A month ago the Harford Township Supervisors proposed a budget for 2012 that called for a 1 mill increase in property tax rates. Part of the extra income was expected to pay for a new, 4th road-crew employee. At their special meeting on December 21 to formally adopt the budget, Supervisor Garry Foltz threw the discussion into confusion when he said that the proposed budget would leave the township seriously in the red at the end of the year.

After extensive research with the Central Tax Bureau, Supervisor and township Secretary/Treasurer Sue Furney found that revenue from the earned income tax (EIT) that the township shares with the Mountain View School District, would be about $22,000 less than expected for 2011. Mr. Foltz applied that shortfall to the expected cash on hand at the end of this month, and excluding the money received for a gas lease bonus, he said that the township would come up short by over $9,000 by the end of 2012. He said he would not support such a budget. “We cannot afford a 4th person,” he said.

There were a lot of numbers flying around, but Mr. Foltz then recommended modifying the original proposal, removing the extra new employee to save some $33,000, and cutting the property tax increase to only 1/2 mill. (In Harford, 1 mill brings in about $31,000.) That, he said, would balance the budget “in reality.”

When it came to a vote, Mr. Foltz’s new budget passed over the abstention of Ms. Furney. She said that she couldn’t “agree with some of the figures you’re throwing out,” and wanted time to analyze the numbers more closely.

So, the new property tax rate in Harford will be 4.63 mills. An additional mill is tacked on for the fire company, which remains the same as before. According to Mr. Foltz’s figures, the township will take in about $345,441 in total revenue, and spend about $324,151 overall (the township component only, not including the sewer or state-subsidized sections).

The formally-adopted budget includes the sewer component, which also came in for some confusing discussion as well. In the end the Supervisors left that part alone, which calls for an increase of $3 per EDU (effectively a single-family residence) per month. Mr. Foltz said that even with the increase, the sewer budget will run a significant deficit next year. First quarter bills have already gone out, in December, so the increase will not take effect until the 2nd quarter. Quarterly bills will rise to $114 for the average household.

In other business, the Supervisors adopted a resolution authorizing a loan from Peoples Neighborhood Bank for $40,000 for 3 years at 3.5% for a new truck. Another $25,000 or so for the truck will come from the gas lease bonus.

A couple weeks ago the Supervisors promoted Eric Allen to take Terry VanGorden’s position as Roadmaster. That left an opening on the road crew. The Supervisors screened a number of applications and interviewed a few candidates. They finally settled on George Sansky of New Milford. Mr. Sansky worked for the township some years back, even serving for a couple years as Roadmaster. This time, however, according to Mr. Foltz, he did not want to be Roadmaster. So Mr. Sansky will re-join the crew as an equipment operator and laborer.

The Supervisors announced that they had held executive sessions on personnel issues. There was also to be a meeting with the township’s solicitors the very next day. No details were offered.

The Harford Township Supervisors will reorganize themselves as required by law on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at a meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Newly elected Supervisor Doug Phelps will take his place at the table and a new chair will be chosen following the retirement of Mr. VanGorden. A business meeting will follow the reorganization, although Ms. Furney said that she would not have year-end financials ready even by the usual meeting date, which would have been January 10. The year’s meeting schedule is also decided at the reorganization meeting, and Mr. Foltz has suggested adding a workshop to the monthly schedule.

The December voting meeting of the Mountain View school board meeting included the three newly elected board members. The three new members included Mr. Thomas Stoddard, Dr. Christine Plonski-Sezer, and Mr. Roy Twining.

A few financial matters were broached early on in the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to delete Mr. James Mirabelli from all school district fund accounts, effective January 3 of the coming year. The meeting was Mr. Mirabelli's last as the business manager of the district. The IRS rate of 55.5 cents per mile for mileage reimbursement was approved, effective January 1 of the new year.

Mr. Mirabelli then discussed the 2012-2013 budget. He provided what he called a top level executive overview of the budget. The total expenditures in the preliminary budget were $17,154,388, which represented a 2.7% increase. He noted that this ought to be taken with a grain of salt as there was so much unknown. This included a 1.5% increase in salaries, and a 8.5% benefits increase. The PSERS retirement had increased 44%, but this was somewhat offset by an unemployment decrease. He showed a graph which demonstrated that benefits were almost 50% of salaries. Most of the salaries were for professional staff, 78% were for instructors. Administration accounted for 7% of salaries, followed by custodial maintenance, aides and monitors, secretarial staff, and informational technology staff. Next, he over viewed the PSERS retirement expense, discussing the pension retirement spike. The rate for 2012-2013 jumped to 12.35% and was expected to jump every year going forward until it reached close to 30% overall. The state currently reimbursed 50% of that. He said in 2013-2014 it would be near a million dollars. Next he showed the total budget, where salaries and benefits neared two-thirds of the total budget. There were some expense unknowns, which he also alluded to. Some of the items which had been guessed at included health insurance premiums, the number of retirees, staffing levels for the coming year, new debt payments, and professional contract negotiations. Everything outlined in this presentation was factored with staff levels continuing as they were.

