On Wednesday, the 23rd of April 2014, the Susquehanna County Commissioners held their second meeting for the month in the Courthouse. Alan M. Hall, Michael J. Giangrieco, and Treasurer Cathy Benedict were all in attendance. Commissioner MaryAnn Warren was absent.

The meeting began with the Salary Board Agenda just after nine o’clock, which mostly consisted of alterations to the County Personnel Manual. Following a Motion to approve the minutes by Commissioner Giangrieco, they moved on to the items on the agenda.

First, a motion was made by Commissioner Giangrieco and seconded by Commissioner Hall, to eliminate Range 1 through 6 from the wage scale and change all Range 1 and 6 positions to Range 7 instead. Next, a motion to eliminate Section 10.2 of the County Personnel Manual, in regards to Birthday Days was made. In eliminating Section 10.2, a motion was then made by Commissioner Giangrieco to add Section 10.3 to the County Personnel Manual. This provides two floating holidays per year to be scheduled yearly by the Commissioners. Treasurer Benedict also seconded this. For 2014 only, employees will be allowed to utilize their Birthday Day as one floating holiday and also December 26, 2014 as the second floating holiday. Commissioner Giangrieco made this motion, which was again seconded by Treasurer Benedict. A motion was then made by Commissioner Giangrieco to amend Section 9.7 of the County Personnel Manual and was seconded by Treasurer Benedict. This amendment clarifies the qualifying factors for acceptance of donated time regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Finally, a motion made by Commissioner Giangrieco to eliminate the 911 Assistant Coordinator/Operations position in order to create a new position. This would be a full-time, non-union position of 911 Operations and Training Administrator. This position would entail forty hours a week and would pay anywhere between $34,500 to $39,000 per year, depending on the experience of the person.

With that, at approximately 9:07, Commissioner Giangrieco made a motion to close the Salary Board meeting and resume to the Commissioner’s Meeting.

Following the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, a motion was made by Giangrieco to approve Seminar requests and/or payment for seminars. These requests included Emergency Medical Dispatch Training and Knowledge Center Basic & Administrative Training.

The Commissioners then wished to recognize Mr. Patrick Parks for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, from Boy Scouts of America, Troop #50. Commissioner Hall stated that Mr. Parks would be presented with a Certificate recognizing his accomplishment.

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion to adopt Proclamation 2014-03, which proclaims that National Police Week would be held May 11, 2014 through May 17, 2014. Also, Peace Officers’ Memorial Day would take place on May 15, 2014. This motion was then seconded by Commissioner Hall.

There were then several motions made by Commissioner Giangrieco to appoint positions. Jim Kessler of Hallstead was appointed to the Conservation District Board of Directors as a Farmer Director, until December of 2014. Carl Tanner of Great Bend was appointed to the Susquehanna County Library Board until December of 2015. Reuben Everitt of Brackney was then re-appointed to the Agricultural Land Preservation Board, with his term expiring in December of 2016.

A motion was made to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes and removing trailers from the Repository List, including a trailer located in Montrose Terrace in Bridgewater Township and also a trailor on Hugaboom’s land in Ararat Township. Both were removed from exempt rolls.

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion to acknowledge the resigination of Justin Spout, Deputy Sheriff, effective on the 30th of April 2014. This is due to Mr. Sprout transferring to the full-time, non-union position of Detective/K9 Officer, effective May 1, 2014.

Bruce Butler of Susquehanna was then appointed to the full-time position of 911 Operations and Training Administrator, which was created during the Salary Board’s meeting previously. Also, the hiring of Linda hunter of New Milford to the position of Temporary Prothonotary Clerk/Typist that will last approximately six to eight weeks. Betty Phillips of Hallstead was then appointed to fill the position of Register and Recorder Clerk/Typist, effective April 14, 2014. All three of these motions were made by Commissioner Giangrieco and seconded by Commissioner Hall.

Also, Commissioner Giangrieco and Commissioner Hall made a motion to accept, with regret the resignation of Stuart Slocum, from the position of Public Director of the Susquehanna County Conservation District Board of Directors.

