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HEADLINES: “Buying Time” At Blue Ridge A series of meetings during the last week of March will likely lead to an agreement between the Blue Ridge School District and Johnson Controls, Inc. to implement a range of energy conservation measures and capital improvements that are expected to minimize the growth of the district’s budget and ultimately yield savings to the district’s taxpayers. At least that is the hope of the program’s promoters, Board President (and candidate for county commissioner) Alan Hall, and Harold Empett, chair of the Board’s Facilities & Grounds Committee. The program represents phase 1 of a two-phase initiative, whose second phase may lead to the installation of a large wind-energy generation facility, a 100-foot high windmill, on the campus. At the first of two public evening sessions on Tuesday, March 29, the 6 representatives of Johnson Controls almost outnumbered district staff and school board members. The company’s account executive and engineers laid out a detailed summary of a study they conducted into all areas of campus energy use and consumption, with recommendations for replacements and improvements. Their report also summarized the costs and expected return of each element. These include replacement of large numbers of lighting fixtures, replacing aging rooftop air handling units, modifications and upgrades to energy control systems, replacing the district’s telephone system, and upgrades to the campus information-technology (IT) equipment. The group hashed over each component of the proposal, rejecting some, modifying the characteristics of others, and sending the Johnson reps back to their spreadsheets. On Thursday evening, March 31, most of the same players gathered once more (without the pizza this time) to go over much of the same ground, this time focused more on the dollars and cents. There were a few more adjustments, and the Johnson team was sent home to await the district’s response. Johnson Controls account executive Nick Sracic was clearly pressing for a contract approval at the Board meeting on the following Monday, April 4. Mr. Hall wasn’t able to say whether a final contract proposal would be on that meeting’s agenda; the 50-page contract is already - and still - in the hands of the district’s solicitors. In Mr. Hall’s words, the project’s ultimate goal is to “buy time” for the district. The program will require Blue Ridge to issue over $2 million in new 20-year bonds. But, because it is supposed to pay for itself, there shouldn’t be any increase in the budget for debt service on these bonds. Moreover, by 2016 the district will have paid off the bonds issued for the 1994 campus renovation; allocations for those bonds can be redirected to pay off the new bond issue in future budgets. The phase one energy program is not intended to make money for the district. According to the projections in the figures presented by Johnson Controls, the district will have saved a net of just over $200,000 at the end of 20 years. About half of the project’s components are not expected to yield much if any in immediate savings. They are capital expenditures that would have to be done anyway, over the next 3-5 years, according to Mr. Hall. These include replacing the roof-top units (cost estimated at just over $300,000); replacing the domestic hot-water heater and installing a heat exchanger that will use heat from the biomass (wood-chip) furnace to supplement the hot-water system; and installing new fire-alarm and telephone systems. The biggest energy savings are expected to come from retrofitting interior lighting fixtures (at a cost of over $480,000), and installing a range of improvements to the “Building Automation System” that will allow greater control over the heating and lighting systems throughout. The latter will require installing new IT equipment. Yet broadening the use of “virtual desktops” in the computer labs, and other “miscellaneous IT” upgrades, together are expected to allow the district’s budget to forego further IT outlays of about $120,000 over 3 years. The program includes almost $18,000 for something called the “Academy of Energy Education,” operated by a non-profit offshoot of Johnson Controls that will integrate some of the new technology into the classroom. Johnson pledged to cover the cost of substitutes for teachers while they are in training to take advantage of this program. Greater “awareness” is expected to lead to additional savings, by educating Blue Ridge students to the need to conserve energy, and by changing behavior toward more energy-conscious activities. Another $52,000 or so will support a LEED application. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), launched internationally in 2000, seeks to encourage environmentally-aware building design and construction through a certification process that involves not just energy efficiency, but a whole range of environmental measures including water consumption, waste management, “greenhouse-gas” emissions, etc. The Blue Ridge program does not expect to be able to meet all of the LEED standards, but a LEED-oriented process is expected to help the district receive grant awards to help pay for this program, as well as for the potential phase-2 windmill. And indeed, another $25,000 is in the program to fund the grant-application process. As Mr. Sracic put it, “half of the program is expected to pay for the other half.” That is, the energy cost savings from some of the components should more than make up for the cost of the capital improvements and other items in this phase 1 project. Asked if the costs of the equipment and installation were firm, Mr. Sracic said that Johnson Control assumes “all the risk” associated with the project. (He said that the figures include a “cushion” of about 10%.) As general contractor, the company will purchase all the equipment, and its own teams would be doing most of the work, “in-house” as he said, with local contractors used occasionally as necessary. Approximately $127,000 of the cost is expected to be covered by rebates, mostly from the electric company, Penelec, under Act 129 of 2008. Act 129 requires energy companies operating in Pennsylvania to reduce energy consumption. One of the ways they do that is by offering rebates to customers for installing energy-saving equipment. The Johnson team has computed the rebates due the district based on the number and type of new fixtures and other equipment to be installed. Under the contract with Blue Ridge, this phase 1 program should end up costing the district nothing, and may actually return a net savings of over $200,000 over 20 years. In fact, Johnson Controls has guaranteed that outcome. Their own Measurement & Verification team will monitor the improvements brought about by many of the components of the program and issue a report annually. In addition, Blue Ridge should be able to monitor its own energy consumption and costs. Should the district’s costs exceed projections, Johnson is obligated to pay the district the difference in order to maintain the program’s goal of no net increase in expense. Mr. Hall acknowledged that the financing of these proposals is complex. The full Blue Ridge School Board will have to act on the contract. There is only one public Board meeting scheduled for April so far, and it seems unlikely that the project will come to a vote by so soon. Look for another Board meeting later in the month. In the meantime, stay tuned. Courthouse Report DEEDS HSBC Bank USA (as trustee) to Philip A., Jr. and Katherine A. Martino, in Silver Lake Township for $20,000.00. Hartwell P. and Nancy G. Morse, Kenneth S. Leasure (estate), and Jean T. and Jewett F., Jr. (estate) Neiley to Longford Lake Association, Inc., in Silver Lake Township for $26,000.00. Boyd W. (AKA) Boyd William and Rose (AKA) Rose E. Raub to Boyd William (trust) and Rose E. (trust) Raub, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Boyd William (trust) and Rose (AKA) Rose E. Raub to Boyd William (trust) and Rose E. (trust) Raub, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Kenneth L. and Patricia G. Stimmel to Patricia G. Stimmel, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Julie Foote and Scott L. Odell to Julie Foote and Scott L. Odell, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Paul R. and Linda J. Gustin to Brian and Joann P. Rhone, in Oakland Borough and Oakland Township for $84,000.00. Robert R. Starr, Jr. to Timothy Mead, in Great Bend Township for $35,000.00. Randy C. and Mary K. Long to Long Family Trust, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Richard L. and Diane Gelineau to Robert J., Jr. and Kathleen R. Bransky, in Lanesboro Borough for $10,000.00. Joseph R. and Shelley A. Wilson to Shelley A. Wilson, in Harford Township for one dollar. Citimortgage, Inc. (by atty) to Arden Martenz, in Susquehanna for $28,900.00. Thomas Teneralli to Frank and George Teneralli, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. William R. Lahoda to William Scott Lahoda, in Clifford Township for one dollar. William R. Lahoda to William Scott Lahoda, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Gerald E. Abell to Gerald E. and Bonnie I. Abell, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Susquehanna County Humane Society