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HEADLINES: A special meeting of the Montrose Borough was held on July 14 for the express purpose of discussing the municipal authority agreement. After much discussion, an agreement was reached regarding the subject.Council asked if any response had been received by the authority from the bank, regarding their request that the loan be extended to being payable after twenty years if something were to happen to the USDA funding. Pat Ely of the Authority summed up their answer with the fact that the bank had said no. It was confirmed then, that the maturing date would be 2014, 36 months from the closing date of the loan. It was expected to take 18 months for the construction of the project. It was also reported that Rural Development had been spoken with, and had told them that the money was committed and would not be taken away, though the authority would lose the money if building had not begun by the end of September. Mr. Chamberlain said that he wanted to be kept in the loop with all correspondence with the USDA and Fulton bank. If council was to sign on, he said, they wanted to be kept in the loop on everything, be it good, bad, or whatever. This was one of council's stipulations. Mr. Schuster wasn't certain that Mr. Chamberlain was being clear enough, he said, and interjected that council wanted to be copied on every piece of correspondence that was sent, when it was sent, without waiting for a meeting. Mr. Chamberlain said that the parties had “beat each other up” enough, and that council wasn't being adversarial but if they were signing on to a loan they wanted to know things. He said that he had a copy of their debt in front of him, and that some of it troubled him. There were some on the list who had been delinquent for a long time, and if council was going to sign on to a project like this the hammer had to fall. Mr. Ely said that the authority had the problem that the Department of Health wouldn't let them shut a sewer off. Pat Daly, the authority's solicitor, responded, when asked, that the framework was in place to shut off water. When the idea of liens was brought up, the authority said that their experience with liens had been once one was put on the property most of the time the money just stopped.Mr. Schuster said that council had bantered back and forth since the previous week's meeting, and that they had some ideas which they desired to implement prior to okaying the agreement. He didn't know if they had an exact plan, he continued, but they had really good ideas. The first request was that an outside audit be completed. (It was confirmed that some sort of audit had been begun, and it was a decent firm.) Also, council would want some sort of monetary management change for collections, billing, and, Mr. Granahan added, bookkeeping. Mr. Chamberlain reiterated that council was in full agreement that they wanted to do what they could to help the authority. One of the authority representatives said that they wanted to go after the deadbeats, and Mr. Shuster replied that council wanted to help.Gary Passmore, the authority's treasurer, stated that part of the problem was that an entity could only go so far in collecting debt, as money could not be obtained from people who simply didn't have it. He also said that the authority had never written off bad debt. Mr. Granahan rebutted that they had never had a real auditor before. The borough, it was explained, had used the same auditor in the past.Mr. Schuster, multiple times, expressed his appreciation for all of the work which the authority had put into getting where it was. He didn't know as if they were given enough credit or acknowledgment for this.Mr. Passmore asked if council was going to have some representation at the authority's meetings, stating that they had asked for this. Mr. Granahan said that they wanted to have seats on it, to which Mr. Passmore replied that he could tell them that they wouldn't have a vote, as they couldn't. Mr. Granahan debated this point, and was going to look into how it might occur. He said that some on the council were not willing to sign off on a loan of that magnitude without it. There was further discussion then regarding the process of shutting off water, the necessity to advertise it, the implications for rental properties, etc.Mr. Schuster asked the solicitor at this point how the motion should be worded so that what council wanted was implemented, though it was some time before the actual motion was made. Mr. Ely pointed out that the board were appointed by council, and that their desires shouldn't have to be included in the motion as what they wanted done the authority would do. It was agreed, for council's part that if the authority had something they desired council to know, they would be there.Mr. Ely said that he wanted someone from council to be present when they entered into negotiations with Bridgewater, as according to the agreement that municipality was to be responsible for a quarter of the project. Mr. Reimel expressed his opinion that it was not fair Bridgewater be asked to pay that quarter as well as to pay as many edu's as he would pay for instance. There was some discussion about this, with Mr. Daly stating that nothing was firmly set yet and there were other options which could be considered. Mr. Ely stated that they had warned Bridgewater before the Three Lakes Project that this mandated project was looming, and that township had gone ahead with it anyway. He continued that the authority had the hammer per the agreement, and it was generally acknowledged that that municipality would be hurting. Mr. Reimel felt this to be a topic which should be discussed, not just with the authorities but with the municipal councils as well.There was talk then about billing, which council suggested be switched to a monthly cycle.Mr. Reimel felt this would soften the blow of the increase. Mr. Chamberlain suggested they look into the processing of credit cards and debit cards. It was responded that the authority had looked into this at just the last meeting. There would be a charge, but Mr. Reimel felt that they would save money in not going out to collect the bills, which would defray the expense. Mr. Ely said that the first priority would probably be to get on a monthly cycle, and that the authority was amenable to it. Mr. Daly threw out