Susquehanna Community School District Directors wrapped up the 2011-12 school year with their 7 to 7:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, June 20. While School Board members Steven Stanford, Evelyn Cottrell, Jason Chamberlain, Amanda Cook, Holly Kubus, Martha Stanford, and Clay Weaver were meeting, spring faded into history and summer arrived, right on schedule, at 7:09 p.m. As with the season’s passage from spring to summer, approval of the $13,471,586 “final budget” welcomed the expectation of the new school year, while relegating the previous $12.95 million budget to history. Board approval was unanimous, with the caveat Lori Canfield and Carol Jackson did not cast votes due to their absence from the meeting. So, it’s a wrap.

Well, almost. While SCSD is required to pass a final budget by June 30, and has done so, the state can‘t boast that it has already made its June 30 deadline. Under the 2011-12 SCSD budget, the state provided approximately 67% of the school district’s revenue. Under the 2012-13 SCSD budget, only 65% of the school district’s revenue is projected to come from the state. The district has used the most conservative budget estimate of what state aid will be received - to be on the safe side. By using this strategy, the district has made assumptions based on the governor’s budget proposal, rather than the more generous counterproposals still being debated in the Senate. Should the state’s final budget include some of the more generous funding provisions in Senate bills, SCSD will not have to tap any of its reserves to handle a projected shortfall of $43,000. That final detail in the district’s budget will only be known when the state’s FY2013 budget is signed, sealed, and delivered.

There are other budget details SCSD taxpayers should be aware of. One is that gamblers in the state’s casinos have come through for them again. Because gambling revenues are at an all-time high, the average $300 farmstead/homestead exemption will be available again, and the exclusion it provides decreases the average tax bill of $800 to $500. Starrucca taxpayers will see a tax decrease of 9.8% due to tax equalization/rebalancing. SCSD taxpayers in Susquehanna County will see a 2.5% increase in taxes, even as the district’s budget increases by 4.11% year-over-year. The driving force in the school district’s budget increase is the PSERS (Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System) cost. The cost of PSERS to the school district is mandated by the state, and the 43% increase year-over-year ratchets up the bite out of the district’s budget from 8.65% to 12.36%. As Superintendent Bronson Stone explained it, every cent of state aid increase is now going to meet the mandated PSERS expense - not to improved delivery of educational services for the students. Additionally, the school abolished two additional teaching positions when the incumbents retired at the end of this school year. And the elimination of those two positions is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the last 12 years, some 25 teaching positions have been eliminated as the district tightens its belt.

On another money matter, Superintendent Stone discussed the annual energy evaluation he and Facilities Manager, Donnie Norris, had with Snyder Electric, on June 19. Snyder had guaranteed the school district a minimum energy savings of $41,000 in the first year. The results far exceeded that goal. With a savings of over 3,000 gallons of oil used, and over 15,000 hours of lighting in just the high school building, the district’s energy savings were calculated at $54,000.

Superintendent Stone, in his report to the board also noted how well Class Night and Graduation ceremonies went and praised those who had a hand in their unqualified success. After that, he noted, “One thing that we‘re patiently awaiting is the release of the individual student PSSA scores. We were supposed to have those scores on June, the eleventh, but the state sent out an email stating that they are still analyzing the data. So they’ve missed their target to release that information to the schools. Here we are almost a full two weeks after that deadline’s passed of June the eleventh. That just goes to showcase the state of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It’s been depleted of employees over the past four years, and the time to get things done is definitely not the efficient organization it once was, by any stretch of the imagination.”

Mr. Stone also noted that the school district will be posting newsletters online every two months, with the next one being on July 1. Superintendent Stone confessed to just completing his own article, while High School Principal Mark Gerchman and Elementary Principal Bob Keyes had just completed their articles, which would also be posted in the online newsletter.

Mr. Keyes reported that summer school began on Monday, June 18, with some 38 students in three classrooms. Gary Kiernan and Superintendent Stone chimed in with comments about “finding new students” on day one, when their parents called to inquire as to the school bus’s whereabouts. Apparently, a number of families had moved, and in other cases cell phone numbers had changed. The administration noted how very important it was for parents to keep the school advised of when they move and whenever cell phone numbers change. The importance of such updates cannot be over-stressed.

