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Issue Home June 16, 2010 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Harford Muffled - Part 2
Commissioner Questions Hiring
Courthouse Report
G. B. Considers Police, Again
Forest City Seeks Personnel
Local Government On The Way Out?
G. B. Twsp. Hires Two For Roads
Montrose Council After The Move


 

Harford Muffled - Part 2
By Ted Brewster

The Harford Township Supervisors formally adopted a “Noise Ordinance” at their meeting on June 8. Last month, Supervisor Garry Foltz read out the entire document that hopes to ensure for residents the “peaceful enjoyment” of their surroundings, without impacting the operations of local businesses.

This time Mr. Foltz simply summarized the measure, reading sections of it for clarity, particularly the long list of exempted activities. In general, the ordinance will prohibit “noise pollution” as a “nuisance” in the township outside the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and can be enforced by the Supervisors or the State Police. The Supervisors will not go looking for violations; residents may make written complaint to the township office, and must identify themselves. The ordinance provides for a 6-month warning period for a first offence. Second and following violations will send the miscreant to the District Justice, who may impose fines up to $500, or jail time up to 30 days. The Supervisors said they expected most complaints to be resolved without resort to formal prosecution.

One member of the small group in attendance was concerned about the potential effect of the new ordinance on his business, particularly with regard to the use of “jake brakes” on heavily-loaded trucks, which he said are necessary on hills as a safety measure. Jake brakes, or Jacobs Brakes, use the compression of a truck’s engine to help slow the vehicle, and are considered to be particularly noisy. While Mr. Foltz said that the ordinance does indeed apply to the use of jake brakes, he emphasized that the Supervisors did not “intend to hurt businesses … [or] farmers” with the measure. Many of the exemptions in the ordinance apply to local businesses, including even churches and shooting ranges. He said, however, that most such activities would most reasonably occur during the day, rather than late at night. Celebrations of Independence Day and New Year’s Eve are also exempted.

The ordinance also allows for the issuance of waivers, for example for special projects of a temporary nature. The Harford Fair would be granted an annual waiver for the week-long event that often emits significant levels of sound for tractor pulls and musical presentations. The Fair would be able to “continue as they always have in the past,” said Mr. Foltz.

The ordinance was run by the Township’s solicitor, who responded that the measure “edges toward zoning.” Mr. Foltz said that he thought zoning could be a “positive thing” as long as it is properly implemented and explained. However, he also said that he thought Harford was not yet ready for zoning.

The major impetus for the noise ordinance was Mr. Foltz’s concern about the possible siting of natural gas compression facilities in the township, which he hoped to keep out of the hearing of most residents. He said that the ordinance does not specify decibel levels, but that he is developing another ordinance that would do just that, and would be targeted more specifically at gas exploration and extraction activities in the township.

The Township itself is preparing to sign leases with Cabot Oil for each of its 3 properties (the township building and garage; the sewer plant; and the ball field). A standard lease with 34 addenda was pared down to just 6 amendments would pay the township $5,750 per acre as a signing bonus, and provide a royalty of 21% on extracted gas.

Mr. Foltz said that he recently attended a meeting with 7 other municipalities and representatives of Geokinetics, Inc., who expect to begin seismic testing over about 90 square miles in the area. The municipalities involved include Harford, Gibson, Lenox, Clifford and Herrick townships, as well as Lathrop and Hop Bottom boroughs. Stakes flagged with orange and white tags will begin to appear in the area as testing gets under way.

In his road report, Supervisor and Roadmaster Terry VanGorden said that the crew is still working in Section 1. However, because of increasing complaints about dust, the Supervisors decided to purchase $1,600 worth of bagged calcium to apply to the worst areas in other parts of the township. Mr. VanGorden still prefers to oil the roads as a better longer-term solution, but can’t apply the expensive AEP product until the roadwork is completed. The Supervisors also purchased a new stone rake for over $5,000.

The sewer system got nearly $3,700 worth of upgrades, particularly to its flow meters.

