The new month began with a New Milford meeting, as the borough council met November 1st. Codes enforcement, as usual, was the first item discussed. A property owner had a second application for campers on his property denied. The first application had been declined due to lot size; the owner had combined two properties to make the land larger and reapplied. The second application was denied due to being in a flood plain. The CEO had notified the man of the process to pursue such items within a flood plain.
Mr. Ainey wished to speak further on the subject of campers. He had been asked why he was opposed to the campers by a community member. Ms. Gulick had also been questioned as to why he felt this way. Mr. Ainey wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t against campers, but it had been his duty, being a council member, to bring before council a concern a resident had brought to him. Council in general, it was stated, was not against campers, they had just seen enough flooding that they did not want them in a flood plain, and they wanted them to be somehow secured. The mayor said that if they had the proper water and sewer they were fine. It was reiterated that camper trailers did not pay taxes, as they were considered recreational vehicles. The mayor said that the person owning the lot paid taxes, but it was responded that they only paid tax on the land. Mr. Ainey said that every mobile home which went out of the trailer park and was replaced with a camper trailer meant that the borough was losing money. He wasn’t saying he was against them, but he wanted the issues surrounding them known. The Codes Enforcement Officer had received even more applications for the vehicles, it was stated.
This was an issue which needed to be discussed in terms of the flood plain ordinance which the borough was to be required to adopt. It was said that if the borough did not follow along with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, of which the ordinance was a part, then residents of the borough could not be allowed to obtain flood insurance.
The personnel committee had met with the codes enforcement officer. The question was asked what kind of action a resident could take to assist the officer with enforcement. It was responded that if a council member could be taken to see a violation, it would hold more weight, and if a police officer saw it, that would hold more weight still.
There was a discussion regarding a business on Church Street which was located in an R1 District. The business owners had received a letter from the CEO asking them to desist business and remove all of the vehicles parked there.
The mayor said that he had no problem with the business itself, but he had seen a truck drive across the bridge, loaded with stone. The bridge had a two ton weight limit. The business owners were present, and stated that ever since they had received a letter regarding the subject, they had not crossed the bridge. They had seen many other vehicles cross it however. Ms. Gulick spoke of how the regulation was put there partially out of concern. The business owners assured council that they would not cross the bridge again.
As for the business in question, the owners stated that the business office was actually out of the borough, only vehicles were parked at the location in question. They further said that they planned on moving out as soon as they could. They weren’t trying to cause anyone any headaches, and would do whatever they could to make it right. When one owner questioned other businesses in residential areas, it was explained that those establishments had variances or were non-conforming businesses. It was stated that according to the CEO, parking the trucks at the location made it a business so the owners would need to acquire the proper permits. One of the owners asked what they needed to do, saying it was unreasonable to receive a letter saying they had to stop everything and move the trucks. Mr. Ainey responded that this would be up to the CEO, and the owners were encouraged to talk with him to see if there was any way to make it work. The CEO’s job was to enforce the codes, he couldn’t change the laws.
There was then further discussion regarding the bridge’s weight limit. It was pointed out that even a pickup truck was over two tons. Mr. Ainey asked if the same process could work as worked with stop signs, if someone saw a driver running the stop sign they could report it and the police could follow up based on the verbal report. Mr. Carey said that the police had stated that a vehicle had to be weighed. Ms. Cosmello and Mr. White replied out that the vehicle weight was noted on documents. A visitor asked how the street was to be plowed, as the plow truck was over two tons.
A journalist asked about the status of the pig situation. The storm had postponed pursuit of the matter with the township. A visitor thought however that the pigs may have already become food anyway.
A committee had been appointed the month prior, whose sole purpose was to work on the Peck Hill situation. A letter had been sent to the planning commission with the concern. The panning commission had previously given the borough a list of how they were going to enforce regulations. However, Bob Templeton had told Mr. Ainey that the planning commission had decided at their meeting the previous evening that they were not going to get involved. They had decided that they were going to contact the commissioners to see if they wanted to become involved with it.
Mr. Ainey, then, said he was going to submit a right to know request as he wanted the paperwork on that review. It was opined that it had been a fast review. The letter received by the borough stated that the commission was recommended by the solicitor to write a letter to the commissioners. It was allegedly said in the planning commission meeting that the New Milford borough ought to handle the situation.
Mr. Ainey then recommended that they send a letter of concern to the planning commission on the Young Property, which was a commercial land development, and also on the Hunt property, which was a land development.
