When there’s a heavy rain the little town of Great Bend Borough in the crook of the Susquehanna River threatens to become completely surrounded by water. So it was when Irene came to town. Yet recent measures taken in response to the great flood of June 2006 seemed to help during the recent hurricane. In particular, a new pipe along Washington Street that diverts water from the Interstate did its job. Luckily, the outlets of the several drains weren’t covered by the swollen river and the town escaped serious damage.
At the Borough Council meeting on September 1, members vowed to watch closely plans for reconstructing Interstate 81, to ensure that the town isn’t once again made the sink for water coming off the hillside and over (and under) the highway. One possibility - diverting the water into Trowbridge Creek on the other side of the highway - would simply shift the problem onto another small group of homes.
The local fire company was at the ready when Irene arrived, hosting a number of emergency personnel from away. Council member and fireman Mike VanGorden reported that of the number of people who asked for help pumping water during and after the storm, most were on Franklin Street.
In the aftermath, the firemen also noted some shortcomings that he asked Council to consider helping to fix. He said that the fire company has a generator, but it’s small and can run only some light. He asked Council for a contribution toward the purchase and installation of an industrial-strength generator that could power the station’s sirens and radio towers in an emergency. He estimated the cost of such a facility at upwards of $40,000. He said that the borough would probably have greater access to grant money than if the fire company went after it alone. That will require further study and discussion. But when he asked for raincoats for the two borough Emergency Management Coordinators, Council readily agreed.
Council is still trying to find someone to paint the inside of the Borough Building (aka the Blue Ridge Senior Center) for a reasonable price. The 3 quotes received so far all seemed too high, so Council rejected all the bids and will try again. One bidder estimated that it would take 6 gallons for one coat on the ceilings, and another 22 gallons for 2 coats on the walls. (That would exclude the Borough office, which Secretary Sheila Guinan painted her own self.)
Council was hoping that the Hallstead Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority (HGBJSA) would have finished its renovation by now and fixed up the damage to Spring Street. One Council member said the sewer plant “looks like an abandoned site” now. Council member Bret Jennings offered a brief report on the tribulations, financial and otherwise, of the sewer system. So far, at least, another rate hike doesn’t seem likely.
Council member Jerry MacConnell wants to find a way for the borough to cash in on the natural gas boom enveloping the area. There might be money available to help pay for that generator the fire company wants. How many acres does the town cover? How could the borough reap some of the lease money and royalty money? How to keep from being left out of the bonanza? Can we get company representatives to visit a Council meeting?
In the meantime, people still need a place to park. Parking and natural gas collided last winter in Hallstead when a company involved in the business rented a house for some workers, who then parked their pickups all over the lawn. In an effort to avoid such things in Great Bend, Council gave final approval to a new ordinance that requires owners of rental properties to provide off-street parking for tenants. Under the new ordinance, property owners must provide at least 1 off-street parking space for each residential unit, and at least 3 spaces for each commercial unit. The Borough’s solicitor, Frank O’Connor, who himself owns a block of rental space on Main Street, instigated the ordinance. He said he had walked the town and found only one or two properties that weren’t already in compliance. The measure is not intended to ban parking on the street; only to ensure that there will be space available on the street for visitors.
Parking, paint, and always water, water everywhere. You can find it all in Great Bend Borough, and hear about it at Council meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Council also generally meets on the 2nd Monday of the month to focus on the town’s nascent police department. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Borough Building at Franklin and Elizabeth Streets.
DEEDS
Peter S. Watrous (trust by trustee) to Timothy J. and Deanna L. Smith, in Franklin Township for one dollar.
Charles A. Porter (estate) to TIR NA NOG LLC, in New Milford Township for one dollar.
Casey (AKA) Casey E. and Melissa J. Christie to Gordon W. King, in Hop Bottom Borough for $80,000.00.
Mae Campos to Richard Campos and Jacqueline Kearney, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.
John and Margaret McGarrigle to McGarrigle Family Limited Partnership, in Auburn Township for one dollar.
Carole and Glenn Williams and Thomas and Judith Breese to Richard and Betty Jean White, in Auburn Township for $50,000.00.
George E. Hanns, Jr. to Rock C. and Malynda R. Estabrook, in Harford Township for $160,000.00.
George E. (AKA) George Baker (estate) to George G. and Jean M. Baker, in Dimock Township for one dollar.
