Susquehanna County Commissioners Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren met from 9 to 9:04 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25, for regularly-scheduled county business. On the morning after Pennsylvania’s Primary Election, notable for its light voter turnout, commissioners tackled a meeting agenda which appeared equally light.

The meeting’s routine business was dispatched forthwith. Approved were the meeting minutes of April 11; Cash Disbursement Journal and EFTPS payments; one seminar request for two county employees at zero cost to the county; Purchase of Service Agreements by the county with two out-of-county Children & Youth Services organizations; and two personnel actions, a hiring and a firing.

At that point, the meeting was over, but for public comment. Brought up by this reporter was the county’s “Fair Housing Resolution 2012-07,” passed on April 11. I had inquired before the meeting if there was a sign-in sheet for those wishing to give official testimony, or if I could have an item added to the meeting’s agenda. Commissioners responded that they had dispensed with the sign-in procedure and were not amenable to any addition to the agenda, but advised that time to speak would be available during public comment.

So to recap, the Fair Housing Resolution states “…that discrimination in the sale, rental, leasing, financing or housing or land to be used for construction of housing, or in the provision of brokerage services because of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability is prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Federal Fair Housing Law) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. It is the policy of the County of Susquehanna programs to ensure equal opportunity in housing for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, or familial status (families with children).” The resolution goes on to state that the county will assist those who believe they have been discriminated against (on any of the bases previously enumerated); that the county will publicize this Resolution and through this publicity cause owners of real estate, developers, and builders to become aware of their respective responsibilities and rights; and that the county will publicize this resolution and applicable fair housing information through local media and community contact.

It was concerning the foregoing resolution that I wished to give official testimony. I stood, provided my name, and made clear that I was speaking as a private citizen and not in the capacity associated with my employment as a reporter for this paper. The resolution, I announced, had been “overtaken by events.” I had assumed it as my personal responsibility to bring the resolution’s omissions to the attention of the commissioners upon my awareness of HUD’s rules prohibiting discrimination of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people in housing. In my possession were 15 pages from the “Federal Register,” as well as the web reference to the Department’s website. I explained that HUD (Housing and Urban Development) had promulgated a final rule which purpose was to implement and ensure that its core programs are open to all eligible individuals and families regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. That final rule went into effect on March 5.

While HUD has clarified that these additional program requirements do not create additional protected classes in existing civil rights laws, such as the federal Fair Housing Act or Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act, specific actions owners/agents take could be perceived as civil rights violations and prosecuted under existing fair housing regulations. Still, the net effect of the new HUD rule is to prohibit discrimination against LGBT people in housing. That the county should re-visit their Fair Housing Resolution of April 11, and take action deemed appropriate was my intent. All reference materials in my possession were provided to the Chief Clerk for copying after meeting‘s end.

Chairman Hall asked one last time if there was any other public comment. Susquehanna County resident Bruce Paskoff inquired as to the definition of “official testimony.” To which the reply, “We already beat this one to death!” emanated from Commissioner Giangrieco. Commissioners reluctant to wade into the tall weeds of definitional confusion sprang to adjournment - and much hoped-for relief.

The next regularly scheduled Commissioners’ meeting is 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room in the Courthouse.

At the beginning of the April 17th meeting of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center board meeting, Mr. Les Bear spoke to the board regarding financial matters. The district, he said, had taken out a bank loan for the SCCTC expansion/renovation project of 7.6 million dollars with an interest rate ranging from 3.5% to 5% over a 20 year payout. If the district paid the maximum interest rate during the life of the loan, the total payments would be in excess of 10 million dollars. The district had looked at different options to minimize the impact to those paying for the project. One was to refinance with a 15 or 20 year bond issue. The interest rates, he explained, were low, like had not been seen in 45 years, currently ranging from .85% to 3.25%, rates which he termed incredible. The reduced interest could save the district an estimated 1.4 million dollars. The district currently had no other outstanding debt, which was unusual. He thought that the rating agency would be complimentary of this, and that he believed the school could get an A+ rating, a distinction only about 20% of Pennsylvania districts would achieve. He said that the school was at the high echelon of financial stability.

