The Great Bend Borough Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and they got to work rapidly approving the agenda, prior meeting minutes and the Treasurer's report. The Road and Parks Report was presented with most items being ongoing. Of note was the crack sealing of the streets being completed, and the corner of Williams and Franklin continuing to worsen.

Chief Record was in attendance to present the Police Report and noted that there were 10 Traffic Citations and 18 Traffic Warnings. He also noted that the repeater and antenna installation were completed thus improving radio reception within Great Bend. Finally, Chief Record noted that the Great Bend Police Department will be participating in the 30th Annual National Night Out, in New Milford Park on August 6th, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m.

The Council received notice that EMC will be dropping their Worker's Compensation policy on November 30th of this year due to Class 994 PA Act 46 Firefighter Cancer Presumption Law; however, HA Thompson has another company who will pick up the coverage.

Kopernick Observatory and Science Center sent a letter regarding an upcoming conference on “Extreme Weather, Climate Change, Mitigation and Adaption” for a cost of $30 per person, and the 2013 Upset Tax Sale will be held on Monday, September 9.

The Hallstead Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority Guaranty Agreement was discussed and signed. Ideas for new park equipment were discussed, but were tabled until further information could be acquired.

With all business of the Council completed, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

At the July 29th Montrose School District’s Building and Grounds Committee meeting, there was a discussion on Leatherstocking and update on the boiler conversions given. Mr. Tripp had gotten a hold of Leatherstocking, and talked to their engineer, and gotten a lot of answers that involved both five and six week projects. He said that the contract date, August 15th, was about two weeks away and they were apparently waiting for PennDOT to do the service lines permits. The company was supposed to start one aspect the next day. There would be two work crews, and they anticipated it taking five weeks at two separate sites. Also, construction had begun at Puzo Road, and that was supposed to take six weeks.

Mr. Tripp had then spoken to someone else who had said that by August 1st they would have all the information, and the matter would be all worked out, even if the company had to pay for the school to have fuel oil initially. Even if they didn’t get the service lines in, they would have a truck full of natural gas available to come and feed the school and the hospital.

If there was an issue which delayed the conversion, Mr. Tripp went on to explain, there would be one boiler left on fuel oil. This would be fine for domestic hot water, and for some heat in the beginning of the school year. He clarified that the compression station was above Puzo’s, when Mr. Gow asked about this. It was then asked how the gas would be brought around to the school. Mr. Puzo responded that it would come in behind the concession stand near the soccer practice field, behind the baseball field, behind the maintenance building, around the power pole, and then make a bee line in for a particular spot. Mr. Gow asked how the maintenance building was heated, it was responded that it was heated with propane. This had been addressed, as it was suggested that since the line was going right past the building they may as well connect to it. Mr. Tripp explained that they could not do this until the main lines were complete, but they had been made aware that the district was interested.

The pipe laying was supposed to start the next day. Mrs. Follert asked if laying the pipe would disrupt student activities. It was responded that it would not. The company was having trouble getting permits; this was causing the delay. The company had originally planned two crews for the school’s section, they were going to bring five in.

The state of roofing projects was reviewed. The Lathrop street roof had been repaired. Mr. Tripp had faxed the signed agreement for the high school project to a company, but had not yet heard back as of the meeting.

A company was coming to put in a quote in the Lathrop Street parking lot. There was a section at the parent drop off lot where a 10’ by 10’ section had disintegrated. It was felt that it could be helped with just a crack sealing. They would do preventative maintenance at the high school at some point.

The subject of stadium lights was discussed. Mr. Tripp was waiting on Spectrum; he was hoping they would be in that week. Everything was working except for one bank- which was intermittent on and off. Mr. Gow said that there was an issue where the poles and the fixtures were no longer available. If they were turned on without a particular pattern being followed, they would blow- so they had to be turned on slowly.

Mr. Gow said that he knew that when the system was put in it was all paid for through community donations.

The reason why this reporter attended the committee meeting was due to an expected visit from E and R Security. They had looked at security and given the district a draft report. They were then expected to come in on August twelfth and give a full presentation at the board work session. It would be followed up on the 14th with a tabletop exercise with the administrative team.

Mr. Gow asked Mr. Tripp how things were going with his new position. He said he thought things were going well, that they were all doing really well. There hadn’t been any discomfort expressed. He said that it was a change for everybody but reiterated that it was going real well.

