For Great Bend Township Supervisors, Joe Gaughan, Ron Cranage, Jr., and Sheila Guinan the May meeting followed spring‘s rhythmic pattern: roads, roads, roads. Yes, like spring follows winter, road matters follow spring and focus supervisors’ minds.

Township roads requiring the Supervisors’ attention included Green Valley, Mountain Vista, and Baptist Hill Roads, as well as Bogart Street. Green Valley and Mountain Vista Roads weren’t originally on the agenda, but were added at the last minute per Supervisor Guinan’s request. Their addition to the agenda was made to elicit discussion and propose referral to the Township’s Solicitor.

Green Valley Road, it seems, was added to the Township’s roads to be maintained in the 1990’s before any of the sitting supervisors were elected. A question has arisen as to the correctness of the Township’s responsibility for said road and whether the township might legally be enabled to discontinue its maintenance of the road.

Likewise, legal investigation is necessary to determine how to handle the potential transfer of the back end of Mountain Vista Road. On that portion of the road within the township’s jurisdiction there are four residences. It has been alleged that some residents are desirous of the township transferring the road (and their properties) from the township to the adjacent borough. Supervisors noted that there were many complicated issues revolving around any such transaction, and how, and under what circumstances such a transfer could or might be permitted are appropriate for further solicitor investigation.

Concerning Baptist Hill Road, township residents said nothing to commend its upkeep or condition during the public comment period. While gas companies had not been expected to be doing a lot of work on wells extending from the road until June, their rigs have been transiting the road regularly for other operations. As such, some township residents voiced the opinion that gas companies should be doing drainage repairs, keeping the dust down, and performing regular maintenance to put the road back into better than barely-passable condition. Supervisor Gaughan was quick to take charge of the situation by volunteering intercession with the appropriate gas company officials.

Also noted for criticism during public comment was Bogart Street. A township resident noted its bad (unsatisfactory) condition. Supervisor Gaughan reviewed the road’s status and opined that the only option at present was for the road’s cleaning. The complaining Bogart Street resident remained unimpressed.

And on a final note on roads, Supervisors reported there is an “Unpaved and Gravel Road Class” on May 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Montrose Borough Building. Supervisors will be sending township road personnel.

Supervisors also focused on vacancies. A township seat on the Sewer Authority needs filling. Likewise, the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) position is vacant. Also noted was that no one in the township is running for either of the school board seats, on the Democratic or Republican primary election ballots. None of the above positions pay anything, but if anyone wants to do anything, supervisors would appreciate volunteers taking action or stepping forward.

In the reading of correspondence, Supervisor Guinan noted for informational purposes that PAWC had requested a water rate increase from the Public Utility Commission. Also noted was receipt of a letter from FEMA that the township’s Floodplain Ordinance met all NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) requirements. And finally, in response to a solicitation from Blue Ridge Recreation seeking donations for Summer Adventure, Supervisors voted their usual donation, $100, to the cause.

With business completed, Supervisors adjourned from their toil at 7:20 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for the first Monday in June.

Joe Conigliaro has been a teacher. He was a School Board member for a while. He’s a fixture at Blue Ridge, and now he’ll be more visible than ever. At the Blue Ridge School Board business meeting on May 6th, Mr. Conigliaro was voted into his latest position as Assistant Principal, in charge of discipline covering all grades from pre-kindergarten through the High School. Almost as an afterthought – in fact, in an addendum to the agenda – he was also appointed to monitor the fitness facility, replacing Alicia Ross, whose resignation was accepted in the same addendum. So what’s next for Joe? Will he be seen mowing the lawns and plowing the parking lots? Or serving up veggies in the cafeteria?

The evening began with a meeting of the Facilities & Grounds Committee complete with a field trip conducted by Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Price to inspect some of the areas that need attention.

The parking lot outside the High School was re-paved not 2 years ago and everyone knows it was a lousy job. Mr. Price showed members of the committee some sections already breaking up, and large areas subject to “alligator” cracking. The district withheld some of the funds from the original contractor because of the poor work, and now more money will be needed to fill the cracks and seal the pavement, at least until funds are available to repave once more.

The wooden steps from that parking lot to the running track were repaired last year, but committee members agreed that it’s time they were replaced, along the lines of a design provided by an architectural consultant drawn up a few years ago during a campus-wide evaluation.

The committee also looked at the back entrance to the health office where Mr. Price said his crew could install a new, secure door for about $3,000 that would provide more convenient access to parents arriving to pick up a sick child.

Assuming that money is available, the committee also approved for Board review a proposal to replace “hands-free faucets and flush valves” in some of the restrooms in the High School. Mr. Price said he thought the job could be done for about $9,500.

