It isn’t done yet, but the Blue Ridge School Board set aside the budget for its scheduled business meeting on May 7th. They’ll be back at it two days hence, however, when the Budget & Finance Committee gathers again “to further discuss the challenges we face,” in the words of Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner. The district needs to offer a budget to the public by the end of the month so it can be formally adopted by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

Bracketed between executive sessions on gas leasing, personnel and student discipline, the meeting celebrated member Cindy Gaughan’s birthday with cupcakes, and disposed of a 30-point agenda in short order.

But not before some preliminaries. High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski recognized 3 of his outstanding seniors, Megan VanGorden, Kristen Brown and Mitchell Wages, all of whom were otherwise occupied for the evening and couldn’t attend to list their accomplishments and plans.

Four members of the Susquehanna County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) did attend, to present awards to Katie Brown and Tanya Haley in the name of Loretta Woodson. Dr. Woodson, from the Chester and Philadelphia area, bequeathed a sum to the organization of which she was an “esteemed member” to “honor one educator [Ms. Brown] and one support professional [Ms. Haley] for doing an outstanding job within a district or school. Chapters select the award recipients and then present them with a medallion, certificate, and PASR pin.” Chapters decide themselves on a pair of awards each year, and “… utilize this opportunity to secure positive publicity for both the school and the Association.” The PASR chapter was represented by Mary Ketterer, Ellen Holdredge, Gary Parker and former Blue Ridge Superintendent Robert McNamara.

From left, Ellen Holdredge and Gary Parker of PASR, and Katie Brown.

From left, Ellen Holdredge, Tanya Haley and Robert McNamara.

Next, Lisa Carden and Sadie McFadden offered a presentation on their Life Skills program, with photographs from a month-long segment that gave the children the opportunity to learn all about vegetables. In a “modified library,” with “modified computers,” and in a “modified art class,” the students learned the tastes, colors and textures of various fresh vegetables, and they created their own soup bowls. On a visit to Rob’s Market, they selected vegetables based on what they learned in class, and later made a soup that they consumed from their own bowls.

Once the business meeting got under way, Board members scrutinized the treasurer’s report and the bills list with uncommonly close attention. Ms. Brown-Bonner, for example, questioned the expenditure of $250 for yearbooks for Board members. Saying that she usually distributes her copies to students who can’t afford the increasingly high cost of the books, she recommended that others follow her example this year, and that the district drop the board purchase in future.

The treasurer’s report for the first time showed the balances in each of the major funds. On the face of it, there appeared to be plenty of money in capital reserves, for example. Business Manager Loren Small, however, noted that significant expenditures for recent work in the buildings will be coming due before year’s end. The self-funded medical account showed expenditures in March double March receipts, but with a balance that is expected to grow to about $800,000 by the end of the fiscal year.

Along similar lines, Board member Harold Empett was re-elected by his colleagues as district treasurer at a salary of $1,500. He is bonded at $15,000. And the Board renewed its relationships with its depositories, Peoples Neighborhood Bank, PennStar, Salomon Smith Barney, PA Invest (a collection of investment “pools” established by the state treasurer), PLGIT (Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust), First Liberty Bank and Trust, and First National Bank.

The popular long-running summer food service program will return this year, supported entirely by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Education.

The Board gave formal sanction to changes in several sections of its massive policy book, including several covering special education; reporting of tobacco use among students and staff on the campus; family and medical leave; and emergency preparedness. The special education provisions add material clarifying the definition of parent and/or guardian, and allow for recording of meetings between school officials and parents/guardians. The policy governing booster organizations was removed.

Students Courtney Arsenault and Madison Button have requested assistance with special summer activities, Ms. Arsenault for a mission trip to Paraguay and Ms. Button to participate in a musical tour of Europe as part of the American Music Abroad program. Their requests will be accommodated from a pool of about $1,000 for such purposes that will be distributed at the end of the school year.

The Board accepted an agreement with the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency to provide supplemental Head Start assistance, contingent upon continuing state funding. Members accepted a similar agreement with NHS of Northeastern Pennsylvania for the “Student Assistance Program” that provides as-needed supplemental mental health services.

Among other personnel matters, Gail Wnorowski will become Transition Coordinator reporting to Special Education Coordinator Barbara McCain. Ms. Wnorowski will assist students who leave the special education program to make the shift to regular class work.

Creative Adventures For Education (C.A.F.E.) was given the go-ahead to plan next year’s 6th-grade Washington trip in early May. C.A.F.E. is a local privately funded and operated group that organizes the excursion each year, and has done so successfully for many years past.

The Board adopted a retirement incentive package for teachers for the next fiscal year. Teachers must have at least 13 years of service at Blue Ridge, and make their intentions known by June 30 of this year. Under the incentive, new retirees will receive 40% of their current base salary in 5 equal annual installments. They will also be eligible for 100% of the single-coverage premium for health care (50% of the 2-person premium), as well as 100% of the dental/vision premium under the district’s plan. Coverage will be available for up to 10 years, or until the retiree becomes eligible for corresponding Medicare coverage.

Following negotiations with the local teachers’ union, the Blue Ridge Education Association (BREA), the Board accepted a compensation package for long-term instructional substitutes that will place them under the collective bargaining umbrella after 90 days; there are no provisions for retroactivity. A change in the policy on “Employment of Substitute Professional Employees” was adopted for 30-day review to conform to the agreement with the BREA. According to Superintendent Robert McTiernan, 2 major court cases have established long-term substitute pay rate regulations statewide.

After lengthy consideration, the district accepted a contract with Southwestern Energy Production Company to lease oil & gas drilling rights to the 49.6-acre campus. While the lease does not seem to prohibit surface operations, an addendum (one of 26) does exclude drilling “within 500 feet of any building, athletic facility …” which would effectively preclude drilling anywhere on the campus. The lease has a 5-year primary term, paying the district a bonus of $4,000 per acre for a total of $198,400. The lease carries a royalty of 18% for production of marketable quantities. Several Board members abstained during voting, presumably because they themselves already had lands leased to the company.

And finally, Wellness Committee Chair Cindy Gaughan announced that the “CEO/Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank” will provide up to 172 backpacks each week during the school year containing “nutritious, healthy food to children at-risk of hunger, for preparation and consumption” at home. The backpacks will weigh up to 7 pounds, and will be distributed in the Elementary School only, at least to begin with. Ms. Gaughan said that provisions had been made for packing the food each week that will not place an additional burden on the staff of the school.

