Susquehanna Borough Council was called to order at 7:09 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15. Present were council members Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Bill Perry, Joe Varsik, Allen Wolf and Deborah Zayas, as well as Mayor Mike Matis; absent, Dave Scales. Following the pledge of allegiance council members approved the meeting’s agenda, as well as the minutes for the borough council meeting of October 18 and committee meeting of November 1.

Mayor Matis read correspondence from the Hometown Days Committee of Susquehanna Community Development Association (SCDA) announcing it had set the date for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m., at the tree in Shop’s Plaza, refreshments to follow at the Fire Department. SCDA requested council’s approval for their plans to decorate the light poles on Main Street with wreaths and lights on November 30 or December 1, weather permitting. Council unanimously approved the request.

During the public comment time, two residents of Susquehanna stepped forward to discuss unkempt properties on Washington Street. Code Enforcement Officer Mary Weaver responded by explaining the particulars of the ongoing case against one of the properties, namely that the owner had been issued a fine of $75, which fine the owner refused to pay. The case is now in the hands of the police department for action. Also a resident mentioned she had noticed “dirty” water coming from her tap last night. It seems the problem originated from an issue, now corrected, at the pumping station this past weekend. PAWC Representative Bill Malos explained to council that the construction of a 600,000 gallon water tank for potable water, slated for commencement in May 2012, would improve water quality in the borough.

Under old business, council received two bids for a property on Washington Street: $800 and $2,501. Council voted unanimously to accept bid of $2,501. Eight applications were submitted for position of borough street worker and council immediately came to agreement to review the applications and set up interview appointments during next council executive session. Mayor Matis had prepared a drug policy for borough employees and distributed it to council members by email; council voted unanimously to approve same as an addendum to the borough’s handbook.

Under new business, Council agreed to set its reorganization for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Motion was made and approved to table Act 90 (pertaining to pursuit of contracting of police services) resolution for further study as Councilman Perry had not yet seen it. Finally, Councilman Hendrickson requested use of the boro’s truck, at the behest of Trehab, to move donated food supplies from their Main Street office to the bingo hall in Oakland on Sunday, November 20, at 1 p.m. Discussion of this issue continued for a few minutes and it was ultimately decided that a better solution was for individuals to step forward with their private vehicles to assist Trehab in moving the food. Councilmembers Hendrickson, Perry and Varsik, as well as several residents in attendance volunteered to help in this project.

Newly hired borough secretary Diann Robbins delivered her Secretary’s Report, and in so doing brought up a number of personnel issues for council to consider. Gail Hanrahan brought up inter-related personnel issues, and council went into executive session at 7:55 p.m. to consider them, as well as the job applications for street worker.

Council ultimately adjourned executive session at 10 p.m. and resumed public business. Councilmembers discussed the importance of making sure all of them were listed on the borough’s insurance for driving borough vehicles. They further approved three motions: (1) to advertise Ordinance 462 concerning tax millage (remaining the same) for general purposes and debts purposes; (2) to advertise availability of position for snow plow/removal at a per diem rate of pay, applications accepted through December 5; and (3) to advertise the borough’s 2012 budget availability for public review and comment November 21 through December 2. Council adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

With a series of meetings around the county sponsored by Peoples Neighborhood Bank and Powell Law of Scranton, a group called the Susquehanna Pipeland Coalition is organizing landowners in advance of the construction of a new natural gas pipeline by Bluestone Gathering.

Bluestone, created in the summer of 2010, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DTE Energy of Detroit, Michigan and its affiliate, DTE Pipeline. DTE has over 500 miles of pipelines in Michigan; Bluestone is its first venture outside of that state. Bluestone has offices in Deposit, NY, and in Great Bend, PA, where the local contact is Mike Armiak. Bluestone will be competing with Laser Northeast Gathering, which is already laying pipe to connect to the Millenium Pipeline in New York State. (Laser Northeast was created in 2005 and was acquired in 2010 by Delphi Midstream Partners headquartered in New York City.) Bluestone’s parent, DTE Energy, owns about 26% of the Millenium Pipeline company. Bluestone has contracts with Southwestern Energy to carry natural gas to both the Millenium and Tennessee pipelines and expects to deal with all gas producers in its service area.

So far Bluestone has not provided a detailed map showing where they would like the pipeline to go, although it appears that it would connect with the Tennessee line in Lenox Township, and with Millenium in the Town of Sanford, in Broome County, NY, about 37 miles of 16- and 20-inch high-pressure lines. The lack of a good map, and what appears to be insistence on a leasehold/easement contract that compares unfavorably with Laser Northeast contracts, brought together Lee Parsons, Carol Schell, Stan Waxmundsky, Alex Slater, Helen Wasnowic, Jerry Nelson, Darl Haynes, Glen Winsor and attorney Mark Powell. Mr. Parsons, president of the new organization, led a presentation on November 15 at the Harford Fire Hall with a series of slides outlining the many issues landowners should consider when (or before) signing a lease with Bluestone, or any other pipeline company.

