The Susquehanna County Commissioners met Wednesday, the 9th of April on a beautiful spring morning. Alan M. Hall, Michael J. Gangrieco and Treasurer Benedict were all present, however MaryAnn Warren was not. District Attorney Jason J. Legg was also present for a brief period of time. Called to order at 9:00 a.m., the meeting began with the Salary Board Agenda.

Within the Salary Board Meeting a number of motions were made regarding County positions and pay of employees.

First, though, a motion was made to create the position of Detective/K9 Handler, which would be a non-union position paying, at minimum $30,000 yearly and requiring a minimum of a forty hour work week. The salary however, could range depending on experience and education and the job will include benefits per the County Personnel Manuel.

Another position was created, that of Prothonotary Clerk Typist, which would be a temporary, non-union position that would last approximately 6-8 weeks, each week containing fifteen hours.

The position of Roads & Bridges/Maintenance was also changed to Roads & Bridges/Maintenance/Safety Manager, citing an increase in responsibilities. Along with the new title and responsibilities, a pay increase will also take effect.

A motion was then made to approve a change in hours for all Residual Bargaining Unit employees to eight hours per day, effective April 17th. A motion was then made to allow Residual Bargaining employees to utilize their birthdays as one of their floating holidays for 2014 only. Residual Bargaining employees will also see a pay rate increate.

A final motion was made to approve the rate for 911 dispatches to be based on appropriate certifications and proficiencies, making the pay rate range between $12 an hour to $17 an hour.

The Salary Board meeting was closed by Commissioner Hall at approximately 9:10 AM, and so began the Commissioner’s Meeting.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the March 26, 2014 meeting and then to ratify the Cash Disbursement Journal, dated 3/26, 4/3, and 4/2. Also, the Gross Wages Report from 4/9 was approved. Three EFTPS payments were also approved from 4/9, 4/10, and another from 4/9.

Commissioner Hall wanted to acknowledge Employee Years of Service Recognitions for Rolly Brink, a maintenance employee for 20 years and also to Mary Noldy, an assessments employee for 10 years.

A motion was then made by Hall to approve seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests. These requests included: Criminal Law Enforcement Assistant Network Training for Joel Madas, Dane Sorenson and Eric Congdon, Youth Level of Service Master Trainer Certification for Lisa Vail, Pennsylvania County Election Officials Meeting for Laura Watts, and North East Task Force Knowledge Center Training for Art Donato, Bruce Butler, Nancy Tator, Mike Pinkowki, Joel Madas, Eric Congdon, and Dane Sorenson, all of which were approved.

 “Grange Month” is taking place this April 2014 in Susquehanna County, upon a motion made by Commissioner Hall and seconded by Commissioner Giangrieco to adopt Proclamation 2014-03.

A motion was made by Commissioner Giangrieco to accept the renewel from MCM Consulting Group, Inc., for McMurry, PA. This would consist of a thirty-six month term, costing $15,000 per year. This would enable the competition of the 911 Communications Center yearly review and update that is required under Title 35, Chapter 53.

Commissioner Hall made a motion to approve a contact signing between Constellation Energy, from Baltimore, Maryland and Susquehanna County. This contract enables Susquehanna County to purchase electricity from Constellation Energy for a period of one year.

A renewal of Financial Edge Training from Blackbaud, located in Atlanta, Georgia was also approved for May 2, 2014 through May 1, 2015. The total cost would be $5800 and this would provide additional “Financial Edge” training for the Commissioners’ Office.

A motion was then made by Commissioner Hall to enter an agreement with Pictometry International Corporation of Rochester, NY. This agreement would provide orthophotography and mapping software for use in the County GIS, Assessment, 911, and EMA Departments. The cost is anticipated at about $119,724 to $366,820, costs that would be dependant upon the final contract and product. The costs may be spread over a six-year period. The Commissioners explained that this would allow for aerial photography over all of Susquehanna County. These maps and photographs would allow for better understanding and view of routes, particularly for the 911 Call Center. It was noted that the current maps are extremely outdated and therefore, could present a problem when responding to calls. It was also noted that the photographs could be used for Tax Assessment so it could be easily visible as to what was on the property. Members of the public expressed concern over this as they felt it could be an invasion of privacy.

Two motions were made to acknowledge the hiring of Mrs. Justine Ord as Finance/Enforcement Officer and Jacqueline Thatcher as Intake Officer, both full-time positions with a six-month probation period.

Now that Public Comment arose, Commissioner Giangrieco noted the excessive amount of garbage on roads, particularly around Forest Lake Township. Said garbage along roads seems to appear mostly when people are working in the area.

Vera Scroggins was in attendance to note two new incidents of water pollution in Dimock and Brooklyn, where she stated a Cabot Gas well was leaking. She also noted a pond in which all of the fish within died.

Ms. Scroggins noted that now there are seven areas in Susquehanna County that are dealing with water contamination since drilling has begun in those particular areas. She then asked the Commissioners to develop an Emergency Water Proclamation to aid in property owners who are dealing with water contamination.

Ms. Scroggins also asked whether or not the Commissioners keep track of property owners who experience contamination, in which the Commissioners stated that the Department of Environmental Protection handles such issues. Ms. Scroggins also stated that from her knowledge, Commissioners have not visited any areas with contamination problems in six years. Commissioner Hall stated that this was not true and that he has visited families in the area. She then asked if a Commissioner would visit a family in Dimock who is currently experiencing white colored contaminated water. No clear response was given.

Another member of the public then asked the Commissioners if they would “want to know” of a list of contaminated areas. Once again, the Commissioners stated that it was an issue dealt with by the DEP and other state agencies, not the County.

On a final note, Ms. Scroggins requested that the Commissioners obtain a list of properties with contamination issues from the DEP.

The meeting then adjourned at about 9:26 am. Susquehanna County Commissioner’s will meet again in the Courthouse on Wednesday, the 23rd 2014 at 9 AM.

The Department of Environmental Protection was notified recently of an oil spill on the property of the historical Starrucca House in Susquehanna Borough, owned by Mr. Andreas Plonka. Upon visiting the Starrucca House recently, it was easy to see the oily substance surfacing in puddles and the slick polished look coating the grass, twigs, and mud in the area.

The oil spill at the Starrucca House

Mr. Plonka said that he first noticed the oil spill while clearing brush and garbage from his property a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Plonka says he is waiting for the responsible party to come forward to aid in the clean up of the oily mess.

Despite the puddles laden with oil, a representative from the DEP, Colleen Connolly, stated that there is “probably less than twenty gallons” of oil contaminating the area and that the extent of the contamination is not “severe.” Ms. Connolly also stated that it appears the oil spill was not accidental.

Mr. Plonka now worries that it will affect not only his property value, but also the environment surrounding the Starrucca House. With no resolution as to who contaminated the area, the question as to how and why this happened goes unanswered. 

An unusually long evening at Blue Ridge on April 7th filled the cafeteria in the Elementary School with children, financiers, parents with busing and attendance issues, one aspiring politician and brownies.

