It’s crunch time for the Blue Ridge School Board. With just 2 months before the end of the current fiscal year, barely enough time to publish a budget for next year and get it adopted, the district has to find a way to cover a looming shortfall of over $1.1 million. The Board and its budget committee have spent more than 7 hours in 2 public meetings over the past days to try to figure this out.

With revenues flat or declining from all sources, expenses continue to rise, with the largest commitments for staff salaries, and especially spiking demands from the state for contributions to the teachers’ retirement system, PSERS.

The state’s funding system for education is changing radically, and the amounts next year are expected to be no more than for the current year. Federal support is declining gradually, too. At current rates, property taxes, the largest source of local revenue, won’t increase either. And the district is locked into an earlier promise not to raise real estate rates beyond 1.03 mills, at a time when Blue Ridge property taxes are already among the highest in the county.

On the spending side, the district needs to add another half million to the teachers’ retirement fund, and contribute another $2 million to its self-funded health insurance program.

Business Manager Loren Small has projected total expenditures of just over $17 million for next year, but income is expected to total just under $16 million. He has said that some of the shortfall could be covered by “borrowing” from the modest fund balance left over at the end of the current fiscal year, and from capital reserves set aside to cover major maintenance and equipment replacement requirements. Even with these measures – what Board member Christina Whitney called a one-time “Band Aid” - it seems the budget would still be short some $400,000.

No one is expecting the situation to improve in following years either.

Indeed Ms. Whitney suggested that next year the district will have to raise more revenue. Taxpayers will have to face the question of funding their schools: an increase over a state-computed “index” would require a referendum vote. Board member Harold Empett reminded colleagues that some years back the Board accepted the need to raise property taxes a little each year in order to avoid a major jump in a single year. The last time that happened, when Blue Ridge raised rates some 17%, the news was obscured by an even bigger increase in the Montrose district. Since then, property tax rates have remained level or gone down, as happened last year, with the expectation that declining enrollment would allow local taxes to be cut. That assumed that the state would continue to increase funding support, and did not anticipate the enormous increases in retirement contributions that resulted from the failure of the markets in the recent recession.

In the meantime, a new contract keeps teachers’ salaries rising. Mr. Small even said that teacher tuition reimbursements, usually around $50,000 or less, have already climbed to over $100,000. To help keep a lid on the budget, Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner suggested asking the teachers for a pay freeze in exchange for a contract extension and a delay in the increase of health insurance premium contributions from 7% to 10% scheduled for next year. According to Mr. Small, such an agreement would net the district just over $205,000. Ms. Brown-Bonner has said that everything is on the table, but there has been no mention of furloughs recently.

Then there is Schedule B, the addendum to the teachers’ contract which lists positions available to faculty for extracurricular activities like yearbook advisor, mentoring, pacreps and the like. Schedule B fixes the salaries for the listed jobs, but the Board has sole discretion to cut positions from the list (or add to it). In recent years the total cost of Schedule B has been over $100,000 per year.

The district still has a fairly heavy debt-service burden as well, totaling just under $1 million next year. More refinancing is not an option, according to Mr. Small, but the service on the district’s bonds is gradually declining. And the newest issue, some $2 million to pay for recent facilities improvements, is paid for in part by substantial energy savings.

The Board and its committee finally got down to cases.

The first set of figures presented on Friday evening, April 28th for each of the schools, for technology, for athletics and transportation, contained some items ripe for cutting. Budget Committee members saw what appeared to be inflated numbers for administrative travel, books and periodicals, “reserves” (miscellaneous funds), and technology requests. They asked that each of the “reserve” accounts be cut in half, that travel be trimmed; and they cut over $100,000 from the technology budget, including an item that reappeared 2 days later.

The Middle School requested $24,765 for “books and periodicals,” up from only $3,655 in the current year. The figure was primarily for a new reading and English series for the 6th through 8th grades. With substantial support from the instructional staff, the Middle School was allowed to keep it. But Board member Shane Rumage wants to hear those teachers explain their enthusiasm, so the Board will hear a presentation on the subject at a later date.

Athletics became a hot topic with a total request of over $372,000 for next year, of which coaches’ salaries account for nearly $100,000. (The archery team, which has won some special recognition in recent years, is not considered a sport. Expenses for archery - enjoyed by 40-50 students each year, are buried in the academic budget, and, except for state and national competitions, are minimal.) According to Athletic Director Jill Hoffman, there are over 50 coaches at various levels for the 13 listed sports, most of them paid.

A “miscellaneous” account in the athletics budget (over $17,000) was summarily cut, by how much is yet unclear, as were supplies ($26,000). Some questioned greens fees ($2,800) and uniforms for a golf team of no more than 6 students.

No one was able to say what to do about all this. Ms. Brown-Bonner was concerned about the students whose only real interest in sport was, for example, golf: are they to be left behind? At the outset she said that “coaching salaries are going to be [adjusted].” But “must we choose between biology and volleyball?” She first suggested an all-volunteer coaching staff. Ms. Hoffman replied that then “you’d have no teams.” Christina Cosmello, Chair of the Athletics & Activities Committee said that a poorly-qualified volunteer coach for, say, pole vaulting, might not be safe. Mr. Rumage then suggested a fixed rate for all coaches, perhaps half of the average paid now. Ms. Hoffman and others noted that some of the sports take more time than others; and the district would want to reward coaches who stay with it for the long term. And Ms. Whitney said that coaches at Blue Ridge are already paid at “rock bottom,” with little or no increases in recent years: why should they take a bigger hit than others?

So far the athletics budget is still unresolved.