the caveat that whatever hammer was used for Montrose residents would not apply to Bridgewater, as that municipality was responsible for their own area. Still, for their area, Mr. Schuster reiterated that they would have to get tough and aggressive early, so that they did not end up with problems they couldn't recover from. People would have to be alerted that things were different. Mr. Ely stated that the authority was well aware that they would have to get aggressive, and that if they had to turn off water they would speak with the water company about doing it. In their lien letters, he said, it stated that they were amenable to working things out, but he felt that in water letters this wouldn't be offered. He also suggested that a list of delinquent people be published, something which Mr. Schuster and Mr. Reimel agreed with.Mr. Passmore broached something which he called another problem- people who lived in the borough but whom council had allowed to refuse to hook into the sewer system originally. The only time they would have to hook in would be if their existing system broke. He didn't feel it was right to have this system, and have these people who would not have to contribute to it.The borough's solicitor, Ms. O'Malley, said that from a completely legal point of view it made no sense that liens were not put on the houses at the Susquehanna County Courthouse. New Milford, Bridgewater, and the Tri-County Authorities all did this. She said that the authority hadn't filed a lien since 2009, though it was responded that they were in the process of filing some now. When asked, it was confirmed that collection attempts did not have to cease when a lien was filed. A lien was a placeholder, nothing more. Mr. Ely opined that people should be given a lien, then after a time be given a letter about shutting off the water. He said that they would have the liens filed by the next meeting. Mr. Reimel offered that if the authority wanted, they could put council and the loan as the bad guys. It was pointed out that these liens were the kiss of death as far as obtaining a loan was concerned. Mr. Ely stated that they would file the liens, become more aggressive and look into a monthly billing cycle, and that they had already begun the electronic billing process. He said that he was not amenable to initially publishing the list without an article warning people that they would be doing it. Mr. Chamberlain agreed that there were processes they should go through. However, once things were in place after 30 days people would go in the newspaper.Mr. Passmore brought up a suggestion, that after this project was done council would have an asset worth 13 million dollars. If they wanted it out of their books, he said, and off everyone's backs, they could sell it. He said that this process was not something they wanted to do either, but something they had to do, and couldn't get by not doing. Mr. Ely agreed that this was something they would want to consider, though some similar deals had gone bad. Mr. Chamberlain asked if this would then be regulated by the public utilities commission, and it was answered that a private entity would not be subject to PUC thought they would be regulated by DEP.Mr. Granahan asked again where the oversight was going to come in, calling this the question that still needed being answered. He said that he had spent too many hours looking at the authority's financial documents, and wanted some comfort over the finances. He offered to send their treasurer down to reconcile the books, later making it sound more like a requirement. Stating that nothing added up, he said he wanted comfort that the borough wouldn't be stuck with a tab from USDA. Mr. Passmore said that she would be given access, but not without him present. He asked that council give them specific questions if they had them. This led to a slightly heated argument, at the end of which Mr. Passmore asked Mr. Granahan to accompany the treasurer, a request Mr. Granahan agreed to.Finally, Mr. Schuster made the actual motion that the council approve the bridge loan with the stipulations that their treasurer go over the books to find out the situation and the authority's ability to pay back the loan, that an outside audit be completed, and that the collections process change. Not all of this needed to be accomplished in thirty days, but the liens were to be filed by then.Mr. Ely said that the authority's largest customer was Bridgewater, and he didn't know if they would be amenable to 30 day billing. Checking into the billing for Bridgewater Township was then added to the list of stipulations for passing the resolution. Mr. Reimel seconded the motion, but before voting Mr. Granahan asked once more for confirmation that the note was to be collectable by 2014. Mr. Ely confirmed this, though he added that it wasn't like they were going to take everything out at once. The final payment from USDA would be when the project had been inspected and approved, and they would likely approve every draw. When the voting was held, Mr. Lamont was the only one who voted against it. He stated that his objection was not against the project, but how it was being financed. The objection was not to the action, but was based upon the 10 million dollar guarantee, and the fact that the borough was giving Fulton Bank access to their unlimited debt service on a three year note if things went south. If they had come in with a 20 year term he would have been happier.Still, the motion passed. Mr. Ely said that they were going to authorize their engineer to proceed with bids the next day. Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Schuster reiterated that they appreciated the work of the authority members. The meeting was adjourned.
