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HEADLINES: Pat and Walt Lesser, Main Street, Lanesboro reported seeing a funnel cloud, accompanied by the sound of a passing train last Thursday evening, May 26, around 9:00 p.m. Unfortunately, the train hauling thousands of pounds of local timber, made an unscheduled stop in their living room, dining room and several upstairs bedrooms.
According to the Lesser’s, they never lost power as the house violently shook, giving them the impression it actually moved off its foundation. Their back porch was destroyed and a playhouse out back was turned upside down. The Lesser’s, pets included, were uninjured and have safe harbor with relatives in the local area. The Timber Express then made a choice of chance decision to deposit cargo, a large tree limb, through the roof of Todd and Sharon Glover’s home, Main Street, Lanesboro as well. The Glovers are also unharmed, even though understandably shaken by the experience. Just before, or after this as time lines differ, the express blew throughout P.J. O’Hare’s Tiki Bar, across the river on the Oakland Side.
None of the 2 dozen or so people around the Tiki Bar were injured, but a large weeping willow, reported to be around 300 years old, was completely uprooted in the storm. Dermot O’Hare, P.J.’s owner, reported that the restaurant roof sustained damage, but counted blessings as no one, incredibly received injury in the mayhem. All in all, the immediate area was spared extensive damage and the County Transcript extends a speedy recovery to any and all affected. Meeting, Progressing, Hoping At Blue Ridge With Summer fast approaching, graduation just around the corner … and a new teacher contract due … Margaret Glezen, President of the Blue Ridge Education Association - the teachers’ union - was only able to say that the teachers and the school board are “meeting, making progress, and hoping for the best.” Board President Alan Hall used the same words to describe the negotiations, which he said might go beyond the June 30 deadline. He said the sticking points remain, as expected, benefits and what the teachers might be expected to contribute. Both sides seem optimistic of coming to an amicable agreement, however. The Blue Ridge School Board meeting on May 23 was shorter than it might have been. In order to get a full report on the energy project, the first meeting for the month was delayed a week, so this one came only a week later. A workshop was also scheduled for the evening, but that was dispensed with, too. The evening actually began a little early so the Activities Committee could hear a pitch from Julie Gallagher representing ProCare Physical Therapy of Towanda. ProCare wants to provide “Athletic Training Services” for school districts, at least in part to engage private clients through exposure in the schools. According to Ms. Gallagher, no districts in Susquehanna County currently contract with ProCare. Montrose and Elk Lake have their own trainers on staff. Lackawanna Trail is the closest ProCare client district. Under the proposal, ProCare would provide trainers with 4-year college degrees for practices and home games. They would act in a way as consultants in training athletes and dealing with injuries. The company would require a minimum of 500 hours per year at $20 per hour. Committee members seemed positive about the idea. Board member Harold Empett remarked that such a service would provide “a lot higher-level care than we’re used to.” And Christina Whitney sees “a need” for the service at home games and meets. Yet in these budget-straitened times, an extra $20,000 is a hard pill to swallow. Committee members suggested some sort of cooperative arrangement with other school districts that would allow them to share the cost. Superintendent Robert McTiernan and Athletic Director Jill Hoffman were asked to poll their counterparts for more information. The business meeting started off with a resolution to increase the pool of funds available to students requesting aid in attending conferences and events away from the district. Every year a few students ask for assistance in traveling to Washington, Europe and elsewhere to participate in youth leadership and other convocations. The Board usually allocates $500 in the district budget, shared among all requests. Last time, when a third request was considered, members suggested increasing the amount to a more meaningful level. So this time, when Ms. Whitney moved to boost the pool to $1,000, Mr. Hall said that he would favor $1,500 for these “very well-deserved” petitions, she amended her motion, and the Board approved. The Board approved summer hours for the Acting Special Education Coordinator, guidance counselors, the IT staff and others “at the superintendent’s discretion and approval” up to a maximum for each group. Almost as an afterthought - having considered it for months already - the Board approved the issuance of $2.3 million in bonds to support the phase-1 energy program, which is actually in part a capital improvement project. Along with