In a surprise move Commissioner Chairman Alan Hall reversed course on four years of county policy to let in a few rays of the Commonwealth’s Sunshine Law. In response to the Sunshine Law issue brought up at the last meeting, Mr. Hall announced in the first 90 seconds of today’s five-minute meeting that he had addressed the matter of public comment with the County Solicitor. According to the terms laid out by the County Solicitor, Commissioner Hall stated that members of the public showing up “in an official capacity, and wishing to give testimony, would be required to sign in with their name and a description of the item they are testifying on, and that will be reflected in the minutes.”

Course correction wasn’t the only surprise in Chairman Hall’s repertoire. But first, to set the table for today's meeting: Commissioners Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren were assembled in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Courthouse on Wednesday, February 8. Their one entirely pleasant task in the 9 to 9:05 a.m. meeting was to extend years-of-service recognition to three employees. Those so honored were Raebell Taylor, Domestic Relations, for her 30 years of service; Edward Lucas, Corrections Office, for his 15 years service; and Phillip Crisp, Probation Office, for his 10 years service. Ms. Taylor was there in person to accept her award, but Mr. Lucas and Mr. Crisp were unable to attend.

Commissioners approved seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests for Nicholas Conigliaro, Joshua Weller, and Jesse Harris, Correctional Facility, at a total cost of $1,013; and two requests for Jeffrey Bostic, Children & Youth Services, for a cost to the County of $53.80. Two other motions were approved unanimously. The first: “to provide on-site and care coordination physician and/or physician assistant services to Susquehanna County Prison… for $3,100 per month.” This is a one-year contract with Dr. Cama of Towanda. The second motion authorized Commissioners to sign a Purchase of Service Agreement between the County Services for Children & Youth and Kids Peace National Centers, Schnecksville, inclusive of a number of foster and diagnostic programs at agreed per diem rates.

Finally, Chairman Hall announced a period of public comment. Bruce Paskoff, a Susquehanna County resident, rose, stated his name, and asked to give testimony in an official capacity. He asked Chairman Hall, “Can the public, that is, myself, and anyone else, get a copy of the Solicitor’s decision in writing?” Mr. Hall replied immediately, “I’ll check with the Solicitor and see, and I’ll be happy to get right back with you.” It was Mr. Paskoff, it should be noted, who has kept this issue on the front-burner for months of Commissioners’ Meetings. While public comments will not be transcribed or even roughly detailed, the county will, after a long hiatus, resume noting those who officially spoke and the topic on which they spoke.

Before adjourning, Chairman Hall dropped his second bombshell of the morning. He explained that the Commissioners “had appointed me to the Barnes-Kasson Board. I met with the Board at Barnes-Kasson and informed them because of the structure of the Board and the because of the amount of nepotism … I thought there was too much conflict of interest, and because of the search that was done with family members employed there, I thought there was too much ethical issues there, so I refused to sit on Barnes-Kasson Board.” While the statement speaks for itself, it raises a number of interesting - perhaps “thorny” - questions about the relationship between the county and the hospital, given their symbiotic financial relationship. How, for example, are county taxpayers’ interests protected, given no county commissioner is sitting on the hospital’s board? Without defending anything the Barnes-Kasson Hospital Board has done, or been accused of, the pious indignation of county commissioners would bring a note of irony and wry amusement were the situation not of such serious consequence.

After five minutes of alternating surprises and matters mundane, the meeting ended; but not with the usual expected finality. Commissioner Hall had one more horn to blow. He noted that he had to be in Wysox this afternoon. He further stated that he had read “some comments in the paper about the commissioners’ meetings.” And just so you know, “commissioners’ meetings are about one thirty-fifth of the meetings I attend in a week.” He reeled off the names of a half-dozen places in Bradford and Susquehanna County, with the implication that he is frequently on the road or attending to one duty or another. Your five minutes at the commissioners’ meeting, along with your diligence here and elsewhere are duly noted for the record, sir. Next commissioners’ meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22.

The Blue Ridge School Board started off its business meeting on February 6 by recognizing the achievements of its scholars, athletes, and even principals. As usual, High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski brought 2 of his seniors forward to introduce themselves to the Board. This time it was Alexander Cardoza, outstanding basketball player and member of the student council who may be attending Seton Hill University in Pittsburg next year. And Rachel Casella, member of SADD, FBLA and student council, who has been accepted at Mansfield to study respiratory care.

Outstanding seniors Rachel Casella and Alexander Cardoza.

Next up, Mr. Nebzydoski and Elementary School Principal Matthew Button accepted the big blue and gold shields for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in the High School and the Elementary School under the state’s standardized testing regimen.

Two years of Adequate Yearly Progress for High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski (left) and Elementary School Principal Matthew Button.

Mr. Nebzydoski next introduced Tama Edgar-Galu, All-State soccer goalie, a first-ever for Blue Ridge. And Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner read off the names of the members of the cross-country teams that distinguished themselves this year. Most of them were present and came forward to receive certificates from Christina Cosmello, Chair of the Board’s Athletics & Activities Committee.

Tama Edgar-Galu (left) receives a certificate recognizing his outstanding soccer play from High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski.

Most of the cross country teams, Board and Administrators.

The Board’s Facilities & Grounds Committee gathered an hour prior to the business meeting. The major topic on the agenda was food & drink in the gyms. Last week at the Board’s workshop, Ms. Brown-Bonner brought up the issue as a result of what she perceived as inconsistent enforcement of the Board’s policy that does not permit gnoshing in the gyms. What to do?

