The Codes Enforcement Officer was present at the beginning of the New Milford Borough meeting, and discussed various items with the council members. He also thanked and complimented borough secretary Amy Hine for her letter writing abilities. He thanked and complimented Amy on doing a letter.

Ms. James brought up the subject of the burned out building on the Richardson property. She asked if they were in limbo with the situation. The CED responded that Mr. Richardson said he was still waiting on his insurance company, and that he used a property manager.

Ms. Hine said that she had spoken to COG and they said they couldn’t do anything about it. It was suggested it could be covered under the nuisance ordinance, but the CEO thought that the property maintenance code had more teeth. Mr. Ainey said that they hadn’t adopted the property maintenance code. The CEO said that every year it had to be adopted, and that council should adopt it. He said they didn’t have to do the whole ICC code, just the property maintenance code. Mr. Ainey thought that they ought to all sit with the solicitor. The mayor stated that the nuisance code did have teeth. Others agreed with this, and it was suggested that they pursue the matter using the nuisance ordinance.

A review of correspondence brought various items to light. Southwest Energy had sent a letter, letting them know that the borough had property in a unit and would be receiving royalties for it. Vestal Asphalt, the company who had done the street sealing the year before, issued an invitation to breakfast. Somerset Regional Water Transport had sent a certified letter, giving notice of their application for consumption and non consumption use of approved water. They had a storage area down on route 11 in New Milford. Mr. White wasn’t sure why they sent it to the borough, as the property was outside of borough boundaries. A letter was received from a man who had received a grant, and wished to hold a tobacco free event in the borough park (with a run/walk). No date had been scheduled yet. This request was turned over to the recreation board.

The borough council planned to sponsor a special question and answer session regarding natural gas on Friday, March 14th from 7 to 9 pm at the First United Methodist Church. A Leatherstocking Gas Company representative was to be present.

The grates on the Fancher property were mentioned, though nothing was being done yet due to the snow. Mr. White said that he hoped there was someone around who knew exactly how it was put in. Ms. Gulick said that the property owners had seen it being put in, though they said that at the time the borough hadn’t told them about it, they just looked out and saw it being put in. Ms. Hine was to check the minutes.

Mr. White said that he had received a phone call regarding Eleanor Lermpke’s property. He asked Ms. Lempke to explain her concerns. She spoke up, saying that the water was pouring down Union Street into her driveway, and it was all because the street was higher than the driveway. She had asked the borough prior to their repaving the streets, if they were going to mill them down. She had been told that the borough couldn’t afford it. So they had raised the roads higher than her property, a state she said you could see if you looked at Union Street. The water went down her driveway, down her sidewalk, and pooled by the guest entrance of her business. She asked if they could get a pail of cinders.

Mr. White said he had gone to the area, and could see it. They weren’t the only property, he said, that had a similar problem.

Ms. Lempke said that it was suggested that they dig a ditch, but she asked where a ditch could be dug. Mr. Ainey said that he hadn’t told them to dig a ditch, he had said that a ditch could solve the problem. They might have to run a ditch down the entire street.

Mr. White understood her point, he stated, and related that he himself had eight inches of water in his yard at that time. However, for the borough to have paid to mill the street, it would have been cheaper for them to repave the driveway. Ms. Gulick seconded the idea that the borough couldn’t afford to mill the street, and if they did one they would have to do every street in town.

Mr. White said they were trying to figure out what was the borough’s responsibility, and what they could and should do. Mr. Lempke related that at one time there was a curb there. Ms. Gulick said that they had looked into the subject when others had asked over the last four years. In the past, other residents had been told that it was the homeowners’ responsibility.

Mr. Ainey reiterated that it would be possible to put a ditch inside the curb and running all the way down the street. This would be similar to something which had been done on Church Street in the past. Ms. James asked who’s responsibility this would be. Ms. Gulick opined that’s the property owner’s responsibility. Mr. Ainey said there was terrible drainage in New Milford.

When it came to the Parks and Recreation section of the meeting, Mr. Ainey expressed a desire to throw out an idea. They were going to get gas royalties, and that was from property that was donated to the park. He thought about taking some of that money and designating it for the park. It would be a constant source of income. Mr. White thought this would be good, to set the funds perhaps to offset the borough’s cost of keeping the pool going.

Ms. Cosmello gave an update on economic development. She had spoken with Mr. Ferenczi and Jack Conroy. They said that the borough could name a date to meet and they would be there.