When Mr. Tewksbury asked about a time frame, it was confirmed that if the board acted on the subject that night it would be three or four weeks before a rating and interest rates would be returned. Mrs. Teel asked if there would be a cost to the district should they decide, at that point, to scrap it. Mr. Bear responded that there would be an $8,000 charge for the rating agency; none of the other professionals would charge. When Mr. Curley questioned him about bond insurance, Mr. Bear replied that he expected it to be about 40 cents per $1,000, about $36,000 in total cost for the district. Should they purchase the insurance, however, it would give them a double A- rating, the highest rate they could get with bond insurance companies. Doing so would allow them to get a lower interest rate. This amount would be paid for at closing, but was factored into the numbers. It would pay for itself double. Mr. Place asked if the district had cash money, if it could apply it to the principal. The district would be able to do so after 5 years without penalty, Mr. Bear responded, so long as they gave a 30 day notice and did not refinance it. The transaction would be a fixed rate transaction.

When it was asked what would be done that night, Dr. Bush explained that there would be a motion in the Elk Lake meeting to move forward, as Elk Lake was the holder of the loan. The 50% reimbursement from the state would still apply. Mr. Bear had heard that the application for reimbursement from the state was being processed, it was stated.

After Mr. Bear’s presentation, another presentation was made, this time from representatives of the adult cosmetology program. Sue Birch, the instructor, and two of her students were present. First, Ms. Birch thanked the board for their support of the program, reporting that people came from as far away as Sayre to attend it. Due to the demand the school was looking at perhaps opening the clinic up to five mornings a week, she said.

The real reason the women were present however was to discuss a recommendation of the Occupational Advisory Committee, that the school add a massage therapy course. While it was not a part of the current cosmetology curriculum, there was a high demand for it. The other two women present had done research on the subject, and wished to speak to the board. One of the women was actually a licensed massage therapist in another state. She was also an aesthetician in another state, but was attending the vo-tech school as this could not be transferred to Pennsylvania. She passed a handout around to the board, and explained that massage was not truly for luxury, it was about wellness. She discussed how it could affect stress, and stimulate blood flow. Dr. Davis said that the school had a lot of requests from the public for this service, and said that they did have the facilities for a night class use.

Mr. Place asked the ladies what drew them to the SCCTC for their training. One responded that for her it was the proximity, and the affordability of the program. She was glad that she had made the choice, as she learned more there she felt. The other woman also spoke highly of the program, saying that there was material which she had not learned in the past. She wanted to also make the point that not only women could get facials. The board thanked them, and they thanked the board.

The school calendar had been presented before the board the month before, and faculty input had been taken. Dr. Bush still recommended the calendar as originally presented, he felt that it had really been consistent throughout his term, with only minor changes. The largest question, he continued, was whether or not to put snow days in. Not putting the snow days in sometimes interfered with plans when vacation days were taken away.

The 2011 and 2012 revised school calendar was also presented and approved. Dr. Bush felt the district was probably safe from snow days at that point, so June 7th was expected to be graduation, with the last day being Monday June the 4th. He said that he could not remember the last time they were out of school by the first Monday in June.

Each year Dr. Bush asked the board for approval to post and advertise any vacancies which occurred so that the district could move forward with advertising without waiting for the next board meeting. This did not force the board to approve any particular person, he explained.

A welding instructor position was filled, along with a tech position. The school had very good numbers for the welding program, it was stated and Dr. Bush felt that a second instructor might be sought in the future. The school would go back to the interview list at that time. The program was close to being completed, he said.

Mr. Emmerich asked what the time table was to bring these people on, and it was responded that the school was looking to start with the fall semester for the welding and May 1st for the tech position.

An increase in adult tuition from $6,000 to $6500 dollars was put before the board. There would be additional cost for certain courses. This was the first increase in the adult tuition in four years, it was explained. The increase was approved.

