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HEADLINES: Much About Roads In Clifford A few new opportunities exist for Clifford residents to participate in their community. At a township meeting April 11, the Great American Cleanup was addressed. Residents may gather and bag trash along roadsides within the township; the trash will then be removed by the township if a call is made to the township office. Bags, gloves and vests to be used for cleanup purposes can be obtained at Clifford Auto. The Great American Cleanup runs through May 31. Supervisor Barry Searle also encouraged residents to check the township website weekly for postings of legislation reports expected to be of interest to township residents. Bids were opened for spring roadwork, with Barhite Excavating the sole bidder. The bid, which was for $45,500, will be reviewed by the township supervisors. A resident of a Clifford Township development asked if High Ridge Road and Mountain Laurel Road are receiving liquid fuel money yet. Dennis Knowlton responded that he did not know. The resident responded that the road takeover has been an “ongoing thing for a couple of years.” He asserted, “Nothing seems to be getting done. This year, [the road] is worse than ever.” The resident also stated that he spoke with a Penn DOT representative recently, who assured him that taking over the road is a “simple process” but must be completed by October to receive liquid fuel money this year. The accumulation of anti-skid material along roads within the development was also discussed. Road master James Locker responded that Carbondale has a sweeper and was scheduled to assess the road the following day to determine whether sweeping the debris would be feasible. “I’ll know in the afternoon if they can do it,” Locker stated. Another resident commented, “The potholes are horrible. The road is breaking up badly.” A third resident requested a more resilient patch for potholes. “It’s April; it just stopped snowing,” responded Locker, “I’ll be up there.” In his report, Locker stated that pothole repairs are “impending.” He requested that the supervisors put out a bid for black cinders, which can dry out during the summer. Additionally, the township would proceed with the sweeping previously discussed if Carbondale determined that accumulated material was not too heavy for the equipment. A resident of Fern Hall Subdivision asked about fire hydrant accessibility within the development. It was determined that Trent Turner, Clifford Fire Chief, would have to answer that question. Turner was not in attendance at the meeting. It was reported that a resident of Fern Hall was living in a house without an occupancy permit. A neighbor stated that the county had approved the housing, and the condition of the road was holding up the occupancy permit. Solicitor Joe McGraw would examine the matter. Concerning industry, the supervisors passed Ordinance 1-2011, an ordinance for industrial temporary holding tanks. Resolution 2-2011 also was passed and sets fees for temporary holding tanks. It was stated that there are no current compressor station requirements in the Clifford Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Larry Wilson explained that gas companies view this as an opportunity, since many neighboring municipalities have implemented a “fairly strict” Susquehanna County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, which gives requirements for compressor stations. Wilson stated, “If we don’t keep up with our neighbors in terms of regulations, we’re going to have the undesirable stuff dumped on us.” For the next meeting, the county regulations will be reviewed, and Clifford will host a county representative. “There’s quite a mix of ways you can handle it,” Wilson said. Aside from adopting the county ordinance, another option would be for Clifford Township to establish its own requirements for compressor stations. At a prior request by Searle, Harry Phillips, tax collector, provided statistics on property tax. “It’s not a simple thing,” cautioned Phillips. However, Phillips reported that the average property owner pays $500 in property tax. Of that tax, 14 percent, or $71, comes back to the township. The Clifford Historical Society received a $3,000 donation from Adams Cable Service to remodel one room in the township building for a museum. A mural is in place inside the township building, and a new display is projected to be up by the next township meeting. McGraw provided a draft of a room lease, which contains the same provisions as the hallway lease. The supervisors will review the draft. The supervisors reported that they sent Supervisor John Regan a letter concerning his lack of attendance at township meetings but did not hear back from him. Having examined the Pennsylvania Constitution, “We have no recourse whatsoever on this one,” Searle remarked. A final matter concerned a Corridor Management Plan for a scenic byway that extends from Windsor, New York through Lenox, Pennsylvania to Route 6. Alice Deutsch, representing various organizations involved in the project, explained that the goal is to attract visitors from Route 81. Deutsch stated that tourism is the second greatest income in the state and added, “All of Susquehanna County will benefit long-range.” Deutsch reported that although the project will cost $75,000, the DCNR will front 80 percent of the cost. Groups involved in the project are asking for $500 from municipalities and various civic organizations. Funds will be collected through 2012.