The School Board’s meetings recently have led off with recognition of outstanding students and staff. This time Elementary School Principal Matthew Button made up for lost time by introducing his pre-K through 5th grade student standouts for both February and March. Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski did the same for his students of the month.

Every month Mr. Nebz also recognizes 2 seniors for special attention. This month Leif-Axel Berg, already a young engineer with plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, received a special certificate of recognition as one of 2 Blue Ridge students named Scholars of the Year by the Scranton Times-Tribune; the other, Alex Dennis, was not present. Mr. Nebz’s other high-achieving senior, Shania Yachymiak, told Board members that she plans to attend the University of Scranton next year.

The Board also gave special thanks to David Clemens and his family for their generous contribution to support the high school’s Spring presentation of “Annie,” coming up later this month.

Sarrah Dibble-Camburn and the 5th Grade Art Club were recognized by the Board for their extraordinary efforts collecting funds for the least favored in the community, in particular, more than $1,300 that will be provided to Interfaith to support its heating fuel assistance programs. Ms. Dibble-Camburn said that the 4 students at the meeting received the Board’s appreciation as representatives of some 40 members of their club.

Came time for public comment and several parents spoke up with concerns about bus schedules, and about attendance policies.

One parent noted that the monitor assigned to her child’s one-hour bus ride is resigning. Superintendent Robert McTiernan told her that he would be discussing the replacement of the monitor with the bus contractor.

Another Mom & Dad recently moved the family from the country to Great Bend to try to shorten the children’s bus rides only to find that the schedule still had them riding for an hour. They said that the school staff had been very cooperative, but that the schedule couldn’t be easily adjusted by more than about 10 minutes. They said they were considering enrolling their children in a cyber-charter school instead, although they preferred Blue Ridge.

Mr. McTiernan said that, after safety, which is the #1 priority, the busing system tries to keep all rides less than one hour. He said that the staff will be working with the software vendor to re-evaluate all of the routes. He encouraged parents to bring their individual concerns to his attention.

Similarly, the Superintendent wants to “have a conversation” with parents when attendance issues arise. There was some confusion about a recent change to attendance accounting. Prior to January attendance was counted in half days. In order to minimize the distortions this caused, the district now counts attendance by period, where each period is roughly 1 hour. This is easier in the Middle and High Schools where students’ schedules are broken down by period and attendance can be tracked on the computer. For the earlier grades the breakdown is done manually.

However it is accounted for, the law allows no more than 3 unexcused full-day absences before taking action for truancy; that would be 24 periods. Furthermore, Blue Ridge policy requires administrators to examine the record of any student with more than 10 days away from school for any reason, or about 80 period-hours. Anything over that threshold requires the creation of a “truancy elimination plan.” Mr. McTiernan said that it’s unfortunate that it wasn’t called something like an attendance encouragement plan, but, as Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner said, “We want students here,” in school and learning.

While absences for cause may be excused, there have been abuses of the policy. Thus, the Superintendent said that a note from a parent does not constitute an automatic excuse. The goal is to identify and deal with “irregular attendance.”

One parent asked why a child sent home by the school nurse needed to see a doctor for a note to excuse the absence. She said that in such cases it’s often difficult to get to see a doctor, but that even seeing a nurse unnecessarily costs money.

Mr. McTiernan responded repeatedly that “It is important that we have a conversation” in cases like this, and encouraged parents to bring individual issues like this to the school administration, to the High School Assistant Principal, or to the attendance clerk.

Once the Board got around to the business meeting, of the 22 items on the agenda, members asked for discussion on 8 of them. And discussion there was, particularly about the calendar for next year. There has been considerable debate over the past 3 years about whether classes should begin before or after Labor Day. The calendar presented for debate this time calls for classes to begin immediately following the holiday.

Some have suggested that the additional 3 days before Labor Day would provide more instructional time to prepare for the standardized tests administered early in the term. Ms. Brown-Bonner and Christina Whitney noted that days immediately preceding holidays are often used for parties, movies and other entertainments, and that those extra 3 days would thus be meaningless, particularly since Blue Ridge performance in the tests has consistently improved even though school has started after Labor Day for the past 3 years now. “Those days don’t matter,” said they. In the end, all but Harold Empett, Shane Rumage and Chris Lewis voted for the schedule as presented, with classes to begin the day after Labor Day.

In other business, among a number of routine items, the Board will place a full-page ad in the Harford Fair program book, for $140. And the contract with WVIA for its special educational programs was renewed for next year at a cost of $1,140.

Transportation bills are now separated out of the regular bill list so that the members of the Lewis and Cosmello families can abstain. This time Doctor MacConnell also abstained from a vote retaining the Blue Ridge Medical Center for medical services for next year.

At the workshop a week prior, Chris Lewis raised some concerns about the performance of Athletic Director Jill Hoffman. When her re-appointment came up this time, his objections were dismissed with some heat as it was approved by everyone else.

An item recommending participation in the Arts Alive program through the Northeastern Intermediate Unit failed for lack of a motion.

And a measure to consider a tax abatement for a senior citizen housing community in Hallstead was tabled. The Emerson Southgate Apartments, operated by the private Hallstead Elderly, Inc., has applied to supplant property taxes with an “in-lieu-of” payment of 20% of its expected tax bill. Mr. McTiernan said he wanted more time to research the legal implications of denying such a request. Operated as a non-profit entity, the property may be entitled to a rebate of property tax.

Henry Sallusti of RBC Capital Markets Corporation appeared again before the Board with final details of a refinancing plan for the District’s outstanding bonds. The Board accepted the proposal, and took a break to sign papers for the redemption of some $1.2 million worth of bonds and the refinancing of the District’s remaining long-term debt. According to Mr. Sallusti, the new debt structure would cost less than 1% interest through its remaining 3 years. The deal would result in a net savings of over $77,000.

Mr. McTiernan briefly discussed a “pilot” relationship with Apple for the use of technology at Blue Ridge, particularly in special education. The collaboration involves training and other materials that could help reduce the dependence on what the Superintendent called “fancy typewriters,” while improving access to the benefits of the new technologies, such as tablets like the iPad.

Student Representative Julia Stanley sat through all this before reporting on the annual SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) campaign in advance of the senior prom. She also announced that the National Honor Society would again collect castoff electronics, on April 12.

With children milling about, gathering for recognition from the Board and warm smiles from their parents chatting among themselves, and everyone eating some delicious brownies, the new Intergovernmental and Community Relations Committee tried to hear each other over the din to discuss a survey they hope will gauge public interest in the schools, its programs and progress. As she often does, Ms. Brown-Bonner dominated the discussion in Mr. Lewis’s committee, asking for additional questions that might appear in such a poll. Others are invited to suggest topics for subsequent meetings, perhaps in a quieter environment.

The next public meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board is a workshop scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2014, beginning at 7:00pm in the cafeteria in the Elementary School. Check the district’s website at http://www.brsd.org for the latest information, particularly about committees that may meet at an earlier time.

On April 9th, 2014, Susquehanna Borough held their monthly meeting. All members of the Council were present except for Mayor Nancy Hurley, along with nine members of the public. The meeting began with an update on the water tower, and then roughly, as residents of the community stated concerns to the Council, new revisions for the Rental Ordinance and finally with some good news for Hometown Days.