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to place a pavilion outside the 5th-grade area. The committee liked the idea that would replace the muddy area with a concrete pad and a 24-foot-by-24-foot metal pavilion, paid for by the PTO.

Mr. Price has been discussing with Leatherstocking the company’s proposal to supply local natural gas to the district for supplementary heating. The current plan is to tap the Bluestone pipeline south of New Milford. The company hopes to sign up at least 180 properties in New Milford as the line runs up Route 11 to the school. If they meet that quota, then district’s rate for delivering the gas would be lower than it would be if the district were to be considered an “anchor” site for the project. The company hopes to be able to deliver the fuel to the campus by August 2014.

Natural gas would only be a supplement to heat the Blue Ridge school buildings. Woodchips are still considerably cheaper than any other fuel. According to Mr. Price, the district purchased 904 tons of the stuff this winter, buying another 6,300 gallons of fuel oil as a supplement, for a total of about $59,000 over the season. Mr. Price also reported that the wood-burning boiler has finally received all the required permits to continue operating.

Next to salaries, energy costs are one of the biggest expenses at the schools. Mr. Price said that the energy conservation program undertaken a couple years ago under contract with Johnson Controls seems to be paying off, with an estimated savings of $105,000, on track to meet the 20-year goal of the project. And he presented some bids from electricity suppliers for the new year. Currently the district is paying $0.06984 per kilowatt hour. Some of the other bids were slightly lower. Mr. Price also said that the project to install real-time electricity monitoring is nearing completion; under a contract with EnerNOC, the district could be asked to curtail electricity consumption during heavy-demand periods in the summer months, an arrangement that will pay the district as much as $30,000 per year for the privilege.

All of these items and more will eventually come before the full School Board, particularly as it finalizes a new budget for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1st. But for now the Board assembled at its usual time to consider a 35-point agenda, most of it covered by a single motion.

But first, the Board recognized High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski’s latest outstanding students. Senior Jacob James was chosen as senior of the month. He says he is currently preparing for advanced placement exams when he’s not running with the track team. His parents beaming with pride, he told the Board he would be studying biology at East Stroudsburg next year.

The Board presented a certificate of appreciation to Zachary Benedict “for exceptional dedication to learning the trade of piano tuning.” With skills learned from his grandfather, and using some tools that date back to 1906, Mr. Benedict has tuned the district’s practice pianos.

Zachary Benedict. Photo courtesy of Barbara McCain and Matthew Nebzydoski.

And the Board recognized the achievement of Madison Button and Allen Weed for their dedication to choral music. Both will participate in the state choral festival; and they urged everyone to come out for the High School musical, The Sound of Music, to be presented on May 18th and 19th.

Senior chorister Madison Button. Photo courtesy of Barbara McCain and Matthew Nebzydoski.

Sophomore chorister Allen Weed. Photo courtesy of Barbara McCain and Matthew Nebzydoski.

Once into the business agenda, the Board moved quickly to wrap things up. Faced with a long list of budget transfers that Business Manager Loren Small wants to make to “streamline” the district’s chart of accounts, the Board voted to table the recommendation until members had more time to study the details. They also tabled an item to name a Board secretary. Board president Laurie Brown-Bonner noted that the Board requires a duly-elected Secretary to conduct business, but on a motion by Shane Rumage members put off the decision for another month. In the meantime, Harold Empett accepted the Board’s vote to continue his services as Board Treasurer for another year, at the “whopping” salary of $1,500.

The administration offered a long list of nominees for summer positions as counselors, clerks, substitutes and other work, all of which were approved, but not before Ms. Brown-Bonner asked for some justification. Administrators replied that some of the work can only be done over the summer, and much of it is required to prepare the schools for reopening in the Fall. Superintendent Robert McNamara said that about 12 more positions are still pending review of the needs of the “extended school year” program in special education. For the second year, staff will work a 4-day week over the summer, which Mr. Price has estimated could save some 36% in energy costs as the buildings are “shut down” for the 3-day weekends. He also said that the Endless Mountains Theater Company has asked to use the auditorium for a play over the summer; the administration is weighing the costs of keeping the buildings available for performances against the value to the community of a summer theater production.

Among other things, the Board will solicit bids for custodial supplies, general supplies, food-service supplies, athletic supplies, wood chips and fuel oil for the next school year.

Approved the appointment of the Blue Ridge Medical Center as “medical director” to provide physical exams and other services.

Approved a list of depositories for school funds, including Peoples Neighborhood Bank, PennStar, Salomon Smith Barney, PA Invest, PLGIT, First Liberty Bank and Trust, and First National Bank.