The rather confusing package originally presented by the IT department resulted in slashing over $100,000 on Friday night. About $34,000 of that reappeared 2 days later, after a teacher insisted that wireless access was necessary in her classes. She got a lot of support from administrators, among others, who want reliable wireless access throughout the buildings for all of the emerging devices. Even Superintendent Robert McTiernan pitched for better wireless support, claiming that his smart phone had become his laptop of choice. Then how about half now, half later?

The wireless question was also left on the table.

Should the district shift from two-tier to single-tier busing, a move that could save over $200,000 a year? Save how much for whom? Bus contractors may not be interested in running routes with half as many miles. The new state funding model gives the district more autonomy in how to spend on transportation, but what does that mean? Some districts use a hub model, where students gather at specific locations, rather than being picked up at their homes. Is something like that practical or feasible for a rural district like Blue Ridge? Mr. McTiernan plans to meet with the contractors to outline the options and get feedback.

Busing tiers remain in limbo.

So far cuts have been decided for supplies, travel, field trips, technology and libraries. Altogether those cuts amount to less than $100,000 of the more than $1 million gap. Ms. Brown-Bonner may call more budget sessions before the next workshop on May 21. A budget must be formally adopted by July 1.

A business meeting of the Board scheduled for May 7 will probably also consider the budget. But there are a lot of other things the Board needs to do to keep the schools running. Mr. McTiernan gave a preliminary run-down of the following week’s agenda. Most of it routine, it will include a presentation of the Woodson Award by the local chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of State Retirees (PASR), consideration of the summer food program, and a resolution of the rate of pay issue for instructional substitutes that is being negotiated with the teachers’ union.

Mr. Small briefed the Facilities & Grounds Committee on a number of outstanding issues. The district is negotiating a lease with Southwestern Energy, which may help the budget with a one-time cash infusion. In fact, Ms. Brown-Bonner called an executive session following the workshop on the issue. Mr. McTiernan requested that the lease value not be made available for publication just yet.

The district is also negotiating to purchase 1.34 acres of land that will finally put the entire running track and the pole-vault pit on district property. A change in the status of the neighboring property a couple years ago demanded that a property boundary issue be rectified. So some of those gas-lease dollars will pay for a little more land.

The entire running track itself has been deteriorating. Resurfacing with a modern high-tech product will keep the track from reverting to its historical, cindered surface. But the project will cost over $170,000, so it’s unlikely to be a priority this year.

Likewise, the main gym floor needs replacing, along with the spectator stands. There’s no money for those either, so, as Mr. Empett noted, the district may just have to wait until a floor splinter punctures a basketball.

Hallstead Borough only wants $1.00 to lease the ballfield in town for the softball team. After several years operating on a handshake, the Borough now wants a formal lease that would obligate the district for what it has been doing anyway for a long time. The Board will ask the Borough to send a representative to a Board meeting to discuss the issue. In the meantime, Board members think the upper ballfield, with some minor upgrades, on the campus would be more than adequate for softball, with perhaps the exception of a PIAA boy’s tournament. Some remarked on the inadequate restroom facilities for the girls, and the travel time to Hallstead. More significant is that Blue Ridge historically has assumed the responsibility – and the cost – for maintaining the field all season, and for the lighting as well, although the school teams use it only for a limited time each year.

Ms. Cosmello reported that her Activities & Athletics Committee has relieved the various booster clubs of their quarterly reporting obligation. The clubs have been set free, with the exception that uniforms worn at sponsored games must be in regulation Raider red & white colors.

Ms. Whitney reported that her committee is focusing on a new “Freshmen Academy” to smooth the transition of 8th graders to the high school culture and to better ensure success in the 9th grade.

She is no longer using the term “transition,” however, since Special Education Coordinator Barbara McCain is hiring a Transition Coordinator of her own to oversee the development of students who have outgrown their IEPs and integrated into the student body.

And Wellness Committee Chair Priscinda Gaughan showed off the plaque her group was awarded at the national school boards conference in Boston in mid-April. Blue Ridge was one of 5 to receive the Magna award for schools with enrollment under 5,000. Sponsored by the School Services unit of catering giant Sodexho, the Magna award “recognize[s] districts across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in schools.” The award letter said that the committee, “which is made up of staff members, administrators, and teachers has encouraged the community to eat healthier foods, including providing more nutritious options in school vending machines. The district credits the program for helping to decrease behavioral issues and increase academic performance in its schools.” Ms. Gaughan herself credits the success of her committee to the commitment and dedication of its members to its goals of “nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health.”

The Blue Ridge School Board will gather again a week hence for a business meeting, on May 7, and then again for a workshop on Monday, May 21. All public meetings may be preceded by public sessions of any of the various committees. Check the district website for current information. Most meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School, sometimes with cookies and brownies.

The borough secretary was absent from the May 3rd New Milford borough meeting, so president Terri Gulick filled a dual role. Throughout the meeting topics of discussion included zoning, finances, the park, and vehicular safety on Church Street.

Ms. Gulick asked a question about the parks project, confirming that the grant was actually given to the borough. She felt that all of the money, from fund raising, the grant, and in-kind matches, ought to be deposited under the New Milford park project account, for this reason. Ms. Cosmello asked to whom a check ought to be directed, as the question had been asked of her. The check, Mr. Carey responded, should be made out to the parks association, if it were a donation to the park. This led to some discussion regarding the designation of funds, financing, the borough's involvement, ultimate responsibility, and accountability. Mr. Carey said that the funds were originally supposed to be disbursed to the borough for payment, and it was felt the subject could use further consideration. The walking track was complimented.

Mr. Ainey wanted to find out from where money could be taken to compensate for budget deficits. Ms. Gulick said that they were overspending highly on attorney fees. Mr. Ainey mentioned that there were places in the borough budget from where money could be taken, and offered to bring a list to the next meeting. It was questioned what amount the attorneys ought to be paid. It was motioned that $2500 be paid to each attorney.

