It was an evening of meetings, meetings and still more meetings on May 21st, all overshadowed by the looming threat of budget cuts and downsized aspirations, with a few highlights, as the Blue Ridge School Board winds down the school year and looks toward the new fiscal year to begin in July.

Harold Empett kicked it off with a gathering of his Facilities & Grounds Committee. Summer projects on the campus this year are minor compared to prior years. The committee was expecting to hear from Board member and Hallstead Borough representative Cindy Gillespie about a new agreement on the ballfield in that town, but Ms. Gillespie could not attend. Blue Ridge has shouldered the responsibility for maintaining the field during the entire season for many years, even though its teams use it only for a short while in the Spring. Now, because of the tight budget, the school district wants to shave expenses and limit its obligations only to the time it uses the fields. Mr. Empett said that the Borough was told by the local Little League association that the latter would assume responsibility. So Mr. Empett wants to get the district, the borough and the Little League together to hash out an agreement. The district would like to move all of its softball activities back to the campus, but some renovations would be necessary to bring the facilities up to PIAA standards. And the district wants to ensure that the Hallstead fields would be maintained in accordance with those standards as well, as long as the district continues to use them.

Elementary School Principal Matthew Button told the committee that Bitting Recreation, Inc. would be installing a new set of playground equipment to augment the setup installed by local talent last year. While the total cost will be over $16,000, there will be no expense to the district budget. A fundraising account will take care of the residual cost after using money from a Shur Save customer donation account that has accumulated over $12,600 through Robb’s Market. Robb’s will be recognized – once again – for its consistent and generous support of the schools.

The new Fundraising Committee took over for another half hour. Nominally headed by Shane Rumage, the committee reviewed a proposed “quasi” mission statement and began to consider its options: where to get money, and how to spend it. On the initiative of Board president Laurie Brown-Bonner, the group will organize a golf tournament in April of next year at the Conklin Players Club as its first substantial effort, an event that Ms. Brown-Bonner thought could raise as much as $10,000. They then directed administrators to suggest needs that might not otherwise be met, and determined on another series of meetings to consider targeting whatever funds might be raised.

Originally designated a workshop meeting, because the new budget needs to be offered to the community for 30 days before formal adoption, there was a brief business agenda to consider. When the full board finally gathered around the tables they had only 2 items to review, the budget being the elephant in the room.

There were no substantial changes in the plan developed over the past few weeks. Ms. Brown-Bonner said that the teachers’ union, the Blue Ridge Education Association, had rejected the board’s proposal of a wage freeze (in exchange for unspecified concessions later on). She said she was herself opposed to the 1-mill tax increase, but recognized that the majority supported it.

Board member Christina Whitney objected to the cuts in the pay of coaching jobs, saying they were “too much” and unfair, but she made little headway.

A visitor presented Ms. Brown-Bonner with a T-shirt signed by 100 people in favor of restoring the separate Middle and High School drama productions. Student Representative Kevin McCarey agreed. Recognized by Superintendent Robert McTiernan for his role in the recent production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Mr. McCarey said that a production combining both the Middle and High Schools would benefit neither, and might adversely affect the quality of the production.

Ms. Brown-Bonner responded that the board “tried hard to retain all programs,” but that “somehow everybody’s got to give a little.” Board members reported very little reaction by their constituents so far. Mr. Empett noted that the situation next year may be even worse, and a hefty tax increase may be a tough sell at a referendum among taxpayers who are overwhelmingly older and with less direct interest in the schools.

Another visitor suggested that programs affected by the budget cuts might benefit from more volunteer effort. And Mr. Rumage even suggested that “anyone is welcome to write a check” to help support his or her favorite program.

In the end, the vote to approve the budget was nearly unanimous. Only Ms. Brown-Bonner voted against it.

At the outset of the workshop session that concluded the long evening, Ms. Brown-Bonner said that she wanted the board to begin to focus on student academics. To that end, she asked administrators to arrange visits by students to board meetings with reports of their activities, and especially field trips.

Reporting on her Wellness Committee’s activities, Priscinda Gaughan presented a first report on the Food 4 Kids backpack program. Just begun as a pilot at Blue Ridge, it is sponsored through the CEO/Weinberg Regional Food Bank of Wilkes-Barre, and run on the campus by the Leo club. In its first 2 weeks, nutritious food has been packed for weekend consumption by more than 175 children each week. The program will end on June 8 this year, after which results will be reviewed before a decision is made about resuming it in the Fall.

