Among correspondence discussed during the Forest City Borough Council November business meeting was a notice from PA American Water announcing that it is discontinuing its sewer billing business. Council President Robert Trusky explained that this means that the borough will research alternative billing companies or possibly bill independently.

Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Services provided an $18,985.48 reimbursement check from former borough secretary Susan Coleman’s pension contributions, comprising part of Coleman’s restitution agreement.

However, a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection concerning the delayed sewer project drew the most attention; Trusky explained, “the permit we’ve been fighting for for two years has finally been granted.” Under the agreement with the DEP, laterals on all borough properties must pass inspection prior to being connected to the new sewer line. This compromise eliminates total lateral replacement.

Although borough property owners initially were expected to pay for cameraing fees of laterals, Trusky announced that the USDA has agreed to fund cameraing fees as part of the sewer project loan. “We’re trying to make it as painless as possible for our taxpayers,” he added.

Borough Solicitor Paul E. Smith then highlighted portions of Ordinance 485 of 2011, “Testing of Private Sewer Laterals.” This included a description of homeowner responsibilities during testing and rules and regulations pertaining to the inspection. Council passed a motion for public advertisement of the ordinance.

Concerning police matters, a “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement will occur from November 18 through December 4.

It was announced that during the Drug Take Back Initiative for October, 14.1 pounds of medications were collected. Medications collected in May weighed 9.39 pounds.

Effective November 5, John Megivern was promoted to sergeant, and effective November 1, Matthew Chamberlain was hired as a part-time police officer, with Daniel Lomax rehired to serve part-time.

Also concerning part-time hiring, applications are open for winter plowing; three applications have been received to date. Hiring has been postponed until the December borough meeting.

The 2012 proposed budget is now available for public review. Council announced that the tax rate has been held.

Following are the general election results for Susquehanna County.

Judge of the Superior Court - David Wecht (D).

Judge of the Commonwealth Court - Anne Covey (R).

District Attorney - Jason Legg (R).

County Commissioners - Michael Giangrieco (R), Alan Hall (R), MaryAnn Warren (D).

County Treasurer - Catherine Benedict (R).

County Auditors - George P. Starzec (R), Holly H. Bialy (R), Susan Jennings (D).

Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court/Recorder of Deeds - Mary F. Evans (R/D).

County Coroner - Anthony J. Conarton (R).

Magisterial District Judge 34-3-01 - Jeffrey L. Hollister (R/D).

Magisterial District Judge 34-3-02 - Jodi Cordner (R/D).

Judicial Retention: J. Michael Eakin - yes; John T. Bender - yes; Mary Jane Bowes - yes; Renee Cohn Jubelirer - yes; Mary Hannah Leavitt - yes; Robin Simpson - yes.

The natural gas exploration business is cranking up in Harford. Until very recently, well pads were seen only on the township’s borders, in New Milford, Lenox and Brooklyn Townships. But various companies have been visiting the township office seeking road service agreements, driveway permits, and noise ordinance waivers, in anticipation of work expected to get under way next Spring.

So it was again at the township Supervisors’ meeting on November 8. Mike Armiak, representing Bluestone Gathering, attended to discuss a “Road Use and Crossing Agreement” that his company had offered for their consideration. The Williams company also submitted a proposal, but didn’t send a representative to support it.

Not long ago the Supervisors made an agreement with Southwestern Energy that they could live with. Supervisor Garry Foltz would like to use that as a model for other companies whose heavy equipment is expected to batter township roads as the gas business comes to the neighborhood.

Referring to the Bluestone document, Mr. Foltz said, “I don’t care for this agreement.” He said it has “numerous ins and outs” and is “not user friendly.” He said that, for one thing, the agreement would deduct state taxes and fees on company operations from what they would spend to maintain the roads. Mr. Foltz said that whatever the state may get in taxes and fees on the gas companies wouldn’t return to the township for a year or more, if ever. “We can’t work that way,” he said. He told Mr. Armiak that any road service agreement the township accepts should declare that “if you tear it up, you fix it.”

Mr. Armiak said he understood, and would take a copy of the Southwestern agreement as a model. He said that his company has “every intention” of properly maintaining the roads it uses, said they needed to “just get the words right.”

Cabot Oil, the major drilling operator in the area, has not yet requested a road service agreement with the township. Cabot is already preparing a pad just off the interstate on Pennay Hill Road, and they have asked for a driveway permit for another one halfway up the hill, on the Macdowall property. The Supervisors decided not to decide on that one yet, until they have a chance to determine just where the driveway will be placed, and what drainage is anticipated on the steep slope.