The next scheduled meeting of the full Blue Ridge School Board will be a combination workshop and business session, on Monday, May 21, 2012, beginning at 7:30 p.m. If all goes well, the Board will adopt a budget for community review at that time. Meetings are generally held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. Check the district’s website for up-to-date schedules.

But obviously something did. Commissioners, after all, spent seven whole minutes in meeting. They pledged allegiance; approved eight motions; answered four questions; recognized two employees; issued one proclamation; and adjourned the meeting, all in less time than it takes the average smoker to get a fix.

Commissioners Allen Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren met from 9 to 9:07 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the County Courthouse. In the company of the Chief Clerk, three members of the public, and three members of the press, commissioners executed their well-rehearsed and familiar routine.

Following pro forma methodology, the minutes from the April 25, 2012 meeting were up for approval first. The minutes, in their usual sterile format, recorded the four minutes of meeting on April 25, with the words “Public Comment” to denote that a public comment period had been on the agenda, but not to record any actual public comment that had been made during that period of the meeting. The minutes were approved unanimously without question or comment.

The commissioners’ next order of business was to carry out employee years of service recognition (five year incremental anniversaries). Recognized were Gordon Traveny, Jr. - Corrections Officer - for five years service, and Robert Demmer - Maintenance - for 25 years service. Neither was physically present for the recognition, to the apparent surprise of Chairman Hall. But, their service having been so noted, employee recognition was completed and commissioners checked off its accomplishment.

Next up were the usual Cash Disbursement Journal entries, EFTPS payments, and Gross Wages Report to be ratified. A casual observer may have missed the additional entry that was included: “Cash Disbursement Journal dated 04/27/2012 for $28,350 for Election Expenses.” Primary Election Day doesn’t come cheap, even when only a quarter of the voters cast ballots. And in a matter of seconds, aggregated entries for nearly $900,000 were ratified without question or comment.

Moving on, seminar requests and payments for seminar requests were approved for six county employees in relation to seven seminars, training sessions, or meetings, at a total cost to the county of $97.54.

Proclamation 2012-03, proclaiming May 13 through May 19, 2012, as National Police Week, and May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, was passed without comment The proclamation recognizes “the men and women of the law enforcement agencies of Susquehanna County [who] unceasingly provide a vital public service,” and calls upon all county citizens and all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to observe the Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and observances. Peace Officers’ Memorial Day honors “those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty.”

For their next agenda item commissioners approved tax exoneration concerning a property in Clifford Township. The taxes, in the amount of $446.14, had been generated in error.

Next up, Commissioner Warren made motion “to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement with Motorola for an Analog Simulcast Upgrade for $210,476.” Commissioner Giangrieco, before seconding the motion, inquired as to the source of the funding. Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer advised that the funds had been budgeted in the county’s budget, and were not from a federal grant. A meeting attendee then inquired as to the nature of the system upgrade, to which Chairman Hall went into a bit of explanation. His bottom line summary was that this upgrade will transform the county’s 911 system “from the Dark Ages to the 21st century.” Unanimous agreement to update proceeded.

Two personnel actions were on the agenda. In the first, “Nathan Hibbard, Montrose, was hired to fill the open, full-time position of Custodian, Range 5, Rate $7.47 per hour, 40 hours per week, with a six month probation period and benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit contract, effective May 14, 2012, per the recommendation of Allen Luce, Department Head of Maintenance.” In the second, commissioners accepted, “with regret, the retirement of Kenneth Zahora, Children & Youth, effective June 29, 2012, per the recommendation of Susan Adamec, Agency Director.” Commissioners acknowledged that Mr. Zahora’s position will be hard to fill since it is civil service, with testing only twice yearly to identify job-eligible candidates.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to reappoint Michele Suchnick, Kim Ross, Tom Follert, Sandy Conklin, Gregg Confer, and Andy Aulakh to the Tourism Committee for the term May 8, 2012, through May 7, 2013. An audience member inquired as to their qualifications for duty on the Tourism Committee. Commissioners briefly identified each appointee’s business or industry association, as well as the additional blanket qualifier: willingness to serve “gratis” on the committee.

Before adjourning at 9:07 a.m., Chairman Hall dutifully called out “Public Comment.” In reply all that could be heard were the deafening roars of supreme silence. Commissioner Giangrieco moved for adjournment; Commissioner Warren seconded; Chairman Hall brought down the hammer.

It might look like nothing happened…at first glance. Obviously plenty did. Commissioners accomplished everything on their agenda for May 9, 2012. Their next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23.

Another marathon session of the Blue Ridge School Board’s Budget & Finance Committee on May 9th brings to 10 the number of concentrated hours of public meetings in recent weeks devoted to a new budget for the district that must be offered to taxpayers by the end of the month. As Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner said early on, everything was on the table, and the committee examined most of the nooks and crannies of the complex package to find savings, in the end borrowing from accumulated reserves to finish the job.

Following are the decisions the committee will bring to the full board at its next meeting, on May 21:

• Salaries for all athletic coaches will be cut by 25%.
  
  
• Coaching staff will be limited to at most 1 varsity, 1 junior varsity and 1 junior high coach for each sport; assistant coaches will be eliminated, with the possible exception of track & field.
  
  
• A further $3,000 was cut from the budget for athletic officials; expenses for uniforms were cut completely, except for wrestling.
  
  
• All sports will be restricted to league play only, except for 2 pre-season events.
  
  
• The Future Business Leaders of America advisor is eliminated from Schedule B, closing down the FBLA program for at least a year. This was suggested by FBLA advisor Joe Conigliaro, who said that he would be short of time this year anyway.
  
  
• The Schedule B positions for high-school/middle-school chorus and the high school band are eliminated, as are those for the elementary-school chorus and the middle-school band. Out-of-hours events such as regional, district and state competitions will be negotiated with the teachers’ union at an hourly stipend. (Positions related to the various theater productions remain untouched.)
  
  
• The Schedule B position of “Festival Coordinator” is eliminated. The functions of this position are to be provided by the guidance department.
  
  
• A further $11,000 was cut from the technology budget for wireless upgrades. The upgrade is to focus on the high school, administrative offices, and the auditorium.
  
  
• Accumulated surplus in the food service operation above $50,000 will be transferred to the district’s general fund.
  
  
• The $198,000 to be received for a recently signed gas-lease will be retained in the general fund.
  
  
• Up to $200,000 will be made available to the general fund from the fund accumulated to pay into the state retirement system for the teachers.
  
  
• Up to $250,000 will be made available to the general fund from capital reserves.
  
  
• The 2-tier busing system will continue, but routes can be tightened for anticipated savings of about $50,000, according to Business Manager Loren Small.
  