Ms. Brown-Bonner announced that 2012-2013 will be the last for double-tier busing at Blue Ridge. Asked if shifting to a single-tier schedule the following year will save substantially, Business Manager Loren Small said that might depend on what the legislature does about funding. So far, the old formulas for reimbursing transportation from state coffers have been superseded by a new “block-grant” type system. The state senate has passed a bill to switch back, but the bill’s chances in the house and with the governor are unknown.

Mr. Empett, the Board’s representative to the Intermediate Unit, reported that a number of schools in the consortium are considering pressing the IU to cut its budget by as much as 25%, in line with what everyone else has had to do.

So, next year the Blue Ridge School District expects to spend $16,710,015, substantially less than the more than $18 million budgeted even 2 years ago. At that, it still represents an overall expenditure of about $16,000 per enrolled student. The public will have 2 more chances to comment in public, at meetings on June 4, and again on June 25, when the final budget will be given formal approval. Check the district’s website at http://www.brsd.org for meeting details.

No! Really? Commissioners Allen Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren “talked trout” at the ten-minute Wednesday morning, May 23 meeting. Meeting attendees were almost as astounded as the incredulous Commissioner Giangrieco, who initiated the “trout talk” with his query.

Commissioner Giangrieco’s interrogative may have been the most entertaining response to an agenda item, but commissioners had other items of weightier substance to consider during their gathering. “Consider” may overstate the commissioners’ deliberative process on most matters however. In actual practice, motion approval - without commissioner question or comment - carried the day.

Telephone subscribers may have more than a passing interest in the commissioners’ approval of Resolution 2012-09. That resolution, unanimously approved, implemented the 9-1-1 telephone access plan and contribution rate for county residents. Commissioners set telephone subscribers’ “contribution rate” at $1.50, which will be included on all monthly telephone bills. “The telephone company” will collect the contribution and forward it to the Susquehanna County Commissioners. The contribution rate will remain in effect by law for a period of not less than three years.

No matter what euphemism authorities use, if you’re committed to your phone and you plan to maintain service for the next three years, you’ll pay an extra $45 in TAXES for your commitment. A check of your phone bill will verify you’ve made your contribution, which as explained in the resolution, is designated to pay for enhanced 9-1-1 services and a county-wide centralized communications center. The benefit of the enhanced 9-1-1 system likely appeals to most “contributors.” Nevertheless, the compulsory nature of their contributions, or the mere euphemism itself, may spur divergent robust reactions from more than a contributor or two.

In personnel matters, commissioners accepted the resignations of County Conservation District Directors William Ord and Thomas Helmacy, effective May 17; and appointed Daniel Farnham, Lenox Township, to the Susquehanna County Conservation District Board, as a Public Director for the unexpired term May 23 through December 31, 2012.

In other actions Commissioners authorized Purchase of Service Agreements between Susquehanna County Services for Children and Youth, and three out-of-county organizations. They also ratified the acceptance of two quotes: one for a $3,100 mower from Bartron Supply in Tunkhannock; and a second from American Window Cleaning, Port Crane, NY, for $2,250 to clean the second and third-floor windows of the Courthouse.

Commissioners also ratified “the approval for the Commissioners to sign the Business Transport Schedule between Frontier and Susquehanna County 911 for a five year term for installation and monthly charges for a point to point T1 from 81 Public Avenue, Montrose, to the tower at 109 Lackawanna Avenue, Hallstead, and a five year term for installation and monthly charges for a point to point T1 from 81 Public Avenue, Montrose, to 1286 Moore Road, Uniondale, for $916 per month for both. The payments will begin when T1’s are installed.” For those not tekkies, T1 is a premium service of extremely high-quality and state-of-the-art that is made up of 24 channels and carries voice and data transmission in a digital format.

Commissioner Giangrieco motioned, and Chairman Hall seconded, to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau, per the request of Catherine Benedict, Tax Claim Director, from collecting delinquent taxes on “Susquehanna Borough parcel 054.11-5,066.00,000., consisting of 0.17 acre under the name of Endless Mountains Community Development Corporation Inc. [The parcel] had delinquent taxes returned to Tax Claim Bureau for 2011. Per PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development letter of 3/29/12 via Susquehanna County Assessment on May 14, 2012, this parcel was approved as Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone for all of 2011. Total 2011 taxes to be exonerated $10,262.54.” Abstaining from voting on the motion, Commissioner Warren stated, “I’d like to enter an abstention because I sit on the Endless Mountains Development Corporation.”

