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HEADLINES: The Great Bend Township Supervisors heard several questions and comments from a resident during their June 6 meeting. His first comments were about the road crew not grading the roads and not greasing the township’s machinery; the supervisors said that this would be addressed. He questioned whether or not the township needed the skid steer; it is used in situations where the bigger machinery is not practical. He commented that too much salt was being used during the winter, which degrades the road bed; the supervisors said that the employee responsible was no longer working for the township. And, he asked if the township was still in discussion with other municipalities to contract for police coverage; he felt that the State Police did a good job, and that it was not necessary for the township to seek other coverage. The supervisors explained about HB1500, which will levy a per capita fee on all municipalities that do not provide police coverage, whether it is by their own department, a regional department, or contracting with other municipalities. Those who do not provide coverage will be charged in increments that could, after three years, increase to an amount close to $300,000. No decision has been made yet, but the supervisors are exploring available options in the event that the bill or one similar is passed. And, the resident said that Old Route 11 was not being maintained, and asked if there were plans for it to be tarred and chipped. The supervisors said that they would consider it after the loan that paid for its previous tarring and chipping is paid off. The roadmaster’s report covered repairing washouts due to the recent rain. Sienko Road and Airport Road were graded, and work on Graham Road would be complete by the end of the week. The supervisors had asked their solicitor to look over a proposed road use agreement, but at his suggestion the idea was tabled for the time being in favor of “handshake agreements” with the drilling companies operating in the area. It was noted that those companies have been very cooperative. At the request of residents, PennDOT will be contacted regarding putting up “Children at Play” or “Farm Crossing” signs at a site on Hasbrouck Hill. PennDOT must okay the signs, as they would be placed on state roads, but the township will be responsible for purchasing them, putting them up and maintaining them. The supervisors were also asked to put up signs on Baptist Hill warning drivers to slow down. COG Assessment and UCC permits were issued during the month to Dawn Mervine, Joseph and Jane Frye, and David Eddleston. A subdivision of the Scott Lozinski property on Old Route 11 was approved. And, JEB’s Pennsylvania Bluestone Quarry is applying for a small non-coal mining permit for a property on Baptist Hill. As they have every year, the supervisors approved a donation of $200 to Blue Ridge Recreation for their Summer Adventures program. A questionnaire to fill out was sent by CECO Associates in regard to a bridge replacement on Harmony Road. Chesapeake Energy has inquired about entering into a gas lease for township-owned property; as the property was obtained through the FEMA flood buyout program, some research will be necessary to see if that is permissible. The township is still in need of an Emergency Management Coordinator. And, the supervisors will be meeting again with Oakland Borough to continue discussion regarding contracting police services. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Meet June 8 At the Wednesday, June 8 meeting, all three Commissioners were present - Warren, Allen and Giangrieco. They approved the "minutes" of the last meeting of May 25. They motioned, with great satisfaction, two "Employee Service Recognitions,” one for Susan Stoud, Clerk of Courts, for 5-years; and Jeanette Smith, 10 years as a Correction Officer. The Commissioners motioned to ratify the following "Prechecks Registers:" $778,943 in "Expenses." $520,746 of this is General, $28,063 for Election, $64,108 for CYS, and $166,026 for Payroll. Along with this, a total of $79,854 for the EFTPS payments, which $15,039 is Employee Retirement Contribution, $7,361 for State Withholding taxes, and the rest is $57,454 for Federal Payroll taxes. They motioned to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests starting from June 9, 2011 and ending as far as 2013: Charmarie Bisel, Children & Youth, Montrose, Northeast Crisis Intervention with no cost to the county. They motioned to sign the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Commission on Drug & Alcohol Provider Contracts for Fiscal Year 2011/2012. They motioned to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and Youth Services Agency of PA, Jim Thorpe, per diem $145.00. They motioned to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and Youth and Children's Home of York, per diem $66.05. They motioned to award the Monument Street Paving Project to the lowest qualified bidder, Bothar Construction, LLC, Binghamton, amount $31,630. Funding will be through Liquid Fuels. They motioned to sign Amendment 1 to the Contract with MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants, which will provide up to an additional $6,500.00 for work outside the scope of the original contract regarding work for the Solid Waste Plan. They motioned to sign a Purchase Agreement with Eastern Xerox purchasing a Konica Minolta copier with a Jamex System for $8,668.00 and equipment maintenance for $360.00 per year. They motioned, with regret, to accept the resignation of Beverly J. Bennett from the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, and then motioned to reappoint Thomas Syle in her place through September 7, 2013, per the recommendation of the Advisory Board. They motioned to reappoint Dennis Maloney to the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau Committee, from July 2011 through June 2013. They motioned to sign the proposal from TIMZ Construction Co., Inc, Kingsley, to remove and replace sub-base and sidewalk and repair two sets of steps onto Maple Street for $9,300.00 Public Comment: In the Lower Conference Room (where our Commissioners meetings are held) there will be, on June 23, a "Sky-Warning" training, connected to the Weather Bureau. As an example, this training will teach local persons to become "spotters." They may report large hail that may be the beginning of a tornado. They motioned to close the meeting at 9:13 a.m. and it was adjourned.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Jon Eric Hayden to Donald Hayden (estate), in Susquehanna for one dollar. Donald Hayden (estate) to William M. Jenkins, in Susquehanna for $12,000.00. United States of America to E&K Family Partnership, in Rush Township for $12,000.00. Marianne Stratford to Jacquelyn Collins Ohearn and William M. Stratford, in Forest City for one dollar. Valentine Likhov and Tatyana Likhova to Valentine Likhov, in Springville Township for one dollar. Henry Pease (estate by sheriff) and Sandra Darde (by sheriff) to Peoples State Bank of Wyalusing, in Montrose and Bridgewater Township for $19,326.86. Donald F. Faatz (by POA) to Quixote Strategies LLC, in Herrick Township for $200.00. Floyd Mead to Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Oakland Township for $90,000.00. Keith A. Stark to Robert J. Barrett, in Herrick Township for $60,000.00. Rickie Jerome Sane to William K. Eberhardt, in Auburn Township for $180,000.00. William J. and Susan E. Baier to William J. and Susan E. Baier, in Bridgewater Township and Montrose, for one dollar. A C Crossley & Sons, Inc. to Parham Industries, Inc., in Forest Lake Township for one dollar. Thomas H. and Anna Louise Stoddard and Robert A. Borove to Thomas H. and Anna Louise Stoddard, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Francis J. and Francis J., Jr. Pinkowski to Michael J. Fiske and Shelley M. Edwards, in Jackson Township for $39,500.00. Gary Dean and Jill Marie Yaeger to Gary Dean Yaeger, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar. James A. Viola to Jeffrey Wilkowski and Kathleen Brennan, in Lenox Township for $195,000.00. Alfred A. and Ann M. Picca to Robert and Sally Ann Roche, in Herrick Township for $24,000.00. Joseph, Ralph, Jr., John, James and Angela Grecco, Mary Hagan, Annette McDonnell Peters and Kathryn Matichak to Mary I. Hagan, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Gerald Mensel to Gerald Mensel, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Agnes Schad to John Paul and Julia Lynn Maxwell, in Harmony Township for $190,000.00. Cora D. Cameron to Edward J. Cameron, in Lanesboro Borough for one dollar. Evelyn Rose Gray Dritzer to Lisa to Lisa J. and Robert W. Devaney and Gaylin Gray, in Ararat Township for one dollar. William Tokach (by atty) to Patricia M. Propert and Equity Trust Co., in Harmony Township for $170,000.00. Lester and Cheryl Zimmerman to Richard B. Wademan, in Thompson Borough for $27,000.00. R. Hewitt and Sharon Sutton to R. Hewitt and Sharon Sutton, in Dimock Township for one dollar. David C. and Cynthia L. Byerly to David C. Byerly, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. MARRIAGES Carlton W. Chapel and Marilyn M. Skinner, both of Montrose. Derek D. Stalker of Thompson and Rhonda J. Ralston of New Milford. Daniel J. Morgan and Nancy Nicole Roth, both of Springville. Nathan James Grover and Naomi Sarah Delgado, both of Hallstead. Joshua E. Healey and Jessica M. Barton, both of Kingsley. Nathaniel M. Howell and Shannon B. Hawley, both of Montrose. Elmer G. Stevenson and Elaine Giunta, both of Orlando, FL. Randy L. Payne and Nancy A. Weir, both of Hallstead. Timothy Brian Chidister of Kingsley and Alicia M. Herbert of Hop Bottom. Nathan J. Napolitano and Heather Lee Roe, both of Susquehanna. Charles W. Gedney and Wanda Louise Reda, both of Fulton, NY. Arron W. Crampton and Alicia M. Oleniacz, both of Great Bend. Dakota James Robinson and Victoria Lynn Heitzenroder, both of Montrose. Joseph Michael Edwards and Emily Wilkes Bryant, both of Hallstead. Jason T. Cable and Aleia Crystine Lewis, both of Clifford. Benjiman John Baker and Kasey Lynn Wheeler, both of Montrose. David Michael Kinsley and Jackie Marie Weidow, both of Hallstead. Stephen E. Waldie and Casey L. Knappenberger, both of Montrose. Andrew S. Genneken and Valerie M. Kuhar, both of Thompson.