that resolution, the Board approved a performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc., the firm that will carry out many of the measures under the program “inside the building envelope,” in Mr. Hall’s words. Large parts of the work originally allocated to the contractor will actually be carried out by district maintenance staff. The Board gave approval to a new budget offered by the Northeastern Educational Instructional Unit (“the IU”) for special education services for next year. The Board balked at the budget proposal last month when some of its figures didn’t add up, particularly in light of some controversy over the performance of some IU executives. The district’s representative on the IU board, Joel Whitehead, said that the IU still hasn’t been able to hire a new executive director. And not least, the Board gave preliminary approval to its own budget for the next fiscal year which begins in July. Several months ago the Board cut tax rates for district property owners by 1 mill. The new budget accounts for substantial cuts in revenue from all sources, so the Board directed the administration to cut expenses drastically while striving to maintain virtually all programs intact. The result is a budget that comes up short by half a million dollars, which is expected to be covered by accumulated fund balances. There was still a little left over to fete one of the Board’s favorites. Theresa Whitehead, this year’s student representative to the School Board, has attended consistently and taken her responsibility to heart. The Board showed its appreciation for her dedication by presenting her with a plaque … and a delicious cake, sending her off to graduation and the future with its warmest regards … and a hug from her Grandpa. The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School is expected to be on Monday, June 13, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Committees often meet the same evening, 30-60 minutes earlier. All meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Jason Rodriguez and Randi Lynn Ladner to Jason Rodriguez, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. James J. Rowlands (by sheriff) to Honesdale National Bank, in Forest City for $6,711.36. Thomas E. Stranko and Connie Lee Goff to Thomas E. Stranko and Connie Lee Goff, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Rose Technical LLC to James K. Carty, in Silver Lake Township for $10.00. Lawrence T., Christine M. and Thomas J. Oreilly to Brian K. and Keith S. Pennepacker, in Jessup Township for $95,000.00. Thompson Township to St. Mary’s Russian Cemetery, in Thompson Township for $5,500.00. Henry T. and Elizabeth M. Cook to Cook Family Trust, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Todd and Rebekah Greenwood to Todd Greenwood, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Edwin H. and Florence M. McCabe to Casey and Jill Wiedmaier, in New Milford Township for $190,000.00. Edward T. Bendock, Jr., Vicky A. and David L. Roth to Edward T. Bendock, Jr., Vicky A. and David L. Roth, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph and Marie Kozloski to Joseph Kozloski, in Lenox and Lathrop Townships for one dollar. Basil E. Walter to Ann Tecla Lundquist Walter and John R. Lundquist, in Gibson and Ararat Townships for $10.00. Christopher T. and Cathleen A. Tracy to Trehab, in Susquehanna for $5,000.00. Bonnie Lee Hayter to Cindy L. Warren, in New Milford Township for $90,000.00. Nancy W., Brian and Theresa (AKA) Teresa Tyler to Brian and Teresa Tyler, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Joseph J. and Shirley F. Yanick to Amy Masker, in Forest Lake Township for $130,000.00. David J. Jones and Susquehanna Co. Commissioners to Paul and Irene Schuler, in Middletown Township for $10.00. Paul George (AKA) Paul (estate) and Paul Joseph Schuler and Sandra Gertrude and Roger Gardner to Sandra Gertrude and Roger Gardner and Paul Joseph Schuler, in Middletown Township for one dollar. Jeffrey J. and Marygrace Baumley to Jeffrey J. Baumley, in Harford Township for one dollar. John C. (estate) and Jean Koch to Edward R. Dulworth, in Clifford Township for $35,000.00. David R. Bruce, Edward R. Dulworth and PKB Company to David R. and Beth Ann Bruce, in Clifford Township for one dollar. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:12 a.m. on May 27, 2011. Edward R. Ashman, Tonya S Birchard, Ryan T. Brooks, Douglas Buckman, Howard A. Burns, III, William J. Casey, James J. Corridoni, Randall L. Cox, John C. Creps, Heather R. DeBoer, Charles S. Dunn, John F. Feeley, David J. Fischer, David Haines, Jr., William Neil Hendrickson, Melinda Holbrook, Shannon J. Hollister, Steven L. Jones, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Jason Lindquist, Michael Maryasz, Gregory J. McBride, Mark C. McCarey, Jennifer M. Miller, Matthew S. Miller, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Arthur D. Quick, Perry Rohan, David J. Shiner, Peter S. Showalter, Jerome Slick, Eric J. Snell, Anne Stark, 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.