Harford Auditors Report Terry VanGorden was surprised. Whether it’s snow and ice in the winter, potholes in the Spring, or dust the rest of the time, he can always expect to hear about it. So as Roadmaster and Supervisor, he was expecting a heap of inquiries and complaints from the unusually large group of people crowding the Harford Township office on the evening of April 12. But when he opened the meeting up for public comment, there was barely a peep from all those people who had sat through an hour and a half of discussions about audits, tourism and stone bids among other things and appeared to be waiting their chance. Following minutes, bills and treasurer’s report, the meeting opened with a report from Connie Breese, chair of the township’s audit committee. The other members, Bob DeLuca and Linda Bonham were also present. Ms. Breese said her team found all the township’s books for last year in order, but she had a list of recommendations: The township should install a timeclock for all employees “ASAP.” Wage increases should be given as percentage rate increases rather than “across the board.” The township should have an employee manual and job descriptions for each position. The township secretary should be paid bi-weekly like the other employees. Township payroll should be computerized. The township should engage a QuickBooks consultant to help improve the use of the software. Mr. VanGorden took exception to the need for a timeclock for 4 employees who are most often out on the roads. He said it sounded like the auditors didn’t trust the employees. Ms. Breese said that a timeclock would help to keep the records “more accurate,” but that the Supervisors “don’t have to do anything we [the auditors] suggest.” Supervisor Garry Foltz seemed to support the idea, saying there was “nothing sneaky about it.” The Supervisors agreed to discuss it further at a workshop. Mr. DeLuca said that implementing wage increases on a percentage basis would be “more fair,” but Mr. Foltz feared that such a move might introduce “turmoil” among the employees. Ms. Breese was told that the township already has an employee manual and written job descriptions, with which she would be provided. Supervisor and township Secretary Sue Furney said that as of January of this year she voluntarily shifted to part-time status with the loss of some benefits in order to make her own schedule more flexible. The auditors have been urging the township to computerize its payroll for several years. All of these topics and more will be discussed at a workshop scheduled for Tuesday, April 26 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Up next, Alice Deutsch offered a briefing on something called “Friends of the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway.” Ms. Deutsch, among other things, is on the board of directors of the county United Way and current president of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) organization. She requested that the Supervisors consider allocating $500 (or more) from next year’s budget to support the Byway initiative to help spur tourism, one of the largest industries in Susquehanna County. She said that the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will fund 80% of the Byway’s $75,000 budget, and that the gas companies are a “big benefactor.” The Byway would try to protect the scenic value of the route from the New York State line to Route 6. The Supervisors then opened bids for road materials from Eastern Industries (formerly known as State Aggregates), Brown Farms Enterprises, Vestal Asphalt, Asphalt Paving Systems, and SuitKote. Mirabito Energy Products offered the only fuel bid, which these days is generally flexible anyway. Eastern Industries provided the only bid for stone, which must be “state certified” to be paid for from state-subsidy funds. They will supply 5,000 tons of 2RC stone at $7.98 per ton delivered ($8.38 per ton to the job site); 2,500 tons of anti-skid #67 at $11.89 per ton delivered to the yard ($12.29 to the job site); 2,500 tons of 1B stone at $12.44 delivered ($12.64 to the job site); 50 tons of 2B stone at $11.89 per ton delivered ($12.29 per ton to the job site); and 50 tons of gabion stone at $11.74 per ton delivered ($12.14 to the job site). The Supervisors accepted the bid. Brown Farms was the only bidder on black cinders, which might be used to supplement the anti-skid in the winter. They would supply up to 500 tons of coarse cinders (state certified) for $18.25 per cubic yard (the plant at Exeter does not have a scale). They could also supply uncertified fine grade for $14.50 per ton. The township uses AEP/EDP oil (a certified biodegradable product) for dust control and solicited bids for 28,000 gallons delivered and spread. Vestal Asphalt bid $1.38 per gallon; Asphalt Paving Systems bid $1.34 per gallon; SuitKote bid $1.375 per gallon. The Supervisors also accepted the lone bid for lawn mowing from DNR Lawn Care at $25 per cutting at the township building and $35 per cutting at the sewer plant. The fuel, dust control and cinder bids will be considered further at a later date. Garry Foltz wants the township to have a website, or at least one different than the one it has now. He said that the name “harfordtwp.org” is available, and he has someone in mind to create it. He would like it to be a “community-based” website that would make space available for, say, the fire company, the Historical Society, the Fair. He said it would make township materials easily accessible, such as approved minutes, ordinances, and information on building and driveway permits and the like. This will be a major topic of discussion at the workshop