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HEADLINES: B/R Teachers Reject Early Offer In a surprising move, the Blue Ridge School Board posted on the District’s web site a 4-year contract offered recently to the teachers in “early bird” negotiations. The document appeared on the front page of the site the morning after the Board’s business meeting on January 10 headed with the note, “THIS OFFER WAS REJECTED BY THE (BREA) BLUE RIDGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.” As the meeting got under way, President Alan Hall announced that the Board had met in executive session to discuss negotiating strategy. They had been meeting for strategy sessions for several weeks hoping that Mr. Hall’s discussions with the teachers would lead to an early agreement and avoid protracted wrangling as the current contract winds down toward the end of the school year. According to Mr. Hall, the teachers seemed to be most concerned with increases in teacher contributions to health-care costs. The professional staff now pays 1-2% of health-care insurance premiums, and, he said, they seemed willing to continue at that level. However, the Board’s new contract offer would lift that in stages to 6.25-7.5% (depending on single or family coverage) by the 2014-2015 school year. The proposal would raise salaries 3% per year. The contract offered the teachers does not permit layoffs. Mr. Hall said the teachers also expressed some concern with retirement provisions, particularly the incentive program. Salaries now account for about $5 million in the Blue Ridge budget. Another $2 million per year is spent to provide health-care insurance under a self-funded plan. Mr. Hall has said that one of his goals is to reduce taxes as enrollment declines. Mr. Hall also said that the teachers involved in the negotiations seemed to prefer to allow the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), their professional organization at the state level, to participate in the contract negotiations. The District, of course, has its own organization, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), and it appears that both sides will now bring their lawyers to bear. In other business, the Board dispatched a 14-point agenda with a single motion. Most of the items were routine personnel matters. The resignation of Karrie Phelps as part-time nurse prompted Laurie Brown-Bonner to ask if the nursing office is sufficiently staffed. She was told that the head nurse thinks she can “make it work with 3” people. Three teachers, Lisa Fisher, Edward Goff and Barbara Klim offered letters of intent to retire at the end of this school year under the current incentive program. The Board approved a list of changes to its policy manual, proposed last month and covering topics such as harassment among the staff, student recruitment, overtime for classified employees and the method of announcing school closings. Most of the changes were minor, and all policies are available on the District web site. Having solicited bids as required, the Board named Johnson Controls as prime contractor for the “Guaranteed Energy Services” program developed a few months ago… by Johnson Controls. The contract will be worth about $1 million. It will encompass a range of energy-conservation measures throughout the facility. While the District will have to front the money for whatever measures are decided on, under a state-sponsored program the contract guarantees that in the end, through energy savings and some state and federal incentives, the District will at least come out even. The energy-conservation program is phase one of a project that in its second phase may see the construction of a large wind-energy tower on the campus. Mr. Hall announced that the District was approved for $6 million in 1% bonds under the federal “Qualified Zone Academy Bonds” (QZAB) program to help pay for the project. Johnson Controls estimates that a single 100-foot windmill tower can power the entire campus. A 14-month study will undertake to determine a more precise estimate of the potential for wind energy on the Blue Ridge hilltop. With the approach of budget deadlines, the Board voted to commit the District to increase taxes by no more than the index limit set by the state Department of Education, which for Blue Ridge this year will be 2%. Were the budget to require an increase in local property taxes above the defined limit, it would have to be approved by voters at an election. The Board also approved a motion to transfer $250,000 to each of the capital reserve and health insurance funds from the general fund. Mr. Hall said that the increment to the capital fund is intended primarily for the renovation of the main gym floor. Auditors recommended bolstering the fund that supports the District’s self-funded health insurance program, which ended the last fiscal year with a trivial balance. January is designated School Board Appreciation Month in Pennsylvania. Superintendent Robert McTiernan reminded listeners that School Board members in Pennsylvania serve entirely without pay. He distributed certificates to each members each member, and all enjoyed a sugary cake following the meeting. One member will get an even better prize. Student Board Representative Theresa Whitehead was selected to join 120 other young musicians