“We were fortunate.” That’s how Supervisor and Roadmaster Terry VanGorden characterized the impact of 2 back-to-back storms on Harford Township at the Supervisors’ meeting on September 13. The Supervisors reported that they had officially declared “disaster emergencies” for hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee to put the township in position to receive any available financial assistance. But the township experienced no major problems other than a power outage that lasted for as long as 4 days in some areas.

The bridges that were so heavily damaged in the storms of June 2006 and following, held up well this time. Mr. VanGorden said that so far township crews had removed more than 50 fallen trees, and were continuing to repair the roads. He said that section 2 - the area around the Mountain View school campus - was hit the hardest. He said that the township and the fire company cooperated to coordinate communications, since the township office was without power during some of the heavy weather. Supervisor Garry Foltz recommended that the township consider installing more robust and reliable generators for the township buildings as well as the sewer plant.

Natural gas development is proceeding at a deliberate pace, with drilling activity in neighboring townships, but no permits so far in Harford. Yet companies have requested driveway permits and noise ordinance waivers. In a couple of cases, waivers of the noise ordinance were recently given to companies for as long as a year. Mr. Foltz said that future such waivers should be limited to 4-6 months, targeted at specific drilling projects, which would allow the township to keep better track of such activities.

Doug Garrett, a representative of Cougar Land Services of Stafford, Texas, working for Ion Geophysical of Houston, Texas, which in turn is working for Southwestern Energy, attended the meeting to ask the Supervisors to sign a memo allowing them to use the roads during seismic testing. He said that the earlier tests covered the southern portion of the township. The results from new tests would be used by all of the companies working in the area, and would overlap the prior test area by at least a mile and a half. He said that no “thumper” trucks would be used, but that some of the equipment would weigh as much as 23,500 pounds. They would also be using helicopters, and that the sensors would transmit wirelessly.

Mr. Garrett said that 3-dimensional “reflective imaging” required an area of at least 10 square miles. These tests would cover about 24 square miles and cost about $15 million. “Shot holes” (where explosives are placed in the ground) would be sited in a pattern from west to east, with sensors in a north-south pattern. Shot holes would not be placed closer than 300-400 feet from a building, spring or well. He said that no equipment would be placed on property that was not permitted by the owner, who is paid $5 per acre, with a $25 minimum for the “inconvenience.”

The township also received notice from Southwestern and from Utility Line Services of permits granted for pipelines in the Alford area. One 12-inch gathering line would be installed, and a 16-inch line would be laid first to pipe water from Martin’s Creek, and later to be used as a gathering line for the natural gas. Most of the property covered by the permits is outside of Harford Township, and the Supervisors were provided with the paperwork for comment only. However, the description of the pipeline routes did not seem to make sense, so the Supervisors will try to arrange a meeting with the companies to clarify the details.

In other business, Mr. VanGorden reported that the contractor came back to fix up some issues on School Street. During the project, some of the new pavement was not graded into the driveways very well. Although this detail was not specified in the contract, most of the issues were resolved and Mr. Foltz said the result “looked pretty decent.” Mr. VanGorden said that any further work there “will fall on us,” meaning in addition to the $7,000 that the township expensed for the project whose $47,000 total cost was paid out of a grant.

There was some discussion of the health insurance plan renewal, particularly with regard to the plan date coverage mismatch with benefit date coverage. A change in either might cost employees any deductible they had already paid. Coverage dates will remain as is. Premiums for single coverage will increase by $24.23 per month, although other premiums actually went down.

Mr. Foltz is still pressing to replace one or more of the township’s trucks, fearing breakdowns over the winter. He said that a new truck could cost $60,000. With a reasonably large down payment - perhaps from gas-lease money - the remainder could be financed for 4 years at about the same amount per month now being expensed for the grader, which will be paid off within a year.

On the legal front, Mr. VanGorden announced that the Supervisors had held an executive session for a “legal matter” on August 18. The township’s solicitors have not been heard from on the proposed “building maintenance code” and the fire company ordinances. Nor have the Supervisors heard any more about discovery demands by plaintiffs in the suit over the repair of the culvert under Stearns Road at the outlet of Tingley Lake, according to Supervisor and Township Secretary Sue Furney. That lake flooded again with the recent storms despite the installation of 2 24-inch pipes over the summer. Speaking of which, the township recently received revised flood maps and has been invited to a meeting in Montrose to cover the issue in the light of recent events.