One of the needs which the building trades program had expressed was the ability to have access to and protection for tools at the build site. To give the students a real world working experience and to avoid as much tool transportation, the school was looking to purchase a Chevrolet Express commercial cutaway vehicle.

Mr. Curley asked about purchasing a used van, as likely many miles would not be accruing. Mr. Place agreed with this suggestion. Mrs. Hollister stated that they did go out for a used vehicle.

A couple of resolutions were discussed, the first being House Bill 825. Dr. Bush read a couple of items regarding it. Whereas districts continued to face an economic downturn, and whereas funded and unfunded state mandates would exasperate the existing difficulties, House bill 855 would allow school districts to furlough staff based on economic reasons, and to make decisions based on qualifications rather than just seniority. The resolution stated that the district supported this.

The other resolution discussed in this meeting regarded prevailing wage reform. Dr. Bush felt this was very interesting, regarding the costs it put on the school districts. The prevailing wage rates were not representative of actual rates in the area, he said. Pennsylvania school districts spent over a billion dollars on reimbursable construction projects in the last ten years. Reform would save taxpayers money by making it so that the school would not have to meet prevailing wage, when a job went out to bid it could choose the lowest bid. Mr. Curley elaborated on this, saying that anybody who bid a prevailing wage job was bidding on an equalized dollar for their labor costs (which the government mandated). If that requirement was eliminated then contractors could go by their own labor rates, and the school would be able to take in that savings. Mr. Emmerich said that PSBA had that on the legislative items which they wanted to change, but for years it had gone nowhere. This year, he continued, it seemed to be a hotter button than it ever had been.

One woman asked if there was anything in HB 825 which would conflict with contracts. It was responded that if it were passed it would supersede the contract. Mr. Curley opined that staff should feel secure that if they were competent they were in demand. Another board member felt that the government was almost forcing the districts into this decision as the block grant was lumping everything together. If they were going to force the district to do things that way, the district needed the flexibility to do what they could with it. Dr. Bush said that if the only people who could be eliminated were first and second year staff, the savings were not that significant. When the roll call vote was taken all vote in favor of the resolutions.

During the Elk Lake meeting, a housing complex wrote asking administration to donate some of the old computers for their residents, as the district was updating its computers. It was decided that this could be accommodated.

The physical education instructor, Holly Anderson, wrote confirming her retirement. She wrote fondly of her time at the district, calling Elk Lake an asset to her life. She thanked the school board and administration for their endless support of programs. Dr. Bush asked permission to post the vacancy.

A retirement letter was received also from Beverly Fancher, who also expressed appreciation to the district. A letter of intent was similarly received from Karen Krakowski, but was contingent on the current collective bargaining agreement. Mrs. Hollister called her an excellent educator. Finally, a retirement letter was received from the guidance secretary (who also elaborated on her appreciation of the district) and a notification of resignation had been given by an elementary educator. Dr. Bush requested permission to fill the guidance secretary and the physical education positions. He was not planning to fill the other three positions at this time. More and more school districts were looking at ways to cut budgets, he said, and the greatest impact always came down to staffing. The student enrollment was at the level where he felt based on where they were right now they could not fill those positions. Certainly, he continued, they were going to miss all of the educators, who had done great things for the students through the years. Mr. Place seconded that the letters were being accepted with regret, and with congratulations to those retiring.

During the principal's reports, Mrs. Staats spoke of the two field trips which they always attended. One was the elementary students attending the Shriner's circus. On the 25th the Special Olympics in Tunkhannock was scheduled. Hopefully in May the outpatient clinic was to begin, with Children's Service Center and NHS. The school was a licensed outpatient clinic through this. This way parents could have them seen at the school so they did not have to take them out.