  
• Property tax rates will rise by 1 mill, reclaiming the equivalent cut last year.
  
  
• The administration is directed to negotiate with the teachers for a wage freeze that would affect all district employees.
  
  
• Transfers to the self-funded health plan are cut by $100,000.
  
  
• These decisions come on top of cuts in special education, travel, supplies and other items in all areas that were made in earlier discussions.

According to Superintendent Robert McTiernan, the surplus expected at the end of the current fiscal year (less than $100,000) could be used for “backfilling.” He said that additional costs might be shaved from transportation of children with special needs, by shifting them to “alternative placements,” of course in accordance with their IEP agreements. Mr. Small also said that increases in liability and property insurance rates are expected to be lower than originally anticipated.

Mr. McTiernan also said that the full $171,000 in the original proposal for tuition reimbursement for teachers would probably not be realized. The new contract allows teachers to apply for reimbursement of up to the Penn State tuition rate (currently about $700 per credit-hour) for up to 6 hours per year in pursuit of a masters degree in a teacher’s certification area; application must be made by April 30. Some teachers probably applied for the full amount to meet the deadline, but will either not attend, not take a full 6 hours, or attend at a less-expensive tuition rate, so that the total will probably be substantially less.

These are examples of what Mr. McTiernan refers to as “found money,” dollars that must be in the budget, but that may realize savings during the year that can be used elsewhere as necessary.

The Schedule B positions came in for extended discussions. Under the teachers’ contract, the Board has sole discretion to add or delete positions in the list, but may not change the salaries assigned under the contract. Many of these positions are intended to cover after-hours activities such as evening concerts and travel to competitions and the like. The committee expects that, for example, choral members invited to regional or district competitions would not be deprived, but that staff advisors and directors will be paid at a negotiated rate as an hourly stipend.

Keeping most sports and activities programs intact, Ms. Brown-Bonner declared that “this is a chance for people to step up” to volunteer time and effort for the schools and the students. Some committee members thought that it would be unfair, for example, to impose such deep cuts in athletics without applying similar austerity in other areas.

And at the very end of the meeting, committee members decided to apply the same purpose to taxes, agreeing to recommend the 1-mill increase allowed under state regulations. At the same time there was consensus that next year could be even worse, and that taxpayers could be asked to support a much more substantial increase when the budget for 2013-2014 comes up for consideration. Under recent state law, school districts that would raise tax rates beyond a computed “index” are required to put the measure to a referendum. Since this has never been done before in the Blue Ridge district, the possible outcome of such a vote involving a major tax increase is decidedly unclear. Board member Harold Empett noted that perhaps as many as 4/5ths of the district’s voters have no children in the schools, are on fixed incomes, or are otherwise unlikely to support a hefty increase.

Although Mr. McTiernan remarked on the district’s excellent credit rating, saying, “we can afford to borrow if we have to,” the potential effect of a referendum restricting the district’s previously unlimited taxing authority is unknown.

Ms. Brown-Bonner and her committee also declared that single-tier busing is in the future for Blue Ridge. Noting the “emotional aspect” of the issue, including the mixing of children of various ages, longer rides, and the dependence on the system for the bus contractors’ livelihoods, the committee saw that declining enrollment (now just over 1,000 students) can no longer support the more-expensive double-tier system, now almost unique among area school districts.

Mr. McTiernan said that he favors single-tier busing himself and will, at the direction of the Board, initiate planning for the new system for the 2013-2014 school year.

A final budget proposal will go to the full board on May 21. Mr. Small reminded the committee that, even after formal adoption in June, the budget can be modified in some respects; overall total expenditures cannot be changed, however.

Walt Dahlander, a resident of Great Bend Township, was unanimously approved to serve as the township’s representative to the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority on Monday, May 7. The position, vacant since Emerson Fiske’s resignation on March 31, was filled five minutes into the township board’s meeting. The board’s expeditious appointment of Mr. Dahlander availed him the opportunity to immediately depart this meeting to assume his duties on the Sewer Authority’s Board which coincidentally meets on the first Monday of each month.

For 40 minutes Chairman Joe Gaughan, Supervisor Ron Cranage, Jr., and Supervisor/Secretary-Treasurer Sheila Guinan sifted through township business old and new; shared correspondence; and reported on the township’s interminable battle to maintain passable roads. The matter of a new truck for the township consumed a fair portion of their time and focus. Supervisor Cranage had investigated the purchase of a truck with 11-ton capacity from various vendors, and located what he believed to be the right deal. He presented an impressive package of details to his fellow supervisors. Nevertheless, Chairman Gaughan and Supervisor Guinan had a number of questions concerning the vehicle’s options, tires, spreader, plow mount, and plow package. The questions weren’t a deal-breaker, but the answers for them were decided to be prerequisites to the vehicle’s purchase. With the truck being a “special-purchase,” requiring nine weeks for delivery time, supervisors decided it was only prudent to authorize purchase at this meeting, rather than waiting until June’s meeting. To that end they passed a motion authorizing purchase, subject to satisfaction of all details. Supervisor Cranage stated he would take immediate action to tie up all the details and get back to his fellow supervisors for their agreement.

Treasurer Sheila Guinan, with a broad smile on her face, had the pleasure of reporting the township’s loan had been satisfied. Switching to her Secretary hat later in the meeting she reported on the township’s correspondence. Among those items were two organizations seeking donations, Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and Summer Adventure. To the first they granted a donation of $189, using the formula of 10 cents per resident. To the second they granted a donation of $200, their usual donation for the kids at school.

Other correspondence included a letter from Great Bend Hose Company #1. The Hose Company reported that they had requested donations from throughout their service area, but that there had been “little response from the local community.” Supervisor Guinan noted that unlike the first two requests for donations, no request from the Hose Company had been made in previous years, and consequently there was no money budgeted for such a donation. Supervisors were sympathetic to the fire company’s needs and promised to keep it in mind when they draft the 2013 budget in November.

In unfinished business, Chairman Gaughan noted that the township can still help residents who have debris/tree limbs in their creeks. But to do so, residents do need to sign permission slips allowing workers access to their property. Mr. Gaughan took a few minutes to extol the Northern Tier Regional Program’s virtues. Glowing praise summed up his description of the workers’ performance, the program’s execution, and the good that has flowed through Great Bend Township for the last month by way of this very beneficial program.

In new business, the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is sponsoring two projects at the Parks and Sholtiss properties to do some creek rehabilitation. The township will be signing an agreement to allow them to do so. This program was instituted after the Great Flood of ’06 to mitigate the danger of flooding.