Accepted the administration’s recommendation of Craig’s Photique to resume its position as school photographer for next year.

Accepted a contract with Premier of Bellingham, Washington to supply planners for the schools for a total of almost $4,700; Mr. McTiernan said the vendor’s products would be “more durable” than anything the school could produce.

Continued the district’s relationship with attorneys Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams LLP for next year.

Approved the request of Creative Adventures For Education (C.A.F.E.) to schedule next year’s 6th-grade trip for April 9-12, 2014. Ms. Brown-Bonner wondered if the Board might not contribute to this worthy annual endeavor, but was told that the event is completely self-funded.

Selected Golden Oaks as the course to be used by the school’s golf team for next year; the selection was based on lower cost (the bid was $1,000) and on the recommendation of the team’s coach. Some wondered at the longer travel distance to the course for the team that shares itself with the Susquehanna Community School District.

Accepted a letter of agreement with the Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency for Head Start services for next year, contingent upon passage of the state education budget for 2013-2014.

Approved the release of $2,500 to support the Summer Adventure program at the school.

Approved the resumption of the popular Summer Food Service program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Education.

Ms. Brown-Bonner announced that the recent golf tournament organized by the Board’s Fundraising Committee yielded about $8,300, half of which will be allocated to scholarships. The method of distribution will be decided at a later meeting of the committee, but Ms. Brown-Bonner wants to ensure that the funds be made available to student applicants for any post-secondary educational choice, including trade schools and community colleges.

The Board itself sets aside $1,500 each year to support students who apply for outside programs, students such as Abigail Roe, who wants help for a trip to the South Pacific this summer as a member of the People-to-People Student Ambassador Program. All such applications are considered for the distribution of the available funds.

The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board is supposed to be a workshop, on Monday, May 20. There will also be at least a brief business meeting, to nail down a final budget to be presented to the taxpayers before final adoption in June, and to select a Board Secretary. All meetings are in the Elementary School cafeteria. Check out the district’s website for details of times and committee meetings. You’re almost certain to see Joe Conigliaro there.

Ever prompt, the County Commissioners meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on May 8th and Commissioners Hall, Giangrieco and Warren jumped into the agenda approving minutes and recognizing several staff members for their long years of service. Of special note were Officer Mack for 20 years of service, and Mr. Parise for 10 years of service in the Children & Youth department.

Continuing on in their push, the Commissioners then ratified or approved the following items: 4/26/2013 General Expenses for $132,434.40; 5/2/2013 General Expenses for $157,452.50; on 5/2/2013 CYS Expenses for $91,414.11; on 5/8/2013 Net Payroll for $165,317.42, Employee Retirement Contributions of $14,740.18, and $7,449.83 for State Withholding taxes; Federal Payroll Taxes were $62,238.22 on 5/09/2013.

There were several requests for seminars, which were approved. These included PEMA Super Quarterly Training, Firearm Education and Training, Central Bradford Progress Authority Housing Study, York County Planning Commission Storm Water Plan, and Understanding and Diagnosing Mental Disorders.

A Resolution (Resolution 2013-05) was approved requesting the Legislature clarify the Guaranteed Minimum Royalty Act information with regards to the required minimum payment. It was noted that Susquehanna was only one of several counties submitting Resolutions for clarification on the Guaranteed Minimum Royalty Act.

The Assessment Department put forth a request for a new vehicle, and a 2012 Ford Escape was approved to be purchased from Simmons Rockwell in Hallstead for $17,999. A service agreement between Susquehanna County Services for Children & Youth and Devereux Foundation, Inc., King of Prussia for the Clothing and Personal Care allowance program was approved for $4.00 per diem; and several with KidsPeace National Centers, Schnecksville were approved: Certificates of Compliance Foster Care - $91.40 per diem, Diagnostic - $314.23, and Personal Care Cost for $3.00.

Two personnel changes were approved: one person was hired as a System Database Administrator/Technical Administrative position, and there was one resignation.

The final agenda item was the authorization of a contract for cleaning services at the District Judge's office in New Milford for $65.00 per week. The Commissioners then opened the floor for comments.

There was some brief discussion on the potential hazards to the food supply in PA for locally grown and produced products and if they were going to be safe after taking into account the numerous locations which had bad water supplies after drilling took place. Following the discussion, the meeting was adjourned for the Salary Board Meeting.

Salary Board Meeting

The Susquehanna County Salary Board met on May 8 at 9:13AM. The agenda was light and Commissioners Hall, Giangrieco and Warren and County Treasurer Benedict got right down to business approving the prior months minutes.