A steamer for the cafeteria was discussed. Ms. Lusk pointed out that there are only two companies on Costar which participated in kitchen supplies. The school couldn’t start the year without a steamer. There was a crack in the equipment, but it still ran. However people had been brought in to fix it and the district was told it could not be fixed. Ms. O’Malley had to replace it and didn’t have the money. Mr. Caterson argued that she did have the money, but that the cafeteria manager wished to save it in case it was needed. Ms. Lusk said that she thought she was using those funds to supplement for losing money on lunch. Mr. Caterson opined that she spend that money, that the board wasn’t going to let the lunch program fail and if the manager ran short they would help.

Mr. Gow welcomed Mr. Tripp aboard. He quipped that if there were problems, he knew where to find Mr. Ognosky.

At the start of the August 2nd New Milford Borough meeting, Mr. Ainey showed a pictorial collage, collected by a concerned resident who had requested to speak to a council member. Mr. Ainey and Mr. White had gone and spoken with the resident, and Mr. Ainey showed the pictures at the meeting to pass on his concerns. The photos were of various properties in the borough, although some were significantly old (representative of situations which no longer existed). Those present had difficulty discerning in others what the concern was, including one photo of the borough’s own garage. Mr. White and Mr. Ainey related that they had explained to the resident that council’s policy was not to go out and look for problems - they only responded if someone made a complaint or approached council on a matter. It was thought that perhaps the resident had put the photos together to make a statement about problems in town, more than to make an actual complaint. Ms. Cosmello opined that if he was making a statement he should have used more recent pictures. Mr. Carey wanted it known that council did listen, and they did try. Mr. Ainey responded that was why he and Mr. Carey had gone to meet with the man. It was reiterated that council was more reactive than proactive in such matters- someone with a concern needed to approach council with a complaint or notification. Ms. Gulick pointed out that there were some of the photos which council couldn’t do anything about; if a person could not afford anything but an old trailer what were they supposed to do?

It was related by the mayor that the matter involving Mr. Young had gone to the magistrate, and he was found to be in violation. He had appealed this, so that now it was to go to Montrose. Mr. Taylor wondered if council had any way of recouping their money from it when they were done, as he didn’t think it was fair otherwise. Mr. Ainey pointed out that in the past the borough had been awarded attorney’s fees and fines.

During the present to speak section, a visitor spoke about the trees in the cemetery. He wasn’t certain who owned the trees, but they were in really bad shape and there was rotten wood up top. He said that in the past month, two large pieces had fallen down which he estimated to be at least a foot in size. He feared someone was going to be hurt. A year or two prior a woman from Penelec had approached him about trimming trees on his property near a transformer. As Penelec had taken down trees in the past, he suggested that perhaps someone contact Penelec about the cemetery trees. He stated that there was one which was rotted three quarters of the way through. Mr. White suggested that the person in charge of the cemetery be asked to contact Penelec. Mr. Ainey proposed sending a letter from the borough to both the head of the cemetery and Penelec, and including the state (who owend the road).

Another visitor asked if anything had been done as far as sidewalks in the borough yet. Ms. Cosmello said that she had spoken to a legislator, who thought there might be some funding available. She was going to establish a date to come and speak with the borough representatives.

During the mayor’s report section of the meeting, he stated that the senior housing was really nice. Ms. Gulick expressed disappointment that the housing authority hadn’t held an open house that wasn’t during work hours. Seventeen of the units were rented, Ms. Cosmello explained. Mr. Ainey pointed out that there was a nice community room as well.

The Peck Hill drainage project had been completed. No additional work outside of the bounds of the original plan was completed, Mr. White explained, as with acquiring permits, etc. it would have not been completed by the September deadline. The work that had been completed was basically maintenance, but it seemed to have been effective.

The shrubs on Main Street had been removed, it was also related.

The week prior a gentleman from Vestal Asphalt had come around and crack sealed all of the streets. He had also crack sealed someone’s driveway, Mr. White reported, due to a misunderstanding of where the street ended. The property owner had called the borough, however, and offered to pay for it. There had been enough to do every street. The slurry sealing was yet to be completed; it was estimated for the end of August.

There were torrents of water coming down Susquehanna and Maple Street, it was stated, around the new housing development. Mr. White felt that as time went by vegetation would hold back some of the water and there wouldn’t be as large a problem. He suggested waiting until the housing project was completed to bring up the matter. Mr. Ainey pointed out that in the winter it would freeze and be problematic. A visitor said that there was a lot of water coming down Susquehanna Street above 81 as well, so that the problem wasn’t entirely due to the new complex.