At the very end of the meeting, Mr. Foltz reported receiving a number of letters, some regarding properties on state roads that do not affect the township directly. One, however, referred to Tingley Lake drainage. He wouldn’t disclose the name of the writer, but said that the letter indicated a misunderstanding about the $500,000 interest-free loan the township took to help with projects of this sort. He said that if the money was spent on the project to replace the sluice under Stearns Road at the outlet of Tingley Lake (estimated to cost over $200,000, “which this township does not have,” said he), township taxpayers would have to pay it back. He said that the township has applied for grants to help with the project, but so far without result.

A couple who live on Tingley Lake and have been flooded twice in recent years, asked the Supervisors to consider alternatives. One might be to install 3 or more smaller pipes under the road at the level of the dam that would only come into play if the lake was in danger of flooding again. The Supervisors claimed a number of potential obstacles to such an approach, including the depth of the sewer line under the road and the cost of up to 16 sections of 20-foot plastic pipe. “I don’t think they’ll let us do it,” said Mr. Foltz, referring to the state organs that must issue permits. “Will you ask?” was the retort.

The Supervisors promised to look into the possibilities, offering to respond at the next meeting, which should be on Tuesday, July 12, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the township building.

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Commissioner Questions Hiring
By Susan E. Gesford

Susquehanna County Commissioners handled a brief agenda quickly at the June 9 meeting.

Dean Johnson, Uniondale, has been hired to fill the field appraiser position left open when Tom Button was chosen to take over as Chief Tax Assessor for the county upon the retirement of Richard Kamansky in August, with one commissioner declining to vote.

Commissioner Michael Giangrieco expressed some surprise that the choice was being approved at this time. He said he was under the impression that the commissioners would meet to discuss the three applicants for the job. Commissioner MaryAnn Warren stated the choice of Johnson was a case of the department head choosing an employee, and that was what "per the recommendation of," in the words of the motion meant. "I thought we were going to discuss this between ourselves," Giangrieco replied, "I abstain from the vote."

Johnson has a real estate background and will cover residential appraisals in Montrose and Forest City boroughs. The chief assessor is responsible for assessment of commercial real estate in the county.

Commissioners accepted with regret the resignation of Kathy Blaisure from her position in Soil Conservation office. Ms. Blaisure wishes to spend more time with her family.

Barry Abbot was recognized and commended by the commissioners for his five years of service as an employee in the county's maintenance department.

Commissioners agreed to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes on a property consisting of a trailer on lot 4 Maple Leaf Park in Bridgewater Township, and a trailer on P&R White Land in Gibson Township. The Tax Claim Bureau was also excused from collecting an amount accrued from 1987 through 1990 on 18 properties sold free and clear by a federal court ordered sale regarding the Raymond Colliery.

The commissioners authorized signing the Administrative Entity Operating Agreement between the Dept. of Public Welfare, Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Susquehanna County, naming Lackawanna/Susquehanna Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR) as the administrator. What this means, explained MH/MR head Steve Arnone, is that MH/MR will conduct administrative functions on behalf of the county for persons with mental retardation to comply with state mandates.

The bid for purchase and installation of a vertical oil storage tank and relocation of two existing tanks was awarded to K.W. Oil Inc., Forest City, for $9,250.60.

Bob DeLuca, Elk Mountain Ski Center, and Lynn Conrad, Rail-Trail Council of NE PA were reappointed as representatives to the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau. Sam Kamenitzer, Fern Hall Inn, was newly appointed. All terms are for July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012. Commissioner Leon Allen is the country's representative to the EMVB.

The next Susquehanna County Commissioners public meeting is 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, in the county office building downstairs conference room, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose.

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Courthouse Report
Compiled By Lauren Price Ficarro

DEEDS

Christine Young (by sheriff) to Fannie Mae, in Lenox Township for $1,307.15.

Robyn M. and Brian Rose to William P. and Patrice Ward, in Herrick Township for $120,000.00.

Paul F. Stanley to Justin Stanely, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Mary E. Button to Robert E. Button, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Adele Liepinis to William H. and Cindy Liepinis, in Gibson Township for $120,000.00.

Wells Fargo Bank to Fred Conrad, in Gibson Township for $33,000.00.

Marie A. Gillette to Donald Race and Bonnie E. Crossman, in Clifford Township for $100,000.00.