Some of the major points in the presentation:

How wide will the easement be? Multiply that by the length and you will have the number of acres that may effectively be out of your control for many years.

What kinds of rights and restrictions does the company have to use the easement property, including access to it, equipment that may be used on it, the maintenance of the property over the years, and the ability to grant subordinate easements to others?

Will there be one or more pipes or other conduits in the easement, what will they carry, and can you be paid for each of them?

The company should pay for all title searches, surveys and legal and regulatory fees, and cover your liability for any damage or accident in the easement area.

The company should be responsible for maintaining roads used during construction and maintenance. Temporary roadways or bridges may be required during construction to allow the landowner access to areas on both sides of the construction site.

The company should be held liable for any and all environmental regulations, and hold the property owner harmless from any and all environmental damages caused by the pipeline or its construction, whether foreseen or not.

A pipeline easement agreement can be complicated. The coalition advises property owners not to simply accept the boilerplate contract offered by Bluestone, which, they say, offers no protections for the landowner. And it offers only a flat $15 per linear foot of pipeline right-of-way for a 50-foot-wide easement.

The coalition would prefer a more-or-less standard agreement along the lines of the one negotiated with Laser Northeast. Under that contract, a landowner would be paid $20 per linear foot up front, plus $3.50 per foot per pipe per year thereafter for the 20-year term of the agreement. (Since the Laser contract allowed for 2 pipes in the trench, the actual annual payment would be $7.00 per foot.) The annual payment is reviewed each year and may be adjusted upward. The contract has an automatic renewal clause for a second 20-year term under the same conditions.

The Laser contract had a second option that would pay $55 per linear foot in a one-time payment. And, no matter how little footage was involved, a landowner would be paid no less than $1,000 up front.

That $55 per foot figure is important because the coalition wants to pay its attorney something for his trouble. So far Mr. Powell has received nothing for his trouble, and will receive nothing more if 90% of the coalition’s members don’t agree to go along. Assuming that the coalition prevails and a contract is negotiated that satisfies nearly everyone, then each coalition member who signs a pipeline easement agreement will pay Mr. Powell’s firm 5% of the income, calculated at $55 per foot; there will be no further annual payments to the attorneys.

There are also tax implications. Someone who takes the lump-sum up-front option, for example, would have a greater federal and state tax liability in that year. Others whose land is in the “Clean & Green” program may also be affected. Some of these things could be covered in a negotiated agreement with the pipeline company. The coalition “committee” is encouraging members to come forward with any special issues like this. For example, quarry operations could be affected depending on how the pipeline is routed, and provisions for blasting in the vicinity.

So far Bluestone has done no digging in Susquehanna County. Nor are they known to have any permits in New York State, where the permitting process can take up to a year. The coalition committee doesn’t expect the negotiation process with Bluestone to take more than a few months. Membership in the coalition is limited to 18 months; if nothing is accomplished in that time, then all bets are off.

In the meantime, the coalition is scheduling more meetings. The committee has made presentations in New Milford and Harford. Further meetings are scheduled for Thompson, and they expect membership to be finalized by mid-December. Negotiators Darl Haynes, Glenn Winsor and Mark Powell hope to have a position prepared no later than early January 2012.

For more information, send e-mail to pipeland@verizon.net, or call Mark Powell at 1-800-290-7707.

A thank you letter was read aloud at the beginning of the November 17 Elk Lake school board meeting, acknowledging donations which the students and staff had provided for flood victims. The letter was written by Susquehanna County Interfaith, and spoke about the ways in which the district's and community's gifts had allowed them to aid those in need.

Some students were present, whom Mr. Mallery introduced, to discuss an October 26 mousetrap competition. The boys were ninth grade students who had built a mousetrap powered racecar, Ben Townsend and Ryan Keyhoe, for a competition at Widener University. There were ten other students who had attended the competition as well. The challenge of the competition had been to build a mousetrap powered car which could maneuver around a curve and certain other obstacles. The boys spoke of the science and process involved in the project, explaining how it had been built. All ninth grade students had participated in an in-school competition first, building the cars and competing to decide who should go. The five best were chosen. There were 85 other cars in the competition, from four other states. Mr. Mallery explained that the district had originally thought that the competition was for ninth graders in physical science classes, but it had been in fact for students up to twelfth grade in engineering classes. Nevertheless, the boys had taken second place overall. (They believed they would have taken first, except that one of them broke the wheel off the car prior to the last race and it was disqualified.) Another team placed fifth, with female engineers. After the competition the students were given a tour of the college's engineering labs, with demonstrations. The boys thanked Mr. Good's wood shop class and Mr. Faillace's metal shop class for building them a track, Mr. Woolcock for entering them, and the school for sponsoring them to go on the trip. The boys attempted to give a demonstration, but were unable to for lack of friction on the library floor.