With all of the items on the Agenda approved by the County Commissioners, the meeting then moved public comment, which entailed much concern regarding pipelines and compression stations. There was also a strong urge and support from the public that the County Commissioners take a “stronger hand” towards the gas and oil industry in the area. Commissioner Giangrieco stated that often these companies do not cooperate well with the County as they are regulated more so by the State and the DEP.

One member of the public asked the Commissioners if they keep track of pipeline placement. Commissioner Hall stated that the information was available on the DEP’s website, and in fact, Commissioner Hall does look at the placement of pipelines on the sites. He also stated that certain companies such as Atlantis Pipelines and Constitution Pipelines had provided them with detailed maps.

There was much discussion held regarding the Teel Compressor Station, which has a long history of mishaps. One member of the public asked that the County be more vigilant when it comes to these matters and how they are notified of such issues.

Ms. Skinner from Montrose was also in attendance as member of the public. She expressed to the Commissioners information about a grant that may be able to aid in seeking a resolution to provide a regulatory environment and notification system regarding gas companies that would inform of pipeline activities. Ms. Skinner then requested a meeting with the Commissioners for a later time.

There was also much discussion held on the roads in the County, which after a long-hard winter are in very rough condition. Commissioner Hall stated that work is or will be done on Rt. 706, Rt. 11, Rt. 29, and Rt. 492.  Two spots are currently being worked on on Summit Hill between Montrose and New Milford. One resident asked why the Gas Companies weren’t paying for the work being done, as it seems their vehicles cause damage to the roads. The Commissioners then stated that many of these roads have always been issues due to the way they were originally constructed. Ms. Scroggin’s then inquired about monies that were supposed to be distributed throughout the state for roads and bridges. Commissioner Hall stated that these funds often go to the most traveled, busier roads first, and that’s why there is much more work being done South of Susquehanna County rather than this area. He also stated that the Commissioners don’t have control over how and where this money goes, as it is distributed out of Harrisburg from the State and not the County itself.

Following Public Comment, a motion was made to close the Commissioner’s meeting. The next meeting will take place on the second Wednesday of the month, May 14th, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.

On March 7th, Ag Day was held at Elk Lake School. Susquehanna County Farm Bureau met with our National and State Legislators and County Leadership.

Bill Ord, Susquehanna County Farm Bureau Governmental Relations Director led this annual meeting. In observance of Local Government Week, it is most important to get together to discuss local, state and national priority issues.

Pictured (l-r) are: front row - Donna Williams, Debbie Trieste Rep. Tina Pickett, Sen. Gene Yaw, Rep. Sandra Major, Lillian Theophanis and Sen. Lisa Baker; back row - Bill Bayne, Commissioner Alan Hall, Mickey Klim, Cong. Tom Marino, Thom Helmacy, Alton Arnold, Dave DeLeon, Bill Ord, Jim Garner, and Susquehanna Co. Cons. Dist, Dale Shupp.

Issues discussed were State Ag appropriations 2013-2014 budget, pension reform, high tunnel exemption, accountability of gas well operators to landowners/transparency of royalty deductions, Act 13, Immigration reform, timber operation sales tax, coyote harvest incentives and county recycling.

We are most fortunate and appreciate our leadership at the National, state and local level.

As a grass roots organization, policy that has been developed by Farm Bureau membership gives direction for local, state and national issues and concerns.

Light refreshments were provided by Debbie Trieste and Donna Williams.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on April 25, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Shawn J. Bedford, Shiloe M. Benedict, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Justin T. Giberson, Francis M. Hagemeyer, Jr, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, William P. Magdin IV, 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, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Justin S. Thompson, Steven G. Warner, Richard C. Whitney, Kyle D. Wilbur, Richard D. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals. 

Burglary: Between April 22nd and 24th someone broke into a concession stand at the Rush Baseball Complex in Rush Township and stole approximately $200 worth of boxed candy and a white kitchen style trash can.

Burglary: Jordan Longacre of Susquehanna was discovered in the residence of a Jackson Township man on March 30th, between 3 and 3:45 am, intoxicated and sleeping on the living room floor, after he entered through an unlocked front door uninvited. Charges were filed for burglary and related charges through the office of Magistrate Jodi Cordner.