Torrance K. and Melissa Tittle to Diaz Family Limited Partnership, in Bridgewater Township for $140,000.00.

Edythe M. Rowett to Edythe M. Rowett, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Antoinette (AKA) Antoinette A. Calafut (estate) to Theresa M., George J. and Andrew M. Calafut, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Carol J. Curran to Carol J. Curran, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Jack M. (AKA) Jack Norris to RM Dubas LLC, in Susquehanna for $110,000.00.

James D., Sr. and Dona Lee Warner to Dale F. and Kim K. Payne, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

James A. and G. Kay Norton to Jason Wilbur, in Ararat Township for $35,000.00.

Mario Fasullo to Mario and Luciano G. Fasullo, in Harford Township for one dollar.

Warren (AKA) Warren D. and Sieglinde Tompkins to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (trustee) and Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc., in Silver Lake Township for $3,654.58.

Jason Ross to Baron & Baron, in Lanesboro Borough for $25,000.00.

Patrick J. Skelly to Patrick J. (trust) and Monica (trustee) Skelly, in Jackson Township for $10.00.

Patrick J. Skelly to Patrick J. (trust) and Monica (trustee) Skelly, in New Milford Township for $10.00.

Patrick J. Skelly to Patrick J. (trust) and Monica (trustee) Skelly, in Jackson Township for $10.00.

Patrick J. Skelly to Patrick J. (trust) and Monica (trustee) Skelly, in New Milford Township for $10.00.

Patrick J. Skelly to Patrick J. (trust) and Monica (trustee) Skelly, in New Milford Township for $10.00.

DIVORCES

Dorothy M. Ross vs. Lewis S. Ross, both of Hallstead, married 1970.

Melissa S. Brown of Tunkhannock vs. Jonathan R. Brown of Meshoppen, married 2000.

Melanie A. Rafferty of Susquehanna vs. Patrick J. Rafferty, Jr. of Carbondale, married 1999.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 11:27 a.m. on June 11, 2010.

Antonio L. Alcantara, Erika L. Back, Harold R. Bensley, Tonya S. Birchard, David Shawn Blaisure, Devin S. Brewer, Howard A. Burns, III, Frank J. Deriancho, Deborah L. Drish, David J. Fischer, Racheal L. Frisbie, 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.

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G. B. Considers Police, Again
By Ted Brewster

Years ago Great Bend Borough shared a police department with neighboring municipalities. That effort dissolved about 10 years ago when first one, then others of the participating towns and townships withdrew. Great Bend Borough, which headquartered the small force, was the last to pull out, and is still dealing with the consequences, with former police chief Charles Martell disputing his pension. Now the borough wants to try again.

Concerned about speeding on Main Street and vandalism in the parks, the borough council has been casting about for some sort of police service to supplement meager support from the State Police. First the town council tried to contract with Lanesboro for some time from the latter’s officers. That fell apart when the offered hourly cost wouldn’t support rising fuel costs, and Lanesboro in the end wouldn’t sign on. Then they tried to interest the Montrose police in a service similar to the part-time service Montrose provides to New Milford. But there were reports of dissatisfaction in New Milford with the way the police were operating, and Montrose never responded to Great Bend’s solicitations.

Most recently, a group of people from a number of neighboring municipalities formed a committee to study the possibility of a “regional” police force that might cover Great Bend Borough and Township, Hallstead Borough, Oakland Township and Borough, and maybe even Susquehanna. The impetus this time was the threat of legislation in Harrisburg that would charge a steep fee for State Police service to any municipality without its own police force. But the committee’s efforts collapsed as the legislation looked less and less likely to pass, and the participating groups pulled out and failed to attend scheduled meetings.

Members of the Great Bend Borough Council, however, are still interested in getting more police coverage in the little town of 700 residents. So Mayor Jim Riecke and several members of Council met with Tom Golka and Chief Jon Record of the Lanesboro Police Department on June 10 to get more information.

