Held March 12, the Clifford Township regular business meeting began in an ordinary fashion, with a motion to advertise for spring road work bids. “Hopefully, we can start in May,” commented James Locker, road master.

April 21 was set as the date for spring clean-up, which was requested by the volunteers and coincides with the Great American Clean-up.

Robert Dietz remarked that Mountain View High School requested a job description to provide students interested in operating the township recycling center as a graduation project. It was determined that the student must be present each month to oversee recycling day and must recruit volunteers to assist. Supervisor Chris Marcho commented that the project could be a potential money-maker for the township, and Chairman Dennis Knowlton added that he hoped that the student volunteer could “take [the program] another step further” than what had been accomplished so far.

Attorney Joseph McGraw announced that he had prepared a contract for Tom Shepstone, of Shepstone Management, Inc., hired to write the comprehensive plan for Clifford Township. The contract was approved, with the change that Shepstone will be paid quarterly.

Long awaited, a closure of sorts was received in the Malcolm Pirnie court case. McGraw later elaborated that in a jury trial in the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas, a verdict was entered in early February, with Clifford Township losing the case. Knowlton explained that the Malcolm Pirnie Engineering Firm was hired by Clifford Township to provide Act 537 updates to the township sewage system. Secretary René Reynolds stated that the project began around 2004. It was indicated that at the start of the project, Clifford Township took out a loan to pay the bill of approximately $180,000. A bill for additional work was submitted by the engineering firm, that according to the supervisors, the township had not agreed to. With this second bill and lawyers’ fees for the court case, “We about doubled our sewer bill,” Knowlton explained. “Hopefully we’ll have some better answers for you by next meeting,” he stated, pertaining to plans for paying off the expenses.

Supervisor Barry Searle then summarized a meeting he attended in Montrose concerning Act 13 of 2012, which pertains to natural gas impact fees and amends Title 59, The Oil and Gas Act.

Officer in charge of the police, Donald Carroll, discussed local crime, stating that “burglaries have gone up significantly.” Gang activity has been reported in Forest City and Simpson. Carroll called the Elk View Drive Crime Watch a “positive thing.” He suggested implementing crime watches in other areas of the township, if possible. “It opens your eyes up,” he declared.

Heated concerns arose over last month’s Clifford Community Alliance proposal to host the 2012 tree lighting ceremony at the township building. One member of the Clifford Township Ladies’ Auxiliary asserted, “I feel that it would take away from the village tree lighting if it were to be switched to here.” Auxiliary members encouraged the community alliance to plan ahead in order to recruit more volunteers. “We’re more than willing to help,” one woman asserted.

It was argued that hosting the event at the township building would offer inside and outside activities, as well as the possibility to involve more individuals. “We’ll talk more about it,” promised Marcho, an alliance member.

In an effort to encourage Clifford Township residents to participate in details of the Clifford Township Comprehensive Plan, it was announced that the Clifford Township Advisory Committee and the Clifford Planning Commission will host a public meeting concerning the plan March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Clifford Township Building. Post cards will be mailed out to all township residents and business owners, notifying them of the meeting. Tom Shepstone will be in attendance to explain what the comprehensive plan means to the community. “It’s your future. …They’re looking for input,” one member asserted. A survey for community members is available at www.shepstone.net/clifford. For those without Internet, printed surveys can be obtained at the Clifford Post Office, Clifford Supply, The Country Store in Dundaff, and at Dunniers Country Store.

Lest county residents be agitated by the outpouring of civic-minded individuals (112) who turned out for the commissioners’ special meeting when impact fees were a hot topic, they may rest assured citizenry have refocused their gaze on other matters, and commissioners’ meetings have returned to what passes for normalcy in this county. Commissioners Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren met at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14, in the commissioners’ meeting room. They passed - with little more than a yawn and as the sixteenth item on their 21-item agenda - a motion “to authorize the Commissioners and the Chief Clerk to carry out all steps necessary to adopt Act 13 ordinance.” In governmentalese, that’s what’s called “enabling legislation.” With its passage, commissioners can move ahead expansively in whatever directions they need, including legal advertising, to impose the unconventional gas well fee itself.

The nonchalance with which commissioners passed the motion relating to Act 13 was typical of their rote pattern in commissioners’ meetings over the last few months. In a highly-stylized manner perfected through attendance and participation in meetings, Chairman Hall and fellow commissioners demonstrated extreme proficiency in dispatching each agenda item with minimal expenditure of time and effort. Motions, resolutions, proclamations, and ordinances are only on the rarest occasion read aloud. March 14 was not the rarest occasion. Meeting attendees were permitted to read the half-dozen hand-outs, the meeting’s agenda, and minutes of two previous meetings, for at least two minutes prior to the meeting’s call to order.