on April 26. Mr. Foltz reported that the township’s solicitor is reviewing the new Act 90 of 2010, titled “Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act.” According to one source, the act “…empowers municipalities to take legal action against owners of deteriorating properties and deny municipal permits in certain circumstances…. This tool allows municipalities to hold property owners accountable for existing delinquencies or serious violations on other properties.” He took special note of one barn that was partially demolished and is an “eyesore to the community.” He said the new law would allow the township to “go after so-called slumlords.” Mr. Foltz is also considering regulating the use and siting of outdoor wood-burning furnaces, particularly with respect to the height of the chimney. He also reported that he is not ready to recommend a sound measuring device to help implement the township’s new noise ordinance. Ms. Furney read from an article about a new natural gas compressor station in Auburn Township that will come under new county regulations with respect to setbacks and noise emissions. Southwestern Energy a few months ago submitted a draft road maintenance agreement. Mr. Foltz has been reviewing the document, as have township solicitors. It appears that the draft agreement may require roads like Houlihan and White to be plowed by the township once they are widened and improved by the gas company. Given the grade on those roads - which are not now maintained in the winter - Mr. Foltz isn’t anxious to take on that responsibility. Mr. Foltz reported that 6 natural gas well permits have been issued for a farm in Lenox Township. He encouraged land owners to negotiate pipeline leases carefully. In his road report, Mr. VanGorden said his crews were dealing with one section at a time, saving fuel by not “bouncing around” the township. He said the roads were still too soft to work properly, so they are concentrating on filling potholes. One resident on Charles Road complained about water and mud washing onto his walk. Charles Road has been a problem for township plows because of the steep grade coming onto U.S. 11 and the joint between the paved and dirt surfaces. Township staff will examine the situation more closely and make recommendations. Asked the status of the Stearns Road situation, Mr. Foltz said, “our hands are tied” until the lawsuit brought by Tingley Lake property owners is settled. Asked about a bill for $2,500 from Summit Risk Services, Mr. Foltz announced that the charge represented the deductible on the township’s “errors and omissions” insurance policy. He said the township won a personnel action that he termed “costly.” It’s been a tough winter on the roads. The township has recently spent substantial sums on springs, tires, chains, plow blades and other equipment to keep the trucks moving. The township put over $9,700 on a credit card for a transmission for one truck and an engine for the roller. For the first time in memory, someone voted against a bill list. Mr. Foltz opposed the April bill list because, he said, there were a “number of items that we had no discussion as a board [on].” As chair of the meeting, Mr. VanGorden didn’t quite know how to report such a vote, it never having happened before. But in the end Mr. VanGorden and his colleagues put their business in order, as they will again next month, on Tuesday, May 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All meetings take place in the township office on Route 547.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Donna M. and John P. Potter and Andrew Nowalk to Donna M. and John P. Potter, in Hop Bottom Borough for one dollar. Pearl C. Gottschall to Pearl C. Gottschall, in Choconut Township for one dollar. Marie R. Moran to Charles D. Darrow, in Little Meadows Borough for $35,000.00. Ronald J. Ondishin to Stephen J. Ursich and Margaret M. Gorton, in Herrick Township and Union Dale Borough for $245,000.00. Lynda Wilcha to Elisabeth A. Kmieczak, in Ararat Township for $120,000.00. Alfred S., Barbara, Charles A. and Mary Ann Place to Charles S. and Mary Ann Place, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Merton R. and Judy A. Kilpatrick to Curtis L. Fullom, in Lenox Township for $250,000.00. Charles R. and Deborah (by atty) Horvath to Charles R., Charles P. and Christine S. Horvath, in Jackson Township for one dollar. Jean Ann (AKA) Jeanne C. Skubic to Maryann S. Bean, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Maryann S. Bean to Maryann S. Bean, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Susquehanna Borough to Joseph and Florence Bucci, in Susquehanna for $1,500.00. Paul and Joy A. Walker to Paul and Joy A. Walker, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Paul and Joy A. Walker to Paul and Joy A. Walker, in Oakland Township for one dollar. Anne F. Kalpokas (estate) to Shane G. Kalpokas, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Raymond C. Eriksen to Eriksen Family Trust (by trustee), in Springville Township for one dollar. Carl and Pamela M. Cobb to Norris W. and Laurie A. Cobb, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Janet F. Small to Joseph C. Schneider, Jr., in Forest Lake Township for $119,900.00. Richard J. (by atty) and Milicent J. (by atty) Werner to Michael Stiles, in Herrick Township for $500.00. Catherine Haynes (estate) and Theresa White to Fred D. and Greta H. Kovalchick, in Rush Township for $88,000.00. Gregory C. and Karen A. Personette to Louis and Lori Fiorelli, in Lenox Township for $140,000.00. Christina Christensen to Christina