The revenue budget was easier to predict he said, especially in the local realm. The district set the tax rate and had a solid tax base which tended toward a small expansion. The total revenues were estimated at $16,255,411, a 2.9% increase. He was projecting this to be flat contributions from the state. The state share of the retirement was estimated to be an increase of $155,000, because they were paying a higher rate. Many of the state grants and subsidies had already been eliminated as a result of budget cuts. With a 2.3% real estate tax increase, which was the maximum index which the board was to vote on that meeting, the revenue would be $135,000 overall.

The federal revenues were projected to decrease as a result of federal deficit cutting measures. This could affect Title I, Title 2, IDEA, and Medical Access funds. All stimulus funds were already expended and were not factored in as part of the 2012-2013 budget.

Revenue unknowns were reviewed. All state revenues were uncertain, as it was unknown whether the state would continue to fund 50% of PSERS or whether or not the PreK grant or the Accountability Block Grant would be continued. Federal revenues were uncertain as well. He expected federal funds to be reduced either way.

In the end, the district was facing a structural deficit of $898,977 overall. This was sizable, but the district had six months to consider its options and it was a smaller deficit than the previous year.

He then reviewed the 3 options of the Act1 time line. The district could stay within the index of 2.3%; this was option one. If it selected this option the resolution would have to be passed at that meeting (or another scheduled meeting). Option 2 was to file for exception, and option three was to file for a referendum. The second option would require them to adopt a preliminary budget by January 17, and the district would not be guaranteed to receive an exception. A board member asked what the chances of receiving one were and Mr. Mirabelli said that he had heard they were going to be looking at the topic more stringently. The value of the exception was that it would allow the district to raise taxes above the 2.3 percent. Option 3 involved letting the voters decide whether they would accept a tax increase. A preliminary budget would still have to be adopted early in January.

Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan clarified that existing funds carrying over were not represented in his overall review. In actuality these funds would be factored into the picture, once it was ascertained what they were. At this point Mr. Mirabelli reviewed the fund balance, $3,759,920 as of June thirties. However, he expected this to be somewhat depleted by the end of the fiscal year. Some of these funds were reserved as well. He explained that there was $1,800,000 available as assigned fund balance, and $1,099,920.00 as unassigned fund balance. This would cover the deficit, if it remained in place at the start of the next fiscal year.

If the board voted to stay within the index, the preliminary budget had already been prepared and would not have to be adopted. It could be adjusted until it was adopted in May. If the board was to file for an exception or referendum a preliminary budget would need to be passed at the January 17 meeting, and the district would have to file for exceptions or go through the referendum process. In either scenario they would be given 6 months to review and revise the budget. Before ending his presentation he made sure that everyone understood the options and the budget packet. He said that as it was his final budget meeting he wanted to make certain of this. He thanked the board and administration for their attention over the years, stating that he loved finances and had learned a lot through the process.

The board then motioned to adopt the Act One index of 2.3% as the maximum increase for the 2012-2013 school year. This was unanimously approved.

The PASR educational support grant award was then presented. Ellen Holdredge, a former instructor in the district, spoke, representing the Susquehanna Chapter of PASR. Mary Ketterer and Bob Orner were also present from that organization. Alluding to the previous presentation, she said it was known that budgets were being cut across the school districts. The group had created a grant in response to this reality, designed to add to or make possible a program or opportunity which otherwise might not be possible under budget constraints. Mrs. Voigt had applied for the grant, in regards to the School Wide Effective Behavior Support Program (SWEBS) at the elementary school. This was a research based program designed to improve behavior school wide. It was consistent in all classrooms. Soaring eagles hung from the lobby with the names of students. The children moved their clips for misbehavior, but could not become soaring eagles if their clips moved. The grant would help subsidize the incentives for positive behaviors; the students had several positive incentives each year. The representatives presented a check to Ms. Voigt, in the amount of 150 dollars. Mrs. Holdredge commended the director of curriculum, stating that she did a wonderful job.