Administrators say they will carry out Board policy whatever it is, but would prefer clear guidelines. Mr. Nebzydoski said that he hadn’t heard any complaints from either the public, or from the custodial staff who have to keep the gyms clean. “We really haven’t had any issues,” he said.

Committee Chair Harold Empett described finding chewing gum, Skittles and other detritus under the stands in the past. Signs declaring the policy have been in place for some 8 years now, and more recently the public address system has been used to announce the policy at athletic events.

A related concern is the function of the “security guards” hired for events at the gyms. They are hired specifically to handle traffic and parking. Are they also responsible for policing the food & drink policy? The guards have sometimes also been asked to keep the doors clear, as well as the off-limits areas around the playing floor.

With winter sports nearly at an end for the year, the committee decided not to decide for the time being. Superintendent Robert McTiernan said he would research PIAA regulations and consider marking the floor for the off-limits areas. The committee and the Board will review the matter further over the summer.

Business Manager Loren Small told the committee that the district needs a permit for its “biomass” boiler. The district installed a wood-chip furnace in 1998 to cut heating costs. There is some evidence that a permit was sought at the time, but none was ever issued. Now the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is demanding that the Blue Ridge installation undergo a thorough review, analysis and permitting process, presumably because of potential emissions. Mr. Small said that the type of furnace in use at Blue Ridge burns clean, without smoke, producing very little waste product of any kind. Nevertheless, a permit must be acquired, at a cost of over $10,000 for the study and the permit application.

Mr. Small also reviewed the procurement process for electricity supplied to the campus. Last week the Board heard a pitch by a representative of KeyTex, an outfit that brokers contract pricing for power supply. While KeyTex claims that their service would cost the district nothing, Mr. Small said that Blue Ridge already belongs to the Pennsylvania Energy Consortium, a branch of the statewide purchasing alliance. The consortium deals with an outfit called Direct Energy, which brokers suppliers much like KeyTex. Mr. Small said that he would review the offerings of both companies, but doubted that either would be able to achieve much in the way of savings for the district. He said that the energy-conservation projects completed last year already seem to have saved the district as much as 26% in electricity consumption over prior years.

Once into the actual business meeting, the Board handled 19 agenda items in a single motion. Many of them were routine personnel matters. One that was less than routine was the retirement of Jane McNamara effective at the end of the school year. The effervescent Mrs. McNamara will be missed. Board member Shane Rumage thanked her for her service to the district, and to himself as a former student.

The Board also approved pay rates for long-term substitute teachers for the next school year. The rates reflect no change over the current year.

The Board accepted some minor mileage changes to some bus contracts, and a change to the Class-3 benefits package that will require employees to carry health insurance coverage of some kind. Lewis Bussing has offered to provide free transportation for the junior wrestling team to the Lake Lehman Wrestling Tournament; the district insures the transportation.

On the recommendation of the Wellness Committee, the Board approved a “Volunteer Exercise Program” for district employees. Unpaid volunteer instructors will be Cheryl Farrell and Mary Button.

The Board approved an agreement with NHS Northeastern Pennsylvania for the “Student Assistance Program” for the next school year. NHS NEPA provides mental-health services through an assigned counselor working with a Blue Ridge “core team” on an as-needed basis.

As discussed at a workshop the week before, the forthcoming low-income New Milford Senior Housing project is offered a tax abatement provided that the operators of the facility make payments “in lieu of taxes” to the amount of 20% of assessed valuation.

The Board has 30 days to review a couple of policy changes. One requires a written statement from a medical provider to permit “homebound instruction” for a student suffering from a physical or mental disability; status will be reviewed every 90 days.

The other codifies the existing situation at Blue Ridge with regard to “non-school organizations/groups/individuals.” There had been some debate about allowing organizations with religious affiliations to work through the schools. Under the district’s “limited open forum” policy, all organizations must be provided access. The district’s attorneys recommended retaining the existing policy, which is amended to clarify some definitions and practices.

The Board adopted 3 resolutions that encourage legislative action in one way or another. One opposes the use of tax-supported voucher program that would draw students away from the public schools at the expense of the public schools. Another supports House Bill 855 that would allow school districts more flexibility in staffing by allowing them to “suspend professional employees for economic reasons.” The third encourages the legislature to regulate so-called “cyber-charter” schools in such a way as to minimize the financial burden on public school districts and ensure “administrative transparency” and the quality of education provided by the charter schools. It further directs the district’s business manager to “use any and all legal methods … to reduce the cost to taxpayers of payments to charter and cyber charter schools …”

And finally, the Board approved a change in its meeting schedule. At the workshop Mr. McTiernan recommended scheduling business meetings no more than a week following a workshop so that items covered at the workshop would still be fresh for formal consideration. As approved - by an amended motion, following some confusion - the Board will schedule workshops for the 4th Monday of each month, followed by a business meeting on the 1st Monday of each month, a week apart.

Thus, the next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board will be a workshop on February 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Brown-Bonner announced that her Policy Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. on the same evening, presumably to consider the proposed policy changes.

Ms. Brown-Bonner also noted that budget discussions will begin on Monday, February 13 - before you see this report, but after the governor has issued his proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

All public meetings are in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. Consult the district website at http://www.brsd.org for updates.

Preliminary topics covered February 6 at a Forest City Borough business meeting included an abandoned mine pit which a resident had contacted council about in January. According to Bernie Walko of the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the pit was examined in 2009 and found not to be a high priority. Currently, there are no reclamation plans for the site. However, Robert Trusky, council president, stated that he would be meeting with Walko to discuss specifics. Presently, Trusky stated, council is unsure if the pit is within Forest City Borough limits at all.

