On April 24, 2013 Commissioners Hall, Giangrieco and Warren met at 9:02 AM for their biweekly meeting. After reviewing the prior meeting minutes and making a few additions, it was determined that a correction to the computer allocation needed to be made – instead of “Front Office – 1 Computer” it should be “Commissioners' Office – 3 Computers”. With the changes noted, the minutes were approved.

The Commissioners rapidly settled in to the ratifications and approvals for expenditures: 4/11 – General Expenses $100,024.92, 4/16 – Election Expenses $2,877.00, 4/18 – General Expenses $162,526.70, 4/19 CYS Expenses $58,348.74. On 4/24 Net Payroll, Employee Retirement Contributions and State Withholding totaled $206663.63, and 4/25 Federal Withholding Taxes added an additional $69,422.75. A number of seminar and training requests were approved with minimal funding from the County.

The Clerk of the Courts office request for the purchase of 4 computers and 4 scanners and a contract to image some files was approved for $13,398.96 which will be reimbursed by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). Three new dispatcher trainees were hired for 9-1-1 dispatch training, and an individual was approved for hire in the Addressing/GIS Clerk Position as well. The final item of personnel was the filling of the 3rd Deputy Register and Recorder position. The Commissioners had been accepting bids on the 2004 Ford Explorer and the highest bidder was selected for $1,501.00.

The final item on the printed agenda involved service agreements with Children & Youth and Bethany Christian Services, Elkins Park. The following programs were approved, inclusive, per diem: Foster Care Certificate, Unit ID AS for $38.01; Unit ID DS for $50.02; and Unit ID ES for $56.80.

One item was added to the agenda at the last minute. It involved a bid from an engineering company to come and evaluate the generator system for several county buildings. After discussion it was tabled until further bids could be received.

Public Comments included a continuation on fracking information and how it is impacting such areas as the lumber and hay available to local people. There was also concern about the air quality around the County, and it was noted that air quality controls are done by several independent companies, and residents who have concerns should contact them.

There was a heated discussion by County Treasurer Cathy Benedict who noted that a County resident, Mrs. Scroggins, brought a TV crew into the courthouse on Friday during the rally. It came out in Public Comment that the TV crew was apparently from China TV, though confirmation of their credentials is unknown. The crew was escorted into the Courthouse, to the County Treasurer's office and left there. Unfortunately, as there was no prior knowledge of this visit, Mrs. Benedict was out of the office, and the staff present were unsure of what the crew was doing there to begin with.

With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned at 9:21AM.

At the April 18th meeting of the Elk Lake School board, a number of resignations and resignations with the purpose of retirement were announced. All were accepted with regret.

There were to be some recognitions, Dr. Bush stated at the beginning of the meeting. He turned the floor over to Mr. McNamara, who in turn turned it over to Mrs. Holdredge. She related that both represented the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. They were there to present the Lauretta Woodson award. Penny Farr had been nominated by Dr. Bush and selected by PSAR. Mrs. Holdredge spoke of Ms. Farr’s innovativeness, concern for students, and the difference she had made in their lives. A plaque was given, but so was a medal to wear and a gift card to a local restaurant. Mr. McNamara read the plaque aloud. Ms. Farr spoke up and gave a short statement, speaking in appreciation for those who had supported her.

Amy Day was also selected by the Susquehanna County Chapter of PSAR for her work as a classroom associate. Mrs. Holdredge once again spoke of the reasons she was nominated. She also received the Lauretta Woodson award.

Dr. Cuomo then spoke of another recognition. Mr. Brosious was present, and had brought with him student Austin Cohen. Mr. Brosious spoke then, thanking the board for allowing them to come and speak. There were several trophies on the table, which he explained to be the trophies from the season from various competitors. Along with Austin there were seven other team members who had traveled and competed. He pointed out that there were no divisions in Forensics. He spoke of a program in Pittsburgh, which had more students in it than they had graduating that year. The Elk Lake team had a good season, placing fifth as a team at Scranton, and first place in squad efficiency, which meant that more of their kids accumulated more points than other teams. At districts they qualified every team member to the state tournament. For nineteen out of 20 years they had won districts for debate. The underclassmen team of parliamentary debaters had qualified for states on their first year. Three of the four debaters entered into the field qualified for nationals; this was the second time in the history of the league that one school had qualified three out of four debaters.