Two of the principals were absent from the meeting during the administrator's report section, being at a Safe Schools workshop, which they thought to discuss at the following meeting. The others reviewed a number of items. Mrs. Staats reported that the first round of IEP's had been completed, with good parent input. It was planned that field trips could be set up for the gifted students. She then briefed Mr. Pironne's report, which included many family events, with over 1,000 family members attending the school, excluding parent educator conferences. He had found that disciplinary referrals were down, a fact attributable possibly to the SWEBS program and the increased parental involvement. The Veteran's Day assemblies had gone well, it was said, with military speakers and student speeches. Mr. Tewksbury had attended a veteran's program at the elementary school that day, and wished to commend the junior band and the students who sang. Also, he wished to commend the behavior of the students. At the end of the program the staff had the students go through and shake every veteran's hand. Overall he commended the school in general for its programs involving veterans. Mr. Mallery reported that the official winter sports season was to begin the next day. He gave congratulations to Matt Cuomo, Ryan Wilson, and Melvin Route, who made the regional soccer team. The girl's cross country team took second place at states. There had been a coaches for cancer dance-a -thon which raised over $1500 for that charity. There had been a meeting with the Montrose football team. The coaches had given district representatives a schedule for weight lifting. Also bestowed upon the district were a hat and jersey for Mr. Mallery; he quipped that it was tough to be accepting something maroon and white. He wished to commend them for how welcoming they had been.

Mrs. Hollister had attended a meeting at the assessor's office. This was related in response to Mr. Tewksbury's question of a few months before, regarding the effects of the September flooding on the assessed taxes in the district. The Assessment Office had reviewed the preliminary they had collected, which showed an approximate reduction of $445,000 in assessments in the township and $312,150 in the borough. Based on last year's millage rate they gave an early estimate that this represented a loss of approximately $19,961 in tax revenues for the township and approximately $1,423 in the borough. The assessment office emphasized that these were very preliminary estimates which they expected to change. If it was determined that a tax refund was due to the owner, the amount refunded would be adjusted for the last quarter of 2011, and if a credit was determined it would be given on the 2012 tax bill. In most cases the land value would not be reduced. Although 2012 might show a slight reduction it was said, with the rebuilding of some homes the value may go up. Not all properties would be factored into this. Mr. Tewksbury confirmed that both the homes which were there but destroyed, and those where the houses disappeared would be affected. People had to go through the assessor's office to process the claim however, and some property owners had not responded. The Assessment Office stated that some people would not allow them on their property. They said they had tried contacting every person in the affected area. It was thought that the cutoff for assistance might be a requirement for 50% damage.

A discussion was held regarding volunteers and their clearances. There were three required, one of which was a fairly new requirement: the child abuse, criminal, and FBI clearance. Since the volunteers were such an asset, Dr. Bush said, he wondered if the board would approve to cover the cost of the clearances, and to provide transportation to the IU for the FBI clearance (on a predetermined day). He called this a good gesture to the volunteers and an ultimate benefit to the children.

The food services program was operating in the red, and it was asked that they transfer money between funds in the amount of $50,000, from the reserve. The board has been vigilant, Dr. Bush said, in keeping the lunch prices low for families in the district, but he thought it might be prudent to raise the “extra meal” cost by ten cents at this time to address the deficit. The change might go into effect with the new year.

The other motion on the table was in regards to the board's continued efforts to look at the retirement obligations going forwards. The verbage for this latter motion had been changed, due to a change in regulations, but it was similar to the transfers which the district had been making to set money aside for the expected PSERS contribution spike. The transfer would be in the amount of $3,254,423 total. If the board were to decide that they wished to use that money for another need, it could be done with just a motion. Dr. Bush spoke about the anticipated spike, and quoted an estimate that the money already set aside could be extinguished by 2014 if the state did not do anything about the problem before then and taxes were not raised. The district was in good financial state toward meeting its obligations he said, calling them prudent. The system was different for new educators. There was some discussion then about raising taxes gradually, such that the set aside not be depleted early and residents not see taxes skyrocket at once.

Mr. Emmerich asked what was required to show residency when a child moved into the district. It was responded that there was a state form (1302), if that didn't work a utility bill or rent receipt might be requested.

Mr. Place had been given a tour of the pool renovations. Dr. Bush reported that the project had been progressing, with the new pool unit placed up upon the roof.

The girl's cross country competition was discussed further, it had been very close. Two of the top five runners had been injured and did not compete. Luke Jones from the boys team finished second at states by about two seconds. Dr. Bush felt that these competitions had spoken well of the cross country program.

Mr. Place broached the topic of trucks not heeding the red lights when buses were stopped. He wanted to see if cameras could be mounted with the idea of catching the people doing it. No one was allowed to do this legally. He wasn't suggesting doing it with every bus, but maybe just testing it to see if they could catch a license plate. It was decided that this could be looked into.

