. Stahl said his main concern was that emergency response vehicles would not be able to locate his home if they were needed. Stahl also stated he operates an airport on his property, which is used as a landing site for emergency helicopters, serving Uniondale, Thompson, Pleasant Mount and other areas. He said the county dispatcher is directing pilots to "Stahl's Airport on Herrick Hill," when, in fact, the dispatcher should be using the GPS designation of "Q 07 (Quebec 07)," which is accessible from anywhere in the world. Commissioners directed Mr. Stahl to review this with Donato as well. Commissioners approved service agreements between Children and Youth Services and Concern, in Fleetwood, Pa., St. Michael's School, Tunkhannock, and Kidspeace National Center, Inc., for day and residential programs for troubled youth, in case those services are needed. Most instances of need are due to court order. An audience member asked what is being done to reduce such a caseload in the court system. Commissioner Maryann Warren replied that this is what the Family Resiliency Program, overseen by Susq. Co. Cooperative Extension, is in place for - to make an effort to resolve family problems before they escalate to a court-ordered resolution. Two county residents, Anna Reugner and L. Carter Anderson, were named to the Susq. County Library Board, effective immediately through December 31, 2011. Kelly Feduchak has been hired as the office manager for the New Milford District Justice office, per the recommendation of District Judge Peter Janicelli. Air conditioning concerns at the courthouse were addressed with the approval of a bid by Craig Yost HVAC of $4,485 for supply and installation of a three ton ductless air conditioning system in the Register and Recorder of Deeds office. A bid of $8,917 from United Heating and Air Conditioning, of Pittston, to supply and install a 48,000BTU Samsung ductless split air conditioning system in the computer room in the courthouse was also approved. Bids for purchase and installation of a vertical oil storage tank and the relocation of two existing oil tanks at the courthouse were opened and will be reviewed. Commissioners authorized a contract with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants, of New Market, Md., to revise the county's Solid Waste Management plan at a cost of $40,900. This is to comply with a PA DEP mandated 10 year update. The revision can not be done in house, as it requires extensive engineering knowledge. The deed for the property at 7 Chenango Street, Montrose, has been transferred to the county. Commissioners will now inspect the property closely and determine what improvements, if any, are necessary. They said it would be premature to state what county offices may be relocated to that building. The next Susquehanna County Commissioners meeting is set for 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 9, in the County Office Building downstairs conference room, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Harold and Dorothy Severcool to Randy (trustee), Gary and Dale Severcool, Irma Beardslee and Bonnie Kinner, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Evelyn J. (AKA) E. J. Polovitch to Evelyn J. Polovitch, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Timothy D. and Stephanie J. Thomas to Sharief M. Hassan, in Jackson and New Milford Townships for $109,000.00. Stephen Duick to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of Transportation, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Jonathan R. Brown and Melissa S. White (NKA) Melissa S. Brown to Jonathan R. Brown, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Matthew Shadduck to William T. and Jennifer L. Bennett, in Rush Township for one dollar. Barbara Moriarity to Dale C. Tifft and Marlaina M. Cody, in Silver Lake Township for $128,100.00. James J. Rowlands (by sheriff) to Honesdale National Bank, in Forest City for $6,711.36. Marjorie Coar Mangan (estate) to Kimberly Mangan, in Clifford Township for one dollar. David Gifford to Martin T. and Thomas M. Petroski, in Gibson Township for $26,000.00. John Edward and Virginia Redman to John A. Frederici, in Montrose for $115,000.00. Paul J. (AKA) Paul Amadio (estate) to Sheila Mae Freebes, in Forest City for $64,900.00. Melissa Lee and John Ankeny to Melissa Ankeny, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Ruth H. Radicchi, Charles W. and Linda S. Glidden to Ruth Radicchi, in Jackson Township for one dollar. Mason Evans and Sue Evans (NBM) Sue Lynch to Mason and Sue Evans, in Susquehanna for one dollar. Katherine Weidel Reuter, Elizabeth Weidel Kessler and Louise Weidel Basralian to Weidel Drive Associates LLC, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Marvin Leigh and Sheila Douglas to Patrick J. Skelly (trust), in Jackson Township for $115,000.00. Barbara Rydzewski to Wescott Major Family Limited Partnership, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Glenn I, III and Laurie L. Gregory to Montrose Minute Men, in Montrose for one dollar. Midfirst Bank to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Auburn Township for one dollar. DIVORCES Malinda L. Swartz of New Milford vs. Aurelio Salgado of Des Moines, IO, married 1989. Carla Mae White vs. Todd Michael white, both of Montrose, married 1995. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:33 a.m. on May 28, 2010. Antonio L. Alcantara, Erika L. Back, Harold R. Bensley, Tonya S. Birchard, David Shawn Blaisure, Devin S. Brewer, Howard A. Burns, III, Frank Deriancho, Deborah L. Drish, David J. Fischer, Racheal L. Frisbie, Stacy Gelatt, George Graham, David Haines, Jr., Ceejay B. Halstead, James Karhnak, Erik E. Krisovitch, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Jason Lindquist, Matthew S. Miller, Shane Nelson, Anthony Neri, Anthony E. Olszewski, Sheri Pabon, James E. Purse, Arthur D. Quick, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., David J. Shiner, Richard D. Shoemaker, Duane Spencer, Garrett M. Thomas (aka Staudinger), Justin Thompson, Christina L. Trayes, Keith W. Vroman, 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.
Soccer & Budget At Mt. View Note: A rumor reached this reporter that Dr. Chichura approves all of her articles on Mountain View prior to submission. This is a salacious rumor, and not true. There were two big issues at the May 24 Mountain View school district board meeting which, between the two of them, attracted a crowd large enough to move the meeting to the elementary gym. One was, predictably, the budget crisis facing the district. This was discussed, but not resolved, with the meeting recessing to the following evening. The other subject, which was the cause of most of the temper flare-ups during the night, surrounded a coach. Several girls’ soccer and basketball players, and not a few parents, rallied in support of Darryl Mannic around whom, at least for that evening, controversy swirled. Those championing Mr. Mannic’s cause felt him to have been punished unfairly for an incident involving texting during the basketball season. The incident itself was not directly discussed at this meeting. Person after person stood in protest of this, claiming that what occurred in basketball ought not to affect soccer, and that texting is a common and effective means of communication which is not intrinsically bad. They wondered why the soccer position has not been filled, and why it had been closed and reopened when Mr. Mannic had been the only applicant. The girls and parents testified to the difference he’d made in their lives, and in their team, speaking of successes gained. They said he’d made them a family, changed their lives, offered his gym for their use, and been there for them in a variety of situations. They claimed he was a life coach as well as a basketball coach, and that he was knowledgeable in physical rehabilitation, and that he cared for and about the girls. It was said that he was respected by other teams and trusted by parents. A few of the girls cried. They spoke of his practice preparation, the work ethic he instilled in the team, and his ability to motivate. Where the fireworks erupted was when one mother claimed the problem was due to the feelings of a single upset parent. This led to a passionate verbal parley amongst the visitors, which had to be squelched by the board. Near the end of the meeting it was asked when the board would act on this, and responded that another applicant had come in whom the majority of the board wished to interview. It was also queried why the matter was reopened when there was only one applicant for so long. It was responded that this was because the board couldn’t come to an agreement. The board declined to comment much further than this, citing the legal repercussions of discussing personnel issues in public. At one point Mrs. Yarrish stated, “we appreciate your comments but it’s irrelevant,” perhaps referring to this. Dr. Chichura spoke of the curtailment, also near the end of the meeting, stating that the board had not entirely discussed the options yet. He reported that close to 200 people had attended the previous week’s budget session and reiterated that what he had outlined was a plan for the maximum, not a done deal. The board was to have an executive session to discuss the matter, hoping to resolve it in a manner which would be acceptable to the public and maintain the integrity of the education. He said that the board would not cut music or art, but was looking at “trimming” in certain areas. It was he who advised that the board not adjourn the meeting. Ms. Rinehart-Cowan stated that they were working diligently to see taxes not go up 25 mills in 5 years, and that the reality of Mountain View being a large district with many fixed income residents needed to be faced. She mentioned a back to basics approach, highlighting her four core subjects, as those were what the pssa’s tested on. Only a relative few people spoke up regarding the budget, mostly reiterating the statements of the week before. They spoke of concerns over losing a school nurse and the importance of the arts. Zach McCarty, a student, discussed his goal of becoming a music instructor. One woman urged the board to vote along the desires of their constituencies. They spoke of the necessity for an autism