from around the country on a European tour in July, sponsored by an outfit called “American Music Abroad.” The Blue Ridge School Board will next meet for a workshop on Monday, January 24. Board meetings begin at 7:30 p.m., but committees often gather as early as 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. All meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Ennis To Fill FCR Chair Forest City Regional School Board members accepted the resignation of member Nancy Marcinkus at a business meeting held January 10. Marcinkus covered Region 5, Pleasant Mount. Following, applicants Jeffrey Zukosky and Margaret Ennis, JD were interviewed to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term, which expires at the end of November. After a five-minute caucus, board members selected Ennis to fill the chair. However, board members encouraged both individuals to run for the position in the November election. In observance of School Director Recognition Month, Superintendent Dr. Robert Vadella distributed certificates to all board members. He commented that board members are volunteers who face criticism and “pretty tough decisions” on behalf of the students of the district. Also recognized at the meeting were December’s outstanding seniors, Andrea Burleigh and Adam Dix. Dr. Henry Nebzydoski congratulated the students, describing children as “our most important renewable asset.” With Title I budget money carried over from last year and an additional $56,000 in funding, the board voted to hire four additional high school math teachers for the remainder of the school year. Vadella projected that one permanent position will be utilized for the fall term, funded under Title I. He explained that in the past, funds generally were distributed in the elementary school and “basically stemmed the flow of deficiencies entering the high school.” However, he added, “It’s time to devote some resources [directly to] the high school.” In his report, Vadella noted that a school breakfast program had begun that day. Through federal funding, each day a free breakfast will be available for all elementary students. Vadella concluded by presenting a breakdown of finances for the Forest City Regional Pre-K program, mentioning that he has heard repetitious questions about funding. “It’s a self-sustaining program at this point… All costs are being paid with grant monies,” he said.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Keith Wilcox to Wayne and Anthony Wilcox, in Forest City for one dollar. Allen R. and Amy J. Coy to Allen R. and Amy J. Coy, in Franklin Township for one dollar. Diana A. and Vincent C. Quattrocchi to Vincent C. Quattrocchi, in Jessup Township for one dollar. Cecil and Marilyn Kilmer to Robert J. Salansky, Jr., in Gibson Township for one dollar. Cecil and Marilyn Kilmer to Robert J. Salansky, Jr., in Gibson Township for $110,000.00. Douglas W. and Kim Walters (AKA) Kim Hall to Douglas W. Walters for one dollar. William D. (trust by trustee) and Clarice E. (trust by trustee) Odenkirk to Mark P. and Bernadette Kanna for $125,000.00. George P. and Joan M. Hicks to Thomas A. and Ana R. Reed for $188,500.00. Theresa Y. Arthofer to Theresa Y. Arthofer and David A. Ragantesi, in New Milford Township. Audrey A. Allen to Kyle L. Payne, in Harford Township for $16,000.00. Alta C. Decker to Dale and Deborah Grover, in Rush Township for $70,000.00. Leah M. Deliberto (estate by sheriff) to Financial Freedom Acquisition LLC, in Great Bend Township for $4,042.62. Jeffrey McRoberts and Mary Sebastiani to Jeffrey McRoberts, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Kurt and Guido (estate) Kumetz to WMP 2 LP, in Auburn Township for $399,000.00. Ryan A. Soden to Jeffrey L. and Barbara J. Hollister, in Montrose for one dollar. Jeffrey L. and Barbara J. Hollister to Ryan A. Soden, in Montrose for one dollar. Ryan A. and Courtney J. Soden to Ryan A. and Courtney J. Soden, in Montrose, for one dollar. DIVORCES Rosario Amato of Montrose vs. Mariagiazia Troia Amato of Dickson City, married 2005. Michael J. Hubbard of Dimock vs. Chrissy R. Hubbard of Wayne Co., marries 2009. John P. Kelley, Jr. of New Milford vs. Mara K. Kelley of Blakely, married 2001. Anthony Clark Bertolini of Owings Mills, NY vs. Megan Song Bertolini of Binghamton, married 2009. Patricia Gail Stimmel vs. Kenneth Leroy Stimmel, both of Montrose, married 1991. Jo Ann Sampson of Union Dale vs. Thomas M. Sampson of Thompson, married 2007. Jeffrey McRoberts of Thompson vs. Mary Sebastiani of New York, NY, married 1999. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:26 a.m. on January 14, 2011. Asa Atherholt, Erika L. Back, David Shawn Blaisure, Ryan T. Brooks, Douglas Buckman, Bryan S. Burnett, Howard A. Burns, III, John C. Creps, David Depue-Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Thomas Fisher, Ryan M. God, Jeremy J. Grick, Andy L. Groff, David Haines, Jr., Keith G. Harms, William Neil Hendrickson, Gerald C. Hundley, Jason R. James, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Casey J. Lawton, Joshua S. Lee, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick Lezinsky, Jason Lindquist, Mark C. McCarey, Jennifer M. Miller, Shane Nelson, Jeremy Presson, Theresa A. Pushinaitis, Arthur D. Quick, Michael S. Rieman, David J. Shiner, Richard D. Shoemaker, Garrett M. Staudinger (aka Thomas), Justin Thompson, Todd M. West, Roderic R. Williams, Steven G. Wormuth, Karl D. Zantowsky, Donna Zeluff. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Gibson Barracks Report CRASH On January 3 at 9:15 p.m. Luke Barret of Laceyville was traveling southbound on SR 367 in Rush Twp. when he lost control while rounding a left had curve in the road, exiting off the west berm. The vehicle then struck a utility pole and overturned, coming to rest on its roof. Barnett was not utilizing a seatbelt; he was not injured. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Force's towing. CRASH On January 8 at 2:10 p.m. Jacques Charron of Cantley, QC was traveling south on Interstate 81 in New Milford Borough when he lost control on the snow covered roadway and struck the end of a guard rail on the left shoulder area southbound. After striking the guard rail the vehicle continued to travel through the median before coming to rest in the median facing north. The vehicle had considerable damage to its front bumper area and the left front tire was completely off. It was towed by Marv's towing. No injuries were reported; both Charron and a passenger, Lisse Charron of the same location, were utilizing seatbelts. The driver was cited for driving vehicle at safe speed at District Court 34-3-02. COLLISION - TRAFFIC On January 9 at 2:09 a.m. James Williams of Thompson was traveling northbound on SR 171 in that town when his vehicle exited the roadway to the east of the travel lanes after the vehicle lost traction on the roadway. The truck impacted a utility pole, coming to a final rest off of the travel lanes. Williams was reported to suffer no injuries from the collision; seat belt use was unclear in the report. CRASH On January 20 at 8:12 a.m. Lillian Shorr of Hop Bottom was traveling on State Hwy. 374 in Lenox Township hen her vehicle drove off of the roadway and into a ditch and struck a tree. A minor injury was sustained; she was utilizing a seat belt. HIT AND RUN On January 7 at 7:22 p.m. an unknown driver was traveling east on SR 3004 in Auburn Township at the same time as John Hotchkiss of Laceyville was traveling west. The offending driver traveled into Hotchkiss' lane and side swiped the operator's side of his vehicle before continuing straight on the road, turning, and traveling west, leaving the scene. Hotchkiss' vehicle was disabled on the road. The suspect vehicle was possibly a conversion van. It had damage to the operator's side and a flat front left tire. Hotchkiss sustained no injury; he was utilizing a seatbelt. CRASH On January 7 at 3:05 p.m. Annette Brunges of Montrose was traveling south on SR 4007 when she lost control of her vehicle on the slush covered road and drove off the left side. The vehicle came to a final rest after hitting a utility pole located approximately 50 feet off the east berm of the roadway. CRASH On January 6 at 6:09 p.m. Brandon Hollister of Montrose was traveling south on SR 11 in New Milford Township when his vehicle swerved into the oncoming travel lane and struck the guide rail. The Chevrolet Malibu then came back across the lanes of travel spinning clockwise toward the west side of the roadway, exiting therefrom and proceeding down the embankment into the ditch, coming to a rest facing a northern direction. Neither Hollister nor a passenger, Brent Birtch of New Milford, was injured, nor was either wearing a seatbelt. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Columbia Hose Company. Charges were to be filed in District Court 34-3-02 as of the time of report. CRASH On January 6 at 4:15 p.m. a six vehicle crash occurred on Route 0374 in Lenox Township. The incident began when Derrick Pfister of Lake Ariel was traveling east on that road and all others involved were traveling west. Pfister approached a stopped vehicle in the eastbound travel lane and swerved into the oncoming traffic lane and onto SR 2021, causing a teenaged girl from Kingston to react by quickly applying the brakes. As her vehicle came to rest without making contact to Pfister's vehicle, four more cars applied their brakes respectively and continued to make impact with the vehicle in front of theirs. The other drivers were Joel Cechhini of Clarks Summit, Spencer King of Clarks Green, Thomas Roe of Clarks Summit, and John Hefner of Nazareth. No one sustained injuries; all drivers and passengers were utilizing seatbelts. Vehicles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were operational after the crash. Vehicles 5 and 6 were not. Charges were to be filed against Pfister in District Court 34-3-03 as of the time of report. Assistance at the scene was provided by Clifford Township Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company. THEFT On January 4 at noon prescription pills were stolen from the red Chevrolet Trailblazer belonging to Tory Huzzard of Susquehanna. The vehicle was not locked while the victim was in the store. The incident occurred outside Rob's Market in Great Bend. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On January 3 between 4:30 and 10:30, Melissa Sharer of Hallstead reported, an object had been jammed in the exterior door knob of her trailer. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. CRASH On January 2 at 8:40 p.m. Meagan Todd of Philadelphia was traveling south on Interstate 81 in New Milford Township when she began to doze off and exited into the median. Todd came to, tried to correct the vehicle, and impacted the guard rail. There were no injuries; she was utilizing a seat belt at the time of the collision. CRASH On January 1 at 3:10 a.m. Keith Bennet of Stevensville was traveling west along T-599 in Rush Township when, having just cleared a curve in the road, he came upon a deer. Traveling too fast to stop in time, Bennett steered around the animal. He then overcompensated in his steering and lost control, impacting a dirt embankment on the south side of the roadway, spinning in a counter-clockwise manner and again striking the same embankment on the vehicle's right side. Bennett was transported to another location by a passing motorist. He was not injured in the crash; he was apparently utilizing a seat belt. Citations for related traffic offenses were to be issued at the time of the report. CRASH On January 1 at 12:35 p.m. Jesse Roeske of Kingsley was traveling north on SR 20161 in Harford Township when he lost control while going around a corner. His vehicle left the roadway, striking a traffic sign, a utility pole, and two trees. No fire or EMS responded. Rod's towed the vehicle from the scene. No injury was reported; Roeske was utilizing a seat belt. BURGLARY On January 1 at approximately 1:30, a home was cut in the rear entry door of a residence on Myers Rd. in Gibson Township, with the purpose of unlocking the door. The residence was entered but nothing was taken and no damage was done, before the scene was fled. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. BURGLARY On December 27 at 4:15 a.m. entry was gained illegally to the Lenox Pharmacy by means of a smashed front window, and pharmaceuticals stolen from behind the pharmacy counter. If you have information regarding any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.
At last month’s Oakland Township Supervisors’ meeting, a number of guests were present to discuss several items of interest. Alice Deutsch, President of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region had requested that the supervisors consider entering the township’s portion of Route 92 into the state Scenic Byway program; all other municipalities from the New York State line to Nicholson had joined some time ago. At this month’s meeting, the supervisors signed a resolution to join, and also one to begin the process to adopt ordinances regulating outdoor advertising along the Route 92 corridor. Also present were several Hillborn Road residents who had attended last month’s meeting to discuss concerns about water extraction activities on the Susquehanna River for the local natural gas industry. A public relations representative from Cabot Oil and Gas had agreed to meet with a small group of residents who could then relay the information discussed to a larger, public meeting of interested residents. However, as of the date of this meeting, the meeting with Cabot had not yet had taken place. One of the residents said that the Susquehanna River Bacon Commission reported that Cabot has no permits pending for the Oakland Township area at this time, and that the river level is monitored and the extraction would be stopped if it was warranted. It was also noted that if there are eagles nesting within 1,000 feet of the extraction site, the extraction would be stopped. In other business, the supervisors heard the monthly police report; 34 calls had been answered. The supervisors are still in negotiations to form the Northeast River Valley Police Department with Oakland Boro. It is expected that contracts will be drawn up by the March meeting. Correspondence reviewed included invitations to a League of Women Voters “Running For Office” seminar and also one on the duties of a zoning board; a seminar on municipal planning; the county’s 2011 election schedule; an order form for the Fair Labor Standards Handbook; an open grant announcement from DCNR; and, a thank you from Attorney Francis X. O’Connor for continuing his appointment as the township’s solicitor. The monthly list of codes violations was reviewed, as was the monthly road report. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. Silver Lake Twp. Police Report ANIMAL COMPLAINT On November 26 at approximately 0945hrs, Silver Lake Township Police was dispatched to the Fitzsimmons residence in Forest Lake Township for a complaint of dogs attacking and killing some of their domestic alpacas. After the initial investigation, the Wyoming County Dog Wardens Office is handling this incident. DOMESTIC DISPUTE On December 1 at 2238hrs, Silver Lake PD responded to a dispute between a father and son on Forest Lake, Forest Lake Township. Alcohol was a factor and the parties were separated and reconciled. REPORTED GUNSHOTS On December 3 at 1822hrs, it was reported that suspicious gunshots were taken from a roadway in Forest Lake Township. A vehicle I.D. was obtained and a search of the vehicle began. This happened during the PA rifle deer season and the information obtained was turned over to the PA Game Commission. MVA On December 3 at approximately 2052hrs, SLTPD was requested to respond to a two-car motor vehicle accident on SR267 Choconut Township. Upon arrival the units were pinned against the guardrails just south of the Choconut Market. One Chevy pickup truck with one driver and no injuries was located at the scene. The driver and passenger of a Chevy Camaro were reported injured but left the scene. Both vehicles were towed from the scene and this incident is still under investigation. THEFT On December 6 a tree was reported cut down and stolen from the yard of a home owned by Allan Gillingham on Kane Road, Forest Lake Township. A suspicious pickup truck was seen in the area. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On December 8, at approximately 0540hrs, Lillian Bullins struck a large dog, which ran out in front of her vehicle while she was traveling towards work on SR167. The dog ran off and Mrs. Bullin’s vehicle sustained damage to a headlight and fender. Her attempts at the time to locate the dog and owner failed. The dog warden was also contacted and is involved with the investigation. FRAUD On December 15, Lori Nagy of Forest Lake Township was the victim of a bogus mystery-shopping spree with a check she had received by mail from a fraudulent company. MVA On December 17 at 2035hrs, Joshua Levy of Binghamton crashed his 2006 BMW on SR267, Forest Lake Township. Levy stated that he swerved to miss a deer and lost control in the gravel before slamming into a tree. He was not injured but the vehicle sustained severe damage and had to be towed. Levy was not injured. MVA (DUI) On December 17 at 2128hrs, Joseph Rafferty, of Little Meadows, PA, crashed his 2000 Mitsubishi while traveling east on SR4007, the North Road, near Deer Field Drive. While navigating a downhill corner the driver hit black ice and lost control. The vehicle crossed the westbound lane and sheered off a telephone pole and settled into brush. The vehicle sustained heavy damage and the driver was not injured, but was arrested for suspicion of driving while his blood alcohol level was over .08. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY On December 27, SLTPD was requested to assist with an armed young potential suicide victim. The individual was calmed and taken to EMHS for evaluation. Any information or questions for 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 township news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.
Noise Ordinance #2 In Harford A couple months ago, the Harford Township Supervisors adopted an ordinance that hoped to curb unnecessary “noise pollution” in the township, by limiting some types of activities that might disturb peaceful enjoyment of the rural environs of Harford. At the time, Supervisor Garry Foltz, who drafted the ordinance said that he would prepare yet another “noise ordinance” intended to forestall the kind of noise that can be emitted by large natural gas compressor stations that he worried would be coming soon to a pasture near you. At their meeting on January 11, the Supervisors considered the next installment, an “industrial noise ordinance,” that Mr. Foltz would like to have adopted before the summer drilling season begins. He actually read the entire ordinance aloud, which he said had been vetted by the township’s solicitor. Yet he would not release printed copies of the document, at least until the township advertised it as required by law. And he wanted to delay advertisement until he had a chance to show it to some local businesses for comment, particularly stone yard operators. He said he had broached some of the specifics to a representative of Cabot Oil, who told him the requirements could be met. (The township recently signed a lease with Cabot for its 3 small properties.) The new ordinance would limit the level of sound coming from a suspect property to 50 decibels outside a radius of 200 feet from a road or adjoining property, and 300 feet from the nearest building and continuing for more than one business day. The document lists a number of exemptions, for municipal and emergency operations, religious services and other celebrations, short-term construction projects, firing ranges and farms. It also provides for temporary special waivers (for gas drilling, for example), and recurring special waivers such as for the Harford Fair. The ordinance carries penalties of up to $1,000 per infraction, and can be enforced by any 2 township supervisors through the District Justice. However, Mr. Foltz said that the supervisors would not move on the ordinance without a complaint filed by a township resident. He said the intent of the measure is not to regulate business, but to provide for the “public health safety and welfare” of Harford Township residents. The subject prompted a lively discussion among the Supervisors and the crowd of 2 observers in the room. Mr. Foltz said that the ordinance would require the township to purchase expensive measuring equipment. He was asked about the legal liabilities involved if the equipment is not properly calibrated, or not used by qualified technicians. He did say that wind direction and speed would have to be considered when taking measurements. He wasn’t able to say what sort of calibration might be required, or what type of certification or training an operator might need. Yet he insisted that having the ordinance under consideration by the township would help to control what he considers a potentially disturbing problem as the gas industry begins operating in the