For the second consecutive year Austin qualified for the national tournament; he had qualified for two events. Both Matt and Austin advanced to the quarterfinal round at states. Austin had won the state championship. They were to head to the National Catholic Forensic League tournament in Philadelphia, and to the national competition later. There was no division between junior and senior high in forensics. In eighth grade Austin was competing against juniors and seniors. He owned every single elk lake debate record. He was also the only debater who had qualified to the state tournament as district champion four times, and not to lose a debate. In the league’s history he was the only debater to ever qualify for four national tournaments, as well as the only two time qualifier to the national forensics tournament. Austin had won every single tournament he competed at that season, including one in an event that wasn’t his regular event. He had won 49 consecutive debates. In his career he had won 300 debates, 100 more than any other competitive Pennsylvania debater. He was at the highest level of degree in the sport with premiere distinction. Fewer than 5% of those graduating would earn that degree. He also was listed as an academic all-american. He was only the second member of the team to ever make that.

Of the 30,000 plus competitors graduating that year, he was ranked 115th in the country. After saying all of these things, Mr. Brosious then said that if you met Austin he probably wouldn’t tell you any of those things. That was what everyone in the forensics community would say about him, he continued. Austin had been integral to the younger kids.

Austin was then given the opportunity to speak. He thanked Mr. Brosious for all of those kind words. He stated that he felt the debate program was important for three reasons- it helped one’s public speaking ability, his persuasion ability, and with a general academic perspective. He spoke then about these. He called his six years of debate completely transformative. He also spoke of the team and support, speaking highly of Mr. Brosious, the team, and the assistant coaches. Mr. Place asked Austin where he saw himself in one or five years. In one year he thought he might be at Georgetown studying international politics. Board members congratulated him.

The Williams Pipeline topic was broached. Dr. Bush stated that, he was pleased to report, there had been a negotiation session that day with Williams, himself, and the district’s attorney, Mr. Abrahamson. The attorney was then to come and speak to the board the following Monday night regarding that session. Dr. Bush said that they had left it letting Williams know that they were willing to sit down at any point to continue negotiations, post meeting. He said that he hoped they could bring it to a speedy resolution. He then opened the floor to public questions. A visitor asked if Williams had ever said that they wanted to put multiple lines in that 60 foot easement. Dr. Bush responded that there had been different discussions regarding the number of lines and the size of the lines. The visitor asked if there had been any board members present at the meeting, and it was responded that there had not been. A second visitor asked for particulars regarding what was being negotiated. Dr. Bush responded that some of it was privileged as part of the negotiation, with the particulars, but that it came down to the negotiations. Another man stated that at the December meeting they were led to believe that the board had a problem with Williams wanting multiple lines, but did not have a problem with the ten inch pipeline. He said that Williams had agreed in December to take out the additional line and just go with the one line. He wished to know what had changed. Dr. Bush responded that what had changed was the specific items in the negotiations, and both parties had to agree as to what was being negotiated. They were not privy to tell him the details of the negotiation.

The man said that what was stated at the December meeting had changed. Mr. Curley said that things changed, but it wasn’t necessarily the board that changed it. Their wants hadn’t really changed much. It was a negotiation, and they were hopefully moving in a positive direction. A woman asked to confirm that as tax payers and land owners they were not privileged to the negotiations and asked how they could become privy to information. Dr. Bush explained that they would be privy to it once it was finalized and voted on by the board. Mr. Curley said that they had to realize how compromised the school would be if they let every bit of information out, and said that he could only imagine how frustrating it must be to those most affected by it. Dr. Bush opined that it was a positive step that they had met with Williams, as they had been trying to do so since December. A visitor asked who was paying the salary for the lawyer. It was responded that the board had hired the attorney and would pay the attorney.