In other matters, the school board approved policies relating to Concussion Management and Bullying/Cyber Bullying. In discussion of cyber bullying, Superintendent Stone noted that the administration wasted untold man hours due to the filing of increasing volumes of complaints in relation to comments made on Facebook. Without doubt, Facebook is now the number one cyber bullying issue school administrators face. And as every student has a right to file cyber bullying complaints, and even anonymous complaints must be taken seriously and investigated, the only feasible way to stanch the flow is for students to act more responsibly, and for parents to monitor what their children are posting on social networking sites.

Also approved by the school board was a “Professional Dress Code Revision.” The revision removed the requirement that polo shirts be tucked in. It also prohibited the wearing of windbreaker tops and bottoms, except as permitted to physical education instructors. School lunches were the subject of another resolution. The board voted to raise the price of student and adult lunches for the 2012-13 school year by $0.10. In so doing, the board raised the price from $1.50 to $1.60 for those paying full freight.

Personnel actions taken by the board were many. The board accepted resignations from the following: Maryann Deakin, Katie O’Neill, Mark Willchock, Sr., Brent Soden, and Pamela Weiss. Superintendent Stone had kind words for all and noted they would be sorely missed.

Personnel approved for hiring, for a wide variety of duties, included: Thomas Adornato, Jacob Johnson, Lisa Carpenter, John Adams, Jennifer Bennett, Patricia Cottrell, Jodi Stanford, Ruby Bishop, and Danielle Keenan. Mr. Stone noted that Mr. Johnson and Ms. Carpenter were hired for the 20 SAT morning prep classes. That program and the teachers’ positions are fully funded by the Clare O’Neill family. Other motions were approved to accept volunteers; to transfer employees from one position to another; to accept teachers’ resignations from various collateral positions; and to accept resignations of non-teaching employees from the district staff. Also, Bridget O’Neill was changed from a 194-day employee to a 199-day employee.

At 7:30, school directors called it a wrap. Mr. Kiernan lit up and leapt from his chair, “We have brownies tonight!” Mr. Keyes ably assisted in passing out the delectable treats, and banter on economics followed as surely as night follows day. As we sat discussing the Greek tragedy playing out, the widening spread of Spanish bonds, and the damaging domestic dislocations, Superintendent Stone casually remarked “two years, 10 months.” That, he noted, is how long the school district has as a viable economic entity if the state does nothing to reign in PSERS costs and set the pension system on a sound actuarial foundation. Superintendent Stone is optimistic the state will do the right thing. Gentle readers may cheer . . . or consider hedging their future.

SCSD school board meetings are on holiday for the month of July. School Directors next meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, by which time the state will have a final budget, and the district will well and truly be able to say of its budget, “It’s a wrap.”

Beautification doesn’t come easy. It takes a lot of elbow-grease. This truism is just as applicable in Lanesboro as in any other of the fair municipalities in Susquehanna County. Lanesboro Boro Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 5, but the meeting was postponed until 7 p.m. a week hence. Present at the June 12 meeting were Council President Todd Glover, and council members Jason Fissel, David Glidden, Dale Rockwell, and Colleen Y. Wilkes. Others present for the meeting were Mayor Chris Maby and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan, as well as five boro residents Council members absent were Dan Boughton and Regina Dilello. Also absent from the meeting was this reporter, who was covering the Susquehanna Depot Boro Council meeting which was scheduled for the identical time and date. What follows is composed from the meeting’s agenda, draft (unapproved) minutes of the meeting, and interviews of the principals involved.

After approval of the minutes for the May 1 boro council meeting, correspondence to the boro was read. The first letter was from Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, requesting that the boro donate $0.10 per person, with the number of people based on 2010 census data. Council discussed the matter, but the consensus reached was to NOT make a donation, principally because no provision had been made for such donation in the boro’s budget.