area. Mr. Foltz also reported that the township would close with Peoples Neighborhood Bank in a few days on a note to refinance the outstanding balance on the sewer system loan, now held by Rural Development, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Rural Development loan still has more than 20 years to run, with a current principal balance of somewhere over $650,000 at 4.5%. Peoples has offered a package that would carry a rate of 3.25% for the first year, and 75% of prime after that but never more than 4.5%. He said that specific terms of the contract with Peoples would not be known until closing, but that fees were expected to be negligible, about $200. He said he didn’t think the transaction needed the services of the township’s solicitor. Mr. Foltz also reported that the grant money for repaving School Street in Harford village has reached the county. According to Supervisor and Township Secretary Sue Furney, the grant is good for 3 years. But the Supervisors hope to solicit bids soon in order to get the project under way this year. The grant does not cover the full cost of the project, but Mr. Foltz said he had received an offer of a $500 donation from a resident to help out. The treasurer’s report for the end of 2010 showed the township’s bank balances totaling $198,251.80. There was a discussion of sewer service at the Liberty Truck Center on the Interstate. It seems that when the sewer system was created, that facility was quite small. It has grown substantially since, and needs a new, larger basin and pump. The question is who pays how much for what. The township sewer system generally accepts responsibility for the basin and the lateral to the mainline; the property owner covers the pump and the hookup. According to Ms. Furney, the original project based allocation for such businesses on the number of tables in a restaurant. At the time, that truck stop wasn’t even open 24x7 and was allocated 1 EDU (equivalent domestic unit) less than the PennCan Truckstop across the road. The PennCan was originally outfitted with an industrial-strength pump installation and is not at issue. The matter is still being deliberated. Mr. Foltz reported that the township, through its attorneys, has responded to the suit brought by property owners at Tingley Lake with an “answer” and a “new matter” in the form of a “cross claim.” He said the paperwork had just been received and could not comment further on it. The township also received a review from its solicitor of a road service agreement proposed by Southwestern Energy a couple of months ago. Mr. Foltz said that the Supervisors had not yet had time to review the attorney’s comments. Last month the Supervisors noted a large increase in volume at the sewer plant and determined that some households had connected runoff drainage to the sewer system, which is not permitted. A letter will be sent to all sewer system subscribers asking that such drainage be disconnected. Mr. Foltz declared that if the volume doesn’t come down significantly, the township might be forced to inspect properties individually. And the Supervisors voted to take on recent retiree Hollis Adams for part-time temporary help “as needed.” The meeting broke up “as needed” when Ms. Furney noted the first heavy snow of the season had just arrived. The Harford Township Supervisors meet on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the township office on Route 547 south of the Interstate.
The January 13 Oakland Boro Council meeting began with the customary moment of silence in recognition of our troops, and also included those affected by the recent shooting incident in Arizona. The monthly codes report was reviewed. Litigation has begun against the owners of two properties, one on State St. and one on Prospect St. The owners have requested time on the agenda at next month’s meeting; Shane Lewis, the boro’s Codes Enforcement Officer also plans to attend. Houses are being checked to see that 911 addresses are displayed; it was said that most are complying. Mayor Glover reported that the boro had received a donation from Marge Wood in memory of Lynnie French, to be used for the park. The police department responded to 34 calls during December, ranging from a DUI, domestic disputes, and downed wires. Several months ago, council had approved purchase of a taser gun for the department, but the model discussed had been discontinued and a later model would be more expensive, so the idea was tabled for the time being. The mayor asked council to approve purchase of the gun, and after discussion a motion carried to approve. Negotiations with Oakland Township are ongoing to form a police department. The contracts should be ready for council’s review in a couple of months. Dave Trevarthan reported that the construction project at the park would begin once the ground thaws. A pavilion and fencing has been purchased. During the around-the-table discussion, the subject of reorganization was brought up; some local municipalities had reorganized, but the boro had not. It was noted that reorganization is required only in (even) election years, or when there had been a change in personnel. Also discussed was a question several residents had asked; with the pending police merger with Oakland Township, why doesn’t the boro hold their meetings at the