Clifford Input Being Solicited Having passed a motion last month to undertake a comprehensive plan for the township, Clifford Township Supervisors at their July business meeting encouraged resident participation at upcoming public meetings conducted by a professional planner. Searle explained that the planner will collect data of what residents want for their community and report that data to the supervisors. “We want input,” Barry Searle stressed.Concerning an anonymous letter received from an individual opposed to a comprehensive plan, Searle stated that he welcomes letters but cautioned, “If we don’t have a plan of what seems good… we’re just going to be at the mercy of whatever happens.” He added, “I don’t like to be a victim.”Also of general interest, Searle announced that it appears that an individual responsible for the local burglaries has been arraigned and charged with the crimes. Searle then asked residents to note that the police force is concerned with more than traffic violations. He said that although he has heard complaints that these are merely a moneymaker, he stated that 65 percent of people stopped get off with a warning. He added that the officers have been “counseled to make sure that they’re professional and courteous.”Another matter discussed was the purchase of a certified noise meter, which will enable the township to enforce its Industrial Noise Ordinance and, if necessary, will provide data that will “stand up in court.”A motion was passed for modifications to the township building, which will include installing rain gutters, repairing trim on the front of the building and altering vent pipes.When asked to report on grant status, township secretary René Reynolds stated that she is working on the closeout for the FEMA grant for the Mud Road bridge project. Following will be the sidewalk grant closeout, and the dirt and gravel grant is to be done before October.Concerning potential crosswalks on Main Street, solicitor Joe McGraw advised the supervisors that although the township is entitled under law to install crosswalks, it is not required to do so. McGraw explained that installing crosswalks makes the township liable for maintenance. “I don’t see that as a major issue,” asserted Searle. McGraw stated that it is also important to think of “five years down the road.” The supervisors tabled the matter for a month, and McGraw will contact Penn DOT for crosswalk specifications.Also concerning road matters, the Mud Road bridge weight limit was discussed. “I would like to see that weight limit stay in place,” stated a resident, explaining that without a weight limit on township roads, this could mean heavy vehicles using township roads to “get around ten-ton weight limits on state roads.” Chairman Dennis Knowlton stated that he believes that retaining the weight limit is Penn DOT’s decision. Reynolds and road master James Locker will research the matter. Another resident commented that the workmanship on the guardrails is “shoddy and dangerous” and presents a safety issue. The supervisors will investigate.Sandy Wilmot of the historical society stated that the organization is applying for a permit to install two windows on the front of the borough building. Wilmot suggested that for $1300, the township could install four matching windows to complete the front of the building. A motion was passed for the township to purchase four windows.The Clifford Picnic is in the planning stage.Residents should note that the August business meeting has been moved to the third Monday of August and will be advertised on the Clifford Township website and on the township building
Courthouse Report DEEDS Patrick Snow to Joseph S., Jr. and Lynne C. Manzek, in Rush Township for $230,000.00. Jeremy T. and Denise Skogfeldt to Lanesboro Borough, in Lanesboro Borough for $105,000.00. Robert Charles and Debra Ann Wood to Ryan D. and Rebecca K. Stalker, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Wells Fargo Bank to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Catherine (AKA) Catherine E. Earnshaw to Helen A. and William N. Earnshaw and Pamela Earnshaw Kelly, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Florence (AKA) Florence Sylvia (estate), Paul, Joseph and Michael Killiany; Cecile M. Rokavec; and Geralyn Gallagher to Joseph Killiany, in Forest City for one dollar. Joseph Dorohovech, Jr. and Erin K. Kilker (NKA) Erin K. Kilker Dorohovech to Joseph, Jr. and Erin K. Kilker Dorohovech, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Donald W. Diehl to Dustin W. Conroe and Donald W. Diehl, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Joseph L. Romanauskas (AKA) Joseph L. Roman to Joseph L. Roman, in Jessup and Bridgewater Townships for one dollar. William L. Hughes to William Evan Hughes and Susan Fuller Hughes and Richard John, Jr. Sarudy, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Community Bank & Trust Co. and Shifler Parise to Community Bank & Trust Co. and Shifler Parise, in Clifford Township for $500.00. EGK LLC to Tracy Family LP, in Apolacon and Middletown Townships for one dollar. EGK LLC to Tracy Family LP, in Springville Township for one dollar. Christopher T. and Cathleen Tracy to Tracy Family LP, in Springville Township for one dollar. Ruth P. Gallagher to Jason C. Travis and Melanie Jo Batson, in Ararat Township for $70,000.00. Marion L. (AKA) Marian L. Muss and Ivan, Jr. and Tammy J. Payne to Ivan B., Jr. and Tammy J. Payne, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Andrew Wyzykowski to David Potis, in Clifford Township for $200,000.00. Andrew Wyzykowski to Andrew Wyzykowski, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Rosalia Hill to Thomas Hill, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Deborah Donovan Czyriak (AKA) Deborah Donovan Cziryak and Kevin Donovan to Deborah Donovan Cziryak and Kevin Donovan, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Richard and Caroline Zentar to Richard, Caroline and Alan Edward Zentar, in Bridgewater and Brooklyn Townships for one dollar. Diane Bassett and Carl Canedy to Diane Bassett and Carl Canedy, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Diane Bassett and Carl Canedy to Diane Bassett and Carl Canedy, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Diane Bassett and Carl Canedy to Diane Bassett and Carl Canedy, in Clifford Township for one dollar. James A., Jr. and Carol M. Lake to Michael and Elizabeth Vaccaro, in Montrose for $205,000.00. Terry A. and Linda M. Hall to Terry A. and Linda M. Hall, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Robert J. Wilkes, Jr. to Robert J. Wilkes, Jr. (trust), in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Robert J. Wilkes, Jr. (trust by trustee) to Alexey Y. and Anastasia Karlgut, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar. Charlotte Batzel to Theodore W., Jr. and Carly B. Batzel, in Harford Township for one dollar. Patricia Derrick to Mark J. Derrick, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Eleanor V. (estate) and Wayne Bradley to H L Bradley Farm, Inc., in New Milford Borough for one dollar. BENCH WARRANTS
