In response to a letter from a local business owner, speeding in downtown Clifford was discussed at length during the August 22 township business meeting. Concerning police activity, supervisor Barry Searle asserted, “I think we’re not doing too bad a job,” and one resident added, “I think things are a lot better today than they were a few years ago.” Nevertheless, the owner explained that there are times during the day when speeding vehicles on Main Street present a concern, and he attributed some of that to obscure speed limit signs. He encouraged the supervisors to follow Wyalusing’s lead and post a few large signs, out of Penn DOT’s right-of-way, to advertise the enforcement of speed limits. He admitted that Clifford has a small police force and stated that he would like to see the police focus more on crime and drugs, but he maintained, “We want to slow [motorists] down.”

Responses varied. One individual stated, “You can put up as many signs as you want; people are not going to obey them.” It was also stated that an electronic sign displaying motorists’ speed might prove helpful in slowing vehicles. Road master James Locker will research signs for the township.

In a similar matter concerning speeding, and also heavy traffic in general, two residents from Crystal Lake explained that they will be contacting Lisa Baker’s office in an effort to realign a portion of Route 247 around Crystal Lake. Presently, the stretch in question runs through an area with sixty households. An individual from the neighborhood reported constant traffic from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. and stated that heavy trucks sometimes travel through at fifty or sixty miles per hour. If the realignment occurs, Route 247 will instead run along the Panorama Golf Course, an area with ten households.

A township resident questioned the wisdom of rerouting along a golf course and stated that the plan sounded like “shifting the problem to somebody else.” He also wondered what makes the ten households less special than the sixty. One proponent of the plan responded that pedestrian traffic is not heavy in the less populous area, and there are “plenty of signs” and two crosswalks for the golf carts.

A resident pointed out that a realignment would necessitate another modification to the 911 addressing, with three roads impacted. A suggestion was made that homeowners at Crystal Lake install sidewalks in front of their homes as a way to keep pedestrians out of the road. Concerning more police patrol in the area, Searle responded, “We can handle that.” Chairman Dennis Knowlton asked for an end to the discussion, pointing out that since Route 247 is a state road, “It’s really Penn DOT’s say.”

Next, Sandy Wilmot of the historical society discussed an energy-efficiency report from Friedman Electric. Wilmot stated that some of the lights in the building are obsolete, necessitating an eventual upgrade, anyway. According to the report from Friedman, retrofitting the township building will result in a $1,142 annual savings on electricity. Township secretary René Reynolds will review the figures, but she stated that they appear accurate. The largest savings in electricity will occur through the use of sensors, and Friedman will cover the cost of sensors 100 percent. Through an Act 129 utility rebate from PP&L, the township will receive a $1630 rebate, leaving a cost to the township of $2,100 plus labor to retrofit the township building. “I need to know labor,” Knowlton asserted. Wilmot did not have that information yet, and Reynolds clarified that there are two bids for labor in progress. The matter was tabled until next month.

In his report, Clifford Township Officer in Charge Donald Carroll stated that an aggressive driving/DUI patrol will be in effect through September 5. Carroll also warned that copper theft within the township is “going through the moon” and warned residents to be mindful.

An individual representing the volunteer fire department thanked those who helped with the carnival, stating that it was a “decent year.”

Approval was requested for advisory committee meeting minutes to be added to the township website. Searle declared, “I’d like to see the website be as valuable to our citizens as possible,” but he added that a disclaimer must be included since this in not official township business or policy: “We take no credit or blame for it.”

Wilmot asked if the township will fund newsletters this fall. The matter was tabled until the September meeting.

As the final matter of the evening, it was noted that building permits must be posted “onsite and in view.”

IIt is not often that this reporter hears a board member chastise the press for writing good things about a district, but it occurred at the August 22 continuation of the August 15 Mountain View school board meeting. Mr. Griffiths made the comment, requesting that the topic of his displeasure be printed, and complaining that only positive items were covered. The meeting itself included enough heated debate early in the proceedings that someone in the audience was overheard to suggest that someone might want to get the boxing gloves.