True to form, Chairman Hall called out each agenda item by number and asked for a motion for passage. Skilled in their assigned roles, Commissioner Warren moved for passage of even-numbered agenda items 12 and under; Commissioner Giangrieco moved for the odd-numbered items under 12. At agenda item 13, they exchanged odd-even roles until the adjournment motion, number 21, came up. Whether Commissioner Giangrieco might have felt lucky at that moment, or was just in a hurry to leave wasn’t clear. In every case, Commissioner Warren provided a second for Commissioner Giangrieco’s motions; and he for hers. Chairman Hall stated who made the motion, and who had seconded. Then like as a lumberjack to “timber!” he bellowed, “Questions or comments?” before the inevitable, “All in favor?” and a roar of “Aye!” followed. The first 11 minutes of this 29-minute meeting followed the aforementioned pattern for agenda items under number 21, requiring a motion.

The highlights of those 11 minutes actually included some noteworthy actions, as well as “Employee Years of Service Recognition.” Recognized and present were Susan Adamec (Children & Youth) - 35 years; Andrew Genneken (Deputy Sheriff) - 10 years; and Jon Record (Deputy Sheriff) - 5 years. Employees recognized, but not present, were Theresa LoSapio (Assessment) - 10 years; and Joshua Weller (Deputy Warden) - 5 years. Personnel actions by commissioners included acceptance, with regret, of the resignation of Melissa Lankford, and hiring of Nichole Snyder to the open full-time Caseworker position in Children & Youth.

Commissioners passed “Burning Ban Resolution Number 2012-03,” effective 12:01 a.m., Saturday, March 24, through 12:01 a.m., Monday, April 23. The burn ban provides for a fine of $100 on first offense; $200 for the second offense; and $300 for the third. Said burn ban is imposed by commissioners desirous of providing for the health, safety, welfare, and protection of the people of this county. The requirement for legal advertising precluded immediate imposition of the burn ban.

Commissioners also adopted “Resolution 2012-04, authorizing the commissioners to execute a cooperative agreement between Susquehanna County, Central Bradford Progress Authority, and Endless Mountains Health Systems regarding a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to aid in the construction of a new hospital.” Basically, the agreement, copies of which were made available at the meeting, makes possible the release of $4 million for the site prep associated with construction of the new hospital. The cooperative agreement is a legal document through which the county is, in essence, co-signing for the hospital’s loan, though it is through government programs and agencies, rather than on the relatively simple basis familiar to borrowers.

Commissioners’ made a number of other hand-outs available. They were obviously created to uphold various legal duties or meet other responsibilities. One was required to correct the Disaster Number listed on a resolution from last year. Another was to reinforce the County’s commitment to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. A third, Proclamation 2012-02, proclaimed March 29, 2012, C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day to increase colon cancer awareness.

Perhaps the most informative hand-out was “The Commissioner’s Corner,” by Mary Ann Warren. In it Commissioner Warren discussed a wide range of issues with which she was involved. Topics she covered included her work with the Conservation District, natural gas residential piping and usage, the County’s Farm Bureau, and emergency food services through churches and social service organizations. Her discussion of County Transportation’s reduced operating services as a consequence of reduced state funding is apt commentary of “the new normal” of today’s economic conditions. Online readers can find her February 2012 “corner” at www.maryannwarren.org.

Robert Templeton, Director of Planning, took four minutes to present the Susquehanna County Planning Commission Annual Report for 2011. Those with questions or wishing to discuss his report may contact him directly at his office. He also noted that the entire report is available on the county’s website.

Finally, “normalcy” could not have been said to have returned to commissioners’ meetings had not the issue of “Sunshine Laws” come up. That discussion happened during the period of public comment from 9:15 to 9:29 adjournment. The protagonists were Commissioners Hall and Giangrieco on the one hand, and Bruce Paskoff, a Susquehanna County resident and regular meeting attendee on the other hand. The key point revolved around what constituted “public” and what was the definition of “official testimony.” Progressive questioning by Mr. Paskoff ultimately led Chairman Hall to the position that “there is no exact definition of testimony,” and that it is up to the commissioners to make the determination what is testimony and what is “regular public comment.” Mr. Paskoff dismissed that “standard” as arbitrary and subjective, saying “commissioners have set themselves up as arbiters of what is testimony… That is unacceptable.” He pointed out that over the last four years, meeting minutes simply reflect the heading “public meeting” with no statements or further information recorded.