program and concern over the effect of cutting kindergarten and first grade staff on identifying students with disabilities. Along the lines of understanding, it was acknowledged that cuts were necessitated. Positive mention was also made of the principals, for their willingness to listen. All wasn’t controversy at the meeting, however. Twelve seventh graders raised money for a good cause, of their own volition. The kids opted, with the assistance of instructor Chris Robinson, to participate in the St. Jude’s math-a-thon, raising $811 in total. During the administrators’ reports, various items were noted. Mr. Griffiths had created a design for banners in the school, and the design was complimented. Mr. Doster and Mr. Beamish spoke about the band concert, and Mr. Doster’s forthcoming trip into the dunk tank during an exam-time break. Mr. Doster also did express his feeling of pleasure at having been the principal, saying the district should be proud of the kids. The board approved a resolution to transfer the gas and oil revenues from the general fund to the capital reserve fund. The money, which totaled $538,200, had to be placed in the general fund first.
Elk Lake Budgets Elk Lake is considering outfitting its busses with cameras, and approved a request for proposals toward this end at the May 26 school board meeting. The district has 29 busses, and would like to see a minimum of 2 cameras installed in large busses and one in small. The specs dictate cameras with a dvr and removable flash system. Due to legal stipulations, there can not be audio, but the images will be in color. Dr. Bush stated that he had talked with superintendents at districts already outfitted with this technology who reported that misbehavior had been reduced. A visitor asked if this would be extended to vans and cars, and requested that the board consider doing so. She maintained that some of the van drivers have to transport children with behavioral issues to alternative education programs, and could use them. It was responded that this could be investigated. Alternately, the district could look into imposing limits for the numbers of alternative education students transported at the same time, or consider a mirror system so that the driver could see into the back seat without adjusting the main mirrors. Dr. Cuomo related the results of an attendance challenge given to the high school students earlier in the year. If 11th and 12th grade students had attendance of 97% or higher (4 total days absent a year), the district offered to purchase their prom tickets. In the end, 44 students met this landmark. For grades 10-12, Dr. Cuomo had offered to take the students with perfect attendance to Olive Garden. In total, 12 students met this, and were able to go on the trip. One student, Nicholas Hollister, was noted in particular at the meeting, having had perfect attendance for 6 years. Dr. Cuomo said he even had to talk him into going to lunch, as he had a test and a project for that day. Thanks were given to Mrs. Heed, the attendance attendant. Dr. Bush said that he didn’t remember a time, as a superintendent, when the district had had those numbers, and that he would like to extend the program again for the next year. One Jr. High student and one Sr. High student also received laptops. Mrs. Heed laughed that the senior high girl had perfect attendance, and didn’t even know where the attendance office was. The board approved the Elk Lake preliminary budget. There is actually a reduction in the budget, but, as Dr. Bush explained, this is misleading as this reduction does not mean a reduction in the millage. The difference is that the budget takes into account federal funds. These funds, however, must be spent back out for what they are allocated for, and other money must still be found to run the district otherwise. The proposed budget weighs in at $17,995,960 a $369,281 difference from the current year’s $18,365,242 budget. Most of that $364,281 is probably the increase in retirement cost he said. The plan is to increase the millage by .91 mills for Wyoming county and 1.65 mills for Susquehanna. This does not mean that one is really being raised more than the other, both are equalized based on a formula due to the district’s dual county status. The actual millage will then be 37.560 and 49.060 for the two counties. Retirement costs rose from $442,711 to $714.087, a $276,375 increase. The legislature has apparently opted not to address the matter this year, due to it being an election year, but supposedly has a plan for next year. If nothing is done, it is expected to soon be up to 21-24%, and to stay between 22 and 24% for 10 to 15 years before decreasing again. It was stated that the millage requested is what is needed just to run the district. It couldn’t be raised any higher without going over the index and requiring a referendum. All of this talk led to another discussion of what the district could do to allay the impending expenses. It has been suggested that, as last year, any surplus be put in a fund toward the pensions. Some of the gas and oil money could also be used for this purpose as well. The SCCTC