Ms. Voigt then presented a district report card based on PSSA scores. She passed around to the board members the tools which the instructors used to plan, tools which were put out by the Department of Education and contained the eligible content. She prefaced the report by explaining anyone who searched “PA AYP” could access the report card for any school district in the state. She had printed out the card for Mountain View, and passed it out to those present. At the last meeting she had reviewed how the students had performed on the PSSA's in regards to annual yearly progress (AYP). At this presentation she was not only looking at those results but also how the students had performed in comparison to the state. Both schools had to hit 17 indicators, she reviewed, with the difference that at the high school level graduation rate was one and at the elementary level it was attendance rate. At the elementary school all 17 indicators were hit, at the high school 16 were. The IEP subgroup at the secondary level had missed meeting the math indicator. In the coming year the percentages were to raise, which would require the students to score even better. For Reading, the AYP standard currently required 72% of students to score at least proficient, that standard was to rise to 81 percent. In math the numbers were 67% and 78% respectively. The federal government said that states could apply for a waiver to stop the percentage increase, so that levels would remain at their current level. Mountain View has thus far increased along with the requirements. Pennsylvania had decided that it would not apply for the first round of waiver as it was connected to an instructor assessment system. The state was considering applying for the second round however. The evaluation system would attend, and looked at off stage behavior (planning etc.) and also on stage behavior (instruction). She then reviewed Mountain View's performance by grade and subject level. There was some discussion around the 5th grade scores, where the school scored below both the target and the state. The percentile rank necessary to become proficient varies greatly between 4th and 5th grade however, it was explained at that point. This could account for part of the plummet at that grade across the state. Mr. Griffiths felt that the school had a problem if they slumped at fifth grade, despite Mrs. Voigt's assertions that the district did recover in higher grades. With 5th grade readers, it was pointed out, even the state scored below AYP. In sixth grade math was slightly below the state, and in reading slightly above.

Eleventh grade was another grade level which elicited some discussion. In 11th grade Math, 60% of the male students were proficient, and 54% of the females. In that grade both Math and Reading were below the state average. To respond to the Reading scores staff had participated in a professional development to incorporate reading into History and Biology classes. A visitor spoke of how her daughter had experienced this, researching and dressing as a figure in Psychology. She said that as a parent she knew the district was trying. In 11th grade Science, where scores did not count for AYP, both district and state scores were dismal. Mrs. Voigt attributed this to a discrepancy between how the subject was instructed and how it was tested. A visitor asked if the school was holding educators accountable for those scores. Mrs. Voigt responded that the district was trying to support them and to shoot for the target of AYP. Mr. Doster stated that he thought they had to take a whole systems approach. There was a gap as to how students learned today and how material was delivered, and he said that he was encouraging students to move into more interactive, project based, and interactive learning. It was a paradigm shift he said, and it was one he was encouraging. In response to the visitor's repeated queries, he stated that there was not an evaluation tool in place where educators could be evaluated based on test scores. The district evaluated them on their performance in the classroom. Aside from getting them to shift their paradigm of thought to engage 21st Century learners one thing which was being looked at was whether or not the strongest educators were in the weakest areas. He said that he had to look at staff realignment, but he could only do this based on certification.

The visitor then asked if they could tie evaluations into the staff contracts. Mr. Presley said that looking at the scores it was not necessarily one educator. These skills ran from kindergarten on up, so it was a system change. He said that he and Mr. Doster were trying to get professional leaning groups together. The visitor persisted, feeling that mechanisms needed to be added. Mr. Doster said that if a mechanism were added to evaluate an instructor based on student performance there were so many factors which could impact a student's learning before they even entered the door.

The subject of the Keystones was then broached. These were on hold for fiscal reasons. Still, a project based assessment had been unveiled where there was a project students could complete if they failed to pass the test twice.

Mr. Twining said that when he was on the board the last time they had decided that it was mandatory for seniors to retake the PSSA were they not proficient. This year very few had chosen to retake the tests. Most of the students who retook the tests were vo-tech students, as there were some colleges which wanted students to be proficient in reading and math prior to beginning the program. Some students who had a disability however, it was said, would not be proficient no matter how many times they retook the test. Mr. Twining felt the district was in trouble with the Keystone tests coming up, and felt that students needed to take them seriously. Mrs. Voigt thought that with the test being tied to graduation it was expected that the student's ownership would increase. Mr. Doster opined that value had to be built into the test to get students to retest successfully, and making it mandatory would not build value.