Commissioners Meet In the Lower Conference Room in the County Office Building, a "Salary Board Agenda" was called to order by Commissioner Warren on July 13 at 9:00 am. Commissioners Allen and Giangrieco, along with Treasurer Benedict, were also present. They motioned and approved the minutes from the 05/25/2011 Salary Board Meeting. They motioned to create an additional second Deputy Treasurer, and the other Deputy position will be eliminated upon the retirement of the employee in that position. Catherine Benedict, Treasurer, recommended the position to close no later than the close of business on December 31, 2011. The new position is Range 10; rate $9.80 per hour, seven (7) hours per day, thirty- five (35) hours per week, with a six-month probation period, and benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit. They motioned to increase the starting salary of the Judicial Law Clerk to $36,070.58 per year, 32.5 hours per week and benefits per the County Personnel Manual, effective August 2, 2011, per the recommendation of President Judge Kenneth W. Seamans. At 9:01 a.m., they motioned to close this meeting and it was adjourned seconds afterwards. In the same breath, Commissioner Warren called the "regular" Commissioners meeting to order. None of the motions were read aloud. The Commissioners approved, with no corrections, the minutes of the June 22, 2011 meeting. They motioned "Employee Years of Service Recognition" as follows: Rachel Carrico, Emergency Management and Nancy Tator, 911 both for five years; Sami Bourizk, Probation, Cathleen Eckes, Children & Youth and Charlene Moser, Emergency Management all for ten years. They motioned to ratify a total of $826,581 dollars from June 22, 2011 through July 7, 2011. They "pre-checked" $748,078, of which $525,607 of this is for "General Expenses." They also pre-checked a total of $222,471 expenses, which includes $57,104.00 for CYS and $165,367 for Payroll. They ratified a total of "EFTPS" totaling $78,503 of which $14,604 went to Employee Retirement Contribution; $7,311 went to State Withholding; and the remaining amount of $56,588 for Federal Payroll taxes. They motioned to approve from July 11, 2011 until July 28, 2011, the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests: There is no "County" cost to the following: Robert Fearnley, Soil Conversation, State College, Conservation District Educator Training; Willie Keeney and Michael Oakley, Soil Conservation, meeting regarding Chapter 93 and Act 38 Regulations ($20.00); Willie Keeney, Eric Watkins and Michael Oakley, Wilkes-Barre, 102 Manuel Training ($48.00); and Marlene Estelle, Probation, State College, Juvenile Case Management System User's Group Meeting ($306.00). Other seminar requests: Karen Mitchell, Children & Youth, Mayfield, #309 Refusal Skills, July 11, 2011, A Relapse Prevention Perspective, and July 12, 2011, Methamphetamine, both days each cost $58.00, cost to the County $11.60; and Scott Aylesworth, Emergency Management, Harrisburg, Training and Exercise Planning Workshop, PEMA, cost $180.00. They motioned #7 to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Verizon User Agreement, whereby Verizon will be the cell provider for the new emergency communications trailer the County is to receive in the near future. The initial service will cost $100.00 and $128.97 per month during training in a trailer, and later a reduction of the monthly fee by approximately half. They motioned to purchase for the commissioners’ office, from Topps Business Solutions, a copier for $11,450.00, and equipment maintenance and supply agreement for $120.00 per month. It will be paid with Records Improvement Fund monies, pricing is State contract pricing. They motioned #9 to acknowledge the hiring of Wendy Yadlosky, Clifford Township, by Magisterial District Judge Suzanne Brainard, Clerk/Typist in the Southern District 34-3-03 office, Range 6, Rate $7.89 per hour, 32.5 hours per week, with six-month probation and benefits per the Court Appointed Bargaining Unit Contract, effective July 1, 2011. They motioned to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes regarding the following: A. Clifford Twp., name of Samantha A. Colon, formerly Tami Snyder, a trailer in White's Trailer Park, assessed at $2,500.00. The trailer was exonerated from rolls and a total tax of $378.80 to be exonerated. They motioned to accept the proposal from Del Longo Fence Company, New Milford, to furnish and install three barrier gates and one fence at the Recycling Center for $6,500.00. These will close off the non-public area of the building. They motioned #12 to authorize the Commissioners to sign Municipal Waste Disposal Capacity Agreements effective August 1, 2011 with the following facilities as part of Solid Waste Plan process: Alliance Sanitary Landfill, Clinton County Solid Waste Authority, Commonwealth Environmental Systems, L.P., Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Inc., Phoenix Resources Landfill, Pine Grove Landfill, and Taylor Garbage Service, Inc. They motioned to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Program Management Agreement for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) between Susquehanna County and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The County agrees to manage the Program through Trehab and pass through a minimum of $500.00 per month (received by the County from the State) for administrative costs from October 1, 2011 until September 13, 2016. They motioned between Susquehanna County and Trehab, Inc., to authorize the Commissioners to sign the State Food Purchase Program Agreement, and another to authorize the Commissioners to sign the TEFAP Agreement Emergency Food Assistance Program. They motioned #16 to acknowledge the hiring of Marissa A. Cino by President Judge Kenneth W. Seamans, to the position of Judicial Law Clerk, full time starting in early August of 2011, with a six-month probation period, and benefits per the County Personnel Manual. They asked for "public comment" and there was a minor one pertaining to motion #7 concerning training. I observed two new faces participating in the public who were at the last meeting also. They motioned to close the meeting at 9:07 a.m. and it was adjourned at this time.