budget, however, was not approved, as Dr. Bush said they were anticipating changes in the revenue projection. The budget showed a reduction in staff salary largely due to the retirement of Mr. Mallet. There was, of course however in increase in retirement. The budget then, which it was said could be relatively flat without the pension, was projected at $3,155,736 overall. Plan Con E was approved, basically just to confirm the board’s approval of pde’s approval of its plan. If the district proceeds from this in a timely manner, it is possible it could put out for bids in August or September and, if these come in favorably, ground could be broken in the fall. There was some discussion over the qualifications for the honor and high honor rolls, broached by a grandmother who was upset that her grandson, with a 98.6 average, hadn’t made one of the lists. Some board members then shared stories of relatives in similar situations. This led to an explanation of the standards. In order to be on the high honor list a student must have 95% gpa with no grade under 88, and for the honor roll there must be no grade under 80 apparently. Mr. Tewkesbury gave his opinion that this should be looked at. Mr. Bender pointed out, though, that no matter where a line is moved to someone will just miss it. A visitor checked on the validity of a rumor regarding gas royalties having come in. Dr. Bush maintained that there was no veracity to that statement. A visitor asked about the dean of students position on the agenda, wondering what it was. Dr. Bush explained that typically a dean of students was in charge of discipline and some attendance. Elk Lake was asking for candidates to have an instructional two certificate and either have a principal’s certificate or be working toward it. It was described as sort of an extension of what Mr. Caines had done. Later on in the meeting, Mark Wisegold was appointed for the position. Can the district discuss a student’s situation with someone other than the legal guardian? That was the question raised when a grandmother stood up at the meeting to ask about an alleged bullying incident. Dr. Bush recommended that he check with the solicitor regarding this question prior to going further on the topic. The support staff contract was completed, for the next five years. Dr. Bush gave his opinion that it was a good contract, and a good process. He called it fair, and stated that it kept Elk Lake in line with other districts.
Mt. View Decisions Made When the May 24 Mountain View meeting reconvened on the 25th, business was dealt with rather expeditiously. It opened with a discussion of Channel 1, an eleven minute current events broadcast which requires an agreement that it will be shown for 90% of the year to 90% of the students. In exchange for this, the district gets cable TVs installed for free to broadcast the program, and the promethean boards could be wired to the system. There would then be the possibility for a daily news program by the kids, in addition to educational programs aired by the organization throughout the year. Dr. Chichura again reviewed his concern over advertisements the first time the matter had come before the district, but explained that with the current technology where ads are everywhere anyway, he felt his fears to be unfounded now. The board then voted in favor of the resolution. Then came the part of the meeting which most present had attended for. The board had made some decisions regarding the much discussed budget remedies. It was announced that five full-time equivalent professional positions were being abolished (the board’s word), along with three non-tenured. Kindergarten and first grade were to keep their full compliment of staff, with the assistance of grants. A fifth grade position was to be cut, however, along with one music instructor. The gifted program was eliminated, taking away the need for an instructor. The par program was cut, to be replaced with an iss room staffed by a paraprofessional. Nursing position was eliminated, to be replaced with a paraprofessional with an rn or lpn license. Both forms of drivers ed were dismissed, and Latin curtailed. The language classes were to be combined. Culture shock was put on hold. High School staff was to be scheduled for 6 or 7 classes a day, and any class with an enrollment of ten or less was to become eligible for discontinuance. The gifted instructor, pre-k instructor, and title 1 instructors were let go. Mr. Zick stated, at the end of the meeting, that the board didn’t like to make such decisions. Dr. Chichura then outlined some of the non-professional staff cuts being considered, many of which had been presented the previous week. These included ending the wrestling program, reducing scheduling and distance for field trips and professional development, decreasing the artist in residence program, limiting substitute use, charging for sports, and closing the building on Sunday. It had been decided to stop sending new students to Lackawanna County vo-tech, though currently attending juniors and seniors can stay in their programs; new students will have to go to the Susquehanna County facility.