Susquehanna Boro Council began their May 24 meeting with a discussion of the bill list. One item, supplies for the police department, was discussed. President Dave Scales said that he had recommended that the state approved provider be used rather than private businesses for purchase of such items as it would be less expensive, but that the private businesses were still being used. The financial reports for the boro’s accounts were reviewed. Mr. Scales said that most were in good shape, but that a more accurate picture of where the budget is would be clearer after the close of the second quarter. He asked his fellow council members to scrutinize the budget line items, particularly for unexpected expenditures, such as replacement of the library lights and rebuilding of the building’s two furnaces. Mayor Matis was not present, but his report included mention of the collapsing sidewalk in front of The Depot Restaurant on Main St. A portion of the sidewalk has been collapsing, and has recently fallen in more. The report said that it is a codes issue, and that the sidewalk is the property owner’s responsibility. If the boro were to help, it might set a precedent, and council was reluctant to do so. It was agreed to have the mayor contact the property owner to discuss it. A motion carried to approve the secretary participating in a training seminar, cost $75.00. The sidewalk project on Grand St. was discussed; at Streets Commissioner Steve Glover’s recommendation, change orders had been submitted to include putting in catch basins during construction, freeing up the streets department from doing the work as well as saving money. Change orders were also submitted to put concrete in at a 20’ section adjacent to the curb to replace old blacktop, and to change the type of trees that would be put in along the curb to smaller ones than had been planned. A change order was also required for a rain gutter at the corner of Grand St. and Jackson Ave., to route rain water into a catch basin. As the bids for the project came in significantly under budget, council was working on getting the street paved through the grant funding that had paid for the sidewalk project. Work in the area is a bit behind schedule due to recent weather conditions. The boro has negotiated with Trehab to purchase a property on Washington Street for one dollar after the structure on the site is demolished. Discussions are underway as to whether to sell the property or use it for parking. Summer job applications were listed on the agenda, but at Mr. Scales’ suggestion, review of the applications was tabled until the end of the meeting, during an executive session. Four bids were received for paving on Elm and Myrtle Streets; action was tabled until the committee meeting to allow Mr. Glover time to review them to determine if they did meet specifications. Council has discussed replacing the chairs at the council table at several different times lately. Action had been tabled, but at Mr. Scales’ request, discussion was opened again. He said that there had recently been a meeting with state officials, and during the meeting two of the chairs had malfunctioned (dropped down or fell over backward). He felt that the chairs did not reflect well on the boro when visitors used them, and asked for a motion to replace them. Research showed that it would cost about $125 each (for 11 chairs) to replace them. Sue Crawford and Deborah Zayas both thought that council should wait until later in the year, to see how the budget goes. No action was taken due to lack of a motion. The police department had requested changes to the boro’s traffic ordinance, but no officers were present to provide details, so a motion carried to table the request. Council discussed their options to have the boro building cleaned. Summer help working on streets projects would be too busy and could not be used. Mr. Scales said that Mayor Matis had hired CEO Mary Weaver to do the cleaning, but council needed to approve it. He suggested that the job be set at four hours per month at minimum wage, and be alternated between the secretary and Mrs. Weaver. The matter was tabled for further discussion at the committee meeting. In recent years, the boro has sponsored an annual scrap metal pickup, but after discussion it was agreed not to hold one this year. With scrap prices so high, it was thought that if anyone puts metal items out to the curb, there will be those who are willing to pick them up. The boro would not see any remuneration for holding the pickup, but it would cost manpower and gas to hold it, so it was decided not to hold one this year. Those wishing to dispose of items should contact private vendors. It was noted that someone has been dismantling the railroad cars parked on the tracks behind the boro building; discussion will continue at the next committee meeting when the mayor is present, as he has been in contact with the reputed owners of the cars. Purchase of a clock for in front of the boro building to commemorate the late mayor, Denise Reddon was discussed, to be funded through a fundraiser or donations. A motion carried to approve purchase of two uniform shirts for CEO Mary Weaver, at a price cap of $75.00. The boro has an old traffic light to dispose of; it was agreed to contact a local business to see if they would like to purchase it and, if they don’t, to donate it to Old Mill Village. There had been some problems with boro computers connecting to the internet. Mr. Scales said that a technician brought in to fix the problem had recommended that a higher band speed be set up, as there were too many computers on the system for the band speed it had. A higher band speed was purchased, at a cost of an additional $14 per month. A motion carried to approve applications for tax exonerations. A motion carried to approve a parade permit for the American Legion Post 86 for Memorial Day. Mr. Scales said that the boro files were in need of organizing; important files could not be located. The boro’s secretary and treasurer would be working on it. And, the flags on the pole in front of the boro building are frayed. Mr. Scales said that local legislators would be contacted to see if replacements could be obtained.