The second letter was in regard to the Liquid Fuels Audit for years 2009 and 2010. The auditors concluded that $779 was paid to Dan Boughton above that which was allowable from the account. Mr. Boughton will be remitting payment to the fund in that amount.

A third letter pertained to the Rail-Trail Ultra Marathon. The letter requested use of Luciana Pak as a start/stop for the group’s 50, 100, and 250-mile races. Mayor Maby phoned the group during a break in the meeting to inform them of council’s assent to their request.

One of the five visitors, Paul Skasko, requested time on the meeting’s agenda. Mr. Skasko, a resident of Viaduct Street, expressed his concern about water which has been diverted onto his property from a neighboring property. The end result of the current situation is that his yard has been transformed into swampland. President Glover acknowledged that PennDot did some work, under a release signed by Mr. Skasko’s neighbor, which has contributed to the present unhappy state of affairs described by Mr. Skasko. President Glover promised to contact PennDot to see what can be done to mitigate or correct the problem.

Mayor Maby provided the Police Report. It showed that police provided 99 hours of service during the month of May. Ten of those hours were in Thompson, and the other 89 in Lanesboro. Within Lanesboro there were 17 traffic citations issued and 12 verbal warnings made. There were 10 incidents for “other than routine traffic,” but no serious crimes were involved. For Thompson there were zero incidents “other than traffic;” seven traffic citations; and three verbal warnings.

The Streets Committee reported that the boro’s dump truck is awaiting inspection and repairs to the dumping mechanism. The work is to be performed by Cleveland’s Garage. Meanwhile, the Sewer/Refuse Committee had no news to report.

The over-arching theme of boro beautification could be surmised from numerous actions by council throughout the evening’s meeting. In the Council of Government (COG) portion of the meeting, it was reported that Fireman’s Hall (the old boro building) had passed asbestos inspection. The finding that there was no asbestos used in the building’s construction provided the certification necessary to allow the Susquehanna County Redevelopment Authority to advertise the bidding process for the building’s demolition. Later mention of boro building demolition under old business brought out discussion that the bidding would begin soon - perhaps as early as this month - and lead to the building’s demolition as early as July. That demolition is key to implementing the master plan of Community Center redevelopment . . . by Labor Day . . . if all goes as planned.

Also leading to a more beautiful Lanesboro are projects going on at Luciana Park and in the Community Center Recreation Area. The Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the issue of deteriorated picnic tables. A number of those tables have already been removed, and full inspection of those left is to be carried out. Any tables showing signs of rot will be removed and disposed of. Council and Mayor Maby agreed to build new picnic tables, as needed, over the next few weeks. Mr. Fissel agreed to compile a list of how many picnic tables are needed, and order and arrange delivery of the necessary building materials. Also related to boro beautification is the delivery of new mulch for the Community Center’s playground area. The mulch will arrive by tractor trailer on June 25. Mayor Maby and council members Rockwell and Wilkes agreed to be available for various shifts of time to sign for the deliveries. These improvements, to both Luciana Park and the Community Center Recreation Area, increase the attractiveness of each and make the boro more enjoyable for both residents and visitors.

Another matter of beautification, as well as safety some might say, is that of the community center’s floor. The floor was already fixed once before, but it is still “pulling up.” Mr. Fissel will arrange to have a representative of the flooring manufacturer come out and make a recommendation on a permanent repair. The community center, it was also noted, has been rented for at least one of two days of every weekend in June.

Among the boro council’s old business was mention of Swift Reach (the boro’s emergency phone notification system). Boro residents have been signing up for the voluntary program, and while 100% participation remains the goal, no figures are currently available to determine how widespread the participation is. Also noted was that FEMA funds should soon be released to the boro. Those funds, approximately $50,000, will go to reimburse the boro for the many infrastructure repairs made in the wake of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Also discussed under old business was notification that the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) hearing in Harrisburg, regarding companies who have filed competing applications for exclusive rights to establishing natural gas infrastructure in the boro, has been further postponed. Mayor Maby and at least one council member are interested in testifying, against approval of any action leading to a monopolistic outcome, when the hearing is rescheduled.