The next meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is expected to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11 at the Township Building on Route 547 a mile south of Interstate 81.

Mr. Place began the September 15 Elk Lake School Board meeting by speaking to the press, asking them if they could possibly differentiate the two separate board meetings in their reports. Some of the sending schools, he feared, were under the illusion that the two schools were not completely separate entities, or that one owned the other, which was not true.

It had been suggested at a recent meeting that each school district advertise that they were going to enact an earned income tax. This tax was already in place, however the legal authorities felt that this resolution needed to be advertised to avoid potential problems when the district switched to Centax. Mr. Tewksbury was afraid that this might raise concern that the district was going to be levying a new tax. There was some discussion about how this could be clarified. It was suggested that a disclaimer be put at the top of the ad stating that the tax was the same tax already enacted. The only difference was a change in tax collectors, due to the requirement that a central tax collector be utilized.

The wrestling coach tendered his letter of resignation, which was read at the meeting. Mr. Place asked where that left the school with the season approaching. It was stated that an advertisement was to be posted. The resignation was accepted with regret.

Mrs. Staats said that the special education department had hit the ground running. Dr. Cumo felt that the high school had begun well, with enrollment about where it had been the previous year. Two great in-services had been held, one on bullying which he called phenomenal. He stated that he was to meet with students to review the changes to dual enrollment.

Mr. Pirone then gave his report, saying that the traffic patterns had been revamped around the elementary school and things seemed to be going very well. He thanked the school board for putting the new road in place. Curriculum night had been postponed due to the flood. Last year the district had such success with grandparent day, that this year they were adding parent day into the mix.

He said that the district had identified about 17 families district wide who were homeless. The elementary school had collected around $700 in a dress down day fundraiser for those families. Also it had become a drop off point for donated items. Index cards were being created on each displaced child, and they had begun clothing them that day. Anyone could drop items off, he continued, between eleven a.m. and two p.m., and the elementary conference room was utilized as a drop off point.

Mr. Mallery stated that the school was in the process of electing class officers. The athletic seasons were in process, attempting to reschedule the canceled sporting events.

Dr. Bush asked the board to keep the flood victims in their thoughts and prayers. He said that it had also been a tough school year with staff members undergoing personal tragedies. He echoed what Mr. Pirone said about the driveway, stating that it had really worked well in terms of keeping traffic away from the playground area.

Dr. Bush and Dr. Cuomo reviewed the transportation contracts for the current year. Three buses were missing, those three routes had been combined into other routes, saving the district $64,845.06 in total. Most contractors had received increases. Dr. Bush asked about the number of students on the buses now, and Dr. Cuomo stated that the average bus was hauling 61.95 students. Mr. Tewksbury asked about the effect of consolidation on the students' time on buses. Dr. Cuomo responded that he had not received any calls on the subject, and felt that the contractors had been good about speaking with the parents. Though the mileage had increased, he explained, at times they had shortened time by reducing the number of stops. Some parents were concerned, he said, because some children might have increased ride time. In most instances however, the amount of actual time the bus was on the road represented only a negligible difference to last year. Mr. Tewksbury asked then if there were some students who were picked up prior to seven in the morning. He also asked if there were buses arriving fifteen minutes prior to the time students could disembark, at eight. Dr. Bush said that the district could make some recommendations about pushing arrival times back slightly, as drivers became more familiar with routes. Dr. Cuomo reiterated that between last year and this year there really wasn't much of a difference at all. He said that he would be hard pressed to believe that there were buses sitting here at a quarter to eight, though there might be some arriving between ten till and eight, and they planned to work on that.

Mr. Tewksbury said that he wanted Mr. Mallery to convey to the cross country coach about the article in the Times Tribune regarding another school breaking the district's streak. The fact that there was an article about this showed positively upon the school, he felt. There was talk then about the target on the district's back. Mrs. Hollister pointed out that the girl's team was still undefeated.