to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. May Belle Golis and Gary A. and Susan Golis Campbell to Golis Family Irrevocable Trust, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Eunice P. Laing (estate) to Travis and Natalie N. Laing, Tara Crittenden and Amy Baugus, in Rush Township for one dollar. Fred H., Robert R. and Robin E. Williams to Fred H. Williams, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Fred H. Williams to Robert R. and Robin E. Williams, in Thompson Township for one dollar. Donald, Diane and Andrew Nowalk, Cindy Chidester and Donna Potter to Donald and Diane Nowalk, Cindy Chidester and Donna Potter, in Hop Bottom Borough for one dollar. Dale Howell Enterprises, Inc. to Brian Mark Decker, in Harmony Township for $32,651.35. James B. and Susan M. Burchell to James B. and Susan M. Burchell, in Jackson Township for one dollar. Victor M. Nowacky to Brian K. and Kimberly K. Robertson, in Brooklyn Township for $50,000.00. Esther Smith to Angelo and Jacqueline J. Scarfallato, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Ronald R. and Beverly L. Root to Rodney J. Thompson, in Liberty Township for $15,000.00. Richard G. (trust by trustee) and Elizabeth Jeanne (trust by trustee) Nice to Nice Living Trust, in Franklin Township for one dollar. Priscilla (by POA) and John (by POA) Diggins to John Joseph McAdam, in Herrick Township for $500.00. Bremer Hof Owners, Inc. to Thomas Clancy, in Herrick Township for $2,595.00. Brandon P. Radzerk (AKA) Razderk (by sheriff) and Marisa F. Kilmer (by sheriff) to Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, in Clifford Township for $1,438.76. Robert F. and Wendy A. Cross to RW Cross Family Limited Partnership, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Robert F., Wendy A., Mark D., Kristine R. and Scott C. Cross to RW Cross Family Limited Partnership, MK Cross Family Limited Partnership and Scranton Cross Family Limited Partnership, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Sandra E. Richardson to Hugh A. Richardson, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Laura J. Novak and Larry W. Herbert to Larry W. Herbert, in New Milford Township for $20,000.00. Christopher and Dori Chervanka to Joseph J. and Debra A. Stone, in Thompson Township for one dollar. John, Mary Ellen, Bernard, Mary Martha, William, Robert and Donald Griffin, Catherine Hardy and Barbara Winnie to Joseph R. Griffin and Kaleigh J. Smales, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Anthony J. and Jennifer L. Cina (FKA) Jennifer L. Sterling to Anthony J. and Jennifer L. Cina, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. P. Wilson Schiller (by attorney) to Robert P. Reddon, in Oakland Borough for $40,700.00. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on April 1, 2011. William D. Barton, Ryan T. Brooks, Douglas Buckman, Bryan S. Burnett, Beverly A. Carvin, James J. Corridoni, John C. Creps, Heather R. DeBoer, Charles S. Dunn, David J. Fischer, Thomas Fisher, John S. Frisbie, Jr., Andy L. Groff, David Haines, Jr., William Neil Hendrickson, Shannon J. Hollister, Richard E. Kalinowski, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Casey J. Lawton, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick Lezinsky, Jason Lindquist, Michael Maryasz, Mark C. McCarey, Jennifer M. Miller, Francis Muchanic, Shane Nelson, Daniel O'Brien, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Arthur D. Quick, Jesse R. Rhinebeck, Jr., David J. Shiner, Sinon C. Smith, Sr., Eric J. Snell, Garrett M. Staudinger (aka Thomas), Justin Thompson, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Steven G. Wormuth, Donna Zeluff. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals. Clifford Twp. Police Report POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE On March 5 at 7:30 p.m., three Juveniles attempted to elude police but were stopped near the intersection of Red Abbott Road and Jones Road for a cracked windshield and a front headlamp not working. While approaching the vehicle to speak with the driver a strong odor of marijuana was coming from inside the vehicle. Later the driver gave consent to a vehicle search which led to a small amount of marijuana. At that time the juvenile was detained by police and the parents were notified. After processing, the juvenile was released to parents. Charges pending at this time. DUI On March 12 at 10:00 p.m., while officers were responding to a suspicious vehicle call in the area of Panorama Road and Elk View Lane, officers noticed a vehicle driven by a Mr. Bryan Bebla of Richmondale traveling in and out of the dividing lines of traffic. While approaching the vehicle a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was