The two items on the agenda involved the elimination of the vacant position of Assistant Roads & Bridges Foreman and the creation of a position of Roads & Bridges/Maintenance. The change reflects a more administrative need for the position which was not part of the original position. With both items approved, and there being no further comments from the public the meeting was adjourned at 9:17AM.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:45 AM on May 10, 2013: Elbert G. Allen, Sharon Baker, Beau Baker, Jason J. Carroll, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, MaryJo Gana, Dustin A. Godfrey, Melissa L. Henderson, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Whade A. Koch, Jean M. Larson, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Joseph C Mikloiche, Richard A. Murphy III, Heather L. Nystrand, Frank T. Perera II, Sunshine X. Quick, Bruce A. Schurr, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Krista Strohl, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Steven G. Warner. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Lanesboro borough council held its May monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 7, from 7:07 to 7:44 p.m. But the meeting adjourned with an unusual twist due to the absence of a council member with key information on a matter of great interest to the council. The council member with the key information was President Todd Glover. Also absent from the meeting were Colleen Y. Wilkes and Regina Dilello.

Council Vice-President Dan Boughton called the meeting to order later than the usual 7 p.m. start time while waiting for a quorum to build. With Dale Rockwell and Jason Fissel already present, David Glidden’s arrival allowed council to spring into action. Also present for the meeting were Mayor Chris Maby and Secretary-Treasurer Gail Hanrahan.

Council’s first action was the approval of two resolutions: one to approve the borough’s participation in the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, and a second to enter into an agreement with Susquehanna Community School District for the provision of police services. Both resolutions passed with unanimous consent. A later resolution on the agenda provided for approval of the proposed contract for police coverage of the school.

Next up for borough business was a review of the coverage by insurance representative Dave Cavanaugh. Mr. Cavanaugh provided an overview of how the borough’s insurance coverage had changed from the previous term. The current term runs from April 3, 2013 to April 3, 2014, for a premium of $9,844.00. For the community center there is $250,000 of coverage. The policy is inclusive of all of the borough’s buildings, vehicles, equipment, tools, and several categories of liability for police and volunteers. Council inquired as to whether the policy extends to coverage of six vacant lots, and if not, would there be any additional charge for liability coverage on the properties. Mr. Cavanaugh replied that he would look at the properties before making a final determination, but if the properties are indeed vacant as portrayed by council there would be no additional charge for adding them on to the borough’s policy.

For public input, a couple new to the borough inquired as to the legality of keeping a horse at their property on Viaduct Street. Mayor Maby explained the borough’s ordinance and pointed out that the ordinance is posted at the borough’s website: www.lanesboropa.com. The end result is a preliminary assessment that their house is in an area zoned residential and they cannot (keep a horse on their property), although there are provisions for filing an appeal. Council thanked the couple for making the inquiry BEFORE bringing their horse into the borough.

Mayor Maby presented the borough’s police report for the month of April. It showed 224 total hours, including 15 hours in Thompson. For Lanesboro there were 42 traffic stops, with 26 citations and 16 warnings issued for the following causes: Speeding violations (30), Inspection violations (3), Stop-sign violations (2), Registration violations (3), Equipment violations (2), Insurance violation (1), and Driver required to be licensed (1). Arrests were made in five cases: Prank 911 call; theft; drug offence (prescription); fleeing/resisting arrest; and harassment/disorderly conduct.

Lanesboro PD also kept engaged with the following: April 5 - Suspicious vehicle report, April 18 - Assist K-9 search of school, April 29 - Parking complaint (on sidewalk), April 30 - Littering/scattering rubbish.

For their 12.5 hours of patrol and 2.5 call-out hours in Thompson, Lanesboro police made 15 traffic stops, with 10 citations issued and five warnings given. Reasons for the stops included: Speeding violations (11), Inspection violations (2), and Equipment violations (2). Other police actions included response to an incident of a tree down on wires (Water Street), a suicide (death resulting), and an incident of a vehicle passing a school bus while its lights were activated.

On more routine matters, council reviewed the status of the borough’s tractor (greased and repaired); the borough’s plow truck; and the borough’s garbage truck (working problem-free - for a pleasant change). It was noted that the COG report was distributed by President Glover previously by email - and so was not discussed further during this evening’s meeting. The borough’s website is getting a facelift, but no actual change has occurred online as of yet. Under bill review, the only item worthy of mention was that the borough had made its monthly sewer payment of $10,000.00.

“New Business” was comprised of discussion of the community center’s parking lot and the need for signs. It was agreed that the parking lot would be striped on a day when it is not raining, and Mayor Maby volunteered to procure signs in conformity with state law. The signage needed consists of “Stop,” “One-Way,” and “Handicapped Parking.”