Gibson Barracks Report LOST AND MISSING DOG Danielle Reed of Susquehanna reported that a white female driving a white vehicle with lights on top took her 12 year old black lab mix with a red collar sometime around 8:30 a.m. on July 14. The dog has been observed milling around near the Great Bend Pump and Pantry for the past several weeks unleashed. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. THEFT/RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY On July 5 Ian Ball of Montrose is accused of stealing a single shot shotgun and fifty dollars in currency from the home of Raymond Hunsinger sometime between the 5th and 12th of July. On the 12th of July he was interviewed relative to this investigation and admitted to the theft. Later he was found to be in possession of 10 pills that were later determined to be a controlled substance, without a prescription. The accused was arraigned at District Court 34-02-01 for receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking, and possession of a controlled substance. Unsecured bail of $5,000 was impost. A schedule hearing was slated for July 18 at District Court 34-3-01. CRASH On July 11 at 9 p.m. Amy Lawrence of Montrose was traveling northbound on Mountain Valley Road in Liberty Township when her vehicle caught fire while in motion. Both she and a minor passenger were able to exit the vehicle uninjured. The Ford Explorer was damaged to the extent that it could not be operated. It was towed from the scene by Marv's Towing to their Great Bend facility. HIT AND RUN On July 9 at 1:30 a.m. Timothy Mullins of Springfield, AR was parked in the parking lot at Frank and Shana's Pub on SR 706 in Bridgewater Township. While backing from a parked position, he struck the rear of another unoccupied vehicle before fleeing the scene. Later, he was found at Emberz Bar on SR 706 by the Montrose police. Charges were pending as of the time of report. ASSAULT-HARASSMENT On July 10 Melissa Vaughn of Jackson Township allegedly struck a juvenile male during a domestic dispute. During the investigation the boy was discovered to have had consumed alcoholic beverages while under the age of 21 years. It was he who summoned the police for response surrounding the dispute; resulting in the filing of criminal charges for all parties involved. COLLISION-TRAFFIC-HIT AND RUN On July 12 at 1:36 a.m. a person, unnamed pending investigation, was traveling southbound on SR 11 in Hallstead when he or she exited the roadway and struck a parked vehicle on Main Street by the intersection of Old Route 11, prior to fleeing the scene. The vehicle is described as a white van style vehicle similar to a Plymouth Voyager or a Dodge Caravan, and should have maroon/red paint transfer on the front area with extensive damage. Anyone with any information regarding this collision is asked to contact PSP Gibson barracks and reference the above incident. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. CRASH On July 4 at 10:15 p.m. Michael Zeyher of Montrose and Valerie Trowbridge of Meshoppen were both traveling south on SR 3001 in Bridgewater Township when, as Zeyher was following Trowbridge he dropped a beverage bottle and leaned over to pick it up. In doing so, he struck the rear of her vehicle. All involved were utilizing seatbelts; all sustained minor injury (including three passengers). ATV CRASH On July 2 at 6:14 p.m. a 14 year old male juvenile of Montrose was riding north on T516 in Dimock Township when, while attempting to turn right onto Carter Road, he lost control of his vehicle, struck the bridge guiderail, was thrown from the atv, and went off the bridge, landing in the creek bed. Numerous traffic citations were issued as it is illegal to operate an atv on the roadway, and it is illegal to operate a motorized vehicle upon a highway without a driver's license. A motorcycle helmet was in use; moderate injury was sustained. BURGLARY Sometime between the 24th and 26th of June, during the morning hours, the home of a 44 year old Ararat Township female was entered by means of force, and personal items stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Between July 8 and 9 lights were damaged at the Newman Hill Cemetery in Great Bend Township. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. ACCIDENT On July 7 at 10:55 p.m. a Kingsley juvenile male was traveling southbound on TR 546 in Brooklyn Township when, while attempting to avoid a deer in the roadway, he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the northbound travel lane, impacted a ditch, and came to a rest after impacting a tree. The boy transported himself to Endless Mountains Health Systems hospital, whereat the police were summoned. The boy reported minor chest pain and a cut to his finger occurring during this collision. A seatbelt was in use. CRASH On July 6 at 7:33 p.m. Daniel Mead of Hallstead was traveling north on State Route 11 in Great Bend when his vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons, as he traveled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle struck a mailbox pole and then a utility pole, continuing to travel in a northerly direction before flipping and landing on its roof facing south. The driver sustained minor injuries to his head. The vehicle had extensive damage to the front bumper area and hood due to the flipping, and was towed by Marv's towing. A seatbelt was in use. The driver was to be cited at district court 34-3-02 as of the time of report. THEFT OF PROPERTY LOST, MISLAID OR DELIVERED BY MISTAKE On July 5 a 73 year old Montrose woman laid her purse in the bathroom of the Price Chopper in Bridgewater Township and, when she returned, her purse was still there but the money was missing. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. DEATH INVESTIGATION The police are investigating the death of a late 40's male discovered in Choconut Township. It is believed that the victim was living in his vehicle at the location where he was discovered, deceased in his vehicle. Apparently he had been mauled by a bear post mortem. No foul play was suspected as of the time of report. The investigation was continuing, and an autopsy was scheduled. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On July 6, between 12:30 and 7:00 a.m., it was discovered that someone had purposely damaged the business sign located at the front side of the building of the VFW post #5642, near the roadway. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. THEFT Between July 2 and 5 the farmall collector parking only sign was stolen from a site in Herrick Township. The sign, belonging to Don Beemer of Uniondale, was white with red lettering on a red metal post, and was located at the end of the victim's driveway. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. BURGLARY On June 26 at 12:25 a.m. two burglars smashed the front door glass of the Dandy's Mini Mart in Little Meadows with a large rock, gaining entry. Once inside the burglars proceeded to steal items from within the store. Anyone with information, or who saw persons or vehicles in the area are asked to call PSP Gibson and refer to the incident. DUI On July 10 at 3 p.m. an unnamed person was traveling west on SR 3006 in Springville Township when he or she struck a bridge in their F-150, and was arrested for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH On July 10 at 5:10 p.m. Jasper Lewis of St. Pauls, NC was traveling north on I 81 in New Milford Borough when, for unknown reasons, he drove his Freightliner off the highway, up an embankment, and rolled it onto its side. A seat belt was in use; moderate injury was sustained. ASSAULT On July 4 a Hallstead man reported being struck and knocked to the ground by two assailants that approached him in his Great Bend Township yard. The man was not seriously hurt in the incident. Anyone with information is asked to please call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. BURGLARY On July 1 at 1:35 a.m. entrance to the checker express mini mart in Springville Township was attempted by means of a pried open side door. When the alarm was tripped, the attempt was abandoned without entrance being obtained. Anyone with information is asked to please call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On July 2 sometime between midnight and 7 a.m. the windows on a vehicle belonging to Roger Benson, Jr. of Susquehanna were smashed, and obscenities spray painted on the side of the vehicle. It was parked at the launch at Dunn Pond Road at the time. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. If you have information regarding any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.
