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HEADLINES:
F. C. Gets Embezzlement Payout Concerned by Jessup Township’s recent loss of Little League buildings and contents, the Forest City Borough Council on April 4 voted to add items not presently covered onto the existing Little League insurance policy, resulting in an eighty-five dollar annual increase in policy premium. The additional items will include the contents of the Little League equipment shed and concession stand, as well as the advertising signs, which are valued at $200-$300 each. It was pointed out that the signs are an important source of revenue for the team, since participating businesses pay a fifty dollar annual advertising fee per sign. Council discussed purchasing a 2010 Dodge Charger to replace one of the borough’s police cars. “We’ve been pouring money down the drain on car seventeen,” Robert Trusky, Council President, explained. Although Council had hoped to purchase a Chevy, it was stated that none were available. Barbara Mihelc added that all 2011 police car packages are gone. The borough has been quoted $34,708 for the Charger, which will be paid from funds set aside for the purpose. Borough solicitor Paul E. Smith reported that KBA Engineering is drafting a letter in response to DEP concerns about the sewer project. Council passed a motion to increase the fine for noncompliance with the snow removal ordinance from $25 to $250 per day. Smith hopes to implement an automatic municipal lean to help prevent future snow removal infractions. A deed for 433 Main Street was filed, and the property owner has submitted an application for a demolition permit. Concerning the embezzlement of borough funds by the former borough secretary, Smith announced that the borough received and deposited a check from CNA Surety for $88,325. Additionally, Smith reported that Susan Coleman plead guilty on March 31 and will pay approximately $28,000 in restitution, as well as about $5,800 in overpayment of salary and benefits, which borough auditors discovered the night before the plea. Sentencing will occur “shortly,” and Coleman is expected to spend between three and twelve months in the county jail. During public comment, John Kameen asked if sewer project costs will include the repaving of borough streets. Trusky responded that this is a “gray area.” After the mains have been replaced, funds for repaving will be available if the condition of the street dictates that repaving is necessary. Trusky added that the borough has set aside about $50,000 in a capital reserve fund to begin a paving project. Trusky stated that he hopes to have an answer from the DEP before the end of the summer about whether the sewer project can commence. Trusky explained that the DEP still wants the borough to install laterals on each borough property, which would “double or triple the cost of the project.” He added, “[The Forest City] people can’t afford that; we know that.” On April 13, Trusky, Joann Matarese and Kelley Twilley will meet to discuss the police contract. Borough residents should note that on April 30, the Forest City Borough Police, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be collecting unwanted prescription drugs, including creams and liquids. Labels should be removed from all bottles. Interested individuals may bring medications to Elegante Restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A final comment of the meeting came from Bernie Scalzo, who thanked the Marian Davis family and the Forest City Emergency Services for trying to save his mother, who died recently. He also thanked those who offered “prayers and support” and commented, “My mother touched my life more than I ever realized.”
Blue Ridge Policies Updated Following a lengthy executive session before the general session, the Blue Ridge School Board dispatched a varied agenda at its meeting on April 4, then added to it as a result of its private deliberations. The Board continues to refine its policy manual, this time raising additional questions on a couple of issues. But first, Middle/High-School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski opened the meeting by recognizing 4 seniors, 2 for this month and 2 for last month, when the regular Board meeting was rearranged due to the weather. Mark Wilchuck has been active with the champion Sabers football team as well as the National Honor Society, and will study engineering next year. Lynette Dooley has been class president for two terms, a member of the National Honor Society, and will attend Lycoming College to study biology and ecology. Shawn Carey is editor of the school newspaper, the Raider Reader, is on the yearbook committee and a member of SADD, and will study communications and media next year. Amanda Rispoli could not attend the meeting, so Mr. Nebzydoski summarized her achievements as a member of the National Honor Society, founder of the Diversity Club and a musician who will study music education at Hofstra University on Long Island next year. On its business agenda, the Board approved summer-school programs in two sessions for the Elementary School, 6/20-7/1/2011 and 8/1-12/2011, including breakfast and lunch. Summer school for the Middle and High Schools will run from June 20 through July 19; tuition will be $75.00 per course for Blue Ridge district residents, $125 for non-residents. The Board approved an agreement with the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency for supplementary services for next year. The contract terms are contingent on passage of the state budget and the availability of grant funding. It had come to the attention of the Board that some of the school bus drivers were using cell phones, and, while the District requires its buses to have cell phones available, the Board is attempting to find language that will prohibit their use while the buses are in operation. They did give final approval to a long list of policy amendments covering Board membership, organization and meeting protocol. Board member Joel Whitehead took exception to several items in the policy governing Board organization, in particular a change that would allow a member to be removed by a majority vote “of those present and voting” instead of a majority of the full Board. He noted that, since a quorum is 5, that would allow a member to be removed by a vote of only 3 Board members. The full Board has 9 members. That item was tabled for further consideration. Another policy change restricts to district residents only the privilege of addressing the Board at a meeting. Under new policy guidelines, the full Blue Ridge policy manual is to be available on the District’s web site. Most of the other changes were to clarify definitions or otherwise bring the policies into line with legislation and current best practices. A new policy, entitled “Classroom Decorum and Safety Guidelines” limits what can be brought to and used in classrooms. The District’s insurers had noted the prevalence of various personal electrical appliances in the schools, so the Board now prohibits adding anything to the provided classroom fixtures and other appurtenances without the approval of the Board’s Facilities & Grounds Committee. As proposed, it would have prohibited anything not provided by the District, but Board member Priscinda Gaughan asked