Christensen and Timothy R. Smith, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. Nichole Y. Hildebrand and Robert J. Wallace, Sr. to Nichole Y. and Timothy J. Hildebrand, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Wells Fargo Bank to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Forest City for one dollar. Peter A. Brozonis, Jr. to Francis J. and Francis J., Jr. Pinkowski, in Rush Township for $50,000.00. Peter Brozonis, Jr. to Family Oil & Gas Real Estate LLC, in Rush Township for $116,940.00. Peter Brozonis, Jr. to Peter Brozonis, Jr., in Rush Township for one dollar. Harry G. and Margaret J. Newak to Michael and Patricia Newak, in Forest City for one dollar. Harry G. and Margaret J. Newak to Harry G., Margaret J. and Michael Newak, in Forest City for one dollar. Michael and Patricia Newak to Harry G., Margaret J. and Michael Newak and Michele and Deborah Biondo, in Forest City for one dollar. Gordon, Jr. and Sandra J. Knipe to Pond View Partnership LP, in Rush Township for one dollar. Gordon, Jr. and Sandra J. Knipe to Pond View Partnership LP, in Rush Township for one dollar. Gordon B., Jr. and Sandra J. Knipe to Pond View Partnership LP, in Rush Township for one dollar. C.C., Jr. and Genevieve Ann Coleman to Dennis Coleman, in Rush and Middletown Townships for one dollar. Glenn and Alice Tonkin to Tonkin Family Trust, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Stephen Purvens (by POA) to Beverly J. and Gerard Sheare, in Ararat Township for $99,000.00. Michael George and Ann Marie Wasko to Erin M. Scott, in Great Bend Borough for $220,000.00. Dorothy (by sheriff) and Edward P. (by sheriff) Fowlkes to LPP Mortgage LTD, in Thompson Township for $13,629.48. Robert W. and Loretta Franceski to Timothy J. Stangline and Jessica Butler, in Forest City for $56,650.00. Carol Upton and Stephen P. and Janice E. Kelly to Carol Upton, in Clifford Township for $2,000.00. Dale A. (by sheriff) and Heidi M. (by sheriff) Jarnagin to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, in Hop Bottom Borough for $2,484.02. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on April 15, 2011. 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, 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. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Attrition, Not Cuts, For MASD A representative of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees of Susquehanna County was the first person called upon at the April 11 Montrose school board meeting. This is the first time, she said, the PASR was presenting an ed support grant. The award was created to help an educator carry out a project or complete an action the budget might not allow. This instructor created a character education program called “Be the Change,” which focused on bullying. The grant was in the amount of $150, and was presented to Charlotte Sherwood, who was wearing one of the project t-shirts. When Mr. Ognosky asked her what the program was about, she explained that it had been a part of the school for years, and had originally been created in collaboration with the students. It had been decided more recently, however, that it needed to be more interactive. It involved practice in what to do if they were bullies, saw bullying, or were bullied. The seventh grade was involved this year, and she hoped in the coming year to involve the sixth grade as well. The program had been shared with Blue Ridge, staff there being trained in its implementation. Mr. Ognosky reported that the student leaders had spoken with him about the program, and were thrilled. It was very powerful for the staff as well, Mrs. Sherwood added. A variety of policy changes were discussed. All of the changes were recommendations from the Pennsylvania School Board Association. There was a change in the immunization requirements, which was to go into effect at the beginning of the following school year. This was to be quite a change, and could effect some of the current students. The nurses were preparing communication to go home to students effected. If those children are not immunized at the beginning of the school year, he explained, they would not be able to start school. When asked, however, it was stated that there were exemptions for religious objections. Other policy changes would require more documentation for service animals. Now in the policy, service animals would be stipulated as either dogs or miniature horses. Also accepted with regret were the resignations of Joyce Burman, second grade educator at Choconut Valley Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement. The resignation of Kimberly Harris, the learning support instructor at Choconut Valley, was similarly regretfully accepted. A motion was made and accepted to revise the 2010-2011 calendar to have April 25 as a snow makeup day. Mr. Ognosky said that he would send another call out regarding this. A slight change was then announced regarding the 2011-2012 school calendar. The district had agreed to host the FBLA regional competition, which would bring around 800 students to the grounds. They wanted to hold it in the first few weeks of January, so the district had decided to have school on Martin Luther King Day. Friday January 6, the day of the FBLA convention would then be a day off. On Monday, February 20, staff would make up the in-service, though students would still have off. For parents, he said, on the calendar on the website, the PSSA testing weeks would be highlighted in gold. During the administrator's reports, Mr. Clapper provided an update on the administration building. It was hoped that