Dr. Bush asked that the board consider changing the October 20 meeting to avoid a conflict with the Pennsylvania School Board conference. It was moved to October 13.

Mr. Tewksbury pointed out that he had heard good comments about Mr. Emmerich's service on the NEIU board. This was brought up during the discussion of the rescheduling.

Mr. Emmerich asked Dr. Cumo about the dual enrollment program, inquiring about cost and numbers. Luzerne County was to cost $220 for a three credit course, Keystone was to cost $85 per credit for three and four credit classes, and Lackawanna College was to cost $100 for both three and four credit courses, it was responded. This still represented a substantial savings. The biggest issue, he felt, was that it was going to be pay as you go, which he had spoken with the students about. They had discussed the difference between classes one would like to take and those one should take. Also, the community foundation had been contacted about a scholarship program which could be applied for on a needs based basis. Mr. Emmerich said he knew of multiple students who had graduated with enough credits to be juniors, but spoke about how this wouldn't necessarily help students graduate earlier if they were not the right credits. Dr. Cuomo spoke again about discussing this with the students.

The topic of homecoming was also broached. It was responded that there wouldn't be a girl's soccer game, and that there might not be a bonfire due to the presence of the storage shed where it used to be held. A dance and fireworks were thought to still be planned.

The week of October 3, Mr. Pirone said, the Mobile Ag Lab was to be at the district. It would be utilized by students in grades three through seven.

Someone asked if expected expenses were on track for what was originally thought, as far as the construction project went. Save one change order, it was responded that it was.

Mrs. Heed asked what would be done with the two days that the students missed. It was confirmed that they would be put into the first two snow days. The missed staff day had not been decided yet. A solicitor needed to be spoken with first for that.

The Career and Technology board meeting was then called to order. Dr. Davis gave the board a list of adult programs they would be offering. A nurse aide training was planned for every other month. On the website a listing of the current programs was provided, as was a listing of the new courses which were planned. A lot of calls had been received on this she said, with welding having the most interest. The cosmetology clinic was going to have more Saturday hours, her report continued. She thanked the custodians, commending them for their work. The Community Foundation was to provide approximately $16,000 for uniforms and tools. Students would actually be wearing uniforms this year, something which had come up in previous advisory discussions. As of the meeting there were 316 students enrolled including adults, with approximately 25 less students if adults were factored out. More were expected.

One of the goals at the SCCTC the previous year was to have more involvement with parents. This had begun with seniors, bringing them in for a dinner and talk about life post-graduation.

The guidance plan for the SCCTC was mentioned, as part of the audit review. There was nothing different in it than normal, it was said, except for the matter of putting it all together into one document. The occupational advisory committee members were also listed as a part of the audit review.

The board was asked to transfer funds from Elk Lake to the SCCTC to fund the third house project. As with the previous two projects the plan was that when the house was sold the money would be reimbursed.

The September 14 meeting of the Susquehanna County Commissioners was conducted in the Courthouse and not at the Lower Conference room, in the County Office Building, that was being used for emergencies resulting from the latest tropical storm, "Lee." There were many motions this meeting since the last one was three weeks prior. The storm damage added to some of these motions.

Commissioners Warren, Allen and Giangrieco were very busy due to the great storm. To mention a few they had to: first, inact a Declaration of Disaster; work with (directly or indirectly) some of our Representatives, Congressman Tom Marino, State Representative Sandra Major; deal with the Red Cross, PennDOT, set up shelters, and act as intermediary between people and help.

All three were present at this meeting, which started at its usual time of 9:00 a.m.

The commissioners approved the minutes of the August 24, 2011 meeting.

They motioned to acknowledge Employee Years of Service of Amy Bishop-Clerk of Court's Office for 5 years and Jacqueline Halesky-Drug & Alcohol for 10 years.

They motioned to ratify or approve from 8/24/2011 through 9/15/2011 a total amount of $1,155,134. The total Prechecks Expenses resulted in an amount of $995,631 of which $598,792 was for General, $341,608 for Payroll, and $55,231 for CYS.

The total ratify EFTPS is $159,503 of which $29,718 for Employee Retirement, $14,921 for State Withholding, and $114,863 for Federal Payroll taxes.

