The Blue Ridge School Board is making a point of recognizing all the good things that happen at the schools, and especially the people who make them happen.  Recognition events seem to get longer at each meeting, and on February 10th it even started early, with a large crowd of parents looking on as Elementary Principal Matthew Button read off the names of the many Elementary School Citizens of the Month.

Some of Blue Ridge Elementary School's Citizens of the Month

Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski then introduced his Seniors of the Month, Lewis Esposito and Brittany Ucci.  Mr. Esposito hopes to study the gas exploration industry at Lackawanna next year.

Four of Adele Bennett’s special education students were warmly appreciated by the Board for building skills for safety and cleanliness in the schools.

Special Ed standout Stacey Darrow between Adele Bennett and Special Ed Director Barbara McCain

Staff members Cara Goff and Kristen Hinkley were recognized for their contributions to the Blue Ridge experience.  Ms. Goff focused on safety when she adamantly refused to allow an unrecognized visitor to wander the halls, even though it turned out he was one of the district’s auditors.  Ms. Hinkley was recognized for her consistent attention to the needs of the community, in particular with her sponsorship of the Leo Club.

The subsequent business meeting was almost anti-climactic, the Board agreeing to some 22 items in one motion.  Mr. Empett asked that one of the items – his own nomination to the board of directors of the Northeastern Instructional Unit – be handled separately so that he could abstain.

In fact, the bill list, usually a routine item, got a little extra attention this time, because of the number of abstentions during the role-call vote.  Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner even prompted each for the reason for his/her abstention.  Christina Cosmello, Harold Empett and Chris Lewis abstained for potential conflict of interest, since they or their families are sometime vendors of services to the district.  (Fred Lewis and Michael Detwiler, also members of the Lewis bus contracting clan, were absent from the meeting.) 

Otherwise there was no comment or discussion on any of the agenda items.

The Board received and approved a report of the independent audit performed by Murphy, Dougherty & Co for the fiscal year that ended last June.  A representative of the auditors usually makes a public presentation to the Board, but that didn’t happen this time.

There were a number of routine personnel actions.  Most significant was the elevation of teacher Margot Parsons to the position of Special Education Instruction Supervisor, a new position that was filled and then immediately vacated a few months before.

The Board also approved renewal of the contract with the Instructional Unit to provide special education services for the 2014-2015 school year.  The IU supplements the services provided by the Blue Ridge staff on an as-needed basis.

The Board adopted changes to its policy regarding outside organizations, generally tightening the rules about dissemination of information in the schools, prohibiting fund-raising for non-school activities and organizations, and giving the Superintendent responsibility for oversight.

An additional group of policy changes are offered for a month’s review.  One would allow “Attendance at meetings via electronic communications,” specifically Board meetings.  Regardless of the new policy, a majority of members must still be physically present for a Board meeting.  (Interestingly, Board members have recently been outfitted with slim new Chromebook computers, replacing the laptops they have been using for several years.)

Another new policy covers the use of time clocks to record the working hours of “classified” (non-exempt) employees.

Still another new policy defines detailed procedures for handling accidents involving school buses.  And another outlines the use of video surveillance equipment on the school buses as a way to help protect the “health, welfare and safety” of district students and bus drivers.

The Blue Ridge School Board will meet next in public session for a workshop on Monday, February 24, 2014 beginning at 7:00pm.  There will be a meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee at 6:00pm that evening to begin review of the budget for next year now in preparation by the administration.  The Facilities & Grounds Committee will also meet that evening, hoping to hear more from the Leatherstocking Gas distribution company.  All meetings take place in the cafeteria in the Elementary School, except when they don’t.

Lanesboro’s switch to privatized refuse pick-up took a big step forward at the Tuesday, February 11th monthly meeting.  With Council President Todd Glover and council members Dale Boughton, Regina Dilello, and David Glidden in attendance, along with Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan, council completed work on its agenda in just less than one hour.  Despite the absence of Mayor Maby and council members Jason Fissel, Dale Rockwell, and Tom Nitterour, council took decisive action on several fronts.

