Council President Michele Giangrieco called the Hallstead Borough Council meeting to order at 7:05pm. The prior meeting minutes were approved with no changes. The Treasurer’s Report was also approved, and the bills were presented for payment. It was noted that the Act 13 monies had been received.

A bid from Hunt Associates was received for the survey of the park by the Library. After a short discussion, it was approved. The hot dog vendor who had been in the Pennstar parking lot has requested to move to the small borough park for the remainder of the season. The Council approved the request as the vendor has all the pertinent insurances and licenses. President Giangrieco noted that last week Walton Dahlander came to the meeting to discuss the Municipal Loan Guarantee from the Hallstead-Great Bend Joint Sewer authority. While he was there he listened to several issues and suggestions the Council members present had. Among the items noted were the management issues of the Sewer Authority, the need of the Authority to collect monies due, rates for homes vs. businesses, and offering discounts to certain populations. This ordinance was approved after discussion. A Resolution for the Management of the Flood Plain Ordinance was presented and approved. This will be managed by the Susquehanna County Council of Governments.

President Giangrieco noted that last week Tony from the Progress Authority came by with information on the Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ). He noted that there were several sites in Montrose and one possible one in Hallstead. KOZ is a special designation that allows a tax exempt status on a parcel of land for the purpose of enticing new businesses. In Hallstead, the location under consideration is the old foundry site. Tony noted that the DEA has evaluated the site and notes that the prior environmental threats have been re-mediated, and the site is currently under contract. The Keystone Opportunity Zone is a 10 year designation. Tony provided packets of information for each Council member that had several sample documents so they could be reviewed. After a short discussion by the Council, this topic was tabled until all members could review the materials.

Mowing is continuing to be done by Jim on a temporary basis. Bids will be solicited for a contractor to take over the mowing duties. Mayor Canfield noted that he had heard from two residents with concerns about mowing. There is one property where the lawn is not being mowed at all, and another where a section of lawn, not visible from the street, is not being mowed. It was decided that these two properties will receive letters requesting lawn maintenance be done. The Council noted that they were still waiting to see if Penelec was going to be working on the trees, and a member noted that he had seen a company out looking at them recently. Mayor Canfield then passed around a piece of paper to the Borough Council. President Giangrieco read the note, and called for a vote as it was the intention of Mayor Canfield to resign as Mayor effective at the end of the meeting. It was with profound regret that the Council accepted Mayor Canfield’s resignation. Following this, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35pm.

Lanesboro’s regularly planned meeting day is the first Tuesday of each month, but a “funny” thing happened when July’s first Tuesday approached. Previous optimism for speedy completion of the Community Center had faded when deadlines were missed, and the resulting consequence was postponement of the July 2nd meeting to Wednesday, July 17th.

But Mother Nature threw a curve ball to council when the 17th rolled around. With Lanesboro and environs mired in the third day of the summer’s first official heat wave, any possibility of meeting in conditions other than harsh evaporated in inverse proportion to the rise in temperature and humidity.

So to the 22nd, July’s meeting was pushed. And it proved to be three times lucky as the Monday night meeting launched at 7:00 p.m. Present for the meeting were Borough Council President Todd Glover, Councilmen Dan Boughton, Jason Fissel, David Glidden, and Dale Rockwell. Also present were Mayor Chris Maby and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan. Councilwomen Regina Dilello and Colleen Y. Wilkes were absent.

With Community Center renovations still far from completed, the meeting area was a work in progress. To provide some semblance of relief from the discomforting heat and humidity an oversized floor fan was positioned in the main entranceway. But like a plane’s turbo engine primed for take-off the super-charged fan proved just too ear-shattering to permit the conduct of business at anything less than shouting level. That all-too-apparent realization provoked Mayor Maby to silence the engine’s roar, and borough business proceeded onward into the heat of the night.

The pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of June’s meeting minutes, and the noting of minor correspondence occurred in quick succession. After that, there was a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. Council expressed their thanks to the reader and moved directly to the public input phase of the meeting. During this time a borough resident read a letter she had composed. In her emotional address to council the renter explained her plight, in that her water had been shut off that very day, and she had two small girls at home, upon whom these circumstances imposed a hardship. Barely able to compose herself, she implored council to restore water service to her apartment.