In the borough’s Old business council voted to accept a verbal bid of $1,300 for tree removal on a FEMA property, i.e., now-owned by the borough, in Soop’s Grove. The tree in question was the subject of much discussion at council’s April meeting because of the danger it presented to a private residence. Although numerous bids were sought, several contractors declined to submit bids, and the only other bidder had made an offer substantially higher ($1,800, plus $300 for removal) than the low-bid winner.

In the other piece of Old Business - the piece that caused council to open-end the meeting - council needed to know how to go about the financing of renovations of the community center. Gentle readers will recall this line from last month‘s story, “With Lanesboro’s available funds for this project topping out at 21,100 dollars (most of which is derived from Act 13 monies), council discussed and set a course for obtaining the $13,400 remainder through a loan from either local bank, with the best terms/interest rate being the deciding factor in who gets the borough’s business.”

Council asserted that President Glover had the information necessary to make a decision, but without him present, no decision could be made on financing. It was for this reason that the adjournment motion was made as follows, “Motion to adjourn, excepting decision on financing on the one remaining issue on the agenda, i.e., financing of renovations of the community center.” Council unanimously passed said motion, with Mayor Maby adding that any council meeting to address the issue would be announced on the borough’s website and press would be notified of time and date for such decision-making.

Next monthly meeting of borough council is scheduled for the first Tuesday in June.

At the May 6th Montrose borough council meeting, council president Tom Lamont was absent so Vice President Todd Chamberlain filled in.

Julanne Skinner asked about a large remittance paid to Forest Lake township. She asked if the borough police had started serving that municipality yet - it was responded that they had.

The Streets Department report was reviewed in absentia. Though he was not there, the borough secretary passed on Mr. DiPhillip’s desire to acknowledge Pennsy Supply for their donation of two tri-axle loads of supplies to resurface the walking track.

At an April meeting, an officer had asked questions about the new community building. Ms. Skinner asked when they would know about that. Mr. Granahan explained that the permits had been completed and were in COG’s hands. COG, for their part, had said that they would give approval once there was a contractor. The grand opening of the building was planned for August.

A guest speaker from the police department was present. He requested the ability to purchase two cell phones. With covering Forest Lake, he explained, radio capabilities had been decreased.

The mayor had been in contact with Leatherstocking. They were still looking for places to have a meeting regarding bringing natural gas to Montrose. It was suggested that they meet at the community center, after August second.

Joe Hunt was on the agenda to provide an update on Coleman Road, and to introduce his business. He said that they had been retained to do a GP11 permit for a culvert on that road, and planned to have a wetlands scientist out to delineate the wetland that week. They would do hydrology calculations to see if the pipe should be increased in size, and would work with Mr. DiPhillips to look at it in the field. There would also be a little bit of surveying work out there.

Mr. Hunt then stated that his company had signed a sales agreement for property within the borough, the Shamrock Times building. They would be displacing the current resident. They were going to look into zoning, and he opined that the building was perfect with them aside from a major concern. The main issue with that building, he said, in terms of moving their business from New Milford. The issue which he planned to bring to the zoning officer was in regards to off street parking. It had no off street parking and relied completely on the public parking lot in the rear; it had an existing non conformity. Rather than just assuming that the parking lot was available for their 20 to 30 vehicles, he had felt it would be wise to come explain his business and seek a letter from the zoning officer stating that they could continue that non conformity in regards to the off street parking. He felt that his company would be able to help out the borough by working on a layout for a plan to stripe the parking. It seemed to be under utilized, he stated, and his company would offer its services pro-bono. He said that they didn’t want to come into the community and upset it, and spoke of their desire to help. He also stated that they wanted to change the back of the building into garage doors to park the company vehicles in. That would get the equipment into secured space.

He was waiting to move forward with the purchase of the building until there was an agreement regarding the off street parking. He then spoke further about his business, which was an engineering and land surveying company with about 50 employees and five offices.

Mr. Granahan said that they had already been talking about how to restripe the parking lot; in his eyes the timing could not have been better. Mr. Hunt’s company had done a preliminary striping plan and he thought there was potential to get 80 to 100 parking spaces in the lot. A reporter quipped that if a person had been there on the fourth of July, it was possible to get 500 people in that parking lot.

Judy Kelly spoke then, being present on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. They had received a number of complaints regarding handicapped parking, particularly near the movie theater. She discussed problems with where the parking was in relation to the bump out, and said that it would be helpful if someone could taper an entry onto the sidewalk from the lower side and the upper side. Currently a person had to go all the way around to get out on the lower side or they had to park on the other side of the road. The other problem the Chamber had received complaints about was that the snow pile often ended up in the handicapped spot.