Commissioner Giangrieco was asked for his definition of “public testimony” and he joined the fray. In his opinion no definition of testimony exists in the Sunshine Law. His legal definition of testimony involved putting a person under oath.

And so Mr. Paskoff would have none of it. He asserted that signing in and stating what he wished to talk about - at least a condensed version thereof - constituted “official testimony,” even under Chairman Hall and the County Solicitor’s “definition” of a few weeks ago. That the county should record the gist of what a person talked about and include such in the minutes of the meeting is the intent, the spirit of the law, and within the definition of “official testimony.” Chairman Hall continued resistance with insistence that commissioners maintain the right to determine what “official testimony” is.

Commissioner Warren gave the entire topic a wide berth. As she wasn’t directly interrogated as to her position, she verbalized none. Had the thought occurred to her to volunteer opinions, she thought better of it. So silent she remained till motion for adjournment impelled her to second.

Sunshine Laws, official testimony, public comment, definition, interpretation, and documentation: all seem destined for discussion in the next episode of “as the commissioners turn.” Adjournment was gaveled at 9:29 a.m., and in such manner “normalcy” returned to Susquehanna County on March 14.

The next meeting of county commissioners is scheduled for 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 28.

At the beginning of the March 15 meeting of the Elk Lake School Board, correspondence was read aloud. The drama team thanked the board for its support, and invited them to the spring play entitled Sixties Mania.

During the principal's reports, various items of note were mentioned. Mrs. Staats, Special Education coordinator, mentioned that the Life Skills class was going to return to Felix's. Mr. Pironne spoke of the PSSA exams, and the pep rally kick off which occurred. He stated that the tests were running smoothly. The benefit concert for a local child was scheduled for the following Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., at the school. The band playing was to be AM Radio. Dr. Cuomo mentioned the Honor Society induction, and reviewed the end of the year activities. Commencement was scheduled for June 9 at 10 a.m. Mr. Mallery presented a tentative spring athletics schedule, and spoke of the senior athlete awards which had been held. Also, Adam Phillips was on his way to states in swimming, and the expressed their support for that student.

Dr. Bush then brought attention to the proposed calendar for the following year. He stated that it was much the same as the current year's. School would begin August 28, with a short two weeks for the kindergarten students.

Next March, Dr. Cuomo stated, the senior graduation project presentations were scheduled. This year the school had dismissed early to allow time for the presentations. Dr. Cuomo had been approached by student council representatives requesting permission to put an application in for the district to host the District Student Council gathering. If approved, it could mean 500 or 600 students. It would be the same day as the graduation projects, and would involve, he proposed, dismissing the students slightly earlier.

The dental health plan was reviewed. The rates were to remain the same as the previous year.

Permission to bid elementary school cafeteria tables was requested and given. The tables were the original tables from when the school opened. Some which had been replaced were two inches taller than the old tables. The old ones were being getting beaten up, though were still serviceable, it was stated.

Vehicle bids were also reviewed, and a recommendation for purchase made. Mr. Place asked about a previous situation, where additional costs were incurred above the original bid by the time it was ready to be delivered. He queried as to whether or not this would be the situation then. It was suggested that this be followed up on.

A booklet was given to the board regarding NEIU operating budget. Dr. Bush reviewed this briefly with the board. The IU was recommending that the Elk Lake figure remain the same for the coming year; they had been the same in recent years past. The process had been transparent, he said commending that agency for this.

The WVIA contract was reviewed next. At the superintendents' meeting, he said, there had been some discussion regarding the cost from this. The superintendents had wanted this to be reduced, and WVIA had taken the concerns seriously and offered two options. One of these was a three year contract at a lower rate. WVIA provided the scholastic bowl, video streaming in the classrooms, and other services. Dr. Bush recommended the district accept the three year contract, to which the board acquiesced.

WVIA sponsored the scholastic bowl, and also sponsored the scholar of the year. At the latter a student was chosen from each district and invited, along with school representatives and family, to a banquet. WVIA had requested that school districts volunteer to host the scholar of the year banquet, which had been held at various locations in the past. Dr. Bush had offered the district for the following year.

The district was behind its timeline regarding the preliminary budget, due to software issues. Dr. Bush reported this, though he stated that he felt confident it could be completed prior to the April board meeting. With the work which had been completed so far in salary and benefits, he stated, the district was looking at an increase of between 500,000 and 600,000 dollars. However, he cautioned, this did not factor various factors into the calculation. Mrs. Hollister said that the retirement increase was part of this.