Mr. Bill Malos from the Pennsylvania American Water Company was in attendance to discuss updates on the new water tower. He stated that the tank would be ready for service by the end of the week or early the following week. He then stated that it would not be on at full capacity from the start, that pressure would be gradually introduced weekly in case any properties had high water pressure problems that needed to be addressed.

Moving foward to additional public comment, Mr. Plonka was in attendance once more, stating his concerns regarding acquiring electric for the Starrucca House and the recent oil spill on his property. Roberta Reddon again stated that matters were “in litigation” and that the matters must go through the legal system, and therefore could not be discussed until their Solicitor Michael Briechle, Esquire, arrived at the meeting. A brief exchange of words unfolded between Mr. Plonka, Roberta Reddon, and Roy Williams. Regarding the oil spill on his property, Mr. Williams informed Mr. Plonka that it was in the hands of the Department of Environmental Protection and not the Borough. The Council then requested they move on from the issue until the solicitor arrived. Some five minutes later, he arrived. Mr. Plonka then inquired about numerous letters that he said were sent to Mr. Briechle’s office. Mr. Briechle responded that he had received no such letters. When inquired about further, Mr Briechle noted he had received letter(s), but they had been addressed to the Court, not him. Mr. Plonka stated that he is continuously being “left-fielded” by the Borough Council, having been trying to make progress on the Starrucca House for two years now. At this time, Roberta Reddon stated that Mr. Plonka would be asked to leave the room if he was not “respectful” in his words, despite the Council members demeanor themselves, at which time Police Chief Sweet stood nearer to him. Mr. Briechle stated that thirty (30) days were allowed to respond and that those thirty days were not yet up. With neither Mr. Plonka nor the Council seemingly satisfied with the discussion, it was encouraged by Council member Roberta Reddon that they move on from the subject, at which time she passed an unopened letter that was given to the Borough from Mr. Plonka, to their Solicitor, having not opened it or read it to neither the public or the Council.

Already seemingly overwhelmed with public comment, the Council then took another complaint from a property owner on Prospect Street, Mr. Steven Sicovitch. Early on in the discussion, Roy Williams mentioned that the Condemnation placard had been removed from the property and that the property was “unsecured” with the door open and that the placard had since been replaced earlier that day. Mr. Sicovitch then stated that he had left the property locked and had not removed the placard from the window. Puzzled as to why the placard was gone and why the property was unsecured, Mr. Sicovitch went on to state that before the initial condemnation of the building, the tenants, who at that point were already separated from the property, had given Code Enforcer Roy Williams permission to enter, and not the property owner himself. Mr. Sicovitch then cited an incident where, after the building was condemned, he and another were trying to remove “junky furniture” from the property when Mr. Williams showed up and stated that he could finish that load, but after that would not be allowed to take anything else, or else he would be “arrested.” Mr. Williams denied that statement, visibly angry and waiving his finger at Mr. Sicovitch. Flexing their muscles once more, Council stated that if Mr. Sicovitch was not being respectful that he would be asked to leave. Mr. Sicovitch then stated that the “mold” had been removed and cleaned with bleach. Roy Williams then told Mr. Sicovitch that bleach is no longer an acceptable means of cleaning mold and that if he has the proper mold testing conducted, showing that there is in fact no mold in the structure, that the condemnation would be lifted. Once again, the Council insisted they move on from the subject. Appearing frustrated by the situation, Mr. Sicovitch then left the meeting.

Mr. John Sholtiss was also in attendance, with suggestions regarding a new clock in town. Stating that he is always still looking for the clock when driving through town, as many others are as well. No definite decision was made to purchase a clock, but the Council will continue looking into it.

The Borough also received a letter from the Fire Department, offering to extend their Fire Protection Contract, with the same mileage used previously. The Borough accepted this, first Council member Sue Crawford and seconded by John Hendrickson.

Following up on an item that was tabled at the previous meeting, a motion was made to purchase a small truck, a 2002 Ford Ranger, from French’s. This truck would be used for grass work, tools, and various other tasks around the town. Having got a good deal on the truck, at $3200, a motion was then made to purchase a small bucket for the back hoe for $1200.

Solicitor Briechle also had some suggestions regarding the Borough’s Rental Ordinance. He suggested that the Council increase the outdated fine amount and make changes to the Fee Schedule. He stated that not only should they increase the amount of the fines, but “imprisonment” should be a consequence for those in non-compliance. He also suggested they make amendments to the Ordinance every three years to keep it up to date.

Briechle also suggested some revisions to be made to specifically correspond to Susquehanna Borough, that would be “heavy handed towards violators.” The revised Ordinance should then be advertised. Among the proposed revisions to the Rental Ordinance was one that would require weed/grass height to not exceed six inches. It would also require screen doors and screen windows be absolutely mandatory between certain months of the year, along with self-closing screen doors. Another revision would require the temperature to be kept mandatorily at at least sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit between certain months of the year. It seemed a couple of people in the room took note of the seemingly invasive new revisions and consequences. Further, these revisions will be advertised and presented at next month’s meeting.

The Borough then made a motion to terminate the current Code Inspectors company and in turn consider to appoint Northeastern Inspection Consultants for a one year term, pending a review and negotiated terms of the contract.

It was also noted that 873 West Main Street is set to be demolished and paid for from the Capital Reserve.

In happier, positive news from the Council, a sign-up sheet was presented as well as a t-shirt design for the Hometown Days 5k Run/Walk for all ages. It will be held on Saturday, July 19 during Hometown Days. Registration, at this point is scheduled to take place at 7 AM with the race beginning at 9 AM. The race would accept a $15 Entry Fee and a $55 race entry for a party of four. The race, mapped out with help from Joe Bucci and Pete Janicelli, would begin at the Susquehanna Community School parking lot and would end at the Susquehanna Borough Building. All of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Susquehanna Community Development Association. Registration forms can be acquired through www.susquehannaborough.org. Council members are excited for the new 5k, and are hoping it can be an annual event for the community in which many will get involved. It was then asked that Susquehanna Borough make a donation to the event, at which time they did.

Also regarding the SCDA, the Council wished to thank them on another successful year at the Easter Egg Hunt that was held on April 6th at Prospect Park.

Nearing the close of the meeting, Roberta Reddon gave an update on the status of the construction over Drinker Creek on the bridge. She stated that project is still on schedule to be started again on the 14th of April, with completion still scheduled for July.

After a long and at times very intense meeting, the Council recessed into an Executive Sessions to discuss “legal” issues. The next meeting is scheduled for the second Wednesday of the Month, May 14th, 2014 at the Borough building.

The Harford Supervisors covered a lot of ground at their April meeting on the 8th. Much of it was about equipment of various kinds, but they are also attacking the problem of a failing bridge, and set the parameters for the annual township “cleanup,” among other things

Through an “oversight” the Supervisors forgot to have the extra lights and flashers installed on the new Ford F350 yard truck purchased recently. So that will have to go back to Powell’s for more work. They will also be looking for someone to letter the truck as Harford Township equipment. The Kodiak truck will also get a new dump box for $5,819, along with some new wiring.