A visitor asked about a fuel stipend, and it was stated that an announcement would be made regarding this matter in September. It was confirmed that Elk Lake was to transport the Mountain View students for no charge. Mr. Griffiths pointed out that this bus taking the students back and forth had not been brought before the board and approved by them. He wondered if they were entering into a contract regarding this, and was concerned that it might be illegal. Also, he said that bringing the shuttle buses back had been another contract without board approval. This is the item he requested that the press please put this in the paper, stating that only good news made it into the write ups. Dr. Chichura rebutted the accusation, saying that he had made the board aware of the legal mandate for the shuttle buses. He was asked if this move had been predicated upon legal advice, and Dr. Chichura stated that it had been discussed with the lawyer. When pressed, he said that there was no written statement to this effect, that the advice had been verbal. Mr. Griffiths said that if there was no written statement from the lawyer, there was no statement from the lawyer - he felt that this occurred too often.

A motion was made to rescind the fuel bid. Mr. Griffiths once again protested the lack of paper evidence, fearing that altering a formal bid might also be illegal. The bid was being rescinded because the company had called, and changed the pricing over the phone. Mr. Mirabelli was asked to contact Mr. Taylor for the paperwork. Mr. Griffiths argued that firm numbers should be gotten on paper not over the phone, but Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan that she agreed with Mr. Mirabelli that it was a firm bid. It was said that the company had stated that the fuel bid had increased by 6 cents from what was bid. It was stated that the company would not even hold a price, if the board had voted on it one day the next morning it might change. Dr. Chichura called Mr. Taylor, and confirmed that he had both his notes and the recorded phone message as documentation. Mr. Griffiths said that he would like to have a legal opinion from the lawyer on the subject. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan responded by saying that the company had not meet their bid specs by not having a firm bid. Mr. Griffiths responded to this by sarcastically calling Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan a lawyer. Only he and Mr. Wescott voted against rescinding the bid, which was then awarded to Mirabato. It was said that this company had agreed to hold the price for several weeks, and that the district had dealt with them in the past. Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Wescott voted against this as well.

Mr. Griffiths apologized for his votes on transportation the week prior. He said that papers were thrown in front of the board and they were expected to make decisions, papers which had been shown to the board only the Friday before. He stated that there were several items on the papers which he would have voted differently on had he read them through, but he took the advice of the administration. There was no way to rescind the votes, he continued, but he would apologize to the public for them.

The mobile ag lab that was being contracted at the elementary school would be at the Harford fair grounds so that the public could see what it was about. A written schedule had been received from the SCCTC. Dr. Chichura mentioned these items in his superintendent's report. The important aspect of an education update, he said, which he could see affecting the school district was a projection of level funding from the governor for the next school year. The districts would then have to pick up the funding of any additional expenses, such as the retirement increase. It wasn't looking as bad as it had in the current year, he said, but there was looking to be no increase in the entitlements from the state. Dr. Chichura spoke further of the school choice bill, which was expected to pass in some form before too long. School choice had always been there, he explained, but the big question now was who would pay for it.

Corinna Kinney of Hop Bottom made a statement, wondering if it was possible that a system be set up such that when someone retired letters be sent to current drivers regarding when contracts expired and querying if they intended to renew. If there was a position opening up, then the district might be better protected. The letter could state that there was a contract open, but that possible reassignments were also being considered. There was a bus driver, she continued, who hadn't applied for one because she didn't realize that one of the routes was going to be filled. There were too many unwritten stipulations which drivers had been subjected to, limiting runs. This caused animosity and opened the district up to lawsuits, she feared. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan confirmed that she was looking for policies. The situation goes both ways, Mr. Zick opined, stating that they had been notified quite late about some of the retirements, and they could have been notified more quickly. It was confirmed that everyone understood sudden extenuating circumstances. Mr. Mirabelli said that the board had addressed the matter by putting an addendum in the contract that a 60 day notification be given on both sides. Mr. Griffiths called that meaningless, however, as at the end of June the contracts expired. Someone claimed that the district had not handled the situation fairly, which Mr. Mirabelli responded to by pointing to the short time frame the business office had been given, while being directed to absorb a route. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan asked if bus drivers were willing to meet for the following school year, so that things could be looked at and fixed. Mr. Mirabelli said that he had already received some great feedback from the drivers at a drivers' meeting not long prior. A driver stated that there were some imbalances, with some routes being long enough that the students experienced very long bus rides while others were short enough that the drivers had difficulty making ends meet with the amount of current expenses. He repeated the opinion that the district was opening itself up to lawsuits due to inequalities. Mrs. Kinney defending Mr. Mirabelli to a certain extent, saying that she understood where he had come from, with the short time frame . A male visitor admitted that it was not easy to reroute buses. Ms. Kinney said that as a substitute she wouldn't have notification if someone was going to need her until about two weeks prior. Mr. Mirabelli wished to be clear going down this road, warning that when routes were made more efficient there were fewer miles to go around. He called this a delicate balance. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan proposed doing one route a month, but it was pointed out that this could not be done practically.