They motioned to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests from September 14, 2011 through October 5, 2011. However, a zero ($00.00) cost is of the following: Jesse Harris, Deputy Warden, State College, Implementation of Act 81; Willie Keeney and Eric Watkins, Soil Conservation, Wilkes-Barre, for 102 permit and also Chapter 102, and 105 Nutrient Management; Robert Fearnley, Soil Conservation, Roundtable Watershed Meeting; John Benscoter, Soil Conversation, Troy, Bradford County Nutrient Management & Conservation Field Day; and Jim Garner, Soil Conservation, Wilkes-Barre, Dirt & Gravel Road Annual Maintenance Workshop.

Tom Button, Joan Burman, Mary Noldy and Alex Novack, Assessment, Jessup, What Constitutes a Clean & Green Violation, cost $100; Charmarie Bisel, Children & Youth, Scranton, Advanced Principle-Based Ethical Decision Making, total cost $113.00, cost to the County $22.60; Sarah Snee and Deanna Wasko, Children & Youth, Mayfield, The Independent Living Services Continuum: Engaging Youth in Their Transition Process, total cost $16.00, cost to the County $3.20; Art Donato, Paul Johnson and Steel Janoski, 911 Stevensville, MD, pick up the communications trailer and training for the trailer; Larry Wilson, Kathie Shelly and Robert Templeton, Planning Commissioner Association 2011, Scranton, Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association 2011 Annual Conference, cost $814.00; Linda Albert and Marianne Heller, Prison Nurses, Harrisburg Correctional Care Nurses Seminar, cost $166.10; and Jen Hibbard, Recycling, Nesquehoning, County Coordinators Meeting, cost $90.00.

They motioned to adopt Resolution 2011-10, a Fair Housing Resolution. In essence, it is to eliminate discrimination in the sale, rental, leasing, financing or housing or land to be used for construction of housing, or in the provision of brokerage services because of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability.

They motioned to adopt Resolution 2100-11, the Minority Business Enterprise Plan and Statement of Goals. In essence, it is a policy that provides the opportunity for full participation in or free enterprise systems/program by socially and economical disadvantaged persons to obtain social and economic justice.

They motioned to adopt Resolution 2011-12, a Resolution authorizing the modification of the County's financial fiscal year 2009 Community Development Block Grant Program.

They motioned to adopt Resolution 2011-13, a Resolution authorizing the filing of an application for financial fiscal year 2011 Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program funds, and authorize the administration of the program through the Susquehanna County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

They motioned to award the office supply bid to the lowest qualified bidder, Office Depot.

They motioned to ratify the acceptance of the proposal from Brown Hill Tree Company for the removal of one tree on Lake Avenue and two trees on Chenango Street for $2,500.00.

They motioned to award the bid for sealing pavement mostly in the areas of the Courthouse, to the lowest qualified bidder, Patrick Seal Coating, New Milford for $8,500.00.

The motioned to authorize the commissioners to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement Between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and North Penn Comprehensive Health Services, Laurel Youth Services, Blossburg: Residential, per diem $188.04, Certificate of Compliance.

They motioned to "abstain" to accept a proposal from Fruehan Construction for repairs to the roof in several locations on the Courthouse for $9,600.00.

They motioned (my condensed version) to authorize the Commissioners to sign a lease agreement between Susquehanna County and the Voluntary Action Center/Big Sisters, Scranton, for an office in the County Office Building.

They motioned to accept, with regret, the resignation of Scott Aylesworth, Emergency Management, per the recommendation of Charlene Moser, Emergency Management Coordinator.

They asked for public comment and a question concerning Clean Green violations was addressed; for instance does having acres of forest and less farm area, still constitute "Green." Commissioner Giangrieco commented, "Clean Green violations have been a problem since inception."

They motioned to close the meeting at 9:10 a.m.

Seconds later, the Salary Board Agenda started. The commissioners motioned to approve the minutes from the 8/10/2011 Salary Board meeting.

They motioned to change the hourly amount paid on the 2011 Miscellaneous Compensation Schedule, Mental Health Hearing from $40.00 per hour to $100.00 per hour, per the recommendation of President Judge Kenneth W. Seamans.

At 9:11 a.m. the meeting adjourned.