Oakland Township building? Council is well satisfied with their arrangement with Lanesboro, and saw no reason to change their meeting venue at the present time. Cynthia Beavan reported that River Bounty has signed a lease with Renew Hydro for the electric plant on the Susquehanna River. Carol Trevarthan reported that there were four winners in the boro’s annual Christmas decorating contest, the MacDonald home on State St., the White home on Westfall Ave., the White home on Boyden St., and the French home on Prospect St. An individual on the Susquehanna Parks and Recreation Committee had approached a member of the Oakland Parks and Rec. and asked if there might be a possibility of Susquehanna, Oakland and Lanesboro joining forces and forming one Parks and Rec. Committee. It was agreed that there would be individual projects that the three could work on together, but for the most part separate committees would be better. Secretary Flo Brush’s report included invitations to join the PA Boro Council’s Association and to purchase the PA State Association of Boros yearbook; no action was taken on either. Myron DeWitt, who has been the boro’s solicitor for the past eighteen years, sent a proposal to continue in that position at the same rate as last year; a motion carried to approve. A motion carried to pay the boro’s annual $180 membership dues to the Council of Governments. At the recommendation of H.A. Thompson, the boro’s insurance carrier, a motion carried to increase the boro’s crime limit and computer fraud insurance, at a cost of $120. The meeting adjourned to an executive session, with no action taken. The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center. Oakland Boro In Litigation The January 13 Oakland Boro Council meeting began with the customary moment of silence in recognition of our troops, and also included those affected by the recent shooting incident in Arizona. The monthly codes report was reviewed. Litigation has begun against the owners of two properties, one on State St. and one on Prospect St. The owners have requested time on the agenda at next month’s meeting; Shane Lewis, the boro’s Codes Enforcement Officer also plans to attend. Houses are being checked to see that 911 addresses are displayed; it was said that most are complying. Mayor Glover reported that the boro had received a donation from Marge Wood in memory of Lynnie French, to be used for the park. The police department responded to 34 calls during December, ranging from a DUI, domestic disputes, and downed wires. Several months ago, council had approved purchase of a taser gun for the department, but the model discussed had been discontinued and a later model would be more expensive, so the idea was tabled for the time being. The mayor asked council to approve purchase of the gun, and after discussion a motion carried to approve. Negotiations with Oakland Township are ongoing to form a police department. The contracts should be ready for council’s review in a couple of months. Dave Trevarthan reported that the construction project at the park would begin once the ground thaws. A pavilion and fencing has been purchased. During the around-the-table discussion, the subject of reorganization was brought up; some local municipalities had reorganized, but the boro had not. It was noted that reorganization is required only in (even) election years, or when there had been a change in personnel. Also discussed was a question several residents had asked; with the pending police merger with Oakland Township, why doesn’t the boro hold their meetings at the Oakland Township building? Council is well satisfied with their arrangement with Lanesboro, and saw no reason to change their meeting venue at the present time. Cynthia Beavan reported that River Bounty has signed a lease with Renew Hydro for the electric plant on the Susquehanna River. Carol Trevarthan reported that there were four winners in the boro’s annual Christmas decorating contest, the MacDonald home on State St., the White home on Westfall Ave., the White home on Boyden St., and the French home on Prospect St. An individual on the Susquehanna Parks and Recreation Committee had approached a member of the Oakland Parks and Rec. and asked if there might be a possibility of Susquehanna, Oakland and Lanesboro joining forces and forming one Parks and Rec. Committee. It was agreed that there would be individual projects that the three could work on together, but for the most part separate committees would be better. Secretary Flo Brush’s report included invitations to join the PA Boro Council’s Association and to purchase the PA State Association of Boros yearbook; no action was taken on either. Myron DeWitt, who has been the boro’s solicitor for the past eighteen years, sent a proposal to continue in that position at the same rate as last year; a motion carried to approve. A motion carried to pay the boro’s annual $180 membership dues to the Council of Governments. At the recommendation of H.A. Thompson, the boro’s insurance carrier, a motion carried to increase the boro’s crime limit and computer fraud insurance, at a cost of $120. The meeting adjourned to an executive session, with no action taken. The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center.
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