Mr. Pironne then spoke of several events at the elementary school, including the PSSA writing exam; there had been 100% participation. The science exam was to be the following week. The parent and grandparent luncheons were continuing. There were smaller numbers in the upper grades. There was a fundraiser for a little girl with cancer, the students were collecting pennies. So far 210,000 pennies had been collected. So far there was $2,100 then, and they were not stopping until the first of May. The classroom with the most pennies collected was to be awarded, and the collection would become a math project to figure out how many miles worth of pennies had been provided.

There were to be 80 students graduating, and the list was approved pending completion of all requirements.

Dr. Cuomo asked for permission to continue the dual enrollment project with Keystone, Lackawanna, and Luzerne colleges. There was not to be a grant, however there were still about 56 students getting dual enrollment credits at a drastically reduced rate thanks to the generosity of the colleges, the community foundation, and some funds put together by the support staff.

Dr. Cumo said that they probably graduated near 100% of students by the end of the summer.

Currently in the contract there was a limitation of 14 years for bus age, and it had come to Dr. Bush's attention that there were some buses which could be run past that point. He stated, however, they did want to be concerned with the age of vehicles. He also added that this was a local restriction, not a legal mandate. What they wanted to approve then was not a limitation on the years, but on the total mileage of what a bus could run. A proposal was made that buses be allowed to have not more than 250,000 miles at the start of the school year. Anyone seeking to run it beyond that point would also have to discuss this with administration, who would have the final decision and would review maintenance logs and inspection reports.

Mr. Place wanted to make a couple of comments on that topic. The school buses went through two state inspections annually, he said, and this was not done half hazard. He said that he knew of one local garage that wouldn't really put a sticker on them without the state police looking at it. Every summer the state police inspected the bus again, and placed another sticker on it. The buses were inspected three times a year, then, and the state inspection garages did not cut corners. The state police would tell contractors not to bring a bus back the following year if it was beginning to show problems. The bus service age proposal was acted upon.

Dr. Bush said that the building now was probably near 80 or 85% completed. The project was really moving along, he stated.

The bond financing was motioned for approval then. The motion looked at was for 15 years, and the motion authorized the district administration to proceed with the refinancing of the 2011 note funding the addition and renovation of the SCCTC, and to create a repayment schedule for the bond financing over the 15 years. At the may meeting the matter would be brought before the board again. The bond rating ought to be known by that point; a special meeting would be scheduled if necessary.

Mr. Place confirmed that the district was looking to save $1,402,205 with fifteen years. Half of that would be savings for the career center and all the sending schools, after the fifty percent reimbursement. Mr. Place wanted to touch on PNB bank, as they had been good to the district. He wanted Dr. Bush to talk of where they stood with the bank if they went forward with the refinancing. Dr. Bush had met with the bank, as they certainly didn't want to do anything which would cause that company to think of the district as a bad neighbor. The bond refinance offered interest rates no one could touch. The bank looked at the rates and said that Dr. Bush had to look out for the best interest of the taxpayers, and in essence gave their full blessing. Dr. Bush said that the bank had been a great partner to them. All of the district's accounts would remain there. The school would still have a great working relationship with the company. All present voted in favor of the refinance motion. This gave the go ahead to do the paperwork, for the level funding schedule

The same resolutions as were approved as in the vo-tech meeting, along with a new resolution regarding cyber charter school reform. The Elk Lake school district had spend almost 1.5 million dollars since 2006-2007, and had only been reimbursed 246,016 dollars. There had been no reimbursement for the last two years. There was also a resolution supporting increased funding for K-12 public education, and one urgin pension reform. All resolutions were to be sent to senators, the House of Representatives, and the governor. Dr. Bush told Mrs. Hollister that he appreciated the work which went into them.

Mr. Emmerich asked what was the latest on any kind of change in the retirement system. Dr. bush said that he hadn't heard much.

Held April 16, a Forest City Regional School Board business meeting opened with the recognition of Outstanding Senior David Cavalieri. Cavalieri was described as “positive,” “considerate,” “a person who perseveres” and who “loves being in class.” It was added that he is also the FBLA treasurer and is an “excellent athlete.”