During the first visitor's speaking section Dr. Burdick spoke up, stating that he was planning to retire from his optometry practice. He had been unable to sell his practice to someone who would practice in New Milford. He sold the practice, but it was to be operated out of town. He was looking to sell his building, but had realized that it was in limbo regarding its zone. It was unclear as to where the line was regarding what was residential and what was C-1 for commercial. He had started constructing his office in 1979, and was there prior to the zoning. It was his understanding that anything which was commercial at the time of the zoning was going to be listed as commercial and stay that way. His tax notices had always stated that the property was commercial. The bank had looked at the property and deemed it commercial when it was appraised. The map however, he stated, didn't show exactly what line was taken. What he wished was for his property to be listed as a commercial property. He wished to sell his building and have it remain an office building.

The mayor asked if it had ever been a residence, feeling that it wasn't. Mr. Ainey asked if he had spoken with the zoning officer. He had not, though he had spoken with the borough solicitor who had told him to write a letter to council and attend the meeting. Mr. Ainey opined that the doctor had a non conforming use. He had a right to continue a non conforming use indefinitely as long as the use was maintained. It was confirmed that as long as this was maintained the non conforming use stayed with the property even if it was sold. It was stated, however, that it would be easier to sell where the zoning ascertained definitely. Mr. Ainey felt that the codes officer should look into the matter first and find out if there was even a problem. Dr. Burdick was directed to contact the codes enforcement officer, and given his number, as he was the one who had to make the determination, and who could explain the non conforming use. Ms. Gulick opined that she didn't see it being an issue since it had always been an office space. The zoning ordinance was obtained, and further discussion held.

A second visitor spoke, stating that he was at the meeting in February and had spoken about people running the stop signs on Church Street. He said that the situation was now getting out of hand. Someone had literally run over a street sign, and he had concerns some day someone might hit his house. He called the stop signals painted on the road wasted paint, when someone asked if they had made any difference. He said that one day a tractor trailer had been in the yard. He wanted to put a split rail in between the sidewalk and the street, and to put concrete steel posts in there. The mayor suggested that the situation was only going to get worse when the Main Street bridge was fixed.

Ms. Gulick reported that she had spoken with the police about this. The officer said that the one time when they sat at the Church, eight of the ten people he had pulled over for running those signs were residents of that area. She then asked when the downed sign might have been struck. It had apparently happened during the night. The visitor suggested that in the morning, when 492 was backed up, would be a good time to sit there.

Mr. White spoke about people also hitting the corner on park place. Ms. Gulick advised the visitor that if he or someone saw a violation they could obtain the make and model of the vehicle and look at the driver. All that was needed was the testimony of a witness.

Ms. Cosmello had been spoken to about gunshots fired outside the Parkview hotel. It was at 11:30 at night, and the police were not on duty. Ms. Gulick stated that they could not afford to have police on 24 hours a week. What astounded Ms. Gulick, she said, was that so may people heard the shots and no one had called 911. If 911 were called, the town's covering police could have been dispatched.

During the mayor's report, he stated that they had not yet heard from FEMA regarding the ability to fix three projects. Also the bridge near Sis Smith's, the wall that was undermined, ought to be fixed he said. If they lost the wall, it would be a much more expensive project. The project would cost the borough, as FEMA had deemed it preexisting. The mayor also suggested that the bridge near Eleanor Lawrence's property had problems, and expressed concern that when the Main Street bridge was brought to one lane there might be issues with the Church Street bridge and the increased traffic. He suggested that perhaps people ought to be warned.

The municipal authority really wanted the borough to share their garage with them, Ms. Gulick reiterated. The mayor said that he really wanted to know the DEP regulation on salt and cinders in a flood plain. Mr. Ainey said that he had spoken with someone who had suggested that perhaps the authority could join into the existing property. The mayor had a suggestion as for how this might occur. He also spoke about the sewer line at the location where they were currently planning to erect the new building. It was proposed that the building and equipment committee attend the next authority meeting to discuss the subject.

Mr. Carey had been tasked with drafting a letter to ensure that the residents really understood the earned income tax issue. It was to be proofread by the other members of the committee. The letter might be sent with the water bills. The plan was to have a public meeting eventually.

There was a hearing regarding the UGI application scheduled for May fifteenth. The PUC hearing had been continued as the two parties were trying to come up with a settlement. Council had decided that they were not signing the contract presented to them with Leatherstocking. A letter had been sent to the borough stipulating that they would provide gas service within twelve months if it were economically viable. This was the letter which had been given in response to the borough's request that the company send them a proposal.

Penndot had requested to close Lackawanna Street. The council had denied the request the month prior, and it wasn't certain why they were requesting it again. Penndot had wished to close the street due to the bridge repair. Council's concern was the traffic near the post office.

There was some discussion regarding school buses which go over bridges of concern on Church Street. It was feared that the buses were over the weight limit on one bridge, and potentially too heavy for the other (though a weight limit might not be in place there). It was suggested that a letter be sent to the school district reminding buses that there are weight limits on the bridges. At least one of the bridges had a two ton weight limit.

Mr. Ainey made a motion that the council adopt a practice of having two meetings each month, being the first and third Thursday of every month. It was to be advertised.

Mr. Williams, the newest board member from Lathrop township, was introduced at the beginning of the April 23rd Mountain View School Board meeting. Mr. Williams stood up, and there was applause of welcome.

