Garry Foltz took the center seat from the outset at the meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors on January 3. The session began with the annual reorganization, following the election of Doug Phelps, who replaces Terry VanGorden at the table.

Mr. Foltz was elected to the chair by his colleagues. Mr. Phelps took vice-chair. Supervisor Sue Furney is still the township Secretary/Treasurer, bonded at $900,000.

Almost everything else stays the same: attorneys Kreder, Brooks and Hailstone; Peoples Neighborhood Bank as primary repository of the township’s funds; David D. Klepadlo & Associates to run the sewer system; Dottie Hagenbuch as chair of the vacancy board; road crew employees remain Eric Allen, Wayne Frederici (George Sansky will start on January 9).

Township employees will have 8 holidays in 2012 (including New Year’s Day, 2013). Their wages will be set separately; Ms. Furney’s salary would be set by the township’s auditors on the day following this meeting, upon recommendation of the Supervisors.

Mr. Foltz had said that he wanted to schedule meetings twice a month in the new year, one to be a work session that would not see any voting. Mr. Phelps, however, said that some municipalities had trouble doing that, risking criticism for making decisions outside of a normal business meeting. He said he preferred one meeting a month; Ms. Furney liked that, too. Mr. Phelps even polled the small group of observers about a suitably convenient time of day. In the end, the meeting schedule stays the same: the 2nd Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Township office on Route 547.

There seemed to be some confusion (not to say dispute) about the job of Township Roadmaster. Ms. Furney moved to appoint Mr. Phelps to the position. That was curious since not a month ago Eric Allen (who was present at the meeting) had been appointed to the job. There seemed to be some question about the matter among the 3 Supervisors. Mr. Foltz asked if it should be discussed in the open, but Mr. Phelps asked for an executive session instead.

The 3 Supervisors retired into the adjoining shop for a half hour of what sounded like heated debate. When the public meeting resumed, they agreed to table the matter. When asked about Mr. Allen’s role in all of this, Mr. Foltz just said that he would remain as Roadmaster “for the time being.” Someone remarked that appointing Mr. Phelps Roadmaster would add a 4th employee to the road crew. Only last month Mr. Foltz got the adopted budget changed to eliminate a proposed 4th crew member, a move that cut the property tax increase from 1 mill to only a half mill. With a brand-new Supervisor sworn in, the Supervisors are permitted to reopen the budget. With the issue tabled, the question remains unresolved for now.

An observer asked if the Roadmaster shouldn’t have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or at least agree to get one within a specified period of time. (Mr. Phelps is not known to have a CDL.) Ms. Furney said that the township code only requires that the Roadmaster be someone who “can do or direct to be done” whatever there is to do, implying that the Roadmaster isn’t required to drive the big trucks himself. Mr. Foltz added that when Mr. VanGorden was appointed to the position, he said that at his age he wasn’t going to go through the process to get a CDL just for that job. A CDL is not a requirement in the township’s job description for Roadmaster.

Once all that was taken care of, the Supervisors launched right into a regular business agenda, albeit a brief one, without a treasurer’s report. Ms. Furney had said last month that she wouldn’t have that ready even by the normal 2nd Tuesday anyway.

They resolved to sign new signature cards for the bank, and approved a minor subdivision application at Tingley Lake. A look at the bill list revealed the Supervisors’ generosity toward its employees: for a total of $92.64, they were each given a turkey for the holidays.

On a bitterly cold night following some snow, the road crew were commended for their work putting the roads in shape for the start of school early in the morning. With the skeleton of their new truck having been delivered to Powells for final setup, Mr. Foltz offered to drive Mr. VanGorden and 4 employees down to take a look at it, to make sure it’s what was ordered (for $41,657.75), and to ensure that the specifications for the setup are correct.

The next public meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14. Be there.

Was it luck? Skill? Or fate? On Tuesday, January 3, Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren were sworn in as Susquehanna County’s Commissioners for the 2012-2016 term at 8:30 a.m. in the main courtroom of the Courthouse. In time-honored tradition the three commissioners met soon thereafter - at 10 - to reorganize county government. In seconds, the seismic shock of Democratic takeover four years past faded into history as Commissioner Warren passed the gavel to newly-elected Chairman Hall. Reelected Republican Giangrieco was pressed into service as Vice-Chairman.

The commissioners’ reorganization took a mere three minutes, but mightily reshuffled card assignments in the county’s deck of doers. With Mr. Hall serving as Chairman, Mr. Giangrieco as Vice-Chairman, and Ms. Warren as Commissioner, the three serve in identical positions on these boards also: County Board of Election, Retirement Board, Salary Board, and Board of Assessment Revision.