the final inspection could occur during the week of the meeting, he said. The interior of the building was basically completed. It was hoped, he said, that perhaps the entire project could be completed in two or three weeks. The existing parking lot, it was clarified, was not felt to be sufficient for parking needs. Mr. McComb spoke of the spring fair, which was well attended. He thanked Mrs. Homan for her assistance, and said the event had a nice turnout. The science fair was to be April 28, with the Arbor Day program the next day. The children were to receive seedlings. May 2 through 5, he said, is the kindergarten registration. Currently, it was reported, the district was looking toward having between 32 and 40 kindergarten students, and perhaps utilizing three kindergarten sections in the coming year. May 19 is the open house at Choconut Valley. The school, he said, had been working on school wide Title 1 status, which requires higher than 40% low-income status. The school is currently at 35%, so had submitted paperwork to apply for a waiver. If this were approved, then the school could write the actual program description. This would allow the school to spend its Title 1 money a little bit differently, so that it could serve the entire student population rather than targeting specific students. The national archery competition was in Loiusville Kentucky, and eight students were registered to go, he reported, from grades 5, 8, 9, and ten. Mr. Adams, during his report, spoke of the completion of the PSSA testing. Lathrop Street is also applying for Title 1 status, and is moving toward tier 2 in its positive enforcement behavior system. Tier two would involve identifying students who were not responding to the new system, and keeping data on them. These students would be moved toward mentoring, and focused time by trained volunteers. That school's open house was scheduled for May 18, and Kindergarten registration was coming. Their numbers were running around 35, which was low for the school. The school was working hard in preparation for the coming year, he explained. Mr. Tallarico also expressed pleasure at the conclusion of testing, and commended the students for their behavior throughout it. There had been much success at the school, he said, with finalists in District Chorus, FBLA (with two national qualifiers), and in a computer contest, and so on. Prom was to be held on a Friday night, as the students had been adamant about having it at the Summit again, but there were no available Saturdays. It was hoped that the students could be released that day to get ready about 10:30, with parental permission. Sports are very backed up, he said, though they did not have to hold games on Sunday at this point. The games will be heavily packed together. AP test preparation was in process, he said, and every student taking the AP class was scheduled to be taking the test. Mr. Ognosky complimented the business office staff. They had worked hard recently to get things done. Dr. Golden spoke of the impending Keystone exams, which schools were being asked to continue giving this year if they were already scheduled to. They would not be given the next year, however, as their development was to be put on hold, allegedly, due to a need to work on them. The idea might eventually be to have PSSA's run for grades 3-8 and the Keystone exams for grades 9 through twelve. The school had passed the resolution regarding vouchers the year prior, that and a letter had been sent out to Representative Sandra Major and four other legislators. Mr. Ognosky had received a letter in response from Sandra Major. It explained the options which were being considered for this topic. She said that it was important to note that her constituents had concerns regarding school choice, and stated that she would carefully consider the pros and cons when it came time for a vote. Mr. Ognosky had also asked about funding, and she stated that there had been three weeks of meetings on it. Mr. Ognosky said that Representative Major was very good at this, at taking the time to listen to what people said and responding. The district had 11 retirements and or resignations, but the plans were not to replace any of them. This was the answer given when a reporter asked about staff cuts. The district is not looking for furloughs now or a few years down the road, Mr. Ogosky said, this seeming like a better option. Included in the positions not refilled was an assistant principal position at the high school. The same process would be followed for support staff, a consideration whether or not to fill any position which was empty. When asked if there were any program cuts, Mr. Ognosky stated that he didn't believe so. The priorities at the elementary school would be kindergarten, keeping the class sizes low, and keeping the RTII program in place. In order to accommodate this, some changes might be made. At the secondary level, there will likely be a change in schedule, with a class period eliminated and thus likely an elective. This may affect credits for graduation. The PSSA classes at the junior high levels were to be eliminated, to extend the length of the class periods so that students would receive more instruction in their regular classes. Family and Consumer Sciences will only have one staff member then, so the electives would be rotated. When asked, Mr. Ognosky said that the district may have only around a $100,000 leeway around a balanced budget. If there weren't eleven retirees, he said, however, it might have been necessary to look other places. The district has been making attrition cuts for a few years, he continued. His hope was that perhaps, if the legislator moved on funding, some things which were taken out of the budget could be put back in.