Jennifer Natishak, the other Outstanding Senior, and Eli Sauls, Artist of the Month, were not able to attend the meeting and will be recognized next month.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, a parent spoke in favor of increasing the hours for the athletic trainer - a matter on the agenda for consideration that evening. She stated that the trainer had been available every day for fall and winter sports, which amounted to five hundred hours, leaving approximately seventy contracted hours in which to cover spring sports varsity home games. To add an additional seventy hours, she stated, would amount to a cost of approximately one dollar per day for each athlete. “Health and safety are not luxuries,” she emphasized.

Another parent reminded everyone of the role of the coach in safety, adding that she was concerned because recently, her daughter had been hit in the face with a line drive and was permitted to drive herself home from practice.

Superintendent John Kopicki responded, “My apologies for the way it was handled.” He stated that due to that particular incident, new protocols had been established for addressing injuries at practice and games. Calling a parent would be an immediate and required course of action.

Concerning the athletic trainer, the board voted 6-1 in favor of increasing the coverage by seventy hours through the end of the spring sports season.

The board also opened fall and winter extracurricular positions for the 2012-2013 school year.

Yet, no matter of the evening received as much attention as that of the approval of the high school program of studies for 2012-2013. The program, which sets courses and scheduling, left one parent wondering if ninth and eleventh grade students might have to sacrifice enrollment in band or chorus class, given scheduling conflicts.

Kopicki stated, “They cannot take everything. … [It would be] virtually impossible.” He added that band and chorus are non-mandatory graduation courses and stated that students are required to take certain other classes due to state regulations.

However, other contentions arose over an SAT prep course, which will be required of juniors at Forest City Regional, yet is not actually mandated by the state. The board responded that many area schools are offering SAT prep courses and that the course is expected to be valuable to FCR students. Flex period will be eliminated because, as Kopicki put it, “flex period was not effective in the academic realm.”

A Forest City Regional senior said of SAT prep courses, “You really need to value them. It really matters.”

However, one woman asserted that mandating such a course would be difficult, due to the need for differentiated instruction and the fact that some students do not plan to attend college. “It’s going to create a division,” she predicted, suggesting that students be permitted to test out of the program.

One parent wondered how her eighth grade son could be on an academic track, given the fact that he has two study halls per day and does not have work to bring home. She encouraged the board to consider introducing world cultures to eighth grade students, possibly allowing them to enroll in Spanish 1, which would free up their course options as upperclassmen.

Of the overall program of studies, Kopicki stated that at least ten program-specific courses had been added, with no courses removed. He promised “increased rigor” and added, “It’s more than you’ve had in the past.”

Board member Linda Zefran and board president Mary Emmett both stated that they were “proud” to introduce advanced placement courses at the school.

The board passed motions to approve the retirements of Pamela Green, elementary teacher, and Mary Alice Remus, main office head secretary. Emmett commented that the board would like to thank Mrs. Green for her service at FCR and wished her “health and happiness” in her retirement.

Of Remus, board member Dr. Henry Nebzydoski stated, “She really did a lot of good for this school.”

In his report, Kopicki reminded parents that students are able to register online for classes. He recognized Carly Erdmann, who achieved second-team All-States in girls’ basketball, and congratulated Jeffrey Earle, who was recently certified to teach an AP computer class. Earle also secured an $8,000 grant through Lockheed Martin.

Kopicki then announced that funding for the FCR pre-kindergarten program has again been received and praised the teachers, aides and principal who orchestrate the program. Pre-k registration is open for the 2012-2013 school year.

Also praised were individuals retiring at the end of the school year. Kopicki stated that although he is new to the district, he knows that these employees had “outstanding, great careers here” and offered “remarkable service to the students.”

DEEDS

Tony J. and Patricia Pickett to Patricia Pickett, in Montrose, for $1.00.

Thomas L. Boyle (estate aka) Thomas L. Boyle Sr. (estate) to William E. Boyle, in Auburn Township, for $1.00.