In response, council generally, and Secretary/Treasurer Hanrahan specifically, explained the borough’s position - namely, that the borough had not had the water at her residence shut off, and that the decision must, therefore, have been made at the Pennsylvania American Water Company level, due to “extended” non-payment of the water bill by the property owner. (We’re talking years here, gentle readers.) Mayor Maby made a quick call to Trehab, and then advised the waterless resident to contact Trehab on the following day for guidance on her available options.

Mayor Maby transitioned into the borough’s police report for the month of June. It showed 217 call-out hours, including 17 hours in Thompson. For Lanesboro there were 63 traffic stops, with 31 citations and 32 warnings issued for the following causes: Speeding violations (50), Inspection violations (4), Careless driving (1), Registration violations (2), Equipment violations (4), Oversize load check (1), and Wipers on without lights on (1). Arrests were made in various incidents involving the following: erratic driving; careless driving; theft; bench warrant service; harassment; and harassment involving a property dispute. There were additional miscellaneous reports of a barking dog, and loss of a wallet in the borough.

For their 17 total hours in Thompson, Lanesboro police made 24 traffic stops, with 17 citations issued and seven warnings given. Reasons for the stops included: Speeding violations (20), Inspection violations (2), Registration violation (1), and Failure to signal (1). Two additional incidents appeared in the crime report: one case of disorderly conduct and one of criminal mischief.

Proceeding thereafter on the agenda were the COG (Council of Government) Report, Streets Committee Report, and the Parks & Recreation Committee Report. Notable from the discussions of each of the three were old business/previously-known items requiring council to actually make decisions or initiate actions. Concerning COG, President Glover volunteered to formulate a proposed schedule of assessment fees to be presented to council at the next meeting.

The prime decision to be made in Streets Committee was what to do about the snowplow. It appears unlikely the present plow truck will survive the expected harsh weather which will likely arrive in only a few months’ time. That said, President Glover stated his intent to look into the possibility of contracting with Harmony Township to clear Lanesboro streets (Some obvious downsides to that idea were immediately recognized at the meeting.) Failing that plan, the borough will have to look at replacing the current plow truck.

In Parks & Recreation, Councilman Fissel reported that he had purchased picnic tables, paint, and supplies, but he still needed to submit related invoices. He further noted that college students would be painting the picnic tables, which task should be completed within the week.

As concerns Sewer & Refuse, council, by roll call vote, approved installation of a manhole in front of the Smith/Rigo properties. An ongoing water leak in the vicinity has resulted in excess water flow, to the tune of as much as 61,000 gallons per day, which is costly to the borough, and ultimately borough taxpayers. Installation of the manhole is merely the first step in a multi-step process to locate the leak and end its wasteful ways.

Regarding the Community Center, council, with Councilman Fissel abstaining, approved by roll-call vote first payment in the amount of $15,500 for work completed to date. The remaining balance is $19,000 for work as yet to be completed. However, the office of Labor & Industry (L&I) in Harrisburg just completed its approval of the renovations to be made, and L&I had a laundry list of modifications “suggested.” Likely as not, those modifications are going to hit the borough in the pocketbook, and any reasonable person may expect the borough is going to have to pay considerably more than the $19,000 remaining for this project.

Before council could adjourn at 8:14 p.m., “push back” came one more time. With August 6th just two weeks away, councilmen agreed that more time was needed to complete their work before they could possibly meet again. And so after much back and forth it was settled that council would push back next month’s meet to Tuesday, August 20th. Will this have a domino effect into the borough’s September schedule? Only time will tell; gentle readers, stay tuned.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners meeting began promptly at 9:00am with Commissioners Giangrieco and Warren present. They ratified and approved the following items: 7/10/13 - $71,473.67 for General Expenses; 7/12/13 General Expense totaling $21,702.53; Net Payroll on 7/17/13 for $168,993.42; Employee Retirement Contributions of $14,937.37 on 7/17/13; State Withholding on 7/17/13 of $7,467.34; and 7/18/13 Federal Payroll taxes of $62,739.22. There were two requests for seminars, both of which were approved.

Resolution 2013-09 to authorize Commissioner Hall to sign the Inventory and Inspection Reimbursement Agreement between Susquehanna County and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to re-inspect the local bridges in the County and to sign the Lobbying Certification Form was passed. Additionally, Commissioner Hall was approved to sign the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Engineering Agreement #04E013 between Susquehanna County and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. for inspection and inventory of 58 bridges in Susquehanna County. This is projected to cost $553,715.27 for a 60 month period. Eighty percent of this will be funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

Sealed bids for window and glass replacement were opened. Two bids were received and the Commissioners tabled the decision to the next meeting so they could confirm the scope of service and review the bids in depth. Two addresses were approved for exoneration of delinquent taxes by the Tax Claim Bureau. The Commissioners also approved the appointment/re-appointment of the Susquehanna County Communication Advisory Board for the next year.

The Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) Participation Grant Agreement and Assurance of Compliance was authorized for signing. The anticipated allocation for the upcoming Fiscal Year is $561,728.00. An agreement between Susquehanna County and the Voluntary Action Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Scranton to lease two offices for a period of two years was approved. The Commissioners also accepted 2 resignations and a termination for 3 County departments.

During Public Comment Gloria DiGirolamo inquired about what the Commissioners can do to assist the public in having the gas companies providing more transparency in how they operate, specifically in relation to finances and how much gas they are actually removing vs. what they are paying individuals for the ability to drill on their property. Ms. DiGirolamo also inquired if there was any help available to fix specific issues with contracts such as defining the term “Royalty” to note precisely what it does and does not include and how the values are determined, or amending prior contracts to clarify these concerns. Commissioner Giangrieco stated that ,unfortunately prior contacts were unable to be amended, but that he understood her concerns as he had had ones similar to hers back to 2008 when he had tried to get legislation passed that would have resolved these issues. He noted that at the time he had not received any support, and that it seems there is still little support for such things within the legislature.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:26am.

The Salary Board meeting was called to order at 9:30am. Commissioners Giangrieco and Warren and Treasurer Benedict were present. The prior meeting minutes were approved. There was one item on the agenda. It has been recommended by the Register & Recorder’s office that they eliminate the two 3rd Deputy Positions and create two 2nd Deputy positions. The reasoning for this was unclear to the Commissioners, and the item was tabled until the Register could be in attendance for clarification. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35am.

Theft: On July 17th sometime between 1 pm and 5 pm miscellaneous scrap metal was stolen from the trailer of a Leraysville man, while it was located at Shamrock Auctions in Middletown Township. The scrap metal was worth an estimated $150. It included a furnace, a brown awning, a fuel tank which was cut in half, and a transmission. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On July 18th at 10:30 pm a juvenile boy was traveling westbound on TR393 McCarthy Road in Clifford Township. The Ford F150 the boy was operating exited the roadway after he failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. It exited the road and overturned, coming to a final rest on its roof. Neither the boy nor a juvenile female passenger were injured; both were utilizing seat belts.

Crash: On July 18th at 4:10 pm Joseph Owens of Montrose was traveling north on Sr 3023 in Dimock Township when his Dodge Ram 1500 veered off the right side of the roadway, impacting a guide rail end. The force of the collision caused the truck to rotate back across both lanes of travel prior to a secondary impact with a guide rail on the opposite side of the roadway. There were no injuries; a seat belt was in use.

Criminal Mischief: One or more unknown person(s) went to a field located on Glemboski Road in Lathrop Township between the 15th and 16th of July and cut open round bales of hay, thereby spoiling the hay. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the state police.

Theft by Unlawful Taking/Criminal Mischief: Between the 15th and 16th of June one or more person(s) went to a field near 1019 Glemboski Road in Lathrop Township, and damaged a New Holland Loader gas and hour gas and hour gauges, and cut the seatbelts to the loader. Additionally, the steel hatch to the loader was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On June 19th at 2:55 am Aaron Obrien of Meshoppen was traveling south along Sr 29 in Dimock Township when he came upon the crest of a hill and observed a large truck in front of him. The operator was unable to come to a complete stop prior to impact. He veered to the right of the large truck and collided with a tree instead. The operator and occupants of the vehicle were not injured in the crash; all were utilizing seat belts.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: On June 19th at 4 am a white male, approximately 5’6” in height and scruffy in appearance, operating a 90’s green van of unknown make, model, and registration, was observed on the property of a Hallstead man. He was seen to be taking scrap brake rotors and batteries. The victim was confronted and fled the scene west on Franklin Avenue. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Harassment: PSP Gibson is investigating a physical altercation between a Vandling man and a Montrose man. Both actors/victims were cited for Harassment in District Court 34-3-01.