Montrose Council Is Very Busy John Miner of the Montrose VFW presented an award at the June Montrose Borough Council Meeting to James Smith for his service to the community, and for maintaining and preserving the lawful rights of all citizens. Officer Smith was referred, in part, due to commendation e-mails which were received about him. During the street department report, Mr. Ken DiPhillips stated that currently the streets department was working on the roads that would be affected by the surface treatment program. Beyond that, unusually, there were no needs on his list. He did state that crosswalks would be worked upon. The question was raised regarding lower Locust Street. It was asked if the street department had eyeballed the situation or painted it. It was responded that they had painted it. Mr. Schuster then asked if there were driveways there for both parties, to which an affirmative response was given. Mr. Schuster then said that he wanted the street department to take exact measurements, and said that he thought it should be curbed, posted as no parking, and towed. He made a motion to that effect. Mr. Lamont said that there might also be a DCED problem with the existence of a non-permitted junkyard. The curbs would also manage the borough's water. He suggested that a right of way be established for the people who drove there. There was some discussion then regarding how wide the curbs should be set, and it was suggested that it would be established road edge to road edge. It was felt this should be sufficient with a no parking rule. The curb would be cut to allow for one driveway apiece. This motion was passed. Council members said that in order to do this, the restrictions would need to be enforced, and in accord with PennDOT’s plans. With the passing of the motion, the plan to begin on the project was set. During Chief Smith's report, it was asked if the borough had enough police, as the police were busier during the summertime. Mr. Lamont had been asked the same question, and confirmed that all officers did have active hours. It was confirmed that the officers did not need anything, that the new officers were making out well, and that Chief Smith would assist with the codes enforcement work with citations. Earlier in the meeting Mr. Lamont had broached the topic of the zoning officer, as the borough currently did not have one. Chief Smith suggested that perhaps an officer could do the zoning work, as everything in the codes book could be cited. It was suggested that perhaps that employee would be given ten hours a week as a rule. The actual motion about advertising for the permission was postponed until July. When Mr. Reimel arrived at the meeting, a little late, he reported that there was a candidate interested, though the position would still need to be advertised. With his presence, the advertising was motioned and approved. This was for a zoning officer not a codes enforcement officer, as codes enforcement would still be through COG. During the mayor's report, it was stated that several complaints about the traffic on Public Avenue had come in. It was wondered why there was a double yellow line which no one paid attention to. U-turns in that location were against the law; there had once been signs to that effect. The exception to this, it was clarified, were u-turns at the top and bottom of the avenue, as it was a functional intersection. PennDOT had taken the signs down because of plowing difficulties. The rule was a local code enforced on a state road, which was difficult to enforce because of the lack of signage. Mr. Lamont agreed that there would have to be signage before it could be enforced, but stated that warnings could be given at any time. The Montrose Municipal Authority had asked the borough to cosign a loan for them, enabling that entity to pay for upgrades to bring the facility in line with Chesapeake Bay requirements. Solicitor O'Malley spoke of a telephone conference, which resulted in she and council asking an attorney to look into possibilities for the borough. She had yet to hear back. Mr. Granahan then outlined the different options to which she was referring. He had met with the grant writer and an engineer who had volunteered to come and speak with him. The building can't be simply retrofitted due to its age. There were two sticking issues to the agreement. The first was that the language stated the borough had to withhold out of its budget funds to may the payments in case of a default on behalf of the municipal authority. The other large point was a requirement for 10 million in assets, which the borough did not have. When discussing this, an attorney had told council that boroughs had an unlimited ability to tax, which Mr. Granahan said was not the case with