that it be modified to allow the Committee to permit variances. Some of the teachers asked if all of the extra furnishings were to be removed immediately, and were told to consult with the Facilities & Grounds Committee. The 7-item addendum to the original agenda began with the appointment of Barbara McCain as Acting Director of Special Education, beginning immediately. Asked later about Director Mark Fallon, Board President Alan Hall said that he is to be considered on leave for the time being. Next, the Activities Committee recommended approval of a request for a trip to France next November for advanced French language students. The trip, a joint venture with the Montrose School District, would be funded by the students themselves, and would also include a visit to Venice, Italy. The Board also approved the Activities Committee’s recommendation to offer a complete driver-education program this summer, including both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. While the classroom part of the course would be free to students, there would be a charge of $270 per student for the on-the-road phase. This program is offered in cooperation with the Montrose School District, which would share the services of a driving instructor. The Activities Committee recommended making the gym available to the “21 Hoops” program for AAU basketball practice during the month of April. Board member Christina Whitney said that availability of the facility to the basketball program will be subject to the needs of the district, which will have preference. “21 Hoops” is a private organization in Susquehanna County to provide “AAU basketball experience for boys in grades 5-11.” The same committee recommended making the district’s facilities available to Penn State Cooperative Extension “for an educational program on natural gas pipelines” on the evening of May 3, 2011. The Board also approved a “Settlement Agreement and Release” for a student. Mr. Hall said later that the settlement was the result of a legal challenge to the District’s performance under an Individual Education Program (IEP). Under the settlement, some $40,000 would be placed in trust for the student’s further education. Details of the settlement were not available, but according to Mr. Hall, should the funds not be used for the agreed purposes, they would be returned to the District. French students won’t be the only ones going to Europe. Last January, Theresa Whitehead, the student representative on the School Board announced that she would be touring Europe with a choir sponsored by American Music Abroad. Now she requested some financial assistance, and the Board was happy to oblige, by adding her request to those who benefit from a small allocation in the budget for such purposes. Her very proud Grandpa, Mr. Whitehead, had to abstain from the vote, while grinning from ear to ear. Ms. Whitehead took the opportunity to thank the Board for its support and generosity, and urged everyone to attend her final performances at Blue Ridge in Phantom of the Opera during the last weekend in April. As Blue Ridge representative on the Board of the North Eastern Instructional Unit #19 (NEIU19 - “the IU”), Mr. Whitehead reported that the IU has hired the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), the lobbying group for school boards across the state, to help with the search for a new executive director. He also said that the IU would be conducting interviews with 4 law firms to select a solicitor. The IU has come under some criticism recently for what is perceived as the lavish compensation of its retiring executive director. Mr. Hall reported on several meetings he has had in Harrisburg as Northeast Regional Representative on the Board of the PSBA. He testified for 3 hours before a committee of the state House of Representatives on the voucher program proposed by the new governor. On his recommendation, the Board passed a resolution urging the legislature to significantly modify the proposal. He said that the voucher program as currently formulated - known as Senate Bill 1 - is a “segregation bill” that would give vouchers to low-income residents to send their children to a school of their choice. While he didn’t oppose school choice or vouchers per se, he said that “if your parents make too much money, you don’t get a choice.” He estimates that if the program passes as presented, 369 Blue Ridge students would be eligible, fully a third of the current enrollment, and that tax dollars would thereby be shifted to private schools. He said that the program is likely to cost the state about $1 billion, but that no one knows where that money will come from, while at the same time public school districts around the state will be starved for funds. Blue Ridge alone stands to lose $1 million next year from state subsidies; the loss to the 6 districts in Susquehanna County is estimated to total about $5.6 million. Mr. Hall said that there are 144 “failing” school districts in Pennsylvania, 97% of them in Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Harrisburg. While a school choice and vouchers are an attempt at improving education, as proposed, these programs would do a disservice to other districts, like Blue Ridge. Fix those, he said; “Leave us alone” here in the northeast. Remarking on the achievements of Blue Ridge students, Mr. Hall noted that a Blue Ridge graduate has been chosen out of 500 candidates to become senior pilot for a new commercial airliner. There are no further scheduled meetings of the Blue Ridge School Board in April. The next meeting will be on May 9. Meetings generally begin at 7:30 p.m., although committees often meet earlier. Check the district web site for details.
Courthouse Report DEEDS American Mortgage Fund LP (by atty) to Kevin M. MacDonald, in Susquehanna for $37,000.00. Donald W. and Lelia M. Carpenetti to Donald W., Lelia M. and Davin J. Carpenetti, in Springville Township for one dollar. Lucille E. Grzankowski to Grzankowski Family Properties LLC, in Harmony Township for one dollar. Lisa S. and William D. Reidsema and Calvin W. and Joyce Smales to Mark A. and Michelle L. Antinnes, in Bridgewater Township for $120,000.00. Harford Penn Can Service, Inc. to Harford Penn Can Service, Inc., in Harford Township for one dollar. Harford Penn Can Service, Inc. to Great Bend Holdings, Inc., in Harford Township for $1,000,000.00. Annette M. Rogers to Randy David Rogers, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Carson Phillip (AKA) Carson P. Sorber (estate) to Barry D. Brown, in Dimock Township for $20,000.00. Wayne Wilcox to Rosemary A. Wilcox, in Forest City for one dollar. Jean Marie Allen to Forest City Area Historical Society, Inc., in Forest City for one dollar. Gregory M. and John T. (estate) Lopatofsky to Gregory M. Lopatofsky, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (by atty) to Amy Drake, in New Milford Borough for $41,200.00. Michele Moody to Shawn Moody, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. George G., Emily A. and Virginia N. Plomchok to George C. and Virginia N. Plomchok, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. George G. and Emily A. Plomchok to George G. Plomchok, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. George C., Emily A. and Virginia N. Plomchok to George G. and Virginia