Mr. Ainey said that he had driven up Peck the day before the borough meeting. He said that one house was half burned, and he thought this had to be a violation of the housing code. He wondered what COG was doing about it. It was reiterated again that the property owner had received permits for sheds. There were buildings up there that weren’t finished, and it was suggested that both the borough’s permits and the COG permits had to have a lifetime. It was responded that this had been discussed previously as well, and Mr. Carey offered to check on the term of the permits. The property owner did have zoning permits through the Codes Enforcement Officer, though it was suggested that he only had one building permit through COG. The house had been standing there for over a year.
Mr. Ainey suggested that the committee meet and come back with a plan. Mr. Carey was to look into what permits they had and the expiration dates on them, as well as the status of the burned out building. Ms. Gulick said that it wasn’t that the council wasn’t doing anything, they weren’t being backed up by the state agencies. She said that they needed pictures for proof, as it was thought the property owner was lying when the state agencies spoke to him.
It was suggested that council might have to end up suing for the streets though, and that they could ask the property owners adjoining the property to join that suit.
A letter had been received from Blue Ridge that there was an issue with safety were the bus stop on 492 to be moved. This was discussed at previous meetings, in regards to a request from a mother. One option mentioned in the school’s response was to have the parent transport the children to the Health Club bus stop. The mayor asked what was more dangerous, pulling off or stopping in the road, which is what the bus was currently doing. The school felt that if the bus were to cross into the other lane, it would increase the risk factor for the other students.
Pennsylvania Tectonics had contacted the borough for drilling, regarding the housing development. Proposed monitoring wells and test boring locations were sent to the borough. The company had said that they would replace disturbed streets. Mr. Ainey motioned that they grant the request. He also suggested ensuring that they knew this had nothing to do with the water or sewer hookups, as that would be under the authority of the municipal authority.
Ms. Gulick asked Mr. Ainey to get them a good sample ordinance regarding the driveway ordinance. The planning commission had not yet met for the month.
The parks and rec agreement with the school was discussed. Representatives were to meet with the school superintendent, to discuss the baseball field. The administrator wished to come alone, without any other board members so he could take the information back to the board. It was asked if there was anything in writing regarding an agreement. It was responded that there was nothing with the school, though there were agreements with the Little League and the Triplets.
Ms. Cosmello had met with PennDot, Sandra Majors’ office, and had spoken with Senator Yaw regarding the traffic light near the Pump N Pantry. She said that she didn’t want to hear that there had to be more fatalities. If a traffic study was done, the borough was responsible to keep it up. If someone died however, it would be paid for. A reporter said that a bus aide had witnessed people running the buses’ lights multiple times. Mr. Ainey said that all it took was the license plate number, and the driver would be arrested for this. One person suggested that this was also why trucks were crossing the Church Street bridge, to avoid that intersection. Mr. Ainey suggested that impact money could be used for police, and that perhaps they could hire additional police only during school time for that intersection. All of the elected officials had received letters about this. Ms. Cosmello said that if they put their name in Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission they could perhaps receive assistance. It was suggested that they go to other local municipalities that have lights to find out what it cost to have them.
The police report demonstrated action, it was said. They were getting on people running stop signs.
It was suggested that Bekheimer be asked to come and speak to employers. The Earned Income Tax was expected to be passed at the mid month meeting.
It was said again that the camper trailer situation ought to be discussed in regards to the National Flood insurance program, which gave two options for RVs in flood plains. The borough was given two options, either a variance or not allowing the vehicles.
Someone had asked what happened with people who owned campers but didn’t live in them and parked them next to their house, in a flood plain. This was also to be discussed at the mid month building.
A reporter asked about the impact fee. The borough had received $37,125 and change. The borough had spent some of it on Maple Street, though part of this was to be reimbursed. Having slightly more police coverage had also been suggested.
A hearing was held regarding the Amendment to the Junkyard Ordinance. This would allow the Codes Enforcement Officer to approve the junkyard permit without bringing it back before the council annually. The junkyard owner had the right to appeal if he didn’t agree with the codes officer. Any resident not agreeing with a codes decision could do so. The hearing was closed and the ordinance passed.
Santa in the park was scheduled for November 24th. Eleanor Lempke offered to donate the Christmas candy again. There had been over 100 children the year previous. The kids also brought in the non-perishable food items as price of admission. This went to the area food bank.