The newest Supervisor, Conrad Owens, had a spirited debate with former Supervisor Garry Foltz over the disposition of the 2003 Ford F550 truck. Mr. Foltz insisted that the township could get more money out of it by selling it intact. But the township has had an offer from Jackson Township to purchase the engine for $800. Mr. Owens said that money wasn’t the only value they consider. By doing a favor for another township, Harford may in future reap similar favors; the townships are all in it together. The Supervisors voted unanimously to sell the engine to Jackson, and sell the rest of the old vehicle for parts or scrap.

The Supervisors will also solicit bids for the old F350 truck, as well as a tractor and sickle-bar mower for which they have no further use.

The township will contract with NuPump Marine Construction to make temporary emergency repairs to the bridge on Lower Podunk Road over Butler Creek for about $15,000. The bridge has deteriorated to the lowest category weight limit and could be ordered closed if not repaired soon. The project will involve pumping a grout into voids created by the scouring of the creek against the walls of the bridge supports. Inspectors from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have declared the bridge deck to be serviceable, but that the walls must be shored up to prevent a closure which could potentially cut the township’s liquid fuel subsidy. The Supervisors are researching grants that might be used to make permanent repairs, or to replace the bridge entirely.

There was also an item in the bill list for almost $2,000 for engineering required by the state Department of Environmental Protection in preparation for replacing a sluice under Wilcox Road similar to the work that was done a couple years past on Richardson Road.

The Supervisors chose Barhite Excavating as the low-cost bidder to refurbish Tripp Road. Materials for the new road base and surface will come at least in part from cleaned stone provided by the Williams company from the site of the new compressor station being built off Miller Road.

The Supervisors signed documents that will allow the township to begin receiving royalty payments from Cabot Oil & Gas for gas production under the ballfield on the edge of Harford village from the Adams pad.

The Supervisors appointed Steve Smith Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. They also approved a request from Montrose that will allow Harford Fire Police to participate in holiday festivities for Memorial Day and Independence Day.

An application for an “assessment permit” for a pole barn on Tannery Street in Kingsley was set aside temporarily until the property’s flood-plain status could be determined, and the township’s potential liability for approving the construction.

The Supervisors tabled a request from the sewer system operator for new pumps. Supervisor Sue Furney said that there are already 5 pumps in stock. The request will be held pending an inventory. Supervisor Doug Phelps also reported that a significant payment (about $16,000) was made on a property that has been long delinquent in payment of sewer fees.

In announcing a following executive session on a legal matter, the Supervisors said that the matter involved the rampaging bulls at the Harford Fair almost 2 years ago.

A resident at Tingley Lake attended to register a complaint about the condition of Tingley Lake Road. Ms. Furney said that PennDOT had looked at it (Tingley Lake is a state road) and agreed to patch it, but that only a few of the many holes were actually patched. The Supervisors agreed to keep in touch with PennDOT, but urged concerned citizens to pester PennDOT about it as well.

As usual, the annual “cleanup” in Harford Township is scheduled for the first week in June. The work generally takes only about 3 days, so that would be June 2, 3 and 4. The price of a load (a large, staked pickup truck) will go up to $60. Only passenger car tires will be accepted at $4 each. They will accept all electronics for recycling through the county; television sets (and computer monitors) must not have any broken glass. They will not accept construction debris, most wood products, or household trash. Ms. Furney said that last year, after the metals were sold for scrap, the township came out ahead. Yet Mr. Foltz objected to the cost of this service to township residents when labor is factored in. Mr. Owens said the Supervisors would try to find less costly dumpsters.

The next public meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2014 beginning at 7:00pm at the township office on Route 547.

It may be impossible to eliminate corruption, but Lanesboro is doggedly determined to fight it. And Borough Council demonstrated it is not above calling in needed reinforcements, whether to investigate, confront, correct, or just push back against nature or man’s flawed nature.

Lanesboro Boro Council met at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8th, for its regular monthly meeting. Present for the meeting were Council President Todd Glover, Mayor Chris Maby, Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan, and council members Dan Boughton, Regina Dilello, Jason Fissel, David Glidden, Tom Nitterour, and Dale Rockwell.

Council’s battle against the corruptions of Old Man Winter was readily apparent during both the Streets Report and the Park Report. The ravages of winter have filled Lanesboro’s streets with potholes, and council agreed that the battle must be joined as quickly as possible. Battle lines are drawn on Grand Street, Barnes Avenue, Side Avenue, and the intersection of Jefferson and Main Streets. Thawing and freezing combined with water’s seepage are the obvious culprits. To neutralize these forces of corruption and destruction Council calculated patching by Harmony Township’s road maintenance crew could and should be enlisted at the earliest opportunity. Streets corruption can be given no quarter.

Regarding Parks, mention was made of the Easter Egg Hunt to be conducted on April 15th at 1:30 p.m. The question arose, “Does anyone know what the Park looks like?” No one knew the current state, but councilman Fissel did know that it is very likely someone new will have to be hired to do the grounds keeping, not only for the park, but also for all the properties the borough is now saddled with because of FEMA buyouts. Council agreed to advertise for a lawn maintenance worker both to battle winter’s ravages at the park and to mow grass on FEMA buyout wastelands (lest weeds of corruption gain a foothold in contravention of the borough’s agreement with the federal government).

Nature’s corruption of course isn’t limited to the borough’s roads, parks, and FEMA-regulated dead zones. Time takes its toll on interior spaces. The borough’s Community Center kitchen is deteriorating and could well do with an upgrade. Problem is there are no rentals scheduled for the near future, so no revenue stream is presently available or foreseeable. Neither is there a surplus in the borough’s budget for any serious renovation. Still, there are sufficient funds for a bucket of paint, and council members thought they can get at least two seniors at SCHS to perform painting duty as part of their Community Service Project.

Typical, as well as atypical, corruption was exposed through the Mayor’s presentation of the Police Report for the month of March. The cases of atypical corruption included incidents of underage drinking, a pair of drug possession cases, school trespassing, domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and a mental health call (no charges filed). The more typical corruption took the form of some 45 traffic stops, resulting in the issuance of 27 citations and 18 warnings. Thirty-two of those stops were for speeding, five for inspection violations, three for equipment violations, two registration violations, two stop-sign violations, and one driver cited for driving on a suspended license. Lanesboro Police Officers put in 201 hours all told, with 114.5 hours on school patrol, and 14 hours battling lawbreakers in Thompson.

Council had even more to say about corruption in the borough. Parking on side walks in the borough is prohibited by ordinance. While Chief Smith diplomatically handles parking complaints, repeated instances of sidewalk parking could (conceivably) break down curbs and sidewalks, a situation pleasing to neither council nor taxpaying voters.

Secondly, a possible phone scam by an insurance sales representative was discussed. Chief Smith has warned the sales rep concerned to refrain from phoning borough residents or prosecution could ensue. Borough residents receiving deceptive insurance sales solicitations should notify Lanesboro Police.