During the SCCTC board meeting, which began after a brief recess, Dr. Davis presented her report. She discussed the energy career day and a health care cay. Each representative at the energy career day was given a few moments to discuss their business, and then students were allowed to cycle through the tables. A Christmas Around the World meal was scheduled for December 7, cooked by the Food Preparation class. Health care is the top priority field in the state for jobs. She reported that the career center is looking toward setting up an LPN program for adults. One of the key components to be added would be to give students the academic courses necessary for their success. This would be tailored toward preparation for the Nursing Entrance exam. Before it could begin it would require approval through the State Board of Nursing and PDE both. One of the students was doing a senior project called Snickerdoodles for Soldiers. An article had been written about the students who stayed and volunteered their time after the flood, providing food to victims. The first floor of the house project was up. A group of students had attended a reality fair, which dealt with budgeting and financial realities. Mrs. McGee's son had attended the reality fair, and she spoke highly of it. Keystone College and the Career Center were going to have a cook off, to raise money for the United Way of Wyoming County. Now Keystone was planning to come and continue the competition.

The December meeting was set for the 8th, being the reorganization meeting.

It was stated that tremendous compliments had been received from the school's hosting of the race, regarding food, organization, and a wide variety of things.

ESCAPE

On November 17 PSP Gibson was contacted by the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, who reported that Ryan Groover of Montrose, an inmate at the facility at that time, did not report back to the jail from his work release assignment. Groover was scheduled to report back to the correctional facility at 7 p.m., but failed to do so. Groover is serving a sentence in the facility for Escape back in 2010. Anyone with information regarding the location of Groover is asked to contact the station at (570) 465-3154. Groover is described as a 5'9' man with curly brown hair and brown eyes. He was last reported to be wearing a gray sweater and blue jeans.

HARASSMENT

On November 16 Ronald Latwinski of Clifford Township is accused of getting into a confrontation with an unnamed 15 year old male, at a location in Lenox Township. Both were cited for information received from both accused. Charges were field at District Court 34-3-03.

DUI

On November 10 at 1:43 a.m. a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, operated by an unnamed person, was traveling northbound on SR 29. The driver turned left onto Hunter Road heading west, exited the road off the north berm, and entered a ditch roadside, becoming stuck at that location. The vehicle was operable and the driver was not injured. The driver was taken into custody for DUI and transported to EMHS in Montrose for a BAC test. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Rod's Towing in Montrose.

HIT AND RUN

On November 15 an unknown person was operating a 1989 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on Three Lakes Road in New Milford Township. The driver failed to negotiate a right hand curve, exiting the road and striking a tree. After the collision the driver fled the scene in an unknown direction, leaving the vehicle behind. Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash is asked to call the police. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

POSSESSION OF WEAPON ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

On November 17, a 14 year old juvenile male was seen on the school bus with a folding knife. When he arrived at Elk Lake Junior High School, he placed the knife in his locker. When school officials received the information, the knife was retrieved from his locker. The boy related that he forgot the knife was in his jacket pocket.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between the 15th and 16th of November, one or more unknown person(s) drove through the front lawn of Robert Remington of South Montrose. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the station.

BURGLARY

On November 11, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the unlocked trailer of a Montrose woman was entered. A Xanax pill bottle containing approximately 24 pills was allegedly removed. A bottle of Hydrocodon was left, but approximately 78 pills were removed from it. The victim contact PSP on November 14 at 5:46 p.m. to report the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the station.

BURGLARY

A burglary occurred at a Lenox location sometime between October 2 and November 13, in which the burglar(s) entered the residence via the crawl space below the first floor via an outside access door. Once inside, the burglar(s) removed approximately 100' of copper pipe from the crawl space, prior to fleeing the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the station.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS

On November 12 at 1:40 Murad Kakesh and Joshua Lambert, both of Pittston, and Christopher Shovlin of Duryea, entered posted property in Silver Lake Township looking for a place to fish. The three possibly started a fire as well. No permission was obtained prior to entrance to the property.

CRASH

On October 12 at 8:30 p.m. Justin Bailey of Montrose failed to negotiate a curve in Rush Township; the vehicle rolled over.

THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

Between the 7th and 11th of November, two 9 mm pistols, black in color, were removed from a location in Springville Township. The weapons belonged to Randolph Forkal of Nicholson. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

THEFT-FRAUD

On November 10 at 11:15 p.m. A1 Courtesy Cabs of the Binghamton, NY area were found to be in possession of counterfeit monies. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

CRASH

On November 9 at 4:30 p.m. Chad Dubiel of The Woodlands, TX, was attempting to turn left onto SR706 from SR29 in Bridgewater Township when he failed to yield to oncoming traffic and proceeded into the intersection, striking the passenger side of a vehicle driven by Brandy Rogers of Montrose. Dubiel was to be cited as a result of the investigation. All three were utilizing seat belts Dubiel was not injured. Rogers sustained minor injury, and her passenger, Kelly Sautner of Montrose, sustained moderate injury.