Trusky next announced that Robert C. Edwards scholarship applications are available in the borough office. Forest City Borough high school seniors who have been accepted to a college, university or other accredited school qualify. The application deadline is May 4, 2012.

In his report to council, borough solicitor Paul E. Smith stated that according to a structural engineer, the property at 92-98 Maxey Street “satisfies all criteria for a dangerous structure.” In addition, the inspector considered repairs “not economically feasible.” A KBA Engineering report cited inadequate building support, “moderate to severe mold growth,” a rotting roof and porches that are “structurally unsound.”

Council passed a motion to deem the building “structurally unsound” and will provide the owners with thirty days to present a plan for rectifying the problems; otherwise, council stated, it will bid the building out for demolition.

Concerning the sewer project, Smith stated that due to the recent revision of state requirements, the borough now must receive a permit for dirt removal and storage prior to bidding out the sewer project. He explained that the “additional requirements we were not aware of” caused the borough to miss the January 31 bidding deadline. For this reason, council passed a motion to advertise for bids immediately after the County Conservation Association approves the borough’s location for dirt storage.

Council passed a motion to advertise for bids for a heavy-duty pick-up truck which will be used for plowing snow.

However, the matter that received the most discussion was the collection of sewer fees. Pennsylvania American Municipal Services collects delinquent sewer fees on behalf of the borough. One council member called PAMS a “problem collection agency.” Enforcement and billing issues were discussed at length, as was the contract with PAMS, which, according to Trusky, “is iron clad at this point.” By contract, Forest City Borough is obligated through December 31, 2013 to use PAMS for delinquent sewer fee collections. It was promised, “Two years is going to go by real quick.”

A more immediate change will involve the PA American Water Company, which no longer will handle general billing for sewer fees. Council will research alternatives, including software for in-house billing. Outsourcing options also will be investigated. Trusky asked that the research committee provide recommendations during the April borough meeting, with council to vote in May. Trusky hopes that the new billing system can take effect by July.

It’s not a glamorous job, but somebody’s gotta do it. And it looks as though Great Bend Township Supervisors are rising to the challenge. But before publicly taking on the villains of mud and debris, Supervisors Joe Gaughan, Sheila Guinan, and Ron Cranage Jr. disposed of more mundane matters.

The monthly meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. sharp on Monday, February 6, at the Great Bend Municipal Building. With little fanfare, Supervisors noted the members of the public in attendance; approved the agenda with one small addition; and moved through the Treasurer’s Report and bills payable. Of note in the Treasurer’s Report was the fact that Supervisors carried through on last month’s resolution “to close the Pennstar General Machinery account and reopen it at Peoples Neighborhood Bank due to the higher interest rate,” and those funds are now ensconced in PNB. Later in the meeting Supervisor Guinan mentioned that while the township dipped into their reserves to the tune of $60,000 to handle last year’s emergency needs, FEMA is due to fully reimburse those moneys shortly.

With none of the public in attendance requesting time on the agenda, the Supervisors moved on to the Roadmaster’s Report. Mr. Gaughan reported that the Liquid Fuels Audit Report for the two years ending December 31, 2010, had been completed and found satisfactory. He further made mention of the “quiet winter,” that township employees were kept busy cleaning the garage and thinking of things to be done in the spring. In a prescient remark that hinted at what would evolve into the major discussion of the evening, he stated succinctly, “Mud is an issue.”

Moving on to Committee Reports, Mrs. Guinan reported there were no UCC Permits. Next on the agenda appeared the item, “Need to reappoint Emerson Fiske to the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority.” Mr. Cranage reported that Mr. Fiske was not interested in being reappointed, and that Mr. Fiske had stated his intent to submit his resignation at this very meeting. Some discussion ensued when Mr. Cranage also stated he had a candidate in mind for Mr. Fiske’s replacement. Being that Mr. Fiske was not present at the meeting, Supervisors decided to defer further action on the issue until he arrived and they could accept his resignation. Mr. Fiske did not appear by meeting’s end and action was ultimately shelved until he actually carries through on submitting his resignation and the board accepts same.

The final agenda item under Committee Report concerned the driveway permit issued to Southwestern Energy for Highlands Road. Supervisors noted that the driveway is located in Great Bend Township, but the pad to which it leads is actually located in New Milford Township.

By way of Communications and Correspondence, Supervisor Guinan noted that the township had received another letter from Chesapeake concerning leasing “this property,” i.e., the two acres on which the township’s municipal building and parking sit. While Supervisors may consider leasing at some point in the future, no one is interested in pursuing it at present.

The second communication consisted of an email from Jim Garner in the county’s Soil Conservation department. Mr. Garner’s email stated that the county would again have a program for tree-cutters to cut logs out of area creeks. Mrs. Guinan explained at some length the details of the program as she was familiar with its previous incarnation several years earlier. At its heart, local property owners can sign releases to have trees/debris cut and removed from creeks running through their land. The county hires unemployed persons to perform this job, and they generally work alongside township personnel. Mrs. Guinan stated she would obtain the permission slips required and make them available to the other supervisors and any interested landowners in the township.