Rudolph and Raymond Lasher to Raymond and Patricia Lasher, in Auburn Township for one dollar.
Paul A. and Pamela E. (by POA) Kelly to Jillian H. Seavey, in Franklin Township for one dollar.
Seth and Margaret A. White (NBM) Margaret Ann Miller to Margaret A. and Seth White, in Springville Township for one dollar.
Dewitt T. and Marguerite Darrow to Edward P. and Bessie C. Brobst, in Liberty Township for $175,000.00.
Cynthia, Garry S., Ellyn and Dirk A. Oceanak and Terryln W. Andriola to Oceanak Lenox LLC, in Lenox Township for $10.00.
Helen M. Lopez, Virginia Hall, Carla Wood, John and David C., Jr. Franceski to Daniel J. and Brittany B. Burrell, in Forest City for $144,000.00.
Richard L. Frigerio and Endless Mountain Farm LLC to Richard L., Frances, Jason and Erin Frigerio; Clifford and Karen Gilman; John D. and Jill F. Turpin, in Lenox Township for one dollar.
George Bolcato to George W. & Marie M. Bolcato LLC, in Gibson Township for one dollar.
Joseph R. Thomas and Patricia Publik to Jennie Orlandini, in Springville Township for $269,000.00.
William A., Jr. and Shirley J. Sawyers to Sawyers Family Trust, in Gibson Township for one dollar.
Fred H. Williams to Church Run Minerals LP, in Thompson Township for $10.00.
James S. Duffe to James S., Jr., Thomas J., Patrick J., Michael W. and John J. Duffe and Mary E. Davies, in Ararat Township for one dollar.
James S. Duffe to James S., Jr., Thomas J., Patrick J., Michael W., and John J. Duffe and Mary E. Davies, in New Milford Township for one dollar.
Roy W. Camp to Rosemary Stewart, in Jessup Township for one dollar.
Robert A. House to Benjamin P. House, in Hallstead Borough for $38,000.00.
Stephen D. Conley to Dalton Conley, in Herrick Township for one dollar.
Steve and Ellen Conley to Alexandra Conley, in Clifford Township for one dollar.
Georgia MacNeal to Glenda Marvin, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar.
Barbara Parry and Al Gennarelli to Nicholas A. Conigliaro, in Harford Township for $70,000.00.
Edmund M. and Kathleen Zack to Tim S., Sr. and Barbara L. Tanner, in Ararat Township for $369,000.00.
Walter and Michelle (AKA) Michele Fortune to Daphne S. Cowperthwait and Christopher M. Carver, in Oakland Township for $155,000.00.
Ernest W. and Helen H. Hausmann (AKA) Hausman to Ernest W. and Helen H. Hausmann, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.
Lucinda W. and Theodore W. Neubert to Neubert Family Limited Partnership, in Clifford and Lenox Townships for one dollar.
Cornelia Flower to Tru Con Family Limited Partnership, in Springville Township for one dollar.
Jonathan Patrick (AKA) Jonathan P. Eddy to Jeffrey J. Eddy, in Forest Lake Township for $120,000.00.
Steven M. and Katherine M. Deriancho to Jonathan P. Eddy, in Forest Lake Township for $175,000.00.
Mary Alyse Kinsey (AKA) Mary Alyse Cole to Edward T. Scott, in New Milford Township for one dollar.
Stephen (AKA) Stephan and Kim Louise (AKA) Kim L. Henry to James J. Griggs, in Lenox Township for $40,000.00.
Wayne C. and Dawn Hartley Culp to WMP 2 LP, in Great Bend Township for $81,750.00.
Dale Howell Enterprises, Inc. to Mark and Lorraine S. Alles, in Springville Township for $170,000.00.
George A. Welch to Blake A. Kelly, in Silver Lake Township for $5,200.00.
Michael C. and Ruth Wertz Romig to Bethany S. Romig and Joanna E. R. Robinson, in Herrick Township for one dollar.
Anna Hibbard (by sheriff) to William A., II and Clara B. Burke, in Auburn Township for $70,000.00.
Norman D. Reynolds to Timothy L. and Sarah B. Reynolds, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.
William S. and Gail P. Yaus to Michael M. and Lorraine B. Pourby, in Forest Lake Township for $192,500.00.
Gerald J. and Georgeanne B. Jud to Gerald J. and Georgeanne B. Jud, in Rush Township for one dollar.