HARASSMENT

On October 9 at 1 p.m. two juvenile females, one 15 years old and the other 14 years old, became involved in an altercation at the Mountain View High school, wherein each subjected the other to physical contact. Both were cited with Harassment at MDC 34-3-03 in Clifford.

BURGLARY

Between October 1 and November 9 the copper piping was removed from within the seasonal residence of Bruce Pellegrino of the Yardly, PA area. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

CRASH

On October 9 at 6:50 a.m. Steven Svejkus of Liverpool, PA was traveling south on SR 11 in Apolacon Township when he struck a deer. A lap and shoulder belt were in use; Cvejkus was not injured.

THEFT

The purse of a 24 year old Hallstead woman was stolen on November 15, between the hours of 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. The victim left the purse at the Harmony Creek Pub in Hallstead Borough. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

PFA VIOLATION

On November 8 at 2:28 p.m. Michael Groover of Susquehanna is accused of contacted a female via cell phone, and threatening the same.

SEARCH WARRANT-RECOVERED STOLEN GUNS AND TV

On November 7 at 4:30 p.m. PSP executed a search warrant on a Gibson Township residence belonging to Michael Argust, after receiving information that stolen firearms were present in the residence. During the search of the residence, 21 stolen long guns were recovered, along with a 52” TV that were all taken in a burglary in Greenfield Township, Lackawanna County on the 3rd of November. Also found during the search were 200 packets of heroin and $1,000 in cash. Michael Argust was taken into custody and charged with receiving stolen property. Drug charges were pending as of the time of report. He was arraigned before DJ Susanne Brainard and bail was set at $100,000. Argust was in the Susquehanna County Jail awaiting his preliminary hearing as of the time of report; the investigation was continuing.

SCAM REPORT

November 9, 2011: Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson are issuing a warning. Over the last few days State Police received information that a male in his late 60's, with salt and pepper hair, bear, slender build and driving a black car with a passenger side dent claimed to be a census worker that was raising money for flood victims. The individual went on to ask for personal information. Residents should be advised that census workers will have proper identification and should never attempt to raise any funds for any type of charity. Anyone with information about this individual or a similar encounter is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police, Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

ROBBERY

On November 7 at 2:30 p.m., Cheryl Williams, an employee at the Lenox Pharmacy in Lenox, contacted PSP Gibson and reported that the Lenox Pharmacy had just been robbed at knife point by a man wearing a mask. The man entered the pharmacy and demanded narcotics. Williams reported that the man who robbed the pharmacy was seen entering a four door silver car, which was last seen heading west on SR 106. It was reported to PSP Personnel responding to the vicinity of the pharmacy that a partial license plate was obtained by Scott Muller, the owner of the Lenox Pharmacy. Muller related that the license plate that he obtained was a partial Pennsylvania Registration with HT 544 on it. That same day Trooper Mark Mulvey and Trooper John Oliver of the PSP Gibson Criminal Investigative Unit were in the vicinity of the drug store. While traveling east on SR 106 the troopers observed a silver four door sedan traveling west on that road. The troopers slowed their unmarked police vehicle and observed the silver car slow down. The troopers then followed the vehicle, which continued to travel west on that road, before turning onto a dirt road off of SR 11 as the occupants were throwing items from it. The vehicle was stopped; it bore Pennsylvania Registration HNT 5244. Both occupants were ordered out of the vehicle and placed into custody. Both were transported to PSP Gibson. Robert Smith of the Harrisburg area was charged with Robbery, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Receiving Stolen Property. Brianne Thomas, also of Harrisburg, was charged with Conspiracy and Receiving Stolen Property. Both were arraigned and remanded to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.

CRASH

On November 7 at 3:58 p.m. Sarah Robllard of Cortland, NY was traveling north on I81 in the left lane when a deer came across the road from the right. The vehicle struck the deer with the right front passenger side. Both Robillard and a passenger were utilizing seat belts and sustained minor injury.

FATAL COLLISION

On November 6, at 4:25 p.m. a Kingsley man was traveling north on SR 29 in Bridgewater Township when he lost control of the vehicle, which exited the roadway, entered a field, and flipped onto its roof. The driver and an unknown male passenger were ejected from the vehicle. There were two unknown male passengers in the vehicle, along with a female passenger from Kingsley who sustained serious injury. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. The driver died as a result of the accident.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH

On November 4 at 1:17 a.m. Rinaldo Pearson of Buffalo, NY was traveling south along SR 81 in New Milford Township. Pearson was traveling too fast to safely negotiate the exit ramp at exit #219 in his International Harvester truck. The truck crashed into the concrete barrier that separates the exit and entrance ramps of SR 81 southbound, flipping over onto the entrance portion of the ramp and spilling its load. The driver escaped with only minor injuries; a seat belt was in use. He was treated locally at Montrose Hospital, and was to receive numerous citations for the traffic violations noted.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On November 4 between 1:45 and 2:45 p.m. a pumpkin was thrown at the vehicle of Kim Reed of Hallstead, breaking the driver's side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

RUNAWAY

On November 4 at 12:54 p.m. a juvenile male ran away from home into the woods in Clifford Township. A search of the area was conducted, assisted by other members of PSP Gibson, and the Susquehanna County Sheriff's Office. The juvenile was subsequently located.