No meeting of Great Bend Township Supervisors would be complete without a detailed discussion of roads and road conditions. Chairman Gaughan reported that spring road maintenance is well underway, and he specifically noted the work that was ongoing on Parks Valley Road. Supervisor Guinan added that “a couple of spots on a couple of roads” needed to be looked at. Supervisors agreed that 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11, was the ideal time to inspect the township’s roads for trouble spots.

Township Supervisors, grateful for Mr. Dahlander’s spirit of volunteerism, continue to hope another Great Bend Township resident will seek the worthy avocation of filling the EMC (Emergency Management Coordinator) position. Anyone so inclined may contact Great Bend Supervisors.

Great Bend Township’s meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m., with next meeting scheduled for Monday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m.

Forest City Borough Council began its regular business meeting May 7th with the opening of fifteen bid packages for the borough sewer and wastewater project construction. Bids were received from construction businesses in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and filled a file box. Robert Trusky, council president, explained that the borough solicitor and KBA engineers would review each bid and select the “most responsible, lowest bidder.” A special meeting for the discussion of bids was then slated for Monday, May 14.

Also concerning an ongoing matter, borough solicitor Paul E. Smith announced that bids for removal of the building at 92-98 Maxey Street would go out May 9.

Mayor Patrick Coles announced that Click It or Ticket seatbelt checks will occur within the borough from May 21 through June 10.

The Harford Township Sewer System has been operating successfully with only routine maintenance and occasional modest increases in rates for about 17 years, and now it seems time for more substantial upgrades and the money just isn’t there. So the township Supervisors, who double as the board of the sewer system, will try to borrow $150,000 to get some major work done at the sewer plant.

At their May meeting on the 8th, the Supervisors agreed among themselves to accept the full plan recommended by the sewer system’s engineers, David Klepadlo & Associates, whose cost is estimated to total just about that amount. Earlier the Supervisors removed a costly new ultra-violet filtration system from the project to save money. This time Supervisor Doug Phelps said he had talked with Mr. Klepadlo, who told him that in the not-too-distant future, regulators will probably require the new technology anyway. So Mr. Phelps recommended that, as long as they were going to borrow for the project anyway, they might as well do everything. Supervisor Sue Furney agreed, so then they had to decide how to finance it.

Peoples Neighborhood Bank had offered 3 options. The Supervisors picked the one that seemed to offer the best terms for the project. They will try to borrow $150,000 for 15 years beginning at 3% for 3 years, with an interest cap of 4.75%.

The township will first need a commitment letter from the bank. Then the attorneys will need to draw up the paperwork so the township can publish an ordinance to support the borrowing. Then they have to figure out how to pay off the loan.

Supervisor Garry Foltz reminded his colleagues that 2012 will end in the red for the sewer system, by more than $40,000. Sewer rates were raised, but too late to capture the additional revenue for the first quarter. The new loan will cost about $12,000 per year. While the system does have some reserves, sewer subscribers will have to swallow substantial increases in coming years to pay for the upgrades to the sewer plant. The plant’s equipment is aging and difficult to repair, and the cost of fines for failure to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, all conspire to make the upgrades essential.

Given the shortage of funds, the Supervisors will be looking to make sure that every EDU is accounted for, and that rate payers are up to date. According to Ms. Furney, who is also the township secretary, the process for handling delinquent accounts stops at placing liens on the owners’ properties. She said that at least 3 liens have been outstanding for up to 5 years or more, all the while accumulating additional arrears to the sewer system budget. Mr. Foltz recommended that the Supervisors consider foreclosing on seriously-delinquent properties to recover the needed funds, rather than simply waiting until the properties may change hands.

Money isn’t the only challenge facing the sewer system. With recent problems associated with the company that usually pumped the sludge from the sewer plant a couple times a year, the new contractor will be required to furnish a letter certifying that the sludge will be disposed of in a certifiably legal manner, so that the township cannot be held liable in future.

In other business, the Supervisors declared the week of June 4 for the annual township “cleanup” program. Depending on the number of loads, they hope to take no more than about 3 days out of the road schedule for the pickup of stuff discarded by homeowners. Ms. Furney thinks the job can be done with the current township workforce. The rate will remain unchanged from last year: $50 for a large pickup load. Only passenger-car and light-truck tires will be accepted - off the rims - for an additional $4 apiece. Household garbage will not be accepted; paint cans must be empty and dry. Last year the program, which is not intended to turn a profit, came out just about even. The township rents large dumpsters for metals and other materials. There is usually some income from the metals separated from the loads.

Considering a request from Linde Trucking to allow the use of 102-inch-wide trailers, Mr. Foltz said that such regulation is a state matter, even for township roads. Anyone wishing to use the wide trailers will need to contact the state for permits.

Cabot Oil was granted a waiver for noise for 1 year for a natural gas project off Tingley Street. The township’s noise ordinance allows for temporary waivers for specific periods of time. This particular project will be in an area where a property owner has applied for driveway permits for existing driveways that permit access to his own fields. Since the driveways are already in place and the township won’t have to do anything for the permitting process, the Supervisors waived the permit fee and suggested that anyone else in a similar situation could apply for similar permits to establish the nature and ownership of driveways in advance of the gas drilling onslaught.

In his road report, Roadmaster Eric Allen reported a large number of applications for road-crossing permits, all of them from Williams, for pipelines. He said that dust has become a problem particularly in areas frequented by the large trucks associated with the natural gas industry. Mr. Foltz asked him to pressure the gas companies to take measures to mitigate the dust problems where the companies are most active. Mr. Allen said that, while the companies had been responsive and understanding, if they couldn’t respond quickly enough to complaints, he would take steps to lay down some calcium chloride. “I’m hired to keep people happy,” said he. So far he has used about 8,400 gallons of the dust-control solution, out of a total budget of over 32,000 gallons.

Mr. Allen said that most of the equipment is in condition to begin seasonal work on the roads. (One of the township’s larger trucks recently needed repairs totaling over $2,300 in order to pass inspection.) For a hydraulic issue on the grader he asked permission to bring out a John Deere technician to check the pressure. And the vibratory roller is having problems again, although it seems ready to accomplish its mission well enough this year.

The next public meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2012, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are held in the township office on Route 547.

In the face of “confusion” over spring road work bids, opened during the April business meeting, Clifford Township supervisors opened revised bids May 8. Although the supervisors acknowledged the bids as close, after evaluating the proposals, it was determined that for road shaping, ditch cleaning and material trucking, Barhite Excavating had secured the bid at a rate of $55,250. Brozonis excavating provided a bid of $76,160.