With Council member and vice chair Jerry MacConnell presiding, the group focused on what such a police force for the borough might cost. Chief Record presented a detailed breakdown of the kinds of expenses the borough could expect to start up a new police force, and the kind of annual budget it might need. He said that the budget of the Lanesboro department is about $22,000 for 4 part-time officers.

Late last year, in anticipation of the stiff fee Harrisburg might demand for State Police service - or for an alternative local force - the borough Council boosted property tax rates to add about $20,000 to the borough budget for this purpose. With money available, Council members present at this unofficial “work session” seemed eager to move forward.

From the figures presented and discussed, it appears that minimum start-up costs for Great Bend Borough might be in the neighborhood of $9,000; start-up costs include purchase of a car, computer, equipment and supplies. After working over the figures, Mr. Riecke estimated annual costs thereafter at about $525 per week, or about $27,000 per year, plus unknown costs for insurance. It would be crucial that Council determine additional insurance costs, however, before such estimates could be firmed up.

Mr. Record noted that fines for various offences would offset some of the annual expenses, and grant money might be available for some of the start-up costs; Lanesboro, for example, just got a new police car through a grant. In addition, some costs could be shared with municipalities who employ the same officers, for things like ammunition for annual firearms certification and other such state-mandated requirements. Other items, like FAX capability, might be shared with the Great Bend Borough office.

Chief Record recommended starting with 3 part-time officers. He said that the Borough would probably need a new ordinance to establish its own police force; he said startup could take several months. However, Mr. Golka said that if the certification of the old, defunct police department could be resurrected, it might not take as long. Mayor Riecke wanted to be sure that starting up a new police department by reviving the old one doesn’t carry the baggage of the old one along with it.

Mr. Record and Mr. Golka have developed a policy and procedures manual for the Lanesboro force from state documents and would use the same material for Great Bend Borough; he said the manual is considered a “restricted document” and not generally available to the public under the “sunshine” laws.

Mr. Riecke considers finding some sort of police service the town’s most important objective right now. And Mr. MacConnell is all for it, saying, “I’m ‘go all the way’ on this.” Everyone agreed to schedule a special, official, Council meeting for Tuesday, June 22, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the borough building in Great Bend.

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Forest City Seeks Personnel
By Stephanie Everett

Preliminary matters at Forest City’s June business meeting involved personnel. The board terminated Susan Coleman, who served as the borough secretary, treasurer and zoning officer, retroactive to May 25. A cause for the dismissal was not discussed. The board moved to advertise for a part-time secretary and zoning officer, as well as for three volunteers to serve on a hearing board for code enforcement appeals.

Next, the board passed a motion to accept a retaining wall maintenance agreement with Penn-DOT, whereby Penn-DOT will construct a retaining wall on a Dundaff Street embankment, and the borough will be responsible for maintenance of the completed wall. Robert Trusky, president of the board, pointed out that the construction of the wall is holding up the Dundaff Street project, as road construction will not resume until the wall is completed.

Forest City Mayor, Patrick Coles, thanked MaryAnn Corey for organizing the “painting the town” project. Coles also thanked the sportsmen’s clubs for hosting the fishing derby. Coles reported that Rail-Trail representatives have requested the borough’s assistance for potential problems where the trail runs through Forest City land. Council tabled the matter for further discussion.

In his report to Council, borough solicitor, Paul E. Smith, clarified the Vision 2000 home repair program, in which participating residents received interest-free loans for home improvements. A question had arisen about a ten-year forgiveness of the loan, but Smith stated that no supporting documents could be found. Any remaining loans must be paid to the borough upon transfer of the property.

At Smith’s suggestion, the board passed a motion to advertise an ordinance concerning junk cars in yards, and another concerning waste dumpsters.

Robert Tedesco, head of public works, stated that the borough sewer truck currently is not passing inspection. As a lot of money has recently been invested in the vehicle, Council passed a motion to repair the sewer truck, at a cost not to exceed $4G.

Council next agreed to stay a demolition order for a South Street property, on the grounds that the new owner will repair the property and pay back fines. Council reported that property clean-up has already commenced. The demolition order will be stayed for sixty days from the property purchase date.