During the first hearing of visitors a Mr. Liford spoke up in regards to a bus stop which was changed on Route 92. He queried as to how the bus stop had been changed without determining whether or not it was safe. As he understood it no one wanted to accept responsibility or deem it as a safe bus stop. There was a knoll on one side of it, and he feared the gas trucks. He felt that the paperwork ought to be done before the spot was changed in the middle of the year. Mr. Zick said that most of the board members had no idea what he was talking about. Dr. Chichura explained that the subject involved bus 8, and it was changed some months ago. The question of safety was reviewed; it wasn't deemed a safety concern. He continued that it had been turned over to the township and to PennDot per the visitor's request, and comment to administration. Otherwise the district did not generally have a state representative look into every stop. When asked why not, he replied that they would always have staff looking into it if they did. A visitor stated that the speed limit was 25 miles per hour on their road, and 55 on 92, where the stop was. There was no one else on their bus who was picked up by that bus on 92. The visitors wondered why the stop had been changed, hadn't it been safest to pick them up on the slower road? Dr. Chichura said that this was the same concern they had on route 106, or route 11, where buses stopped. He said that all over the district there were similar types of bus stops. The visitor asked if there were signs in those places. He asked Dr. Chichura if he had done his part to get it signed. The visitor eventually expressed his opinion that he wasn't going to get what he wanted, stated that he would do what he had to do and left.

The projected school breakfast and school prices for the coming school year were approved, with a ten cent increase across the board (except for reduced lunch prices). Mrs. Rinehart-Cowan asked if there were any concerns or comments about this. Dr. Chichura said that for those who were at the last meeting, there was a presentation on the federal guidelines, and the federal guidelines mandated that the district up the portions, along with the prices.

Dr. Chichura then asked if the board felt ready to act upon that and the next three motions, all dealing with cafeteria matters, feeling that they ought all to be approved, or none should be approved. Mrs. Aherne asked a few questions, saying that she had problems with a few of these things. She felt that the Capri Suns weren't 100% juice, and representatives of the food management company responded that some were. The district could only serve these, as they could only serve 100% juice. It was also said that there was a smaller juice cup, which was less expensive.

One of the motions regarded the district moving to an offer versus serve system. Right now the students had to take the fruit and the vegetable. If they chose to take offer versus serve, a representative said, they could still take both the fruit and the vegetable, but they didn't have to if it was going to be thrown out anyway. Mrs. Aherne asked if they had ranch dip with their vegetables. It was responded that they did have a dip which they used. The representative explained that with new regulations the cafeteria was going to have to add an additional serving of vegetables. Currently the students had to take both, but under the new system the students would be encouraged but not required to do so. Dr. Chichura felt that if the elementary went with that option someone should orient the students to it; the representative responded that they did work with the kids. She felt that now there was a fruit and vegetable program representative said that with the new regulations there was going to have to add an additional serving of vegetable. Mr. Twining suggested that the district send something to the parents. The representative explained that in comparison to the other districts they were one of the very few which did not do offer versus serve.

Mrs. Aherne stated that some of the board had problems with the flavored milk. She stated that she could not imagine that and asked if it was offered for all grades. The representative answered that it was. Originally when the guidelines came out flavored milk had been eliminated, but on a national level this was changed in USDA regulations, based upon the decision that low fat flavored milk was better than not drinking milk.

Mrs. Aherne thought that the younger kids would not have this coming from home to school, and as their first experience in school they would not know about sweet milk. The representative said that they did not need to make that decision tonight. The representative said that they had to offer milk with the school lunch. They had one percent white, and they could only offer fat free flavored. When a visitor asked if students could get 2% or whole, it was responded that they could not. The representative offered to provide them with information regarding the decision to re-allow the flavored milk. Mrs. Aherne felt that this was a decision they could discuss at the start of the following year.

Dr. Chichura likened it to going to a child's birthday party. He said that sometimes children went to fruits and vegetables before they went to the sweets. What you put in front of children, they would consume. The food service representative said that this didn't affect what they were voting on that night anyway.

The a-la-cart price list was approved to reflect a 3% increase in revenue. The offer versus serve option for the elementary school was also approved. Finally, the renewal contract and budget for the fourth year of the Food Service Management Company was approved as presented, with The Nutrition Group.

An update was given regarding the Elementary and Secondary Budget, by Mrs. Finnochio. She began with the elementary budget. She and Mr. Presley had gone through the line item budget closely and made some modifications from the preliminary budget based on the recategorization of expenses. The biggest difference, she said, was an increase in the overall budget to account for books. The books were needed, so the district was looking to put one half in the 12-13 budget and the rest in the 13-14 budget. To do that Mr. Presley had gone through the budget to look at areas where they had overbudgeted, and tried to put that money back into the textbooks.

Someone asked when the last time they got math books was, it was responded that it was 1999 or so. At that time the whole series wasn't purchased, it was piecemeal for each grade level. The new common cores were coming in the following year, the set of national standards for math and reading. The school wanted to make sure that what was purchased was in line with these. Mr. Presley said that down the road more people would be needing textbooks and if they didn't get on a schedule then the district could be looking at increased costs as time went on.

The high school budget was then reviewed. The 12-13 amount was identical to the 11-12 budget. She said that both schools were conscious of keeping costs down, just because it was budgeted didn't mean it would be spent. This was what was submitted in the fall. The business manager and the high school principal had not met at that time.

Mr. Doster said that the work that had been done at the secondary school represented an almost $100,000 decrease over the last three years or so. Mr. Barbolish asked where the money went, wondering where the money would go if it wasn't all spent. Mrs. Finnochio said that while a particular department had a budget set, what was spent at the end was the important part. Overflow just went into the general fund balance.

The next slide presented the need to upgrade computers to accept Windows 7, and work with the technology department in determining those costs. Mrs. Finnochio said that she was impressed that they were as low as they were. The total cost for the computer upgrade was $144,766 total. That upgrade needed to be done by April of 2014 at the latest, according to the business manager. She had met with Dr. Chichura to discuss options, some of which involved using 2011/2012 available budget funds. This would require a budget transfer. The rest would then be budgeted in the 2012/2013 budget.