Montrose. Most municipalities, it was said, don't sign off on such agreements. Council had then asked a representative to go back to the bank and find out what would happen if the borough didn't sign off on it; Mr. Granahan said that this did not seem as if it would be catastrophic financially. The option of coming up with an guarantor amount which would be more feasible, such as one or two million dollars, was also discussed. The Municipal Authority's solicitor, Patrick Daly, was present at the meeting, and said that they just did not want any holdups as they were under the gun with the EPA. If anything was going to stall the process he wanted it to be gotten out of the way early. Both bank sheets required the borough's signature, he stated, but the authority would be fine pursuing another option if the bank would accept it. He hoped the subject might be voted upon at the next meeting. The closing, as they currently wanted it, had to be completed by July, he said. There were concerns however that there would be no quorum at that meeting, to be held on Tuesday the fifth. Erin was to contact the authority's representative with more information. The July meeting would be on the fifth. The KLR was given permission to hold the July 4th celebration. Included in that vote was the motion that emergency parking could be designed however the KLR desired. This was in response to a requested that there be no parking at all on Prospect Street from Lake Avenue to 167, as this created dangerous situation. There had been some discussion regarding dropping mid-month meetings for the summer months. It was stated that this was an optional meeting anyway, and all the secretary would have to do would be to post a notice on the door. A request had been made to install curbs in the High Street area. There had been some heavy water, and though there was a big drain up in the location it was feared this might have overflowed. The road banked inward. It was decided that the cost could be looked into, but no answer was given one way or the other. A recommendation had been made by an auditor that someone not doing the deposits reconcile the bank statements. The council had hired Janne Philbin-Mayerzak for this role, and decided to provide her with an extra $50 as a pay increase per month. A Peddler's Permit had been requested by John William Metsher, who as his internship wanted to peddle educational materials. The boy was going door to door. The question was raised as to whether this would be a one-person business, or more people would be involved. The subject was tabled, as council desired more information prior to giving permission. A second permit was also requested, this one for Christine Schomp to run a business out of Montrose Motor's parking lot. She was present at the meeting, and had provided pictures. She was working on filing all of the appropriate paperwork and receiving all of the documentation. Ms. O'Malley pointed out that COG probably needed to be involved as well, due to the necessary permits. A peddler's permit, Mr. Lamont clarified, was no longer actually for that sort of a stand. It was for door to door selling, and mobile food vendors were something else. Mr. Reimel again expressed his feelings about outside companies coming in and disturbing tax paying residents. It was stated that as soon as a permit was given, council would be hearing from area food servers. Mr. Lamont said that he felt they would have to have all of the documentation prior to even considering approving the hot dog stand. It was stated that Ms. Schomp would need to pursue a permit from COG, which took care of a lot of the administrative work which a codes enforcement officer would normally do. She was directed to visit that office prior to returning to the borough. The revised light signal agreement was brought up. The motion had been on the table to sign the agreement, but it had expired. A revised agreement was then brought before council. Ms. O'Malley said that one difference between the agreements involved the transferal of title to the borough. A motion was made and voted upon, with two council members voting in favor and two voting against the agreement. The motion was then passed on to the mayor to break the tie. He had ten days to either make a decision, or bring it back to council which could then overthrow his decision by a two thirds vote. There was then further discussion on the drainage agreements with PennDOT. The one representative of the Department of Transportation, whom everyone had assumed was a lawyer because he provided the borough with a bunch of case law, had turned out not to be a lawyer at all but an engineer. The cases, it was reported, had confirmed solicitor O'Malley's feelings on the subject anyway, and provided an interesting twist. In the once case the road had been turned back over to the borough. Council had wanted to go back to the lawyer and state that they would maintain the roads, and wouldn't even require them to be turned back over to the borough, but was not interested in having