Perhaps of greatest interest to Lanesboro residents was the preliminary decision to set Tuesday, April 2, 2014 as the beginning date for garbage pick-up by Freddy’s Refuse Removal.  The date was not arrived at arbitrarily.  Council first agreed at this meeting to advertise the borough’s new ordinance concerning solid waste.  The proposed ordinance is enabling legislation for the transition in service, and will be advertised in this newspaper as well as on the borough’s website: www.lanesboropa.com. Assuming final passage of the ordinance at the borough’s next meeting on Tuesday, March 11, privatization at the start of April will facilitate billing and provide sufficient time for account-holders to pick a plan. 

Another date, on a different topic, was also set by borough council. An audience member (and spokeswoman for SCDA) specifically requested that SCDA (Susquehanna Community Development Association) be permitted March 6-8 use of the community center for its annual rummage sale. Council agreed.  Although council had been reluctant to this point to resume community center rental, this request proved pivotal. With Secretary Hanrahan reassuring council she could find a suitably qualified individual to perform cleaning duties at the Community Center the last hesitancy to resuming rentals evaporated. 

The rental paradigm shift inspired council members to use the interim period through March 5 to take a census of the center’s chairs; verify maximum occupancy and post same; make needed renovations to the kitchen; and nail down payment options for would-be renters, including through Pay pal.  Miss Amanda Cook was present to discuss payment processing procedures and brief council members on how the system could be made to work.  She further agreed to work out the few remaining details on which council members had questions.  Persons desiring to rent the Community Center may do so (for dates after March 8) through the borough’s website, or by calling the borough’s office (853-4781) and leaving a message for Miss Cook.

In administrative matters Council referred the borough’s zoning ordinance to Solicitor Myron DeWitt for review.  The specific provision needing review pertains to overhead transmission lines, an ordinance section that was added some few years ago when high-voltage power lines were being considered to connect New York City with Canada.  A second admin matter mentioned was a Right-to-Know request by UC (University of California), Davis for the borough’s meeting minutes for each month in 2005.  The stated reason for the request was natural gas drilling research. 

Giving the Police Report for the month of January was Chief Jim Smith.  His report showed 155 total Lanesboro Police Department hours, including 12.5 hours in Thompson and 51 hours at School Patrol.  For Lanesboro there were 32 traffic stops, with 12 citations and 20 warnings issued for the following causes: Speeding violations (19), Inspection violations (3), Careless driving (2), Equipment violations (3), Registration violations (3), and Stop sign violations (2). Arrests were made in various incidents involving the following:  disorderly conduct, illegal dumping, simple assault/harassment (domestic), unauthorized vehicle on school grounds, simple assault (fight at High School), warrant service arrest, and criminal mischief (truck window by BB gun). 

For the borough of Thompson, Lanesboro Police made 12 traffic stops, 7 of which resulted in citations issued, and 5 resulting in warnings.  There were 10 speeding violations, one inspection violation, and one registration violation. 

Routine matters handled by council included approval of meeting minutes for January 7 and January 17; notation that there was nothing of substance to report in the COG Report; extension of thanks to Jim Maby, and to Oakland Borough, in the Streets Report--to Mr. Maby for his job well-done and keeping the plow truck in a state of immaculate cleanliness, and to Oakland Borough for their immense helpfulness in shared services.  The Parks & Recreation Report brought no news, and no update was available concerning sale of the borough‘s sewer system.  Bill review included only the typical utility bills, nothing more; neither “Old Business” nor “New Business” delivered suspense or opened broad vistas of deep discussion.  

By 8:02 p.m. everything to be said had been said.  Councilwoman Dilello moved for adjournment; Councilman Boughton made a second; council unanimously agreed. Next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11th, same bat-time, same bat-station. 