Mrs. Finnochio said that there was budget money in transportation that she felt could be transferred to technology to purchase those computers. If they didn't budget to replace the monitors by August it would cost the district to recycle them.

The preliminary budget showed a structural deficit of $-898,977 total. The updated structural deficit was $294,579 total. This included a reduction in professional salaries of around $380,000, a number which was only estimated due to a computational/clerical error.

They would potentially be able to legitimately use fund balance to close that gap.

Dr. Chichura said that staffing would be discussed in executive session, as they would be talking about people, and transferring staff. There was an almost 4% increase in PSERS projected for the coming year; money had been set aside. Dr. Chichura suggested that the income plus encumbered funds could balance the budget.

Effective May 29th, Jamie Janesky was recalled from furlough. Janice Benedict was approved as a long term substitute, as was Bridget Merritt. Letters of resignation were accepted from Elbet Seamons (maintenance/custodial), Nicholas Lewis (maintenance/custodial), Susan Schaffer (retirement), Keith Baker Jr. (retirement) and Cynthia Oakley (retirement).

Dr. Chichura mentioned that he and several members of the board went to Blue Ridge for the regional PSBA legislative meeting. There were many comments about the finances of the districts in Susquehanna County, and Senator Yaw's office was represented but the Representatives were not present. It was a very productive meeting with Senator Baker, he opined.

Mr. Zick said that there were over forty people there, which should illustrate the concern people had for these matters. All the school districts represented there, Dr. Chichura said, had the same concerns, including the block grant and the cyber-charter schools.

Mr. Doster spoke about two students, Kelly Purdy and Alexandria Taylor, honored for the 2012 Scholastic Superstar team, out of twenty-five.

The new state regulations regarding vaccinations were to go into effect May 1st, and if students did not have those completed and in the office they would not be allowed back into the district on that date. There were about 70 students as of the meeting in both schools to whom this might apply. Certified letters had been sent out. Calls were to be as well.

Mrs. Pipitone spoke about the bunch of wonderful people retiring this year. She really wanted to thank Sue Shaffer for her dedication to the students in the district. She said she had come to respect what she did and how she did it, and she personally wanted to thank her for what she did for the students on behalf of the Special Education Department. She said Mrs. Shaffer was what educators hoped to be.

A submission of the Race to the Top Educator Effectiveness grant was motioned and seconded. The submission of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant was similarly approved.

Dr. Chichura spoke about revising the bus routes for the 2012-2013 school year, with the idea to reroute all buses in the district, including the elimination of one bus from the roster. Dr. Chichura was asking permission to look into the subject from the board that evening. Mr. Stoddard wanted them to keep in mind there was a length of route beyond which it was economically unfeasible. He said that if the routes were made too short, they would lose drivers and then it could be difficult to come by them anyway.

Mrs. Finnochio said that the ultimate goal should be to look at it from the rerouting and mileage standpoints. Some of those routes were probably better driven by the people currently driving them.

Dr. Chichura's preference would be to have buses starting at the edges of the district and picking up most of the students on the way in. Also, they wished to equalize the distance. A visitor asked what the maximum amount of time was by law for how long students were allowed to be on the bus. It was responded that there would be none.

The renovation of the sewer plant operated by the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority (HGBJSA) has already taken a long time. The borough in which the plant is located has been waiting most of that time to have Spring Street fixed up from all the punishing truck traffic. The project still isn’t complete, yet after all the money that has been spent so far, the Sewer Authority seems to need another loan of $700,000 to finish up. And the Authority has asked the member communities to back the new loan. Without signatures from each of the cooperating municipalities with taxing power, the loan may not be approved and the project come to a halt.

At the May meeting on the 3rd, the Great Bend Borough Council was none too eager to sign up, given what they perceive to be the record of the Sewer Authority so far. Council member Bret Jennings is the Borough’s only representative on the Authority’s Board (the Borough is entitled to 2). Without precisely recommending one thing or another, Mr. Jennings presented an analysis of the participation of the New Milford Municipal Authority (NMMA) in the sewer compact, and what he feels to be its failure to pay its fair share. The New Milford Authority is not a voting member of the sewer compact. New Milford is provided sewer service under a contract with the HGBJSA.

According to Mr. Jennings, the New Milford Authority is nearly $100,000 in arrears to the Sewer Authority, including about $81,000 in back fees, and its contribution to the renovation project.

To hear Mr. Jennings tell it, the over-budget cost of the renovation project and the failure of New Milford to pay its share may mean increases in sewer fees to as much as $170 per quarter.

The Borough Council doesn’t seem to have many options. “What can we do?” asked Council chair Rick Franks. As an “authority,” the sewer system is independent of its constituent member municipalities. Yet each has nominal representation on its Board of Directors. Mr. Jennings was not able to respond to questions about the attitude of the other towns to the issues he raises. It would seem that Hallstead and Great Bend Township don’t care much what happens with the sewer system. It wasn’t clear by the end of the meeting if Great Bend Borough would sign on to the new loan package, but Council members did not seem interested in pledging the little town’s tax revenues for the benefit of the sewer system whose management is in question. Mr. Jennings did commit to asking the Borough’s solicitor, Frank O’Connor, to look into the matter.

In other business, Council member Jerry MacConnell has been working the phones to find out what PennDOT plans to do about the emergency gate at the welcome center on the Interstate that was promised some time ago. During the massive flooding of June 2006, the town was cut off by the swollen river that defines much of its territory. A temporary ramp was built over curbing at the welcome center just north of town to allow egress as well as access to the town by emergency vehicles, including the National Guard. Ever since the town’s Council has pressed PennDOT and the federal highway bureaucracy (which controls access to the Interstate) to construct a permanent emergency portal. The town was cut off again briefly last year during another flood.