Mr. Twining brought attention to an instructor qualification page on the report card where some educators were listed as being not-highly qualified, and others as having emergency certification. Mrs. Voigt addressed these, stating that this was probably published prior to errors being corrected. There were then some questions, led by Dava Rinehart-Cowan, regarding data systems. The administrators mentioned that they had 5 systems which did not talk to each other. The administration had been told that the Skyward system would be compliant, but it was not. They were trying to work on a bridge to fix it, but it had made things worse. Mr. Mirabelli said that he had written a letter regarding his frustrations to the company, and they had sent someone to discuss it. Some board members said that they had not been aware of the problem. Mr. Mirabelli said that it was being addressed. He felt that SIF compliance, the interoperability between systems, was a farce. Software vendors sell systems saying that it will work, and he said he had never seen it work out. The second problem was that the PIMS and the other state required systems were constantly changing, and it was very difficult for the vendors to keep up with this. Mrs. Pipitone said that they had been working on it with the IT department, and had been looking at the long term prognosis for this. The state has also decided, Mrs. Voigt said, to calculate graduation rate differently, such that if a student dropped out, returned, and dropped out again, they could be counted twice against the graduation rate. Students with IEPs who could be educated until they were 21 would also count against the graduation rate when they did not graduate when they normally would. This led to further discussion regarding what the board or district could do to try and fix this.

Mr. Griffiths asked if the curriculum was being kept up with the technology which was put into the science wing. Two out of the five instructors, Mrs. Voigt said, were Classrooms for the Future and used technology. Biology now had a lab, Chemistry used the lab, and students participated in the PA Junior Academy of Science. He felt that this should be a big part of strategic planning and it was responded that it was.

A letter of resignation was accepted from Shirley Granger, effective at the end of the school year, for the purposes of retirement. A motion was made to accept a letter of resignation from James Mirabelli from his business manager position, effective January 3 of the coming year. Advertising for the business manager position was then approved retroactively. Two motions after that of his resignation, the motion was made to approve James Mirabelli to provide contracted services for the business office as a consultant beginning January 4 of the coming year. This motion was unanimously approved. A motion was also made to acknowledge the receipt of a letter of intent from Cynthia Oakley to retire effective with the conclusion of the current school year.

During the superintendent's comments, Dr. Chichura discussed an item he had placed before the board where the district had run out of funds and could not afford payroll in January. That school was trying to get their June subsidy in January so as to meet payroll. He opined that such things would be seen more frequently. The reason he brought this up was to point out that the district did have a fund balance. Mr. Stoddard asked how often subsidy payments were made, and it was responded that they were received typically every other month, with a large payment generally made at both the beginning of the year, and the end.

Dr. Chichura wanted to compliment Mr. Mirabelli, stating that he had enjoyed working with him and that he wished him well in the future.

Mr. Doster spoke of the winter concert during his report, wishing to congratulate the students and instructor. He also mentioned the Breakfast with Santa run by the FBLA, at which about 120 students attended. The hallways at the high school had been decorated. He also wished to echo the comments toward Mr. Mirabelli stating that he enjoyed working with him. Dr. Plonski-Sezer echoed the compliments regarding the concert.

Mr. Presley said that the elementary school also had their winter concert, and he wanted to acknowledge the students and staff who worked toward it. Two students, Alexis Diaz and Emory Bewley, had been chosen for a program run by The Lackawanna County Department of Art and Culture and the Everhart museum, in which their artwork was to be displayed at the Everhart in early 2012, and the Ballina Arts Center in Ireland later that year.

Mrs. Voigt, in her report, spoke about ACT's being held at Mountain View. Of those who took the test, six were students within the district. Also, December 10, Mrs. Martens and she had taken students to Wallenpaupack for the Holiday Bowl. The Mountain View A team had placed in the final four in a close competition. She commended Mrs. Martens, and how the program was being developed.

Mrs. Pipitone also commended Mr. Mirabelli, wishing him luck in his new position and stating that it was Mountain View's loss.

Mrs. Rinehart Cowan voted against the conference attendance, again expressing her opinion that she would like the instructors to stay in the classroom. She quoted the number of substitutes in the district in the month of November. This conference attendance was grant funded. Dr. Plonski-Sezer said that she would like to see reports from these conferences. Mr. Presley said that he had sent out an e-mail asking them to do the reports. Mr. Griffiths reiterated that he had suggested in the past a rule stating that until a report was turned in staff should not be allowed to attend another. During the second listing of conference reports three voted against them, including Mr. Twining and Mr. Stoddard.

At the December 21 meeting of the New Milford Township supervisors, Mr. Hunter stated that more pads from Southwestern had come in. A visitor asked if the township had any permitting authority, or if it was all with DEP. Mr. Hunter responded that it was through DEP. Another visitor asked what the time line for permits was, and it was responded that it could be three or four months.

Susquehanna Gathering Company LLC applied for a subdivision up on Carry/Sutton Road, for the Compressor Station. This was to be located near the quarry. The compressor station has been approved by the planning commission in Montrose, it was said in response to a question regarding the dimensions of the station.