Silver Lake Twp. Police Report FIREARMS VIOLATION/DRUG ACTIVITY On June 1, while SLTPD assisted Susquehanna County Probation with a routine check on a residence housing for a parole home plan on Silver Creek Road in Silver Lake Township, the current resident was found to be in possession of several firearms and several marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia. The individual was a known convicted felon and was subsequently arrested and charged with all of the apparent drug and firearms violations, and sent to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On June 2, SLTPD received a complaint from a resident on Quaker Lake pertaining to a neighbor’s dog barking while people were partying at their own dock. The residents have had disputes in the past. The residents were advised of the laws and consequences if the activity continues. MISC. INVESTIGATION On June 6, a Hallstead women accidentally struck a mailbox on SR 167, Silver Lake Township, while turning into a driveway with a commercial van. The mailbox was not damaged but the vehicle sustained minor damage to the bumper and taillight. TRESPASSING On June 6, a Forest Lake Township resident off of Hamlin Road reported that his neighbors have been trespassing onto his property on-going for several years. He has asked them to stay off and has sent formal letters explaining it. They have continued to trespass. This incident is still under investigation. FORGERY On June 7, a Forest Lake Township resident was the victim of a forged check by another Forest Lake Township resident who has moved away to Virginia. The suspect was contacted and notified of the pending charges. This incident is still under investigation. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On June 11, it was reported to the C.C. that dogs were fighting behind the Silver Lake Fire Station. Investigation showed that dogs had been chasing deer in the area and they were captured and returned to the owners. They had escaped their enclosures. ANIMAL COMPLAINT On June 14, a Pops Hobby Lake Road resident reported that a pet dog had been struck and killed by a speeding vehicle. The 25 mph signs had been taken from this road. This road is used as a shortcut to avoid bad road conditions on SR 167. MISC. INVESTIGATION On June 15, it was reported by a Silver Lake Township resident, an individual was jogging on Quinn Road with no clothing on. A search of the area was conducted and the person was not seen. The caller was advised to call if the individual was spotted again. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On June 16, a resident on Birchard Hill Road reported that his mailbox was struck and damaged by a red pick-up truck, which had slid off of the road. This incident is still under investigation. DOMESTIC DISPUTE On June 23, a verbal dispute was reported taking place near the Baptist Church in Birchardville. Before it became physical, two men entered a vehicle and left the area traveling south on SR 267 before SLTPD arrived on scene. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF On June 23, it was reported that youngsters were shinning laser beams at passing motorists on the Laurel Lake Road SR 4002. One motorist stopped and confronted the individuals and then reported it to SLTPD. The area was searched for the activity, which had dispersed. DRUG ACTIVITY On June 24, a Silver Lake Township resident reported that he discovered marijuana plants growing rampant in Choconut Township. The proper authorities were notified of this activity. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY On June 28, SLTPD assisted Montrose PD, while in the Montrose area, apprehending a fugitive from justice. The individual was arrested, arraigned and sent to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility. 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.
Starrucca Borough Council Minutes The Starrucca Borough Council meeting was called to order by President Jack Downton on Monday, June 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present were Vice President Robert Martin, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp and Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko. Council members Paul Everett, Louis Gurske and Anthony Palonis were absent. The audience included Dee Martin, Loreda Everett, Brigitte D’Agati, Paul D’Agati, Roland Buck and Gerard Gill. The minutes of the meeting held on May 2 were read. Motion to accept the minutes as corrected passed unanimously. The minutes of the special meeting held on May 9 were read. Motion to accept the minutes as read passed unanimously. President Downton advised that Solicitor Briechle has recommended that the minutes not be read at the beginning of every Council meeting in an effort to save time for the discussion of Borough issues. A limited amount of copies of the minutes will be available for distribution to the public at each meeting. A motion to have the minutes sent to Council members before the scheduled meeting and that a limited number of copies be made available at the meeting for anyone who attends the meeting passed unanimously. Treasurer’s Report as of June 4 - A motion to pay the June bills (excluding payment to Como Construction from the Liquid Fuels account for repairs to Kellogg Road due to lack of funds) passed unanimously. The secretary presented (for discussion) an invoice in the amount of $45.00 representing dues payable to the Association of Mayors. Mayor DeBalko advised not to join the Association at this time. The secretary presented (for discussion) an invoice in the amount of $82.00 payable to Fry Communications for a 1-year subscription to the PA Bulletin. The Bulletin has previously been distributed free of charge by the Commonwealth of PA. Following discussion, Council is not securing a 1-year subscription. Correspondence Read Statement of Financial Interest submitted by Michael Briechle, Esq. - filed. Springer Quarry - Notice of approved PennDOT aggregate - filed. Equinunk Historical Society - Open House - June 11 - filed. Old Business Pennstar Bank Loan (Buck Road Bridge) - The secretary presented a notice of payment due from Pennstar Bank for the Buck Road Bridge loan. At this time, the Borough does not have funds available to pay $8900.00 due this month (June 2011). President Downton reported the findings of the Borough Committee and offered the following options to raise revenue for the Buck Road Bridge loan payment: Wage Income Tax - Based on Starrucca residents, the amount collected would be $8-$10,000.00 - 75% of landowners are non-residents. It would be necessary for the Borough to hire a company to collect the tax and the Borough would have to pay a percentage to the company that collects the tax. It would take approximately 18 months to collect the revenue. Real Estate