If anyone has information on the above incidents, please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

DEEDS

Phyllis A. and Gerald T. Caffrey to Kathy A. Ackley, in Hallstead Borough for $38,000.00.

Peter J., Jr. and Lorita B. Casassa to Curtis L. Fullom, in Gibson Township for $65,250.00.

Jeffrey and Katherine M. Kolibas (NBM) Katherine M. Lista to Michael J. Kirwin, in Clifford Township for $70,000.00.

Michael J. Kirwin to Michael J. Kirwin, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Jay, Jr. and Sandra Birtch to Justin L. Birtch, in Franklin Township for one dollar.

Andrew J. and Catherine A. Howey to Andrew J. Howey, in Franklin Township for one dollar.

Paul Andrews to Robin A. Bunnell, in Bridgewater Township for one dollar.

Theodore W. and Sharyl L. Schwartz to Theodore W. and Sharyl L. Schwartz, in Oakland Township for one dollar.

Laverne K. and Joan R. Sollick to Dustin L. and Rachel S. Pratt, in Bridgewater Township for $130,000.00.

Cynthia, Garry S., Ellyn and Dirk A. Oceanak and Terrelyn W. Andriola to Oceanak Lenox LLC, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Helen H. (AKA) Helen Baglino (estate) to Eleanor M. Conroy, in Great Bend Township for $135,000.00.

Francis, Jr. and Meredith Ann Logue to Mary Beth T. Zazzera, in Bridgewater Township for $325,000.00.

Ann Marie Amato (NBM) Ann Marie Burko to Catherine Sisson and Patricia Pearsall, in Clifford Township for $50,000.00.

Jean Ann (AKA) Joan Ann (estate), Joseph John and Jamie Leigh Victoria Bean to North Main Storage LLC, in Clifford Township for $15,000.00.

Paul M. Michalko to Paul M. Michalko (by trustee), in Harford Township for one dollar.

Richard W. and Laurie A. Bennett to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Transportation, in Little Meadows Borough for one dollar.

Robert E. and Donna J. Gemmel to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Transportation, in Little Meadows Borough for one dollar.

Anthony J. Turano to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Transportation, in Little Meadows Borough for one dollar.

Rosalynd M. Perlick to Veronica, Julie M., Martin F., Zachary and Matthew J. Perlick, Mary Alaine Finnegan and Lisa A. Saula, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 9:57 a.m. on November 18, 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, 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.

It was a fairly packed meeting at Montrose high school on November 14, many of those present being there for the recognition of several students.

Christopher Jordan was the first person highlighted, as a National Merit Scholarship Qualifier. He was applauded and given a certificate.

The next student recognized was Kate Kielceski, who won a pair of gold medals on her horse Ronni at the American Morgan Horse Association's Gold Medal finals. She also won the Reserve World Championship Title. Mr. Talarico spoke of how she never let her academics fall, despite her involvement both in school activities and this extracurricular activity. She was also given a handshake and certificate. Mr. Ognosky asked her a few questions about her equestrianism. He asked her coach how many people she competed against. It was answered that there were 24 or 25 in her final competition but this was misleading due to the fact that these people had to compete to even get into the final round. The year prior she had been eighth in the competition, and she was not at the top of her age bracket yet. Most of the competitors in the division she was in were from the United States, but it was the only worldwide competition in the area. Mr. Ognosky asked her how many hours she spent on it, and she quipped that the answer would be more in terms of years. Her parents and coach were also acknowledged. She won the American Morgan Horse Association's Gold Medal finals, and won a pair of gold medals on her horse Ronni.

The PMEA District 9 chorus students were next on the recognition roll, with Mr. Talarico stating that they were another group of students involved in a lot of school activities who never let their academics fall. Mr. Zimmerman, the instructor of that group, was then able to speak about the students. These students were all part of the top 20 on each voice part. They included Mollie Host, Jacob Kerbaugh, Mike Roman, Nick Best, and Jacob Meyers. The students were all given certificates and handshakes.

The last Good Things are Happening presentation involved a “grown up” which Mr. Ognosky said was rare. It was a PSBA Honor Roll of School Board Service certificate from the PSBA (Pennsylvania School Board Association). Mary Homan was being honored for twelve years as a school board member. She also received the certificate and handshake. Mr. Caterson spoke highly of her, discussing how she attends the conference and enthusiastically brings back ideas.

Montrose Boy Scouts Pack 92 members were present, who were trying to earn a merit badge. As part of this they were required to attend a public meeting.

A special reorganization meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 5 at 7 p.m., to be combined with the regular school board meeting and work session.