During the public comment period inquiry was made concerning the posting of meeting agenda and related documents/minutes on the county’s website 24 to 48 hours in advance of a prospective meeting, in the interest of transparency. This reporter further suggested that minutes of future meetings be internet archived and accessible to the public at the county’s website, as meeting minutes are approved. Commissioners responded with a positive, “We can take a look at that,” and continued discussions on the topic even after the meeting’s 9:10 a.m. end. Time constraints, deadlines, IT and administrative considerations are all in play, but commissioner enthusiasm to overcome obstacles appeared genuinely heartening.

Gentle readers, now long-suffering, may still be wondering what role trout played in this meeting. For that a return to the meeting’s one-minute mark is required. It was then that Chairman Hall called out, “Item number six!” and Commissioner Warren moved to approve the wide-ranging assortment of seminar requests for 10 county employees But Commissioner Giangrieco, rather than responding with a robotic second, inquisitively answered, “Trout in the classroom? What’s that about?” “Soil conservation,” Commissioner Warren replied. And Chief Clerk Sylvia Beamer assertively stated, “I didn’t make a typo; that’s what it says.” His curiosity sated, Commissioner Giangrieco provided his seconding motion, and all voted “aye.” For the record, commissioners approved a seminar request for Robert Fearnley, Soil Conservation, June 22, Bellefonte, “Trout in the Classroom.” Cost to the county - $0; meeting memory - Priceless!

Commissioners will return for more adventures in governance at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 13.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT

On 4/10/2012, a Silver Lake Township resident was bitten by a dog while she was jogging. After an initial investigation, the Susquehanna County Dog Warden took over the investigation.

THEFT

On 4/16/2012, a resident on Quaker Lake Road, Silver Lake Township, had some signs taken from the front yard of his property.

HARASSMENT

On 4/16/2012, a Forest Lake resident in Forest Lake Township, reported that multiple ATV’s had been running back and forth on a private road along the lake. Some of the actors were confronted and some of them continued to travel in the area. Some of the actors were identified and SLTPD spoke with the parents.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

On 4/17/2012, a husband and wife dispute on Pops Hobby Lake in Silver Lake Township was reported to the C.C. SLTPD responded and investigated and no further action was required at the time.

MISC INVESTIGATION

On 4/19/2012, a Silver Lake Township resident was involved with a custody and visitatation situation involving a juvenile. SLTPD investigated and resolved the matter without incident.

THEFT

On 4/21/2012, A Silver Lake Township resident reported that a Windy Hollow Lane road sign had been stolen.

MISC INVESTIGATION

On 4/23/2012, a Silver Lake Township resident reported that someone was coming onto his property late at night and leaving solicitation cards on his door at his residence.

On 4/24/2012, SLTPD responded to an Emergency Fire call on Laurel Lake. An investigation with the Silver Lake Fire Company determined that an inadvertent alarm was tripped by people on the property.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE

On 4/25/2012, a suspicious red pick-up truck was reported in the Valley View Road area of Silver Lake Township. The vehicle reportedly had no plates on it and copper wire in the back. A search of the area was conducted with no results. The vehicle was subsequently located on 04/27/2012 and the situation was resolved.

ALARM/SECURITY

On 4/26/2012, SLTPD responded to an alarm at a residence on Quaker Lake Road. The Alarm Company verified that workers at the residence had set off the alarm.

SHOTS FIRED

On 4/28/2012, shots were reported fired in Forest Lake Township near Hamlin and Billy Goat Roads. Investigation in the area found no activity taking place at the time.

MVA

On 4/28/2012, a one vehicle crash was reported on Lake Sophia Road in Silver Lake Township. The caller stated that the vehicle was severely damaged, but was leaving the area under its’ own power. When SLTPD was able to respond to the area of the crash; the vehicle was gone and could not be located at the time. This incident is still under investigation.

** Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or e-mail at silverlaketwppd@epix.net. All information will be held strictly confidential. You can look at the Silver Lake Township Website at silverlaketwp.org, to see all of Silver Lake Townships’ news, profiles and resources, including the police reports.

DEEDS

Louis J. Mercadante (aka) Louis J. Mercandante to Louis J. Mercadante, in Forest City, for $1.00.