In other matters, the Supervisors appointed one of their number, Secretary Sue Furney, the township’s agent with the Federal and state emergency management agencies (FEMA and PEMA) to handle whatever paperwork is necessary to arrange for money to help pay for damage caused by hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee. Mr. Foltz also noted that FEMA had extended the deadline a month - to December 14 - for applications for assistance.

Ms. Furney has had some disagreements with Mr. Foltz on other township business that once in a while breaks through the surface. The bill list is usually a routine matter, quickly disposed of by unanimous vote. This time Ms. Furney did not vote on the bill list (which, as Secretary, she prepared). She later said that she did not support the labor and expense that went into repairs on White Road that cost almost $3,000 in materials for a stretch of the road west of Three Lakes Road that reaches only one residence.

Ms. Furney also opposed the use of time clocks for township employees (of which she is one, of course) that had been recommended by the township’s auditors. Mr. Foltz had insisted on the time clocks month after month until finally Supervisor and Roadmaster Terry VanGorden last month set aside his own opposition. Mr. Foltz announced that the time clocks became official township timekeepers as of October 31.

The bill list included one item for $85 paid to “Home Services.” Home Services is a business operated by Mr. Foltz. He said that rusted-out sides of the dump box on one of the township trucks would prevent it from passing inspection, and there didn’t seem to be any other options. So he billed the township for materials and 2 hours of his labor at $15 per hour, to fashion some metal patches.

Ms. Furney reported that, under Act 32, all earned income taxes (EIT) would be collected by one agency county-wide, in this case, Central Tax Bureau of Pennsylvania, or Centax. Harford enacted the EIT some years ago sharing the 1% levy with the Mountain View School District. “Act 32” is a 2008 amendment to a 1965 state law that requires such collections to be consolidated county-wide by 2012.

The township sewer authority (same as the township) has two basins to replace. A project to replace a basin for a larger pump is under way at the Liberty truck stop on the highway. The sewer system engineer and a local excavation company will do the work at the township’s cost. The second one is at the “Tin Shop” apartments in Harford village. The property was thought to have been a single-family residence when the sewer system was originally installed. The pump basin is damaged and needs to be replaced, but the original basin isn’t large enough for the new pumps, and parts aren’t available for the old equipment.

During the road report a long discussion considered the merits of the various types of anti-skid materials that might be used on the roads during the winter. Mr. VanGorden and Ms. Furney seemed to favor using the finer material mixed with black cinders. The smaller stone causes less wear and tear on the township’s spreaders, and Ms. Furney said she had complaints that the larger stone caused damage to tires and fenders. On the other hand, the fine material is not state certified, and Mr. Foltz doesn’t like it because it tends to sink into the ice. He would prefer the larger #67 or 1B stone which he thinks provides better traction and can be recovered as road material in the Spring.

As is his wont, Mr. Foltz added to the agenda at the very end. He said that David Oakley, who developed the township’s new web site, should be paid another $500 for the original implementation. He said that Mr. Oakley has agreed to a fee of $640 per year to maintain the site in future.

Mr. Foltz also reported that bridge inspectors gave notice that more repairs need to be done on the bridge on Podunk Road.

And Mr. Foltz announced that Todd Schmidt of Fox Engineering has been engaged to prepare applications to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a DP-11 permit (probably actually a GP-11) to replace the sluice carrying Leslie Creek under Stearns Road from the outlet of Tingley Lake. The lake has flooded several times since the major flood of 2006. Property owners on the lake suing the township for the repair allege that the culvert pipe is the responsibility of the township to repair or replace. Mr. Foltz remarked that the issue is not being ignored, that the lawsuit is still under review, and that “these things take time.”

After 2 hours the Supervisors had no energy left for what promised to be a lengthy discussion on the budget the same evening. Nevertheless, it took a while longer for them to agree on how to deal with scheduling sessions to work on the budget for next year. In the end they decided to hold a series of informal workshops during the day over the next couple of weeks, to prepare a budget that would be formally proposed at a special meeting on Tuesday, November 22. Another special meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, December 21 - following the required 20-day review period - to officially adopt it. They agreed that Doug Phelps, to be elected (that very day) to the seat Mr. VanGorden will vacate at the end of the year, could participate in all of the workshops and meetings; with Mr. Phelps at the table there would be no need to reopen the budget once he takes office in January. Mr. Foltz stated at the outset that the township will need a new truck, and that grants are not generally available for small trucks. He said the budget should account for a down payment of $20,000-$25,000 (possibly from gas lease money) and 4-5 years of loan payments for the rest.