Another visitor brought up the budgetary discussion regarding the looming PSERS contribution, expressing concern that the market had declined and that the district contribution rates could be altered again. Dr. Chichura explained that the rates were factored annually. He said that the state itself couldn't afford to see the rates go up too much in any given year. The state reimburses half of what the districts have to contribute. He said what could happen at the state level, though he hoped hat it wouldn't, that the state could reduce its contribution. As an example of this he pointed to the cyber charter school situation, where the state reimbursement had been reduced to zero. It was explained that caps were put in place, but Mr. Mirabelli pointed out that if the government made a law they could change it.

Craig Sautner spoke up wondering if the water had been tested at the district, given the amount of water contamination continuing in the county. Dr. Chichura said that they were required to take certain tests on a monthly basis, and also to take annual tests. The board authorized in April for the next test to be a complete baseline test, with the anticipation for the drilling to begin. This was done on both wells, at both sides of the road. When asked if this testing included methane, it was answered that it had been a complete test. When asked if results were available to the public, it was responded that the public could complete a right to know request and the right to know officer would determine whether it was public information or not.

Joanne Fiorantino spoke up, concerned about the availability of information. She felt that a stumbling block was in place with the right to know request, and queried why they didn't just put the information out there, and didn't post it on the website.

Brett Jennings asked if they could define complete. He said that he worked in the environmental field and had performed water testing. How, he wondered, was the complete standard defined, wondering if it was by a hydrogeologist or the Pennstate Three Tier standard. It was his opinion that this was leaving the board open to question. Mr. Twining asked if there was a certain standard, and it was confirmed that there was not. Mr. Mirabelli said, however, that the district had gone above and beyond what was required. The district had spent about $2,000, and had utilized the company which it always used. Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan felt that if it had cost that amount, probably $1,000 a well, then it likely contained appropriate documentation. A visitor asked where the closest activity was, and Mr. Zick said that it was on his property, probably a half mile as the crow flies. Dr. Chichura said that there might be three or four pads locally. When asked if there had been any problems that they knew of, Mr. Zick said that there had been but not from the very close sites. A visitor asked if there was a compressor station nearby, and when it was confirmed that one was planned he asked if the board was alright with it. Mr. Zick said that it was more than a mile away, and Mr. Griffiths said that it was not on school grounds, so they did not have much of a choice. Some of the visitors debated this.

HARASSMENT

On August 24 at 8:05 p.m. Matthew Pierce of Susquehanna is accused of punching another Susquehanna man in the face because that man told Pierce's girlfriend that Pierce was still in a relationship with his wife, whom Pierce told the girlfriend that he was no longer with.

HARASSMENT

On August 23 at 4:45 a.m. a 17 year old male is accused of threatening a 14 year old female at Little Meadows Park; a harassment charge was filed against the male.

BURGLARY

On August 10 between 5:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. entry was made into the residence of Gretchen Jackson of Great Bend. No forcible entry was observed; it is unknown how the home was entered. A Toshiba DVD player and a gold braided bracelet valued at $500 were removed. Once the items were obtained the scene was fled. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRASH

On August 22 at 2:20 p.m. Rachel Dispenza of Tunkhannock was traveling north on State Route 29 in Bridgewater Township when she fell asleep, striking a utility pole. The vehicle continued, after striking the pole, to travel in a northerly direction before coming to rest on a particular property. Dispenza was not injured; a seatbelt was in use. The vehicle sustained disabling damage to the front passenger side door, and bumper. The vehicle was towed by Wayne's auto at their request. Dispenza was cited at district court 34-3-01.