James Lewis resigned as Head Wrestling Coach and Daniel Lukasavage as Head Soccer Coach. Sandy Howell was hired as Basketball Cheerleading Adviser, Sean Madden as Assistant Boys' Basketball Coach, and Joseph Moor as Head Wrestling Coach.

A group of policies were briefly reviewed. Many of them were due to Act 24, which is related to the school code and were related to the list of offenses which would be included in a background check. It now stated that no one would be employed if they violate section 111, which included probably 40 crimes. It also dictated that current and prospective employees must notify school districts if they have ever been convicted of any of these crimes. Each person must fill out a designated form PDE 6004, stating that they either had not committed one or telling which ones they had committed. Every current employee would have to complete it by December 27, including drivers working for contractors, substitutes, and administrative staff. If they self-reported they would not be eligible for employment at a public school. If they falsified the report and failed to report, they could be subject to criminal charges. Even contractors working on the buildings would be required to fill the form out.

Another change involved bath salts. In the old policy bath salts were listed as look a like drugs, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has changed that to make them a full fledged drug. The policy was to change to reflect this.

A few other policies were also reviewed. All of the policies were to be accessible via the school's webpage. They would not become official policy for thirty days.

The term “emergency certified” was explained. It meant that a person holding a bachelors degree could work in the classroom as a substitute, though they did not hold an instructional certification. This was in response to a statewide shortage of substitutes. Certified educators had to be called first however.

A visitor to the meeting wanted to thank everybody for their fine work and to comment on the students who were recognized, not allowing their academic work suffer.

During the administrator's reports Mr. Clapper discussed the creek at Choconut, which had been partially cleaned. It had gotten to the point where it was so wet that people didn't dare go down any further, so the rest of the work had been postponed until spring. The project had been completed down to the well. Mr. McComb stated that they had done a nice job, widening it and banking it. A high school senior had taken on the clean up of the baseball field up at Choconut Valley as part of his senior project. Mr. Ognosky commended Mr. McComb for slapping on hip boots and investigating the creek.

Mr. Owens thanked Mr. Clapper for doing a fabulous job on some excavation he had done on the overhead back door. The 92 computers which were purchased with remaining ARRA money had been deployed at the elementary schools.

During Dr. Golden's report, he reported that this was the seventh year the district had six or seven students attend the Pause program at Penn State. This was a transitions program for students looking to see if college is for them. The transitions coordinator took the students to the college, where they went through a rigorous program and became part of the university for ten weeks. Some students realized that it's not for them and others moved on applying for colleges. The state is currently revamping the transitions portion of an IEP. The state is coming up with a new monitoring form, target monitoring districts in transition. He was notifying the board that the district may be monitored.

Mr. McComb spoke briefly of the parent conferences, at which he was given the unique opportunity to participate as a parent. A lot of the instructors were happy with the number of attending parents, he said. The Meet the Parent night had gone well, and he wanted to acknowledge the staff for working to meet with the parents. The school was again participating in the Feed a Friend program in collaboration with Trehab. This year Choconut Valley had created its standard Wall of Honor for Veteran's Day, where students and families created bricks commemorating soldiers in their lives.

Mr. Adams report reviewed the Veteran's Day program which was held at Lathrop Street, where the students sang and gave speeches. There were about a dozen veterans in attendance. The parent conferences had gone well at that school also, and he expressed similar appreciation for the instructional staff. He also thanked Mr. Owens for his assistance.

Mr. Talarico called October at the high school very busy. Events included a Pink Out week in honor of breast cancer, along with a successful homecoming week and dance. On Monday the students had even returned right to the dress code. That school had also held a Veterans' Day assembly, led by a group of students. A question and answer session had been held with a veteran, which was recorded. The fourth, fifth, and sixth graders had been able to see the Barnum matinee, for which Mr. Talarico thanked the elementary principals.

During Mrs. Lusk's report she stated that a representative of the auditing firm had been at the school to complete the field work for the single audit. It had gone well, reportedly.

It was stated that if the district could agree that they would not pass a budget which would exceed the state index, then they could release the budget information to the faculty. The timeline could then be set for staff to return their information back to the superintendent in March, such that a first budget could be ready for approval at the May meeting and a final budget ready in June.

With what was happening currently in the state, a couple of board members had felt that reviewing the child and student abuse policy was timely. It was last revised in 2007, the last time the Child Protective Services Law was amended. It defined all of the terms, and then talked about the duty to report. In accordance with state guidelines, the school's policy stated that when staff had reasonable cause to suspect that a child involved in the district was a victim of child abuse, in or out of the school, it was their duty as a school employee to report the abuse. This applied to all employees and all forms of abuse, including mental. Their duty was to report this to the direct administrator directly above them, and then it was the administrator's duty to perform a cursory investigation and decide if it should be reported.