Under new business, Mrs. Guinan elaborated on her testimony at “The Center for Rural PA” listening session on stream cleaning. The meeting was hosted by Senator Gene Yaw on Thursday, January 19, in Dushore. Representative Sandy Major had invited Mrs. Guinan to testify at the session, and Mr. Gaughan, who accompanied her, was also invited by Senator Yaw to speak extemporaneously. Mrs. Guinan noted that four Susquehanna County residents, in addition to herself and Mr. Gaughan, had been present for the session. The meeting’s purpose was to gather input to formulate a plan to clean up Pennsylvania’s creeks and streams. This meeting was of particular import to Great Bend Township in light of the locally-serious creek-debris problem resultant from the floods of August/September last year. While Supervisors opined that the bulk of the commission’s work may not fully blossom for some time to come, their testimony may have already had an immediate impact. Mr. Gaughan noted that a serious long-standing debris problem under one of the township’s bridges was fully resolved within a week of their testimony.

Finally, with the meeting’s shift to public comment before adjournment, discussion shifted from debris to mud. A township resident exchanged information with Supervisors over the state of the township’s unpaved roads. He pinpointed Baptist Hill Road’s ruts and mud as the targets of his angst. Supervisor Gaughan noted that this unusually warm winter has brought mud concerns to the fore much earlier than usual. Supervisor Guinan noted the valiant attempts by township road crews to disperse course rocks in an attempt to improve roads in dire straits. But, she noted, seismic-testing trucks were busily traversing many township roads. While roadways would normally be frozen in mid-winter, gas-industry behemoths are currently commuting on thawed - and thus muddy - roads. Supervisors noted road crews would persevere to keep the roads as passable as possible.

The aftermath of last year‘s floods, and “the winter that never was” will keep Great Bend Supervisors focused on battling adversaries debris and mud. Still, they’re thankful the usual villains ice and snow, have fled the township and gone on the lam to parts unknown. Next meeting for the Supervisors is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 5.

The boro may have prepped late, but it turned out not to have mattered. At 7:03 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, Lanesboro boro council opened their 7 p.m. meeting. Council members present at the late start-time were Regina Dilello, Jason Fissel, David Glidden, Dale Rockwell, and Colleen Y. Wilkes. Also present were Mayor Chris Mabe and boro Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan. Being that boro council President Todd Glover was absent, leadership passed to council Vice-President Dan Boughton, who as it turned out was late for the meeting. That being the case, President Pro-tem Dale Rockwell stepped into the breach. It was only a few minutes later that Mr. Boughton arrived; but with his and council’s genial agreement, Mr. Rockwell continued his oversight of the gathering to its adjournment at 7:47 p.m.

After routine approval of the boro council’s minutes for the January 3 reorganization/regularly-scheduled meeting, Mayor Chris Mabe provided an update on the FEMA buyout program in Lanesboro. Mayor Mabe stated that he had been in recent discussions with Rep. Sandra Major and Senator Lisa Baker. FEMA had completed appraisals for all Lanesboro homes in the buyout program, and those appraisals had been provided to the property owners concerned. Because of privacy laws, the boro does not have access to those figures or specifically-relatable information. Owners in the program have the option of accepting the buyout, or refusing - and thereby triggering removal from the program. FEMA normally picks up 75% of the buyout cost; PEMA 22 to 25% of the remainder. Rep. Major and Senator Baker’s ongoing discussions with the governor’s office relate to whether PEMA will pick up that full 25%, or top out at 22% with the property owner absorbing 3%. As council members discussed the buyout program, it became clear that if properties are bought by FEMA, they essentially become “dead zones,” insofar as the boro can derive no property taxes from them, nor can they ever be developed for residential or commercial purposes. Also, all mineral rights of FEMA-buyout properties transfer to the federal government.

Although an executive session was scheduled on the meeting’s agenda, it was cancelled, and council moved directly to inquiring if any visitors wanted time on the agenda. There being no one present so desiring, council next inquired if there was any input, subject to a five-minute time limit, from the public. Neither this reporter, nor the other Lanesboro resident in attendance requested time, but were appreciative of council’s solicitousness.

Mr. Rockwell then called upon Mayor Mabe for the Police Report. Motor vehicle citations numbered 26 during the month of January and 22 warnings were issued. Mayor Mabe pointed out that while there are frequent complaints police are too quick to issue tickets, the record clearly shows almost as many warnings as citations. During January police worked 95 hours, with 10.5 hours of that covering Thompson boro. The police report also showed that there was one arrest in Thompson, and seven warnings issued there.

Council moved quickly through the COG report, Parks & Recreation, and Sewer/Refuse Committees with little to note. However, the Streets Committee brought up lengthy discussion concerning the condition of the boro’s streets. The three trouble spots brought up for corrective action included potholes on Barnes Avenue, Side Avenue, and at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue & Main Street. Mr. Fissel volunteered to take charge of overseeing their correction as quickly as possible

In discussing the community center, Ms. Dilello turned over $150 cash to Treasurer Hanrahan for rentals during the month of January. Council members discussed a recent rental engagement, then remarked upon how easy it is for interested parties to check date availability and reserve the community center for events through the boro’s website: www.lanesboropa.com. That provided a nice segue into the next agenda item, the boro’s website. Mayor Mabe noted that the website had been down for a couple of days in January, but everything seems to be fine now. At the boro’s website, information is readily accessible about the boro’s budget, taxes, police, official minutes of council meetings, and a wealth of other subjects relating to life in Lanesboro. Suggestions for improving the boro’s website or adding more information are always appreciated, Mayor Mabe reminded.

Old business squared the circle on the boro’s late preparation, for it centered on a proposed snow emergency ordinance. Apparently boro members had been studying this issue for quite some time. Council President Todd Glover, absent, had the actual snow emergency ordinance with him. But boro members had apparently studied the issue enough in previous boro meetings to throw caution to the wind and enact the ordinance without further delay. Mayor Mabe noted that the ordinance had already been advertised and that it mirrored Susquehanna boro’s snow ordinance. Council voted unanimously for its passage. While February passage of a snow emergency ordinance would ordinarily give rise to thoughts of “closing the barn door after the horse escaped,” in this “winter that never was” Lanesboro’s late prep has, to state the obvious, a happy ending.