During public comment, a Dundaff Street resident stated that “nothing is being done” about her request to have a sidewalk installed in front of her house and five other homes on the street. The resident stated that she was not present for the meeting fifteen years ago, when the sidewalk contract was drawn up, because she did not know about it. However, she stated that after thirty years of paying taxes, she should be included in the project and will continue to work toward having a sidewalk installed in front of her house.

Residents are reminded that the Forest City meeting scheduled for July 5 has been postponed until July 6. Borough meetings begin at 7 p.m.

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Local Government On The Way Out?

Just when most of the state’s municipalities are grappling to find ways to deal with the impending action of HB1500, which would require all of them to provide fulltime police coverage, yet another bill is pending that could greatly impact local government. The Oakland Township Supervisors discussed it at their June 8 meeting, after reading about it in the PA State Association of Townships monthly bulletin.

HB 2431 has been introduced by state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, and, if it passes, would allow local municipalities to only exist under the jurisdiction of the county, which would then determine what type of duties municipal officials would perform. Counties would be given all control of personnel, law enforcement, land use and zoning, sanitation, and health and safety. However, the bill does face some difficult requirements; the joint resolution would have to be approved by a majority vote in the General Assembly in two successive sessions. It would not require the governor’s approval, but if it is approved in two successive sessions a referendum would be placed on the ballot for voters’ approval. The supervisors agreed that the bill’s progress should be watched.

In other business, repairs to the grader have been completed, and the supervisors went over the spring road review. Work has been completed on Cookish and Hillborn Roads.

There was some discussion about logging activity on Bed Bug Hollow; the road is in good shape, but problems continue with beavers building dams adjacent to the road. The lower dam broke, causing a washout and plugged a culvert. There was further discussion about what to do about the beavers; if they are removed, more show up and if the dam is damaged, they immediately begin rebuilding.

The (road) weight limit ordinance is on the back burner for the time being, and a building ordinance has been moved to the front burner, as it is more critical.

The township’s solicitor has contacted the parties involved in unauthorized road work on township roads, and copies of the letters sent were reviewed.

Two building permits were issued, one for a utility shed and one for installation of a trailer. A lengthy list of building and sewage violations were reviewed.

The township is continuing to participate in regional police meetings with Oakland Boro and Lanesboro, and Susquehanna Boro has requested to join their discussions. A meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on June 30 at the township building.

A motion carried to accept a fee schedule for certification fees charged by the township tax collectors, as well as fees for returned checks and duplicate bills. Also adopted was a resolution covering the commission on collection of the township’s amusement tax.

And, the supervisors approved an annual donation to the Endless Mountains Visitors’ Bureau in the amount of $55.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m.

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G. B. Twsp. Hires Two For Roads

The Great Bend Township Supervisors announced at their June 7 meeting that, following interviews held prior to last month’s meeting, two new members of the road crew have been hired, Brad Marvin and Dick Luce. Both were said to be well qualified and working very well together.

Work on Graham Hollow and Sienko Road has been completed, and the crew had been cleaning up fallen branches and debris after the previous weekend’s storm.

The supervisors were also pleased to announce that the Bridging Communities sidewalk project had started, and was reported to be going smoothly.

Permits issued included assessment and UCC permits to Robert Lee, Jay Berry, and John and Patricia Ord. The county has given final approval to the Squier/Dollar General non-residential subdivision. And, a bluestone non-coal mining permit was issued to Jorge Armondo Tobon for the Benjamin No. 1 Quarry operation.

Correspondence included a letter from a resident listing several concerns including the fact that the township has no police coverage other than the State Police, and listing incidents of speeding vehicles, four-wheelers on the road, and after-dark parties going on in the cemetery complete with campfires and fireworks. Also mentioned were homes in questionable condition and animals not being adequately taken care of. The correspondent said that the State Police had been contacted, but would not help. The supervisors noted her concerns, but also noted that there is not a lot that could be done; the township does not have zoning or municipal police coverage. The supervisors noted that they are currently participating in discussions to start a regional police department.

NTRPDC has notified the township that there is a traffic signal retrofit program. Grant funding will cover 80% of replacing incandescent bulbs with new LED bulbs. The cost to replace the township’s traffic signal would cost the township approximately $350 (20% of the total cost), and it was agreed to apply, as the savings in electric costs the first year alone would cover the township’s portion of the replacement.