Council brought up and discussed Ordinance # 2012-07-01. That ordinance, to be advertised prior to next month’s meeting, will meet with likely approval, and thereby implement the Property Maintenance section of the International Building Code (IBC).

Finally, council gave sanction to community-wide yard sales for August 10, 11, and 12. By this action, all boro residents have blanket approval to hold yard sales. The hope is that the numerous simultaneous yard sales in the boro will draw in many visitors, and that residents will be able to sell their serviceable, but unneeded, goods and miscellany. The joy of bargain-hunting and days of visiting with ones’ neighbors will hopefully spur pleasure and profit for many - on both sides of the transaction.

Council adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m. Their next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 at the Community Center.

Nine citizens good and true braved stifling heat to consider the affairs of Hallstead Borough on the evening of June 21st. But not for long. With no AC, windows wide open to admit very little air, along with the sounds of traffic and a chain saw of all things, the formal agenda was disposed of quickly.

With Michelle Giangrieco presiding, members of the Hallstead Borough Council heard that park renovation will begin soon when the pavilion is moved. Members also agreed that the “tennis court needs to be redone;” no one could remember when the court was last resurfaced.

A visitor asked if the borough had an ordinance that could be brought to bear on a property that seems to be hosting a permanent yard sale. The situation is causing problems with traffic, and just looks bad, she said. Borough Secretary Cindy Gillespie said that she knew of “nothing on the books,” but that she would look again.

Council considered a recent incident of what appears to have been juvenile delinquency and vandalism in the park on Franklin Street. Some youths were seen on the roof of the library, and the bicycle rack was displaced, among other depredations. Members seemed to know who the miscreants are, but there is little that can be done about it at this time.

After little more than 15 minutes, the meeting was gratefully adjourned so that members could go in search of AC, a pool or pond - any kind of relief from the enervating heat and humidity.

The Hallstead Borough Council meets on the third Monday of the month,beginning at 7:00pm at the Borough office, 2nd floor conference room.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th 2012 in observance of Independence Day. All court related offices will be available.

Kelly Jean Clark, 42, of Great Bend, PA to 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, comply with Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law for Driving Under the Influence in Susquehanna Borough on November 15, 2011.

Joel Thompson, 29, of New Milford, PA to 90 days to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility served 45 days incarceration followed by 45 days home confinement, pay $1500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, pay $100 Act 198 fee, comply with Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Law, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol, continue with mental health treatment, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, perform 50 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on August 17, 2011.

Michael Decker, 24, of Montrose, PA to 11 ½ to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 5 years probation, perform 50 hours of community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Montrose borough on February 28, 2012.

Edmund George Carroll, 30, of Montrose, PA to 18 months to 36 months in a state correctional facility followed by 3 years consecutive probation, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Robbery in Susquehanna Borough on February 21, 2012.

Wayne C Greene, 49, of Montrose, PA to 9 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim, not to possess firearms while on supervision for Theft by Deception in Montrose Borough on August 24, 2011.

Robert Francis Sipel, 42, of Wilkes-Barre, PA to 4 years probation, supervision may be transferred to Luzerne County, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, complete 50 hours of community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in New Milford Township on August 22, 2011.

Rosemary Griffis, 45, of Nicholson, PA to 4 years probation, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to have contact with the victim with the exception of writing an apology letter, perform 50 hours community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Lenox Township on December 10, 2010.

Robert L Smith, 26, of Montrose, PA to 11 ½ months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, perform 50 hours community service for Robbery in Lenox Township on November 7, 2011.

Treavor Scott Murdter, 36, of Montrose, PA to 21 months to 7 years in a state correctional facility, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 50 hours community service for Receiving Stolen Property in Harford Township on April 28, 2010. Mr. Murdter also received 21 months to 10 years in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with other Susquehanna County sentences and consecutive to Lackawanna County sentences, followed by 5 years probation, pay $1000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Burglary in Herrick Township on May 3, 2010. Lastly Mr. Murdter received 21 months to 10 years in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with other Susquehanna County sentences and consecutive to Lackawanna County sentences, followed by 5 years probation, perform 50 hours community service, pay restitution to the victims, pay $1000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Burglary in Jackson Township on May 3, 2010.