The boro’s next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at the Community Center.

The February 6 meeting of the Montrose borough council began a little late. It was quite well attended, with a number of visitors present. Prior to its commencement, Council President Tom Lamont noted that a visitor was setting up to tape the meeting, and commented that he would like to wait for legal counsel. It was argued, however, by some present that the public had a right to tape the public meeting.

When the meeting was officially opened, the pledge and prayer were recited. A work session was set for Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. to work on a DCED grant. Mr. Lamont then announced that the meeting was being recorded audibly and by video for an unknown purpose. He opened the floor such that anyone with objections to this could make them known. At this point several of the council members stood up and left the room, including Mr. Lamont, after announcing when the next public meeting would be. Others followed, until there were no longer any borough representatives (staff or council members) at the front of the room. Mayor John Wilson then came back into the room to announce that the meeting was adjourned due to lack of a quorum, leaving in his wake some surprised and muttering visitors.

In a scene reminiscent of top brass strategizing against a cunning enemy, Oakland Boro Council members met to fend off the challenge posed by a handful of code violators in their beloved boro. The regularly-scheduled meeting opened at 7:06 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, at the Lanesboro Community Center. Council members present were President Ron Beavan, Jack Agler, Gary Boughton, Dave Dibble, and Brian Rhone. Mayor Randy Glover and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush were also present. Councilman David Trevarthan was the lone absentee.

The meeting started off routinely enough with the usual pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for our troops. Mayor Glover then administered the oath of office to new councilman Tom Kubus, who had been chosen at January’s meeting to replace James Rouse, who had declined election to said office. Proceeding through routine matters of January Minutes approval; acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; and council review of time sheets, Council swiftly arrived at the topic destined to dominate the bulk of their attention for the evening: codes enforcement.

Shane Lewis, COG Inspector, was on hand to guide council members in circumscribing the “rules of warfare” in bringing code scofflaws to heel. Four cases were on council’s radar screen, though one stood head and shoulders above the rest. Mr. Lewis recounted the history of that case at length. He reviewed how he had commenced code enforcement on the property in question some years ago. The case escalated to police involvement; legal wrangling at the level of magisterial district judge; and ultimate resolution in the county’s court of common pleas. That resolution brought the subject property within code just prior to the deadline, and consequently resulted in refunding of fees, fines, and court costs to the property owner.

Legally, Mr. Lewis had to close his books on the case when it achieved “within code” status. During discussion Councilman Dave Dibble described that same property today, “It’s almost like putting a trailer in the middle of a garbage dump.” Council members recalled that within a week of the property’s certification as “within code,” a descent into hell began. Mr. Lewis declared that he saw the problem as primarily being “structural in nature.” Others spoke more bluntly of the unregistered, uninspected cars littering the property; the broken and boarded-up windows; the unkempt grounds; and arguably unsanitary, unhealthful, and unfit-for-human-habitation conditions. To add further offense council members described inhumane conditions under which a rabbit was being “maintained” as a pet.

Given the property owner’s chronic propensity for “cat-and-mouse/catch-me-if-you-can” behavior, council members proposed and debated creative techniques of asymmetrical warfare to get the property cleaned up, repaired, and 100% up-to-code. Ultimately, council voted unanimously for Mr. Lewis to proceed full-speed ahead at code enforcement, and to follow through to legal confrontation - to whatever degree necessary - to compel full compliance with the boro’s code. The remaining three properties in violation remain in council’s focus, and Mr. Lewis was directed to continue applying pressure and oversight as needed, to prevent their further plummet into deterioration.

The most contentious issue having been dealt with, Mayor Glover delivered the Mayor’s Report. It included a suggestion that council consider the idea of purchasing a new computer for the police cruiser, at a proposed cost of approximately $339. The boro’s police report for January showed the following breakdown: 11 traffic stops; and one each of events described as: breathing problems, burglar alarm, animal, harassment, suspicious vehicle, and traffic stop DUI. Finally, Mayor Glover reported that the county had requested that the boro designate and send two people, one primary and one alternate, to a communications center meeting on a monthly basis. The Mayor proposed Officer Sweet as the primary, and Officer Moran as the alternate; council unanimously approved said proposal.

Under old business, Council President Beavan brought up two items. First, he noted that in the rebid of work on Well #2’s rehabilitation, two bids had been received, one for $59,904 and one for $83,500. Council accepted the low bid. The second item concerned water over the roadway on State Street. By way of correspondence, Mr. Beavan was notified PennDot would be milling a narrow trip to improve runoff to inlets once the weather improved sufficiently. Leeward is willing to pay for pipes, as necessary, to achieve correction. Jeff Wayman will oversee the work, and council’s Streets Committee, consisting of Mr. Boughton, Mr. Trevarthan, Mr. Agler, and Mr. Rhone, will help, as necessary, to see the project through to completion.

Finally, under new business, Mr. Beavan reported that the boro would have to renew its license to operate the water plant this year. He noted that authorities had been very tough in the past, and he had no reason to expect their standards to be more lenient now. That said, at 8:25 p.m. Oakland’s council of marathon men concluded their evening’s lengthy planning and strategizing to retire across the Susquehanna for well-deserved R & R.

Oakland Boro Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m. in the Lanesboro Community Center.