Commissioner Hall’s individual committee assignments/appointments include Area On Aging; Barnes-Kasson Hospital Board; Economic Development; Endless Mountains Hospital Board; Military Affairs; Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development; Planning Commission & Planning Dept.; Recycling & Solid Waste; River Bounty - Susquehanna Power Plant; Women’s Resource Center.

Commissioner Giangrieco’s individual committee assignments/appointments include Communications Committee; Emergency Management; 911; Emergency Medical Services - Susquehanna & Bradford Counties; Hazmat - L.E.P.C.; and Volunteer Fire Association.

Commissioner Warren’s individual committee assignments/appointments include Agricultural Easement Purchases; Agricultural Extension Office; Children & Youth Services; Economic Development; Housing & Redevelopment Authority; Lackawanna/Susquehanna Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Program; Planning Commission & Planning Dept.; Recycling & Solid Waste; Trehab; and Women’s Resource Center.

Assignments/appointments which include all three commissioners are these: Endless Mountains Visitor Bureau; Jail Inspectors (Jail Board); and Tax Claim.

Inasmuch as commissioners made notable changes, status quo more appropriately described nearly every other action taken in those three minutes. Sylvia Beamer was reappointed as Chief Clerk. Linda LaBarbara was reappointed as Public Defender. Catherine Benedict was reappointed as Director of Tax Claim. Board of Commissioners’ meetings remain scheduled for 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, with various provisos for scheduling around legal holidays. Board of Assessment Revision meetings for assessment reviews are scheduled for the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Assessment Office of the Courthouse. Inspectors of the Jail (Jail Board) meet the first Tuesday of every month beginning at 11:30.

Commissioners Warren and Giangrieco will maintain status quo regarding office space. Translated, that means Commissioner Warren can be found at the same office she moved into four years ago when she took over as Chairwoman. For Commissioner Giangrieco, he’ll continue to not maintain an office in the courthouse, but may be found at his law office down the street. Chairman Hall will maintain his office in space formerly occupied by Commissioner Leon Allen.

Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer recorded the time of the commissioners’ reorganization adjourning at 10:03. And so it was that on the third day of the year, three commissioners took three minutes to reorganize government in a county fresh into its third century. When later asked by this reporter what he saw as the main priorities now that he has taken charge, Commissioner Hall responded, “Well, I think they are pretty much as I laid them out during my campaign: to maintain fiscal stability, institute long-term planning and bring strong economic planning to bear. I’m not saying that the county is not in strong fiscal shape, but we can do better. We don’t have a strong economic base we need for our families. The gas industry is going strong now, but it’s not going to last forever. We have to plan for the day it’s gone.”

Like numerous leaders before him, Commissioner Hall seems acutely attuned to the county’s economic death-spiral of population loss and nearly non-existent industrial infrastructure. Whether he can succeed where his predecessors were found wanting, only time will tell. And speaking of time once more, at 11:30 a.m. the three new commissioners, along with sheriff and D.A. formed the newly-constituted “Jail Board” and met for their first session. Adjournment came at 11:33. Another three-minute meeting. Luck? Skill? Or fate?

Clifford’s reorganization meeting saw few changes in the roles of township officials. However, Chris Marcho will now serve as the supervisor’s representative to the planning commission, and Phil Price will take the position of emergency management coordinator, with Jay Lynch assisting. Another change will involve the township’s business meeting schedule, with the board to meet on the second Tuesday of the month.

During the regular business meeting, Barry Searle, vice-chairman of the board, encouraged residents to “put a little pride in the township” by collecting roadside litter along their property lines.

It was suggested that the owner of some old storage trailers sitting along Main Street be asked to remove them. According to one individual, the trailers have been there for about twelve years. Solicitor Joe McGraw stated that Paul Fortuner, code enforcement officer, could be contacted, since the trailers represent a possible violation of the township’s junk yard ordinance. The supervisors will send a letter to the owner, who currently resides in California.

Next, Bob Dietz introduced the possibility of involving some Mountain View High School students in running the township’s recycling program as a graduation project. Searle responded, “It could be a win-win situation.” Dietz promised to contact the school concerning the idea.

Chairman Dennis Knowlton then thanked individuals who assisted with installing insulation within the township building and Freddy’s Refuse, which removed scrap materials. The entire project required ten days for completion.

A representative of the Clifford Township Advisory Committee requested details of sewage problems within the township, as Act 537 must be incorporated into the township’s comprehensive plan. The supervisors responded that Act 537 is “in flux” and is likely to be changed within the year; therefore they did not want to provide information about the current act. Updated information will be made available to Mr. Shepstone for the comprehensive plan.