In yet another case of corruption Lanesboro Police working in conjunction with Susquehanna Police Department cracked the case of a Lanesboro resident who illegally hooked up a sump pump to funnel water through the borough’s sewer system. The resulting increase doubled the borough’s usual water usage, resulting in thousands of dollars in charges. The culprit initially denied guilt, but when presented with incontrovertible evidence changed his tune and shut down his sump pump operation. The borough is seeking recovery of payment for water charges and is prosecuting the offender to the fullest extent of the law.

Lest readers conclude that only corruption in its many manifestations consumed council’s attention, other--more mundane--business issues were brought to the fore. The borough’s insurance agent made his detailed annual presentation of the borough’s insurance coverage and fielded questions from council members in response.

Two residents of Lanesboro asked for time during public comment. One asked if a permit was needed to tear down a trailer; it is. The second, Colleen Wilkes, requested use of the Community Center for the Nellie Jane DeWitt Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) banquet on May 22nd. Council voted unanimously to permit BPW use of the Community Center.

Borough Council also voted unanimously by roll call vote to accept Susquehanna Depot Fire Department’s offer of continued service into 2016 at the same millage rates in the current agreement. Rates would rise only in the event of a reassessment.

A second roll call vote, also providing unanimous approval, granted the advertising for sale of the borough’s refuse truck (since the borough is now out of the refuse collection business). Treasurer Hanrahan mentioned that past-due refuse accounts are being pursued for payment. Deadbeats will be prosecuted at the Magisterial District Judge level, and then referred to collection agencies as necessary.

The transition to Freddy’s Refuse Service has proven successful. Better than three of every four accountholders have paid for service. The council will be provided with a list of those who have not contracted for service by the time next meeting convenes on the second Tuesday in May.

With 59 meeting minutes under their collective belts Lanesboro Boro Council adjourned April’s meet. Council members marshaled and deployed forces to battle corruption of nature, time, and man; they spurred further improvements, restoration, correction, and enforcement; their dream of incorruption overcoming corruption lives on. And day-to-day governance continues as the beat goes on.

Great Bend Township held their monthly meeting on Monday, the 7th of April 2014. All three members of the Council were present, along with seven members of the public. Three of which were wishing to request time on the Agenda. A last-minute meeting with Seniors from Binghamton University broke up the monotony of road discussion that is common in township meetings this time of year.

A resident from Greenvalley Road was one of those requesting time to comment. It seems there is a mess on the road, being rough and muddy Mr. Monks stated that his entire bumper was torn from his car upon sinking in the muddy mess. He also stated that both ends of the road were in bad shape, and thus the mud is unavoidable. Another resident of Greenvalley Road stated that his vehicle had sunk nearly eighteen inches into the muddy mess on the road. Supervisor Hinkley stated that most likely they would not be able to help with repairs to the vehicle, but that they will see what can be done to the road to improve conditions.

R. Tiffany, also a resident of the Township, had questions regarding a bridge replacement on Rt. 1033, New York Ave., over Dubois Creek. Supervisor Hinkley stated that he had met with the company replacing the bridge previously. He stated that the bridge will be down to one lane while undergoing construction.

A resident living near Randolph Road and Jackson was in attendance with questions regarding his driveway permit and water run off near the sides and middle of the road that needed clarification.

Further on roads, the Township is currently revising the Road Maintenance Agreement with Southwestern Energy.

The Township also stated that they have received the Susquehanna County Conservation Districts 2014 Dirt and Gravel Road Grant Application, which they will fill out and return upon inspection of roads that need to be repaired.

As far as permits are concerned, a subdivision was approved on the property of Brian and Theresa Hinkley, since sewage planning was completed. Also, Southwestern Energy submitted an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to the Department of Environmental Protection.

A donation was made to Blue Ridge Recreation, Inc. for their Summer Adventures program. Supervisor Sheila Guinan stated that they donate to the program annually because it is a “good program” and one of the few opportunities in the area for children during the summertime.

As the meeting was nearing a close, the entrance of three Binghamton University students, Kevin Mootoo, Conor Ryan, and Christopher Starace, members of BingComm, arrived with some positive news. Having seen an article in the paper last month regarding the Susquehanna County Athletic and Conference Facility that Ms. Molteni spoke of, they were attending the meeting in hopes of connecting with the group to aid in the Feasibility study. Mr. Mootoo, Mr. Ryan, and Mr. Starace, along with members who were not present, Tiangying Liu, Nancy Kamani, Amy Sytsma, are students who are majoring in Industrial & Systems Engineering at Binghamton University. They too are looking to develop an after-school facility for children, as well as a Food Bank/Food Pantry. Advised by Professor Robert Emerson and stakeholders being United Methodist Church in Great Bend, they are hoping to collaborate with those trying to develop the Susquehanna County Athletic and Conference Facility as part of their Senior Design Project for Engineering. Supervisors were more than pleased to see a group such as BingComm reach out to possibly aid in the proposed project.

Having ended the meeting on a positive note, it is worth mentioning that there are still two empty seats on the Sewer Authority and also an opening for an Emergency Management Coordinator. Next month’s meeting will take place on the first Monday in May, the 5th, 2014 at seven o’clock PM in the Municipal Building on Route 171.

There were initially only three items on the agenda of the April 7th meeting of the Montrose borough council, though this grew slightly as the meeting progressed. Topics discussed included zoning, permits, a Leatherstocking meeting, and the dog park.

Various items of correspondence was reviewed. There had been several items regarding the Constitution Pipeline. There was also a letter requesting a $500 donation towards Ashley Kilmer’s multi-use athletic complex idea. Nobody motioned to make action on this. Ms. Skinner spoke up, wishing to draw attention to the $50,000 C.O.G.E.N.T. Grant that the fire department would be benefitting from.

A letter was received from the borough’s treasurer and payroll specialist. She was resigning from her position effective April 30th. Mr. Lamont motioned to accept the resignation with regret. It was stated that she had been good to them, and helped them through a tough time.

Three permits were added to the agenda: a porch renovation, an awning and sign for Joycie’s, and a peddler’s permit for Southern Tier Heating and Air Conditioning.

Mr. DiPhillips gave the street report. They had done work at the Publishing Company. It was asked what they were going to do about the running water. Mr. Diphillips responded that it was going into the Publishing Company, that the culvert was definitely compromised. There were to be further discussions about this.

Mr. Schuster asked him how the radios were working; Mr. DiPhillips responded that they were working very well.

Mr. DiPhillips said that there had been people cutting across the empty lot and going near the police department. They were thinking about a fence, which would keep them from going around by the police parking lot. The cost was estimated at under five hundred dollars.

Mr. Reimel didn’t think they could stop where they wanted to stop, as he thought people would just go down the bank a bit to continue cutting the distance some. The borough had made an offer on the vacant lot and was rejected. It was decided they would talk about the fence further at a later time- perhaps look at it when it wasn’t dark out.

Mr. Lamont asked about the Coleman Road project. Mr. DiPhillips responded that it was complete and inspected, though there had been a mix up with the permits. Mr. Lamont responded that they had the permits and the packet at that time.