CRASH

On February 10 at 9 p.m. Douglas Brooks of Hop Bottom was traveling southbound on SR 3023 in Dimock Township when, while negotiating a right hand curve in the roadway, 2 dogs ran into the road. Brooks swerved to avoid hitting the animals and struck a tree on the left side of the roadway. A seatbelt was in use; no injury was reported.

CRASH

On February 9 at 5 p.m. Cayle Jeffery of Susquehanna was traveling on State Highway 29 in Dimock Township when he attempted to pass several trucks in a no passing area and struck a vehicle turning left. Jeffery was utilizing a seatbelt; he sustained minor injury. A second driver, also utilizing a seatbelt, was not injured.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On February 3 between 3 and 10 p.m. the window was broken out of a pickup truck at the Elk Mountain parking lot.

BURGLARY/THEFT/CRASH

On February 9 at 3:30 a.m. Michael Sipple of Nicholson is accused of entering the office of Cross Country Enterprises, taking the keys from the office, and stealing a vehicle from the lot. Sipple then proceeded to drive around and subsequently crashed into the woods. He was to be charged for burglary, theft, and multiple traffic violations at the conclusion of the investigation, as of the time of report.

DUI

On February 8 at 11:25 p.m. Linda Bucksbee of New Milford was traveling south on Old Lackawanna Trail in that area when the right side wheels of her vehicle exited the roadway onto the west shoulder. Bucksbee attempted to steer the vehicle back onto the roadway and over corrected, losing control. The vehicle rolled over onto the passenger side, coming to a rest in the northbound lane facing a southeasterly direction. Bucksbee was transported to EMHS by New Milford Ambulance for treatment of injury; she was utilizing a seatbelt. She was also arrested for Driving under the influence and other traffic violations. Charges were to be filed at District Court 34-3-02. Police were assisted at the scene by members of the New Milford Fire/Ambulance Department and Montrose Minutemen Ambulance.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On February 7 at 9:45 p.m. Kelly Daly of the New Milford area discovered damage had been done to her 3004 Mazda truck while it was located in Lenox Township. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

DUI/CRASH

On January 13 at 10:15 p.m. Douglas Ouhl of Anna, OH was operating a 2008 Ford Fusion which struck another vehicle from behind on Interstate 81 in Great Bend Township. Minor damage was sustained by both vehicles. Ouhl displayed signs of intoxication and was placed into custody on suspicion of DUI. Charges were field at District Court 34-3-02, after blood results were received from the lab. The results showed that the accused had a BAC higher than the state legal limit of .08%.

DUI

On February 5 at 1 a.m. Joseph Herne of South Montrose was southbound on SR 29 south of Dimock Village. He stated that he was talking on his cell phone and drifted off the road. The vehicle then collided with a utility pole, shearing the pole in half and rolling onto its left side. Herne was arrested for DUI and transported to EMHS for a BAC test. He was utilizing a seatbelt; he was not injured and refused medical treatment both at the scene and later at the hospital. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF AN AUTOMOBILE

On February 2 at 11 a.m. Matthew Hayes was granted permission to use the vehicle belonging to a 67 year old woman for a specified time period. Hayes failed to return with the woman's vehicle as required. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

CRASH

On February 4 at 7:30 a.m. Robert Dean of Flatwoods, WV was traveling northbound on Herb Button Rd. in Springville Twp. when his vehicle exited off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree head on. Use of safety equipment was listed as unknown in the report; injury of unknown severity was sustained.

BANK ROBBERY

On February 3 at 5:35 p.m. a man entered the Penn Star Bank located off of SR 267 in Choconut Township. The man was described as being between 5 foot 7 and 5 foot 8 inches tall. He was described as having a muscular build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. As the man approached the teller he displayed a pistol and demanded that the teller fill his bag with cash. The man then left the bank with an undisclosed amount of US currency. The investigation is continuing at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at Gibson (570) 465-3154.

CRASH

On February 4 at 12:35 a.m. a juvenile male was traveling eastbound on SR 4002 in Liberty Township when the vehicle was driven from the roadway, impacted a series of trees, and came to a final rest over an embankment north of the travel lanes. The boy suffered no injuries during the collision; he was utilizing a seatbelt. The vehicle was towed from the scene by High Tech towing.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH

On February 3 a driver unnamed in the report turned onto SR 848 instead of SR 492. The Freightliner hooked a boulder that was on the edge of Al Vogel's property with its right side trailer wheels and drug the boulder approximately 60 yards up the roadway; 848 is a restricted roadway to tractor trailers. The property owner made arrangements with another business owner to use a skidsteer to remove the boulder from the roadway. The driver stated that he was only following GPS and did not know that he had drug the rock up the road.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Between January 31 and February 1 a mailbox on Johnson Road in Franklin Township was intentionally struck, damaging it.

FLEEING & ELUDING, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

On February 2 at approximately 10:45 p.m. a report of vehicles doing donuts in the area of the Harford Fair Grounds parking lot was received. The vehicles attempted to leave the area. One of the vehicles was encountered on the roadway after it exited. The vehicle drove around the approaching patrol unit. It fled through the village of Harford. It continued to Kingsley and back at speeds of approximately 40 miles per hour. The driver brought the vehicle to a controlled stop in the area of Tingley Lake Road and School Street. The 17 year old juvenile driver was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. No damage was caused to any vehicles. No injuries were sustained. The juvenile was released to his parents.

RETAIL THEFT

PSP Gibson is investigating a retail theft in which, on February 2 at 4:30 p.m., Michelle Shepard of Hallstead is accused of taking a $390 cell phone from the store. Subsequently she was found in possession of the phone. She was taken to Susquehanna County Correctional Facility for violating her probation.