This year, twenty miles of roadwork will be completed within the township, with ten miles of ditches cleaned this year and ten miles the following year.

Seeking the lowest interest rate on a loan to cover approximately $180,000 in fees and legal expenses in the Macolm Pirnie debacle, the supervisors passed a motion to enter a 2.5%, sixty-month fixed-interest loan with First National Bank.

Scheduled for Sunday, June 3, the Mountain View Garden Club Plant Exchange will be held at the Clifford Volunteer Fire Company grounds this year. Vendors will be onsite from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the plant exchange occurring from 1 to 4 p.m.

Concerning Elk View Drive, residents responded favorably to work contracted by the township, saying that the work will “help the road for a good amount of time.” Nevertheless, it was stated that some patched potholes still need to be sealed with tar.

Having attended a convention for Pennsylvania township supervisors, Barry Searle stated that the emphasis of the event had been on environmental matters. He then summarized a few matters that the coalition hopes to push into law, including tax breaks for volunteer emergency personnel and a repeal of Act 13, as it has the potential to usurp township authority. A movement to pass laws prohibiting states from issuing unfunded mandates is also gaining momentum. Searle also reported that bicycle trails are increasing throughout the state, with the state setting aside funds for liability issues. He suggested that trails within the township could provide a tourism appeal. Chairman Dennis Knowlton commended Searle on time exerted on behalf of the township.

A request was made that the township consider implementing fifteen-feet setbacks, like the county has, rather than the thirty-feet setbacks required under township ordinance. It was predicted that this would save some legal expenses for property owners and “save a lot of problems,” overall. It was suggested that the planning commission provide details on the matter during an upcoming business meeting.

The lighting project within the township building has been completed, with grants submitted for reimbursement.

Also concerning funding, Sandra Wilmot of the historical society announced that Adams Cable agreed to fund construction supplies for upgrades to one township building room. Volunteer labor to remodel that room will be exchanged for the historical society to lease a second room for its museum.

This lease of a second township building room to the historical society generated some concern from various individuals. Knowlton wondered if the new contract with the historical society outlined heat and electric use allowances. “I think you’re dealing with honorable people,” Larry Wilson reasoned, although he admitted that utility use was not specified in the lease. Wilmot added that the museum would only be open twelve days a year, “tops,” preventing excessive utility bills from the museum rooms.

One resident then argued that for two building rooms to be utilized just twelve times per year amounted to a large amount of space, with little time for actual utilization.

All supervisors agreed that the museum was a worthwhile cause, with Chris Marcho commenting that the historical society members have done a “great job of paying their share” through volunteer hours and building renovations. Marcho also commented that the township can rent only to a limited clientele, and rentals had been slow in the township building.

In a return to the matter of the township debt after the loss in the Malcolm Pirnie legal case, the supervisors stated that they would have to enact cuts in order to help relieve the debt. They also stated that tax raises would be inevitable. Reasoning that the township can receive state police coverage for free, the supervisors made a resolution to disband the police force immediately within the township. “In fairness to the police,” Searle suggested a two-week severance for all Clifford police officers. Knowlton added that the police budget funds would be put toward debt reduction. The motion carried.

Immediately, the motion generated varied public reaction, with one resident calling state police coverage an “absolute joke.” Someone suggested retaining just one officer, and a suggestion was also made that Clifford sub-contract through the Forest City Police Department.

It was commented that the Clifford Township Police Department had a “very positive effect on reducing crime in residential areas.”

Someone pointed out that the majority of local townships are without a police department.

One resident commented “I think [disbanding the police] is something we really needed to do.” On the matter of the tax raise, he suggested that the supervisors consider incremental tax raises, which would produce “less of a sting” for taxpayers.

In terms of concerns over police coverage, Searle stated, “The township is not going to be left unprotected.”

A resident commented that a state police trooper resides in the township, offering a “presence in the community.”

Knowlton then promised to consider the input from the residents. He stated that the supervisors would be re-thinking the matter while planning the budget for next year. In the meantime, when pressed, he stated that the police car would be retained.

Council president Tom Lamont was late for the May 7th meeting of the Montrose borough council, so vice president Todd Chamberlain stood in his stead to open the meeting.

Mr. Chamberlain asked about the PUC hearing, which had been rescheduled to May 15th, and which had been discussed at a prior meeting. Ms. O'Malley stated that she would speak with other solicitors about the matter.

Ms. Skinner asked if the borough had any obligation regarding correspondence from the DEP. Mr. Chamberlain explained that it was a well permit, and it wasn't even in the borough's jurisdiction, but that the borough abutted the municipality it was in. Notification was sent to each adjoining municipality. When she asked for clarification, it was confirmed that the borough did nothing with such letters except to file them - it was simply notification.

During the street department report, Mr. Granahan thanked the street foreman for cleaning the roads, stating that they looked great. He had also been told by area residents that volleyball courts needed to have sand, not dirt. It was responded that what was put in place was a court mix. The council was in the process of acquiring more sand to include in the mix, Mr. Reimel added. It was confirmed that it would not be white sand, but would be a coarse sand which encouraged drainage. Also, playground mulch was put in the park every year, which had to meet certain standards. Purchase thereof was motioned, along with the sand.

The bathrooms at the park weren't being used, Mr. Diphillips said, and the kids were really vandalizing them. When someone asked if they were locked, it was responded that they had been broken into. The bathrooms had been boarded up, and it wasn't thought that they ought to be repaired until the cameras were in. A port-a-potty had been put in place, and Mr. Reimel suggested that the current building be broken down and disposed of. That was motioned and approved.

There was then discussion about purchasing a new truck. The price for a new one was just shy of $80,000, a price which had held steady since quoted the previous November. It would increase tonnage. The new truck would arrive around the fall. The old truck had served well, Mr. DiPhillips said, but he felt it wise to get rid of it while it still had value. The purchase was motioned and approved.

Ms. O'Malley asked if the truck would be outright purchased or would require financing. It was felt that between capitol reserve, the sale of the current truck, and a Growing Greener grant, it might be purchased alright.

Mr. Granahan reported that one of the things which had come up in an audit was to formalize the fiscal policies. The borough secretary was to sit down with the street foreman to discuss documentation. Another recommendation had been to identify, tag, and inventory all of the fixed assets. This would be for tools and pieces of equipment that would cost $500 or more in terms of replacement. The police would be responsible to do the same.

During the police department report, Chief Smith reported that the new Charger had been picked up, and taken to be lettered. He asked permission to put the lights on it.