Another visitor made a comment that the board was looking out for the entire school district. She said that the majority of the school district was already part of this game, and that if those people were the district’s neighbors they would be there. She said that she didn’t get the safety thing, as everyone around had signed the same agreement, so if the pipeline went they all were in trouble. Mr. Place pointed out that their area was populated and had children. There was then some further discussion and debate about this. Mr. Tewksbury said that safety was one of the issues, but it was far from the only issue that was thrown at them by Williams. He stated that safety was not the only item holding them up. He asked those present to believe him that the board wanted it to be resolved. He further stated that the board would be held responsible for any mistakes made, and that they wanted to ensure things were done right. When things went right everyone would stand up and take credit, but when things went wrong the board took the heat. One man stated that they were asking them to support the people who were supporting them. It was responded that they were.

Mr. Place spoke of the difference in the exposure between the amount of gas coming from a 10” volume of gas, versus a 20” line. The district had a 10” line restricted by what could get through it, but there would be more exposure with a 20” line. Mrs. Teel said that they appreciated the public’s comments, and invited them to say what they wanted, but the board was not allowed to speak on the subject. One of the visitors stated that she was for the safety of the children. One visitor asked if they were going to make enough money on the pipeline to pay the attorney. It was responded that they would, but that they had needed to hire the attorney.

Mrs. Heed changed the subject, to speak about days off on the new school calendar. Regarding the 2nd and 3rd of January, they had always come back except when the 2nd happened to be a Friday. She also wondered why they had the Tuesday after Easter off. She was concerned as they were pushing it at the end, and there might be snow days late in the season. She said that after the 15th of May the kids were not doing as much. She suggested they get the days in during the fall and the winter, and was requesting that they have school those free days.

There was a discussion then regarding safety. Mr. Tewksbury said that he knew everybody knew that whatever was done would be done in the best interest of the students in the school. He said that he was going to push that there be metal detectors put in the schools. He felt that the board at least ought to consider it. He had spoken to two schools which had them. He said that he didn’t want to play the odds that nothing would happen. Mrs. Teel said that when she was in San Diego at the National School Board Association meeting, some wonderful programs had been discussed. A lot of the threats were from within, and there were programs. She spoke of one which gave the students ownership, and worked to fight it from within. There was to be a meeting the following Monday specifically for this topic. A visitor asked if the school had undergone any professional counseling or had someone come in from the outside to work with the faculty on how to maybe detect a student in trouble. He said that he felt the staff had done an excellent job during a recent incident. The state police had been on the grounds with dogs the following day, and he felt that they should be commended. As a parent he had felt safe sending their son to school.

Dr. Bush said that a safety assessment had been done after Christmas by an outside group. He had received the report this week, and it was to be reviewed at the school and safety committee meeting the following month.

Mr. Mallery had received a thank you for hosting the energy day from NTIEC. Mr. Woolcock had taken some students down to Widener University to participate in a mousetrap competition. The students had been invited back down, and he wished to thank Mr. Woolcock for that.

Mr. Pirone spoke of completing the Math and Reading PSSA’s and the fact that fourth grade was going to start the Science PSSA’s.

Mr. Cuomo spoke of the spring play’s success, stating that the students did a phenomenal job. He wished the graduating seniors well, as they had completed their final drama production at Elk Lake.

The 2012-2013 school calendar was reviewed. With Christmas being kind of a unique situation in the coming year, being a full two weeks, he opined that if there were weather days in the fall, they could always pick those up in January. Dr. Bush said that the school calendar really came down to six of one and half dozen of the other. He thought this calendar did allow for some breaks, and broke up the long stretch between January and April.

The 2012-2013 revised calendar was also discussed. Currently the 6th and 7th of June were the last days of school, with graduation on the eighth. Dr. Bush pointed out that both calendars had already been approved at the SCCTC meeting. Mrs. Heed postulated that the students would be absent on the makeup days. A parent spoke up, agreeing that the district should take the days early and release earlier in the summer. If they gave them days and took them away kids still wouldn’t come.