Due to the tentative absence of two board members, the April school board meeting was moved to the 17th, a Tuesday night, rather than the date it had been scheduled.

There was some discussion regarding bus regulations, regarding the age of buses.

A reporter asked the board whether they had ever been approached by a company regarding a system which runs off wood chips. This was in relation to her attendance at a Mountain View school board meeting, which district's system had saved them a lot of money.

Dr. Bush said that in the past they had looked at their setup, but hadn't heard anything about it recently. Mr. Curley reported that he knew of a school putting in a biomass furnace at another district, and that it saves a lot of money but was a large initial investment. Dr. Bush related that the district had also looked into saw grass in the past, however it also involved a large initial investment. Mr. Place opined that other districts might realize more of a savings than Elk Lake would, due to its existing energy savings program.

Dr. Bush had been in contact with a man regarding the district's electric rates. Two or three years ago the district had entered into an agreement with the man and received a reduction in its electrical rates. He had contacted Dr. Bush to tell him that there had been a drop in the market, and that the district was looking to get involved with it. The move would take the district out to 2015, but would drop the kilowatt price to 6.38, an estimated savings of $35,000 through that date.

During the SCCTC meeting, Dr. Davis was not present but items were discussed. Mr. Tewkesbury raised a question regarding a supply of gas or payment in lieu of which was in the contract with the gas company. It was suggested that this be looked into. The vehicle bids were again reviewed, and motions made on three. The April meeting was moved to be on the same night Elk Lake meeting. The district's Plan Con H had been reviewed and processed, so that the district was on the fast track to reimbursement Dr. Bush reported.

A visitor stated that at the past meeting she had reviewed a letter to the editor, and she had invited the writer to the meeting that evening. She spoke of ways to get a person's message to the board. The first, she said, would be to attend a meeting. The next would be maybe to send a letter to the board. The third would be to e-mail them, and she queried as to whether or not e-mail numbers of board members were accessible on the website. It was stated that some on the board might not use the internet, but Mr. Place said that the members were accessible. Mr. Curley opined that all the board members lived and interacted in the same community, and that the board members were not playing a game of hide and seek. Mr. Place stated that the district had a good school board and a good administration, and that he would stand by every one of the school board members. Mr. Tewksbury said that the working agreement on the current board was as good as he'd ever seen. Mr. Place stated that he was proud of the board, and Mr. Tewksbury that he heard such good things about the district.

Although several business matters were discussed March 12 at the Forest City Regional School Board meeting, the majority of the meeting was devoted to the recognition of various student achievements. First, high school principal Christine Acevedo introduced Outstanding Seniors Sonja Campbell and Logan Fitzsimmons. Campbell, who was praised for “going above and beyond” expectations, is a member of S.A.D.D. and donated stockings to needy students during the Christmas season. As her graduation project, Campbell teamed with another student, raising over two hundred dollars for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, in addition to collecting pet supplies.

Acevedo then detailed Fitzsimmons’ achievements, quoting a teacher, who wrote, “Logan puts one hundred percent into everything he does … [and] changes an entire class for the better, just by being in it.” He is involved in athletics, band, chorus, FBLA, The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and donated twenty percent of his wages from his summer job to local non-profit agencies. As his senior project, Fitzsimmons participated in designing a board for Mrs. Brown’s classroom.

As Athlete of the Month, cheerleader Kacy Gillette was recognized as a student with “exceptional ability,” who is still “willing to learn.”

Acevedo also introduced Career Technology Students Sylvia Evans and Jeffrey Walsh, who were recognized last month at the CTC Annual Community Awards Breakfast. Evans received a silver medal in medical math, while Walsh received a bronze medal in collision repair.

Forest City Regional Superintendent John Kopicki highlighted the performance of FCR students at The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science awards, held March 3 at Kings College. Neal Albright received an excellence award for a perfect score in seventh, eighth, and ninth grade physics. Kylie Besz earned a fellowship to attend a summer biology seminar at The Commonwealth Medical College. Rachel DeLucy and Megan Goban participated in biology and ecology events, respectively, and Katie Zefran was awarded a ten thousand dollar scholarship to the University of Scranton.

During the public comment portion of the school board meeting, a student asked about weighted grades, stating that some of the students presently ranked in the top ten of the senior class are not in accelerated classes. She asserted that students in the “more rigorous courses” are being “almost penalized” under the present senior class ranking system. Kopicki responded that weighted grades had been addressed just that week and that he would be able to discuss the matter with the student on Friday. He explained that the 1.25% weight would be applied retroactively to when the policy was implemented and definitely would be in effect by graduation.