Following concerns broached last month about speed limit enforcement on Main Street, Clifford Secretary René Reynolds contacted Penn DOT for input. During the September business meeting of the township, Reynolds summarized, “It’s their road; it’s their responsibility.” According to Reynolds, PennDOT agreed to evaluate Main Street to determine if additional speed limit signs are necessary but vetoed other signage. “You have to meet a certain criteria” based on the type of road and the amount of traffic, Reynolds explained, and Route 106 does not qualify.

Of the speed limit signs in town, officer Donald Carroll asserted, “they’re all posted perfectly,” but he stated that a portable, electronic sign for displaying vehicular speed is probably a possibility on a temporary basis.

“We’re concerned for [drivers’] health and safety,” stated Dennis Knowlton, chairman, and added, “let’s get the sign before we have the fatality and hope we never have the fatality.”

“We can pester,” Reynolds replied.

Concerning crosswalks, another matter discussed in August, Joe McGraw, solicitor, explained that there are multiple criteria to meet prior to installation, requiring the services of an independent designer. McGraw also pointed out that approval is not guaranteed and that if installed, the township would be responsible for maintenance of the crosswalks.

The final traffic matter discussed involved a sign board in front of the Clifford Hotel, which is blocking visibility at the intersection of Route 106 and Creamery Road. A resident asserted, “someday, there will be an accident there.” McGraw added that the business owner would be civilly liable in such an event.

Windows for the township building are expected to be delivered at the end of September. Supervisor Barry Searle encouraged the recruitment of volunteers to assist.

Concerning another township building renovation, the lighting project, Knowlton commented, “The labor price we got is astronomical.” The supervisors agreed to table the matter until a more favorable quote is obtained.

When asked about John Regan, supervisor, Knowlton replied, “It looks favorable for him to give us a resignation.” Should this occur, it was stated, a new supervisor will be elected to serve until January, 2013.

Act 32 was discussed at length, with Harry Phillips, tax collector, consulted. Phillips explained that per a state mandate, a single tax collection agency has been selected to collect earned income tax within the county. Central Tax Bureau was chosen because its rate was approximately half of its competitors’. Phillips noted that only internal collection procedures will change; the EIT rate will remain at 1%. With a broader tax base, the act “should be a plus for the township and the school districts,” Phillips predicted.

With two recent disaster declarations and the tenth anniversary of September 11, Knowlton reminded residents that this is a “good time” to thank emergency service workers.

Concerning the Clifford Township Newsletter, Knowlton suggested funding the letter once more and only in the future if public interest is evident; feedback is requested from the public.

Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, on the 3rd day of October at 9:00 a.m.

Apolacon Twp.: Terrene Farr, Joyce Libal.

Ararat Twp.: Calvin Cobb.

Auburn Twp.: Marsha Carter, Beula Clayton, Carrie Kerr.

Bridgewater Twp.: Carole Canfield, Cindy Delaney, Michael Hinds, Clifford Taylor, Randall Teets.

Brooklyn Twp.: Brian Chidester, Martha Ord.

Clifford Twp.: David Andzulis, Laura Kowalewski, Jonathan Moore, Emma Ohop, Amy Parry, Trevor Sheare, Robert Shostek, Gerald Tolerico.

Dimock Twp.: Helen Fletcher, Matthew Gesford, Kim Grosso, Dayton Hollister, Michael Way.

Forest City, 1W: Mary Remus.

Forest Lake Twp.: Robert Murray.

Franklin Twp.: James Ainey, William Roszel.

Gibson Twp.: Nicole Bernosky, George Heiss.

Great Bend Boro: Richard Spencer.

Great Bend Twp.: Jennifer Seaman, Diane Williams.

Hallstead Boro: Sharon Manzer.

Harford Twp.: Rebecca Choplosky, Carolyn Gow, Roxanne Smith.

Herrick Twp.: Andrew Belcher, Robert Marx.

Jessup Twp.: Robert Bonnice.

Lenox Twp.: Jason Chemchick, Ann Valentine, Robert J. Wallace, Sr.

Liberty Twp.: Donald Barrett, George Kutalek, Wade Robinson.

Middletown Twp.: Susan Hatch.