A visitor asked what was up with the truck convergence on Main Street the day prior to the meeting. It was responded that they were loading railroad ties by the old skating rink property. They had ordered a certain number of trucks. Some were sitting for long periods of time.

Kelly Young from Trehab had called and asked if New Milford Borough would think about letting them do the National Night out in their park again this year. They loved it the year before. Council motioned that, pending approval by the recreation board. Council seemed to think positively of the previous year’s event as well.

Thompson Township’s monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at their municipal building. Township Supervisors Suzanne Jenkins, Alex Komar, Richard Wademan, and Secretary Carolyn Jenkins were all in attendance, as well as six members of the public.     

There was a lengthy discussion about the transfer and placement of a new home near South Shore Drive, being conducted by Shorten Homes. A new structure is to be transferred to the area by truck in pieces. The Supervisors discussed with representatives from Shorten Homes the allowable distance from the lake area, distance from neighboring structures, issues with power lines, and information about how the home would get to it’s destination. The Representatives from Shorten Homes stated that it would inform the Supervisors of the Township later on of specifics of the project and also with specific dates for transferring to the property and assembling.

In addition to this discussion, there was a somewhat in-depth conversation about requiring local CDL drivers to be drug tested. This question was brought about in light of Federal laws. However, this specific issue was tabled until later on in the year when more information is gathered on current laws

Rocky Lane was also a topic of discussion at the monthly meeting. Supervisors mentioned that tree branches are in the way of the stop sign, making it difficult to see when pulling out. The Supervisors want to trim or cut the branches of the tree so it does not interfere with the stop sign, therefore they are contacting the nearest property owner so that they can arrange this.

The Borough was also given notification of the Bluestone Pipeline Loop project, directed by the Bluestone Pipeline Company of Pennsylvania, LLC. This “loop” would be part of the compression station and would allow for the pipeline to hold a higher volume. The particular section it affects spans 1.5 miles into Harmony Township and 1.5 miles into Thompson Township.

Thomspon Township’s next monthly meeting is to be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 7 o’clock.

By the time the Blue Ridge School Board had gathered for its meeting on March 3rd, the cafeteria in the Elementary School was getting crowded.  The Board has been ramping up an effort to recognize the accomplishments of its students and staff, and this time an informal ceremony was scheduled prior to the regular meeting time so that the school Principals could introduce their high achievers.

Matthew Button, Elementary School Principal started off listing the January students of the month, one from each classroom, bringing forward those present for a round of applause.  Matthew Nebzydoski did the same for his Middle and High School.

Blue Ridge Elementary School Students of the Month for January

Middle and High School Students of the Month

Then Mr. Nebz introduced Anja Whitehead and read out a letter from President Obama recognizing her extraordinary efforts in community service.  Her grandpa, Joel Whitehead, a former long-serving member of the school board, was beaming with pride from the audience.

Anja Whitehead receiving President Obama's letter from High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski

In honor of “Music in Our Schools” month, 5 members of the 5th grade chorus then entertained the board with 3 selections under the direction of Kristen Burkhart.  Ms. Burkhart urged everyone to look forward to the choral concert scheduled for May, as well as the production of “Annie” being planned for the Spring.  And she thanked the board for its continued support for the arts at Blue Ridge.

Members of Kristen Burkhart's 5th-Grade Chorus

The board then declared 2nd-grade teacher Jenna Kogut a “Hero” for her quick action back in January to help a student choking on a cough drop by using the Heimlich maneuver.

"Hero" Jenna Kogut, with Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner

Before launching into its business agenda, the Board heard from Billy Marvin, representing the baseball program.  Mr. Marvin requested that his team of some 12-14 players be permitted to travel to Maryland to get an early start on the season in late March.  The overnight trip, which has been an annual event that gives players early competition experience, will require a release from classes for Friday, March 28.  The board tacked his request onto their agenda and granted it.

Once the board got around to its agenda, it recognized Henry Sallusti representing RBC Capital Markets Corporation to explain some options for handling some of the district’s outstanding debt.  One large bond issue – for the 1994 renovation – has already gone through 3 rounds of refinancing, saving nearly $1 million in interest charges over the years.  Those notes will be paid off in 2017, but the board could choose to pay off the outstanding principal of about $1.4 million early, or they could refinance one more time for some additional savings in debt service.

Blue Ridge actually has the money in its budget to pay off the bonds.  But there are potential implications related to the so-called Act 1 of 2006.  If the district’s budget is cut because of a smaller debt load, then a large capital project might require voter approval to boost the budget beyond the index established by the state for that year to pay for it.  It seems that the board has no really large projects in prospect, and those it is considering – new gym floor and bleachers, HVAC replacements, etc. – are none of them out of the reach of the annual budget process.  The Board will consider the available options, but a refinance would have to be planned soon to meet a June 1 deadline.