The zoning officer report would have normally been next, but that evening they didn’t have one. When someone asked what they were doing about this, it was responded that they had advertised for two weeks, and received two responses. Both were from companies. Mr. Lamont related that they had met with Carson, who thought it would be very unwieldy to go with a company. He said that he knew other municipalities that had gone with companies, however. Carson’s concern had been that by going with a company there was no one individual responsible. Mr. Granahan said that he felt they should use a company, as they did not have the manpower to do the work, or anyone to oversee them. Mr. Lamont said that he thought everyone was fairly frustrated with COG. A representative of the zoning board said that she was at that meeting, and she got out of the meeting that a company had a certain individual who would handle all of this. Mr. Lamont said he would give the packets to the personnel committee to make a recommendation. The representative pointed out the fact that they had such a turnover in the last fifteen or twenty years, there had been no continuity. They spent an hour and a half going over zoning, and they were only the zoning hearing board. Mr. Lamont clarified that the job of the zoning officer was completely different things than the job of a code enforcement officer. Mr. Schuster thought that once they decided who they wanted to go with, they would like to sit down with Carson and that company to discuss further. The matter was left to personnel committee to make a recommendation as a first step.

Mr. Schuster pointed out that seeing as how they didn’t have a zoning enforcement officer at the moment, the police were the zoning enforcement officers. Someone should talk to the hotel, he continued, as the dumpster was overflowing, and the fire escape was blocked. Chief Smith said that they had seen the dumpster that day, and supposedly pickup was the next. Mr. Lamont agreed that they would like the police officers to keep an eye on what was going on around town, as they did have the power to enforce zoning.

The bathroom construction project at Memorial Park was moving forward, though there had been a few issues getting things with COG.

The subject of the now vacant treasurer position was broached. Mr. Schuster said that since Joanne gave her notice, he had done some research and he had asked Erin Jenner to come up with some names. Mr. Granahan had a proposal for Ventrescas, at $195 a month. The work would involve quarterly payroll reports, the reconciliation of bank accounts, etc. The proposal was consistent with Joanne’s duties. It would also maintain the system where the same person who deposited and wrote checks wouldn’t be the same person doing the reconciliations. Ms. Skinner asked if it had been put out to bid. Mr. Granahan responded that they did not have to do so. The motion for Ventresca was made and accepted.

Fred Dowling and his son, from Southern Tier Heating and Air Conditioning, had previously requested a peddler’s permit. Mr. Lamont said that the borough had recently dealt with Leatherstocking and their door knocker, and Mr. Dowling and his son wanted to do the same thing. The peddler’s permit for this purpose was approved. Mr. Reimel suggested that every time they send someone down, it should be required that they first stop and give the borough resident their license plate numbers to report to the police.

The subject of the dog park was revisited. Mr. DiPhillips had drawn up something which put it near where the volleyball court was. Mr. Reimel asked why they were looking to put it in the park, where there was a no dogs policy. It had been thought that there was a different location which was previously discussed, as it was the out of the park section of the park. This would be next to the skating rink. Mr. Lamont and Mr. Reimel agreed that the middle of the park was not the most preferable place. A visitor spoke of a great article in the Binghamton Press about a dog park- which would give a great example of what could be done. Mr. Lamont said that was a large park, and a larger dog park being planned than their entire park. The woman said that she didn’t know as the section under discussion would be large enough. Mr. Reimel said that the Lions weren’t interested in formally dedicating an area on their property for this purpose (a location which had been previously discussed), though they were not adverse to individuals continuing to run their dogs there. Mr. Lamont said that they needed to see how much of the park they wanted to dedicate if they were going to put it in the park, and if they didn’t put it in the park where they would put it.

Mr. Reimel said that there were existing areas where people could take dogs for exercise. He said that he didn’t want to be the one to ask the street department to pick up dog droppings. The woman responded that she didn’t think they would have to do so, as dog owners could be expected to care for their own. It was asked, however, what would be done if owners didn’t do this. One council member said that he wanted more information on the project, and didn’t know as the borough had to sponsor one. The police secretary and Mr. Lamont asked what would keep people from dropping their dog off at the dog park, and leaving them. Mr. Lamont said that was one of his concerns with it being in the park- what would stop a parent from dropping the dog off at the park and taking their child to play in the other section. A visitor brought forth the petition the council had asked her for at the previous meeting, sporting 44 signatures in interest of the dog park.

They’re coming back . . . again. And they’ll be serving others . . . in service to their fellow man . . . for God. That was the bottom-line message conveyed by Council President Brian Rhone at Oakland Borough’s Thursday, April 10 meeting as he and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush explained the help being extended to the borough by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ms. Lynkay Brown, LDS church representative, will be meeting with borough officials in the near future to review service projects proposed by the borough for the Church’s upcoming day of service in Oakland.

Because the church is extending their service not only to the municipality itself, but to individuals in need also, Secretary Brush asked councilmen and mayor to brainstorm for a few minutes and write down the various projects, people, and properties for service project consideration. Secretary Brush noted that handicapped residents may appreciate clearing of brush, painting, yard work, or various other tasks performed in service since they themselves are incapable of such activities.

Councilmen dutifully discussed and wrote down various projects and the names of individuals in need to make the most of the opportunity before them. Mayor and council recalled with high praise the service performed by the Latter-day Saints last year along State Street.

Present for the brainstorming were Mayor Ron Beavan, Councilmen Jack Agler, Doug Arthur, Gary Boughton, Eric Page, Nelson Towner, and the aforementioned Council President and Secretary/Treasurer. Councilman Dave Trevarthan was absent.

Service projects by the LDS church won’t, of course, be the exclusive source of improvements in Oakland Boro this spring. Gary Boughton gave a brief overview of his interaction with non-council community residents interested in the park, and made tentative plans to meet with councilmen Arthur and Towner for a joint inspection of the park. Their review will determine the necessary level of maintenance & upkeep, as well as improvements preparatory to Little League season opening.

Later discussion also brought up the topic of “dead signage.” A specific example of dead signage stares drivers in the face at the end of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge: a sign for P.J. O’Hare’s restaurant. The restaurant, having closed months ago, exists perpetually in signage though not in reality. Council agreed that they should look into borough and state regulations, and discuss enforcement mechanisms, if any, with Code Enforcement Officer Shane Lewis. A review of all signage in the borough is likely in order, suggested Mayor Beavan.

In the Codes Report provided by President Rhone half a dozen properties in the borough were highlighted with a modicum of specificity. A pair were deemed to now be in compliance with code; the remainder adjudged somewhere along the spectrum of being worthy of warning to requiring near-continuance monitoring.

Moving on from monitoring properties, policing took center-stage. Mayor Beavan presented the Police Report--not for March--but for January and February. Since those reports were not heretofore made available, they are presented as follows. For January, Oakland PD reported eight incidents: two motor vehicle accidents; and one each of the following, criminal mischief, disabled vehicle, domestic dispute, missing person, suspicious person, traffic stop, and “miscellaneous.”

February’s Police Report showed four traffic stops, and one each of the following: structure fire, larceny/theft, courtesy transport of a prisoner, and one case of vandalism. March and April Police Reports should be available at the May monthly meeting.