Montrose Boro, 1W: Kristen Follert.

Montrose Boro, 2W: Nettie Miles.

New Milford Boro: Douglas Burman, Jeanne Button, Donald Metrick.

New Milford Twp.: John Ainey, Darlene Harhut, James Hunter, Terrie Oakley, Eileen Williams.

Oakland Boro: Elizabeth Mazikewich.

Oakland Twp.: Winfield Broad.

Rush Twp.: Richard Butler, Michael Darling, Frank Kamarauskas, Gordon Moore.

Silver Lake Twp.: Lynn Haskins, Timothy McMahon, Veronica Perlick, Dean Sullivan, Scott Wurth.

Susquehanna Boro, 1W: Debbie Pirnik.

Thompson Boro: Susan Dailey.

Thompson Twp.: Leda Goldsmith, Lori Wasko.

It was mentioned near the beginning of the September 12 Montrose Borough Meeting, that DCED was satisfied with the Montrose Restoration committee project. They would not be requesting additional information. This had been discussed previously.

The parking meter ordinance would have to be readvertised, it was said. This was because the original advertisement said that it would be motioned upon at the meeting which was to be held the week before but had been canceled.

Mr. Granahan broached the topic of putting together a resolution on behalf of council to allow the borough secretary to sign certain Municipal Authority documents which the bond council for that organization had requested that they sign. The resolution was later made and approved.

The backflow valve had been tested, and had failed. It wasn't known what part had failed, or how it had failed. The man who tested it however had said that he could fix it. At the time the valve had been put in, he was the only one in the area certified to do so. It was suggested that the council find out why it failed prior to agreeing to fix it. The secretary went and obtained the report, upon which it was discovered that it had leaked. It was motioned to ask a plumbing company if they might be able to fix it.

Mr. Lamont asked about a tree committee, in lieu of the hurricane. There were a few trees he felt ought to come down. His idea was for them not to spend a lot of money on identifying trees, but to work on doing so. Then landowners could be contacted, and a 50/50 match in taking down the tree and planting a new one be proposed.

Mr. Granahan reported that he had contacted the borough secretary during the storm and asked her to contact Penelec regarding a citizen who had been put on oxygen. Ken DiPhillips and the street department had taken a generator up to the resident and hooked it up. Mr. Granahan wanted to commend the secretary and the guys for this action.

Mr. Chamberlain also commended the police department for coming out to assist the borough even when they weren't scheduled to work. He said that the recent weather had been about as bad as he'd seen around town for a storm like that, with the number of trees which came down. This opinion was echoed by others. Mr. Reimel acknowledged the priorities which they set for getting things done, as a strength. He quipped that they ought to remember how much they were appreciated, when council had to cut budgets.

During the street department report it was said that the meters would still be placed up on Lake Avenue. Mr. DiPhillips said that this job would use every meter the borough had, and he requested permission to purchase a few more to have on hand. Also, he said that the bump out in front of the sporting goods store could accommodate a car, and suggested that a meter be placed there. His request, then was to fix three broken meters and purchase four more, so as to add the one and still have three spares. The motion was made and approved that he be allowed to do this, and to purchase the new meters along with the poles and concrete.

Someone had asked that the meters be numbered in correspondence with the parking spots, as a lot of people came into the borough building and complained that they put money in the wrong meter. Alternately it was suggested that the meter could be offset slightly from the line to avoid confusion. The mayor said that he told people the meter should always be to the driver's side up by the courthouse, which was one area where people became confused. The police chief said that Lake Ave. and Maple Street were the only roads they received complaints about. It was said that on Maple Street people parked facing the wrong way. Mr. Granahan pointed out that even if numbers were painted, people would be parking atop of them. Someone pointed out that there were arrows on the meters as well. It was decided that the meters might be put back slightly from the line, but that it was not likely that numbers be painted.

Mr. Granahan spoke about lower Locust Street, reporting that Mr. DiPhillips had gone there and put in no parking signs. He had been counting since this was done, and there had been 17 days when six cars were parked on that street. He suggested that they begin towing vehicles. Mr. Lamont said that there was a right of way down there. The whole exercise was to allow two residents access to their property. It was clarified that it was a legal road, and it was not abandoned. It was proposed that ticketing begin, and that the chief authorize calling a tow truck if it came to that.