Concerning reviews of the township newsletter, Sandy Wilmot stated, “I have a lot of feedback, and it’s all positive.”

Affirmed members of the planning commission are Robert Clementoni, Robert Dietz, John Knighton, Chris Marcho, Trent Turner, Richard Vauder and Larry Wilson.

Harry Phillips, township tax collector, requested that Maria Phillips and Boyd Manzer, who serves as Gibson Township tax collector, be appointed deputy tax collectors.

A resident who owns a towing company within the township asked the supervisors why the “police won’t let [his company] tow any vehicles in this town,” calling the situation “discrimination.” He stated that this has been going on for about two years, and recently, he had again been ordered to leave a stranded vehicle. He added that the police department has been bringing in tow truckers from Carbondale, who must drive further and do not pay township taxes. Knowlton promised to investigate the matter.

Next on the agenda for the historical society will be finishing the interior walls of the museum and voting rooms located inside the township building. The cost of $1500 per room will include materials and two days of hired labor. The township will cover the cost of the voting room but will receive volunteer help from the historical society, as needed.

Wilmot reminded the supervisors that last year, they wanted someone to “think of something we could do for Mr. Shipsky” because he volunteers at recycling each month for the township. Wilmot reported that after talking with Shipsky, she learned that he used to receive a gift certificate from one of the supervisors for buying lunch after recycling. “We’ll look into that,” Knowlton promised.

The Great Bend Borough Council opens 2012 with three meetings in January. There was a new face at the table when Council reorganized itself on January 3 in a meeting that took less than 10 minutes. Dawn Crook took the seat held for the last 14 years by Joe Collins. Since Mr. Collins had been Roadmaster, overseeing road and park maintenance, Council got Mike VanGorden to take that job. Everything else stays the same, with Rick Franks presiding.

The regular, scheduled meeting on the following Thursday covered the usual topics, although the printed agenda looked a little scanty for this team. Officer-in-charge Jon Record attended the meeting to present a report of the new police department’s activities during December. He also provided a schedule for January, which was withheld from the public. Since the department’s 3 officers are all part-time and the hours the Borough can afford are limited, Council doesn’t want miscreants to be able to predict when the police will be around - and especially when they won’t.

Mr. Record billed the Borough for 59 1/2 hours in December altogether. There were 9 “incidents” in total. The police handed out 18 warnings, mostly for vehicle equipment violations, and 4 citations. There were 2 criminal incidents, one for underage drinking, the other for driving under the influence.

He also reported that Barnes-Kasson Hospital had donated a trauma kit with medical supplies so that the police could also function as first responders. And the District Attorney is expected to provide a breathalyzer kit.

Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan wanted to know what to tell people who call the police when the officers aren’t in town. Clearly, in an emergency, call 911. For information or other non-emergency situations, residents are asked to call the police department office at 879-1098, and leave a message if no one answers.

Borough Mayor Jim Riecke who oversees the police department suggested that he take the officers on a tour of Borough boundaries. He said he wanted to be sure that the police “stay within Borough boundaries … unless called out.” Borough police on Borough time and dollars should be patrolling only Great Bend Borough.

Mr. VanGorden suggested that the police department office be outfitted with some sort of security system. There are no bars on the window (the window is considered a fire escape), and the office is too easy to break into. On the other hand, Mr. Franks allowed that there probably isn’t anything in the office worth stealing so far.

Council decided to remove “Code Enforcement” from the monthly agenda. They figured that anything bad enough could be handled by the police.

Council member Bret Jennings is also the Borough’s representative on the Board of the Hallstead-Great Bend Sewer Authority. He reported that the cost of renovating the sewer plant continues to rise, and that the contractor has threatened to abandon the job. He also charged some individuals connected with the sewer system with malfeasance, and is considering bringing charges. Borough solicitor Frank O’Connor asked to meet with Mr. Jennings separately. Unfortunately, however, there is “nothing any of us [the Borough Council] can do” about any of it, said Mr. Franks. The sewer authority is an independent body over which the Borough has no leverage.

There was a brief discussion of leasing Borough property for gas exploration. Clearly, since Borough land is mostly used for parks, and most of that is in a flood plain, any lease would not involve surface activity. Mr. O’Connor suggested arranging a public meeting with landsmen from any companies interested in leasing Borough property, with the understanding that the companies themselves have been carving up the county among themselves anyway. He also recommended soliciting public input for lease provisions and protections. On the other hand, he recommended an executive session to discuss leasing, without explaining why the public needed to be excluded at all.