Starrucca Borough Minutes The Starrucca Borough Council meeting was called to order by President Jack Downton on Monday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. Pledge to the flag. The following members were present: President Jack Downton, V. President Robert Martin, Mayor Maryann DeBalko, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, Robert Buck, Anthony Palonis, and Michael Martin. Minutes from March 1 carried unanimously. The treasures report carried unanimously. The bills for April were presented. The motion to pay bills, except Scott Township for plowing & cindering until bill is itemized for 2009, carried unanimously. The motion to have a letter sent to Scott Township, to include more details for plowing & cindering for 2009 (itemized bill), carried unanimously. James Davis from DGK Insurance presented a proposal for the April Insurance renewal and reviewed coverage with council. Brief discussion followed. The Borough is covered for snowmobile use. The motion to accept Insurance for this coming year carried unanimously. Ball field: Autumn Groover requested the use of the ball field for an adult softball league, starting May 16 to August 1. The motion to let the softball league use the field this year carried unanimously. Lawn Mowing Bids: Two lawn mowing bids submitted - Daniel Boughton & Rachel Gilleran. The motion to hire Daniel Boughton to do lawn maintenance for 2010 carried unanimously. Summer Road Maintenance: Two Road bids - Como Construction Co. & Ciccone Construction Inc. A representative from Harmony Township attended the meeting and offered a verbal intergovernmental contract. Anthony Palonis made a motion to hire Harmony Township intergovernmental agreement. Robert Buck seconded the motion. In favor, Anthony Palonis, Arthur Kopp, & Robert Buck. Opposed, Jack Downton, Barbara Glover, Robert Martin, Michael Martin. Anthony Palonis made a motion to reject bids and resubmit for next month. Robert Buck seconded the motion. In favor, Anthony Palonis, Arthur Kopp, Robert Buck. Opposed, Jack Downton, Barbara Glover, Robert Martin & Michael Martin. Motion made by Michael Martin to accept Como Construction bid hourly rate. Seconded by Robert Martin. In favor, Barbara Glover, Jack Downton, Robert Martin & Michael Martin. Opposed, Arthur Kopp, Robert Buck & Anthony Palonis. A bill from Harmony Township was opened for February snow removal. The motion to pay Harmony Township carried unanimously. Correspondence read: Robert Martin made a motion to send Attorney Coleman a letter stating that Rhondra Baldwin is new secretary. Arthur Kopp seconded the motion. In favor Jack Downton, Arthur Kopp, Barbara Glover, Robert Martin, Michael Martin & Anthony Palonis. Robert Buck abstained. Motion made by Michael Martin to provide auditors with 2006-2009 minutes and bank statements. Robert Martin seconded the motion. In favor, Barbara Glover, Jack Downton, Michael Martin & Robert Martin. Opposed, Anthony Palonis, Arthur Kopp and Robert Buck. Letter from Election Board: the motion to let them use the Community Hall for elections carried unanimously. Letter from USR: Barbara Glover made a motion to table the subdivision and ordinance until next meeting. Seconded by Robert Martin. In favor, Jack Downton, Michael Martin, Barbara Glover and Robert Martin. Opposed, Arthur Kopp, Robert Buck and Anthony Palonis. Bound Minute Book: The motion to purchase a bound minute book up to $100.00 carried unanimously. Jack Downton brought up discussion on materials for road work and what Penn dot had told him about Co-Star Program. The motion for Bill Pykes for 2010 road material carried unanimously. The motion to send a copy of the letter from Ken Rauch to Solicitor Treat, Insurance Co. & Auditors carried unanimously. Anthony Palonis made a motion to send letter to the Insurance Co. for written notification of two lawsuits. Robert martin seconded the motion. In favor, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, Anthony Palonis, Robert Buck, Michael Martin and Robert Martin. Jack Downton abstained. Robert Martin made a motion for the Auditors Ordinance to be advertised. Seconded by Michael Martin. In favor, Jack Downton, Barbara Glover, Robert Martin and Michael Martin. Opposed, Anthony