N. Plomchok, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Phillip G. and Dawn M. Yeomans and Jamie L. Atkinson to Jamie L. Atkinson, in Liberty Township for one dollar. Donald G. and Joyce A. Page to Jody Hall, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Charles D. and Martha H. Denkenberger to Charles D. and Martha H. Denkenberger, in Bridgewater and Brooklyn Townships for one dollar. Peoples State Bank of Wyalusing to Marcellus Shale Oil & Gas Real Estate LLC, in Brooklyn Township for $45,000.00. Donald W. and Carolyn Squier to John D. and Holly A. Newman, in Apolacon Township for $500,000.00. Nichole A. and Stephen A. Garnett to Sarah A. Gardner, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Irma Bender to Richard E. and Sandra M. Oakley, in New Milford Borough for $115,500.00. Rosaria M. Armetta to Salvatore J. Armetta, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Jean F. and Raymond W. Strelzik, Frank E., III and Mary Ann Lashinski, and Judy A. and Scott B. Davis to Judy A. Davis, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Jean F. and Raymond W. Strelzik, Frank E., III and Mary Ann Lashinski, and Judy A. and Scott B. Davis to Frank E., III and Mary Ann Lashinski, in Lenox Township for one dollar. William M. and Virginia W. Beeman to David A. and Janet L. Yohe, in Brooklyn Township for $12,000.00. Jean F. (AKA) Jean and Raymond W. Strelzik, Frank E., III and Mary Ann Lashinski, and Judy A. and Scott B. Davis to Jean F. and Raymond W. Strelzik, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Anthony Scott (AKA) A. Scott and Lena Lee Newhart to Anthony R. Newhart and Chantel Surrett, in Auburn Township for $177,500.00. Rudolph E. (AKA) Rudolph G. E. Borove (estate) to Robert A. Borove, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Lewis E. and Lillian A. Price to Lillian A. and Edward L. Price, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Helen J. Chudzinski (trust by trustee) to Helen J. Chudzinski, in Forest City for one dollar. Bernice S. Mead (estate) to Glen and Carol Mead, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Stephen E. and Lisa Kay Adriance to Stephen E. Adriance, in Montrose, for one dollar. Christopher R. and Jessie L. Tripp to Christopher R. Tripp, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Clifford H. Grosvenor to B & D Brothers LLC, in New Milford Township for $245,000.00. Terry L. Short and Dolores M. Hydock to Dolores M. and Dolores A. Hydock, in Clifford Township for $20,000.00. Arthur Warren and Geraldine Jennifer Bender to Arthur Warren (trust) and Geraldine Jennifer (trust) Bender, in Auburn Township for one dollar. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:10 a.m. on April 8, 2011. William D. Barton, 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, Daniel O'Brien, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Arthur D. Quick, David J. Shiner, 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.
G. B. Twp. Watching Damage To Roads The Great Bend Township Supervisors had a very short agenda at their April 4 meeting. Scott Beeman, with the firm of Shumaker Engineering, requested time on the agenda to address the supervisors. Shumaker Engineering of Montrose are civil engineers, and currently provide services for several other nearby municipalities. Among the services they provide are surveying, environmental engineering, airport engineering, bridges, buildings, and culverts. At their reorganizational meeting at the beginning of each year, the supervisors appoint an engineer of record, and have been using Hawk Engineering, which provides services without a retainer, and charges on an as-needed basis. Mr. Beeman said that Shumaker Engineering would offer the same arrangement if they were chosen to be the township’s engineers. At a previous meeting, two residents of Baptist Hill had attended a meeting with concerns that one or more of the companies drilling for gas or installing pipelines in that area might want to widen the road. They attended again, and brought additional photos of their property for the township’s files. There was some discussion about the increased drilling and pipeline activity in the area. The supervisors said that they had been in contact with several of the firms involved in both activities, and that they had all been very cooperative about fixing road damage caused by their activities. Supervisor Sheila Guinan and Bradley Marvin (road crew) were set to attend a dirt and gravel road workshop, and Mrs. Guinan would also be attending a workshop dealing with roads affected by gas drilling. A motion carried to advertise for road materials, to be opened at the May meeting. The 2010 audit has been completed, and has been advertised. The supervisors reviewed a proposed contract with Oakland Boro to provide police coverage to the township. It was agreed to table the contract for the time being, and to set up a meeting with Oakland to get more information. During public comment, a resident who works for another municipality said that he can get information to the supervisors about a new, alternative material for use on dirt roads; it lasts longer and works better than traditional anti-skid. The next meeting will be on Monday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Montrose Addresses Clean Up The zoning book in its current format was so old, Sean Granahan announced, that there were not even floppy discs at the publisher's saving it so the secretary was going to be asked to retype it entirely. It was suggested alternately perhaps it could be scanned and edited. Tom LaMonte was asked if there were any plans on the tree fund. The borough might go around and see what trees might need to be addressed, he replied, or have it advertised that if anyone wanted a tree taken care of they could contact the borough. A discussion was held regarding adding parking meters by the green, on Lake Avenue going north. A resolution would be necessary, and it would have to be advertised as an amendment. It was suggested that the meters be made four hour meters, for the purpose of court. Mr. Reimel suggested that the southbound meter coming out of South Main Street be taken out during the same resolution as it was creating a crash hazard. When it was suggested that the 10 hour meters be moved there, Mr. Lamonte suggested that the 10 hour meters be left on Chestnut as at least if people were leaving cars in place all day they would be on a side street. The dangerous meter could be pulled right away, it was decided, and the other actions were to be advertised. Craig Reimel asked Codes Enforcement Officer David Darrow to discuss clean up day. The idea had been thrown out in the past, but Mr. Darrow, it was said, had come better prepared this time. His thought, Mr. Darrow said, was to, in an effort to clean up the town, offer a one day clean up. He had talked with Diaz Disposal and been told that if the borough paid the tipping fee at the dump he would forgo the hauling fee. He would also dedicate a driver to the task. Diaz would take anything but metal, and there was a man in New York who would pick up the metal for free. Diaz was charging $60 per ton. Mr. Darrow was suggesting that if a landowner wanted to bring the items in their own pickup, they could be charged a small fee. For the elderly, and people who couldn't