Council member (and Council vice chair) Jerry MacConnell reported that he toured the drainage from the interstate with about 10 people representing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and consultants contracted for the reconstruction of this part of I-81. He said that for some 25 years he has been concerned about the excess water coming off the mountain, under the highway and flushing through the little town.

He said the group discussed 3 options: the Borough can get a grant to renovate the drainage; dredge the so-called “brick pond” at the upper end in the Borough to provide a “reservoir” to contain flood waters; route the flow into Trowbridge Creek on the east side of the highway. He said the consensus seemed to be to direct excess water into Trowbridge Creek. But the highway renovation project has now been put off until 2014, and the group could offer no guarantees. He said that the DEP representative himself laughed when told that DEP had before reported the drainage as a “cold-water fishery.”

Mr. Franks reported that he had talked with the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars about their intentions for the entrance to VFW Park (aka “recreation park”). He was told that no more fill would be dumped there, and that the VFW expects to plant shrubbery and flowers, and place one or more benches at the location to spiff it up.

Ms. Guinan reported that Act 108 of 2011 went into effect on January 1 requiring manufacturers of “covered devices” to disclose the materials used in their products sold in Pennsylvania. As of January 1, 2014 it will be illegal to dispose of electronics in Pennsylvania landfills. All such products must be recycled, and manufacturers are required to take responsibility for the recycling.

Mr. MacConnell is appealing for someone with a cherry picker or other such machine to help install a new flag on the pole in Memorial Park. And he’ll need a couple of strong backs to help position a bluestone bench onto a new concrete pad in the park.

Council scheduled a third meeting this month, for Monday, January 9, to discuss paving work that may involve Washington, Church and Hayes Streets. Council wants to take some time to figure out how much of this the town can afford this year.

Otherwise, the next public meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council will be, as usual, on the first Thursday of February, the 2nd. All meetings take place at the Borough building at Elizabeth and Franklin Streets. Most of them begin at 7:00 p.m.

Aside from governmental reorganization, water and dogs played “Occupy Oakland” during the boro’s 7 p.m. meeting on Thursday, January 5. Water runoff plagues State Street, and the care that man extends “man’s best friend” doesn’t always live up to expectations, much less law.

Before council’s attention was occupied by these weighty issues, reorganization was the order of the evening. Following the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence, Mayor Glover swore in returning council members Jack Agler, Gary Boughton, and David Travarthan. Noticeably absent was the fourth electee, James P. Rouse. Mr. Rouse had notified council that although he had originally sought election, his situation was such that he now thought it best to decline assuming office. In the council reorganization that followed, Ronald Beavan was reelected as Boro Council President; Brian Rhone elected Vice-President; and Gary Boughton elected President Pro-Tem.

Inquisitive discussion followed as to the legalities for filling the council position vacated by Mr. Rouse. Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush had all the answers at her fingertips and promptly dispelled any confusion as to the proper course of action. When all was said and done, council nominated, approved, and by resolution in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Boro Code, proclaimed Tom Kubus newly elected to fill the vacant council position. In so doing, the new face of Oakland Boro transformed to that of its pre-November 8, 2011 election make-up. Mr. Kubus rejoins council members Dave Dibble and Brian Rhone to round out the new/old council along with those council members previously mentioned.

In short order, but with deliberative review, council approved the minutes of both the regularly-scheduled meeting of December 8, and the special meeting of December 29, which had been convened to approve the boro’s budget for 2012. The Treasurer’s Report was briefly discussed to clarify an accounting practice unique to the boro; acceptance followed. Shane Lewis, COG inspector, was not present, so Flo Brush provided a succinct summarization of the Codes Report. And Carol Trevarthan provided council the Parks Report in a terse statement indicating that Oakland Parks & Rec would not be purchasing a slide and swing set at the present time.

In the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Glover's Police Report showed that nine of the 16 police calls were due to traffic stops, and the other seven consisted of one each in the following categories: chest pain; criminal trespass; domestic dispute; miscellaneous; larceny/theft; warrant service; and animal. The last of those categories neatly segued into Police Officer Sweet’s remarks. He shared anecdotes about his weekend experience with Humane Society Officer Mark Richards in going through the boro to enforce animal cruelty laws. Specific violations Officers Sweet and Richards noticed over the weekend were dogs running loose; dogs living outside, but provided insufficient shelter; insufficient bedding for dogs; insufficient line to allow exercise; and outdoor pets’ water unavailable or frozen. Officers Sweet and Richards issued warnings to violators, and Officer Sweet made it clear that they will not hesitate to issue citations and take offenders to court in the future. Should council or the public be aware of loose dogs or any violation of animal cruelty laws, the proper procedure is to call police. Officer Sweet promised he would respond, with Humane Society Officer Richards assisting, to resolve the situation. Officer Sweet added that although the county’s Dog Warden could assist in animal cases, he is busy with his many duties and oft-times unavailable, whereas Mr. Richards had top-notch training and is the “go-to guy” accessible to assist local police on short notice.