It was also requested that a no outlet sign be put on that street, as since a stop sign had been placed in that location people thought it was a thoroughfare and drove onto it only to be required to later turn around. This was motioned and approved.

Since there had been such high winds, there were two trees on Prospect Street which were leaning, Mr. DiPhillips said. They were both leaning parallel with the road. A third was also leaning, toward a home. It was suggested that he speak with someone and have the trees looked at.

A resident's water problems were discussed. She had written a letter, and the street foreman had gone over to speak with her. The water had come from the road into the entrance to her sidewalk. It was said that this could be addressed. Just a small portion of her sidewalk could be elevated, Mr. DiPhillips said, and the water prevented from flowing in from the street without too much effort. She felt the water was creating a health issue in her basement. Mr. Reimel suggested that she be asked to sign a statement that if the borough coordinated with her and fixed this problem, and her water issues persisted, she would acknowledge that the borough had done what it could and had no further responsibility.

Someone asked when paving was going to occur. It was responded that things were up in the air due to flooding and other issues.

It was asked if Mr. DiPhillips had fielded any requests for assistance from any other municipalities. Though he had not, Mr. Chamberlain asked what council felt about such requests. Mr. Reimel said that he wouldn't be adverse to it. The only problem was uncertainty about how equipment could be transported, without a trailer. It was suggested that the borough put out feelers regarding whether or not anyone needed assistance.

The police chief requested that the joint municipal agreement between New Milford and Montrose boroughs be renewed. It was the same contract, he said, and it was accepted conditionally pending the solicitor's review.

It was asked of the municipal authority solicitor whether there was anything the borough needed. The meetings happened to be on the same night that month. Mr. Granahan said that one of the documents submitted by the authority's bond authority had a different number in it than the original ordinance had. The authority's solicitor was to ask the bond solicitor about this. When asked about the authority's progress toward accepting credit card payments, it was responded that this was being investigated, as was online banking. There was discussion on a convenience fee, which was one option which was being looked at. Billing from Bridgewater, due to the inter-municipal agreement, would still have to be addressed quarterly.

There was discussion regarding a generator, should there be another natural disaster. It was decided that should the borough be able to find one, it be authorized to purchase one.

A priest attended the meeting to discuss a columbarium. One of the things which had happened, he said, over the last thirty years or so, was an increase in the popularity of cremation, so the church was looking into installing a columbarium. This is a niche where ash remains could be kept permanently. It could be erected either inside or outside of a building. Some churches attached chapels to them. St. Paul's had designed one which would be located outside attached to the existing memorial garden. These were not considered a cemetery, but no one at the meeting was exactly certain what steps needed to be taken to pursue installing one as far as codes and regulations went. The church's design included a precast insert with four slots and a bronze name plate to cover each slot. Each slot would allow four sets of remains to be stored. What happened in the olden days was that people would be buried right at the church, he continued. This would keep that tradition going, and allow for people to go there for prayer and services. It would not be public, being designated only for use of members of the Episcopal church and their extended family. It would be for any area Episcopal church members, not just those of St. Paul's. It was asked what would happen if the church were to go bankrupt. It was responded that the cremains would be moved to another location at the choice of the governing body, per an agreement with those buying into the service. It was suggested that perhaps communities which had it would be contacted to discuss necessary codes. In order to progress with the project the church was waiting for ten people to be committed, five already were. It would be a one time fee, and then part of the proceeds would go into a maintenance and preservation fund. Mr. Schuster asked what kind of security was on the columbarium, and it was responded that a special tool was necessitated to secure it. There were already lights in place, for security at the garden. It was further suggested that there needed to be regulations put in place such that no one put them on their own property for profit. It was thought that perhaps a caveat could be put into the new zoning ordinance that such construction be restricted to churches. The priest commended the council for how well the council got along.

The Davenport property next to the borough building was scheduled to go up for tax sale. There was some discussion regarding this, what might be done with the property, and who ought to attend the sale. The land was .63 of an acre. The secretary was to do research, such that the council could opt not to go if too many liens were found to be attached.