Dr. Cuomo then reviewed dual enrollment. Agreements had been received from Mansfield, Keystone, and Lackawanna colleges. There had been no change with Lackawanna’s agreement. Keystone had increased their per credit cost from $75 to $100 total. This, he explained, was the same price as Lackawanna and still significantly cheaper than a student would pay to attend the actual college. When asked, Dr. Cuomo stated that he believed that LCCC was a multi-year agreement which had been approved the previous year. Keystone and Lackawanna charged per credit, Mansfield charged per course. Keystone, Lackawanna, and LCCC had no charge for books, as they used the school’s books. Mansfield, however, charged for books.

Dr. Bush reviewed the budget information. School districts had struggled in the last couple of years, he stated. The previous year there had been a number of positions which were not filled in order to bring the budget to a zero balance. The coming year was to be no different in filling positions. For instance, Mr. Pironne was not to be replaced. He said that between the last two years and the coming year’s budget there would be 32 positions not replaced. Retirement costs were to continue to rise, but the district was going to keep the self-medical payment equal to the previous year (as of that time). He thought the coming year’s budget was going to be the toughest budget going ahead. Mr. Tewksbury stated that the district couldn’t go on forever not replacing personnel, as eventually there would be no one left. Dr. Bush replied that when it reached the point where they could no longer provide service without replacing staff, they would then have to look at other cuts.

The budget for 2013 was proposed to be over 18.4 million, up from the current year’s 17.4 million dollar plus budget- a difference of approximately 1.6 million. Both Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties were to have millage increases- to 38.3700 in Susquehanna and 43.3100 in Wyoming. That represented a .88 increase in one county and .89 in the other. Both had been increased to the max allowable under the index.

There was a deficit of $214,000 at that time, which was to be taken from the general fund to balance the budget. This was a preliminary budget. The preliminary budget was approved; the final budget was to be approved in June.

Mr. Tewksbury stated that he had been approached a couple times because there was no sign up on the road coming from South Montrose. Dr. Bush had looked into this, stating that there had been a sign there which was stolen. There had been discussions as to how to replace it. He agreed that a sign was needed.

If people registered their cards at Price Chopper, Mrs. Hollister noted, the school could benefit, and had in fact already done so. If more people did so the benefit could be greater.

A visitor asked what it would take to start an archery program with their kids. She had been told that it couldn’t be done with the budget cuts, but wondered if there was another way they could get the money if it would be a program that could be run. She spoke of a program which would assist with this. She stated that a lot of the surrounding schools had programs. Mr. Curley suggested getting in touch with the people from Tunkhannock who ran that community program.

Note: This reporter would like to apologize for the errors originally published in the March, 2013 New Milford Township meeting report.

As sunlight signaled spring, the supervisors met for the April, 2013 New Milford Township meeting.

Blue Ridge Recreation, Inc. was seeking a donation for the children’s Summer Adventure Program. Mr. Hunter explained that in the past the township had donated $100; it was motioned and approved that the same be done that year.

DEP had granted a small, non-coal operations permit to Robert Schneider at Schneider Quarry Operation. A subdivision had been applied for by George, Mark, and Rhonda Holbrook on Squiers Road. The supervisors had no objection to it, with the standard caveat that the sewer ordinance be followed.

Susquehanna Gathering had applied for the installation of approximately .96 miles of 12” diameter natural gas pipe line, as well as .96 miles of 16” water line starting at well pad 5 and connecting to well pad 12/13. Well Pad 5 had not been constructed yet. In addition, the position desired to put in .69 miles of 16” water line and 8” natural gas line at Pad 23.

It was then stated that Southwestern Energy had applied to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for the purpose of Consumptive Water Use at the Mitchell North Pad 7 and Mitchell South Pad 23 (these two were actually the same pad). Mr. Bondurant asked if the gas companies were paying per gallon for the water. He had seen an article relating that the Fish and Boat Commission was proposing legislation to be able to charge for water. He was under the impression, he said, that the gas companies were already paying for the water. No one present appeared to fully know the answer to this.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation was applying for coverage under an ESCGP-2 for the construction of a well pad, a tank pad, and an access road from Sr 2015 at the Squire property. The project location would be in Bridgewater, Brooklyn, and New Milford townships.