CRASH

On August 25 at 7:45 a.m. Joseph Dorehovech of Uniondale, PA was traveling west on SR 374 in Herrick Township when, while he attempted to make a right turn into his driveway, William Conrad, also of Uniondale, struck the right side of his vehicle. This caused the Toyota Echo to be pushed past the driveway, striking a ditch and an embankment. Conrad's Chevrolet Silverado struck the mailbox prior to hitting Dorohovech, and also struck the ditch.

THEFT

Jewelry valued at $950 is reported to have gone missing from Chase Road in Auburn Township. The jewelry belonged to Darcia and Will Talbert of Meshoppen.

HIT AND RUN

On August 24 at 9 p.m. an unknown driver sideswiped a legally parked Kenworth w900 truck while the latter was parked at the Flying J truck stop in New Milford Township. The offending motorist then drove off.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

The mailbox of Michael Mullen of Hallstead was smashed on August 25 between 8 and 8:30 a.m. A blunt object was used. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

THEFT

Between the 19th and 25th of August two 25 yard dumpster boxes were stolen from a storage lot along Puzo Road in Bridgewater Township. The dumpsters, which belonged to Mark Caporale of Williamstown, NJ were estimated to have a value of $17,000.

HARASSMENT/DISORDERLY CONDUCT

On August 24 at 11 p.m. Amanda Huston of Clifford engaged Krystal Tigue of Kingsley in a verbal argument, before attempting to strike her. This incident occurred at a VFW in Lenox Township. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

RETAIL THEFT

On August 24 at 7 a.m. $100 worth of diesel fuel was pumped out of the Pump ‘n Pantry in Montrose. The suspect vehicles are described as being a late model ford F-250 crew cab, dark in color, and a dark colored Ford Explorer.

TRAFFIC CRASH

On August 23 at 8:29 p.m. Gale Bedford of Montrose was traveling north on SR 400-7 in Bridgewater Township, having just completed passing another vehicle in a no passing zone. After re-entering the northbound lane, the motorcycle traveled onto the east berm, where Bedford lost control of it, laying the motorcycle on its side and entering a ditch. He was flown to Robert Packer hospital in Sayre for treatment of his injuries. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

CRASH

A non-collision occurred as a Chevrolet 3500 Silverado operated by an unnamed person was traveling south along SR 267 in Forest Lake Township when it came upon another vehicle traveling north, which veered into his lane of travel. The non-offending driver initiated an avoidance maneuver by steering to the right. Upon doing so, he traveled off the roadway for a short distance and a possible crash with an oncoming vehicle was avoided. No one was injured in the crash. The incident occurred on August 21 at 12:18 a.m.

FOUND FIREARM

On August 20 a shotgun was found in a wooded area off Blossom Road in Lathrop Township, and turned into PSP. Anyone who may have lost or is missing a shotgun in the area should contact PSP Gibson with a complete description of the lost/missing shotgun at (570) 465-3154.

THEFT

Between the 15th and 22nd of August, no trespassing signs were stolen from the property of Kenneth Charito of Thompson. The signs were valued at $9.00.

BURGLARY

On August 22 between 12:01 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. a Masterlock securing the door of Pop's Trading Post in Great Bend was cut. The steel door to the business was then pried open, and drawers and cabinets within opened. Nothing was taken prior to the scene being fled. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH

On August 22 at 12:14 a.m. Siamak Mansourinia of Covina, CA was traveling northbound on SR 167 in Silver Lake Township when his Kenworth t800 traveled onto the right shoulder of the northbound travel lane of State Highway 167 in Silver Lake Township. Upon attempting to enter back onto the travel lane, Mansourinia lost control of the truck, which crossed both travel lanes and exited the roadway, striking an embankment and overturning. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in NY; a seat belt was in use.