There was then some discussion regarding marking cars. It had been decided, at a previous meeting, that one vehicle would remain unmarked. However, it was requested at the May meeting that it be allowed to be labeled for officer safety (at DOT stops), and for the purposes of New Milford patrols. It was decided that lettering could be placed on the window.

Mr. Reimel discussed putting electric service into the park. He said that it could be wise to put electricity there regardless, but all the camera quote required was an outlet on the pole. The electric was not absolutely necessary to run the cameras therefore, but he was thinking it might just as well be brought down anyway. The cost was estimated at around $2,400 total.

It was motioned and approved that they do so.

Mr. Reimel also motioned that V-Max Security install the camera system, per specifications. The system would include a camera with a pan-tilt auto track which could be made to either track movement or be controlled remotely. It also included three night vision cameras.

This was motioned and approved. A visitor asked a question regarding the vulnerability of the cameras to vandalism. It was stated that they were to be up high on the pole, that they could withstand a substantial impact, and that they would be protected. Two of the cameras would be facing the other two.

Mr. Granahan then spoke further about the fiscal policies and procedures. The policy had taken several forms; the initial draft had been put together out of one based on the non-profit world and one based out of PSAB. This had been given to the auditors for recommendations. Other changes had been made based on other auditor recommendations. There would be a fiscal policy and procedure given to council as they came on, and as amendments were made they would be attached. This procedure manual contained several sections. It discussed the best possible scenarios for dealing with cash; as many exposures to cash as possible had been eliminated. Credit cards had been tightened up. The independent treasurer was being utilized more fully, and provided a check and balance. The policy's adoption was motioned and approved.

Mr. Granahan asked if there was enough space to have both wards vote at the council building. Mr. Reimel spoke more fully about this, and it was felt there could be. The parking could be a problem, with a high turnout if it was a hotly contested race. However, there could be people parked elsewhere potentially if necessary. The council room was handicapped accessible. Before council approved it, Mr. Reimel said, he would like to see representatives from both wards come down, to see how they might like to work it. Ms. Skinner thought this was a great idea. It was suggested that a meeting be set up for further discussion.

Mr. Reimel spoke then about the borough garage. Council had been presented with what Mr. Reimel called a balanced look at what the borough had in the garage. If council could repair ten feet of the south side of the roof and get the rest of the roof repatched, etc., he reported, the company believed that it could put the building in shape to last another five to ten years. The council could then discuss what to do with the building after at least part of the current new building was paid off. It was motioned and approved that the repair be made. The motion was amended however to have the specs written first. This was then approved.

An executive session was called at the end of the meeting for litigation and personnel purposes.

Note: Executive session at the last two Montrose Borough meetings have been for litigation purposes, not legislation purposes as stated in the articles. This reporter apologizes for the error.

“It’s a thankless job!” Council President Roberta Reddon used those words to describe the position of Codes Enforcement Officer (CEO), held by boro employee Mary Weaver. Comments by four Susquehanna Depot residents, all relating to properties on West Hill, reflected the counterpoint: that residing in Susquehanna was every bit as “thankless” as any code enforcement job. The West Hill residents’ complaints covered everything from vague enforcement letters to compliance demands that resulted in the expenditure of thousands of dollars, it was alleged, in attempts to satisfy misdiagnosed sewer, electrical, water, and structural problems.

Council President Reddon, wielding her gavel at one point to maintain control of the meeting, was certainly paying close attention to residents’ complaints, and often restated complainants’ main points, even as she probed for details to isolate underlying issues. At the same time President Reddon and council members were strongly supportive of CEO Weaver and allowed her opportunities to shed more light on specific allegations.

One of those issues was the new 911 addressing requirement. CEO Weaver pointed out that house numbers have to be at least four inches high on a contrasting background. Those requirements are county requirements, not borough. She noted that fire and emergency workers are still experiencing many problems with residences not in compliance, and that her enforcement actions are only to achieve that compliance.

Another resident who showed up on CEO Weaver’s radar screen due to the sidewalk in front of her house being insufficiently cleared of snow, agreed that she felt “picked on.” Subsequent code enforcement actions resulted in what she termed a “nasty letter;” a 911 addressing violation notice; and citations for pallets on her property, a broken stone step, a fallen tree in mid-January, and a crumbling retaining wall.

Council’s takeaways from the extended discussions on codes enforcement were several. Misunderstanding and/or miscommunication appeared at the root of most of the residents’ complaints, and two-way discussion went a long way toward resolving them. Council Vice-President Roy Williams observed, “[It’s] about education and working with people.” President Reddon diplomatically opined, “Maybe there’s an easier way to work with homeowners.”

A second takeaway was that code enforcement had lacked continuity and had not been strong in the past, thereby contributing to many of the current problems. Residents displayed a picture of a nearby home that had been in a state of disrepair for many years and questioned why they were singled out, relatively speaking, when their homes were in livable condition. Council President Reddon readily conceded, “There’s (sic) probably 15 houses in the boro that need to be knocked down.” But another boro resident observed that not even the boro could maintain the standards it set for yard management and grass length; standards that were being enforced on private citizens in the boro.

President Reddon wrapped up the public comment period by thanking all the residents who attended and who brought their concerns to the boro council. She promised that CEO Weaver would work closely with boro residents to resolve code issues; that improvements would be made in codes communication; and that CEO Weaver would be operating a booth at the Julyfest to provide more information to boro residents. Officer Weaver’s booth at Julyfest will have information concerning property upkeep and maintenance, and what is required to keep properties in conformity with the code.

For the record, other council members present for the meeting were Paul Barnes, Sue Crawford, Joe Varsik, Allen Wolf, and Debbie Zayas. Mayor William Perry, Jr, was absent, for which reason no mayor‘s report was given at this meeting.

Under old business, council opened five competing bids for the paving projects of Broad Avenue and Oak Street. The bids, ranging from a low of $48,484.50 to $72,140.63 all came in well under what some council members were expecting. Council’s incredulity concerning their unexpected good fortune prompted a heightened level of circumspection. For that reason council agreed that while the lowest bid was quite likely to be awarded the contract, everything would be checked to ensure all contract specifications were met before final approval was granted.

The “Streets Agility Program” also came up under old business. Councilman Varsik asked President Reddon to provide background and context for why the boro had not renewed the program with PennDot. President Reddon accepted the challenge and explained, “[We are] not denying the boro a good program; the boro gets nothing out of it. By PennDot math we owe them $13,000 from the past four years.” PennDot’s Agility Program, she explained, was basically designed for townships; Susquehanna Depot was the only boro in Susquehanna County which had been participating in the program. In her analysis, PennDot always came out ahead, so much so that the boro could always do better by going it alone. President Reddon detailed the (unsatisfactory) services PennDot had performed in return for the costly services the boro had rendered to PennDot. Her review, and the ensuing discussion, united council in dispensing with any further notion of participation in the Streets Agility Program.