As a district, Mr. Ognosky said, he would categorize them as being very quick to report. This includes times when they have reported over the wishes of victims and parents, as they had a duty to report once they were made aware. The majority of their reporting, he said, went to the state police, though at times Children and Youth became involved. Mr. Caterson said that this policy would be overtaken by state law pretty soon, feeling that it would probably be mandated in the near future that the witness report it directly. Mr. Gow asked if a reporting staff did not feel something was being done, if they could report it to someone else. Mr. Ognosky said that often a staff member would report it to the school nurse, the guidance counselor, and the principal at the same time. Mr. McComb related that most of the time their school reported things to Children and Youth who almost always investigated that day. Mr. Talarico said that everyone in the administration communicated with each other, such that something would not be passed on and then considered out of their hands. Issues were dealt with as a team. Mr. Gow suggested that, in light of recent events, the policy be clarified with the staff, just to make sure that everyone understood it properly. Mr. McComb said that they reviewed this yearly at faculty meetings. It was also part of the induction program. However, it could be reviewed again. It was stated that the district erred on the side of caution, reporting if there was any credence to the event at all. It was also clarified that the employees do not have a right to know what occurs, even after Children and Youth comes and performs an investigation due to confidentiality issues.

At the end of the meeting it was reported that Mrs. Glora Smith and her husband and three of her friends had completed the Tough Mudder, a 12 mile 32 obstacle race. It involved mud, ice water, and other difficult barriers. All of the money from the event goes to the Wounded Warriors.

Just about all of the new business at the November 16 New Milford Township meeting had to do with the gas wells and gas pipelines, Mr. Hunter said. The only gas company which had been working with the township was Southwestern Energy. The following applications for permits for pads had been submitted to DEP: Eastman Property, Highlands Rd.; Gene Platus Property, Highlands Rd.; Tonya Claytor Property, Highlands Rd.; leased parcels on Foote Rd.; the Kozoil project on Rice Road; the RU37 project on Jennings Rd.; and the Annie Bienko property, on Howell Rd. A visitor asked about the width of the road up on the Highlands Road. Mr. Hunter said that it wasn't etched in stone, but it was thought that they wanted to run a lot of water line. It was stated by another visitor that the truck drivers had been courteous.

Applications had also been submitted, and granted, for land use/driveway permits for Pad #22 on Sutton Rd., pad #27 at the intersection of Access Rd. and Rice Rd., and Pad #33 at Alexander Rd.

Blue Stone Gathering activity had applied to DEP for 20.3 miles of natural gas pipeline, in a continuous corridor extending from the NY/PA border to a terminus approximately .5 miles south of New Milford. The pipeline, it was thought, sort of came together at B&S quarries up off Carey Road.

They wanted to put a compressor station up off of Carey Road. They were leasing 20 acres of property, and it would be 7 acres of disturbance.

Bluestone had applied to DEP for authority to cross streams and wetland within New Milford Township. No specific areas of interest were listed at that time.

Bluestone had also applied to the Department of Planning and Development for a Natural Gas Compressor Station on land leased from TNT Partnership.

A visitor asked about the deep shoulders on Washburn Road, wondering if the township could do anything about those shoulders on that road and Three Lakes road. Mr. Conroy had talked with the gas companies about it. It was reiterated that they were planning on working on it, however the timeline wasn't known for certain. The supervisors were also commended for their work on it.

A visitor asked if it was true that they would put a building around the compressor, to deal with the sound. Mr. Conroy said that according to a meeting they had attended the sound level was 40 decibels, that it would be about as loud as a dishwasher and quieter than a person talking. It was also stated that it probably was to be sat back far enough that they wouldn't really notice it. None of this was set in stone, however.

Some present said that Southwest had been great. They spoke highly of their cooperation in driving and other matters.

The question of the East Lake Camp was raised, wondering if things were squared away. It was responded that it was basically over and done with, except for some legal paperwork. A walk through had been completed, the fines were paid and corrections made. Any future permits would need to be applied for.

ERRATIC DRIVER/OVERSIZE LOAD/WIRES DOWN

On October 6, a resident on Quaker Lake Road witnessed an oversize load truck hit and break his telephone wire to his private residence. The driver then threw the wire off of the road and left the area. SLTPD spoke to the driver of the oversize load truck.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT

On October 12, Pops Hobby Lake Road residents complained about dogs running freely and getting into all of their garbage on garbage day. This has happened on several occasions. Attempts have been made to contact the responsible people and this incident is still under investigation.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

On October 31, SLTPD responded to a male/female domestic dispute in progress on Donavan Road, Silver Lake Township, with possible weapons involved. Montrose PD was also called for back-up. Investigation at the scene involved all 4 officers and resulted in the parties being separated and transported to separate locations for the night. Also, County Probation was involved and would be involved with follow-up action on the next day.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

On October 28, SLTPD assisted medical EMS with an Emergency at a residence on Quaker Lake, Silver Lake Township.

ALARM/SECURITY

On October 25, SLTPD responded to an emergency alarm on Laurel Lake, Silver Lake Township.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or e-mail silverlaketwppd@epix.net. All information will be held strictly confidential. Visit silverlaketwp.org to see all of Silver Lake Township’s news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.