New Milford Township was going to sell two trucks and a crane. The bids were to be opened at the next meeting.

Mr. Bonduant said that the township had received correspondence from FEMA that the new flood ordinance was in compliance with federal regulations. Notification had also been received from the state that they were accepting applications under Act 13 for funding for flood control projects. On May 4th at the Lackawanna College New Milford Center an emergency preparedness workshop was to be held for Susquehanna County residents. It was open to the public.

The township had purchased a truck off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (via auction). This was to replace one of the trucks which was to be sold.

Collision-Traffic: On April 27th at 5:30 am Larissa Decker of the New Milford area was traveling northbound on Sr 29 when, failing to negotiate a left curve in the roadway, her vehicle exited the road, struck an embankment, and rotated clockwise. Decker was transported by Montrose ambulance for injuries obtained during this collision; a seat belt was in use.

Burglary/Theft: Sometime between the 12th and 26th of April the detached garage belonging to a Friendsville man was burglarized. The garage was unlocked at the time. A Husqvarna chainsaw and Husqvarna gas weed trimmer were stolen. The value of the stolen property was estimated at $500.00. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On April 25th at 3:30 pm a juvenile male was traveling west on Our Rd. in Jackson Township when he lost control of his vehicle, at which time it traveled off the south shoulder of the roadway while sliding. It then struck an embankment and a tree, causing the vehicle to rotate counter-clockwise and then roll over onto the passenger side, where it reached a rest.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 25th and 26th of April a Montrose woman discovered that damage had occurred to her garage. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Scattering Rubbish: Three bags of property were deposited on the property of a Friendsville woman sometime between the 24th and 25th of April.

Theft: Between April 18th and 23rd tools were removed from a construction storage trailer belonging to M&B Services, located just south of Little Meadows Apolacon Twp.

Theft: Between the 13th and 21st of April, an unknown person stole 2 pistols from a private residence. No suspect information was released as of the time of report.

Theft: On April 23rd at 10:09 pm a 1999 Care Mate utility trailer with NY registration AS75352 was removed from a location in Liberty Township without its owner’s authorization. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Public Notice: The Pennsylvania State Police have received several calls surrounding paving/construction companies that are operating in the Rush Township area. The quality of work performed is being called into dispute by persons receiving service. The Pennsylvania State Police would like to remind the public that a reputable paving company should be able to provide various items to alleviate any concerns over services provided. Examples and consideration that should be made are: Willingness of the company to provide a physical address; can the company provide reference of previous work; the ability for the company to conduct the work with the supplies present; the willingness for the company to sign and present a contract with all work promises detailed; and the willingness for the company representative to provide the required PA Contractors Registration number. Any questionable business can be checked with the Better Business Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. Often pressure sales take the form of a company person approaching and stating for some reason there is leftover material that can be applied to an unsuspecting resident for a reduced rate. After the initial application, the unsuspecting resident is approached with a “problem” such as insufficient material to finish the job or the need to come back later to complete the job. Upon the discovery of the “problem” the price for completion of the job is re-negotiated higher. The PA State Police encourage active vigilance between neighbors to prevent such types of incident from developing in an area.

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On April 17th at 1:15 am Juan Garcia of Binghamton was traveling south along Sr 81 in South Abington Township. At a point near mm 194.5, the vehicle veered off the road for undetermined reasons. It then drifted to the right side of the road and topped onto its right side. The unit came to rest on the West embankment facing a southerly direction. Garcia was utilizing a seat belt; he was not injured. PSP was assisted by Redline Towing and members of the Chinchilla Hose Company.

Disorderly Conduct: Brandon Welch of Susquehanna was cited for Disorderly Conduct based upon his behavior at Prospect St. Apartments on April 20th at 2 am. Welch was to answer the charges before Magistrate Cordner.