CRASH

On August 22 at 12:35 a.m. Ryan Depew of Kingsley was traveling eastbound on SR 106 in Harford Township when he drove his vehicle off the roadway into a ditch. The vehicle overturned, coming to rest in that position. Depew was transported to Endless Mountains Health system by a third party for minor injuries obtained during the collision; he was utilizing a seatbelt at the time. The vehicle was towed form the scene by Kozlowski's towing.

BURGLARY

On August 22 at 2:30 a.m. two people wearing black hooded sweat jackets with the hood up, blue jeans, and gloves smashed a window at the Dandy Mini Mart in Auburn Township. One person entered the store and removed numerous packs of cigarettes. Both fled the scene to the rear of the building. Anyone with information is asked to please call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

RESISTING ARREST

On August 20 at 6 p.m. Jonathan Fathi of Nicholson was arrested for resisting arrest stemming from a disorderly conduct incident during a traffic stop.

THEFT

On August 19 between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. the 24 hour laundromat in Bridgewater Township was entered and the gaming machine forcibly opened. The perpetrator then stole the money from within and fled. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

THEFT/CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On July 25 at 11:46 p.m. two white males entered the Montrose laundromat in Bridgewater Township and broke into one of the gaming machines. The males forcefully removed the control panel of the crane game and stole the money located within. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA

On August 19 at 10:10 a.m. Luke Brotzman Bethlehem, PA was operating a 1995 Jeep Cherokee which was stopped for a motor vehicle violation, on I81 in Great Bend Township. Upon making contact with the operator and passenger, criminal indicators were present. The driver was issued a traffic citation, upon completion of which the trooper asked for permission to search the vehicle. This was granted and the search yielded marijuana and a multi-colored glass pipe used to smoke marijuana. Brotzman was taken back to PSP Gibson and processed on charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released as per rule 510 and charges were filed at district court 34-3-02.

CRASH

On August 20 at 9:30 p.m. Shane Bennici of Athens, PA was walking in the travel lane on Route 11 in New Milford Township when he was struck by Ronald Sherwood of New Milford. Bennici sustained moderate injury. Sherwood was utilizing a seatbelt; he sustained minor injury.

CRASH

On August 15 at 5:30 p.m. Cody Simmons of Robstown, Texas and Chad Perry of New Milford were both traveling north on SR 11 in Great Bend Township when Perry slowed down to make a left turn, waiting for southbound traffic to clear. At this time Simmons struck the trailer that Perry was towing. Simmons pulled into the parking area of Phillips garage and Perry's trailer disconnected from the trunk, being pushed on the steel guide rail. The truck was also pulled into the parking lot of Phillips garage, where the trooper found them upon arrival. No injuries were sustained; seat belts were in use.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH

On August 16 Ezra Decker of Montrose was pulling out from a driveway along SR 706 in Jessup Township when Daniel Heller of Laceyville was traveling west on that road. Heller swerved to the left but struck the front of the other vehicle, continuing to go left and striking a ditch before coming to a controlled stop in the eastbound travel lane. The Jetta driven by Decker backed into the driveway; both units were in these positions upon police arrival. No one involved was injured; all were utilizing seatbelts

CRASH

On August 20 at 11:55 a 2010 Volvo driven by an unnamed driver was traveling southbound on I 81 in Harford Township when it was struck by a tire that was reported to have come from the northbound lane onto the southbound lane. The Volvo was driven to the Liberty Truck Stop on SR 547 whereat police were summoned. No injuries were reported to have occurred during this collision. That same date an unnamed driver of a dodge caliber was also struck, and the vehicle driven to the truck stop.

ROBBERY

Updated Information: On August 19 at 12:04 p.m. a white male entered the Pennstar Bank located on Main Street in Susquehanna Depot and handed the teller a note which said, “I got a gun keep your hands where I can see them, $10,000 in 10 seconds or I'll shoot someone.” The teller then handed the subject an undisclosed amount of money. The subject left the bank and was believed to leave the scene in a maroon Subaru station wagon, 2001 or 2002 in year. He was described as a white male approximately 5'8 and 180 pounds, with black hair, a beard, and baggy jeans. The teller reported that the subject never displayed a weapon. The area was patrolled by PSP Gibson as well as the Susquehanna police department. Trooper Doran responded and processed the scene. The suspect was identified as Jon Alan Dockens. His whereabouts were not known at the time of report. Dockens is formerly from the Susquehanna area but his current address was not known at the time of report. He had ties to the Allentown area.

ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD/THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

Between August 15 and 17 a bottle of prescription pills and a credit card were stolen from the residence of Gina Olshan of Laceyville. ATM withdrawals and purchases were then made using the victim's credit card, in excess of $300. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

THEFT

On July 30 between 12:01 and 5 p.m. someone cut a chain securing a master lock to the chain link fence at Paraco Gas in Harmony Township. Once entry was gained into the fenced in area, a vehicle was backed up to the loading dock area. Two rolls of 1/2 inch yellow coated copper tubing was stolen, which was in 100 foot rolls, 2 rolls of 3/8 inch yellow coated copper tubing, three 55 gallon drums of scrap brass, copper, and aluminum regulators were stolen. Once the loading dock was left, a wooden shed located outside the loading dock area was pried open and miscellaneous scrap metal removed from within. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

COLLISION

On August 18 at 2:40 p.m. Michael Pipitone of New Milford was traveling north on SR 81 in the left lane following a car. Both units were passing Kyle smith of Dundee, NY. The car kicked up a piece of a passenger car tire, which struck Pipitone's bicycle. Pipitone lost control and the motorcycle went down. Pipitone slid along the left lane and the motorcycle went into the right lane. The trailer tires of Smith's vehicle went over Pipitone's motorcycle. The bike continued north and came to rest in the left lane. The truck stopped on the right berm. Piptone was wearing a helmet; he was transported to CMC in Scranton by the Harford ambulance and subsequently released. Harford volunteer fire company responded. The bike was removed from the scene by Vogel's towing.

CRASH

On August 10 at 5:44 p.m. Kody Kemp of Friendsville, PA was attempting to turn right on Bow Bridge Road in Apolacon Township when his vehicle slid across the road into the path of a Dodge Avenger driven by Tina Walter of Little Meadows. Both were utilizing seat belts; neither was injured, though three occupants of Walter's vehicle were injured.

THEFT- RETAIL

On August 18 at 4:51 a.m. a drive off occurred in the amount of $206.25, at the Liberty Truck Plaza in Harford Township.

HARASSMENT

On August 16 at 1:50 p.m. Nicholas Corso of Brackney is accused of approaching a Brackney woman in her vehicle at a residence in Choconut Township and commencing to scream and swear at her. Charges were filed at district court 34-3-01.

DUI

On August 17 at 1:09 p.m. PSP Gibson responded to a location in Great Bend Township on Tanzan Road for reports of a vehicle in the middle of the roadway. Upon arrival, troopers found Randall Austin of Susquehanna sleeping behind the wheel of his vehicle with the engine running. He was arrested for DUI and transported to PSP Gibson for processing, later being released to a family member. Charges for DUI and related traffic offenses were filed with District Court 34-3-02.

BURGLARY

On August 8 between 5:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gretchen Jackson of Great Bend reported a burglary at her residence at the above location. A computer, camera and lenses were reportedly taken in the burglary. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between August 13 and 15 the plastic mailbox belonging to Tonya Gerhardt of New Milford was smashed with an unknown object.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On August 12 an unknown actor drove his ATV through a corn field belonging to James Colwell of New Milford Township. Approximately 100 feet of corn was driven over, causing crop damage. Anything with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD

Between the 26th of July and 2nd of August, two purchases were made on the debit account of Mark Beach from an online company. The purchases totaled $168.19. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRASH

On August 13 at 12:40 a.m. John Linfood of Geneseo, NY was traveling northbound on SR 0081 when he fell asleep, resulting in the vehicle crossing the passing lane and exiting the roadway from the west berm. The left side of the vehicle struck the guard rail, and the left rear wheel assembly was bent, causing it to become inoperable. It was brought to a stop on the east shoulder approximately 200' north of the point of impact. No injury was sustained; both Linfoot and a passenger were utilizing seat belts.