Emerson Fiske has expressed interest to be the township’s representative on the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority, but as he was not present at this meeting, a motion carried to appoint him to the position pending his consent.

And, three possible candidates will be contacted concerning the open Emergency Management Coordinator position.

The next meeting will be on Monday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m.

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Montrose Council After The Move
By Melinda Darrow

The Montrose borough meeting began almost twenty-four minutes late, as the council waited, apparently, for at least one more member to arrive so that anything could be approved. This allowed some the opportunity to receive a tour of the new building, in which the meeting was held for the first time.

Jack Yeager retired from his spot on the council, after many years of faithful service to the borough. It was proposed that an ad be run for the open seat. Council had received one letter of interest already. There is a thirty day period, it was stated, before they would have to go to the vacancy board.

During his report, street department foreman Ken DiPhillips reported on the work done by the class of 2013 volunteers. Although he wasn't quite prepared for the number of students who came (around 60 it was estimated) the students, who had offered their services at a prior meeting, got a lot of work done he said. The service act was termed a “great thing for the community.” It was decided that a letter of appreciation would be sent out.

Apparently, after significant amounts of discussion about whether or not council would approve their request to run testing cables across borough roads, Dawson Geophysical decided to bypass the borough altogether and go straight to Penndot. A one year permit was granted. The cables, then, would be laid on the parade route, about which council was concerned. Mr. Granahan said that at another site he had seen, the cables were very large. Various people expressed fear that someone would trip across the wires and become injured on that day. It was suggested that, permit or no permit, the cables be pulled up prior to the parade. It was also proposed that someone try to talk to PennDOT, and explain the concern for the town's public health and safety.

The walking track looks good, it was said. Someone then quipped that it “walked good” too.

There was discussion surrounding the police's impala cruiser, on which the transmission went, eliminating first gear. The discussion was regarding whether or not it was worth trying to fix and sell the car, or if it would be wiser to just try and sell it. A $15,000 grant has apparently been approved toward the purchase of a new vehicle, and the question was raised as to whether or not the borough could purchase a car now and get reimbursed with the grant. The matter was tabled in the end, for further discussion.

The resignation of Cynthia Lewis was accepted with regret from her position on the Zoning board. It was decided that this also would be advertised, and led to talk of other openings within the municipal boards and committees.

The council had been requested to sign off on the 2008 audit, but those present were uncomfortable because several issues related to the old secretary had been missed during it. It was thought that the DCED report attached to the request could be submitted without a signature. It was inquired if this signature would preclude council from complaining about the audit or filing an action because of it. This too was tabled for the recessed meeting.

The duties of the treasurer, appointed at a prior meeting, were refined and defined. The treasurer would be, it was stated, responsible for creating a profit and loss statement, comparing the budget to actual spending each month. Toward year's end, a comparison would also be done of actual expenses between budget expenses, along with a preliminary budget write up.

The much beleaguered skateboard ordinance was further dealt with. It was asked why the police couldn't just tell kids not to do it. It was responded that they could, but without an ordinance the order would have no teeth. There are laws on sidewalks pertaining to bicycles, but none regarding skateboards and roller skates. A few ordinances were given to the council for consideration. Various council members liked the same ordinance, which seemed to be written due to safety concerns, and stipulated that nothing would be returned without a parent or guardian present. The police could confiscate the skateboards, and a parent would have to come to pick it up. There was also talk of a fine being attached, or community service, perhaps with the juvenile being fined and the parent liable if the juvenile didn't pay. Ms. O'Malley, however, expressed some concern over the confiscation of someone's personal property. The ordinance would have to be advertised prior to acceptance; it was agreed upon that the streets would be defined and a fine added in. Further discussion was scheduled for the recessed meeting.

After an executive session, it was announced that David Darrow had been presented with a full-time package for employment. The pay rate was set at $13 an hour, with work to include zoning, park maintenance, building maintenance, and other duties as assigned. Also, the pay rates of Mr. Singer and Mr. Kinney were raised to the same amount.

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