deliver the items, Mr. DiPhillips had said he would be willing to pick the items up. Mr. Darrow suggested doing this for one weekend in May. If pickup was needed, it would have to be scheduled in advance, and could only be done on Thursday or Friday, though the dump would be open certain hours on Saturday for people to drive their own items to the dump. All payments would be required by check or money order. The program would only be for Montrose residents, and proof of residency would be required. There were concerns that items would be dumped in front of the gates when the program was no longer running, but it was suggested that video surveillance could be provided and anyone doing so would be charged with littering. Mr. Lamonte requested that a pricing schedule be established, and the matter be further discussed at the next meeting. A visitor asked, during the police report, if there was anything in a police car which would allow the police to signal a driver when it was a dangerous place to pull over, and if the police would respond appropriately if someone continued until there was a safe place to pull over. Trooper McArthur responded that generally the police try to wait until a safe location to hit their lights, and that they would understand a driver waiting to pull to a safe spot so long as he or she pulled over at the first safe location they passed. The subject of the landlord renter's ordinance was broached, with Mr. Granahan stating that he needed more information prior to altering sections. Social security numbers were mentioned, and whether landlords would or should be comfortable taking them. Even if a landlord had a renter's driver's license, it was stated, the social security number could be pulled. Mr. Reimel said that he would really like to hold a landlord informational meeting. It was suggested that the figures would be ready by the next meeting, and something could be printed for landlords to pick up prior to a meeting being held. The inspections would be left to COG; this ordinance would be a registration process only. It would help with all of the tax money which Berkheimer told the council they were losing. People would have a decent amount of time to read the proposal prior to the meeting. A landlord asked whether the list would be public knowledge, that a landlord could find out where an old tenant was now living. It was responded that this likely would be the case. The PennDOT sidewalk maintenance, traffic light, and drainage agreements were brought up. A meeting had been held, borough solicitor O'Malley reported, and she as borough's council would continue to advise that council not sign the documents. She had been told that other people signed them and no one else had complained, so PennDOT did not realize why the borough would not. Mr. LaMonte asked how this was different than the agreement on Public Avenue. It was responded that with Public Avenue the Restoration Committee had gone door to door and gotten the residents to sign off. Mr. Reimel expressed his concern that if the council continued to push, it would take time, and the entire matter could expire. PennDOT might pull the sidewalks out of the deal, he worried. Mr. Granahan expressed his opinion that the language stated that the borough would shovel sidewalks, and might open the borough up for lawsuits, and he was not willing to do so or pay to have it done. It might also conflict, at least as far as sidewalks were concerned, with the borough's ordinance. It was asked if the Restoration Committee might be willing to go door to door in this situation as well. It was suggested they be asked. Mr. Chamberlain said that both Mr. Reimel and Mr. Granahan had valid points, and in the end it was decided that the Restoration Committee would be approached. It was stipulated that that the council was not looking to kill the project, but did not want to end up liable or have to purchase liability insurance either. The county tax collection committee selected Central Tax as the county wide tax collector, Mr. Reimel said, and wanted certain information from the borough. The transition had begun. He said he hoped by the beginning of next year the county would be prepared for the transition. After an executive session a motion was made to raise the parking meter attendant's hours to 25 hours per week beginning in May, and continuing until council reduced his hours. It was also moved that the way the borough calculated the secretary's hours be changed from a salary to an hourly wage based on her current salary.
Gibson Barracks Report CRIMINAL ARREST - DRUGS On April 5 Jerome Slick of New Milford, PA and Angela Conner of Catawissa, PA were arrested and taken into custody on outstanding warrants issued from Columbia County. In addition, prior to being taken into custody on the warrants, both of the accused were in possession of drugs (methamphetamine) and drug related items. Both were lodged in the Susquehanna County Jail pending criminal charges in this county before being taken back to Columbia County. The incident occurred at the Montrose Terrace Trailer Park in Bridgewater Township. CRASH On April 7 at 6:10 a.m. Lr Goff of Wichita Falls, TX was traveling west on SR 3023 in Dimock Township when he lost control of his vehicle on the slush covered roadway, exited the road and hit a ditch. A seatbelt was being used; he was not injured. PSP was assisted at the scene by members of the Elk Lake Fire Department; Force's Towing removed the vehicle from the scene. PFA VIOLATION On March 29 a 38 year old Hallstead man violated a valid PFA and was arrested and taken into custody. The accused was arraigned before District Justice 34-3-03 and bail was set at $2,500, which he was unable to post. He was sent to the Susquehanna County Prison. A hearing was scheduled in the Susquehanna Court of Common Pleas for the end of March. COLLISION - TRAFFIC - INJ On April 6 at 5:37 a.m. Bradley Dmohoski of Brooklyn was traveling south on SR 167 in Hop Bottom Borough when, while negotiating a curve in the roadway, his vehicle exited the road, impacting a ditch. Dmohoski was utilizing a seatbelt; he suffered minor injuries and was transported to EMHS for medical evaluation. SIMPLE ASSAULT On March 29 Christopher Mirra of Hop Bottom was arrested for assaulting a female victim, hitting her with his hands and a baseball bat. The victim was not seriously injured. BURGLARY On April 5 at 3:39 a.m. Cav's Auto Repairs and Restoration was broken into forcibly, by means of a pried open northern side back entrance door. Once the door was defeated, an alarm activated and the premises was fled. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSP Gibson, the investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. HIT AND RUN On March 29 an unknown vehicle struck the wash bay machinery at the Endless Mountains Car Wash in Hallstead, as the driver apparently tried to enter the south bay. The driver jumped the treadle which guides vehicles into the bay and struck the wash unit, causing damage, then proceeded to flee the scene. Anyone with information is asked to please call the state police. DRUG VIOLATION On March 30 at 4:07 p.m. Andre Vargas of New York, NY was traveling on Interstate 81 in Lenox Township. At this time a traffic stop was initiated on his Green Dodge Strauts, for a traffic violation. Numerous signs of criminal activity were observed and consent to search the vehicle was obtained. The trooper discovered that Vargas, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was in possession of marijuana, marijuana packaging material, $4,711, and a digital scale. He was taken into custody for processing and later released. The $4,711 was seized for forfeiture. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-03; the investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. CRASH On April 3 at 4:00 p.m. Michelle Mcavay of Brick, NJ was traveling north on I-81 in Lenox Township when, while she wasn't paying attention to the road and was reading directions, her vehicle hit the rumble strips and she became nervous. The vehicle then struck the bridge on the east side of the roadway, traveling across the roadway, striking the bridge on the west side. Mcavay was transported to Marion Community Hospital in Carbondale via Clifford Township ambulance for unknown injuries. Her vehicle was towed by Kozlowski's Towing. She was utilizing a seatbelt; she was cited for careless driving. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Sometime during the night of April 2 unknown perpetrator(s) threw toilet paper in the trees, stuck plastic forks in the lawn, and sprayed shaving cream on a vehicle, at a location in Rush Township. Anyone with information is asked to please contact police. THEFT Sometime overnight on April 2 a 24 foot aluminum ladder belonging to John Webster of Montrose was stolen from a location in Jessup Township. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. CRASH - DUI On March 12 at 3:05 a.m. Lance Youket of Binghamton crashed his vehicle in Liberty Township. Upon police arrival it was determined that he was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. It was also learned that the accused was wanted by Susquehanna County Probation. He was arrested for DUI and incarcerated at the Susquehanna County Correction Facility. Charges were to be filed at District Court 34-3-01 as of the time of report. SIMPLE ASSAULT On March 18 at 5:05 p.m. Robert Wellman was arrested for simple assault, as he allegedly grabbed the wrists of a female victim and forced her to hit herself. He also is accused of choking the woman. CRASH On April 2 at 11:06 a.m. Donald Hardic of Montrose was traveling west on SR 3023 in Montrose when he drove off the right side of the roadway into loose gravel. He lost control of his vehicle and drove it off the north berm, hitting an embankment. It flipped onto its roof, coming to a final rest in the westbound travel lane. Hardic was not utilizing a seatbelt; he sustained no injury. CRASH On March 21 at 6:00 a.m. Michael Bills of Kingsley was traveling northbound on SR 2055 in Brooklyn Township when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow covered road while rounding a right hand curve. The vehicle exited the roadway off the west berm and struck a guiderail wire, coming to a rest. Bills was transported to EMHS in Montrose for treatment for an injury of unknown severity as of the time of report; he was utilizing a seatbelt. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Kerr's Towing. HARASSMENT/CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Kyle Williams of Susquehanna was charged with Criminal Mischief and Harassment after an argument in Susquehanna Borough. Williams is accused of pushing a woman to the floor and then kicking a door, damaging the door and frame. The citations were filed with District Court 34-3-02. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between the 20th and 21st of March the main entrance to Cougar Land Services in Great Bend was damaged by means of the glass being pushed away from the door frame. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. THEFT David Graham of Montrose reported that he is missing a newborn Nigerian Pygmy Goat, apparently taken from a location in Forest Lake township. CRASH On March 28 at 3:17 p.m. Brooke Cook of Little Meadows was traveling north on SR 267 in Choconut Township when her vehicle exited the road, striking a tree, sign, and finally the guardrail. Neither Cook nor a child passenger were injured; a seatbelt and child safety seat were in use. LOST FOUND PROPERTY On March 28 at 2:00 p.m. a compressor was found outside storage sheds at Vancott Storage Sheds in Hallstead. Anyone with information is asked to please call the police. CRASH On March 6 at 6 a.m. Joshua Kukowski of New Milford was traveling west on SR 706 in New Milford Township, at the same time as Robert Odell of Montrose was traveling north. Kukowski lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a right curve. The vehicle spun sideways and slid into Odell's vehicle, which in turn struck a utility pole with its right front portion. Kukowski then moved his vehicle from the roadway, parking it on the berm. Both driver's were utilizing seat belts; and neither was injured. CRASH On March 20 at 4:00 p.m. Thomas Scheiner of Windsor was turning right from Spring Street onto Main Street in New Milford Borough, with a female passenger. The motorcycle struck a pothole at the intersection, while attempting to turn right. The rear tire slid out, causing the vehicle to hit the ground on its right side. The passenger, Yvonne Uzzolino of Windsor lost her helmet when she struck the ground, and she sustained moderate injury. Scheiner's helmet was properly used; he was not injured. BURGLARY Between the 25th and 26th of March the Lakeside General Store in New Milford Township was broken into. There was physical evidence left behind, which was to be evaluated for investigative purposes, as of the time of report. CRASH On March 26, at 8:54 a.m., a New Milford teenager was traveling south on SR 171 in Oakland Township when her vehicle exited the east edge of the berm and she lost control while trying to re-enter the road. The vehicle crossed into the opposing lane, entered a ditch, and rolled onto its roof. The girl was utilizing a seat belt; she was not injured. CRASH On March 25 at 7:37 a.m., Curtis Miller of Hallstead was traveling south on Old Route 11 in Great Bend, at the same time Gordon Stanley of Hallstead was traveling north. Miller then crossed into the path of Stanley's vehicle, resulting in a collision. Both drivers were utilizing seat belts; Miller sustained a minor injury. He was also to be cited as a result of the investigation, according to the report. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH On March 23 at 4:49 a.m. Alex Faught of Argyle Denton, TX was traveling eastbound on SR 3006 in Springville. As passengers, Benjamin Dykmann of Humble, TX and John Tyler, of Carrolton, TX were also in the vehicle. Faught, while attempting to negotiate a right hand curve, lost control of his International Harvester on the snow covered roadway. It was snowing at the time. The vehicle began a clockwise rotation, crossed the westbound travel lanes, and overturned onto the driver's side. The top made impact with utility pole #MA2, owned by Frontier Telephone Company. The vehicle began to leak oil and fuel product, prompting activation of DEP. No injuries were reported during the collision. If you have information regarding any of these incidents, please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154I.