Alan D. and Elizabeth Naylor to Alan D. and Elizabeth Naylor, in Auburn Township for one dollar.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (by trustee) to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Clifford Township for one dollar.
Carol Ludington to Brenda Stevenson and Penny Moody, in Little Meadows Borough for one dollar.
Maxine Bouchard to Andrew J. and Stacey Park, in New Milford Township for $190,000.00.
MARRIAGES
Michael L. Hall and Tanya Jayne Johnson, both of Montrose.
Sean M. Barrie of Brackney and Kasey R. Parker of Vestal.
Vincent A. S. Parker and Ashley Marie Birchard, both of Endwell, NY.
Peter N. Kalb and Jennifer S. McCausland, both of Windsor, NY.
Edward J. Osborn and Tammy Scott Proof, both of New Milford.
Darren E. Canfield and Erin M. Davis, both of Jackson.
Eric Scott Burgess and Tasha M. Van Gorden, both of Montrose.
William D. Pregmon of Old Forge and Megan F. Shinn of Clifford Twp.
Keith David Geiger and Lauren June English, both of Montrose.
Billy Earl Gary, Jr. of Poynor, TX and Jennifer Dawn Hazlett of Montrose.
Kristopher P. Freitag of Susquehanna and Amy Lynn M. Frantz of Thompson.
Chad J. Benson and Courtney Emily Hopkins, both of Thompson.
Michael Jay Tyler and Cortney Marie Allen, both of Lawton.
Russell A. Lowry and Brenda Marie Zielinski, both of Clifford Twp.
Michael James Webb and Courtney Elizabeth Lange, both of Susquehanna.
Dennis E. Robinson, Jr. and Sierra Sue Sterling, both of Hallstead.
Jerry M. Hallisey of Susquehanna and Debbie A. Flood of Harpursville, NY.
John Workman and Alexis C. Franks, both of Lancaster.
Tadd Haney of Union Dale and Sarah Marie Goble of Vandling.
Christopher J. Wodock and Kera C. Krisa, both of Kingsley.
David M. Thompson and Sonia Marie Slater, both of Hallstead.
George C. Place and Kendall Santarelli, both of Meshoppen.
Vincent R. Gordon and Melissa M. MacDonald, both of Harford.
Jack L. McKeeby and Linda L. Knell, both of Montrose.
Michael Glen Potts and Sara Susan Levene, both of Montrose.
William T. Knorr and Isabelle Jones, both of Apache, AZ.
Russell E. Lewis and Elizabeth Anne Swanson, both of Monroe, NC.
Jimmy Burl Grogan and Brenda Kay Williamson, both of Montrose.
Bruce A. Traver and Wendy Louise Hauze, both of Friendsville.
BENCH WARRANTS
The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on September 2, 2011.
Duane M. Aldrich, Craig J. Anderson, BillieJean Beemer, Tonya S. Birchard, Brent V. Birtch, Christopher Brenner, Daniel M. Brown, Douglas Buckman, Howard A. Burns, III, Bradley C. Button, Douglas Carey, Jason J. Carroll, Heather R. DeBoer, John F. Feeley, David J. Fischer, Dustin A. Godfrey, Christopher J. Kingsbury, Cortney Knight, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Erik E. Krisovitch, Lee Labor, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Michael Maryasz, Joseph C. Mikloiche, Gregory W. Morris, Donald Palmer, Vincent J. Petriello, Jeremy Presson, Shane M. Repsher, Perry Rohan, Roy E. Rosenbaum, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Kurtis L. Vogler, Steven G. Warner, James M. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Steven G. Wormuth, Patrick L. Yachymiak.
Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
The borough is already over budget for building heat, it was stated at the September 1 New Milford Borough meeting. The budgeted amount was $5,150 whereas only $3,900 was budgeted. That wasn't even counting the garage, which cost over $2,000 so far. It was asked if it was necessary to have heat in the garage. Teri Gulick didn't see why it would need to be heated, and asked why this would be necessary. Joe Taylor pointed out that the municipal authority might have something stored there, but when it was suggested such items could be stored elsewhere, he agreed that there was no reason he could think of for a heated garage. It was proposed that the maintenance man be asked about this, in case there was a reason to heat it which was being overlooked. It was mentioned that the garage was difficult to heat. There had also been expenses for legal fees.