When the board finally got around to its formal agenda, members passed most of the items with one vote.

One that was handled separately was a list of payments to bus contractors, with amounts totaling over $16,000.  Members Fred Lewis, Chris Lewis and Christina Cosmello abstained because their families are all involved in school bus contracting.  Michael Detwiler, whose wife is the board’s secretary and a member of the Lewis clan, voted for the measure.

Another item concerned a contract with The SpyGlass Group, LLC.  The Ohio company offers to “audit” the district’s communications infrastructure looking for potential cost savings.  The company would receive a portion of the savings from any recommendations resulting from the audit and implemented by the district.  Otherwise, the agreement claims no cost to Blue Ridge for the audit.  Superintendent Robert McTiernan said that one school district he contacted saved about $1,000 by implementing a SpyGlass audit recommendation.  Board member Christina Whitney said that her research showed no black marks against the company.  Member Shane Rumage, however, hesitated meaningfully before voting with his colleagues to accept the proposal.

The technology staff and the board’s Technology Committee recommended a contract with Northeast Data of Tunkhannock to install a new digital phone system in the schools for a total cost of about $43,000, less than the budgeted figure of $51,000.  The vendor was selected through the state’s COSTARS program.  Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart was able to cut the overall cost by finding a cheaper supplier for the equipment; Northeast will be responsible only for installing the system.

Among the other items approved by the board:

• Donate $2,500 to the popular annual summer program directed by Blue Ridge Recreation.
• A list of delinquent taxpayers released by the district’s tax collectors to the county for collection; the total value of the delinquent accounts is over $422, 000.
• The resignation of Tricia Gilboy as 12th-grade class advisor, and the appointment of Kristen Hinkley and Casey Webster to replace her as co-advisors.
• The budget of the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU #19).  Mr. McTiernan said that the new budget will require no increased contribution from participating school districts for the third year in a row.  The IU provides auxiliary services, primarily in special education, for member districts.

The board continued a discussion begun at the workshop a week before about graduation expenses and agreed to cover everything but caps and gowns, which are to remain a family responsibility; Mr. McTiernan said that there are sufficient funds in the remaining budget for the year to handle the small expense for flowers, refreshments and the like.  Graduating seniors for whom even the expense of a cap and gown is a strain may be able to get some help through the principal’s discretionary fund.  Mr. Nebzydoski said that procedures for handling such cases discretely are being worked out.

Mr. McTiernan also reported that attendance is now being recorded by class, 8 times a day.  He said that the new procedure is more fair than trying to account for absences by parts of a day, and gives parents more choices in scheduling things like medical appointments.  Mr. Nebzydoski said that it seems to have cut absences at least in half.

The meeting ended with an announcement of an executive session that was to discuss the upcoming negotiations with the teachers on a new contract.

In the meantime there were all those cookies, muffins and fruit left over from the recognition ceremonies.  We could have used some warm soup on such a cold night, but the orange was a good one.

The next public meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board is a workshop scheduled for March 31, 2014, beginning at 7:00pm.  All meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School, with or without snacks.

Great Bend Borough held their monthly meeting on the 6th of March, 2014 at the Great Bend Borough Building. With only two members of the public in attendance, and none requesting time on the Agenda, the Borough dived into its first topic of discussion.

At the most recent Borough meetings, lengthy discussions have been held in regards to a backhoe storage structure. In continuing with this discussion, members of the council were presented with a spreadsheet, quoting prices and specifications from various companies. In reviewing the spreadsheet, a consensus was clear. The Council members all agreed to purchase the structure from A&E Automotive, which will include a concrete floor. A motion was made to go forward with the purchase and have it installed, though no particular time frame was given as to when it would be installed.

Also regarding the backhoe, steering knuckles were found and purchased on EBay for a reasonable pric; after last month’s worry that they may be hard to find this came as a nice surprise.

The various road projects going on in the Borough are still ongoing, including work on the water issue from Route 81, Carroll St., Maple St., Mountain Vista Lane, and Orchard Road, and the water lines that are being re-done on Washington St. More progress is expected on these issues come warmer weather. The council is pleased however, that Great Bend’s roads have not been affected as much by this year’s harsh weather as surrounding communities have. The Borough then commended Dick on a job well done keeping up with the roads and pot holes throughout this particularly cold and snowy winter.