Michael and Anita Mangan to David C. Gumpper Sr. and Barbara A. Gumpper, in Herrick Twp., for $55,000.00.

Francis G. Lesniewski (estate) and Loretta Lesniewski to Loretta Lesniewski, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.

Jodi Benson to Jason M. Borne, in Oakland Borough, for $5,000.00.

Helen H. Baglino (estate aka) Helen Baglino (estate), Mary Weaver (aka) Mary A. Weaver, John Baglino and Robert Baglino (aka) Robert J. Baglino to Mary Weaver, John Baglino and Robert Baglino, in Great Bend Twp., for $1.00.

Robert W. Lehr (by sheriff) to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, in Lanesboro Borough, for $1,484.05.

Richard J. and Vivian D. Fiechtner to Bremer Hof Owners Inc., in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.

Robert L. and Ruth E. Dougherty to Robert and Mary Noble, in Lathrop Twp., for $109,000.00.

Eric W. and Julie L. Lewis to Paul and Rebecca Sincavish, in Montrose, for $96,000.00.

Evelyn R. Crock (estate), Judith Crock Baker and William S. Baker to Baker Living Trust and William S. Crock, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Evelyn R. Crock (estate), Judith Crock Baker and William S. Baker to Baker Living Trust and William S. Crock, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

John and Jennifer Birchard to Noble Marcellus LP, in Forest Lake Twp., for $10.00.

Paul A. Strohl III and Tiffany E. Strohl to Noble Marcellus LP, in Franklin Twp., for $10.00.

David and Christine Strumski to Noble Marcellus LP, in Auburn Twp., for $10.00.

Ann Marie Baldwin to Delores Obert (aka) Dolores Obert, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.

Patricia Ann, Thomas, Merrissa Ann (aka) Merissa Ann, and Chelsie Catherine Daugherty, to Thomas and Patricia Ann Daugherty, in Forest City, for $1.00.

Edmund L. Reardon, Bernice Graeton-Reardon (aka) Bernice Graeter Reardon to Edmund Reardon, in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.

Ruth A. Lutz to Ruth A. Lutz (trust), in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.

Mary Poch (estate aka) Mary T. Poch (estate) to Diane Armon, Geraldine Painter, Francis Poch, Rosane West, Marilyn Macarthur and Leonard Poch Jr., in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.

Nicholas J. and Carolyn M. Taro (by sheriff) to RBS Citizens (fka) Citizens Bank, in Forest Lake Twp., for $5,051.89.

CitiMortage Inc. to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.

Suzanne A. Mitchell (nbm) Suzanne Mitchell Princic and Michael Princic to David Francis Sansky Sr., in Harford Twp., for $19,000.00.

Carmelo and Nancy Astacio to Francis T. Sincavish, in Bridgewater Twp., for $123,000.00.

Robert Lewis Millard II (estate aka) Robert L. Millard II, Colleen Ann Millard and Kelly Corrien Hawley to Kelly Corrien Hawley, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Gerald E. Box to Antonio and Rosanna Pirraglia, in Harmony Twp., for $200,000.00.

Robert A. and Gretchen M. Labrie to Stanley French, in Susquehanna, for $111,000.00.

Maureen Warren to Maureen Warren (trust), in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Maureen Warren to Maureen Warren (trust), in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Maureen Warren to Maureen Warren (trust), in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Maureen Warren to Maureen Warren (trust), in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Ronald F. Paull III and Rebekah F. Paull to Phyllis and Lawrence Dewolfe, in Lathrop Twp., for $178,000.00.

Robert F. Butler to Noble Marcellus LP, in Apolacon Twp., for $10.00.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:03 a.m. on May 25, 2012: Craig J. Anderson, Jr, Sharon Baker, Bryan G. Bodie, Michael Robert Brown, Beverly Carvin, Marc K. Deesch, David J. Fischer, John S. Frisbie, Jr, MaryJo Gana, Donald Goble, Keith R. Hurd, John J. Jenisky, Jr, Steven L. Jones, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael A. Linden, Elijah Maginley Jr, Michael Maryasz, Kim Maury Merritt, Joseph C. Mikloiche, Connie M. Mitchell, Ronald N. Mitchell, Perry Rohan, Bruce A. Schurr, Christie L. Sheptock, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Jermaine J. Stanfield, Sr., Justin S. Thompson, Robert J. Twilley, Ryan Warnagiris, Steven G. 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.