A visitor attended the meeting, living on the corner of Cobb and Main. He had been at the meetings before, complaining about the Montrose Street culvert, which he said no longer handled the amount of water which flowed through the creek. The natural gas activity made the situation worse, and it would only intensify, he said, if the culvert was not enlarged or a second culvert put in place. PennDOT was planning on raising the bridge two feet, and this involved the regrading of Montrose Street. He had concerns that this would only exacerbate the situation. He commended the mayor and some of the council members, who had come around and were very understanding on Sunday. He had taken pictures of the town in general, and gave them to the borough. Some of these pictured the Route 11 bridge near the Green Gables and Katie's Clothes Bin. The water was level with the bridge on both sides. The water was backed up to the outlet side, which he said proved that it wasn't blockage. Also included was a picture of the Montrose Street culvert, demonstrating only six inches to a foot of clearance prior to it becoming fully blocked. Ms. Gulick said she had been part of the meetings with the railroad, etc., and when it's not raining it's easy to say that it’s large and water can pass through it. The problem however, she said, was that the Mylert Creek through the trailer park and on the Green Gables side was so shallow that with any amount of rain over two or three inches the creek wasn't visible. She said that PennDOT kept telling them that they couldn't go in there and make the creek deeper. She said that she felt sick when she saw things that day, as the water was affecting the trailer park, the motel, and the Green Gables. The water was going through the appropriate channels, but it expanded to be about a mile wide because there was no creek bed to contain the flow. She said that they had to get to DEP and show them the pictures, and get them into the area to see it during a storm. It doesn't even have to be a hurricane, it was said, only anything over four inches of rain. It was affecting many people. Some of the pictures had kids swimming, with water up to their waist. Another visitor pointed out that there might be another factor to the problem, saying that a lot of the water which used to go across and under 706 went south, until the state did work on the road. Now it was coming into the town. Pictures had also been taken of every other bridge in town save one, and were passed around. There was no flooding to speak of anywhere else, though there was some erosion, including a lot up on Maple Street someone said. It was stated that the engineers for that project had worked off of a 1972 topographical map; at that time things were different. In the 2000's, however one resident's place had been flooded four times. It was said that if council let PennDOT do Montrose Street they were dooming that end of town and the businesses on it. In the 1970's the creek had been dredged. A woman had spoke to someone from the conservation district about the matter; he told her to consider the bugs in the mud.
Mayor Taylor asked if the council had approved the project, and saying that if the state had made those plans they would complete them. He said that the only thing which would save the situation would be that PennDOT had no money, and would not complete the project. It was suggested that maybe it would make a difference if PennDOT was told that the only way from 81 through New Milford to Montrose (easily) was over that bridge, which could be destroyed. Furthermore, it was argued, every home in that area smelled musty and wet in the wake of the flooding, and people could become sick. The engineers had told council members that because of the railroad bridge they were not going to go in and widen the culvert. It was suggested that this area of New Milford would eventually become a ghost town. A business owner argued that, in regards to DEP's concern over fish, chemicals flowed out sometimes from his business when it flooded. When DEP had been spoken with, they told him to plant trees. Another visitor said that the creek dried up about every ten years, and wondered how they saved the fish then. Council assured those present that they really were concerned, and that they would get copies of the pictures to show to DEP.
It was feared that if they raised Montrose Street only one inch, that would put water onto living floors. Mr. Conigliaro said that for over 65 years they didn't get water in their basement. Jim Carr said that a good example of how dredging worked could be seen on Johnson street. He debated DEP's viewpoint that dredging didn't help anything, stating that that organization valued creeks over people's homes. He said that if they didn't let them in the creeks eventually they would have to start buying up homes which continually flooded. In the end it was decided that some calls would be made to try and set up a meeting with the group that one person termed soil dictators.
Penny Scarborough pointed out that some people were experiencing floods in their basements who never had done so prior to the 2006 flood. Mr. Carr agreed that flood had changed a lot of things. Mr. Taylor had spoken with Commissioner Warren, who said that she would help as she could. The town had declared a disaster, but the county had not as of the meeting. It was also suggested that perhaps Sandra Major could help.