Things are not looking so good for the Borough’s truck however, needing a new front bumper in order to pass inspection. A decision was made to send the truck to Villa Auto in Great Bend for repairs, as it is a repair that must be made. The Borough then tossed around the idea of possibly getting bids for a new truck, since much money is being spent repairing and keeping their current one in working order.

The Police Report was next on the Agenda, delivered by Police Chief Jon Record. In his report, he noted that all Officers have been recertified for five years for CPR and First Aid. In more news from the Police Department, the new police car is finished undergoing maintenance and will soon be ready for the road, following the transfer of the light bar and plates. It’s expected to be on the road within the next month or so. Mr. Record also expressed the desire to hold interviews for a job opening the Police Department will have. He stated that he has a number of resumes and wished to designate a time to hold interviews. The Council then arranged with Mr. Record a date and time that interviews will be held so letters can be sent out to the applicants who have expressed interest.

Mike Crook announced he may have an interested person to serve for Code Enforcement. The Council then instructed Mr. Cook to have said person attend next month’s meeting to discuss the idea further.

Mr. Crook also then reviewed numerous fire and safety issues with the Council in regards to the Borough building and Area Agency on Aging. He stated that fire and safety officials gave instructions for numerous items throughout the building that need alteration, including emergency lights, an Emergency plan for exit, and issues with the weight of the fire extinguisher in the kitchen. The Council took note of these issues and plans to correct them accordingly.

Next month’s meeting will be held on April 3, 2014 at the Great Bend Borough meeting.

Great Bend Township held their monthly meeting on the 3rd of March, 2014. The meeting was called to order with all members of the Council present and seven members of the public in attendance, two of which requested time on the agenda.

Jim Garner, from the Susquehanna County Soil Conservation Department was present to discuss an increase in funding for their dirt and gravel road program that deals with water quality related issues in designated areas. Mr. Garner stated that this year they received five times more funding than in the past. Areas that this could possibly help out are dirt and gravel roads and low-volume paved roads that are traveled by less than five-hundred vehicles daily that have water-quality related issues. He also stated that they are talking with Southwestern Energy and are hoping to coordinate with them on certain projects. He also expressed the potential to have work done on or near Dubois creek, starting at the top and working their way down to the bottom. Having said this, the Supervisors would have to look over the sections of designated areas that could potentially benefit from the program.

Also in attendance and requesting time on the Agenda was Kaitlyn Molteni, representing on behalf of a new non-profit project, the Susquehanna County Athletic and Conference Facility. This project is led by Ashley Kilmer and Alicia Tompkins and would possibly be located somewhere off of Interstate 81. The facility would give families and young people a place to participate in athletic and after school activities and also engage in community activities.  Ms. Molteni was there to discuss the possibility of receiving funds from Act 13, which would benefit the new facility. The Supervisors said first they must look into Act 13 to see what could be used to potentially benefit the project. 

The Council wanted to note that they are working on a Road Maintenance Agreement between Southwestern Energy and the Township, but so far no formal agreement has been met between the two parties.

Two driveway permits were also issued in the last month, one to Southwestern Energy and another to Angelina Gathering Company, LCC on Graham Hollow Road.

There are also still two open seats on the Sewer Authority and also an opening for Emergency Management Coordinator.

Next month’s meeting will take place on Monday, April 7th, 2014 at 7 o’clock in the Great Bend Township building.

At the March 3rd meeting of the Montrose Borough council, a number of items were on the agenda.

During the Street Department report, Mr. DiPhillips quipped that he thought his butt was taking root to the seat of that truck. He said he was still waiting for the Christmas banner thing. The only other way to get them down was to stand in the backhoe. He said that they were still having a communication problem with the handhelds. The suggestion was made to get an external antennae. There was some discussion regarding this.

The Andres subdivision needed a sewer permit, it was stated. They requested the codes enforcement officer look into it. He agreed to do so. Apparently approval had been given but the fee had not yet been paid.

Chief Smith said that they wanted to start doing evaluations twice a year to keep everything on track. He had provided council members with a copy of the evaluations they had spoken of. Mr. Schuster said he wanted to read it, think about it and get back to him. Chief Smith said this was alright.

During the mayor’s report Mr. Wilson said that a lot of things were bugging him. One was snow removal from sidewalks. Another was a vendetta against the police which he thought should be stopped. Finally, he wished to look more closely into the appointment of council members to committees. Mr. Lamont said they would discuss the last subject later.