Lastly, under old business, council approved a motion to “Rescind current Drug Policy and adopt Substance-Free Workplace Policy per Solicitor’s Recommendation.” Gentle readers will recall that the previous drug policy had been instituted on November 15, 2011, as an addendum to the boro’s handbook.

The Secretary’s Report noted that the boro’s office would be closed while Secretary Diann Robbins is in Towanda for QuickBooks Training on May 16 & 30, as well as on May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.

Council went into executive session at 8:03 p.m., and returned to regular session at 8:37 p.m. Asked if they were going to take any official action, council replied in the negative, but clarified that they had reviewed legal correspondence…from an attorney, and concerning - what else! - a code enforcement issue. Having come full-circle, council adjourned at 8:40 p.m. and made for the exits.

Starrucca Borough Council meeting was called to order on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. by President Paul Everett.

Council members present were VP Jack Downton, Robert Martin, Louis Gurske, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp and Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko.

The Minutes of the meeting held on March 5, 2012 were presented. Robert Martin made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented. The motion was passed unanimously.

Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented March 31, 2012, passed unanimously. Motion to pay the April bills as amended, passed unanimously.

The Minutes of the Special Meeting held on March 14, 2012 were presented and read by the secretary. President Everett asked for the Minutes to be read for further discussion by Council and possible action on matters from the Special Meeting Executive Session. Motion to accept the Minutes as presented, passed unanimously.

Persons To Be Heard - None

Opening Of Bids - Mowing - 2 bids received - Gilleran’s Lawn Service @ $1650.00 / Boughton $2200.00 Motion to accept Daniel Boughton’s bid due to his compliance with submitting documents as requested in the advertisement for bids, passed unanimously. Mr. Boughton was in the audience and recommended 5 monthly payments @ $440. starting in May. Louis Gurske made a motion to pay Dan Boughton $440. per month starting in May for a total of 5 payments, passed unanimously.

Spring Road Work - 2 bids received - Como Construction and Bill Pykus Excavating. Following Council’s discussion, motion to accept the bid from Como Construction for Spring Road Work, passed unanimously.

Auditor’s Executive Notes - Auditor DeBalko requested Executive Session. Pres. Everett called for Executive Session at 7:40 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:55 PM.

Borough Bank Accounts - The auditors made a recommendation to fold certain accounts into the General Fund (i.e., Recreation Field and Fire Fund). Robert Martin recommended moving the Recreation Fund to the General Fund because it is not self-sufficient.

VP Downton recommended that the Fire Fund and UCC account should stay as separate accounts and move the Recreation Fund into the General Fund.

Motion to have the General Fund, Liquid Fuels and UCC Fund as separate accounts at Peoples Neighborhood Bank. The motion was seconded by Robert Martin and passed. VP Downton opposed.

Motion to have the Fire Fund and Recreation Field account moved into the General Fund. The motion was seconded by Robert Martin and passed. VP Downton opposed.

Motion to open a new UCC account at Peoples Neighborhood Bank and transfer all funds from Pennstar Bank into the account, passed unanimously.

Motion to close the Recreation Field account at Pennstar Bank and transfer the funds into the General Fund at Peoples Neighborhood Bank, passed unanimously.

Motion to take $3000.00 from Pennstar Bank and put it into the General Fund at Peoples Neighborhood bank, passed unanimously.

The secretary asked about the disposition of the unused checks from Pennstar Bank. The auditors recommended recording the check numbers and destroying the unused checks.

CORRESPONDENCE -

WEDCO Annual Meeting & Dinner - April 12, 2012 (no interest).

Penndot - revised Borough road maps were reviewed (filed)

U.S. Post Office - acknowledged receipt of our correspondence (filed).

NEP Sno-trails correspondence. Requesting Council to send a letter of support to the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resourses in Harrisburg, PA. Motion to support NEP Sno-trails, passed. Members of Council and the Mayor signed the letter to be forwarded by the secretary. Arthur Kopp did not sign. Auditor DeBalko recommended contacting NEP Sno-trails regarding a sign at the ballfield.

OLD BUSINESS -

Kellogg Road - VP Downton reported that he met with Bob Muller (Wayne Conservation District) at the site and permission was received to begin construction of the French mattress on Kellogg Road. VP Downton further reported that the landowner (Darl Haynes) had been notified that construction will begin on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. A letter addressed to Mr. Haynes was read. VP Downton reported that Mr. Haynes called him requesting permission to cross the construction site. Mr. Haynes was invited to attend this meeting but did not appear. Council’s discussion decided that it was too dangerous to cross the construction site. Without any weather delays, construction will take 2 days.

Council seat vacancy - No update.

Building Permit Status - Mr. Heeman received the building permit and advised the secretary that he was not going to build a this time.

Buck/Rhone sub-division - Amended map regarding increased acreage and corrected as to scale was received from Atty. Davis’ office. The secretary read correspondence dated March 20, 2012 from Susan Iannuzzo, DEP stating “their review has determined that the project does not qualify as an exception to the requirement to revise the official plan for new land development in accordance with Chapter 71. The planning module was returned with reasons noted. Further, “no sewage or building permits should be issued for construction at this site.” The secretary noted that the following were cc’d: Russell Warner (SEO), Robert Buck, Kirk Rhone and the Wayne Co. Planning Commission. Motion to rescind Council’s previous approval of the sub-division on the advice of the Solicitor until approval is received from DEP, passed unanimously.

Dirt & Gravel Grant - submitted for Cemetary Road - VP Downton reported that Bob Mueller (Wayne Conservation District) visited the site the same day he approved the start date for the French mattress on Kellogg Road. Mr. Muller will advise if the Borough is eligible.

NEW BUSINESS -

Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) - Pres. Everett will file the updated EOP.

Ethics Filings - Pres. Everett recommended composing a cover letter to accompany the two Ethics reports regarding Buck and Rhone when filed with the Prothonotary Office. Following discussion, the letter will be drafted and presented at the meeting in May.