In discussion of River Bounty’s destiny, administrative actions required to advance its march into history were brought to the fore. More research is needed and a small fee must be paid to finally lay River Bounty to rest. But one oddity that emerged from the discussion was enlightenment as to the Commonwealth’s legal claim to all land under rivers and along riverbanks. Apparently that detail has some interesting implications in ways most people, including this reporter, had never considered heretofore.

President Rhone read a letter from Susquehanna Depot Fire Department (SDFD) offering continuation of fire protection services to Oakland borough at the current rate through 2016. Only a change in assessment values by increased or decreased amounts would be cause to change the rate charged for service before the end of the contract. By roll call vote SDFD’s offer was accepted.

Before the meeting closed at 8:03 p.m. to go into executive session (for a matter on which no official action would be taken this night), borough council had to brainstorm one last issue. In a letter to Oakland, Susquehanna Community Development Authority (SCDA) outlined their previous accomplishments, disclosed their plans for upcoming celebratory/community events this year, and provided their schedule of suggested donations. Ultimately, Mayor Beavan suggested a $100 donation; motion was made and seconded; and by unanimous vote approval was granted for a one-time donation.

Oakland Borough Council will resume brainstorming, deliberations, discoveries, and decision-making on the second Thursday of May at 7 p.m.

Freedom from debt doesn’t happen by accident. In Pennsylvania’s 498 school districts it’s almost an alien concept. But as if in response to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives’ Resolution designating April 2014 as Financial Responsibility Month, Susquehanna Community School District seized the day to set a date certain for financial independence.

At SCSD’s Wednesday, April 9, regular monthly meeting both Superintendent Bronson Stone and Business Manager Gary Kiernan trumpeted the district’s purposefulness to gain freedom from debt in less than a year’s time. State House Resolution 756 declares that students often slip into poor financial habits and a lifetime of debt, and the resolution exhorts elementary and secondary schools to develop students’ money handling skills early in life. Obviously, administrators and school directors take their responsibility seriously and have elected to lead by example, as well as keep trust with taxpayers.

The school district’s drive to escape debt serfdom requires authentic financial discipline, a rare quality in an age of profligacy. What the district purposes to do is include within its 2014/2015 budget a March 2015 payoff of $1,643,743.75 (in addition to the September 2014 payment). This plan will save the district (read: taxpayers) some $144,350 in interest payments. It will also leave the district in the enviable position of having no debt.

Some readers may be thinking at this point that there must be a catch. School real estate taxes will still be going up, right? Wrong! Superintendent Stone is adamant that he can get the district to debt freedom without any projected tax increase in the next school year.

Here’s what he’s up against in pulling off this double blessing during the seventh year of the Greater Depression. The PSERS (Public School Employees’ Retirement System) rate will grow from the current 16.93% to 21.40% of payroll, for an increase of 26.4%. Additionally, SCSD is staying in its health care consortium, but changes in health care costs are a mixed bag, traditional plan costs decreasing by 12% and PPO rates increasing by 3.4%. Superintendent Stone can count on virtually no help from the state as the BES (Basic Education Subsidy) is flat-funded, and the state is offering only a token increase of $5,012 in Special Education funding.

What are the “silver bullets” to pull the district over the finish line to financial freedom? First, the district has four teachers and an elementary principal retiring at the end of this school year. None of the four teachers is being replaced, and Superintendent Stone is picking up Robert Keyes’ principal duties while picking up only a nominal increase in salary. Because the district’s student enrollment has been on a downward slope and future projections indicate no interruption of that trend through at least 2018, the district requires fewer staff. So with five fewer senior employees on staff the district is realizing a huge cost savings. And finally, utilizing the district’s healthy fund balance is a key component in liquidating the note five years ahead of schedule.

With this degree of financial responsibility at the local district level it is no wonder the district’s bond rating level is already “AAA.” This contrasts with the S & P’s bond rating for the state of Pennsylvania: “AA.” While the Commonwealth’s bond rating is third from the top in the hierarchy of ratings, S & P assigns the state a negative outlook largely because of the unfunded debt liabilities of teacher and state employees’ pensions. While the state kicks the problem further down the road, SCSD has tightened its belt and planned to put itself in the strongest possible financial position to weather the day when promises will no longer be kept because economic realities cannot be ignored. Early debt payoff Mr. Kiernan pointed out frees up $240,000 a month in cash flow.

Present for the 25 minute public meeting of the school district’s business were President Steven Stanford, and board members Lori Canfield, Jason Chamberlain, Amanda Cook, Evelyn Cottrell, Carol Jackson, Holly Kubus, Martha Stanford, and Clay Weaver.

While not directly related to the administration’s ambitious plans for debt freedom without tax increase, the board’s actions at this meeting expressed whole-hearted support for both Superintendent Stone and Business Manager Kiernan. Board members unanimously approved the negotiated compensation plan between Mr. Kiernan and SCSD effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2018. Additionally, the board granted the Business Office permission to tabulate and award bids, and to order supplies for the 2014-2015 school year, subject to Board approval in May.

The board also approved the negotiated employment contract between Bronson Stone and SCSD. By roll call vote board members unanimously approved the resolution, “Therefore, be it resolved after due consideration the Board of Directors does hereby nominate and appoint Bronson Stone to serve as Superintendent effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2019, all in accordance with law 24 PA CODE 49. . .” Additionally the Board approved Superintendent Stone as the District’s e-signature authorized officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

While Mr. Stone draws a lot of limelight, he offered profuse praise to Facilities Manager Donnie Norris who recently handled an emergency situation with a broken pipe on a Sunday. Mr. Stone noted the district’s particular blessing of having a facilities manager who lives next to the elementary school and is seemingly always available to handle any grounds or building problem as it arises. Mr. Norris took an “Aw shucks” attitude and remarked that everything seemed to be running well just now, though the fields are saturated by the unusually wet winter and their usual spring improvements are about two weeks beyond schedule.

In other actions the school board granted:

- Approval for designating May 6, 2014 as Teacher Recognition Day and sponsoring a breakfast on that day.

- Approval for 2013-2014 transportation contracts with new rates for buses 1, 10, 13, and 22.

- Approval for 10 different elementary field trips, with excursions to destinations including Howe Caverns and the Baseball Hall of Fame, Gettysburg, Camp Tuscarora, and Roberson Museum, among others.

- Approval for more than a dozen school-sponsored or community-group events involving use of campus facilities or school authorization for students and/or staff to attend off-campus.

And in what may be of greatest interest to members of the girls’ softball team, the school board granted approval for team members to compete in their privately-owned black pants for the rest of this season. For long-term corrective action school colors are being revised. Black will be incorporated with traditional Susky school colors royal blue and white in new team uniforms. A level of consistency must be maintained, or very simply uniforms aren’t uniform.

With the meeting wrapped up at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Kiernan leaped into action and served up peanut butter whimsies. For those with a sweet-tooth and able to afford the calories temptation lurked, and seconds called after so little as a bite from the first.

Temptations next on offer after Susky’s school board meeting will be on Wednesday, May 21.