Several guests attended the April 14 meeting of the Oakland Boro Council. First to address council was Codes Enforcement Officer Shane Lewis. He gave an update of current violation cases; a court hearing is scheduled for May 11 on one, an agreement has been signed with the property owner on another, and there is a third where there is a situation that is becoming all too common. This property has been abandoned by the owner, but the mortgage company has not yet begun foreclosure proceedings. Mr. Lewis predicted that with the current economic conditions, there may be many more such instances where there is such a backlog of abandoned properties that it may take some time before they are foreclosed. He suggested that council come up with a long-term plan to address these situations in the future. In this instance, the foundation of the house is crumbling and is in need of immediate attention. After discussion, a motion carried to authorize the boro’s solicitor to proceed with filing of a compliance order and notifying both the owner of record and the mortgage company of the violations. Mr. Lewis has also been working with council on the park improvement project, and there was a detailed discussion about the progress to date. And, Mr. Lewis will look into a complaint about the bank washing down onto the sidewalk on State Street in an area where there are two openings in the retaining wall where there used to be stairs to houses that no longer exist. Another guest was Alice Deutsch, President of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, who spoke about the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway, which spans over 37 miles from the New York State line to Route 6 in Nicholson. The purpose of the byway, she said, is to draw tourists off of the interstate into local communities where they would visit and, hopefully, spend money. A corridor management plan is in the process of being drawn up, which would include road work, bike trails, scenic overlooks and signage directing visitors to the byways, as well as other components. Grant funding is available, but would require matching funds. She asked council to consider a donation in their 2012 budget, of about $500. She is soliciting donations from municipalities, civic groups and businesses in the corridor, and donations will be held in an escrow account. With the sports season beginning, Councilman Dave Trevarthan reported that the Oakland Rec. is up and running. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at the park on April 23 at 10:00 a.m. for children aged one to ten. There will be an Election Day bake sale; donations of baked goods will be gladly accepted, anyone interested can contact Karen Armitage or Carol Trevarthan. The Tri-Boro Little League will be playing at the park on Thursdays and Saturdays, even with the improvement project progressing. And, the next Rec. meeting will be on May 3, 7:00 p.m. at the Oakland Corner Pub. Mayor Glover reported that the police had been busy during the month and had responded to 42 calls. He said that meetings were being held once a month to continue contract discussions with Oakland Township (for a merged police department). There have been a number of complaints about people letting their pets leave droppings in various public areas in the boro. He urged people to be considerate of others and to pick up anything their pets might leave behind. He noted that the worst area seems to be the walkway on the bridge between Oakland and Susquehanna. And, he recommended that Officer Bob Sweet be appointed as chief of the police department as he has not only been doing a good job but has been performing the chief’s duties as well. A motion carried to adopt a resolution for PEMA adopting the county’s emergency operation plan; council had previously adopted similar resolutions for FEMA and the county, but an additional one was also required for PEMA. The 2010 audit has been completed and will be duly advertised. At their last meeting council had discussed parking ordinances; research shows that the most recent one the boro has dates from 1974. The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center.
Another Speedy Commissioners Meeting Following is the Susquehanna County Commissioners "agenda," from their April 13 meeting. All three Commissioners were present - Warren, Allen and Giangrieco. As always, they began with the Pledge of Allegiance. First, they approved the minutes of the March 23, 2011 meeting. They motioned to ratify or approve the following: A total of $734,225 (to the nearest dollar) with $432,437 going towards General Expenses, $171,196 for Payroll Expenses, $14,354 for Employee Retirement, $7,368 for State Withholding taxes, $57,034 for Federal Payroll Taxes, and $51,835 for CYS Expenses. They motioned to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests from March 31, 2011 to July 18, 2011. The following are no cost to the County: Eric Watkins, Soil Conservation, Wellsboro, Geosynthetics for Sediment Control, Erosion Prevention and Stormwater Management; Lisa Vail, Probation, Scranton, Interventions that Promote Happiness & Resilience in Youth, total cost $105.00; Willie Keeney and Eric Watkins, Soil Conservation, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and County Conservation District Roundtable Meeting; Jeffrey Shoemaker and James Gulbin, Probation, Wallenpaupack, Wounded Officer Survival