Tax - An increase of 1 mil per landowner is recommended. The total increase for real estate tax and fire tax would equal 1.89 mil. President Downton made a motion to increase the real estate tax in order to pay for the 2007 Buck Road Bridge Loan (Pennstar Bank), repayment of misapplied Liquid Fuels funds ($18,000.) for the Buck Road Bridge in 2008 and as needed. The motion was seconded by Vice President Martin - 3 in favor, Art Kopp opposed due to the wording of the motion. The motion passed. A motion to advertise an Ordinance for a 1 mil real estate tax increase in Starrucca Borough beginning January 1, 2012 passed unanimously. PennDOT - $18,000. Reimbursement to the Liquid Fuels account - Correspondence received from James Smedley states the terms of reimbursement have been changed - payments of $3600.00 per year will be due beginning June 30, 2012 through June 30, 2016. Solicitor Briechle’s correspondence was read: To former Solicitor Treat and former Solicitor Bugaj requesting Starrucca files (5/6/11). Response from Atty. Bugaj (5/18/11). Atty. McGraw copy (Haynes v. Starrucca Borough) Motion for Contempt (5/6/11). Sol. Briechle response to Atty. McGraw (Haynes v Starrucca Borough) (5/6/11). Atty. McGraw copy (Haynes v. Starrucca Borough) Motion to Withdraw Petition for Contempt & Court Order granting the Motion (5/17/11). Kellogg Road - President Downton commented about the ongoing repairs to Kellogg Road. He reported that Scott Township has a “floating” road on Cleveland Road and the cost would be $12-$13,000.00. Following discussion, the Borough will attempt to obtain funds through a grant. President Downton will contact the contractor for an estimate. Mr. Kopp agreed to help with the maintenance of Kellogg Road. New Business Ad Hoc Committee for Litigation Issues - In correspondence dated May 24, 2011, Solicitor Briechle recommended an Ad Hoc Committee for Litigation Issues be formed and consist of members of Council who are not involved in litigation. This Committee would consult with the Solicitor regarding legal issues involving the Borough. Motion that the Committee should consist of himself, Barbara Glover and Mayor DeBalko passed unanimously. Vacating a Borough road - The secretary read correspondence from Solicitor Briechle. There was no discussion by Council. Complaints/Findings filed by the State Ethics Commission against Kirk Rhone and Complaints/Findings filed by the State Ethics Commission against Robert Buck issued May 18, 2011 The secretary read correspondence dated June 6, 2011, signed by Kirk Rhone and Robert Buck. The correspondence included the referenced Complaints/Findings filed by the State Ethics Commission and requested Council to bring the Complaints “to the attention of the agent handling insurance coverage for the Borough Council members during the periods involved.” The correspondence and documents were submitted to Council by Arthur Kopp. Committee Reports Roads - Vice President Martin reported there is a hole opening on Penn Hill Road; it may be a sluice pipe. Town Hall - Vice President Martin reported that a tree fell on the roof at the Town Hall. The secretary will report it to the insurance company. Vice President Martin will investigate removing the tree. Public Participation - Loreda Everett commented that the PA Bulletin may be available on line for less cost. President Downton called for Executive Session at 8:15 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 8:50 p.m. A motion to close the meeting passed unanimously; meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Special Meeting The Starrucca Borough Council special meeting was called to order by President Jack Downton on Monday, June 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. Council members present were Vice President Robert Martin, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, Louis Gurske and Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko. Council members Paul Everett and Anthony Palonis were absent. Members of the audience did not sign the book. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Pennstar Bank loan payment due for the Buck Road Bridge loan and other matters. President Downton read a letter he sent to Pennstar Bank explaining the Council’s plan to increase the Borough’s real estate tax by 1 mil. In turn, Pennstar Bank is now willing to work with the Borough and move the payment from June to September. It was necessary to have a special meeting because if this issue was held over until the July meeting, the Borough would have been in default. A motion to pay Pennstar Bank $3000.00, which represents interest and part of the principal, passed unanimously. President Downton also reported that Council cannot vote to raise taxes until November, 2011. The motion made at the June meeting will be rescinded at the July meeting. The information obtained from PSAB states the motion can only be made 60 days before raising taxes. Ad Hoc Committee Report - Vice President Martin reported that he called Solicitor Treat on June 14, picked up files on June 15, and delivered the files to Solicitor Briechle on June 16. Liquid Fuels allocation - The secretary reported that a “block” was placed on the funds and she was contacting various State agencies, including the Dept. of Revenue, to determine what needed to be done. A motion to close the meeting passed; the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Ordinances Questioned In Harford Over the past couple of years, the Harford Township Supervisors have adopted several new ordinances covering driveways and noise. At their meeting on July 12 the Supervisors debated the merits of 2 more, another was proposed, and one of the noise ordinances was called into question. Supervisor Garry Foltz has proposed a new ordinance that he hoped would parallel a new state law, the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act (Act 90 of 2010). He is concerned about a partially collapsed barn on Tingley Lake Road and would like to at least send a letter to the property’s owner requesting that the structure be removed. The township’s solicitor reviewed his proposed ordinance and in a letter declared it “difficult to enforce,” recommending against it in part because it might lead to “discriminatory enforcement,” and that determining the danger posed by such a situation would be a “judgment call.” The lawyer suggested some sort of “property maintenance code” instead. The barn is on a corner between Tingley Lake Road - a state route, 2061 - and a private driveway, yet Mr. Foltz insists that because it is in Harford Township, the township has a responsibility to deal with the situation. He said that it is only a matter of time before part of the barn collapses into the roadway, and foresees some township liability “if we allow it to continue.” “If we ignore this, we’re wrong,” he said. “It’s a dangerous situation and we’re ignoring it… We know of the concern; it could affect the residents of Harford Township; it’s in our township. If it falls down and somebody gets hurt, they’re going to say … it’s in the township, why did you ignore it?” Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Terry VanGorden asked, “if it’s on a state road, how could we be held liable?” Township Secretary and Supervisor Sue Furney flatly said that she would not support the ordinance without the support of the township’s solicitor. Mr. Foltz wanted a letter sent to the property owner requesting demolition, but neither Ms. Furney nor Supervisor Terry VanGorden would sign it, and Mr. Foltz was not willing to send it over with his signature alone. Mr. VanGorden suggested that the Supervisors sit down with the property owner to find a resolution. Mr. Foltz resisted this approach, preferring to send a letter, at least to begin with. In the end, however, they seemed to agree to call the property owner to discuss the situation. The Fire Company has asked the township to enact another ordinance that would give workmen’s compensation coverage to company members when engaged in activities for the fire company other than emergency services - fund-raising, for example. Upon review, the township’s solicitor found this one “quite broad,” suggesting instead a list of events that might be covered. The fire company has been considering races for 4-wheelers, for example, although not the increasingly popular “Poker Run” type event. Ms. Furney was directed to ask the attorney for language that would cover events at the fire hall, and the “occasional parade.” Mr. Foltz said that he would not support coverage for “fund raisers that could be dangerous.” Cabot Oil & Gas Company requested a waiver of the recently adopted “industrial noise ordinance” for drilling operations expected to begin shortly in the area of the Jeffers tree farm; the request would cover 13 months, through the end of August 2012. When the Supervisors seemed inclined to grant the waiver, an observer asked what, then, was the point of the ordinance? Mr. Foltz said that the ordinance was not intended to block such activity, but to provide the township with information about industrial activity like gas drilling; the ordinance does allow for temporary waivers. Mr. Foltz said that 24x7x365 perpetual operations would not be permitted, but that the ordinance allows activity to be monitored and controlled. In a related matter, Wilkinson Associates applied for a permit for a driveway to a drill pad in the Jeffers farm area under another recent ordinance that prescribes how a driveway must be constructed. The application specified a 12-inch culvert, so Mr. Foltz had written on the application approval that the culvert must be a minimum of 15 inches under the ordinance. Southwestern Energy is seeking to close Houlihan Road again for a week to perform more tests before laying a water pipeline from Alford/Martin’s Creek to an impoundment up the hill in New Milford Township. The Supervisors had no objection, as long as the closure begins only above the one house at the lower end near U.S. Route 11. Mr. Foltz read a letter from a resident, apparently of Harford village, complaining of offensive odors from what might have been the burning of plastics or other such materials. He said that for such a complaint to be actionable requires more detail. Yet he suggested that the township may need a “burn ordinance” to help control such things. There was some debate about a “partial payment” to the developer of the township’s new web site. Ms. Furney said that he had already spent some 45 hours on one page alone; the site now contains some 8 pages (plus ordinances, forms, etc.), for which the township had agreed to pay $100 each. She suggested a payment of $1,700, to which Mr. Foltz objected, noting that last month it seemed that the full cost of setting up the web site would not exceed $1,500. An observer asked what kind of contract the township had with the webmaster. The response was that Mr. Oakley has not specifically requested payment of any amount. The Supervisors finally agreed to provide a “partial payment” of $1,000. Mr. Foltz anticipated that annual maintenance of the site would cost between $300 and $500. The township sewer authority (which is really the same as the township in this case) is working with the Liberty Truck Stop on the interstate to install a new sewer basin and pumps. Both of the truck stops were originally outfitted with “dual” systems consisting of two pumps in a single basin, the second to provide backup. Newer pumps are larger and won’t fit in the old basin, so the basin will have to be replaced, for which the sewer system will bear some expense. It may be anticipated that the PennCan truck stop will need similar treatment. School Street in Harford village will finally be repaved. Concour Construction Group of Binghamton, NY was given the contract to repave about 1,800 feet of the street. $40,000 of the total cost of the contract will be paid from a grant through the county. Originally the township’s share would have been $4,000, but some changes in the specifications for the 16-foot-wide project added some expense, so the township will pay $7,000, roughly the 10-percent share it was required to bear anyway. The project should begin in the first week of August, is given 5 days for completion but probably will not take that long. In the road report, Mr. VanGorden reported that he had been forced to order dust-control oil from Suit-Kote due to performance problems by the low bidder, Asphalt Paving Systems. He also asked for approval to purchase a new type of blade for the grader that is expected to perform better and last longer - at substantially increased cost. The crews have tested the new blades and found them far superior than the old straight blades for the type of roadwork needed in Harford Township. As is his custom, Mr. Foltz tacked a few items onto the end of the agenda, in particular inquiring about the items requested by the auditor some months back. Ms. Furney said that she is getting prices for the small quantities of checks she will need to satisfy the auditors’ request that payroll checks be generated from the QuickBooks computer system. Ms. Furney explained that the payroll itself has been computerized for some time, but that she has been manually typing the 4 payroll checks. Mr. Foltz this time decided to take one recommendation at a time, and did not broach the tender topic of time clocks. The Harford Township Supervisors meet in public session on the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the township office on State Route 547 just south of Interstate 81.
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