their streets department work for the state. The agreement had made him a defacto employee. Ms. O'Malley and Mr. Granahan had wanted to speak with PennDOT’s lawyer, but had found it very difficult to ascertain who this was. They were instructed to write their questions and turn them over to the aforementioned engineer, who would then contact the lawyer, receive the answers, and pass them on to the borough. Ms. O'Malley was going to contact a lawyer in Harrisburg, even though there was no name attached to the listing. A letter had been sent stating that the borough wanted to discuss the language of the agreements. Mr. Reimel stipulated that the drainage agreement was not necessarily dead. Mr. Schuster opined that this agreement was like the drainage agreement - they were going to end up taking care of it anyway. Mr. Granahan argued that point, as the drainage agreement had actual practical ramifications. It gave PennDOT the permission to drive down the road and demand that the streets department fix it within a certain amount of time or else forfeit their liquid fuels money. He said that this went against common law, which was for them to hand it over and let the borough maintain it. A letter from DCED was discussed. Though a painting grant had been completed, DCED had come back and said that they needed proof of payment. The Restoration Committee said that every transaction except for those with one property owner were documented, and that property owner was refusing to produce the checks. The Restoration Committee was going to offer to return the $1,000 since it couldn't be documented, but the letter to the borough was the Department's response. DCED claimed that all of the projects needed proof. Until the close out report was accepted, the Department was saying, they were withholding liquid fuels money, and was claiming that all of the projects needed remediation. The solicitor was instructed to take care of it. The mayor after an executive session decided which way he desired to vote, and approved the signing of the traffic light agreement. His decision was not vetoed. It was also decided that there would be no second June meeting.
Oakland Addresses Drinking Water At last month’s meeting, the Oakland Boro Council had discussed the boro’s water system. Some needed changes have been mandated by DEP, and others are needed due to the age of the system. At their June meeting, a representative of Peoples Neighborhood Bank attended to discuss the boro’s options to obtain a loan for what is needed. One option council considered was to refinance the existing loan that originally financed building the system, but as the interest rate on that is only 2.2%, it was agreed that it would not be advisable to refinance, but to obtain a separate loan. The bank recommends a line of credit that could be drawn on as needed, after which the total amount actually used would be converted to a loan. The boro has been approved for up to $180,000, and three options for repayment of the loan were discussed. The main topic of discussion was where the money would come from to make the payments. If the entire amount of $180,000 were to be used, payments would be about $1,300 per month. One option that appears to be definite would be to increase residents’ water fees. After discussion, it was agreed that the water budget would be reviewed and trimmed as much as possible, such as paring down (outside) services wherever possible. The list of necessary improvements will be prioritized and costs kept to the minimum. A motion carried to proceed with the line of credit and the loan, and to authorize the water committee to review the loan options and choose the one that would be best. The water committee consists of council members Ron Beavan, Tom Kubus and Brian Rhone, and they will oversee all expenditures. In other business, CEO Shane Lewis gave an update on three violations cases, and also an update on the park improvement project. That, he said, should be finished by the end of the week as there are only a few minor items left to be taken care of. Later in the meeting, council members were given a detailed worksheet for the park project, listing all invoices for materials and payroll, monies received, and payments made. Mayor Randy Glover reported that the police department had responded to 44 calls during the month. He is still in discussion with the Harmony Township Supervisors to provide police coverage. He said that the township is mainly interested in emergency coverage and some patrols. Mayor Glover also wished to stress that anyone who parks their vehicle too close to the intersection of State Street and Westfall Avenue will be ticketed accordingly. In response to a letter from a property owner regarding a retaining wall damaged during construction of the new sidewalks on State Street, council will send a response stating that the property owner should seek legal advice, as it is a matter between the homeowner and the contractor. River Bounty was set to hold a meeting yesterday to discuss the proposed lease of the hydro electric plant and to go over details. And, the boro has received a $15,000 grant, which will be used to pave as much of Wilson Ave. as possible. The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Lanesboro Community Center.