New Milford Reviews Letters The April 7 New Milford Borough meeting was quite short in duration, though several items of note were discussed. The first portion of the meeting to take up any real time was the correspondence section, where council president Jim Carr reviewed several letters. The Southern Tier Sidewinders Baseball Club thanked the council for letting them use the field the year previous. They also requested the use of the field again for the coming year. An earth disturbance follow up report was sent regarding the Lonzinski project at the end of town. It was said that this was a moot point, as he was apparently abandoning the project due to cost. The Facet Cycling LLC requested a letter of acknowledgment regarding the PA Championship time trials. Government regulations required that a letter from each municipality the event touched was required. The race was covering the insurance, roads would not be closed, and disturbance to the town would be minimal. Proper authorities would manage the turnaround point. The race was to start and finish in Nicholson. Involvement from the community was appreciated, the letter to council said. A sample letter for council to send was included. There was some confusion on the part of council regarding this request, as the race was to only run between 12 and 13 miles away from Nicholson prior to turnaround, and therefore likely wouldn't reach New Milford anyway. The US Census bureau was to be running the 2010 Census Count question resolution program, notification had been received, providing state local and tribal officials an opportunity to challenge the 2010 census counts. No one on council had any complaints about the census numbers. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation sent a notice that they would be doing a lot of roadwork on Interstate 81 in both directions, between New Milford and New York state. This might create increased traffic through town. A letter was received from the auditors, who had completed the 2010 audit, with findings that it was complete and clear. The parks association and tax collector records had not been received as of yet, and the auditors requested these be submitted soon if the council wanted them audited. The municipal authority truck was absent from the garage, as it was being fixed. (It was estimated that it might take a week or more for the repairs.) The mayor recommended that, while the room was available, the street department fix up the cannons. He said that if they were to be displayed, new wheels would need to be purchased, to eliminate the danger to children climbing on the placements. Teri Gulick asked if there had always been wooden wheels, not remembering them from her childhood. Mayor Taylor replied that at that point there had been no wheels, as they were taken off and the cannon placed on blue stone. That could be purchased again, and notched so that the wheels would fit into it. The wheels would be present, but it would not be dangerous. This idea was to be further researched. Mayor Taylor had also been contacted with the Parks Association regarding a concern with their annual event in the park. The concern centered around whether or not the pagoda floor would be in the process of construction during the event. While a decision had not officially been made about the floor's repair, it was stated, work was not likely to begin that early in the summer. There was discussion then regarding the type of floor council wished to put in, and the need for air flow. It was stated that Amy Hine, the borough secretary, would look into the grant paying for the work, and if there were requirements which would direct actions. The problem, Mr. Taylor said, was the lack of ventilation and the dead air caught in that space. It was suggested that perhaps volunteers could be advertised for to cut expense of repairs. Two council members had been called to Johnson Street, it was reported, by a resident who suspected that a pipe going under the road had collapsed, causing increased water flowing in his direction. The council had asked someone to look into the cost of checking into this, and the price would be around $1,400 estimated. That quote, it was clarified, would include the cost of replacing the pipe, if it was broken. The first step would be to assess if this really was necessary. There were some visible irregularities to the road. A complaint was brought to the borough secretary about someone pumping water into the street. Mayor Taylor opined that everyone pumped water into the street. It was asserted that there wasn't much the borough could do. Barb James spoke up about the potholes in town, which needed to be addressed. It was reported that the street department had already begun investigating the price of cold patch. Related to this, the matter of the road on Washington Street was broached. It was suggested that the worst problem was in front of the warehouses behind the post office. This problem is beginning to degrade the road, however, so a letter was to be sent to the property owner recommending that he fix his parking lot. At the last meeting Mr. Carr had said he would put together a comparison between the 2010 and 2000 census, and he had informational sheets ready at the meeting. The total population had dropped by 65 people. Ninety women had been lost, and twenty-five men gained. The average age was 37, a year and a half older than ten years ago. There were 18 less occupied rental units, and there were 3 more housing units. There were 22 fewer vacant houses than were present a decade ago. The average family and average household sizes had decreased slightly. Mr. Carr also listed comparisons of prices on gas (up $1.29), mile (up .75), and movie tickets (up $2.5). The zoning map change was brought up. It was corrected that the public hearing would now be May 5, as it was necessary to allow for the forty five day period before it. It would be held right before the borough meeting. There had been one resident who had expressed his displeasure with the idea. The zoning committee meeting was recessed to May 9, it was said, and there would likely be a decision made that night.
SCSD’s Employees Approve Pay Freeze At last month’s meeting, the Susquehanna Community School Board discussed cutbacks that would be necessary, due to significant funding cuts in the state’s budget. As the district receives 70% of their funding from the state, the loss of $918,000 in state funding left some serious decisions to be made. As the district has maintained a policy of limiting tax increases, the only answer to offset the loss is to cut expenditures. One of the items in the cost cutting proposal Superintendent Bronson Stone brought to the board last month included asking district employees to agree to a pay freeze for the next year, in spite of the contracts that the district had entered into with the labor groups involved, the education association (teachers), the non-instructional workers, management, and bus contractors. At their April 6 meeting, the board heard some good news. The education association had met several times and discussed the situation, and had agreed to the freeze, as their main concern is to continue to provide a quality education to the district’s students. A motion carried to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Community Education Association relating to the salary freeze for the 2011-12 school year. Similar agreements with the non-instructional and management staffs will be voted on in June. And, the business manager and bus drivers have arrived at a plan to cut $80,000 in transportation costs next year, no mean feat in light of skyrocketing fuel prices. Superintendent Stone noted at last month’s meeting that the formula used by the state to determine the funding cuts shows some disparity, as the Susquehanna district, the poorest in the county, will see the greatest reduction in funding in the county, $1,018 per student, while other county districts will only see a reduction of about $200 per student. He urged district residents to contact state legislators to protest the funding cuts and the formula being used, as the final reduction numbers can change if the state does choose to amend the formula currently being used. With the expected budget cuts, some cost-saving measures need to be adopted. The district has implemented a plan to reduce expenditures that will impact the least number of students by