The Montrose Memorial Day Parade was first on the action items. The Ayres Stone VFW Post wanted to have their annual parade. It was motioned and approved that this be allowed. The VFW wanted somebody from council to present a wreath. It was suggested that perhaps Mr. Lamont or the mayor could do so. Mr. Granahan said that the year prior the county had mowed the lawn the day after Memorial Day. He asked if someone could reach out to the commissioners and ask that the mowing be done prior to the festivities and holiday.

The Frontier Centrex Contract was briefly touched on. They weren’t to raise any of the rates, they simply wanted the new contract to be signed as the previous expired. It was slated to last for sixty months.

A Joe Hunt Associates proposal agreement for municipal services contract was discussed. Mr. Reimel said that he had thoughts on the codes thing, he had spoken to the company wondering if they were equipped to do zoning enforcement. They replied that they had two employees who did the work, or had done it. Mr. Reimel said that he knew they may well be at an impasse with Jim Smith about zoning. He said that Mr. Smith had done a great job, but there were things which he hadn’t understood when he came to serve. He felt that perhaps they should look into using an organization rather than an individual. He said that if zoning and codes were in the same place, he believed, they might not have that disconnect that had been experienced in the past. If that had all been in the same place there wouldn’t have been need to go down to COG. Mr. Lamont said that before he voted on it he wanted to know what the company would do and what council would do. Mr. Reimel agreed that the agreement needed to be fleshed out. Mr. Lamont opined that it would bring everything into one place, and maybe rates could be adjusted accordingly. He said if council was interested it was certainly something that should be talked about. Mr. Pickett suggested tabling it until the finance committee could sit down with Mr. Hunt. Mr. Smith asked if Montrose would be pulling out of COG if they pursued this course. He said they’d have to do so, or they’d still have to go through them. Mr. Reimel said that was the last benefit the borough was getting from COG, and that would probably take away their need to be involved with them. It was again suggested that they sit down and talk with Mr. Hunt, who Mr. Reimel said they had found to be very amenable and community oriented. He had made a commitment to the community, and was also interested in being their borough engineer, he related. Mr. Lamont thought that they needed to do something soon, due to the construction projects and laying pipes. The subject was tabled until Mr. Reimel, Mr. Granahan, and Mr. Schuster could meet with Mr. Hunt.

The subject of tree planting for the 706 project was was broached. There were resolutions to join with the Redevelopment Authority in order to apply for grants to add trees to the 706 project (the other opportunity was on South Main Street). A motion was made and seconded to agree to this.

There was a discussion regarding a dog park. A visitor, Mary Ann Dewitt, said that she had spoken with others, and they wondered if there was a special place within the borough for a dog park. She said she really liked to walk at the park, but knew that dogs weren’t wanted there. Mr. Granahan asked if they owned any other land. Someone quipped that the gym might be an option. The visitor asked about the fairgrounds, but it was responded that the borough didn’t own that property- the Lions did. Mr. Reimel said that he used to run his dog up at the fairgrounds and it was quite pleasant. He suggested to the visitor that it might be worth approaching the Lions. The property wasn’t all that easy to get to, but it wasn’t locked and wasn’t patrolled. Anything that might be dangerous to the dogs was also fenced in. The land was flat, and it got brush hogged twice a summer. She said if there was community interest the borough could take it to the Lions Club. The visitor asked if the borough wanted a petition. It was responded that this would make it more official.

Mr. Schuster pointed to liability as a downfall, citing what could happen if somebody’s dog got hurt. He also asked about maintenance, wondering who was going to clean the area. Mr. Granahan said that they could put signs up there stating people would use it at their own risk. Mr. Reimel said there was another angle, which was that the Lions left it fairly open to public use already. He also said that other groups wanting to use the land offered the Lions certificates of insurance, something that could be considered. Mr. Lamont said that some dog parks were fenced in, and asked if they were looking for a safe place to walk or something more formal. It was responded that they were looking for something more formal, a place to play and socialize with other dogs. Mr. Reimel explained that the Lions had their own insurance, but not to cover outside entities.

Mr. Reimel also said that they could consider if there were any other place in the borough that the idea could be entertained. Someone pointed out that there was noise to consider. Mr. Lamont said that there was an ordinance against dogs at the park, but if it was a fenced in area, and left the ending dangling. Mr. Reimel rebutted that they were not taking his skateboard park.

Mr. Smith spoke of a wide, long area to the right of the track that wasn’t being used for anything at this point. He said they enforced a dog restriction at the park for a few reasons, owners not cleaning up after them and the liability of a dog biting someone. Mr. Lamont asked if the visitors could get together some signatures to show the interest and council agreed to take some measurements of unused areas at the park site.