The special public sessions for the budget will probably be relatively brief. But there will still be a scheduled business meeting next month, on Tuesday, December 13. All of the meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the township building on Route 547.

At the November 7 meeting of the Montrose Borough Council, council talked winter preparations, amongst many other subjects. This included a discussion of the problems created when residents impeded road plowing by parking in the road during snow storms.

The question of which electric company the borough was going with was broached. Whether or not they might have to bid for this was called a gray area, though it was later opined by the borough solicitor that this should not be necessary. Some council members were in favor of staying with Penelec.

During the street department report, Ken DiPhillips spoke about how the borough was currently involved in leaf collection. It was reported that the paving projects on Locust Street and the municipal building were finished. The building next to the current borough building, the old borough building, needed some work. Mr. DiPhillips requested that they be allowed to update the lighting at some point. There was also discussion of a leaking roof. It was thought that perhaps this could be budgeted, although it was felt the current one might last the winter.

One of the street department trucks, purchased brand new in 2001, was starting to wear out. Currently it was worth something, and he suggested that the council consider trading it in before it repairs became too expensive and it lost value. They decided to look into this.

The difficulties with vehicles parked on the side of the road during street plowing were mentioned. It was stated that there was a part of the ordinance which said that if they rent apartments, landlords are mandated to provide off-street parking for the tenants unless the apartments are in the business district and can use the parking lots. It was suggested that if this happened in the future the police be contacted, and there be no plowing until they were moved. Mr. Chamberlain suggested that something be printed up and left on the cars a few times, warning people and letting them know that in the future they would be ticketed and perhaps towed. There was also a snow ordinance, about not parking in the street during times of snow. One group of residents had stood there watching, despite the plow trucks honking their horns.

The Yeager room was discussed. A sign was to be put over the door of one of the building's rooms, in wood, to commemorate Mr. Jack Yeager. It would say that the room was dedicated to a long time borough council member. Mr. Yeager had been a driving force in the new borough building's construction.

New Milford borough would like to purchase salt from the borough, as that municipality did not have the space to store it and did not use much. They had asked if they might purchase it at the price which Montrose paid for it. A previous such arrangement with the county had gone slightly sour. It was clarified that New Milford would call Mr. DiPhillips in advance if a storm was coming, and come to pick up the salt. Mr. Lamont suggested that there should be some sort of a form which the person picking up the materials would sign off on. Mr. Reimel suggested that it be tried for one year. It was suggested it be billed by the load, and that it needed to be monitored. Payment would be due the next time New Milford had a meeting. This agreement would be on a trial basis, and could be canceled if necessary. Loading would have to be done during normal working hours.

Mr. Lamont wanted to speak about weight limits, he said. The other day he had noticed a couple of crane trucks and a low boy moving about on Locust Street and High Street. He proposed a ten ton limit put on all borough streets, saying that that there was no reason a truck needed to be traveling off a state road. It wasn't known whether every street would need to be posted, or if signs could simply be erected at the outskirts of the borough. This would also give the borough the ability to make the state post a bond on detours. Local deliveries and pickups would be permitted. It was his feeling that a problem could be stopped before it was started in this proactive manner. It was suggested that this could be discussed at a future meeting.

It was planned that the meter posts be put in on the eleventh on Lake Avenue, as it was a holiday. The meters had still not been received as of yet, but the posts could be put in place.

Someone asked what was being done at the old gym. It was answered that the plan was to turn it into apartments. There was some discussion regarding whether or not this area was zoned commercial.

An arrest had been made on the pharmacy break in.

During the municipal authority report there were some general, for your information items covered. A copy of a letter which had supposedly gone out was included. They wanted to have time to do a resolution on their books. The hope was to have a resolution on their books stating that they were going to do this before it was advertised in the newspaper, such that it was an Authority action. It was suggested that the borough's name ought not to be included in it at all, and the reference to the borough ought to be removed from the ad despite the fact that the borough did support them in the action. They were in the process of following through with it, was the basic precept.

A motion was made and seconded that the United Fire Company could have its parade of lights. The Fire Service Agreement and Fire Company Relief Association allocation were discussed. For the former, it was stated that the borough generally contributed $30,000, and that council would return the agreement to the fire company requesting that this flat rate be put in place of the current millage statement. A certain amount of money was also allocated to be given to the Relief Association.