Mr. MacConnell rehearsed the run-around he got over the phone recently trying to find out the status of the project. He was finally told that the Montrose office of PennDOT had the plans, the authority and the tasking to install a gate through the curbing at the welcome center. He said that PennDOT will be seeking bids for the gate, and that they promised to have the job done by July 1. He said that emergency personnel will have access to the keys that will open the gate.

Preparations continue on the project to repave Church Street and Hayes Street. Council will meet again on May 14 to consider bids, which include drainage on Church Street.

Mr. Jennings agreed to resume the post of codes enforcement officer for the Borough.

Council is trying to get the best price for some 27 flags, poles and brackets to decorate Main Street. Mr. Franks said that prices range from just under $600 to as much as $1,200. They want to be sure that the poles will be of sturdy wood, and that the brackets to hold them will be at least as sturdy.

Officer in Charge Jon Record offered his police department’s activity report for April. Altogether the 2 remaining officers put in 63½ hours, issued 1 traffic ticket, 3 traffic warnings, and responded to 6 incidents. They arrested one person on a bench warrant. Another was arrested as a result of a domestic dispute that Mr. Record said was “almost an all-nighter.” Borough officers assisted the State Police on a robbery at the Dunkin’ Donuts store in the flats; he said that borough police were first on the scene. Mr. Record himself spent some time investigating a theft of copper from a residence on Church Street in March. He visited a Binghamton metals scrap dealer in conjunction with that investigation.

A visitor asked when a third officer could be expected to be hired. Council has received a few inquiries but so far has selected no one. Mr. MacConnell would prefer to try to find someone who can work days in the borough. That will be difficult, since the borough can only afford to hire part-time officers, and part-timers usually have a day job. (Mr. Record himself is a county deputy sheriff and also works with the county district attorney’s drug task force.)

Mr. Record also noted that new FCC regulations will require that all of his department’s radios will have to be reprogrammed. The typical cost of such reprogramming would be $25-$30 per unit, but Mr. Record will try to get a discount by bringing a larger group of affected law enforcement agencies together in Montrose.

The next scheduled meeting of the Great Bend Borough Council will be on Thursday, June 7, 2012. There will be a special meeting on May 14 to open paving bids. All meetings are held in the Borough Building (aka the Blue Ridge Senior Center) and generally begin at 7:00 p.m.

By summer’s end downtown Lanesboro will look very different from its present appearance. At least that’s the plan as envisioned by Mayor Maby, President Todd Glover, and boro council members Dan Boughton, Jason Fissel, David Glidden, Dale Rockwell, and Colleen Y. Wilkes, who were in attendance at the Tuesday, May 1 meeting at the Community Center.

Before discussion of upgrading took center stage, council covered a host of other topics. First up was a quick review of the boro’s insurance policy coverage. The boro’s annual premium has risen by $300 to just under $9,000. Among the buildings covered by the insurance premium are the Community Center, the Senior Citizen Center, and the Sewer Station. Other items covered by insurance include the boro’s police cruisers, plow, and truck, and the boro’s store of tools. General liability covers up to one million dollars liability per incidence.

Following the insurance presentation, police matters came to the forefront. A gentleman from Windsor, NY, had requested, and was granted, time on the meeting’s agenda. He used that time to read a letter describing an incident involving a local police officer and himself. While acknowledging that his vehicle was moving at 30 mph in a 25 mph zone, and that his license had expired, unbeknownst to him before the policeman’s verbal observation, he specifically alleged verbal abuse and unprofessional behavior by the officer involved, as well as performance of an illegal search of his vehicle. Mayor Maby and President Glover, while acknowledging they had no first-hand information concerning the incident, extended an apology to him and promised a complete investigation of the matter.

Also in police matters, Mayor Maby reported that Lanesboro police were on duty for 97 hours during the month of April. That total included 13 hours of service in Thompson. Within Lanesboro there were seven incidents other than routine traffic stops; 26 traffic citations; and 22 written warnings. Within Thompson there were two traffic citations and three written warnings to motorists. Mayor Maby also noted that Lanesboro was in agreement with the boros of Susquehanna and Oakland to effect saturation speed enforcement. Planning for that enforcement action is ongoing and will be implemented to maximize effectiveness.

Committee reports were presented for Streets, Parks & Recreation, Sewer/Refuse, and the Community Center. Among the highlights of those reports were the following items. The boro’s plow “is a mess,” and “needs a lot of work before next winter.” Motion was made and passed to replace the “moldy mulch” in the boro’s park; expected cost of the mulch itself is approximately $4,700. There has been no word from PAWC or the Tri-boro Municipal Authority as far as interest in purchasing Lanesboro’s sewer infrastructure. No accounting was available for April’s rental of the Community Center since councilwoman Regina Dilello was not present. However, council agreed to erect a sign, “No Grilling Within 10 Feet of Building” to prevent anyone from grilling too close to the Community Center.

In other matters council reported that the boro’s website had not yet been updated, but future action was still expected. Also, all FEMA documentation required of the boro had been submitted to Harrisburg on April 10. The boro expects some $47,000 in funds, 75% from FEMA and 25% from PEMA, once the paperwork is processed. Concerning the boro’s soon-to-be-implemented emergency notification system, “Swift Reach,” forms will be mailed with sewer billing statements to each boro household in mid-May. Residents can return their emergency notification instructions on the form provided, along with their sewer payment.

The boro’s ordinances are still under review by Solicitor DeWitt, Mayor Maby reported. The boro is desirous of eliminating overly burdensome and archaic regulations, as well as necessarily reviewing for compliance with Act 13 (Unconventional Gas Well Fee). In order for the boro to receive “gas tax” revenues, the boro must, in Mayor Maby’s words, “fix any zoning problems prior to August 14.”