Someone asked if changing this would change the flow of water. She responded that she didn’t think so though she wasn’t sure, quipping that she believed water would still go downhill.

Mr. Reimel said that there was a standard for handicapped parking areas, and they were already going to be coming up short of parking spaces. He discussed the particulars of this, and where legal handicapped spots could and could not be. He explained logistically how it could be wise to put a handicapped spot on the other side of the road, and stated that a drop cub could cause some problems. When Ms. Kelly asked about the snow, he replied that was a state function, as it was a state street. She responded that the state had told her to go to the borough. It was reiterated that it was a state street, and suggested that she go back to the state.

The skateboard enclosure was discussed. The Lions Club was getting closer to having the ramps ready, and already had the materials purchased. Mr. Reimel had asked the secretary to go back to the insurance company and get an update. One of the things the company wanted, which he pointed out would cost money, was for the borough to have an enclosure to keep pets and small children and out flying skateboards in. Mr. Reimel had asked Mr. DiPhillips to look into fence costs, and there was a discussion regarding prices, sizes, and options.

The insurance company also wanted people using the park to sign a waiver, and for the borough to have a sign. Mr. Reimel said that from the beginning they had discussed a registration requirement, and a registration sticker which would be affixed to the board. The feeling he was getting from most people, he said, was that if they could get a skateboard park they would go along with these requirements. It was thought that the camera system would come in handy in policing it. Mr. Reimel said that he had told the skateboarders that if the equipment was wrecked they wouldn’t get anyone else to build it for them, it would be removed and not replaced.

The borough would also be required to request that participants have elbow pads and knee pads and helmets. The insurance companies had reported an increasing number of municipalities having parks. It was hoped that Montrose’s would be operational that summer.

Now that Mr.Reimel was present council revisited the topic of cell phones for police. After a little further discussion it was motioned and approved that they further pursue the purchase.

The 2011 audit was reviewed. Mr. Granahan said that the borough had done significantly better than it had ever done. This was the 2011 audit, as they were still working on the 2012 audit. Many of the recommendations made in the 2009 and 2010 audit were being implemented in 2011. There was a significant difference in the number of findings. He spoke of the success, thanking the women who worked on addressing prior concerns for their work.

Mr. Granahan then wished to speak about legal fees, stating that the time for the conversation had come. The subject involved the spigot lawsuit with Mr. Stevens; the legal fees had topped $13,000 at that time. When it boiled down, he opined, the case was one of the simplest imaginable from a legal standpoint. He said that Mr. Stevens had shown up in a residential neighborhood, put a spigot in, started a commercial business, asked no permission, the neighbors had complained, and when council addressed it they were bombarded with “circuses”. He went on to state that his understanding was that Ms. Skinner was filing these matters for Mr. Stevens, who was not a borough resident. Through LinkedIn council had found out that she was employed by the law firm representing Mr. Stevens. Mr. Granahan thought that as a fiduciary of the borough she should have disclosed this fact. He felt this had gone too far. He continued to express the thought that, from one standpoint, it would be appropriate to say that she wished to file this lawsuit and that she could then step aside from council until it was over. He expressed the opinion that it was wildly inappropriate at this point. He felt that most of the blame fell on the law firm itself; feeling as an attorney that they had an obligation to step forward and disclose that they had an employee on council. He announced his intention, then, to make a motion to ask the borough’s solicitor to explore seeking legal fees from Mr. Stevens for what he felt was a patently frivolous case. He was also going to move that council explore seeking some sort of filing with the PA Disciplinary Board on the attorneys involved, as from an ethical standpoint he felt they ought to have said that their employee was suing the borough while attending executive sessions and working on process.

Ms. Skinner responded that technically speaking she would abstain from the motion he was proposing to make, but she did wish to say something. She admitted that she worked for the law firm, however her primary duties had little to do with the zoning hearing board and had made it clear to her employers that she would not disclose anything that was discussed in executive session or breach her duties to council. Mr. Granahan alleged that she had disclosed previous e-mails to WBNG, an accusation which she denied. Mr. Pickett asked why, when council was in executive session and discussing legal matters, she hadn’t asked to excuse herself. She responded that they had not talked about Mr. Stevens in those session, but others rebutted this assertion.

Ms. Skinner reiterated the assertion that she had never disclosed the contents of executive sessions, and stated that she had not filed that case. When she first came onto council, she said, the whole matter was already in place. Mr. Pickett debated this point, stating that the matter began after they came on.

Ms. Skinner said that when she first came on council she had tried to get her mind around how a council could tell a public utility what they could do with their water. Then in maybe February this matter had come before council, and then the walkout had occurred. Mr. Pickett asked her if she was trying to say that council had no say over utilities. She denied this, stating that she was trying to understand the nature of the relationship.