The resignation of William Heller from the position of CTC representative was announced. Jeffrey Zukaski was appointed to fill the vacancy.

A 4% salary increase was approved for business manager Kathleen Seifried. Mary Emmett, president, commented that the “board felt [Seifried] was very deserving of this.” Seifried is not included under the teachers’ contract.

Also concerning personnel, a motion was made to approve the retirement of David Costanzo, shop teacher, effective October 31, 2012. Costanzo was praised for his “years of service to the district,” and was wished well in his retirement.

It was noted that the Forest City Area Rotary Club will hold a basketball shoot-out in the elementary school gym on April 4. Students in grades two through six are eligible to participate, and funds will be donated to the local chapter of the American Red Cross to aid flood victims.

PSSA testing will be conducted through March 23.

On March 21 at 7 p.m., the PTO will meet in the elementary school library for a monthly meeting.

Also on the 21st will be a US Naval Academy information night, to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Scranton Preparatory School. Parents and students are invited to attend to learn about applying to the academy.

Now more than 17 years old, the Harford Township Sewer System is beginning to show its age. At their meeting on March 13, the township Supervisors - who double as the township sewer authority - described a major project to renovate the sewer plant on Burns Road, and discussed how to pay for it.

According to Supervisor Garry Foltz, in a meeting with the sewer system’s engineer, David Klepadlo, he was provided with an assessment of the plant’s problems, and some rough estimates of the cost to fix them. It seems that the plant’s original control system is obsolete; parts are no longer available. A collection of valve handles also need to be replaced, the blower motors need some work, and grates over the pits are rotting away. With a number of smaller items, the total cost to upgrade the plant could reach $100,000.

The current-year budget for the sewer system is already in deficit, even with the recent increase in rates. Without the money to fund such a project, the Supervisors considered 3 options for borrowing from Peoples Neighborhood Bank. It seemed that they agreed on an option that would allow them to borrow $100,000 at a fixed rate of 68% of prime for the first 3 years, with a floor of 3% and a ceiling of 4.75%, for a term of 10 or 15 years. Payments would amount to something over $8,000 per year under that option. A final decision will depend on more detailed information about the costs, following an engineering study - whose cost would be added to the project, of course.

The Supervisors considered adding another $50,000 for a new ultraviolet disinfection system, but decided to stay with chlorine for now. They will also look into providing 3-phase electrical service to the plant.

With the project to install a new culvert under Stearns Road at the outlet of Tingley Lake nearing completion, invoices have begun to arrive. So far the township has been billed $17,909. Todd Schmidt, the engineer who helped devise the solution eventually adopted, has yet to submit a bill. Guard rails also need to be installed. Asked about the cost of legal services related to the project, Supervisor and Township Secretary Sue Furney said she hadn’t broken them out that way. The township also spent some $16,000 four years ago for an engineering study for the site following the flooding of June 2006.

The township was sued in 2010 by some of the property owners on the lake to force the replacement of the sluice. With the completion of the project, that action has presumably become moot. However, one of the property owners who suffered damage to his house in flooding last year, has filed another suit to recover damages, according to Mr. Foltz.

Most of the cost of the project will be paid out of a 10-year no-interest $500,000 “infrastructure loan” provided by the state several years ago, originally to cover both the Stearns Road culvert and the Butler Creek bridge. The latter was washed out during the flooding of 2006 and after; the cost of that project was eventually reimbursed by the Pennsylvania and Federal Emergency Management Agencies. Stearns Road, however, is the responsibility of the township. So far the infrastructure loan has been paying for itself. Asked how the additional cost of the Stearns Road project would be covered, Ms. Furney said that the budget includes money for debt service, implying that the project’s cost would come from that, over the remaining term of the loan.

While Mr. Foltz noted the township’s “great credit rating,” the township is already paying on a note for a new truck as well as the infrastructure loan. A loan for the sewer plant renovation will increase overall indebtedness, but those funds would come exclusively at the expense of sewer system rate payers.

In the meantime, with natural gas exploration continuing apace and its impact in the Harford area likely to increase, the Supervisors considered more options for road-crossing agreements with pipeline companies. They approved a draft template for all the companies that will carry a $100 application fee, require a minimum depth of 4 feet to the top of the pipe, and make the pipeline company responsible for the crossing for a minimum of 3 years.

If Spring is coming early this year, can Summer be far behind? The Supervisors accepted a bid by Randy Ball of BNR Lawncare to cut the grass as needed: $25 per cutting at the township building, $35 per cutting at the sewer plant.