The SCCTC meeting preceded a rescheduled Elk Lake meeting on April 9th. With the two meetings then on one night, a number of business items were taken care of.

The SCCTC’s correspondence was reviewed. The LPN Supervisor had sent a letter of resignation, and Dr. Bush asked permission to post that spot. Will Squier had received a letter from the acting principal of Montrose School District, thanking him for a tour given to MASD students and staff. In the letter he commended the vo-tech’s facilities, and referred to its outstanding educational opportunities.

A letter was also sent from the Active Adult Center, thanking the center for sending their students to provide free neck and shoulder massages. Mrs. Teel noted that there had been an article in the paper about it.

Mr. Zachary Pearce, Member Relations Coordinator from PSBA, spoke next. He commended them for being the first location that he had to use GPS locations to get to. He introduced his position, stating that he would be their first point of contact. He reviewed what was new at PSBA, which he said focused on member servicing. It involved the expansion of education and training, and member relations staff. They closed the printing operations, and discontinued School Leader News. (The outsourcing of printing was more cost effective.) There was also to be new PSBA branding. He reviewed PSBA governance, which included a governing board since it was a non-profit. He also reviewed staff structure, which focused on member services and included four solicitors as a resource to members and staff who focused on legislation.

He outlined a new feature at PSBA, called Career Gateway. This focused on administrator searches. It was a free service, though there was an upgraded fee based version as well. The latter would let a district pull up profiles.

He announced that hopefully by the end of the year, the Policy Department would be integrated with BoardDocs. This would be included in the existing policy fees. There would also be a new education and training model, involving three learning buckets (governance, issues, and relational) and levels of training (basic, advanced, and masters). A number of future plans were mentioned, including an alumni group, a redesign of the PSBA website, and hopefully more free training opportunities.

Ms. Teel and Mr. Emmerich attended the National School Board Conference. Ms. Teel called it a great conference, saying that it was all about kids and how every kid mattered. She spoke of one session, with the instructor in the movie Freedom Writers. She said that she was even more dynamic than portrayed in the movie.

Dr. Davis was absent, at Skills USA, and so Mrs. Staats gave her report. The students had built dog houses again, to benefit True Friends. The center had received two letters of congratulations from PDE, commending them for meeting or exceeding the state required increases in the areas of reading, math, and/or occupational achievement, and for having more than 80% of students performing at competent or advanced level on the state approved assessment as part of the Student Occupational Competency Testing Program.

The last day of school would be the 16th, Dr. Bush related, per the revised 2013-2014 calendar. Also reviewed was the 2014-2015 calendar. The most notable event on the latter, he said, was that the school would have a later than normal start- the Tuesday after labor day. Dr. Cuomo said that the idea was to give Johnson Controls more time to have the building ready to start. This could be beneficial in light of the late end to the current year.

Dr. Bush noted recommendations for staff members of the School Counselor Position, the Assistant Maintenance Supervisor position, and the Superintendent’s Confidential Administrative Assistant position.

Dr. Bush asked for approval for the ReEngaging Adult Learners Grant, which the district had been awarded in the amount of $35,000.

Bids for a bus and van were reviewed, and a vehicle purchase (the driver’s ed car) from Elk Lake was approved.

There was a new national campaign called Stand Up for Public Schools, Mrs. Teel announced. Magic Johnson, Sal Kahn from the Khan Academy, and Montel Williams were spokesmen for it. They wanted to keep public education as free, with quality for all kids. She was wearing a red band in support of the campaign that she got from the conference. She had brought a bunch back and offered them to the public.

The SCCTC meeting closed.

The Elk Lake meeting was opened at 7:47. There were four pieces of thank you correspondence.

These including a thank you from the Penn State Cooperate Extension, for letting them use the site for an agricultural event. They also included a thank you from the Community Foundation for the district’s donation of $500 for the proposed county athletic facility.

There were various retirement letters read aloud; Dr. Bush asked that they accept them with regret. The April 24th board meeting was canceled. The May meeting was moved to May 21st, and the June meeting to the 26th. These were only the Elk Lake meetings, not the SCCTC meetings.

Dr. Bush had been contacted by the Athletic Director at Montrose, wondering if Elk Lake would be interested in entering into an athletic program agreement in the area of girl’s field hockey. The two schools were involved in two agreements as was, to include swimming and football. He said that those were simpler, as Elk Lake had a pool and Montrose didn’t, and Montrose had a football team and Elk Lake didn’t. However, both school’s had field hockey facilities and Elk Lake had several players on their time. He did not recommend that the district enter into this.

Mrs. Staats, during the administrators’ reports, spoke of the Special Olympics trip and the Shriner’s Circus trip. She said that she had an interesting number of requests for services come in. In the recent past, the various schools had started their own programs, but now requests were coming in and she didn’t know if it was due to an overflow or a desire to use Elk Lake’s services.

Mr. Mallery said that the athletics schedule was a continuation of the winter schedule. He wished to thank the coaches, the parents, the students, the maintenance workers, and Mr. Blaisure. They were trying to play at neutral sites; anybody who had a field open that’s where they were playing. The junior high chorus had sung at the Binghamton Senators game, and as a result of their efforts they received a signed hockey stick.

Dr. Cuomo related how students in grades 3 though 6 were taking their PSSA’s. It was his first time experiencing these tests in the elementary school, and it was interesting seeing how seriously the students and staff took it. He also said that he had to thank Mrs. Heed for how well she put up with him as regarded substitutes. He said she did a fantastic job getting subs.

The science fair was coming up at the end of April, which he invited the board to. Kindergarten registration had been that week. He thought they had about 78 kindergarten students scheduled at that time. He estimated that they were probably going to have about 90 total by the start of the next year.

Miscellaneous salaries were approved, which Dr. Bush said they approved every year as part of the budget.

Dr. Bush asked for a transfer of $25,000 into the cafeteria fund. This was the third such transfer that had been asked for that year. It was money which had been budgeted.

It was motioned and approved for the school to sell the driver’s ed car to the career center, and to purchase a driver’s ed car through Costars.

Someone asked what was being done with the gas royalty money. Dr. Bush said that it had been going into the general fund. When Mrs. Heed asked if it had been spent, Mrs. Teel and Mr. Emmerich replied that was how the district was paying their bills.

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

Approved accepting the following employees’ intent to retire at the end of the 2013/2014 school year: David Williams - H.S. Technology Teacher; and Ellen Walko - Elementary Teacher. 

Approved the hiring of Debra Benson as Head of Food Service, and hiring Sabrina Graves and Jodi Villasana for positions as part-time cooks, for the 2014/2015 school year.

Approved Mike Iveson as a substitute bus driver.

Approved hiring Julie Gallo as Title I Coordinator.

Approved hiring Lori Zick as H.S. 27-day substitute.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:20 a.m. on April 11, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Justin T. Giberson, Francis M. Hagemeyer, Jr, Timothy M. Holmes, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Robert J. McCrone, Lawrence M. McGuire, Ronald N. Mitchell, Mary Perschau, Matthew J. Peters, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Todd J. Slater, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, Robert C. Walter II, 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.