Bluestone Gathering Company applied for an Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit (ESGCP) for installation of 12.0 miles of natural gas Pipeline. It was to run 1/2 mile south of New Milford to a terminus three miles south of Kingsley. The supervisors had sent notification of this to the township.

The road maintenance agreement with Bluestone Gathering was approved, for working on, traveling, or going under the roads. The agreement had gone through the attorney. The agreement dictated that if the company did damage to township roads they were responsible for fixing them or paying to have them fixed. The agreement was signed and ratified during the meeting.

Southwest Energy had applied for a driveway permit for a water pond on the O'Dell property on Plank Road. Also applied for were a land use permit for Pad #25 on the Watt's property on Foote Road. Both a land use and driveway permit were applied for regarding Pad #41 off Howell Road. In addition, the company had applied for a G7 minor road crossing and ESGCP for Pad #28 on East Lake Road, the Conigliaro property. Finally, they had applied for pad #38 on Stump Pond Road.

At the February meeting the township was to open bids on a variety of items. These included: gas, fuel oil, and diesel fuel, along with road materials.

The 2012 budget was printed out for the public, and adopted. There was no increase in taxes. This was the proposed budget. It included an estimated $481,723 in expenses and $542,722 in income. The budget was motioned and accepted. This included an estimated $35,000 of earned income tax funds.

The reorganization meeting was scheduled for January 3 at 7 o’clock with the regular meeting to follow.

Visitors commended the supervisors for their work on the roads.

A visitor asked about the township's responsibilities for protecting landowners. She said that she lived on a little 5 acre plot of land. She spoke about all of the gas and oil activity around her home. She moved here to live here, she said, and did not want her well destroyed. She asked if there were any rights for her property as a landowner, should her land be disturbed. Mr. Hunter said that they had been trying to travel in a circle, up Rice Road and down Hall Road, or vice versa. Also, they were looking to put in a water line next to the gas line, which it was estimated would decrease traffic. She was also worried about her water pressure and safety. She said that she didn't want to have to move when her house had little value. She knew she wasn't alone; her neighbors felt the same way. She was wondering if the township supervisors had any authority or ability to protect landowners. It was responded that as regarded the protection of a landowner's water and things, they did not. The woman asked what they were supposed to do, if the supervisors had any suggestions. She spoke about how it had already happened in other areas. Mr. Hunter said that there were places where the industry had gone wrong, but also places where it had gone right. The woman said that she was not a no drilling at all person, but she wanted to take care of the people who lived here, thinking there ought to be better accountability. She said she didn't know if the supervisors had any power, and Mr. Hunter said that they really didn't as it all went through DEP.

She spoke about concerns regarding the pipeline legislation which would not apply to this area. Mr. Hunter said that he understood where she was coming from but that it wasn't like it was the first pipeline. In the end, Mr. Hunter said, it was not in his jurisdiction. He said that he could give her the number for Bluestone Gathering. The secretary, Ms. Graham, said that their PR people and analysts were very friendly to talk with. She said that it was more of a question for the legislature, as they made the laws. Mr. Conroy said that as far as protecting the people they were all on the same board. With that, they had sent letters to lots of people regarding items brought to their attention. If they had a problem residents should bring it to their attention, and they would pursue it as they could. The supervisors were there for the people, it was emphasized. Mr. Bondurant said that his experience so far with the companies in the township had been good. Ms. Graham said that she would help if someone had a need where possible. She could provide addresses or send letters. Mr. Conroy said that the companies had helped with the roads 100 percent. Mr. Hunter stated that there was only one gas company in the township - Southwest. The visitor said that she also understood that what had been done with the compressor station had been done well. She asked however if the supervisors knew if there would be caps put on for emissions. The supervisors did not know, but Ms. Graham thought the man had said something about the station being state of the art for this area, as regarded emissions.

Please note the township holiday closure on Monday, January 2 in observance of the New Year holiday.

Susquehanna Depot Boro Council President David Scales bid farewell to his fellow council members on Tuesday, December 20, as the council closed out its final meeting of 2011. Mr. Scales, who was narrowly defeated for re-election in this year’s municipal election, expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to work with fellow council members. At meeting’s end he recounted a number of accomplishments during his four-year term on council. “We worked with Trehab to tear down a number of eyesores and restore properties to the tax rolls. We worked with PennDOT to get the Main Street Project pushed up by a year and a half, when PennDOT wanted to close the street. Frank J. Reddon Park was an atrocious mess; we worked to put it back in shape, and that is what I am most proud of.”