They discussed the need for road materials for the coming season. Based on information provided by Ms. Furney, the township will purchase stone and dust control materials from suppliers registered with the state’s COSTARS program, avoiding the need to solicit bids.

The Harford-Lenox Baseball Association will cut their own grass, but, as they do every year, they want a little help. The Supervisors awarded them a donation of $500. Doug Higgins also asked and got permission to divert some new drainage on the field into the small stream that runs along the back of the township-owned property.

Mr. Higgins said that the program serves 65-70 players both male and female, in both baseball and softball. He noted that 5 local businesses have purchased new uniforms for all of the teams in the past 2 years: Mark Whitehead Electrical, Southwest Energy, Lenox Pharmacy, H. L. Stephens Ford, and Bingham’s Restaurant.

The township’s newest Supervisor, Doug Phelps, reported that he had talked with the owner of a barn on Tingley Lake Road that had been partially torn down, but that is still considered an eyesore by many. He said the owner is looking for a contractor to complete the demolition of the structure.

The Supervisors accepted the fire company’s nominations for fire police, and adopted a measure that insures fire policemen participating in 2 parades this summer in Montrose.

They also announced that they would meet with members of a re-constituted Harford Water Authority to discuss insurance coverage. They assured listeners that they have no intention to take over management of the village’s water supply.

The Supervisors will be attending some meetings on emergency management issues in Montrose. But their next public meeting in Harford is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. When Mayor Mike Matis submitted his resignation on Valentine’s Day, council and mayor supposed that a smooth transition was in store for the next council meeting on March 13. Nothing could have been further from what they had envisioned. And as if the day’s mere number weren’t inauspicious enough, events conspired to magnify its well-deserved reputation for misfortune and misadventure.

With boro council President Roberta Reddon filling in as Acting Mayor, council Vice-President Roy Williams called the meeting to order at “7 p.m.” Well, that was 7 p.m. by “boro-clock time.” Initial roll call of council members accounted for Sue Crawford, Allan Wolf, and Debbie Zayas, as well as the aforementioned Ms. Reddon and Mr. Williams. Some six minutes into the meeting Paul Barnes and Joe Varsik made their appearance. Being chided by some for their tardiness, they uttered protestations of innocence and insisted they were early. In response - to the shock and chagrin of some and the humor of others - realization dawned that the boro’s clock was some 10 minutes fast. That mischievous gremlin named Daylight Savings Time undoubtedly had a hand in the misdeed of minutes.

With council waiting several tense moments to ensure “true-time” reached seven, the meeting proceeded. Inauspiciously, Attorney (and former borough solicitor) Myron DeWitt made an early bid for council to meet with both himself and two other meeting attendees, in executive session, either the same evening or on a future-meeting evening, to consider or resolve a matter. Council, after some discussion, consented to meet with the Attorney DeWitt and his party - after arrival of their current solicitor, Michael Briechle - the same evening.

During the public comment period, resident Pat Barnes questioned council about the amount and use of moneys received for water taken out of the Susquehanna River at Susquehanna Depot. Councilman Williams explained that the boro receives $5,000 per month and that the money is normally expended for curbing, drainage, and paving of boro streets. Ms. Barnes expressed concern about the dingy and run-down appearance of brick buildings on Main Street; that those buildings give outsiders the “wrong impression” of town; and she suggested what might be done to spruce them up. While council thanked her for her concern and promised to look into possible grant programs, members remonstrated with her that boro government had funds barely sufficient to care for streets, let alone assist private property-owners in cosmetic upgrades.

Mike Matis, arising from the audience, delivered his swan song Mayor‘s Report at council‘s request, despite the legal technicality his resignation had already taken effect. He, on Chief Sweet’s recommendation, asked that Officers Moran and Velasquez-Perez, be removed from probationary status and that their pay be increased to $11.50 per hour concurrent with rise in status. He further asked that council act in concert with the boros of Lanesboro and Oakland for traffic-enforcement operations. And finally, he made a plea for renewed boro involvement in PennDOT’s “Agility” program. With his remarks completed, former-mayor Matis thanked boro residents for entrusting him with various elected positions over the past nine years, and he bowed to the claps and cheers of the crowd.

In routine financial matters, council created several new line items in their budget to accomplish specific objectives not previously planned for, or to individuate needs within the budget. One of those items was for the employee drug and alcohol testing program established in November 2011. For the boro’s 12 employees $1,020 will be required the first year. In future years only half of the boro’s employees will be randomly alcohol/drug tested each year.