Daniel Eric Bentz, 31, of Montrose, PA to 6 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in Great Bend Borough on August 27, 2011. Mr. Bentz also received 2 year to 10 years in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with the above sentence and consecutive to Lackawanna County sentences, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess firearms while on supervision, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with the victim for Robbery in Susquehanna Borough on October 13, 2011.

Chris Ann Shuster, 40, of New Milford, PA to 12 months probation, pay $1500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with juvenile females for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to Minors in Harford Township on February 12, 2011.

James Robert Shuster, 49, of New Milford, PA to 12 months probation, pay $2500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, perform 100 hours community service, not to have contact with the victim for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to Minors in Harford Township on February 12, 2011.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 9:35AM on June 22, 2012: Craig J. Anderson, Jr, Michael Robert Brown, Tina M. Clark, Marc K. Deesch, David J. Fischer, MaryJo Gana, Donald Goble, Keith R. Hurd, John J. Jenisky, Jr, Steven L. Jones, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael A. Linden, Michael Maryasz, 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, Karl D. Zantowsky, Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

THEFT (MOTOR VEHICLE) ASSIST

On 05/04/2012, SLTPD was dispatched to search for a stolen vehicle out of Broome County which was expected to be at family members residences in Silver Lake Township, Susquehanna County, Pa. The investigation continued into the following day and night looking for the same individual and vehicle.

BURGLARY

On 05/05/2012, a summer cottage owner on Forest Lake, Forest Lake Township, reported that his cottage had been forcibly entered and several tools used for remodeling had been taken. An investigation at the scene showed that numerous tools were stolen from the property. This incident is still under investigation.

SPEEDING

On 05/08/2012, a report of vehicles speeding from the gas well sights was reported in Forest Lake Township. It was reported that it was the workers in the white vehicles. SLTPD went to the site and investigated this incident. Action was taken on the part of the gas company to stop the speeding.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS

On 05/11/2012, a Silver Lake Township resident reported trespassing and possible forced entry into his residence. Pieces of door jamb were found and marks on the door hardware.

This incident is still under investigation.

MISC INVESTIGATION

On 05/11/2012, a motorcycle possibly stolen out of Forest Lake Township was located in another county. After investigating it was determined that it was not the motorcycle that had been stolen previously from Forest Lake Township.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

On 05/12/2012, SLTPD were called to assist another agency at an establishment involving an intoxicated individual with a weapon.

THEFT/ ATV/ CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On 05/17/2012, a report of a stolen ATV and tires slashed on a car were reported to SLTPD. This incident happened in Silver Lake Township and is still under investigation.

MVA

On 05/17/2012, a dump truck traveled downhill, crashed and overturned in Forest Lake Township. An environmental team was called in to clean up a small amount of diesel fuel. The road was closed for 4hrs. The driver went to Wilson Hospital.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE

On 05/18/2012, SLTPD were called to a residence where court orders and PFA’s were in effect. After investigating the current activity the parties were advised that it was a civil matter at this time and to curtail all activity until courts made a determination.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On 05/21/2012, criminal mischief activity was reported at the Silver Lake Township Municipal Authority. This activity is still under investigation.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

On 05/23/2012, a suspicious person was reported walking and acting abnormal on a main roadway in Silver Lake Township. After investigating, it was determined that the individual was ok and had just been walking for a very long time.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

On 05/23/2012, a resident in Forest Lake Township reported that someone had tampered with his well plumbing and disconnected his lines. This incident is still under investigation.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE

On 05/30/2012, a suspicious vehicle was reported to have been repeatedly surveilling a residence in Silver Lake Township for some time. Also individuals possibly peering in windows on the property while on foot outside of the house. This is an on-going investigation.

MISC CALLS

SLTPD had multiple 911-Hang-Up calls, multiple Medical Assists and Wires Down, during the month of May.

** 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.