From dogs occupying their attention, council refocused on old business. And nothing epitomizes old business, or refocuses ones attention as much as water in Oakland. Water runoff on State Street constitutes an ongoing concern. With steady sub-freezing temps, water flow across the roadway may be less troublesome, but woe to unsuspecting motorists who traverse the icing-and-thawing roadway at near 32 degrees. Three people are working to determine the situation’s cause, liability, and solution. But until responsibility can be firmly fixed, the boro is reluctant to take direct action. Council members noted that sidewalks are heaving and their faces will soon be ruined if nothing is done. All persons transiting State Street are urged to exercise caution and slow down until the situation is resolved.

There being no new business and no members of the public wishing to comment, at 7:46 p.m. council shifted into Executive Session. Adjournment of council‘s regular meeting came at 7:52. Their evening’s work had addressed issues of water and dogs. Both will occupy Oakland’s sharpened eyes and vigilance for days to come.

Great Bend Township Supervisors, Joe Gaughan, Sheila Guinan, and Ron Cranage Jr. gathered together for their first meeting of the year at the Great Bend Municipal Building on Route 171 on Tuesday, January 3, at 6:30 p.m. The first order of business was reorganization and Mr. Cranage was heartily welcomed to the board, which then moved to elect Mr. Gaughan Chairman and Mr. Cranage Vice-Chairman. Motions were made and approved to table appointment of Auditor and Roadmaster, and Mrs. Guinan was reappointed as Secretary/Treasurer for the township.

Mr. Gaughan, and Mrs. Guinan in particular, took time to explain a number of issues and experiential information to newly-elected Supervisor Cranage; and he, in turn, asked a number of insightful questions regarding the township’s topography and procedural methods and their rationale. Mrs. Guinan shared additional tidbits of information, including that there are no parks presently within the township’s jurisdiction; that the township maintains 26 miles of dirt roads and four miles of paved road; and that the township has cooperative agreements to swap roadway snow removal with several adjoining jurisdictions to maximize efficiencies. Other items completed during reorganization included acknowledgement of pay scales; maintenance of mileage reimbursement schedule at $.555/mile; maintenance of the Treasurer’s bond at $400,000; approval of signature card requirements; and maintenance of depositories for township funds. One notable exception of depository maintenance was the move of funds in the general machinery fund from Pennstar to PNB due to the substantially higher interest rate offered by PNB. Also approved were the dates for the Board of Supervisors Meetings through January 7, 2013. Meetings were set for 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, with the exception of July and September, which were set at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday.

Further appointments during the reorganization included Mrs. Guinan to Chief Administrative Officer for the Pension Plan; Joseph Collura, CPA, as the township’s auditing firm; re-appointment of Michael Giangrieco to Solicitor; Ed Eckenrod to Chairman of the Vacancy Board; and Mr. Cranage and Mr. Gaughan to the Susquehanna County Council of Governments (COG) as representative and alternate, respectively.

At 6:50 p.m. the reorganization meeting adjourned, and the regularly-scheduled monthly meeting opened. Supervisors noted and welcomed the five members of the public who were present. In short order they then approved the meeting’s agenda, the treasurer’s report, and the bills payable. In making her treasurer’s report Mrs. Guinan remarked that, “The bad news is that we’re broke; the good news is that FEMA money will be here in three weeks.” That sparked the curiosity of audience attendees as to just how many homes were damaged by the August and September storms. But Mrs. Guinan explained that due to privacy laws the township does not have actual hard information on the number of homes damaged and the extent of that damage. Supervisors have a general idea of damage to private residences only through observation and going almost door-to-door soon after the disasters occurred. But if someone had water in his basement, supervisors likely be unaware. The FEMA funds of which Mrs. Guinan spoke were due the township government, not private individuals.

There being no persons requesting time on the agenda, supervisors moved on to the Roadmaster’s Report. Mr. Gaughan noted that some parts were on order for the plow, but so far this has been an easy winter.