He lost his re-election bid in November, but former Harford Township Supervisor Garry Foltz seems determined to continue to influence the work of the township by speaking up at meetings and asking probing questions.  Some of the residue of his tenure came to light at the Supervisors’ meeting on February 11th.

Asked the reason for an unusually high amount for the township’s solicitor on the bill list, Supervisor Doug Phelps said that it resulted from the dispute Mr. Foltz has carried on with township Supervisor and Secretary Sue Furney over her status as an employee and her entitlement to benefits.  It seems that last year, before he left office, Mr. Foltz accused Ms. Furney of criminal wrongdoing in the way she accounted for her vacation time.  The dispute led to a 2 ½ hour meeting between the Supervisors, their solicitor, and Jason Legg, the county District Attorney.

A letter released by the newest Supervisor, Conrad Owens, dated December 19, 2013 from Mr. Legg’s office to the township’s attorney, says there is no evidence in Mr. Foltz’s charges of criminality.  Rather, the issue would be “more of a personnel issue.”

It is unclear what stake Mr. Foltz has in pursuing this dispute so forcibly and persistently, but he has also insisted that tapes of the township’s meetings be retained in perpetuity, rather than the “minimum of 7 years” as given in the minutes of last month’s meeting.  The Supervisors agreed to change the minutes to satisfy Mr. Foltz; Mr. Foltz claims that the evidence of Ms. Furney’s misfeasance can be found on tapes going back at least to 2004.  At the same time, Mr. Owens declaimed, “no crime [was] committed…. You lost…. End of story.”

In a measure that may be related, Mr. Owens offered a resolution – referred to as a “sign-out” policy, that will require any township-owned property taken off premises (except for normal workday activities) to be signed and accounted for.  In a second section, the resolution prohibits the removal from township property of any original records without a court order.  This may be a reference to Mr. Foltz’s use of many years of tapes of meetings.

The Supervisors entertained a representation from the Harford-Lenox Little League ball club, headed by Robert Supancik, the newest vice president of the organization.  Mr. Supancik easily got a renewal of the annual pledge of $500 from the township, and promise of help with labor and equipment when possible.  Feeling optimistic and supported by Michelle Pavelski and Dana Empett, Mr. Supancik pressed on for an additional $1,040 to make up the balance of the cost of a new scoreboard.  He said that Lenox Township came up with $5,000 from impact fee funds for the scoreboard.  Well, then, would the scoreboard need a building permit?  The Supervisors agreed to pick up the cost of that as well.  And will add the scoreboard to the township’s property insurance coverage.  Altogether a good night for the Little League in Harford.

The township should be able to afford it, since they accepted a bid from William Himko of Montrose of $3,250 for the old loader.  The purchaser will pay in cash and is responsible for removing the machine.  Asked about the balance in the township’s account for the gas impact fee funds, the Supervisors said that all but about $18,000 was already committed: a new bridge in the Podunk Road area, a new truck bed, calcium chloride for dust control, a new truck, and the down payment on the new loader.

Among other minor and routine matters, the Supervisors approved some road crossing and driveway permits for gas pipeline construction in the Podunk area; rejected “anti-terrorism” insurance coverage (required annually); accepted a list of tax exonerations, mostly for residents who no longer live in the area; recognized a group of Fire Police nominated by the fire company; and generated an ordinance to support the loan for the new loader that will be formally enacted in March.

The Supervisors then developed a list of requirements for road materials for 2014 that will be published for vendor solicitation.  They want 4,000 tons of 2RC stone, 41,000 gallons of calcium chloride, 500 cubic yards of black cinders, 2,800 tons of #67 anti-skid stone, 100 tons of 2B stone, 2,000 tons of R4 stone, and 2,000 tons of R3 stone.  They will also accept bids for 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel, and 750 gallons of gasoline.  Bids will be opened at the next meeting, on March 11.

Asked for the status of a lawsuit brought by a property owner at Tingley Lake related to flooding in past years, Mr. Phelps said that he believed the issue was settled by the township’s insurer, but he had no details.

The Harford Township Supervisors meet in public session on the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00pm at the township office on Route 547.