Criminal Mischief: One or more unknown person(s) went to the Burnwood Bible Church in Ararat Township sometime on April 21st or 22nd and sprayed orange spray paint on the foundation of the structure “Killroy” and a yellow question mark on a door. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 21st and 22nd of April one or more perpetrator(s) went to the residence of a Nicholson man and slashed the four tires on the victim’s 2000 Toyota GT-S. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: On April 19th at 11:45 pm Jason Stermensky of Hallstead was traveling northbound on Sr 11 in Great Bend Township at the same time as an unknown driver was traveling southbound. The other driver traveled across the double yellow center lines and struck Stermensky. The left rear dual wheel area of the offending vehicle struck the left rear quarter panel of Stermensky’s stratus. The impact occurred in the northbound lane. After impact the other driver pulled into the McDonald’s Restaurant parking lot. As Stermensky turned around and pulled into the parking lot, the other driver fled south out of the parking lot onto Sr 11. Stermensky followed, but lost the vehicle on Dubois Street. The offending vehicle is described as being a white early 2000 model pick-up truck with dual wheels, bearing a Colorado registration. It will have damage to the left dual wheel area. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which a Springville, Pa woman’s Acer computer was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. The computer was removed from a residence in Hop Bottom.

DUI: On April 18th at 9:20 pm Seth Haynes of Leon, Ks drove off the roadway in New Milford Township and struck a stone wall. The Ford F350 continued on to a subsequent collision with a stump in a residential lawn. Haynes was arrested for DUI. He sustained minor injury; seat belt use was listed as “none used/non applicable”.

Theft: On April 17th $20 was taken from the vehicle belonging to a Hallstead woman, while it was located on Three Ponds Rd. in that municipality. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: Between the 10th and 11th of April, Julian Hyland of Bayville, Nj is accused of entering the home of a Union Dale couple through a garage door. Hyland removed a 22 caliber rifle and assorted jewelry from the residence. The accused also damaged the ignition in a Dodge Dakota parked in the garage. He then fled the scene. He was located and taken into custody on April 11th at approximately 2:35 pm The accused was charged with Burglary, Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, and Criminal Mischief. Hyland was arraigned before MDJ Suzanne Brainard on April 11th and subsequently incarcerated at the Susquehanna County Prison.

Theft: Jason Way of Windsor, Ny is accused of having, on six occasions, pumped gasoline into his green Nissan sedan, and driven away without paying. The accused has stolen 62 ½ gallons of gasoline valued at $229.61, and was to answer charges in New Milford District Court 34-3-02 as of the time of report.

Driving Under the Influence: On March 30th at 12:54 am a 60 year old South Montrose man was the operator of a vehicle which was stopped for traffic violations. He exhibited signs of intoxication and was placed into custody. A criminal complaint was filed in District Court 34-3-01.

Burglary: Sometime during the night of April 13th two chainsaws were removed from the garage of a Little Meadows man, in Apolacon Township.

Theft: Bruce Baily Jr. of Binghamton was employed as a manager at McDonald’s Restaurant. He is accused of entering fictitious refunds and pocketing the money. He was to face charges fo Theft by Unlawful Taking. The incident occurred at the Gibson McDonalds.

Assault/Harassment: On April 13th at 10 pm an unknown man approached a man of the Vestal, Ny area in the Smoking Joe’s parking area in Choconut Township and struck him in the mouth area. The assailant was unknown to the victim. The assailant was described as being a white male, approximately 25 years old, 5’10” tall, and 165 lbs. The incident was under investigation as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

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

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 9:55AM on April 26, 2013: Elbert G. Allen, Christopher Arnold, Sharon Baker, Beau Baker, Jason J. Carroll, William J. Casey, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, MaryJo Gana, Keith R. Hurd, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Whade A. Koch, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Richard A. Murphy III, Heather L. Nystrand, Robert J. Parks, Frank T. Perera II, Sunshine X. Quick, Bruce A. Schurr, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Stephen Sorensen, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Steven G. Warner, Dina C. Wilson. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.