Altheda Whitman (fka) Altheda Fulkerson to Altheda K. Fulkerson, in Lenox Township and Gibson Township, for $1.00.

Glenn E. Johnson to Gary J. Sanauskas (aka) Gary Sanauskas and Phyllis J. Sanauskas (aka) Phyllis Sanauskas, in Lenox Township, for $1.00.

Nickolas and Patricia M. Argyros to Argyros Family Irrevocable Trust, in Harmony, Jackson and Thompson Townships, for $1.00.

James J. Luciana (estate) to Michael D. and Elizabeth E. Matis, in Thompson Township, for $175,000.00.

Amanda Roe (aka) Amanda A. Roe and Darren Roe to Richard and Diane Wheeler, in Harmony Township, for $1.00.

Milton Oil Corporation to Sponge Jet Inc., in Dimock Township, for $423,000.00.

Carol B. Tripp (estate) to William R. Tripp, Carolyn Loch, and Mary Ann Evans, in Harford Township, for $1.00.

Joseph Cicco (by sheriff) to Bayview Loan Servicing LLC, in Forest City, for $3,405.16.

David J. Pitti and Joseph Alongis to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of Dept. of Transportation, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

Joseph P. and Jennifer Coffaro (by sheriff) to US Bank Trust, in Gibson Township, for $1,708.49.

Donna L. Williams to Mark H. and Jeffrey D. Williams, in Brooklyn Township, for $1.00.

Darleen Sholtiss (estate) and John Sholtiss to John Sholtiss, in Thompson Township, for $1.00.

Timothy B. Bedford and Tara E. Pickering (nbm) Tara E. Bedford to Timothy B. and Tara E. Bedford, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

Twin Tier Homes (aka) Twin Tier Homes LLC to Rocco K. Bruno and Jean L Bruno-Cougle (aka) Jean L. Bruno Cougle, in New Milford Township, for $35,000.00.

Thomas D. and Tonya Renae McNair to Ark Property Group LLC, in Susquehanna, for $105,000.00.

Milestone Minerals LLC to Somerset Minerals LP and Carrollton Mineral Partners LP, in Great Bend Township, for $0.00.

Larry Denney to Larry and Margaret Ann Denney, in Ararat Township, for $1.00.

Charlotte Hammen (estate by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan Bloomer, in Clifford Township, for $1,815.90.

Michael J. Matis (by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan Bloomer, in Susquehanna, for $1,356.91.

Douglas and Patti Jeanne Lakowitz (by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan C. Bloomer, in Springville Township, for $5,856.74.

Richard J. Lochie (by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Thomas J. Lopatofsky, in Lathrop Township, for $1,600.00

Elissa Tara Palmer (by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Ann E. Tego, in Herrick Township, for $7,000.00.

Ellen Krzan (by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan C. Bloomer, in Forest City, for $6,204.67.

Jason P. Goble (by tax claim bureau) and Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Dunmore Properties Inc., in Harford Township, for $5,338.35.

Randy L. and Jocetta E. Brown to Gerald E. and Gail Burke, in Auburn Township, for $47,500.00.

US Bank (fka) Firststar Bank to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Lanesboro Borough, for $1.00.

Charles Barney (aka) Charles M. Barney Jr. to Charles M. Barney Sr., in Gibson Township, for $1.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:20 a.m. on April 27, 2012.

Craig J. Anderson, Jr, Sharon Baker, Bryan G. Bodie, Michael Robert Brown, Beverly Carvin, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, John S. Frisbie, Jr, MaryJo Gana, Keith R. Hurd, Steven L. Jones, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Lydia M. Marvin, Michael Maryasz, Connie M. Mitchell, Ronald N. Mitchell, Perry Rohan, Bruce A. Schurr, Christie L. Sheptock, Desiree Shifler-Ferraro, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, John E Snow, Jermaine J. Stanfield, Sr., Justin S. Thompson, Robert J. Twilley, Mark D Wallace, Ryan Warnagiris, Steven G. Warner, April Warner, 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.