Palonis, Arthur Kopp and Robert Buck. Letter to Auditor General: Robert Martin presented a letter stating 2010 Council was not involved and did not vote to have January 15 amended Auditor Generals report filed in the courthouse making a motion to send letter to Auditor General Jack Wagner. Seconded by Michael Martin. In favor, Barbara Glover, Jack Downton, Robert Martin and Michael Martin. Opposed, Arthur Kopp, Anthony Palonis and Robert Buck. Borough Seal: The motion stating as long as the borough seal was lost, anything that is registered with old seal is falsely done from January 1, 2010, carried unanimously. FEMA-Wall Project: Jack Downton presented documentation from 2006 through 2009. Council and FEMA agent Darl Haynes stating FEMA required the monies be deobligated due to the wall being on private property. Documentation from FEMA clearly states the Borough was eligible and the Council chose not to do the project. Darl Haynes deobligated the full amount of the project on September 15, 2006 which was not voted on by council until 2007 to send first $38,000 back and 2008 to send the remaining $84,000 back. There were seven project worksheets for the wall and only pages 2 and 3 were audited. Barbara Glover made a motion to form a wall committee consisting of Barbara Glover, Jack Downton, Robert Martin and Michael Martin to review wall project. Robert Martin seconded the motion. In favor, Robert Martin, Michael Martin, Jack Downton and Barbara Glover. Opposed, Arthur Kopp, Anthony Palonis and Robert Buck. Treasurer Bond: The motion to increase bond to $25,000 carried unanimously. Advertising for ball field signs: The motion to draft a letter to send out for advertising fee for ball field signs at $75.00 carried unanimously. Maryann DeBalko reported on the flood insurance program. Anthony Palonis made a motion to access the people: Jack Downton, Paul Everett, Robert Weldy, Pat Schneyer, Lou Gurske and Brigette D’Agati collectively for the cost of the investigation performed by Starrucca Borough Council. The investigation includes, but is not limited to the following: FEMA-PEMA funding for the Shadigee Creek Wall Project, and for the following members of council - Paul Everett, Robert Weldy, Brigette D’Agati voting to accept Ken Rauch Excavating’s proposal for repair of the Shadigee Creek Wall. The said contract was signed by borough secretary Pat Schneyer. A copy of the attorney’s invoices for 2006-2009 will provide the basis for the investigative costs incurred during this time. The cost of the investigation is to be paid in full to Starrucca Borough by April 15, 2010. If the cost of the investigation is not paid in full by April 15, 2010 it will be turned over to borough solicitor, Atty. Treat to collect. If the borough solicitor Treat has not collected, in full, the costs of the investigation by April 29, 2010, further legal action will be taken. Please send a copy of this motion via Registered Mail to the following parties: Jack Downton, Paul Everett, Robert Weldy, Pat Schneyer, Lou Gurske, Brigette D’Agati, Atty. Jeffrey Treat and Ronald Bugaj. Arthur Kopp seconded the motion. In favor Anthony Palonis, Arthur Kopp and Robert Buck. Opposed, Jack Downton, Barbara Glover, Robert Martin and Michael Martin. Motion failed. Addition to Anthony Palonis’ motion by Jack Downton, Tony Palonis motion to assess people for the costs of the investigations is nothing less than a continuation of retaliation and slander. Discussion on Kellogg Road. Robert Buck made a motion to send a letter to solicitor Jeffrey Treat to find out if Jack Downton can legally vote, conflict of interest on this motion that Anthony Palonis made, who can vote & who can not. Anthony Palonis seconded the motion. In favor, Arthur Kopp, Anthony Palonis and Robert Buck. Opposed, Jack Downton, Barbara Glover, Robert Martin and Michael Martin. Motion failed. Public comments: Pat Schneyer’s sluice pipes replaced went from 2 to 4 sluices. This is going to be an on going problem. Paul Everett read special meeting minutes from 11/18/2004 on FEMA-PEMA. Discussion continued on wall project. With no further business, at 9:54 p.m., the motion to adjourn the meeting carried.
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