Before those fond remembrances, Mr. Scales gaveled the council into session at 7 p.m. sharp. Council members present were Allen Wolf, Debbie Zayas, Joe Varsik, Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Bill Perry Jr., and Mayor Mike Matis. Council quickly approved the evening’s agenda, as well as the minutes from council’s meeting of November 15. Minutes for the committee meeting of December 6 needed a bit of clarification as to a recent hiree’s part-time per diem status; then they too were approved. A nearly-ten-minute discussion, largely focused on the boro’s phone charges, was the prerequisite for council’s approval of the bills list.

Council was in receipt of four pieces of correspondence. Two pieces were filed with no action taken. For the other two, council directed Secretary Diann Robbins to conduct research and to draft replies. Of particular concern to the council was a letter from ION GX Corporation indicating their intent to conduct seismic studies within the boro.

There were no comments or questions from the public, but Bill Malos of Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC) requested time to speak. He presented council with the preliminary site plans for the water tower to be constructed by PAWC adjacent to Reddon Park. Mr. Malos stressed that the water tower’s construction would improve both the water quality and water pressure within the boro. The draft plans he presented to council required review by the boro’s solicitor to ensure compliance with zoning requirements and right-of-ways. Once the boro’s solicitor signs off on the draft plans, PAWC solicitors will review them once more before filing them at the courthouse and commencing actual construction. This provoked Mr. Scales to comment that the minimum pressure required by state law is 24 pounds water pressure, and to ask if residences on various streets of the second ward would require pressure reducers. Mr. Malos’ opinion was that construction of the water tower would increase water pressure to at least 40 pounds, but that pressure reducers were unlikely to be needed.

In the Mayor’s Report, Mr. Matis brought up discussion of HB-1702; a bill which he said had been passed in the state House that day, and would likely be passed in the state Senate. Mayor Matis explained that HB-1702 consists of 20 pages of revision to the “Borough Code,” and that these changes were of substantial import. He further thanked outgoing boro council members for all their hard work, and beamed broadly toward Mr. Scales and Mr. Hendrickson as he encouraged, “I hope you will stay involved. …I know you will.”

In old business council approved a $1,080 motion for two solar lights, a hot water heater, and a hot dog grill for Reddon Park, to be paid for out of the capital reserve account for Parks and Recreation. Also under old business, council tabled a motion until next year to upgrade the boro’s narrowband radios.

In business bridging the old and new, council had notified Trehab that residents of Station House Apartments (on Main Street next to the American Legion) could move their vehicles down to the borough building area during any snow advisory period. To this, Station House residents requested the boro provide shuttle assistance to those moving their vehicles during snow advisories. In response to their request, council directed that the boro secretary advise them by letter that while council understands their situation, the boro does not have facilities sufficient to assist them.

Council voted to approve the 2012 budget as proposed. All council members voted in favor, except for Mr. Scales who abstained, and in so doing explained that he had not been available to participate in the budget process.

The Secretary’s Report highlighted the following:

- The boro’s snow removal notice is posted on Adams Cable Channel 7.

- FEMA/PEMA packet has been filed, and $16,000 in reimbursement is expected.

- Reorganization meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 3, at 7 p.m.

- The boro will be receiving a check for $641.75 under its insurance policy to partially cover the cost of damage due to a recent accident at the Streets building; the boro’s deductible is $500.

There being no further business council moved to adjournment at 8:16 p.m. When asked by this reporter about his years of public service, Mr. Scales recalled his 22 years as a police officer and four years on the boro council. His term of service is up - for now, but he made clear that his devotion to public service in Susquehanna has by no means come to an end.

THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

On November 5 Ptlm James Smith investigated a Theft of an ATV located at 7655 State Route 247. While on scene the victim, David Grover stated that he recently traded a vehicle for an ATV owned by a Mr. Charles Shifler of Forest City. On today’s date at or about 12:15 p.m. David’s wife witnessed Mr. Shifler trespassing on their property while taking the ATV. Shifler was contacted by Police. Later to find out the agreement was not fulfilled and the ATV was returned to Mr. Grover. Referred to civil court. No charges were filed.

BURGLARY

On November 10 Ptlm Timothy Cramer investigated a theft of copper tubing located at 10 Bullet Wood Road, Clifford Township. Homeowner, John Bussolini stated that his wife arrived home that day at or about 1630 hours noticing that the basement door was wide open. While upon further investigation by Mr. Bussolini he noticed that all of the copper tubing was removed from the boiler room located in the basement area of the residence. Nothing else was misplaced at the time of the report. Investigation pending.

THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING

On November 5, Ptlm James Smith investigated a theft of two aluminum ATV ramps which were taken off of an ATV trailer located across from the Stillwater Dam on State Route 171 at or about 1:45 p.m. Witness stated that while walking out of the woods towards a red pick up truck with an ATV trailer attached which was parking near or off of the roadway on the north bound side of 171, a silver Toyota Tacoma pick up pulled up next to the red truck and ATV trailer. A white male got out of the Toyota truck and threw the two ramps inside his pick up box area of the Toyota then jumped back into his truck and fled north on State Route 171. Witness stated that the silver Toyota had a black SRS sticker located on both sides of the box area of the truck. The white male driver was described as 40-45 years of age, light brown hair, partially longer in the back wearing a baseball style cap and a camouflage coat. Appeared to be approximately 5’11’’. Investigation pending.

ASSAULT

On November 16 at or about 6:50 p.m. both Chief Don Carroll along with Ptlm Paul Thiel responded to an assault call located at 15 Park Lane, Clifford Township. While arriving on scene both Officers spoke to the victim a William Donnelly. Donnelly was intoxicated and acting irate. After calming Donnelly down he went on to state that he was at his friend’s house, Anthia Fulkerson’s located at 67 Marcho Lane, Clifford Township when she asked to leave. Donnelly stated that he did not understand why. Donnelly then stated that Anthia’s boyfriend Patrick physically threw him out of the residence while a Carol Mayorowski pushed him down a set of stairs. Donnelly stated that they were all drinking heavily that night so he walked home to call police. After speaking to the alleged suspects both parties stated that Donnelly was at fault due to the fact he was highly intoxicated and began yelling and screaming at the two for no apparent reason so he was asked to leave. Both parties stated that Donnelly drove back to his residence. No charges were filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On November 26 at or about 5:15 p.m. Ptlm James Smith responded to the area of 3271 Church Street for a report of a damaged mail box possibly hit by a baseball bat. Victim stated that he heard the bang at or about 4:00 a.m. that day but when he got out of bed to look the actors were no longer on scene. Unfounded.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On November 26 at or about 4:30 p.m. Ptlm James Smith responded to a report of a damaged mailbox located at 667 Elk Dale Road. While on scene the owner of the property Evelyn Arnold stated that her mailbox was burned to the ground. It appeared to have had a rag put inside of the box then lit on fire. Unknown time of occurrence. Unfounded.

ALARM CALL

On November 27 Ptlm Timothy Cramer responded to an activated burglar alarm located at the Stillwater Dam on State Route 171 at or about 5:20 p.m. Upon arrival no audible alarm was heard. All the gates enclosing the premises were secure. Key holder responded. Cleared.

BURGLARY

On November 29 at or about 5:00 p.m. Ptlm Timothy Cramer was dispatched to the area of 3740 State Route 247. Upon arrival Ptlm Cramer spoke to the homeowner, Barbara Prybicien. Barbara stated that she arrived home at or about 4:30 p.m. to find her back door to her porch area was opened. Inside the porch area there were broken pieces of her door frame. There were no signs of forced entry to the inside doorway leading into her residence. Investigation pending.

DOMESTIC

On November 28 Ptlm Timothy Cramer responded along with Scott Township Police to a domestic in progress located at 67 Marcho Lane. Caller was a Mr. Patrick Mankovich. Mankovich stated that he would meet Police at the corner of State Route 374 in Royal. Caller stated that he was not injured and did not need EMS. While on scene Officers spoke to Mankovich. Mankovich stated that his girlfriend Anthia Fulkerson assaulted him while grabbing him by his hair and continuously hitting him on the left side of his face. Patrick stated that she was drinking with her ex-boyfriend while Mankovich was sitting inside the bedroom area alone. Fulkerson was highly intoxicated while wanting to leave the residence to get more alcohol. Mankovich did not want her to leave making Fulkerson become irate. After speaking to Fulkerson she went on to state that both parties were engaged in fighting. Fulkerson stated that Patrick did choke her at one point. Arrest pending.

During the month of November officers responded to a total of 133 incidents of which 53 where traffic related.

During the Clifford Township Supervisors’ monthly meeting held on December 12 at 7:00 p.m., supervisors announced a cut in public safety. Talk was to raise the current tax bracket from 2 mills to 3 mills so that the police department would not loose their current coverage of 80 hours per week. The decision was made by township supervisors to keep the bracket at it’s current 2 mills cutting the police budget from the current 2011 salary budget of $66,600.00 to $47,750.00. No further discussion has been made for the upcoming January 2012 schedule.

DEEDS

Linda R. Ernst (estate) to John A., III (trust) and Linda R. (trust) Ernst and John J. Lederer (trustee), in Gibson Township for one dollar.

Paul W. (by sheriff) and Wendy J. (by sheriff) Weber to Selene Finance LP, in Montrose.