A contractor had met with Mr. White and looked at the Church Street Bridge near the housing development. He had provided a rough estimate for shoring up the section where there was erosion.

The cannon wheels were completed and ready for pick up, Mr. White related. The wheels were probably around 40 inches tall, and roughly 120 pounds apiece. He proposed somebody taking the borough truck and driving down to pick them up. This would be cheaper than the six hundred dollar cost of shipping the four wheels.

Mr. Carey thanked everyone involved in the Go Joe event. In total, $1,635 had been donated to Go Joe’s St. Joseph cause. It was felt that there was a nice turn out, and that the event had been really nice. The head cameraman had stated that, for the day time crowds, New Milford ranked in the top three for attendance.

It was related that even when the pool was open, attendance was down. It was suggested that there had been rainy days.

A complaint had been received about the Midtown Park, regarding weeds in and around the playground area. Mr. Carey had scheduled a work session for ten o’clock the Saturday after the meeting.

Ms. Cosmello had given the Community Foundation a check for $3,600 dollars, which was money donated toward the pool project. This was in addition to the money previously donated by the (disbanded) Susquehanna/Wayne County Rescue. A public thank you was voiced toward those who donated these funds, which included: The Lions Club, the Oddfellows, The Great Bend/Hallstead VFW, the Stanley family, and Mr. Yeich. It was estimated that in total, all donations collected as of that time totaled around 11,000 dollars. Estimates were being received for the long term goal of a new liner, Mr. Carey added.

Someone had asked about the park lights, wondering at what time they went off. Mr. White responded that they turned off about ten p.m. When fall came, this time would be moved earlier.

Members were appointed to the recreation board. It was suggested that they be thanked.

Ms. Gulick reminded those present that the following Tuesday night, from 5-7 pm the annual National Night Out event was to be held. The New Milford park by the pool had been chosen as the location. Mr. Carey suggested sending out an alert now message.

PennDOT was working on the bridge up by Green Gables and the motel. They were going to cut back some brush, as part of the work. Ms. Gulick had called him the maintenance manager for bridges that morning and thanked him for working on the area. Ms. Cosmello said that the water was moving in that location, which had experienced flooding multiple times in recent years.

Mr. Ainey said that the auditors appointed by the borough had more responsibility than most auditors took. He proposed eliminating the position of auditor in New Milford borough, which they were able to do under section 1005 number 7. The process would be to pass an ordinance. They would then be able to hire an independent auditor, who had to be a CPA. Mr. Carey asked if there was a contract requirement; it was confirmed that there was not. Mr. White brought up the difference in cost. He thought that paying someone to do it would cost more money, though he suggested that they were in a position where they had to do so. Mr. Ainey agreed that there would likely be more of a cost, though he responded that they did not have to take the action. The council, he said, could wait until no one was elected and then nominate someone. However, he expressed the opinion that the only negative to hiring a CPA would be the increased cost. Ms. Cosmello felt that it was something worth looking into. Mr. Carey pointed out that it would give council increased peace of mind.

Mr. Ainey had gone to a seminar which he said had a really good idea regarding the process for the budget. He said that a budget should be a five year plan with a narrative attached.

Three people had attended the LeatherStocking open house. The next year they were planning on being in New Milford. Surveys directed where the company would go. He suggested that council divide up the surveys, and get the word out to residents. It was pointed out hooking into service was voluntary. The company was to have an open house in the borough in the future.

Retail Theft: PSP Gibson is investigating a drive off from the gas pumps at the Great Bend Sunoco, which occurred on August 1st at 3:40 pm. A red Chevrolet HHR with NY registration had pulled to the pumps. The operator pumped $32.61 worth of gasoline and left. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: An accident occurred as Reyes Lagunas of Montrose lost control of his vehicle on July 28th at 12:42 pm while traveling on Wyalusing Street in New Milford Township. The vehichle then struck a sign and a utility pole. Lagunas left the vehicle at the scene. As of the time of report he faced numerous charges, including leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.

DUI: On July 31st at 9:52 pm Kimberly Miller of South Montrose was traveling East on Sr706 near Fairdale corners when she failed to negotiate a curve to the right, exited the roadway, struck a mail box, and proceeded to go through a grassy field, before coming to a final uncontrolled rest area facing East into a tree. Montrose Fire and EMS responded to the scene. JD Towing towed the vehicle from the scene. Neither Miller nor a passenger were injured; both were utilizing seat belts.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: Between July 31st and August 1st one or more person(s) stole several construction related items from a job site on SR 0106 in the Village of Royal, Clifford Township. The items included: industrial fuel pumps, air meter testing equipment, trash pumps, and other miscellaneous construction equipment. The stolen items had an estimated value of $6,685 in total. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson.