Having changed their monthly meeting date to the second Wednesday of the month, Susquehanna Borough held their meeting on the 12th of February, 2014. All but two members of the council were present, as well as about six members of the public. The Borough had a couple of items to announce to the public.

Council member John Hendrickson made an announcement that the Borough will now participate in the Ready Notify Susquehanna alert system. This allows residents who sign-up to be notified of weather watches and warnings, emergencies, evacuations, traffic issues, road closures, amber alerts, to name only a few. The notifications can be sent via e-mail or text and is free of charge unless text or data charges apply to your specific plan. If you are interested in receiving these alerts, you can sign-up for them at susqco.alertpa.org. If you are having trouble signing up for this alert system, you are encouraged to contact the Borough with any questions you may have.

Regarding correspondence, the borough received a letter from the SCDA, or the Susquehanna Community Development Association, stating the dates of annual events they will be holding this year. The Easter Egg hunt will be held at Reddon’s Sports Complex on April 5th 2014, at 11 am. Also, the dates for Hometown Days were announced as July 17, 18, and 19th. The parade will be held on Friday, the 18th and the fireworks will be held on Saturday, the 19th.

There was also some news regarding the Dollar General parking lot, which the Borough has received a number of complaints about. The Borough does not own the parking lot, but they have contacted the owner. After discussing the matter, the Borough was informed that the Dollar General parking lot will be repaired once the bridge construction near Drinker Creek is completed.

The bridge repairs above Drinker Creek are scheduled to be completed between late May and early July. When construction is completed or near completion, the construction company making the repairs, along with help from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will also then help Susquehanna Borough with a project of their own, to the area around Drinker Creek, where there were once gardens of flowers and a pedestrian bridge before a flood damaged it severely. The Borough did not provide any specific details or plans for what they intended to do to the area.    

The Borough also noted some issues they have been having with cars parked illegally on streets, particularly Broad Avenue. The Council noted that this issue is one that has to be addressed and enforced because of the safety hazards it presents. Roy Williams mentioned that the roads in town are narrow and illegally parked vehicles make it very difficult for safety and maintenance vehicles to maneuver safely in the area. He also noted that it is the landlord(s) and owner(s) responsibility to provide parking for tenants of rental units, one spot per unit.

Roy Williams also noted an issue with unregistered, illegal cars being parked on property. He mentioned it was a common misconception that residents are allowed to park one illegal, unregistered car on the their property. This is not the case. Any unregistered vehicles that are being worked on must be confined to a specific place if worked on.

Mayor Nancy Hurley also wanted to remind the residents that left turns are not currently permitted from Erie Avenue until further notice, while Construction is being conducted around Drinker Creek. This is for safety reasons.

Council Member John Henrickson also wanted to thank the local DPW for their efforts in clearing snow from major thorough-ways efficiently. The Council also wanted to note that sidewalks must be cleared of snow within twenty-four hours of the snowfall.

Also announced, was that the ATM outside the former PennStar Bank will be reconfigured shortly, transferring the ATM that is currently a PennStar ATM to an NBT Banking ATM instead.

A meeting is also scheduled with council members Roberta Reddon, Mayor Nancy Hurley, and John Hendrickson and Russell Miller, from Leatherstocking Gas Company, LLC regarding natural gas. They hope to develop the option for use of natural gas for local residents.

On another note, Police Chief Bob Sweet was appointed the delegate to the Susquehanna County Advisory Committee, which is regarding the 911 Call Center for Susquehanna County, with John Hendrickson as the alternate.

In closing the meeting, there was a question from the public regarding the new water tower and if it is currently in full use. The Borough Council said that they were not positive of the status of transferring from the old water tower to the new, but noted they had seen no noticeable difference in water pressure. However, they did inform the public that the new water tower is set to be in full use by March of this year, allowing for better water pressure.