Judy Kelly had asked that council co-sign letters for the Montrose Restoration Committee regarding lights for the streets. The letters were requesting funding to complete the lighting project on the corridor where PennDOT would come in to do the work. It was felt that the letter was unobjectionable. The motion was made and seconded to sign it.

The zoning ordinance was being worked on. It was hoped that the person working with council could meet with council to address their questions.

Cabot was hoping to do a Christmas festival in town, with a number of activities. None of them closed the street, but they did want to have a campfire down at the park. Originally the idea had been to have a free skate, but it was unlikely that the rink would be frozen by that time. Events had been coordinated with other businesses and entities. Mr. Lamont was in favor of supporting them in this endeavor, with the involvement of the fire company. The motion was made and passed.

DEEDS

Joseph F. and Isabelle H. (AKA) Isabell (estate) Plonski and Theresa Plonski Artigas to Frank Plonski, in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Joseph F. and Isabelle H. (AKA) Isabell (estate) Plonski, Theresa Plonski Artigas and Christine Plonski Sezer to Edward Plonski, in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Joseph F. and Isabelle H. (AKA) Isabell (estate) Plonski, Theresa Plonski Artigas and Christine Plonski Sezer to Joseph F. Plonski, Theresa Plonski Artigas and Christine Plonski Sezer, in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Joseph F. and Isabelle H. (AKA) Isabell (estate) Plonski and Theresa Plonski Artigas to Christine Plonski Sezer, in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Joseph F. and Isabelle H. (AKA) Isabell (estate) Plonski and Theresa Plonski Artigas to Joseph F. Plonski and Theresa Plonski Artigas, in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Barry and Mary Ann Saranchuk to Michael T. Zuba, in Montrose for $150,000.00.

State Farm Bank to Juan Loja Pomoquiza and Manuela Pulla Zumba, in New Milford Borough for $46,000.00.

Bryan J. Davis (by sheriff) to PHH Mortgage Corporation, in New Milford Township for $987.05.

Thomas P. Gallagher, Christopher M. Carver and Daphne S. Cowperthwait to Christen David and Jennifer Johnson, in Susquehanna for $1,000.00.

Kerri Ellen, Gary A. and Mary Wilder to Kerri Ellen Wilder, in Lanesboro Borough for one dollar.

John R, IV (by sheriff) and Elizabeth L. (by sheriff) Martin to Citimortgage, Inc., in Brooklyn Township for $1,065.59.

Anthony Lombardo to Talisman Energy USA, Inc., in Apolacon Township for one dollar.

David Lee (AKA) David, Barbara, Timothy Mark (AKA), Timothy and Kristine Krush to Nicole Keklak, in Herrick Township for $42,500.00.

Gerald J. and Georgeanne B. Jud to Gerald J. Jud, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Gerald J. Jud to Georgeanne B. Jud, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Stephen A. Butcher (by POA) to Butcher Family Trust, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Garry and Nancy Johnson to Garry & Nancy Johnson Family Limited Partnership, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Walter D., Jr. (by sheriff) and Deborah J. (by sheriff) Fisk to Wells Fargo Bank, in Oakland Township for $3,114.36.

Stanley and Stella Fiedorczyk to Stanley J. and Steven E. Fiedorczyk, in Rush Township for one dollar.

Edward L. and Barbara S. Conley to Joseph F. Bradley, in Middletown Township for $140,000.00.

Dolores Skoritoski to John E. and Lisa A. Blackburn Skoritoski (AKA) Lisa A. Skoritoski-Blackburn, in Middletown Township and Friendsville Borough for one dollar.

Jerry and Sheila Poppo to Donna M. Fekette and Thomas J. Lopatofsky, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

David and Kathryn L. Bryant to David and Kathryn L. Bryant, in Thompson Township for one dollar.

MARRIAGES

Michael Patrick Fancher and Jennifer Elizabeth Oleniacz, both of Montrose.

Daniel R. Hibbard and Julie Marie Thomas, both of Montrose.

Brian Ligi and Gloria J. Sakawat, both of Scott Twp.

Roger Dale Allard and Elizabeth Ann Rider, both of Great Bend.

Allen R. Jayne and Susan E. Bennett, both of Lawton.

Vincent Joseph Lake and Michelle Jan Batson, both of Susquehanna.

Matthew Patrick Muzzy and Emma Jean Space, both of Susquehanna.