Giangrieco Explains Quick Meetings As the new "correspondent" working part-time for the "County Transcript," I realize my style of writing is very generic. Today, I take a different approach. My previous reports are mostly that of mathematics. Often we wish to know where our "tax dollars" are spent. Hence, I give you this information every month. When stating the opening and closing times of the commissioners’ meetings, some of the public is upset with these seeming quick meetings. Some of the public call me at my place of residence, while others write "Letters to the Editor." Thus, I decided to ask the commissioners why these meeting are short in time. Commissioner Giangrieco took the lead, and responded to these two questions (Commissioners Warren and Allen listen attentively): Why are the meetings short in time? Are you and the other two Commissioners violating "The Sunshine Law?" (I believe this law is making decisions before a Commissioners Meeting, and without the public being present.) None of the three commissioners seemed upset with my questions, and thanked me for bringing these questions to their attention. Commissioner Giangrieco proceeded to explain, that in the past these meetings were "chaotic" and "uncontrollable." Much time was spent arguing, and some participants were very loud and rude. Today's meetings are much more "efficient" This supports a previous statement I made about these meetings - "Susquehanna County is better financially now than ever." He also stated, "The ‘Sunshine Law’ is not being violated.” Most of these motions are routine. “Each time we make a motion, you are present, and each of you has a right to ask questions to these motions at the meeting or anytime afterwards.” I confirm this, since I am one of those who ask questions to clarify a motion. Chief Clerk, Silvia Beamer, also added, "you can, and the public can, always call me for any clarification or information concerning a meeting." This I did when I first started writing for the County Transcript. In fact, I called Commissioner Warren a few times also. I also asked, "Are we, the correspondents, also considered the public?" He gave a "yes" to this question. He added that his office “is always open to the public for any questions, including these meetings." Here is another question, "Some of the public view this meeting as your only responsibilities, and your salaries do not justify these short meetings." He responded, "often, we are in and out of the courts after these meetings." When the meeting was over, we walked out together. He spoke to me as a concerned citizen. "You know, Larry, I saved the County thousands of dollars." (You can call him for this long and complicated information.) He and I were talking about what are the responsibilities of a commissioner. "We are responsible for the Court including salaries, retirement, and repairs to mention a few. Hence, we are often very busy. You are always welcome to stop by my office." He left with, "Larry, have a great day." "You have a great day also," I responded. I have observed that the three commissioners work well together, in spite of split "party lines" - two are Democrats (Warren and Allen) and one (Giangrieco) is a Republican. They are always, all three, very polite and co-operative. I have also observed that those who call me up at my home, or write "Letters to the Editor" are not present at our meetings. The meetings start at 9:00 a.m. in the morning (which I find reasonable) starting on the second Wednesday and every other Wednesday of a month. You can always call the Susquehanna County Courthouse at 570-278-4600 for any questions or confirmation of the next commissioners meeting. Most of my future commissioner reports will probably be "generic." My editor does not complain of my reporting. All three commissioners are also satisfied with my reporting. As I wrote earlier in this report, it is good to know where our money is being spent. Today, I wanted to clarify complaints about the commissioners (especially since some of the public personally made me involved). I am open for suggestions to gain more public interest concerning commissioners meetings. Please write the editor for comments.
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