The next monthly meeting of the Susquehanna Borough is to be held on the second Wednesday of the month, the 12th of March, 2014 at 7 o’clock pm in the Borough building.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:20 a.m. on February 14, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Cody A. Cook, Marc K. Deesch, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Jon W. Hanson, Timothy M. Holmes, Timothy J. Jackson, Richard E. Kalinowski, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Shawn N. Marcho, Robert J. McCrone, Joseph C. Mikloiche, Ronald N. Mitchell, Chad A. Ralston, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Andrew Sepanek, Todd J. Slater, Eric J. Snell, Paul E. Steinbiss, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, Steven G. Warner, Richard D. Williams.

Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals. 

Motor Vehicle Accident/Non-Reportable: On 01/02/14 at 6:20 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police while on patrol found a non-reportable accident on the Quaker Lake Road. The driver of the vehicle had slid off the roadway and into a ditch due to bad weather conditions. The driver was able to have his neighbor pull the vehicle back onto the roadway. There was no property damage done to the vehicle and the driver was able to return to his home safely. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Vandalism/Criminal Mischief: On 01/03/14 at 3:55 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of a township resident that had criminal mischief done to her vehicle. The resident stated that someone intentionally tampered with her lug nuts on her vehicle causing damage to the tire and rim. This case is still under investigation. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

Disabled Vehicle: On 01/03/14 at 2:10 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were flagged down by a pedestrian for a report of an accident on State Line Road. Upon arrival at the scene it was discovered that there was no accident, but a vehicle had slid into a snow bank and was still partially in the roadway. Bennett Auto responded to the scene and pulled the vehicle out.  Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Miscellaneous Investigation: On 01/06/14 at 4:30 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were stationary doing traffic monitoring on Hawleyton Road. A gray (Toyota or Honda) four door vehicle was clocked at 83 m.p.h. in a 40 m.p.h.  The vehicle continued east onto State Line Road going through a stop sign and almost striking a vehicle. N.Y. State agencies were informed of the incident and were looking for the vehicle. This case is still active. Chief Timothy Burgh is the investigating officer.

Alarm/Security/Assist: On 01/10/14 at 8:00 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were called to assist Montrose Borough Police for an alarm at a business on Grow Ave in Montrose. Upon arrival it was discovered that an employee accidently set off the alarm. Officer Tiffany and Chief Burgh were the responding officers.

911 Hang-up: On 01/23/14 at 7:45 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call on Timberline Drive. Upon arrival it was discovered that a toddler had accidently pushed the numbers on the phone. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Suspicious Vehicle: On 01/29/14 at 9:20 a.m. A resident located on Lake Sophia Road reported that a Pickup truck had been parked on the roadway for several minutes with no one around it. The vehicle was gone upon arrival of police. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Alarm/Security: On 01/29/14 at 10:12 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police were dispatched for an alarm going off on State Route 167 at a residence. Upon arrival it was found to be a false alarm. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Disorderly Conduct: On 01/29/14 at 5:45 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were called for a disorderly person who refused to leave a residence located on Hawranick Road. The ex-girlfriend of the resident was refusing to leave at the time of the call. Prior to arrival of police the ex-girlfriend did leave the property without incident. This case is still under investigation. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Assist other Agency: On 01/29/14 at 7:55 p.m. Silver Lake Township Police were dispatched to respond to Montrose Borough. Prior to leaving Silver Lake Township, the dispatch was cancelled by the 911 center. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Criminal Mischief: On 01/30/14 at 9.00 a.m. Silver Lake Township Police took a report of criminal mischief. The incident took place at the Quaker Lake Sewage Authority Plant located on the Quaker Lake Road. It was reported that several hundred dollars of damage was done to a building on the property. Silver Lake Township Police have increased a police presence in this area due to multiple incidents at this location. This case is still active. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police, please call 570-278-6818 or email us at silverlaketwppd@epix.net, all information will be held strictly confidential. You can look at the Silver Lake Township Website at www.silverlaketwp.org, to see all Silver Lake Townships' news, profiles, and resources, including the police reports.