Many Legal Matters In FC Opening discussion at a June 6 Forest City Borough Council meeting involved the results of a Penn DOT traffic study of Dundaff Street. “The only thing Penn DOT had agreed to do was put up different signs,” clarified Robert Trusky, council president. Trusky added that he had invited the district traffic study supervisor to attend the meeting in order to discuss the study and answer questions from the public. According to Trusky, the supervisor declined, stating that Penn DOT does not normally attend public meetings. John Kameen, who spoke for himself and other business owners located on Main Street at the base of Dundaff Street hill, stated, “We’re not happy [with the results of the study].” Kameen explained that he has moved his newspaper office to the rear of his building due to the risk of vehicles colliding with the front of the building. Presently, he is “utilizing only two-thirds” of his building. He requested that council send Penn DOT a letter asking for a stop point at the top of the hill to be designated so that vehicles with a gross weight of at least 21,000 pounds could shift into low gear. “It’s been done other places,” Kameen stated. He also requested that council ask Penn DOT to delineate twenty-five feet from the Main Street center line in order to determine where barriers could be installed. Trusky responded that he would send a letter to Penn DOT concerning the requests. Next, Trusky announced that he had received an anonymous letter from a resident concerning a problem with a neighbor. “If you want to send me a letter, I will be happy to read it if you will sign the letter,” Trusky asserted. However, he advised individuals with complaints about a neighbor to call the police. Solicitor Paul E. Smith provided an update on the Killiany property. He stated that he had received proof of three years’ income of the proposed owner, as well as receiving a proposed deed and a real estate transfer tax evaluation sheet. According to the documentation, Smith stated that the property meets forgiveness guidelines for the Vision 2000 Project. Council voted unanimously to forgive the $10,000 lean on the property, placed there when the former owner signed up for the Vision 2000 Project. Next, Smith announced a code inspection hearing for 92-98 Maxey Street to be held during the next borough meeting. Smith stated that he has been in communication with the Department of Environmental Protection concerning a complaint made by a borough resident about Franceski Waste. Smith met Charles Rogers, head of the NEPA region, and a field agent for an unannounced visit to Franceski Waste. According to Smith, Rogers and the field agent determined that the property is not a waste transfer site and that no DEP permitting or oversight is required for the property. However, Franceski was advised that the property is subject to the same nuisance guidelines as other borough businesses. In his final announcement for the meeting, Smith stated that for embezzling borough funds, Susan Coleman was sentenced to four months to two years in prison, followed by three months of probation. Smith reasoned that although he knew some council members felt the sentencing too lenient, “The borough has lost nothing on its end.” Smith explained that of $137,000 in question, $103,000 is guaranteed, and the court has ordered restitution for the remainder. “[Coleman is] doing jail time; the borough got its money back,” Smith summarized. Council passed a motion to purchase an additional 100 recycling containers at $10.60 each. Trusky stated that because of theft and improper use, he would like council to consider charging for recycling containers. He said that the borough has spent $2,500 on recycling containers in less than one year. “I don’t think it would promote recycling,” cautioned Kelley Twilley, councilperson. Council decided to table the matter. Next, Trusky announced that a grant had been secured through Susquehanna County, and the county was asking council to make a resolution to install a basketball court at Babe Ruth Park. The grant, which is not in-kind matching, is for $20,000. Council passed a motion to “accept and apply for the grant to put in a Babe Ruth basketball court.” Council accepted a bid from Colachino Masonry, pending a revision of the quote to state that the bid of $2,350 includes all necessary repairs to the entire outside of the borough building. Following news from Robert Tedesco, head of public works, that the problem with Main Street garbage cans being stuffed with household garbage “was even worse than last month,” council passed a motion to remove Main Street garbage cans “effective immediately.” Residents should note that the next Forest City borough meeting is Tuesday, July 5.
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