THEFT

On January 26, at approximately 2:00 p.m. an 8th grade student at Blue Ridge School in New Milford Township left his black Amazon Kindle Fire with a black case in a classroom and it was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

The fence of a 69 year old Friendsville woman was damaged sometime over the past few months.

COMMONWEALTH VEHICLE CRASH

On February 2 at 6:03 a.m. Richard Hunter of New Milford was traveling southbound on SR 3023 in Lathrop Township when the driver's side rear tire came off of his vehicle, impacting the exterior siding of a house. After the loss of the tire, the vehicle was driven and parked roadside on SR 2009. No injuries occurred during this collision.

DUI-DRUG

On February 1 a vehicle was observed to be illegally stopped along the left/median side of SR 0081 northbound in Harford Township. The right side of the vehicle extended into and partially obstructed the left hand/northbound lane of travel causing a potentially serious traffic hazard. Upon contact with the driver of the vehicle signs of severe impairment were observed. The driver, Kevin Ross Chandler was later evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert. It was determined that Chandler was impaired and had been driving under the influence of a drug, combination of drugs, or a chemical compound that rendered him incapable of safe driving.

CRASH HIT AND RUN

On January 30 at 9:30 a.m. a white truck trailer with a white trailer driving south on State Route 11 struck two vehicles in the Simmons-Rockwell parking lot sometime on January 30 at approximately 9:30 a.m. The mentioned vehicle then continued to travel south without stopping. The two vehicles in the parking lot had very minor damage to their front bumper area. The vehicle may have been a driver training truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On January 31 at 9:10 p.m. a Michelob Light bottle was thrown at the residence of Joseph Elliot of Hallstead, causing damage to the outside light glass cover. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASH

This crash occurred on January 30 at 11:40 a.m. as a vehicle driven by an unnamed driver was traveling south on SR 81 in Lenox Township. As the vehicle was entering the intersection with the on-ramp from the rest area a second truck had begun to enter the intersection controlled by a yield sign. That vehicle was too far into the intersection, and as the first passed it, the trailer of the first truck clipped the driver's side mirror of the second. No injuries were reported. The operator of the second truck received a warning for duties at stop sign and yield sign. The operator of the first vehicle was warned for duty to give information and render aid. No injuries were reported to the trooper.

ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD

Between January 3 and 25 the ex-boyfriend of a 22 year old Montrose woman allegedly illegally transferred money from her bank account through his cell phone to his credit card, totaling $260 on four different occasions during the month of January. After making contact with the ex-boyfriend, arrangements were made to have the money reimbursed. The victim did not then want to proceed with any criminal charges.

THEFT

Between January 15 and 19 $440 cash was stolen from the money box on an elderly Montrose woman. Anyone wit h information on this theft should contact the police.

DUI/DRUG POSSESSION

On January 29 at 1:40 p.m. Jordan Fox of Lake Success, NY was stopped for violation of traffic laws. During interaction with the trooper, an odor of marijuana was detected. Fox was arrested for suspicion of DUI and possession of marijuana.

THEFT

Between January 20 and 27 Samuel Resseguie is accused of breaking into a victim's fire safe and stealing $1,200 total. Charges for theft and criminal mischief were filed on the accused.

DUI/RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

On January 28 at 11:09 p.m. Michael Bills was taken into custody for DUI and was also to be charged with Reckless Endangerment for driving with five juvenile children in the vehicle with him while driving under the influence. This arrest follows an ambulance response call to the residence of Bills for an unresponsive male. The ambulance crew requested PSP assistance out of concern for the safety of Bills and the children at the residence after noting the indicators of Bills being intoxicated.

HIT AND RUN

On January 29 at 2:45 p.m. a 1991 Ford Tempo was backing out of a parking spot at 302 Pine Street in Hallstead Borough when it struck 302 Pine Street and fled the scene prior to providing their required information. The driver, unnamed in the report, was to be cited as a result of the investigation.

CRASH

On January 28 at 6:40 a.m. a person unnamed in the report was driving a 1999 Dodge Ram west along SR 706 when he or she traveled across some ice from run off. The driver lost control of the vehicle and began to swerve, with the truck subsequently striking an embankment and rolling onto its left side. The driver was uninjured during the crash. PSP was assisted by Vogel's Towing and the Columbia Hose Company.

CRASH

On January 28 at 4:14 a.m. Joseph Matassa of Scranton was traveling east on State Route 374 in Herrick Township when, for unknown reasons, he exited the roadway and went up an embankment. After striking the embankment, the vehicle rolled onto its roof where it came to a rest. All three passengers of the vehicle were transported to Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton for further evaluation; everyone in the vehicle was utilizing a seatbelt. The vehicle sustained damage to its roof and the entire driver side quarter panels. The driver was cited at District Court 34-3-03.

CRASH

On January 28 Maria Mailey of Nicholson was traveling north on SR 11 in Harford Township when her vehicle left the right side of the roadway and impacted with an embankment. The vehicle proceeded to travel north and into the oncoming lane. It then swerved abruptly to the right again, impacting with the guide rail, before it went onto its passenger side, sliding a short distance before coming to a rest on its wheels, facing a westerly direction. The driver was cited at the scene for driving on roadways laned for traffic and not wearing her seatbelt; she sustained minor injury. Police were assisted at the scene by Hop Bottom Hose Co and Harford Volunteer Fire Co.

SIMPLE ASSAULT

On January 28 a male victim reported being struck with a bottle while at the Fiorentino residence in Dimock Township. The victim was transported to Montrose Hospital by a friend for treatment. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to call PSP Gibson.