According to Mike Crook, the Great Bend Fire Company spent a lot of hours preparing for hurricane Sandy and were mighty relieved when the area dodged another potential disaster. The Borough Council spent some time at its regular November meeting on the 1st considering the budget for next year, and will spend some more time on it a week hence.
The budget doesn’t look like a potential disaster. In fact, the Borough is expecting to receive a check for almost $16,000 from the state Public Utility Commission from the “impact fees” imposed on natural gas drillers under Act 13 of 2012. Borough Secretary Sheila Guinan, who develops the draft budget for Council to review, isn’t counting that money until it arrives. But Council decided to use it to help pay off the big loan they took out to pave some Borough streets this past summer.
There isn’t much detail on the budget available to the public yet. Council scheduled another meeting on Thursday, November 8, to work it over some more. They are especially concerned about the new police department’s budget request. Members seemed happier with Ms. Guinan’s number, under $21,000 and closer to what they figured last year. Police Officer in Charge Jon Record was absent, and Council wanted to give the police an opportunity to defend the department’s submission.
Nevertheless, it looks like Council will boost property tax rates by half a mill. That will bring in only about $3,500 more. Still not enough, members decided to keep rental fees for the Borough building at $50, but they eliminated the $15 refund; rental for the Blue Ridge Senior Center will not change. Park rental will be $35 with no refund, which is the same as it is now with the $15 refund. Ms. Guinan said that there have been 17 park rentals this year.
The meeting actually opened with the annual colloquy between Council and B.J. Giangiulio representing H.A. Thompson, the Borough’s insurance broker. They reviewed each structure, each piece of equipment and the number of Borough employees (8, including the police, all part-time). Mr. Giangiulio said that the total premium for buildings and equipment is only about $3,500 per year. He said that liability coverage would increase by about $300 and property premiums by about $310. The largest increase will be in workmen’s compensation coverage, about 15%, or $1,500. He said that fewer companies are writing workmens’ comp insurance in Pennsylvania because of a new law that covers firemen who develop cancer, and the rest are raising premiums. He expected another increase next year, but after that the situation “should settle down.”
Council member Jerry MacConnell was surprised at the valuations put on some of the structures owned by the Borough, particularly in the parks. He asked that the broker review those valuations. Mr. Giangiulio said he would do that, but cutting the valuations may require switching insurance providers, since the company that is now writing the policies decides the valuations on its own. For example, a restroom in one of the parks that is now used only as a shed is valued at over $40,000. Mr. Giangiulio said the policy could be modified to pay only actual cash value. The current policy provides for replacement cost.
Most of the street work is done for this year. Blacktopping Maple Street will wait at least until next Spring. Mr. MacConnell remarked that it’s “not a terrible situation right now” anyway.
Ms. Guinan announced that the U.S. Postal Service will host a meeting at the Borough building at 2:00pm on Wednesday, November 14. Everyone knows what that’s about. Council members speculated that the USPS scheduled the meeting in the middle of a work week expecting a light turnout for a session that will probably spell the eventual end of postal service in the Borough.
Borough Mayor James Riecke, always a positive influence in a forum in which he has no vote, pronounced “All good” when asked for comment. On the other hand, he is upset with reports that the Borough’s police may be patrolling outside of the Borough. The police report for October showed 102.5 hours, 4 “incidents”, 10 traffic citations and a new payment box to receive parking fines. Mr. MacConnell noted that some of the officers “were walking on foot with the kids” on Halloween. So in general Council is happy with its new police department. They will have a chance to discuss the issues at the budget meeting on the 8th.
The Great Bend Borough Council meets regularly on the 1st Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00pm, at the Borough Building (aka the Blue Ridge Senior Center) at Franklin and Elizabeth Streets.
DEEDS
Kerry P. Schimelfenig, Joi M. Siebecker-Schimelfenig, Joi M. Seibecker Schimelfenig to Joi M. Siebecker-Schimelfenig aka Joi M. Sievecker Schimelfenig, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.
Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation Inc (fka) Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation to New Milford Senior Housing LP, in New Milford Borough, for $70,000.00.
Charles C. Woodworth to Lori A. DeJoseph, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Kathy Perry (fka) Kathy Golden to Charles Crawford, in Lenox Twp., for $255,000.00.
Hans R. Kummer & Ilse Kummer to Lotte E. Powell, in Forest City, for $52,000.00.
Scott A. & Pamela A. Sickler to John Traver, in Silver Lake Twp., for $1.00.
Charles H. Callahan to Colleen J. Callahan & Barbara M. Gesell, in Oakland Borough, for $1.00.