Mr. Grahanan stated that at the end of the day, the “meat and potatoes” was that the claim was frivolous and that he felt that attorney’s fees and sanctions needed to be applied for. He said that he would have had the conversation in executive session, but it was pointless because until he put her on the spot she had not disclosed that she was working for the firm which was suing the borough. He pointed out that the legal fees comprised two thirds of a salary.

Ms. Skinner rebutted that she was not a lawyer and had to make a living. Mr. Granahan replied that he understood this, which was why he was not asking for any action against her. Taking this completely away from her, he reiterated his feeling that the firm had an obligation to disclose the presence of an employee in the borough’s executive sessions.

Ms. Skinner asked how many more legal fees it would take for Ms. O’Malley to pursue this matter. Mr. Granahan responded that he was asking permission to have her look into it, and she would then return to council to report prior to taking any action.

A visitor spoke up, and spoke rather passionately about the matter. She accused Ms. Skinner of coming on council with an agenda. Ms. Skinner stated that she did not have an agenda; that she liked public service. She also said that she felt it was her concern when people didn’t have water to drink. The visitor stated that the people having water problems should go to their own municipality.

In time the motion to look into these actions was made. Ms. Skinner abstained but it otherwise passed unanimously.

Oakland Police Department beefed up with a fresh addition supported by borough council, endorsed by Chief Bob Sweet, and blessed by Mayor Randy Glover, at the May 9 meeting of Oakland borough government. Present for the meeting were President Ron Beavan and all council members: Dave Trevarthan, Jack Agler, Eric Page, Brian Rhone, Dave Dibble, and Gary Boughton. Also present was Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush, as well as aforementioned police chief and mayor.

With the meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m., President Beavan agilely guided council through the pro forma agenda. When time arrived, in short order, for presentation of the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Glover immediately volunteered, “I don’t have the police report because the machine is broke, but I have Chief Sweet here, and I now turn it over to him.” In response Chief Sweet answered the call to arms and swung into action.

The Chief reported that he had a set of keys that had been found. He asked that it be advertised so that the owner could contact him and reclaim the lost keys. Chief Sweet offered no further description of said keys so that whoever is their rightful owner will have to provide the necessary description and details to lay claim to and redeem them.

Beyond the matter of the keys, Chief Sweet also discussed a matter of burning interest in Oakland. Seems a resident of the fair borough was caught red-handed burning furniture on his property. Asked why he had done so, the fire-starter replied that he wanted “to get rid of the furniture.” Chief Sweet noted that while the borough does not have a total ban on burning, the burning of paper products is all that is permitted. “The Oakland Burner” is, therefore, facing charges before Magisterial District Judge Cordner for the unlawful burning of non-paper materials within the borough’s jurisdiction.

With those highlights of the police report covered, Chief Sweet and Mayor Glover tag-teamed introducing John Kreamer - formerly of New Jersey, now of Ararat - and discussing why he would be an asset to the borough’s police force. Mr. Kreamer boasts an impressive resume, including 10 years of police experience. After council’s extensive questioning and Mr. Kreamer’s satisfactory responses, council voted unanimously to extend him employment conditioned on a 90-day probationary period of satisfactory service.

In other matters President Beavan’s Codes Report included a brief mention of two troubled properties in the borough. Satisfactory action had been taken to board up one. The second has increased its risk-alert status as reports are multiplying that the resident concerned has resumed his untidy habit of collecting tires and trash in unwholesome quantities. President Beavan noted that this property AGAIN warrants much tighter monitoring and Shane Lewis will be notified to take all appropriate enforcement measures.

Councilman Boughton provided the Parks Report. He noted that a pressure reducer valve at the park requires replacement. “It’s been ordered, but isn’t in yet.” The need for a garbage can at the park was also brought up by Councilman Dibble. Apparently there had been a garbage can there previously, but whither or whence it has gone no one can say. Councilman Boughton promised to look into the matter and determine the can’s status. Secretary/Treasurer Brush added one further segment to the Parks Report. She informed that the Parks Audit had been satisfactory, but that the auditor had made a number of recommendations to improve accountability and reduce the likelihood of depredations or money mishandling. After listing the string of specific recommendations, she “suggested” that Councilman Boughton also make submissions to the borough council at each monthly meeting in order to account for all monies and permit reconciliation in a timely fashion.

Under the category of Old Business, President Beavan brought up the topic of River Bounty. He recounted that he had contacted Solicitor DeWitt for guidance on how to proceed per council’s approval at the April meeting, concerning the defunct status of River Bounty. Solicitor DeWitt, said President Beavan, enumerated and clarified the specific issues regarding River Bounty - and reported that he had referred those specific issues - to another attorney, namely the solicitor for River Bounty.