DRUG POSSESSION

On January 27 at 1:25 p.m. a PSP trooper initiated a traffic stop on Terrence Fernanders of Binghamton New York for a lawful violation. Numerous criminal indicators were present; a search was requested and granted. The search yielded the following items of contraband: 800 bags of heroin were located in the truck concealed in a Nautica comforter set. The street value of the aforementioned narcotics is $20,000. Fernanders was charged with possession with the intent to deliver, drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was subsequently lodged in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in lieu of $30,000 straight cash bail.

THEFT

Between the 12th and 13th of January, one CranBarry BeahAway Field Hockey Stick with the name of its 12 year old owner written on it was stolen from an unlocked locker in the girl's locker room of Montrose School District. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA/DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

On January 26 at approximately 5 p.m. R/O met with the accused, Ryan Howey of Hallstead, at a residence in Franklin Township regarding another incident. R/O smelled an odor of marijuana emitting from within the house. Consent to search was asked and granted. The search yielded approximately 27 grams of marijuana, multi-colored glass pipe, grinder, and a digital scale. Charges were to be filed at District Court 34-3-01.

Anyone possessing information regarding any of these incidents is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

DEEDS

Frederick P. Litwin to Frederick P. Litwin (trust), in Rush and Auburn townships for one dollar.

James P. and Kimberly L. Masker to Ashley Hornbeck, in Clifford Township for $85,000.00.

Stella B. Ransom (estate) to Lois F. Ransom, in Lenox Township for one dollar.

Mark and Kara J. Hendley to Thomas J. and Barbara A. Lewis, in Liberty Township for $42,000.00.

Richard Patrick (AKA) Richard Patrick, Sr. and Mary L. (AKA) Mary Louise Donnelly to Richard Patrick Donnelly, Jr., in Silver Lake Township for one dollar.

Victor (AKA) Victor, Jr. Nowacky (estate) to Jason Robertson, in Brooklyn and Harford townships for one dollar.

Community Bank & Trust Co. (SBM) First National Bank of Pennsylvania to Federal National Mortgage Association, in Forest Lake Township for one dollar.

Fannie Mae (AKA) Federal National Mortgage Association (by POA) to Michael T., Michael H., Marie, Thomas C. and Karen M. Orzechowski, in Forest Lake Township for $235,000.00.

Donna C. and Robert A. Coleman to Ark Property Group LLC, in Susquehanna for $130,000.00.

Ben K., Anna S., Ben K., Jr., Steven Lee, Mervin Wayne and Vernon James Stoltzfus to Ben K., Anna S., Ben K., Jr., Steven Lee, Mervin Wayne and Vernon James Stoltzfus, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar.

Paul M. and Coleen Ann Colton to Carl A. Zukus and Gertrude E. (AKA) Gertude E. Conigliaro, in Great Bend Township for $57,500.00.

Jack and Mary Lou Gresham to Stacey L. Green, in Great Bend Township for $94,000.00.

Clara J. Norton (estate) to Kimberly Kirchmeier, Julius, Jr. and Theodore Norton, in Liberty Township for one dollar.

Marilyn B. Cornell to Alan R. and Christine Ackerman, in Choconut Township for $66,500.00.

Barry and Nikki T. Berkowitz to Nikki T. Berkowitz, in Forest Lake and Bridgewater townships for one dollar.

P. Scott and Deborah Baldwin to G&B Land Holdings, Inc., in Liberty Township for $1,500,000.00.

Robert R., Charles T. and Mary Ryan (estate) Newton, Noel Oberman Kuschke and Marianne Scanlan to Edward J. and Marianne Scanlan, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Edward J. and Marianne Scanlan to Melissa Noble Kaufman, in Clifford Township for one dollar.

Mary Ann Lefresne, Henry William Schuchardt, III (estate), Gloria Dixon and Henry W. Schuchardt, IV to Henry W. Schuchardt, IV, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Janet Bendyk to Janet and Tamara J. Bendyk, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Nancy Ross to B. Elliot, Jr. and Kim Ross, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Nancy Ross to B. Elliot and Kimberly Ross, in Herrick Township for one dollar.

Frederick B. and Beatrice M. Short to Cory M. and Melanie B. Peranich, in Silver Lake Township for $160,000.00.

Joel K. Depetro, David A. and Maria M. Mathis, David T. and Tammi A. Burns to Mary L. Gesford, in Middletown Township for $97,850.00.

Richard W. and Margaret Walworth to Richard W. (trust) and Margaret (trust) Walworth, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar.

William A. and Clara B. Burke too William A. and Clara B. Burke, in Auburn Township for one dollar.

Thomas A. and Joanne M. Rivenburgh to Steven Cubberly, in Herrick Township for $160,000.00.

Richard D. and Sharon H. Phillips to Richard Phillips, in New Milford Township for one dollar.

Michael B. and Kimberly A. Davenport to Philip T. Youmans, in Montrose for $147,340.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:02 a.m. on February 10, 2012.

Tonya S. Birchard, Christopher Brenner, Michael Robert Brown, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, John J. Jenisky, Jr., Nichole M. Jones, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Corey A. Maynard, Mark C. McCarey, Erica Y. Mead, Connie M. Mitchell, Ronald N. Mitchell, Donald Palmer, Jeremy Presson, Perry Rohan, Mark Salsman, Christie L. Sheptock, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Jermaine J. Stanfield, Sr., Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr., Jesse J. Yachymiak, Kelly L. Yarbrough.

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