Burglary: A Laceyville man was the victim of an overnight burglary from his garage, during the night of June 30th/July 1st. A Matthews Z7 extreme bow with case and a red and white BAHA 49 cc mini bike were stolen. Anyone with information on the burglary or the whereabouts of the items is asked to please contact the police.

DUI Crash: On July 23rd at 10:40 pm a 62 year old woman from South Montrose caused a crash with the vehicle of a 44 year old man from Sugar Notch, after consuming alcoholic beverages. Charges were pending the results of a blood test as of the time of report.

Access Device Fraud: An unknown person used the Walmart.com account of a New Milford woman to purchase an X-box. The investigation was continued as of the time of the report.

Criminal Attempt-Burglary: Between the 21st and 28th of July there was an attempted break in occurring at the St. John Vianney Parish in Clifford, Twp. Entry was attempted by means of a pried open south facing door. Entrance was not gained, but damage did occur to the door and lock. Anyone with information is asked to please call PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154.

Burglary: Between June 10th and July 26th entrance was gained into a vacant Clifford Township house by means of a smashed front door window and a subsequently unlocked door. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: On July 26th one or more burglar(s) entered an unoccupied house belonging to a New Milford man and took a Sears chainsaw, a car battery, a bb gun, and two antique lamps from within. An older model dark blue pickup truck operated by a female in her 20s or 30s was observed in the area during the time this crime occurred. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

Burglary: Between the 10th of July and the 24th of July, one or more person(s) cut a pad lock that secured a gate to the driveway leading to a cabin on Stephens Road in Middletown Township. The perpetrator(s) then proceeded to the cabin, where they cut a pad lock, which was securing the rear door to the cabin to gain entry. Once inside the burglar(s) stripped all of the copper pipe which was used to fuel gas lights inside, taking approximately 150’ of copper pipe. A box of shotgun shells and a maple coffee table were also removed. The perpetrator(s) then went outside and stole an old MTD lawn mower located alongside the outside of the cabin. Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Gibson.

Commonwealth vehicle crash: On July 20th at 12:15 am a man of Glen Mills, PA was making a U-turn in the rear parking lot of PSP Gibson when his Ford F350 struck the rear bumper of a PA State Police Motor Carrier Inspection Van, causing damage to the same.

Crash: On July 22nd two cans full of gasoline were stolen from the yard of a Susquehanna woman. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

Death Investigation: On July 23rd at approximately 3:37 pm a female victim of Uniondale was discovered deceased in Lewis Lake in Herrick Township, a short distance from shore. The cause of death was unknown at the time of report, however an autopsy was to be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Criminal Mischief: On July 23rd at 1:56 pm an incident of criminal mischief occurred at the Pump n Pantry in Bridgewater Township in which an 18 year old Montrose boy is accused of defacing a victim’s vehicle while it was parked in the lot.

Theft/Criminal Mischief: Between the 23rd and 24th of July, a New Milford man’s 2012 Dodge Ram Truck was vandalized while parked at the Blue Ridge park on Church Street. The bedside was scratched, and the driver’s side door and front bumper were spray painted. The vehicle’s registration plate and hitch ball cover were stolen.

Collision-Traffic: On July 24th at 5:34 pm John Schoonmaker III was traveling northbound on Sr 39 in Springville Township when his vehicle exited the roadway after the driver fell asleep. The truck left the roadway to the right of the travel lanes, as one travels north. After exiting the roadway, the truck impacted a utility pole, traveled down an embankment, and overturned. It rotated, coming to a rest upon the passenger’s side facing west. The driver reported minor injuries and refused medical treatment. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Burglary: Between July 14th and 21st a burglary occurred in which unknown burglar(s) arrived at a scene in Middletown Township, gained entry to a location through the north side door (by kicking it in), and cut and stole approximately 90’ of copper pipe and numerous boxes of ammunition. Please contact the police if you have any information.

Anyone having information regarding any of these incidents is asked to 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 9:45AM on AUGUST 2, 2013: Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, Douglas R. Heath, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Whade A. Koch, Jean M. Larson, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M. McGuire, Ronald N. Mitchell, Andrew J. Muscarelle, Frank T. Perera II, Mary Perschau, Bruce A. Schurr, Desiree L. Shifler, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Tessa E. Thomas, Steven G. Warner, Roger D. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.