Mr. Lamont spoke of the maintenance of sidewalk areas. It was wondered who was responsible for enforcing this. Police and zoning were, it was clarified. Mr. Lamont asked at what point they penalized someone for having a sidewalk versus not having a sidewalk. There were parts of town where there was a sidewalk with nothing on either side of it. He wondered what the point of shoveling that was. Mr. Reimel pointed out that there was a contiguous stipulation in the ordinance. So, according to the ordinance, people who had neighbors without a sidewalk had no liability for cleaning their own. For everyone else, he suggested issuing two warnings (which Mr. Granahan clarified to be two storms). It was pointed out that if people didn’t want to shovel, they could actually just pull up their sidewalks.

The subject of parking issues was broached. Mr. Lamont said that they needed to either shovel out the meters or stop enforcing them, as people didn’t think they should have to walk through the snow to put money in. The secretary said that a solution had been suggested, recommending turning the heads of the meters to make them more accessible. This would make it easier for those parking, and require only minimal work. She then related that there was a parking issue in the lower end of the tannery lot, where people were not parking only in the designated parking spaces- they were parking along the circumference and blocking the fire lane and the area for deliveries. It was suggested that signage be put into place.

Mr. Schuster said that he had a multitude of people calling to ask if Leatherstocking was going to hold a public forum regarding what was going on. Mr. Lamont hadn’t heard of one. It was however, agreed that this was a good idea. Mr. Reimel suggested that DDS would be good people to discuss it, and Mr. Lamont suggested that they could do a map similar to the one on the wall regarding the 706 project.

Knock, knock! Who’s there? This is no joke; the look of your ballots in the May Primary and the November General Election depend on the work of Democratic and Republican county committee men and women obtaining signatures of party faithful now. The fervid search for petition signatures of those enrolled in either of the major political parties is a rite of late winter each year for ballot access on the spring Primary. This year’s Primary Election Day is scheduled for May 20 at the county’s 43 polling places.

The starting gun for 2014’s political season was fired on Tuesday, February 18th. That signaled the first day for candidates to circulate petitions for offices on this year‘s ballot. Saturday, March 1st, marked the proximate mid-point in petition-circulating season. It also provided a convenient time for both the Democrats and Republicans to gather together—separately, of course—to look at their options, gauge their progress, and floor the accelerator for signature collection.

Democrats breakfasted at the Montrose VFW from 9:30 to 11:30. Vice-Chairwoman Christina Sezer, in the absence of Party Chairman Robert McNamara, played Master of Ceremonies for the Petition-Signing Breakfast. Approximately 75 Susquehanna County Democrats were in attendance, along with distinguished guests from Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties to lend their support and enthusiasm. The host committee responsible for pulling the event together consisted of Chairman McNamara, Nancy Hurley, and Rick Ainey.

Meanwhile, to the south, Susquehanna County Republicans were simultaneously holding their annual Lincoln Day Brunch (also from 9:30 to 11:30). Susquehanna County Republican Party Chairman Michael Redding played Master of Ceremonies. Some 150 Republicans were in attendance. The attendees were overwhelmingly from Susquehanna County, but a large contingent of Republicans was in attendance from Bradford County, including Republican Commissioners Doug McClinko and Daryl Miller. Distinguished guests from Lackawanna and Wayne Counties rounded out the audience. Susquehanna County Republican officeholders present, but not up for election this year, included D.A. Jason Legg, Sheriff Lance Benedict, Register & Recorder Mary Evans, Commissioner Chairman Alan Hall, Treasurer Cathy Benedict, and Assistant D.A. Marion O’Malley. The host committee responsible for pulling Lincoln Day Brunch together consisted of Chairman Redding, Alan Hall, Dave Darrow, and Donna Cosmello.

It goes almost without saying, but one would be remiss to omit it, the food and service at both the Montrose VFW and Harford Fire Hall were outstanding, and respective parties and their members extend their thanks to both host facilities, their leadership, and the servers who so graciously kept the food coming.

Petitions available for signature at these events provide a rough preview for the May Primary, and in most cases include the likely nominee who will be contesting for election in November.

For the Republican Party, incumbents Governor Tom Corbett, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, Representative Tom Marino (PA-10), State Senator Elizabeth J. (“Lisa”) Baker (20th Senatorial District), State Representative Sandra J. (Sandy) Major (111th House District), Tina Pickett (110th House District), and State Committeeman Dave Darrow all had petitions available for signature.