coming from Bebla. Bebla was asked to exit his vehicle for a field sobriety test which he had failed. A portable breath test was given at that time. At that time Bebla was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and then transported to Marian Community Hospital for a Blood Alcohol Content. Charges Pending at this time. DISORDERLY MALE On March 16 at 4:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Main Street, Bella’s Pizza for a disorderly male. The caller, Mr. Sean Shay, the business owner, stated that there was a Mr. Ben Smith from Tunkhannock on scene acting disorderly and refusing to leave. Before police arrived Mr. Smith fled in his vehicle. Later officers did make contact with Smith. Investigation pending at this time. HARASSMENT On March 29 at 7:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to 1 Marcho Lane for harassment by phone. Upon arrival officers spoke to the caller a Mr. Scott Santos who stated that his ex-girlfriend a Patricia Hiller of Jermyn was continuously calling him and harassing him by phone. Officers did make contact with the caller to resolve the issue. No charges were filed. PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS On March 5 at 7:45 p.m., officers received a call from police dispatch for an intoxicated male walking in the area of the 1900 block of State Route 247 near the Dundaff Country store. Caller stated that the male was walking north bound in the center lane of travel carrying a case of beer on his shoulder. The caller also stated that he had almost hit the male because of him wearing dark clothing. Upon arrival the male was not located. THEFT On March 28 at 11:48 a.m., officers received a call from police dispatch for a stolen trailer located at Dorson’s Auto, 5999 State Route 374. The caller was a John Dorson of Greenfield Township, the business owner. Dorson stated that he had purchased a trailer at an auction in Clifford by auctioneer John Regan for $1500.00 dollars. On this date two males by the names of Jason and Robert Barney of Carbondale came into his business and stated that the trailer he had purchased was stolen. The trailer’s vehicle identification number was run showing ownership to a Mr. Robert Barney of Carbondale. Investigation pending at this time. DUI On March 20 at 2:45 a.m., officers noticed a vehicle traveling east on State Route 106 at a high rate of speed in the opposite lane of travel. The vehicle, driven by a Mr. Daniel Johnson of Binghamton, NY, traveled approximately 1.5 miles in the opposite lane before being stopped by police. Upon stopping the said vehicle and approaching the driver’s side to speak to the driver, the driver did have a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from him. The driver was given a field sobriety test along with a portable breath test which he had failed. At that time Johnson was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to Marian Community Hospital for a Blood Alcohol Content. Charges pending at this time. DUI On March 20 at 1:35 a.m., officers noticed a large Dodge pickup truck traveling east on State Route 106 in the opposite lane of travel near the intersection State Route 374 in Royal. Upon stopping the said vehicle in the 2200 block, the driver was identified as a Mr. Corey Gongliewski of Scott Township. Gongliewski did have a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from him. Gongliewski was given a portable breath test along with a field sobriety test which he failed. Gongliewski was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and transported to Marian Community Hospital for blood alcohol content. Charges pending at this time. POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNT On March 28 at 3:40 p.m., officers made a routine traffic stop in the area of the 2400 block of State Route 106 on a vehicle with a cracked windshield and cracked tail lamp. The vehicle was occupied by two white male juveniles. While obtaining the drivers license of the driver, officers detected an odor of Marijuana on the operator’s driver’s license. The driver was asked for consent to search his vehicle which he did not give. At that time a drug sniffing K-9 was dispatched out of the Susquehanna County Sheriff’s Department for the investigation. The K-9 did have a positive detection of narcotics. At that time the vehicle was impounded and a vehicle inventory was conducted. While conducting the vehicle inventory a small amount of marijuana was found inside the vehicle. Charges pending at this time. For the month of March 2011 officers were dispatched to a total of 201 incidents.
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