Under public comment, a resident piped up to inquire as to whether or not he had a green light to proceed with putting in a sluice pipe on his property. Council recalled that last year a decision had been made on the matter, but no one could quite recall the exact wording of the decision. The inquiring resident, council agreed, will be contacted with the precise decision once the wording from the minutes is located.

At 7:47 p.m. Oakland borough council retired for the evening, albeit with a strengthened police force to go forward. Oakland solons will return to the arena for their next round of decision-making on the second Thursday of June.

Disorderly Conduct: On May 08th at 6:35 am Michael Gallagher of Youngstown, Oh was observed urinating alongside his wife’s tractor trailer at the Welcome Center in Great Bend Township. Charges were field at District Court 34-3-02.

Criminal Mischief: Between April 29th and May 8th the lighted message board belonging to the Clifford Township Fire Hall was damaged.

Burglarized: Sometime between the 6th and 7th of May the detached garage belonging to a Lawton man, located in Rush Township, was burglarized. The burglar(s) stole a Hobart Mig welder from the garage, valued at $400. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

DUI: On May 6th at 10:40 pm a Meshoppen woman was traveling south on Sr 0267 when she failed to negotiate a right curve and lost control of her vehicle. The passenger side of the vehicle exited the roadway from the east berm and traveled approximately 135’ before traveling back onto the roadway. It then entered a clockwise rotation and traveled approximately 114’, leaving the roadway again from the east berm and striking an embankment with its front end. It then traveled approximately 75’ along the embankment before rolling over, traveling approximately another 15’ and coming to rest on its wheels facing in an easterly direction. As a result of the crash investigation, the woman was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Charges were to be filed with District Court 34-3-01. She sustained an injury of unknown severity; seat belt use was listed as none used/not applicable.

DUI: On May 7th at 11:33 pm Brian Kenderdine of Susquehanna, Pa was traveling west on front street when his vehicle lost control, traveling off the roadway and down a steep embankment. The vehicle struck several trees and then reached a final rest at the bottom of the embankment facing a northerly direction. BAC results were pending as of the time of report. The driver was not injured; seat belt use was listed as none used/ not applicable.

Burglary: Between the 6th and 7th a Rush Township man reported that two chain saws were removed from his residence/farm without authorization to do so. Also reported was damage in the form of breaking a rear window on a 2002 Ford F250 Farm Truck. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On May 6th at 6:42 pm Kira Brewster of Vandling, PA was traveling west on Sr 106 in Lenox Township when she lost control while negotiating a curve. The vehicle traveled up an embankment and struck a tree with its left front quarter panel. It flipped onto its roof and came to a rest in the east bound travel lane. Brewster sustained minor injury. Seat belt use was listed as none used/ not applicable.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: Between the 29th of April and the 5th of May a tire and wheel, which were being repaired, were removed from CJ’s Truck and Tire in Great Bend Township.

Possession with Intent to Deliver/Manufacture: On May 5th at 5:58 pm contact was made with Daniel Triechler of Montrose at his residence regarding a disturbance at a nearby residence. In the process, a marijuana plant was observed in plain view in the rear window of the residence. Permission was asked and granted verbally and in writing to search his residence. The search yielded 2 marijuana plants, one being approximately 2’ in height and the other being approximately 3’ in height. Also seized in the residence were a digital scale, clear plastic bags for packaging, and $470 in US Currency. The accused was processed and subsequently arraigned before District Court 34-3-01. Unsecured bail of $2,500 was imposed by District Justice 34-3-01. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 13th at that court.

Cruelty to Animals: The police are investigating the shooting of a New Milford man’s family pet. It occurred sometime in the afternoon on May 2nd 2013. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: State police in Gibson are investigating a hit and run crash that occurred on Liberty Park Road in Susquehanna County. An unknown vehicle traveling east on Liberty Park Road veered off the right side of the roadway and crashed into the left rear of a parked vehicle located in front of the victim’s residence. Anyone with information is please asked to contact PSP- Gibson, at 570-465-3154.

Burglary: Between April 27th and May 3rd one or more perpetrator(s) unlawfully entered the detached garage of a Laceyville woman and stole a Husqvarne chainsaw and Lincoln Mig welder. The total value of the stolen property was $800.00. Anyone with information is asked to contact P.S.P. Gibson.

Criminal Mischief: Between the 25th and 26th of April Diane Costa of Montrose discovered that damage had occurred to her garage. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson Barracks; reference the above incident. Thank You.

Anyone having information on any of these incidents is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.