Robert L. Benjamin III & Kimberly A. Benjamin to Cheryl R. Cofresi & William C. Swoyer, in Lenox Twp., for $284,500.00.
Robert Delano Miller & Chell Doree Miller to Robert Delano Miller, in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.
Lawrence D. Munson (estate) Lawrence David Munson Jr. & Karen L. Munson to Lawrence David Munson Jr. & Karen L. Munson, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.
Lawrence D. Munson (estate) Lawrence David Munson Jr. & Karen L. Munson to Lawrence David Munson Jr. & Teresa P. Munson, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.
Connie Vansteenburg (fka) Connie Houghtaling to William Vansteenburg, in Silver Lake Twp., for $1.00.
William Vansteenburg to Holly Haynes, in Silver Lake Twp., for $74,000.00.
Elizabeth R. Gifford to Joe H. Jones & Mary Frances Jones, in Jessup Twp., for $380,000.00.
Stephen G. Smithbauer Jr. (by poa) to James & Shawna Norton, in Hop Bottom Borough, for $69,000.00.
Ithel B. Miley Jr. (aka by sheriff) Ithel B. Miley (by sheriff) to Bank of America, in Forest City, for $1,937.19.
Samuel Desist & Therese F. Desist to Antonio & Maria Forestiero, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Michael D. & Jeaneen Fenton to Michael D. & Jeaneen Fenton, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
George L. Andrews (estate) to William Vansteenburg, in Silver Lake Twp., for $30,000.00.
Jomar 2008 LLC to Brian C. & Nona A. Williams, in Lathrop Twp., for $32,500.00.
Michael Sannikov to Lanesboro Borough, in Lanesboro Borough, for $32,500.00.
Ellen M. Robinson to Johnnie A. & Marsha D. Florance, in New Milford Twp., for $150,000.00.
Frederick L. & Bette Brown to Bette L. Brown (trust), in Silver Lake Twp., for $1.00.
Fred L. & Bette L. Brown to Bette L. Brown (trust), in Silver Lake Twp., for $1.00.
Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann to Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann, Helen H. Hausmann (trust by trustee) Ernest William Hausmann Jr. (trust by trustee) to Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann, Helen H. Hausmann (trust by trustee) Ernest William Hausmann Jr. (trust by trustee) to Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann, Helen H. Hausmann (trust by trustee) Ernest William Hausmann Jr. (trust by trustee) to Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann, Helen H. Hausmann (trust by trustee) Ernest William Hausmann Jr. (trust by trustee) to Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann, Helen H. Hausmann (trust by trustee) Ernest William Hausmann Jr. (trust by trustee) to Ernest W. & Helen H. Hausmann (trust), in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Dean O. Bollinger to Bollinger Personal Residence Trust, in Montrose, for $1.00.
Frederick Swingle (aka) Frederick R. Swingle & Jolane Swingle to Frederick Swingle, in Forest Lake Twp., for $10.00.
Margaret M. Gralewski to Margaret M. & Paul R. Gralewski, in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.
Michael L. & Tina J. Hester & Edward L. Kelley (aka) Edward Kelley to Abraham D. & Tina R. Curley, in Friendsville Borough, for $115,000.00.
Stanley L. Gontarski (estate), Jean J. & Joseph S. Gontarski, Susan F. Eddleston & Marie Vangraafeiland to Jean J. & Joseph S. Gontarski, Susan F. Eddleston & Marie Vangraafeiland, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.
Stanley L. Gontarski (estate), Jean J. & Joseph S. Gontarski, Susan F. Eddleston & Marie Vangraafeiland to Jean J. & Joseph S. Gontarski & Susan F. Eddleston, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.
Harold L. & Theresa A. Folk to Nico S. Ryan, in Hallstead Borough, for $94,950.00.
Suzanne Coon Butler to Suzanne Coon Butler & George H. Butler Jr., in Thompson Twp., for $1.00.
Wallace A. Stewart Jr. & Judy L. Stewart to Alberto & Mary R. Cardenas, in Forest Lake Twp., for $135,000.00.
John B. Eidenier & Joan M Eidenier (fka) Joan M. Zelkowitz to John B. & Joan M. Eidenier, in Montrose, for $1.00.
United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Raymond & Nicole Swanson, in Lanesboro Borough, for $12,000.00.
Jeffers Farms Inc. to Bluestone Pipeline Company of Pennsylvania LLC, in Lenox Twp. & Harford Twp., for $2,182,200.00.