Finally, under new business, Mayor Maby brought up Harford Township’s offer of a modular building, 24 by 28 feet in size. Acceptance of that offer was a key component in the redesign of the community center building and parking lot complex. Once council voted to accept Harford’s modular building, Mayor Maby brought out four alternative plans for how the redevelopment might proceed. Council members discussed the pros and cons of each design and finally decided they liked key components of two rival plans. Mayor Maby promised to go back to the drawing board and see what he could come up with. A key feature most council members liked was the splitting of Harford’s modular building into two sections, with one serving as the new police headquarters, and the second as an office for the boro secretary/treasurer.

Whatever configuration the boro ultimately decides upon, parking and green space around the community will be very different from what is there today. Demolition of the old boro building, known to long-time residents as Firemen’s Hall should, if all goes as planned, occur by the end of June 2012. Once that happens, Mayor Maby expects the rest of the redevelopment actions to fall into place, with completion before Labor Day.

The remolding of the community center complex would have ended the meeting at 8:25 p.m., but council needed to consider some matters in executive session. At 8:40 p.m., Council returned to regular session and voted approval of two motions from issues that had been discussed in executive session. The first motion, on recommendation of Mayor Maby, removed Jim Smith from probationary status as Chief of Police, and gave him a $1 per hour pay raise. The second motion, also on Mayor Maby’s recommendation, granted the Mayor authorization to follow-up on a police matter with the boro’s solicitor. With all the upgrading of Lanesboro that could be accomplished in one evening’s meeting, council adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

The next meeting of Lanesboro Boro Council is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5.

DUI: On May 2nd at 10:45 pm Jennifer Ricci of Springville was traveling southbound on Sr 0029 in Dimock township when she lost control of her vehicle. The Cavalier traveled approximately 135' before striking a culvert with the front end, coming to a rest at the point of impact. As a result of the crash investigation Ricci was arrested for Driving under the Influence. She was transported to PSP Gibson, where she was processed before being released. Charges were to be filed with District Court 34-3-01. Ricci was utilizing a seat belt; she sustained minor injury. A passenger had seat belt use and injury listed as “unknown”.

STOLEN VEHICLE: On May 2nd, Rebecca White of Brackney parked her vehicle in the rear of the parking area of the Choconut Inn, at the start of her shift. The vehicle was stolen at some point between 10 pm that night and 2 am the following morning. The vehicle was a 2002 maroon Jeep Liberty bearing PA registration GXB0667. It had a Harley Davidson sticker in the rear window and a black cover over the spare tire on the tailgate. It also had a baby car seat in the rear. Anyone with information is asked to please call PSP Gibson.

THEFT: Sometime between the 1st and 2nd of May a bank bag containing $185.00 was reported missing/stolen from a family owned business, the 4 Season Farm Market in Auburn Township.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which, on May 1st at 5 pm, David Hannigan of Kingsley was kicking and throwing mud onto sr 11 in front of trucks. He was cited for disorderly conduct.

CRASH: On April 30th at 11:15 pm Jose Arroyo of Endicott was traveling northbound on sr 81 in Lenox township when he swerved to avoid an animal in the road, lost control of his vehicle, and entered the median. The vehicle then proceeded to roll over, coming to rest on its wheels. Arroyo was not injured; he was utilizing a seat belt. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

CRASH: On May 2nd at 2 am William Mackinder of Bridgeport, Ny was traveling northbound on sr 11 when his vehicle exited the roadway, impacted a series of guardrails, struck a utility pole, and came to a final rest off the roadway upon the guardrails. Mackinder suffered moderate injury; he was utilizing a seat belt. He was transported by great Bend/Hallstead ambulance to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Binghamton.

COLLISION-TRAFFIC *UPDATE*: On April 29th at 9:55 pm Timothy Bradley of the Nicholson area was traveling west bound on Sr 374 in Clifford Township when his vehicle left the westbound travel lane, crossed into the east bound lane, began a clockwise rotation, and exited the roadway north of the travel lanes. The vehicle made driver's side impact with a tree. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. The driver fled the scene prior to police response.

POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA: On April 21st at 12:41 pm Joseph Donnelly of Coran, Ny was a passenger in a 1999 Mercury Cougar with Ny registration that was stopped for a motor vehicle violation. Indicators of criminal activity were present. Consent to search was asked and written permission was granted by the operator of the vehicle. The search yielded a bag of marijuana, a multi-colored glass pipe and a metal grinder used to crush marijuana. The accused was taken into custody and transported back to PSP Gibson where he was processed and later released as per rule 519. The items seized were placed into evidence at PSP Gibson. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-03.

SIMPLE ASSAULT/HARASSMENT: On April 24th at 11:30 am a fight occurred at the Blue Ridge Middle School involving approximately four students. Both actors subjected victim 2 to physical contact. That victim was not injured. One of the actors then struck another victim in the face, causing him to seek medical treatment. He received approximately three stitches to his lip as a result of the assault. That actor was charged with simple assault and harassment. The other actor was charged with harassment. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report. All four boys involved were juveniles, and thus anonymous.

TITLE 35 SECTION 780: On April 29th at 8:28 am a traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle belonging to Denis Munoz of Yonkers, Ny. Further investigation revealed that Munoz was in possession of approximately 8 grams of marijuana. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-03.