eliminating optional programs, and reducing the K4 program to a half-day. There will be reductions in technology and maintenance. Sports programs will not see significant cuts, as the district’s cooperative agreements already in place with the Blue Ridge School District do save the district money. The activity bus will run only two nights a week. The dual enrollment program funding has been eliminated from the governor’s budget; students can fund them, at a cost of about $300 per course. Arts will not be eliminated, and two school plays will be presented next year as well as the usual concerts and festivals. And, Mr. Stone reported that an anonymous individual had made a $10,000 donation to the district to help offset the funding loss. The Public School Code does outline how school positions may be eliminated, and in accordance with the code, motions carried to eliminate the following positions/employees as of the end of the 2010-11 school year, due to the economic situation: one K-4 teaching position (Rebecca Stalker); one K-4 instructional aide (Mary Bieloski); one copier room aide position (Dawn Allen); one high school front office aide position (Gina Baker); and the assistant high school principal position (Holly Warunek), effective upon completion of the employee’s 2010-11 contractual requirements. Not filling the following positions as currently posted was approved: six department head positions, summer band, three grade span leader positions, three wrestling positions, head coach, assistant coach, junior high coaches, cheerleader advisor; and golf coach. Elimination of the wrestling positions will not impact the wrestling program, as the district has a cooperative agreement with Blue Ridge. The district’s behind-the-wheel driver training education program will now be a fee based program; tuition is expected to be about $200 per student, which should be considerably less than parents would save in insurance costs if their student takes the course. Re-posting of the varsity girls’ basketball coach and junior varsity girls’ basketball coach was approved for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years. At this point, federal funding, which comprises 7% of the district’s budget, is still unknown, as the federal budget had not been passed as of the date of the meeting. Mr. Stone said that he had submitted a proposal to the state Department of Education that could ultimately save the district more money, based on a program being used in Ohio. It is to convert “snow days” to “e-days,” where students and teachers could communicate electronically or by phone, so that daily assignments could be completed, thereby saving the district money for transportation costs. PSSA testing in reading, math, science and writing has been completed. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for April 12. And, the new standards-based report cards are ready to go. Other items approved were as follows: May 3 as Teacher Recognition Day and sponsoring a breakfast on that day. Craige’s Photique as the school’s photography provider for the 2011-12 school year. Granting the business office permission to tabulate and award bids and to order supplies for the 2011-12 school year, subject to board approval in May. Delta Dental as the district’s dental provider for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years at existing premium rates. Policies relating to immunizations and communicable diseases, inhalers and injections, and public attendance at school events. A one-year contract with NEIU 19 for DE video streaming services for the 2011-12 school year. The school-based juvenile probation officer memorandum of understanding and agreement for 2011-12. A contracted services agreement with Dr. Varsha Pandya for psychiatric evaluations. Hiring for the following positions for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years: Lawrence Tompkins, varsity boys’ basketball coach; Richard Emmons, junior varsity boys’ basketball coach; Melissa Sussman, basketball cheerleading coach; Raymond Testa, Jr., junior high boys’ basketball coach; Ken Travis, junior high boys’ basketball assistant coach; Bridgette Stone, junior high girls’ basketball coach; Ken Travis, elementary boys’ basketball coach; Roland Salamon, varsity boys’ basketball game manager; Susan Crawford, varsity girls’ basketball game manager; Carol Bushong, junior high boys’ basketball game manager; Carol Bushong, junior high girls’ basketball game manager. Tabling hiring for the varsity girls’ basketball coach, junior varsity girls’ basketball coach, junior high girls’ basketball assistant coach and elementary girls’ basketball coach. A modified summer work schedule for 235-260 day employees for 2011. A homebound instruction request for a kindergarten student. Michael Zack, substitute for the 2011-11 school year. A leave of absence for Hannah Barnes-Taylor. Sarah Holmes, homebound instructor and Jocelyn Grossman, boys’ volleyball timer for the 2010-11 school year. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 11, 7:00 p.m. in the administration offices in the elementary building.
Starrucca Borough Council Minutes The Starrucca Borough Council meeting was called to order by President Jack Downton on Monday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present were Vice President Robert Martin, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, Paul Everett and Louis Gurske. Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko and Council member Anthony Palonis were absent. The audience included George DeBalko, Loreda Everett, Dan Kramer, Kathy Downton, Jerry Gill, Dee Martin, Roland Buck, Kirk Rhone, Autumn Groover and Jamie Koziol. The minutes of the Council meeting held on February 7 were read. Motion to accept the minutes passed unanimously. The Treasurer’s report as of March 4 was read. Motion to accept the report passed unanimously. Bills to be paid (March, 2011) - Motion to pay the bills passed unanimously. Correspondence Read Michael Martin - compensation for 2010 attendance (declined) - filed. Neal Chernakoff - Shadigee Creek Wall (Old Business). Paul Everett to Solicitor Treat - filed. Solicitor Treat copies, regarding Schaeffer Logging - filed. Solicitor Treat copy of Darl Haynes correspondence, regarding Kellogg Road - filed. Arthur Kopp - Statement of Financial Interest - mailed to State Ethics Commission. Paul Bunnell - Buck/Rhone/Woodruff sub-division - filed. Kirk Rhone - Buck/Rhone/Woodruff sub-division - filed. Russell Warner, SEO - Module I, etc. for Woodruff subdivision - mailed to Dept. of Planning. Jordan Downton’s request to use the ball field for the 2011 softball season (May-September) - motion to allow Jordan Downton to use the ball field on Sundays for the 2011 softball season passed. President Downton abstained from the vote. Old Business Neal Chernakoff regarding Shadigee Creek Wall - following discussion, Council recommended that Mr. Chernakoff’s correspondence would be discussed with Solicitor Treat. Liquid Fuels reimbursement - the secretary advised that no correspondence was received from Solicitor Treat regarding this matter. Following discussion, motion was made to give President Downton permission to communicate with Solicitor Treat and PennDOT regarding the $18,000. Reimbursement to the Liquid Fuels account. DGK Errors and Omissions Report - the secretary advised that no correspondence was received from Solicitor Treat regarding this matter and that the report was submitted with no changes from the previous year. Motions made at the February meeting were sent to Solicitor Treat requesting that he send correspondence to the Attorney General and the U.S. attorney on behalf of Starrucca Borough. The secretary advised that no correspondence was received from Solicitor Treat regarding this matter. Scott Township Winter Maintenance - The secretary advised that no correspondence was received from Scott Township regarding this matter. DAP 2 for FEMA agent - The application is to be filed only when a disaster occurs. Darl Haynes request for copies of Borough records (June 23, 2010) - The secretary reported that the copies are still in the file. Emergency Management Coordinator - Paul Everett asked if emergency equipment was returned by the Emergency Management Coordinator. Mr. Gurske advised that he has the equipment. Kellogg Road - Mr. Hayne’s letter to Solicitor Treat was discussed. VP Martin reported that Mr. Haynes had called