Under new business, Secretary Diann Robbins was appointed to wear three new hats: Open Records Officer, Right-to-Know Officer, and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator - in the event Emergency Management Coordinator Hendrickson (a Prospect Street resident) meets an untimely demise, or as he joked, “in the event Prospect Street is wiped out in a landslide.”

At 7:20 p.m., Mr. Williams turned the meeting over to Acting Mayor Reddon to handle the evening’s highlight, selection of Susquehanna Depot’s new mayor. Ms. Reddon read letters from interested applicants: Council Vice-President Roy Williams, and former councilman William Perry, Jr. After a few minutes of discussion, Council members Barnes, Crawford, Varsik, Wolf, and Zayas voted to make William Perry, Jr., Susquehanna Depot’s newly-minted mayor. Asked to give a few words upon his selection by council, Mr. Perry rose to his feet and said, “I’ve been here before, and I’ll just do the best that I can.”

While waiting for Magisterial District Judge Jodi Cordner to show for her scheduled 7:30 duty, council and audience fell into casual conversation momentarily. Councilman Varsik took advantage of the time to share his “Pictorial Survey of Susky Streets” with fellow council members. At his urging, council agreed to a Streets Committee Meeting every third Monday of the month to discuss road repairs and projects within the boro. Council’s thinking was that the nitty-gritty details of road work could be discussed without worry of giving short shrift to other committees and their needs. Council members Varsik, Barnes, and Williams, along with Street Commissioner Steve Glover agreed to a 7 p.m. start-time at the boro building for purpose stated.

When the subject of streets finally played out, council and audience realized that the time had slipped to 7:40 and Judge Cordner was still not to be seen. Boro Solicitor Briechle had arrived in the interim and council seized the moment to deal with the matter on Attorney DeWitt‘s mind. Secretary Robbins, dispatched to her office to keep an eagle-eye for Judge Cordner, was charged with responsibility to notify council immediately upon her arrival, so that they might break from executive session. Their hope was in vain.

At 9 p.m. the marathon executive session came to its conclusion. No announcement was made, nor was any official action taken immediately thereafter in relation to whatever matter occupied their executive session attention with Attorney DeWitt. Mayor-to-be Perry lingered still. But alas, Judge Cordner was nowhere to be seen. Those present appeared at least a wee bit frazzled from the evening events - and curious non-event - and 9:20 adjournment came perhaps none too soon. William Perry, Jr., is Susquehanna Depot’s new mayor, but his oath-taking will be for another time…another day…another place. Miscues marred his march to the mayor’s office, but made for an evening to be remembered - if only for the wrong reasons.

Susquehanna Depot’s next boro council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 10.

Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, on the 2nd day of April at 9:00 a.m.

Apolacon Twp.: Rebecca Ray Darrow, Nicole Fearnley.

Auburn Twp.: Robert Clayton, Mary Smith, Dale Smith.

Bridgewater Twp.: David Cronk, Lavonne Lewis, Scott Singer, Angela Smith, Randall Teets, Vida Thomas.

Choconut Twp.: Donald Ross-Robertson.

Clifford Twp.: Gerald Tolerico.

Forest City, 1W: Gerald Tolerico.

Forest Lake Twp.: Else Brunner, Matthew Burkhart, Roger Gardner, Elizabeth Sechrist, Mary Wood.

Franklin Twp.: Samuel Charles Little.

Friendsville Boro: Kara Amorino.

Gibson Twp.: Lori Eshelman, Roderick Grosvenor, Kristy Mellor, Debra Wood.

Great Bend Twp.: Kevin George, Michelle Sheridan.

Hallstead Boro: Donna Benjamin, Courtney Erceg, Rosemary Farrell, Eleanor Fisher, Shari Lewis.

Harford Twp.: Dwight Carey, Norma Carey, Gary Housel, Charlene Moser, Benjamin Pisasik, Glen Smith.

Harmony Twp: Raymond Barnes, Paul Downton.

Hop Bottom Boro: Ronnie Fisher.

Jackson Twp.: Robert Gremmel.

Lanesboro Boro: Regina Dilello, Frank Hobbs.

Lathrop Twp.: Lynn Butler, Nancy Jones, Richard Williams, Neil Wilmarth.

Lenox Twp.: April Ball, Esther Graham, Garrick Hicks, Bonnie Rowe, Harold Tugend, Phil Wirth.

Little Meadows Boro: Mark Bicknell.

Montrose Boro, 1W: Shirley Bennett, Randall Schuster, Jerome Washo.