Tactics, total cost $156.00; Phyllip Crisp, Michael Koscelnak and Allen Smith, Probation, Wallenpaupack, Weapon Control/Weapon Retention and Disarming, total cost $164.00; Sami Bourizk, Joseph Barry and Lisa Vail, Probation, Wallenpaupack, Deadly Force Response and Decision Making (Laser Shot), total cost $164.00. They motioned to approve the following along with the above: Art Donato and Paul Johnson, 911 Stroudsburg, National Emergency Numbering Association (NENA) Eastern Region Meeting, cost $40.00; Leslie Estabrook, 911, Bethlehem, Priority Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification Course, cost $628.00; Michelle Graziano, Children & Youth, Fort Washington, Act 101 of 2010 Overview Training Program for Court and Agency Appointed Authorized Representatives, total cost $554.78, cost to the County $110.96; Scott Aylesworth, Emergency Management, Harrisburg, Emergency Planning (G235), cost $174.00; and Laura Watts, Elections, Allentown, Association of Eastern Pennsylvania County Election Personnel Summer Meeting, cost $245.00. They motioned to approve to adopt Proclamation 2011-04 proclaiming April 22, 2011 as County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Day in honor of (CCAP's 125) Anniversary. In summery: Whereas, CCAP is the only "State" organization that represents "County" government in the Commonwealth. The CCAP has provided the Commonwealth's 67 counties with a variety of essential services to assist counties in effectively and efficiently meeting the needs of the Commonwealth's residents for 125 years, and includes Susquehanna County. They take seriously their responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare and safety of their residents and growing residents in sensible and cost-effective ways. County government delivers other services including physical and mental health, housing, employment, family and children and youth services, emergency management, elections and justice. They motioned to approve to enter into an Agility Agreement between Susquehanna County and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation whereby PDT will provide maintenance activities to be specified, to be equal value to maintenance activities provided by the County. This Agreement is effective for an initial five (5) year period beginning with a date specified by the PDT, unless terminated sooner upon thirty (30) day notice by either party to the other. They motioned to approve to adopt Resolution 2011-7, a Resolution to authorize and direct Chairperson, Commissioner MaryAnn Warren to sign the Agility Agreement between Susquehanna County and the PDT as described in the previous motion. They motioned to approve to authorize the Commissioners to sign a two (2) year lease agreement between Susquehanna County and NEPA Community Health Care, Hallstead, leasing 872 square feet in the Warner Building to NEPA for the WIC offices for $10,788.00 per year payable in monthly installments of $899.00 per month beginning June 1, 2011. They motioned to authorize the Commissioners to sign a contract between Susquehanna County and MCM Consulting Group, Inc., McMurray, PA whereby MCM will provide Professional Services for Wireline/Wireless Planning and 911 annual and triennial plan funding requests to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including wireline and wireless planning through PEMA. MCM will include Act 72 Voice over Internet Protocol in the review and planning process. This three year contract begins April 13, 2011 and is $42,000.00 or $14,000.00 a year. The County will receive approximately 60% or $8,400 a year reimbursement, from wireless funding. Hence, a cost of $5,600.00 approximately per year. They motioned to approve to acknowledge the voluntary separation of Erica Canfield, last day worked September 24, 2010, temporary, part-time clerk/typist in the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts Office, the temporary position ended February 28, 2011, per the 06/23/2010 Salary Board minutes. They motioned to approve to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes regarding the following recommendation of Catherine Benedict, Tax Claim Director: A: Jessup Twp, name of Anthony Hibbard c/o Tax Claim Bureau, consisting of a trailer on John Shaskas Land. Trailer exonerated from rolls by Assessment as gone. Total taxes to be exonerated $3,245.49. B: Oakland Twp, name of Lona & Mark Smith c/o Tax Claim Bureau, consisting of a trailer in Oakland Trailer Park, assessed at $1,000. Trailer was exonerated from rolls as unlivable. They motioned to approve to hire Jeanne Davis, Meshoppen, to the open part-time position of Dispatcher Trainee, rate $9.25 per hour, varied hours, with a six month probationary period, per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator. The effective date is to be determined by Art Donato. They motioned to approve to cancel Memorandum of Understanding between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth, and the Pennsylvania State University, on behalf of its Penn State Cooperative Extension. This cancellation eliminates the position that administratively supports the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Education Program, and is effective May 25, 2011, per the recommendation of Susan Adamec, Agency Director. Thus, the County portion is eliminated. They motioned to approve to ratify the signing of the extension of a lease between Susquehanna County and Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative, for keeping emergency communications equipment and facilities on the Claverack Tower and Site. Susquehanna County will continue to lease 1.01 acres in Apolacon Township for $1.00 per year, for additional 10-year term. This will automatically continue for an additional 10 years term, unless either party terminates this lease by notice in writing given to the other party within six (6) months, but not less than one hundred twenty days (120) days of the end of the initial lease term. They motioned to approve to reappoint the following to the Tourism (Room Tax) Committee: Andy Aulakh, Gregg Confer, Sandy Conklin, Tom Follert, Kim Ross and Michele Suchnick. The final motion was to end the meeting at 9:09 a.m., and it was adjourned.