ASSAULT-HARASSMENT: On April 29th at 12:58 am a large altercation occurred at Shana & Frank's Pub in Bridgewater township, involving between 30 and 40 individuals. During this altercation an unknown man known only has Jorge struck a female victim in the nose. During the melee, he also struck a second female victim in the face as she was attempting to break up the fight. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS: between the 16th and 17th of April a sliding barn style door on a Dougherty road garage was forced open and the residence entered, prior to the perpetrator(s) fleeing the scene.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which Samuel Resseguie of Hallstead and Katrina Donahue of Great Bend are accused of damaging five mailboxes with a baseball bat, as well as using a brick to damage a window and vinyl siding on a residence. The accused also threw rocks at a Lincoln Town car parked on Main Street of Great Bend, resulting in $3,116 in damage. The total estimate of the damage caused that night is estimated at $3,596 total. Both were charged with criminal mischief on April 24th ; anyone with information on additional victims of this incident is asked to call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

CRASH: On April 25th at 8:30 pm a 16 year old Montrose boy was traveling westbound on Hunter Rd. in Dimock township when the Ford Ranger went off the left side of the roadway and entered a ditch. The left front corner of the vehicle struck the side of the ditch, and overturned. The boy stated that he had swerved to avoid a deer.

ROBBERY: On April 22nd at 2 am a 35 year old Meshoppen man was assaulted outside of Shana & Frank's pup. His Movado watch (silver with a black face) was stolen, which was valued at approximately $1,600 total. Also taken was $100 in cash. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

BURGLARY: Copper scrap was removed from CH2MHILL in Bridgewater township, without the consent of the owner. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

THEFT BY DECEPTION: A 20 year old man from Ponca City, Ok, temporarily residing in Montrose, sent $1,400 to Nigeria to a male individual that he was speaking with on Craig's list on the computer. The money was sent for rental property that was supposed to be located in Montrose. The victim sent the money to Nigeria and never received keys for the rental property, and never heard from the male individual again. The perpetrator told the victim his name was Donald Wills.

THEFT: Five aluminum racing wheels and 2 aluminum engine heads were taken from a property on Ararat Road in Ararat township. The wheels were 12” and 14” Weld Wide Racing Wheels and the aluminum heads were manufactured by Brodex. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

SCATTERING RUBBISH: The police were investigating a case of scattering rubbish which occurred on April 19th at 12:58 am, in which Michael Mikloiche of Clifford Township caused waste paper to be deposited on McCarty Road. He was cited for scattering rubbish in District Court 34-3-03.

THEFT-DECEPTION: A Great Bend man fell prey to an Ebay transaction gone bad. The victim made a purchase form a “seller” out in California. The seller never forwarded the merchandise as agreed. The investigation was continuing as of the time of report.

CRASH: On April 21st at 3:30 am Julie Macdowall of Kingsley was traveling on State Highway 2061 in New Milford township when she failed to negotiate a left curve. The vehicle exited the roadway from the west berm and traveled approximately 100' before striking a rock and several trees. The operator fled the scene prior to the arrival of emergency responders. She was utilizing a seat belt; minor injury was sustained.

THEFT: A theft of money and prescription occurred from Clifford Township residents. The suspect was listed as “known by the victim”, and the incident was pending further investigation as of the time of report.

POSSESSION-OXYCODONE: On April 20th at 8:25 am a juvenile male was found to be in possession of a schedule 3 narcotic at the Path school in South Montrose. Charges were pending as of the time of report.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: Between the 15th and 16th of April an incident occurred in which a valve on a fresh water tank was opened on a Chief Oil and Gas well site located in Springville township after working hours. Approximately 16,800 gallons of fresh water leaked out into the containment area. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILDREN: Amber and Christian Sorenson of Friendsville are accused of forcing a 13 year old girl to smoke marijuana and methamphetamine while they were caring for the child. Both were charged with Endangering Welfare of Children, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Corruption of Minors. Both failed to post bail and were incarcerated.

If you have information regarding any of these incidents please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

DEEDS

Dorothy A. Franko (estate) to Matthew Cokely, in Springville Twp., for $1.00.

Joseph Organisciak (estate aka) Joseph Organski (estate), Esther Organisciak to Esther Organisciak, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Joseph Organisciak (estate aka) Joseph Organski (estate), Esther Organisciak to Esther Organisciak, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Dorothy M. Bickings (estate) to Joshua E. & Jessica M. Healey, in Harford Twp., for $25,000.00.

Nancy C W White to Daniel O. Glezen Jr. and Magaret Ann Glezen, in Great Bend Borough, for $130,000.00.

Richard & Barbara Wilkins to Richard W. Wilkins Jr. and Sarah E. Wilkins, in Harford Twp., for $55,000.00.

Michael J. & Patricia A. Decker to Glenn E. Love Jr. and Susan E. Love, in Great Bend Twp., for $60,000.00.

Helen Petersen, David E. Petersen, Keith J. Peteresen, Deborah P. Adams and Richard Adams to Petersen Homestead Farm LLP, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.

Helen Petersen to Judy Petersen, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.

Helen Ptersen to Robert Johnson and Linda Petersen Johnson, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.

Ronald Leone to James Lai, in Middletown Twp., for $400,000.00.

Robert S. Molenda (estate) to David Molenda, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Edward D. Montfort to Montfort Living Trust, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Howard C. & Mary Karen Wyandt to Mary Karen Wyandt, in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.

Devon E. McBride, Akiko McBride, David P. McBride, Deanna L. Walsh, Xueli Yu, Richard Walsh and Daniel G. McBride to Steven J. Mokris, in Auburn Twp., for $165,00.00.

James J. Haggerty to James J. & Tina M. Haggerty, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.

Eugene Bovitt to David Colachino, in Forest City, for $12,000.00.

Uwe Heinz & Kathleen A. Koopman to Uwe Heinz & Kathleen A. Koopman, in Auburn Twp., for $10.00.

Arthur Kania to Brian P. Dunham and Wynne E. Morrison, in Herrick Twp., for $349,000.00.

Thomas McCarthy to Brian P. McCarthy, in Clifford Twp., for $30,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:25 a.m. on May 4, 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, 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.