In the way of permits, the Board noted a recreational cabin permit had been issued to Norman and Diane Klimasiewfski, and an assessment permit to Jay Colwell for a pole barn. Nothing new was noted in the way of sewage permits. A subdivision plan for Robert, Alan, and Kirk Hinkley was approved. And finally the Board took note that Southwestern Energy will be putting a well pad in New Milford Township off of Highlands Road, and Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC) has applied to the PA Department of Environmental Protection for a permit to move the 8” water main that crosses DuBois Creek.

There was no “unfinished business,” nor any “new business.” The only correspondence to be noted concerned PSATS (Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors) Annual Convention being held in Hershey, PA, May 6 through 9. Public Comment brought last-minute mention of the problem of the Bridge over DuBois Creek. Mr. Gaughan replied that Rep. Sandy Major’s office had been contacted in early December, but nothing had been done as of yet. Supervisors agreed to contact Rep. Major’s office again to see if she could cut through the red tape.

With all matters settled to the satisfaction of those present, the Board of Supervisors adjourned at 7:06 p.m., but not before an audience member observed light-heartedly that all three supervisors were writing left-handed at the same time. Seems Southpaws are a roaring success in Great Bend Township.

THEFT

On December 8, a Silver Lake Township resident on SR167 reported that he had three five-gallon cans of kerosene and gas from a vehicle stolen from his property.

MVA (REPORTABLE)

On December 6, a Binghamton resident crashed on Britton Road, Silver Lake Township. His Chevy Pickup truck was severely damaged and he was not injured. The driver was cited for excessive speed which caused the accident.

MVA (NON-REPORTABLE)

On December 8, a resident slid off of the roadway and over a bank on SR4002 trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road. The vehicle was pulled out by local towing and there was no damage to the vehicle or injuries to the driver.

DISABLED VEHICLE

On December 9, after an investigation, a disabled vehicle causing a hazard was removed by the owner on Donovan Road, Silver Lake Township.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

On December 11 at 00:30 hours, SLTPD was dispatched to a disorderly conduct incident at a party on Laurel Lake, Silver Lake Township. After the investigation and interviews of all parties involved, the situation was rectified without further incident.

911 HANG-UP

On December 13, a 911 hang-up call came in for a residence on Donovan Road, Silver Lake Township. Investigation at the scene showed no problems at the residence.

DISABLED VEHICLE

On December 15, SLTPD came upon a disabled motorist on SR4002 with a flat tire and a bad spare tire. The motorist was transported to the individual’s nearby residence.

MVA (REPORTABLE)

On December 15, at approximately 0930hrs, an Illinois resident crashed his Jeep Wrangler on Britton Road, Silver Lake Township. The vehicle suffered severe damage after going upon several large boulders placed along the side of the road. The driver was not injured or transported. After investigating the scene, it was determined that the very icy roadway was the cause of the accident.

911 HANG-UP

On December 15, SLTPD responded to a 911 call on Woodland Road, Silver Lake Township. Upon arrival numerous people were at the residence eating dinner. After investigation and talking to the residents, it appears that it is an inadvertent phone line problem with this exchange.

911 HANG-UP

On December 22, a 911 call on Hamlin Road, Forest Lake Township, could not be located without a box number or name. Eventually a name was found and the location was ultimately found. No apparent problems at this location on Hamlin Road.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT

On December 28, SLTPD was dispatched to an incident in Silver Lake Township where dogs had attacked poultry at a resident’s barn. One of the dogs was dispatched in the process. This incident was turned over to the dog warden with more follow up investigation pending.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

On December 28, SLTPD was dispatched to a medical emergency on Haranick Road, Silver Lake Township. SLTPD administered first aid until Montrose EMS and SL-EMS arrived on scene and transported the patient to Wilson Hospital, Johnson City.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

On December 31 at 0057hrs, SLTPD was dispatched to assist Montrose PD with a Traffic Stop and arrest involving drugs.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

On December 31 at 1735hrs, SLTPD was dispatched to assist Montrose PD with a volatile Domestic Violence incident in the borough.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

On December 31 at 2030hrs, SLTPD was dispatched to assist PSP and Montrose PD with a Crash on SR11, New Milford Borough, involving a Montrose Police patrol vehicle and another vehicle. This incident is under investigation by PSP Gibson.

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 Townships’ news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.

The Starrucca Borough Council meeting was called to order on Monday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Starrucca Community Hall. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

The audience included Gerald Gill, Kathy Downton, Dan Kramer, Roland Buck and Melissa Leet.

The minutes of the meeting held on November 7 were presented. Mr. Everett noted the wording in the proposed Ordinance should read “to increase real estate taxes by 1 mill.” Motion to accept the minutes as corrected passed unanimously.

Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as of November 30, as presented, passed unanimously.

Motion to pay the December bills as presented, omitting the Penelec bill for the community hall because it had not been received as of yet, passed unanimously.

Correspondence Presented

Wayne Independent - Editor’s request - secretary to respond.

Wayne Co. Board for the Assessment & Revision of taxes - filed.

Wayne Conserv. District re. Dirt & Gravel Grant extension - filed.

Notice of Payment - State Police Fines & Penalties - filed.

R.K.R. Hess Assoc. (engineering, etc.)

President Downton called for executive session. The meeting resumed at 8:40 p.m.

Old Business

Ordinance to increase Borough taxes - Vice President Martin made a motion to pass Ordinance 2011-1 raising taxes in January 2012. President Downton noted the main reason for raising taxes is to repay the Pennstar Bank loan for the Buck Road Bridge. The motion was seconded by Paul Everett and passed as follows: President Downton (yes), Vice President Martin (yes), Barbara Glover (yes), Louis Gurske (yes), Arthur Kopp (yes) and Paul Everett (yes).

Budget 2012 - Vice President Martin noted expenditures will be $3600 less and expressed modification of the Budget to delete the $3600 liquid Fuels payment. Motion to approve the budget for 2012 as modified with authority to the secretary to distribute the budget according to law passed unanimously.

PennDOT/$18,000 Reimbursement to the Liquid Fuels account - The secretary read correspondence received from Solicitor Briechle regarding certified checks received from Kirk Rhone and Robert Buck in accordance with instructions issued in the following State Ethics Commission Orders:

State Ethics Commission Order No. 1590 - Robert Buck - $9000.00 to be deposited in the Borough’s Liquid Fuels Account and $8500.00 to be deposited in the Borough’s General Fund.

State Ethics Commission Order No. 1591 - Kirk Rhone - $9000.00 to be deposited in the Borough’s Liquid Fuels Account and $8500.00 to be deposited in the Borough’s General Fund.

Vice President Martin gave the secretary copies of Order No. 1590 and Order No. 1591 for the Borough files. The secretary noted that she had sent correspondence to PennDOT regarding the Liquid Fuels deposit of $18,000. (to date, no response has been received).

PennDOT Road Inspection (Kellogg Road) - Motion to re-allocate liquid fuels funds to the boundary lines as noted on the March 2007 survey map passed unanimously. (Penn Hill Road) - Motion to change the allocation of liquid fuels funds to the last driveway on Penn Hill Road passed unanimously.

Motion to temporarily close any dead-end borough road that may exist past the last resident’s driveway for safety reasons passed unanimously.

Motion to authorize Solicitor Briechle to research the Resolution for Kellogg Road and Penn Hill Road (the Resolution was made with Scott Township on or about October 2007) passed unanimously.

Auditor General’s recommendation - To date, Solicitor Briechle has not received a response to his correspondence sent to the Auditor General regarding the Borough’s recovery of funds from Kirk Rhone and Robert Buck.

New Business

Minute Books - Paul Everett spoke about the Minutes of previous meetings that are missing in the bound minute books, as well as inaccurate minutes as filed in the bound minute books. Vice President Martin reported on how past minutes and video tape could be used to correct the borough minutes to the best of the borough’s ability. Motion to form an Ad Hoc committee to investigate whether the minute books in the possession of the secretary are complete and accurate passed unanimously.

Motion to appoint Paul Everett as Chair of the ad hoc committee with Lou Gurske assisting passed unanimously.

Selective Insurance - Solicitor Briechle advised Council that the deductible of $2500 should be paid. Vice President Martin made a motion to pay $2500 to Selective Insurance. The motion was seconded by Barbara Glover and passed. The following members abstained: Arthur Kopp, Paul Everett, Louis Gurske and President Downton.

Motion to authorize Solicitor Briechle to investigate a potential claim against the Borough with the insurance company passed unanimously.

Motion to authorize a member of Council or the secretary to file Ethics Report 1590 and 1591 at the Prothonotary’s Office relative to the Auditor General’s report concerning Robert Buck and Kirk Rhone passed unanimously.

Vice President Martin made a motion to have Solicitor Briechle contact Attorney Coleman for documentation related to the court case (Downton, et al v. Rhone, et al) for the information of the Ad Hoc committee previously formed to investigate litigation issues. The motion was seconded by Barbara Glover and passed. The following members abstained: Arthur Kopp, Louis Gurske, Paul Everett and President Jack Downton.