The Oakland Township Supervisors had been requested to give time on the agenda to a representative from the Buckhorn Rod & Gun Club on Bedbug Hollow to discuss the flooding problem that has been occurring due to a group of beavers that have been clogging a sluice pipe and building dams. The item has appeared on the agenda for the last two or three meetings and was included on the agenda for the April 12 meeting, but so far, no one from the club has attended. Correspondence included notice of a recall for the Ford F-550 power train control module; notice of training available in essential police operations in May and June; statistics from the US Census Bureau (the township’s population has increased by about 100, to 638); notice from PEMA that buyout of a property in the flood plain was approved, but there is no funding available; a request for a donation for the Conservation District’s annual Envirothon (the supervisors approved a donation of $50); an invitation to the annual equipment show in Tunkhannock; notice of amount due for unemployment compensation; notice of Local Government Week activities April 11-15; the March PSATS news bulletin; and notice from DCED regarding reports that they need copies of from 2008 and 2010. The annual road review is still in progress, and there was some discussion about several problems that have arisen. The current list of codes violations was discussed. And, it was agreed to donate $50.00 to the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss the township’s contract with Oakland Boro for police services. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Silver Lake Twp. Police Report SUSPICIOUS DEATH On March 8 a suspicious death was reported in Silver Lake Township. After an investigation by Silver Lake Township PD, PA State Police and the Coroner’s Office, it was ruled the individual died of natural causes. SUSPICIOUS PERSON On March 9, at approximately 1230hrs, a suspicious person was reportedly trying to sell new generators on Frazier Road in Forest Lake Township. A search for the individual and a brown full sized pickup truck turned up empty. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On March 12, Jennifer Lemaster reported that a neighborhood dog had attacked her 10 year old son and a friend as they walked home after a birthday party. The dog was unable to bite through the clothing and shoes so no serious injuries resulted. This incident was turned over to the dog warden and is under further investigation. FRAUD On March 22, Robert Huebner, in Silver Lake Township, reported fraud involving a large sum of money for a bid purchase on e-bay. This fraudulent activity is still under investigation and involves other out-of-state police agencies, banks, and federal special investigation units. BURGLARY On March 23, a resident on Laurel Lake reported that an unoccupied residence appeared to have been entered through a back door, which was opened. Investigation at the residence showed that there may have been forced entry and indications of a possible party. This incident is still under investigation as the owner is being contacted. STOLEN VEHICLE On March 25, George Capwell, of Brackney, reported that he had an old 1973 Cadillac that had been recently stolen from his property in Forest Lake Township. This investigation will continue when more information is supplied on the vehicle. MVA On March 25, a one-vehicle crash was reported on SR4007 near the intersection of The North Road and The Forest Lake Road. The vehicle failed to take a turn at the intersection and continued straight onto private property at 4619 The North Road. The 2009 Chevy HHR sustained severe damage and destroyed apple trees on the property. The driver was uninjured. The vehicle was owned by Marci Sheffler of Hallstead, and was being driven and used by a friend, Douglas Soller of Brackney. The crash was originally reported as a one-vehicle crash with the driver having left the scene and a passenger still on scene. Investigation revealed that the driver was on scene and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. This crash is still under investigation with multiple charges pending. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY On March 30 at approximately 1328hrs, Silver Lake Township PD was requested by PSP Gibson to secure the scene in Choconut Township for an untimely death investigation of a younger female resident until PSP units could respond. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On March 31 at approximately 2102hrs, C.C. dispatched SLTPD for an injured deer in the middle of The North Road. Upon arrival, several passersby had nearly hit the deer and a good Samaritan had already dispatched the deer and moved it aside. 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 silverlaketwp.org to see all of Silver Lake Townships’ news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.
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