DUI: The police are investigating a one vehicle crash which occurred on Britten Road in Silver Lake Township. The Ford Ranger was traveling east on Britten Rood on July 14th at 4:37 pm, and lost control, traveling off the right side of the roadway impacting a tree head on. Kurt Fre of Montrose was the driver of the vehicle. A passenger was transported from the scene by Montrose EMS to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Binghamton for injuries sustained. The driver was also transported from the scene by Montrose EMS to the Endless Mountain Health Systems for injuries sustained in the crash. He was subsequently arrested for suspicion of DUI and agreed to submit a blood sample for chemical testing. Charges were pending BAC results as of the time of report. Safety equipment use was listed as unknown for both the driver and passenger. Police were assisted at the scene by Montrose EMS and Silver Lake Township Fire Department.

Crash: On July 13th at 1:30 am Derek Stocker of Brackney was traveling west on McCormick Road in Silver Lake Township when his vehicle exited the left side of the roadway and impacted a ditch. It came to a rest in the ditch facing a westerly direction. He was cited at the scene the following morning when he returned to have the vehicle removed. No injuries were reported to the trooper; both the driver and passenger were utilizing seat belts.

Criminal Mischief: Sometime between the 13th and 14th of July a criminal mischief incident occurred in which unknown person(s) dented the rear driver side door of the victims’ vehicle. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the State Police at Gibson.

Crash: On July 10th at 7:26 pm Jeffrey Birchard of Montrose was traveling south on Sr 167 when, while attempting to negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway, the vehicle continued in a straight line of travel, through the apex of the curve. The vehicle continued across the opposing lane of traffic and off the roadway. It impacted a utility pole on the right side of the roadway, then continuing in a south direction and starting to spin counter clockwise, coming to rest facing an easterly direction off the roadway. Birchard was transported to Endless Mountains Health Systems prior to the trooper’s arrival. Birchard sustained minor injury; safety equipment use was listed as unknown. The police were assisted at the scene by Hop Bottom Volunteer Fire Company and Montrose Minutemen.

DUI: A 54 year old male of Dunmore, PA was arrested for suspicion of DUI following a traffic stop on Sr 848 at the Sunoco Gas Station Parking Lot in New Milford Township (his name was not listed in the report). The incident occurred on July 6th at 11:13 pm.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: Approximately 400 feet of copper wire was removed from towers at the Elk Mountain Tower Site off Sr 374 in Herrick Township; anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson at 570-465-3154.

Criminal Mischief: An unknown object was used to strike the windshield of a 2012 Nissan Altima located on Creek Road, breaking the windshield. The incident occurred between the 8th and 9th of September.

Crash: On July 6th at 10:30 pm Emily Quick of Montrose was traveling southbound on Sr 2053, Meshoppen Creek Road, in Dimock Township, when she failed to stop for a posted stop sign at the intersection of Sr 2053 and Sr 2024. She fled the scene prior to police response. She was not injured; a seat belt was in use.

Theft: Between the 5th and 13th of July the red and black 18 Horse Power Briggs and Stratton lawn mower was removed from a Bridgewater Township location.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: Sometime between the 4th and 5th of July, an incident occurred in which several Xanax pills were stolen from the residence of a Nicholson man. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Criminal Mischief: On July 7th Tracy Lubeck of the Hop Bottom area became engaged in a verbal dispute with a man of the Larksville area which escalated to the point of Lubeck slicing the tires of a vehicle owned by the man. Charges were pending for violations of PACC as of the time of report.

Criminal Mischief: PSP Gibson is investigating an incident in which the car of a Montrose woman was struck by a shopping cart that was backed into by a white Subaru Forester in the Price Chopper parking lot in Bridgewater Township. Anyone with information is requested to please contact the police.

Traffic Crash: On July 6th at 12:44 am Richard Hubbs was traveling south along Sr 3023 in Lathrop Township when his vehicle traveled off the left side of the road into Lakeside Pond. The investigation was still ongoing as of the time of report. PSP was assisted at the scene by Tunkhannock Ambulance, Factoryville Fire Department, Nicholson Fire Department, and Hop Bottom Fire Department.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: On June 25th between midnight and 11 pm it was reported that a rifle was stolen from a residence in Dimock Township. The victim later located the rifle and discovered that it was not stolen.

Criminal Trespass: On July 4th a criminal trespass occurred at a location in Brooklyn Township in which one or more perpetrator(s) entered the residence of a Kingsley woman by forcible means, via the back door. There were no crimes committed within the residence once entry was gained. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the state police.

Criminal Mischief: During the night around July 1st mailboxes were damaged on Twin Creek Road in Rush Township. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the police.

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