Committee Reports

Vice President Martin reported that he is checking the sluice pipes on Kellogg Road twice a week and there is not much beaver activity now that the pond is freezing.

Community Hall - Barbara Glover presented the secretary with cash for the following: $190 additional deposit for the wedding in June, 2012 and $75 rental fee from Brian Kelly.

There were no comments during public participation. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

DEEDS

Robert and Marjorie Treible to L. Jeanne Hidalgo, Linda Treible, Jayne Frye and Paul Walker, in Great Bend Borough for one dollar.

John F. Burt and Lisa A. House to Edward C., Sr., Terry B. and Lisa A. House, in Lathrop Township for one dollar.

Louis (AKA) Louis W. and Natalie (AKA) Natalie J. Hawley to Tanwell LLC, in Bridgewater Township for $871,380.00.

Stover Family LLP to Stover Family LLP, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

Scott E. and Angelia M. Houghton to Angelia M. Houghton, in New Milford Borough for one dollar.

Patricia D. and David M. Harasymczuk and Linda S. and Thomas W., Jr. Teal to Patricia D. and David M. Harasymczuk and Linda S. and Thomas W., Jr. Teal, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

Nicholas Shursky, P. Scott and Deborah A. Baldwin to P. Scott and Deborah A. Baldwin, in New Milford Township for $5,000.00.

Edwina M. Harvilchuck to Valerie A. and Laurence A. Harvilchuck, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Edwina M. Harvilchuck to Valerie A. and Laurence A. Harvilchuck, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Edwina M. Harvilchuck to Valerie A. and Laurence A. Harvilchuck, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Mark A., Mark A. (estate), Jennifer Alfredo, Michael, Julie, Phillip, Michelle, Joseph and Anthony Mosolino and Anne and Frank Mittmann to David T. Baker, Jr., in Harmony Township for $90,000.00.

Charles and Betty Novak to Edward and Catherine Whitman, in Harmony Township for $33,000.00.

John S., III and Wendy S. Pepkowski to Jeremy D. Heiber, in Susquehanna for $19,000.00.

Douglas and Allison Shaw to Samantha Shaw, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Rhea Lee to Justin S. and Kimberly A. Lee, in Springville Township for $50,000.00.

G. Michael Skerritt and Kathy Mead to Ararat Associates Limited Liability Partnership, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

G. Michael Skerritt, Kathy Mead, Richard (trust by trustee) and Linda S. (trust by trustee) Avery to Ararat Associates Limited Liability Partnership, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

G. Michael Skerritt, Kathy Mead, Richard (trust by trustee) and Linda S. (trust by trustee) Avery, Diane Brodsky and Gloria Reed to Ararat Associates Limited Liability Partnership, in Ararat Township for one dollar.

Bryan D. and Cindy Homan Young (AKA) Cindy Homan-Young to Bryan D. Young, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

George N. and Dorothea Bistis to Dorothea Bistis, in Lathrop Township for one dollar.

Jennie Orlandini to Orlandini Family Irrevocable Personal Residence Trust, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Mark W. Lewis to Mark W. Lewis (trust), in Harford Township.

Mark W. Lewis to Mark W. Lewis (trust), in Harford Township.

Pamela K. Parker Caterson (AKA) Pamela K. Lewis to Pamela K. Lewis (trust), in Jessup Township.

Margaret Hinkley to Journeys End LLP, in Springville Township for one dollar.

Robert L. (by atty) and Brenda J. Nichols to Wayne R., Lisa M. and Shelly J. Nichols, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Paul E., Jr. and Mary M. Haiges to Kevin I. Luce, in Liberty Township for $24,000.00.

Reddon’s Drug Company, Inc. to Kathleen Reddon and Christopher Cavanaugh, in Jackson Township for one dollar.

Bankers Trust Company of California (FKA) Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. and Vendee Mortgage Trust 1999-1 (by trustee) to Ricky R. and Tina Howey, in Auburn Township for $63,000.00.

William L., III and Patricia P. Acker to Lenoxgate LLC, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Susan A. Allen (estate) to Brian S. and Barbara L. Boger, in Little Meadows Borough for $97,500.00.

Barbara B. Moriarity to John R. Moriarity, in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Donald D., II and Maria K. Marshman to Donald D. Marshman, II, in Great Bend Township for one dollar.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:13 a.m. on January 6, 2012.

Craig J. Anderson, Brian Anderson, Sharon Baker, Tonya S. Birchard, Christopher Brenner, Douglas Buckman, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Nichole M. Jones, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick J. Lezinsky, 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, Jermaine J. Stanfield, Sr., 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.