For the Democratic Party, the petition picture was not so simple. While the party has a half dozen announced candidates for the governor’s job, and another half dozen for the lieutenant governor’s job, not all of the candidates had petitions available for signing. Those that did for governor were Allyson Schwartz, currently serving as U.S. Congresswoman for the 13th Congressional District; and Rob McCord, currently serving his second term as Pennsylvania Treasurer.

The three candidates for the lieutenant governor’s office who did have petitions available for signing were Mark Critz, former U.S. Congressman (PA-12); Brad Koplinski, member Harrisburg City Council; and Mark Smith, current Bradford County Minority Commissioner first elected in 2007. None of the candidates for lieutenant governor was present to speak, although Mr. Smith did have his spokesman, Andrew Collier, in attendance to make the case for his candidacy.

There are two announced Democratic candidates vying for the Primary nod to oppose incumbent Republican Tom Marino in the Tenth Congressional District fall election. Scott Brion of Liberty borough (Tioga County) is “the founder of Tioga Resources, a company that invests in oil and gas assets in the Marcellus Shale,” according to his campaign literature. His opponent, Adam Rodriguez, is self-described as “an ex-teamster and FDR New Deal Democrat” who “plans on making a one percent tax on Wall Street transactions the centerpiece of his campaign.” Mr. Rodriguez resides in Monroe County. Neither candidate could be present at the Montrose breakfast, but both campaigns had their petitions available for signing.

For the 20th Senatorial District and the 110th State House District, Democratic Party officials are unaware of any announced candidate and no candidates presented petitions for signing at the Democratic Breakfast. One candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 111th State House District John Heptig, a resident of Susquehanna County, made his petition available for signing. Mr. Heptig is keenly interested in social justice and his agenda includes patterning Pennsylvania’s healthcare system after Vermont’s single-payer system; building a sustainable energy system based on renewable energy; and increasing the minimum wage, among other initiatives, to improve living conditions for the lower class.

For the party’s one seat on the Democratic State Committee, Rick Franks threw his hat into the ring and made his petition available for signing at the Breakfast. Likely running unopposed for the position, he’ll be succeeding Susquehanna Depot Mayor Nancy Hurley who served for the last eight years on the Democratic State Committee.

Back at the Harford Fire Hall, Republican incumbent officeholders took advantage of the Lincoln Day Breakfast to not only fill out their petitions, but to fire up the party faithful for what many believe is shaping up to be a victorious General Election in November. Rep. Tom Marino confidently prognosticated a pick-up of 10 House seats and as many as eight Senate seats, thereby keeping the House in GOP hands and taking the Senate. Such a scenario would give the Republicans the entire legislative branch at the federal level.

Mr. Marino stressed there were four critical issues in this year’s election: jobs, federal debt, Obamacare, and our children’s future. The 2014 elections, he opined, will “set the plate for putting a Republican—not a Socialist—in the White House in 2016.” He further displayed comprehension of the Federal Reserve’s destructive, publicly-stated policies to create inflation (debauch the currency) and thereby destroy the purchasing power of consumers. Reform or abolition of the Federal Reserve is a prerequisite to any monetary reform of our fiat-based system.

The trio of Lady Legislators—Baker, Major, and Pickett—, who represent Susquehanna County, stressed their achievements in the current legislative session. Senator Baker emphasized “reliable, reasonable, and responsible” governance and her role in instituting reforms in the juvenile justice system since the “Kids for Cash” scandal of some five years ago in Luzerne County.

Rep. Major beamed broadly as she elucidated the major provisions of a recently enacted reform eliminating inheritance taxes within families on small family farms. Regarding two seemingly intractable issues, she explained some of the intricacies of achieving liquor privatization and pension reform, and why both will continue to be uphill battles in the General Assembly this year. Pennsylvania, she noted, is one of only two states which continues to maintain liquor sales as a governmental function.

Rep. Pickett joked, “It’s fun to be in a room with so many elephants.” She went on to animatedly contrast party differences on issues relating to taxes and jobs, and explain her role in very senior positions on both the Insurance Committee and the Rules Committee in the House.

As is their custom at the Lincoln Day Breakfast, the Jack Masters Award was presented by his widow, Carol Masters. This year’s award went to Committeeman Alton Arnold for his service to the party over more than 50 years. A standing ovation and fond congratulations were extended to the noble gentleman who has made service not just to party, but to his fellow man, his life’s legacy.