Benita Haynes, Wallace Burns Jr., Joan Burns, George W. & Iona M. Sickles & Carol A. Heisler to Snake Creek Volunteer Fire Company, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
TCO Inc. to Leighter Corporation, in Bridgewater Twp., for $315,180.00.
Pump N Pantry Inc. to Leighter Corporation, in Bridgewater Twp., for $30,600.00.
Phillip Hodges to Phillip C. Hodges Jr., in Forest City, for $1.00.
Tammy M. Oreilly to Gregory Pelly, in Ararat Twp., for $70,000.00.
George W. Belcher to Travis E. & Kim C. Mills, in Clifford Twp., for $22,400.00.
Lois A. & Raymond A. Rice to Russell F. May & Robyn M. Welch, in Susquehanna, for $22,400.00.
Thomas A. Ward (estate) to Victoria Elizabeth Harris, in Great Bend Twp., for $1.00.
Leon Slater (estate aka) Leon C. Slater Sr. (estate), Paula & John Kellum, Wendy Antalek (aka) Wendy Slater & Michael Antalek to Leon Cornelius & Marian A. Slater, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
Leon Slater (estate aka) Leon C. Slater Sr. (estate), Paula & John Kellum, Wendy Antalek (nbm) Wendy Slater & Michael Antalek to Wendy & Michael Antalek, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
Leon Slater (estate aka) Leon C. Slater Sr. (estate), Paula & John Kellum, Wendy Antalek (nbm) Wendy Slater & Michael Antalek to Paula & John Kellum, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
Frank B. & Phyllis A. Ridgeway, Cheryl Ann Decker (aka) Cheryl Decker & Joseph Decker to Cheryl Ann Decker, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.
Frank B. & Phyllis A. Ridgeway to Cheryl Ann Decker, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.
Tracy R. Jaekel to Barbara D. Jaekel, in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.
Barry W. Rhodes to Tina Marie Rhodes & Daniel A. Yoder, in Great Bend Twp., for $25,000.00.
Barry J. & Raydene K. Conrad to Barry J. Conrad, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.
John E. Sutton & Kim L. Gray to Sutton Family Trust, in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.
Theodore C. Place Jr. & Rebecca S. Place to Place Partners Limited Partnership, in Auburn Twp., for $200,000.00.
Theodore C. Place Jr. & Rebecca S. Place to Place Partners Limited Partnership, in Auburn Twp., for $27,600.00.
Theodore C. Place Jr. & Rebecca S. Place to Place Partners Limited Partnership, in Auburn Twp., for $65,600.00.
Kenneth O. Shaffer & Ann E. Tego to Ulysses S. Arnold II & Jennifer M. Arnold, in Choconut Twp., for $105,000.00.
Joseph T. & Beth Restaino to Shirley Krayeski, in Springville Twp., for $38,000.00.
Bruce, Shawne,Vincent D. & Carol Barrese & Ann Nowroski (aka) Anne Nowroski & Albert Nowroski to Bruce & Shawn Barrese, in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.
Frank Kamarauskas Sr. & Linda Kamarauskas to Frank Kamarauskas Jr., in Apolacon Twp., for $1.00.
Arthur Magnusson (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Pines Farm Corp, in Harmony Twp., for 800.00.
Carl & Sheila E. Penedos to Sheila E. Penedos, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.
Bremer Hof Owners Inc. to Kimberly Bischert, in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.
Victor Nowacky (estate aka) Victor Nowacky Jr. (estate) to Jason Robertson, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.
BENCH WARRANTS
The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:45 a.m. on November 2, 2012: Elbert G. Allen, Beau Baker, Bryan G Bodie, Jason J. Carroll, William J. Casey, Thomas D. Earley, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Jennifer D. Hazlett, Melinda D. Holbrook, Keith R. Hurd, John J. Jenisky, Jr, Richard E. Kalinowski, Kay L. Knolles, Lee Labor, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick J. Lezinsky, Michael Maryasz, Megan L. Moriarity, Anastacia V. Poff, Anthony Reed, Joseph M. Rhodes, Perry Rohan, Bruce A. Schurr, Christie L. Sheptock, Desiree L. Shifler, David J. Shiner, Brian R. Shio, Tina M. Smith, Eric J. Snell, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Ryan Warnagiris, Steven G. Warner, Jamie L. Williams, Sr, Dennis Wisniewski, Kelly Lynn Yarbrough. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