Carmelita Kutch to Donald H., Jr. and Annette M. Peters, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Ruth T. States (estate) to Thomas J. States, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Ruth T. States (estate) to Dennis, Richard G. and Thomas J. States, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Bernadine Heiser to Charles J. Heiser, Maryann Burgio and Rose Marie Kalinowski, in Rush Township for one dollar.

John S., Jr. and Patricia A. Brewer to Randall W. Teets, in Bridgewater Township for $124,000.00.

Bremer Hof Owners, Inc. to Ronald and Lynda Medina and Raquel Ayala, in Herrick Township for $100.00.

Frank and Erika Faber and Peter and Elizabeth Osborn to Peter and Elizabeth Osborn, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Kerri Ellen Wilder to Kerri Ellen Wilder, in Lanesboro Borough for one dollar.

Gregory P. and Diane J. Deck to Gregory P. Deck, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Roy (by sheriff) and Diane (by sheriff) Williams to Beal Bank, in Susquehanna for $1,149.84.

David E. and Edith Anne (estate) Dodge to Edith Anne Dodge Family Limited Partnership (AKA) Edith Anne Dodge (estate), in Auburn Township for one dollar.

David E. and Edith Anne (estate) Dodge to Christopher H. Dodge, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Dorothy M. Bedell (NBM) Dorothy M. Mallow (by sheriff) to Lawrence M. Grasso (trust), in Franklin Township for $4,493.76.

Dorothy L. Abbot (estate) to Dennis E., Patricia A., Lynn H. and Barbara A. Abbott, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar.

Leslie J. and Mary Alice Hawley to Lasting Hope LLC, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Andrew, David and Philip Maass to Juglans 14 LP, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Benjamin A. (trust by trustee) and Joyce E. (trust by trustee) Cobb to Joyce E. Cobb, in New Milford Borough for one dollar.

Joyce E. Cobb to Larry D. Cobb, in New Milford Borough for one dollar.

Fannie Mae (AKA) Federal National Mortgage Association (by atty) to Shailen R. and Rosita M. Shah, in Gibson Township for $250,000.00.

Frances Donovan to Ella E. Gridley and Eugenia Frances Veley, in Montrose for one dollar.

Mark Silver Lake Associates LP to Eric R. and Joan E. Roof, in Silver Lake Township for $400,000.00.

Charles (by sheriff) and Susan Mary (by sheriff) Yaskulski to Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank, in Clifford Township for $59,841.22.

Stephen Tolerico to Marion Knight, in Clifford Township for $6,000.00.

Delwyn G., Jr. and Shirley Lynn Speth (NKA) Shirley L. Meyer Speth to Shirley L. Meyer Speth, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Charles, Barbara, Glenn J. and Carol L. Pompey to Cecil and Marilyn Kilmer, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Brett and Teresa R. Vermilyea to William G., III and Christi Albert, in Oakland Township for $113,500.00.

Fannie Mae (AKA) Federal National Mortgage Association (by atty) to Kurt A. and Amanda J. Frey, in Liberty Township for $120,000.00.

Allan K. Little (trust by trustee) to Michael and Martin Barhite, in Clifford Township for $520,000.00.

Ted G. and Catherine L. Lewis (FKA) Catherine L. McCain to Ted G. and Tina Lewis, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

MARRIAGES

Rosario Amato and Calista H. West, both of Montrose.

Kenneth R. Muldoon and Melanie A. Deforge, both of New Milford.

Thurstan L. Morrison and Rhonda Lee Campbell, both of Montrose.

Lyle R. Sherman and Becky Jo Canfield, both of Meshoppen.

William G. Minton and Debra B. Cerra, both of Carbondale.

Carl J. Spencer of Friendsville and Rosalynd M. Perlick of Brackney.

James Michael Jerauld and Linda M. Robinson, both of Nicholson.

Eugene J. Delsandro and Lori A. Hadlick, both of Susquehanna.

Eseosa Idahosa and Kaissa Desta Benth, both of Binghamton.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 9:20 a.m. on December 23, 2011.

Craig J. Anderson, Brian Anderson, Asa M. Atherholt IV, Sharon Baker, Shiloe M.Benedict, Tonya S. Birchard, Christopher Brenner, Douglas Buckman, Bradley C. Button, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Jeremy J. Grick, Nichole M. Jones, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Micahel A. Linden, Michael Maryasz, Corey A. Maynard, Erica Y. Mead, Matthew S. Miller, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Perry Rohan, Mark Salsman, Christie L. Sheptock, David J. Shiner, Peter S. Showalter, Sinon C. Smith, Sr., Eric J. Snell, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Kelly L. Yarbrough.

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