The tolling of the clock at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th will close out Petition Season for 2014. If you’ve signed candidates’ petitions during this season you’ve helped candidates get on the ballot so voters have choices. That’s how the system works in Pennsylvania, and your party thanks you for your support.

I also extend thanks to Democratic State Committeewoman Nancy Hurley and Democratic Party Treasurer Rick Ainey for providing information concerning the Democratic Breakfast to me for this article. I fully appreciate their invaluable input for this article; I could not have completed this story without it.

Best wishes to all candidates in both parties for the Primary Election on May 20.

Starrucca Borough Council was called to order on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 6:55 PM by President Jack Downton.

Council members present were:  VP Robert Weldy, Paul Everett, Barbara Glover, Louis Gurske, Jason Heeman, and Arthur Kopp.  Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko was present.

The Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting held on January 6, 2014 were presented.  Paul Everett made a motion to accept the Minutes with corrections.  The motion was seconded by Jason Heeman and passed unanimously.  The Minutes of the regular meeting held on January 6, 2014 were presented. Paul Everett made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented.  The motion was seconded by Louis Gurske and passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report as of January 31, 2014 – Paul Everett made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report with two adjustments: $67.88 (EFT) for new checks and $48.00 for 12 months of Post Office Box Services (check #1504).  The motion was seconded by Jason Heeman and passed unanimously.

Bills to be paid (February) – Robert Weldy made a motion to pay the February bills with change.   The motion was seconded by Barbara Glover and passed unanimously.

Persons To Be Heard

Kristin Potter asked for permission to use a portion of the Community Hall for a Girl Scout cookie drop-off point.  Council approved.

Ron Brownell reported that he talked with Rep. Sandra Major and Don Murray.  Mr. Brownell said it’s not the wall that’s creating the problem, it’s the debris downstream that’s the problem.

Correspondence

Letter from Solicitor Waldron, 2/3/2014 – FILED.

Letter from Lothar Holbert, Esq. – discussion, FILED.

Letter from NEPA – no interest – FILED.

Letter from Assoc. of Mayors of the Boroughs of PA – no interest – FILED.

Letter from PSAB – no interest – FILED.

Proxy from Employers Mutual Casualty Company – no interest – FILED.

PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources – no interest – FILED.

Executive Session – Pres. Downton called for Executive Session at 7:40 PM to address legal issues.  The regular meeting resumed at 8:25 PM.

Old Business

Copy of a letter dated Feb. 3, 2014 from Solicitor Waldron to Lothar Holbert, Esq. was read and discussed.  Pres. Downton said that Lothar Holbert’s letter of January 20, 2014 doesn’t answer Solicitor Waldron’s first letter.  Discussion followed.   Pres. Downton asked Darl Haynes if he had any comments regarding Solicitor Waldron’s February 3, 2014 letter.  Mr. Haynes had no comment.  Pres. Downton asked Kirk Rhone if he had any comments regarding the letter, since Mr. Rhone was the Council President in 2007.  Mr. Rhone had no comment other than he’d like to see a copy of the letter.

Paul Everett made a motion to continue salaries at the 2013 rate for the Mayor, Council members, and Auditors.  The motion was seconded by Jason Heeman and passed, with Louis Gurske abstaining.

Louis Gurske asked for permission to advertise the bid request for an EWP Project involving the Shadigee Creek retention wall.  Paul Everett made a motion that Council authorize running of advertisement two times, per the guidelines in the Borough Code, and give latitude when ads will run.  The motion was seconded by Robert Weldy and passed unanimously.

New Business          

Pres. Downton reported that Dave Soden asked if there was any ordinance regarding the sale of beef in Starrucca Borough.  Council members were asked if there were any comments.  None given.

Paul Everett made a motion to put Louis Gurske on the Road Committee.  The motion was seconded by Robert Weldy and passed unanimously.

Public Participation

Keith Payne reported on Leech Creek Road, saying there are ruts on the road due to heavy equipment.  They will repair them in the spring.

Meeting Adjourned

Louis Gurske made a motion to adjourn at 9:05 PM.  The motion was seconded by Robert Weldy and passed unanimously.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on March 7, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Craig J. Anderson, Sharon Baker, Timothy J. Brennan, Cody A. Cook, Marc K. Deesch, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Justin T. Giberson, Charles R. Groover, Francis M. Hagemeyer, Jr, CeeJay B. Halstead, Jon W. Hanson, Larry Harbst, Timothy M. Holmes, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Robert J. McCrone, Ronald N. Mitchell, Andrew J. Muscarelle, Mary Perschau, Matthew J. Peters, 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 C. Whitney.

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