COMMITTEE REPORTS -

Shadigee Creek Wall - Pres. Everett reported that he, VP Downton and Mayor DeBalko have been attempting to get funding for the creek wall. Pres. Everett asked for a determination from Council that this is a project that “we are responsible for.” Pres. Everett further stated that elected officials have stated that Council must take responsibility for the wall and previous governing bodies stated the wall was on private property. Louis Gurske stated “Council is responsible for the wall.” Barbara Glover stated that “it has always been the responsibility of Council to maintain the wall.” Arthur Kopp stated that “we have to be responsible – we have no alternative.” VP Downton stated “we need to get a determination as to what happened with the wall project.” VP Downton made a motion for Starrucca Borough Council to send letters to the following people - Kirk, Rhone, Robert Buck, Anthony Palonis, Arthur Kopp, Donald Haynes, Jr., Laura Travis, Darl Haynes, Peter Frank, Fred Rhone and Andrew Bennett requesting they give testimony at the Strrucca “borough Community Hall under oath on questions regarding the following: Borough Finances, Shadigee Creek Wall project, Court filing, Borough roads, Declaration of disaster (Kellogg Road).

Other Borough issues: Council will seek advice from their Solicitor on proper procedure. The motion was seconded by Robert Martin and passed. Arthur Kopp opposed.

Louis Gurske made a motion that Starrucca Borough Council is responsible for the Shadigee Creek Wall. The motion was seconded by Barbara Glover and passed.

VP Downton abstained.

The secretary read correspondence from Allied World Assurance Co. advising that a claim/ref. no. has been assigned.

Bound Minutes - Pres. Everett reported that he reviewed the case of Downton vs. Rhone, et al. Specifically, he reviewed public documents on line at Pacer and recommended that all records associated with the court case be made part of the public records of the Borough. Motion to include the court case as part of the public records of Starrucca Borough, passed. VP Downton abstained. Further review of the records concerning the case revealed that Atty. Coleman received Minutes not included in the bound book (the official record of Minutes for the Borough). Motion to send this information to the District Attorney, passed. Arthur Kopp opposed.

COG Minutes - Robert Martin submitted the Minutes to be filed.

Haynes vs. Starrucca Borough -VP Downton read a letter addressed to Judge Raymond Hammill on behalf of Council. VP Downton recommended the letter be signed by Council members and the Mayor. Motion to pass the letter on to the Solicitor, passed. Arthur Kopp opposed.

Flood Plain Maps - Pres. Everett and Mayor DeBalko attended the flood plain meeting. Pres. Everett advised that the Borough’s repository is noted as Thompson and we need to protest to FEMA. Motion to open a protest to FEMA regarding the Borough’s repository for the flood plain maps, passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. with a motion made by Louis Gurske, passed unanimously.

DEEDS

A S Diamond Family LP to Laurence Allan Stafford, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.

A S Gold Family LP to Laurence Allan Stafford, in Thompson Township, for $1.00.

Susquehanna Borough to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of Dept of Transportation, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

David L. & Wendy L. Hansen to Joseph L. & Jennifer L. Flaherty, in Choconut Township, for $165,000.00.

Sunoco Texas Pipeline Company (SUCC TO) & Sun Pipe Line Company to Sunoco Pipeline LP, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Joseph Robilotto (estate aka), Joseph J. Robilotto (estate) to John A. Robilotto, in Silver Lake Township, for $1.00.

Vivian R. Robilotto to John A. Robilotto, in Silver Lake Township, for $1.00.

Alice Jean & John A. Castrogiovanni to Alice Jean Castrogiovanni, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Alice Jean & John A. Castrogiovanni to David & Jennie Castrogiovanni, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Alice Jean & John A. Castrogiovanni to Mathew & Cathy Castrogiovanni, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Eleanor D. & Bernard Convertino to Bernard & Eleanor Convertino, in Forest Lake Township, for $1.00.

Kathryn C. & Kyle S. David (by sheriff) to Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency US Bank, in Choconut Township, for $2,008.22.

Paul R. & Kimberly L. Wells to Paul R. & Kimberly L. Wells, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Paul R. & Kimberly L. Wells to Paul R. & Kimberly L. Wells, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Paul R. & Kimberly L. Wells to Paul R. & Kimberly L. Wells, in Bridgewater Township & Brooklyn Township, for $1.00.

William S. & Kelly L. Conyer, to Kelly L. Conyer, in Silver Lake Township, for $1.00.

Martin & Mary Capoferri, to Patrick & Nancy Mulreaney, in Herrick Township, for $90,000.00.

Albert B. Roberts to ABR Energy LP, in Choconut Township, for $1.00.

Gerald Fuller (aka) Gerald L. Fuller to James A. & Laurie A. Fuller, in Auburn Township, for $1.00.

Orson A. & Dorothy H. Hendershot to Eric J. Hendershot, in Springville Township, for $1.00.

Tina M. Graves to Patrick J. Graves, in Oakland Township, for $1.00.

Patrick J. Graves to Stephanie Lee Johnson, in Oakland Township, for $1.00.

Patrick J. Graves to Stephanie Lee Johnson, in Oakland Township, for $1.00.

Stephen A. & Mary Ann Ambrose to Stephen Ambrose Jr., Donna Fizzano & Debra Ambrose, in Apolacon Township, for $1.00.

Stephen A. & Mary Ann Ambrose to Stephen Ambrose Jr., Donna Fizzano & Debra Ambrose, in Apolacon Township, for $1.00.

Todd W. & Heather A. Smith to Todd W. Smith, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

Todd W. & Heather A. Smith to Todd W. Smith, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.

John J. Kranz (estate) to Samantha Josephine Krantz, in Ararat Township, for $1.00.

N R L L East LLC to Performance Resources LLC, in Lenox Township, for $0.00.

Jean M. & Charles D. Pudish (trust by trustee) to Pudish Family Limited Partnership, in Silver Lake Township, for $1.00.

Oil Gas & Mineral & Reba J. Loomis to Scout Petroleum LLC, in Auburn & Springville Townships, for $128,733.00.

Ivan & Mary Ann Guzman to Siewdath & Mary Khadoo, in Susquehanna, for $17,500.00.

Bernard J. & Debra Lajeunesse to Richard & Theresa Simpson, in Herrick Township, for $240,000.00.

Pocono Ridge Realty LLC to HS Pennsylvania LLC, in Dimock Township, for $400,000.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:55 a.m. on May 11, 2012: Craig J. Anderson, Jr, Sharon Baker, Christina L. Birchard, Bryan G. Bodie, Michael Robert Brown, Beverly Carvin, Marc K. Deesch, 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, Michael A. Linden, Lydia M. Marvin, Michael Maryasz, Connie M. Mitchell, Ronald N. Mitchell, Sharon E. Mortenson, 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.