Montrose Boro, 2W: Beverly Gerlins, Michael Koscelnak, Daniel Spellman.

New Milford Twp.: Stefanie Allen, Karen Franks, Virginia Mackenzie, Carol Neal.

Oakland Boro: Jodi Benson.

Rush Twp.: Randy Jenner, Susan Kamarauskas.

Silver Lake Twp.: Rebecca Cady, Michael Peranich, Richard Preston, Hedi Randall, Harold Ridler, Douglas Wiser.

Springville Twp.: Edmund Raines, Nicole Vibbard.

Susquehanna Boro, 1W: Joseph Veitri.

Susquehanna Boro, 2W: Jill Holleran, David Rockwell.

Thompson Boro: Kevin Upright.

Union Dale Boro: Vashti Conrad.

ILLEGAL DUMPING

On February 5, officers were dispatched to Lunkerz Deli on Main Street for an ongoing issue with people dumping their trash in a private garbage dumpster located behind the deli. While sifting through items deposited officers noticed several items with the same name and address. Items were owned by a Mr. Salvatore Russomano, Jr. of Bellmawr, New Jersey. A non-traffic citation was filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On February 13, officers were dispatched to the Janusz residence located in the 3900 block of Church Street for the report of damage to a mail box. Caller stated that the incident occurred over night. Unfounded at this time.

MVA

On February 16, officers were dispatched to the area of the 2000 block of Crystal Lake Road for a one car motor vehicle accident, car vs. tree. Upon arrival due to weather conditions, Joni Stark of Pleasant Mount, PA was traveling north when she lost control of her vehicle during a snow storm while colliding into a roadside tree. Driver was not injured. Triple ‘’A’’ tow service was requested by the driver. Accident was reportable. No charges were filed.

MVA

On February 18, officers were dispatched to the area of the intersection of State Route 247 north and Buffalo Road for a motor vehicle roll over. Dispatch stated driver left scene as per caller. While arriving on scene Fire and EMS personnel reported no one was located inside or near the vehicle. Vehicle registration came back to a Mr. David K. Bowan of Forest City. Investigation is still pending.

ILLEGAL DUMPING

On February 27, officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Main Street for the report of an illegal dump. Caller was a David Carachilo from the Smoke Shop. David stated that he was walking through the Clifford Cemetery located in the 1400 block of Main Street when he noticed several white trash bags of adult diapers thrown over the embankment behind the cemetery. It is unknown when the bags were thrown there. Officers do not have a point of contact for the Clifford Cemetery. If anyone has any information on the dumping or contact information for the cemetery please contact Police at 570-222-9444. Unfounded at this time.

MVA

On February 29, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Main Street for a motor vehicle accident, car versus tree. While arriving on scene officers spoke to the driver, Mr. Edison Sinclair of Kingsley. Mr. Sinclair stated that he was heading west on Main Street along with his wife when, due to the current weather conditions, Mr. Sinclair lost control of his vehicle sliding off into a roadside ditch damaging the front end of his vehicle. Vehicle was drivable and both driver and passenger were not injured. Accident was non reportable. No charges filed.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

On February 24, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Round Hill Road for a domestic dispute between mother and son. Dispute was over the juvenile son’s puppy chewing the wires of a personal computer located inside the residence. Both parties were separated for a short time to calm the situation. No charges were filed.

BURGLARY

On February 23, officers were dispatched to the area of Brace Brook Road, Forest City for the report of a burglary to several hunting cabins on the back side of a property located in Clifford Township. Caller was the Childs Hunting Club President, Mr. Joseph Wahy from Carbondale. Several cabins were broke into. Cash and liquor were taken along with several damaged items. Investigation is pending. No charges have been filed at this time.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

Police responded to a total of 74 incidents for the month of February. 24 of these incidents were traffic related. Officers have noticed a rise in motor vehicle accidents for the year. All residents are asked to stay alert when leaving their residence or going on vacation. Make sure vehicles and property, along with all locks to your home, are secure due to an increasing rise in burglaries and thefts.

A monthly crime watch meeting was held this month for Elk View Drive. Several residents did attend. Some of the issues talked about were the increase in gang activities in or about the surrounding area including gang tagging, which is gang signs spray painted on bridges, large rocks, etc. in an area showing that the gang is in that immediate area. Another issue was the increase in burglaries, copper thefts, and drug activity. Residents are asked to get involved with the crime watch program. Please report all criminal or suspicious activities when noticed to police. Keep in mind, callers can remain anonymous.