Lawrence Andrew Norton and Ashley Marie Karbowski, both of Susquehanna.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 2:15 p.m. on November 10, 2011.

Craig J. Anderson, Tonya S. Birchard, Christopher Brenner, Douglas Buckman, Howard A. Burns, III, Bradley C. Button, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Donald L. Groover, Jennifer D. Hazlett, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Erica Y. Mead, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Perry Rohan, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Robert J. Twilley, Kurtis L. Vogler, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr.

Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

The Blue Ridge School Board actually cut property taxes this year. And they eliminated the per-capita tax a few years back. With declining enrollment, the Board has consistently tried to keep from raising property taxes in the face of cuts in state and federal education subsidies. Board President Alan Hall has made it his goal to cut taxes even further. As a candidate for county commissioner he may not be around much longer, however.

At the meeting on November 7, the Board adopted a resolution that would prevent any increase next year above the index set by the state Department of Education, which will be 2.5% this time around. Although the Board will undoubtedly try to avoid increasing taxes at all, by declaring its intentions up front the Board can take longer to develop its budget, which would go into effect in July of next year. Any increase above the state-mandated index would require a referendum in May.

Almost as an afterthought, the Board also approved a refund to a taxpayer in the amount of $290.35 caused by an error in the county assessment office.

So what do they do with the money? In part, they pay Business Manager Loren Small to keep track of it. At the meeting the Board approved his compensation package for the current year, without disclosing any details.

They also pay the teachers, two of whom were granted tenure. They are Kimberly Davenport and Rachel Hobbs. Teachers are granted tenure based on requirements set in state law and regulations; the Board simply recognizes that it has occurred.

They also pay bus drivers, under contract. The Board approved a minor revision to a contract for the current year.

They pay for student activities, too. This time they accepted a license from Amateur Theatrical Presentation of New York, agreeing to pay $1,723.50 to allow the high school to present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

They occasionally have to settle disagreements that involve money. Following some lengthy negotiations, the District settled a dispute involving a special-education student and his family, paying $29,400 into a trust fund for the student’s education. The full terms of the settlement are “protected by confidentiality agreement,” according to Superintendent Robert McTiernan.

And they pay to keep the campus in shape. Two contracts with Wayco, Inc. and Boland’s Excavating for paving are worth a total of over $465,000. At the meeting the Board approved change orders for about $55,000 of that to add sealer, additional drainage, and fill cracks in both phases of the project.

Some campus improvements cost less when volunteers do the work. Elementary School Principal Matthew Button thanked Mr. Hall and his crew for installing the new playground equipment donated by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). He said it should be ready for the children in another week or so.

They also make a little money here and there. The Board approved the sale of some tractors and mowing equipment for a total of over $22,000.

Among other routine personnel actions, the Board accepted the resignation of wrestling coach Charles Church. They also approved recommended disciplinary action against an unnamed employee; details were not disclosed but did not involve any financial transaction.

Both principals reported on preparations for hosting local veterans during the coming week, including breakfast. It sounded like the vets could enjoy 2 breakfasts with the students. In any case, some of the events would be supported by a contribution by Cabot Oil.

Another company, Liberty Petroleum, contributed $500 to be used for education in “science, the environment or ecology,” according to Mr. McTiernan, who said the money would be used to update the GPS units used by the geocaching club.

After all, it’s for the students, of course. Middle and High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski presented one of his high-achieving students at the opening of the meeting. Rebekka DeJesse, president of the National Honor Society chapter at Blue Ridge is currently number 1 in her senior class, and will be the Blue Ridge Scholar of the Year to the Intermediate Unit. She is also a member of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). In a small voice, Ms. DeJesse said that she will study pre-med next year, but hasn’t yet chosen a school. In a larger action, she helped to arrange a trip abroad to Paris and Venice for herself and 3 other Blue Ridge students in cooperation with Montrose High School.

Mr. Nebzydoski also recognized senior Collin Morris, who did not attend the meeting.

The Blue Ridge School Board will meet next for a workshop on Monday, November 21, beginning at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School and are sometimes preceded by committee meetings. Check the district website for up-to-date information.

The Starrucca Borough Council meeting was called to order on Monday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council members present were President Jack Downton, Vice President Robert Martin, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, Louis Gurske and Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko. Council members Paul Everett and Anthony Palonis was absent.

The audience included Roland Buck, Kathy Downton and Melissa Leet (Wayne Independent).

The minutes of the meeting held on September 6 were presented and motion to accept the minutes as read passed unanimously.

Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as of September 30 passed unanimously.

Motion to pay the October bills as presented passed unanimously.

The secretary reported that it was necessary to transfer funds in order to be able to pay Dan Boughton for mowing. Motion to transfer $440.00 from the General account to the Rec Field account passed unanimously.

President Downton called for executive session at 7:30 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 7:45 p.m.

Correspondence Presented

Wayne Co. Election Bureau - Motion to permit the use of the Community Hall for voting on November 8 passed unanimously.

N.E.P. Sno-Trails, Inc. - information for landowners and Ctf. of Liability Insurance - to be posted.

PSAB Survey Mandates - to be returned by October 14.

Springer Quarry - PennDOT approved.

FEMA - National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) - Mayor DeBalko to attend meeting.

Wayne Conservation District - Floodplain Ordinance.

“Save the Post Office” Guidelines - Motion to support keeping the Starrucca Post Office and to send a letter from Council passed unanimously.

Pennsylvania Borough News Subscription - no interest.

Motion to permit use of the Community Hall for the annual Starrucca Halloween Party passed unanimously.

Old Business

Solicitor Briechle correspondence to Butler Land Surveying LLC requesting files.

Solicitor Briechle correspondence to Attorney Bugaj requesting files.

Pennstar Bank Loan - Correspondence dated September 22, 2011 was read. The bank informed the Borough that $1907.52 was past due. Council members discussed why a principal waiver could not be applied by Pennstar (as it was applied in 2010) without refinancing the loan and incurring additional charges. The secretary was instructed to advise Pennstar that the funds were not available at this time and Council was requesting a principal waiver. President Downton commented that Pennstar had originally offered at 20-year loan and rescinded the offer after the 2011 budget was completed

Kellogg Road - The secretary read correspondence sent to PennDOT requesting a change in the Borough’s Liquid Fuels allocation according to the 2007 survey map for Kellogg Road.

Haynes v. Starrucca Borough - Petition for Contempt, Court date October 18, 3:30 pm. Mr. Haynes has filed a Petition against the Borough regarding Kellogg Road. Motion to authorize Solicitor Briechle to defend any action against Mr. Haynes and to do anything legally necessary to that end passed unanimously. Motion to authorize President Downton to sign any legal documents on behalf of the Borough passed unanimously.

New Business

Dirt & Gravel Grant Program - President Downton presented information regarding the Dirt & Gravel Grant program. An application was submitted and funds have been awarded to Starrucca Borough for work to be done on Kellogg Road. Motion to advertise for bids noting that the project was for the installation of a french mattress through the Dirt & Gravel Grant Program passed unanimously.

Council noted that Fire, Police and the landowner would have to be notified when the road is closed.

Motion to hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13 for the purpose of opening bids for the french mattress project on Kellogg Road and other matters passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

Community Hall - Barbara Glover gave the secretary $60.00 (cash) representing a deposit for the rental of the Community Hall on Saturday, June 2, 2012 (possible June 1 also) noting that the Hall will be cleaned and trash removed on Sunday, June 3.

Public Participation - There were no comments during public participation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

The Starrucca Borough Council special meeting was called to order on Thursday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council members present were President Jack Downton, Vice President Robert Martin, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, Louis Gurske and Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko. Council members Paul Everett and Anthony Palonis was absent.

The audience included Roland Buck and Kathy Downton.

The purpose of the special meeting was to open bids for the french mattress roadwork on Kellogg Road and other matters.

The following bids were opened: Como Construction, $9,185.00; Rutledge Excavating, 13,900.00; Bill Pykus Excavating, 13,520.00.

Motion to accept the Como Construction bid passed unanimously.

Other Matters

Pennstar Bank - The secretary read a letter dated October 4, 2011 from Pennstar Bank advising that the Starrucca Borough General Fund account was debited in the amount of $1902.52.

Due to the withdrawal of funds by Pennstar Bank for the Buck Road Bridge loan, the Borough is unable to send all the checks that were approved for payment at the October 3 meeting.

Motion to withhold payment on check #1270 (Briechle & Gelsoe) and check #1272 (Worker’s Comp share to Thompson Volunteer Fire Co.) until future funds become available passed unanimously.

Winter Road Maintenance - Motion to advertise for winter road maintenance on the roads in Starrucca Borough passed unanimously.

Community Hall - Vice President Martin suggested winterizing the Community Hall. After consideration, it was suggested that winterizing be done after elections.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.