CRASH

On August 11 at 12:55 p.m. Jackie Kane of Montrose was traveling south on State Route 29 in Bridgewater Township when she overcompensated on the left hand curve, lost control of the vehicle, went down an embankment, hit a ditch, and flipped over, coming to rest on the rood. The vehicle had extensive front bumper area damage and rear passenger quarter panel damage. Kerr's towing towed the vehicle. Kane was driven by ambulance to Montrose hospital for further evaluation of an injury; a seatbelt was used.

If you have information regarding any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Commissioner Warren called the August 24 meeting of the Susquehanna County Commissioners to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Conference room in the County Office Building. Also present were Commissioners Allen and Giangrieco, and Chief Clerk, Silvia Beamer. There was very little public attendance.

They motioned to approve the minutes of the August 10, 2011 meeting.

The motioned to ratify or approve for August 17 and 18, 2011, a total of $529,388 dollars allotted in the following manner: They ratify the Pre-check Register a total of $451, 817.00 for Expenses of which $143,681.00 is for CYS, $167,641.00 for Payroll, and $140,495.00 for General. The remaining total was $77,571.00; they ratified for EFTPS as dispersed as follows: $14,587.00 for Employee Retirement Contribution, $7,210.00 for State Withholding, and the final amount of $55,774.00 for Federal Payroll taxes.

They motioned, from October 20, 2011 until September 27, 2011, to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests at no cost to the following: Lisa Vail, Probation, Scranton, Emotional Manipulation, total cost $257.00; Robert Fearnley, Soil Conservation, Wilkes-Barre, Dirt & Gravel Annual Maintenance Workshop; and Robert Fearnley, Soil Conservation, State College, Watershed Specialist Training.

The remaining motion was for Susan Adamec, Charmarie Bisel, Children & Youth, Scranton, Understanding Coercive Control as Framework for Responding to Domestic Violence, total cost $166.00, cost to the County $33.20; and Raebelle Taylor, Domestic Relations, State College, Annual Fall Director's Meeting, total cost $210.00, cost to the County $71.40.

They motioned, with regret, to accept the resignation of James Bralla from the Economic Development Board.

They next motioned to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes regarding the following, per the recommendation of Catherine Benedict, Tax Claim Director: New Milford Twp., name of Dorothy Whalen c/o Robert Whalen, consisting of a trailer on Gordon Whitney Land, assessed at $6,800.00. Trailer was exonerated from the rolls by Assessment as gone. Total taxes to be exonerated $206.19.

The motioned to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and NHS Youth Services, Inc., Harrisburg, which shall be in force from July 1, 2010 until June 30, 2011, inclusive for the following programs only: Open Residential, Certificate of Compliance, Unit ID HH, per diem $225.54, and CBRP, Certificate of Compliance Unit ID KK, per diem $222.34.

The tenth item to be motioned was to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and NHS Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, which shall be in force and effect from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, inclusive for the following programs only: Therapeutic Foster Care and Certificate of Compliance, per diem $28.72.

They motioned to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and Susquehanna House Inc, Linden, which shall be in force and effect from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, inclusive for the following programs only: Foster Care Certificate, per diem $69.00, Specialized Foster Care per diem $89.00, Day Treatment Certificate, per diem $13.00 and Residential Certificate, per diem $99.00.

They motioned to open for review the sealed bids for office supplies, which were due in the Chief Clerk's office on August 19, 2011 by 4:00 p.m.

The motioned to hire Kenneth Kiefer, Jessup Township, to the open, part-time position of Dispatcher, per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator. Trainee, Rate $9.25 per hour, varied hours, with a six month probationary period and benefits.

The final motion was to close the meeting at 9:05 a.m.

Commissioner Warren called the Retirement Board meeting to order at 9:05:15 in the same room. Present were Allen, Giangrieco, Chief Clerk Silvia Beamer and Treasurer Benedict.

They motioned to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2011 Retirement Board Meeting.

They added and motioned to continue to follow, based on recommendation, pages 14 and 15 and keep MDT.

The Seneca Group presented the quarterly review. The Susquehanna board members all agreed to keep using Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney exclusively for their retirement funds. A public question was raised as to purchasing other resources such as Gold. They all agreed that Gold would not be sought after as part of their retirement fund. They made no mention of other investments.

At 9:46 a.m., the meeting was motioned to close.