him (after dark) on February 18 to report that water was running down the road. VP Martin responded to Mr. Haynes stating “nothing can be done tonight and I will look at it tomorrow.” VP Martin added that the next day the road was frozen. President Downton commented that over the years Kellogg Road has been vacated several times and suggested that the road should be returned to the original survey map or vacated. Motion to have Solicitor Treat handle Mr. Haynes regarding possible harassment passed unanimously. New Business Formation of Committee to investigate Borough issues - Following discussion, motion was made to form a committee consisting of three Council members and one Auditor to investigate Borough issues passed unanimously. The Committee members are President Downton, Paul Everett, VP Martin and Gerald Gill. Buck/Rhone/Woodruff sub-division - Mr. Rhone submitted Module and requested the supporting documents be sent via certified mail. The secretary will forward the charges for reimbursement to the Borough. Executive Session - President Downton called for Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 8:25 p.m. Committee Reports Hess Road Agreement - VP Martin reported on viewing the video that accompanied the Road Agreement and he commented that Leech Creek Road was not viewed on the video. All members of Council will sign the road Agreement at this meeting. Public Participation Autumn Groover requested use of the Ball field for Adult Softball on Sundays starting May 1 through July 10. Motion to allow Adult Softball at the field on Sundays passed unanimously. Ms. Groover asked if she should contact Council if a window is broken at the house near the field. She was told to contact the homeowner directly. Auditor DeBalko advised council that the Audit will be submitted this month and a summary will be presented to council at the April meeting. President Downton addressed Arthur Kopp regarding the Shadigee Creek Wall and the FEMA funds that were returned. President Downton further commented that in 1976, Mr. Kopp signed for monies for a wall project. President Downton asked “what changed from ’76 to ’06”? Mr. Kopp responded (referring to the return of the FEMA funds), “there was no documentation stating the previous Council did not complete the project.” Loreda Everett addressed Mr. Kopp’s comment and recommended that he research FEMA/PEMA funding because there is documentation stating the Borough chose not to complete the project and that is the reason why FEMA/PEMA requested the return of the funds. Kathy Downton recommended to Mr. Kopp that he should contact FEMA/PEMA directly and get the information from the source. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Zoning In Great Bend Borough? With Winter not quite finished and Spring not quite under way, the Great Bend Borough Council didn’t have a lot to decide at its meeting on April 7. They used a fruitful hour, however, to discuss a number of outstanding issues. One of them is increasing high-density housing, and how to control it and the parking problems it can create. The Borough’s solicitor, Frank O’Connor was asked to look into this; he has a personal stake, since access to his law office on Main Street is sometimes affected by random parking behavior in the area. Mr. O’Connor read most of a draft ordinance that he said might help - “without getting into zoning.” For new construction, and major renovations that result in conversions to multi-family dwellings, the ordinance would require that the property make accommodation for off-street parking. Borough residents are upset about side streets clogged with parked - and double-parked - vehicles, cars parked on lawns and sidewalks and over curbs and the like. On the other hand, Mr. O’Connor once more brought up the possibility of zoning in the little town. Zoning has been considered many times over the years, but a generally conservative outlook has tended to dampen enthusiasm for a process that many believe will regulate what can be done with private property. Mr. O’Connor said that zoning is the only really effective way to get control over development in the Borough. He said that a zoning program would still have to set aside some areas for activities that “are less than desirable, but still legal.” But he said that there was no reason that such activities couldn’t be limited to the area around the sewer plant. Council asked Mr. O’Connor to develop the idea more for further consideration. Borough Mayor Jim Riecke, more commonly an optimist who prefers to highlight the positive side of life in Great Bend, this time made an appeal to his colleagues to keep his street, Mountain Vista Lane, from turning into a dirt road. The dead-end street at the north end of town was laid down by the neighborhood’s developer 22 years ago, and has seen little or no maintenance since. Mr. Riecke said that it’s time that his deteriorating street got some attention, and he said he would pursue the matter energetically until something is done. Council president Rick Franks, and member and streets supervisor Joe Collins, said they would look at the situation and come up with some ideas consistent with available resources. Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan said that, once the drainage project on Washington Street is completed, the street fund will have only about $7,000 left for the year. And Mountain Vista Lane isn’t the only street in bad shape. Council doesn’t talk much about the development of a police department at its regular meetings. Most of that is channeled into monthly meetings focusing just on the creation of a police department for the borough, usually on the third Monday of the month. Minutes of the March 21 police meeting show that 4 candidates for “Officer in Charge” should have been interviewed by now. Now that the Council of Governments (COG) has been asked to issue a permit for construction of the police department office in a section of the Borough garage, the additional work identified by COG will cost about $2,200 to install a window, fireproof doors and a fire alarm. Mr. O’Connor is also developing employment agreements, ordinances and parts of a policies and procedures manual for the department. With Spring on the way, Mr. Collins is looking at hiring a street sweeper again this year, to remove the detritus accumulated over the long months of Winter. The Borough received a letter from PIRMA (Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Risk Management Association) recommending the formation of a “physicians panel” to review workmens’ compensation claims to help minimize costs by circumventing the current process of injured workers finding their own providers. According to Ms. Guinan, the Borough receives at least one such claim each year, usually from fire company volunteers, who are covered under the Borough’s policy. However, loss experience is so low in the Borough that the idea will be put on the back burner for now. Council member Bret Jennings is still pursuing the protection of one of the Borough’s major water supply sources (Comfort Pond), by trying to enlist the support of neighboring municipalities in developing an ordinance of some sort that would restrict some types of activities in that pond’s watershed, particularly gas drilling and its associated operations. He has visited both Thompson and Liberty Township council meetings. Mr. Jennings, as the Borough’s representative on the board of the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority (HBGJSA), is also continuing his campaign to get the New Milford Municipal Authority to pony up arrears that he calculates to be as high as $75,000. He said a recent motion he made to move the effort forward failed for a second at a sewer authority board meeting; he said that some members regularly fail to show up for the meetings. For lack of interest locally, he said he had sent a letter to the state attorney general about the matter. Mr. Franks said that, the sewer authority being an independent agency, the Borough could do nothing itself. The HGBJSA must take the initiative to fix the problem. The next meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council is scheduled, as usual, for the first Thursday in May, May 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Borough Building. The next police meeting will be on Monday, April 18, same time and place.
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