Another problem which was discussed was Vogels' property. He was going to lose his house if the land eroded any further because of the wall, it was stated. Two slabs of concrete had been left in the creek during the 2006 flood, and were to be taken out. The one at Smith's had been removed, but the contractor could not get the other out due to its weight. Mayor Taylor reviewed this situation, saying that wall had to be removed. It was said that Vogel had a wrecker holding up his bridge. Other contractors had said that they could take it out. Someone asked how expensive it was, but is was suggested this didn't matter - it had to be done. Removal of the last wall had been reasonably priced. Mr. Carr said that he was up there, and the wall's presence certainly didn't help. It had removed six feet of an intentional wall, made of 6x6 foot timbers.
A letter had been received from Delta Engineering. This company had been asked about inspecting the bridges. It had been discovered that they could not do it, as they did not meet the more stringent PnnDOT regulations. NY qualifications did not transfer to Pennsylvania.
A letter had been received from FEMA, with a flood insurance rate map. This was preliminary and would be reviewed at the work session.
It was said that the floor at the pagoda looked very nice during the mayor's report. Two pieces of flooring were left over, which were being held in reserve for the future. The painting had also been completed. The grant was for $2,500 and about $2,300 was spent, so about $200 could be returned.
There was some discussion regarding the ditch which was to be dug up at the pool park. The council had been going to put a berm up there to stop flooding, but it was discovered that it would be very expensive. A neighbor to the park had suggested the insertion of a blind ditch instead. Council agreed to this, but when they went to dig it the neighbor requested that it be extended from 50 feet to 75 feet. As the contractor graciously offered to dig the extra 25 feet for no additional charge, the extension would only cost an additional 75 dollars. Though Ms. James asked when people in the borough started dictating council's actions, it was decided that at such a low cost the extension would go through to appease the resident.
Amy Hine announced that she had spoken with the borough's solicitor, Mr. Briechle, who was looking into the brake ordinance. He was also working on the fire escrow ordinance.
It was said that the cinder sheds needed reinforcements in the back. If it wasn't fixed the building could fall down.
People were wondering why the flowers weren't being weeded in the park, it was reported. This generally was the job of the people who put them in. One man said if people had the time to complain why didn't they have time to help. It was said that at least some of them were.
Teri wanted to say that the Blue Ridge park building was absolutely fabulous. She also said that she had brought up the cracks in the floor at the last meeting, and had to “wipe the egg off her face.” She apologized, as she had received a call regarding the cracks but had not gone and looked at them herself. They were in reality only hairline cracks if that, and the people who did the floor had done a wonderful job.
The lamp poles had not been big enough, it was explained, for the plates which people who purchased them were told would be put onto them. In order for there to be plates, they would have been very tiny, and it was not felt that this was fair to the donors. Instead, flats of bluestone were going to be used, which the poles would be placed in. The stone was then engraved with the dedication. It was stated that these stones were beautiful. Vicky Drake acknowledged Butch Coleman and Endless Mountains Stone, who had given very good prices on the bluestone. She also recognized Masters Concrete, who had been very gracious about a change in plan. Originally the idea had been to use concrete for some of the work, but it was said that in time the concrete would wear away and the dedications fade.
It was stated that in time kitchen equipment would be needed for the building. It was thought that perhaps someone might have working appliances which could be donated, though the building cannot currently use a regular stove.
The pool had gone from chlorine being delivered almost every week to it being delivered maybe three times a summer. The pool was technically still running, Vicky Drake said, as there was leftover chlorine. The budget had run out though so any sessions would involve volunteer lifeguards.
A bid had been received for the gas lease. The bid was from Southwest Energy Production company, which bid $4,000 an acre with 18% royalties on approximately 16.85 acres for 5 years. There would be no surface activity; horizontal drilling would be used. It was suggested that the attorney should look at the lease, but the bid was accepted for review.
The fire company was commended for their work and assistance during the flood. It was suggested that something be sent to the armory and the fire company in appreciation of their work. The fire company had its doors open for four days straight. They pumped water, and did an excellent job.
It was suggested that the emergency management coordinator had been very busy during the hurricane. It was thought that perhaps he needed an assistant, as he was on the municipal authority as well. Anyone interested could contact the borough. Some suggestions were made.
A rumor was cited that the borough had sent Penelec to the reservoir rather than to residents homes. It was confirmed that nobody at the meeting gave any such direction.
The water shortage during the power outage was discussed. Even though the sewage tanks had about a 50 gallon capacity, people didn't know when their septic tanks had been emptied last. It was suggested that this information could be sent out in the newsletter. There were still people not on the alert system.