Burglary: A burglary occurred at a Bridgewater Township location in which one or more perpetrator(s) entered a man's residence and she through forcible means. Once inside they stole several items from the residence and the shed. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft by Unlawful Taking: Sometime during the night and early morning of April 24th and 25th, a theft occurred in Dimock Township in which several items were stolen from a Montrose mans yard and vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: One or more person(s) stole fuel form the saddle tanks of a tractor trailer parked at a Bridgewater Township location between April 18th and 24th.

Simple Assault/Recklessly Endangering: On April 22nd at 4 pm Justine Jaffe of Gibson was arguing with a female victim. Things turned physical when Jaffe slapped her across the face, and knocked her off a chair onto the floor. Jaffe then jumped on the victim's back, pushed her head into the floor, and put his hand over her mouth as she yelled for help. The victim bit Jaffe, and then he started to choke her. She kicked at him, and he stood up. As she lay on the floor, he pulled a small gun from behind his back and pointed it at her. A few more words were said and he left the scene. State Police obtained a warrant for Jaffe's arrest. New York State Police apprehended Jaffe in Chenango Bridge, NY and lodged him in Broome County jail, where he was awaiting extradition as of the time of report.

Theft: On April 7th between 10:45 and 11:15 pm one or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered the property of Troy construction by cutting a lock on the main entrance. Once inside the property, the perpetrator(s) entered 3 job trailers and removed numerous tools and items from said trailers. Fuel was also taken from the location. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On April 13th at 12:25 pm Nicholas Washburn of New Milford was pulled out from the Pump and Pantry Parking lot in Great Bend Township in an attempt to go west on Sr 171. At that time Dennis Marchalonis of Fleetwood, PA was in the east bound travel lanes, waiting for traffic in the west bound lanes. Washburn's vehicle, traveling east, struck the left front corner of Marchilonis' vehicle. Marchilonis was utilizing a seat belt; no injury was sustained. Washburn was utilizing a motorcycle helmet; he sustained moderate injury.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: PSP received reports that during the overnight hours of April 23 one or more person(s) entered parked vehicles on SR 547 in Harford , and removed personal belongings. The victims reported a Dooney and Bourke purse and contents, a Tronics radar detector, money, and other items as stolen. It is likely the crimes occurred at approximately 3 am. The perpetrator(s) may have used an unknown make vehicle to aid in the getaway.

Theft by Unlawful Taking/Disposition: A man was recently charged with theft after being caught taking metal/plastic cans/bottles from the county recycling center. The man was caught rifling through the bins looking for items with the 5 cent deposit.

Burglary: One or more perpetrator(s) appeared at the Kingsley United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Township between April 20th and 24th, and burglarized the same. The perpetrator(s) gained forcible entry into the church by prying open a basement door, rummaged through the church, and removed/stole a metal serving plate. The plat had an estimated value of $5.00. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the state police.

Criminal Mischief: The travel camper belonging to a Forty Fort man, located on Kinney Road in Choconut Township, was damaged when it was struck with a blunt object. The estimated property damage was $300. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Criminal Mischief: On April 21st between 2:57 and 3:35 am a criminal mischief incident occurred at Elk Lake School in which the key troll module on the school district's gas pump was damaged. The perpetrator(s) then fled north on Elk Lake Road. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Crash: On April 21st at 10:26 am Mark Wegman of Montrose was traveling northbound on Sr 171 in Great Bend Township when he became distracted as he sneezed, causing his vehicle to travel into a ditch east of the travel lanes. The vehicle impacted a mailbox, then overturned as it entered back onto the roadway. It came to a final rest upon its passenger side. The operator was not inured during the collision.

Crash: On April 21st at 7:20 am William Holman of Montrose was traveling southbound on Sr 29 when his vehicle failed to properly negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway. The right rear wheels of the Ford F350 Super Duty went into a ditch and struck the end of a concrete culvert pipe, damaging the rear axle with the vehicle coming to rest in the ditch. A seat belt was in use; the driver was not injured.

Identity Theft: A Montrose woman learned that her Social Security Number had been used by an unknown party to file a fraudulent tax return, when H&R Block filed her tax return.

Hit and Run: On April 17th at 9:30 am Jame Sheffler of Montrose was traveling north bound on SR 3013, at the same time as an unknown person was traveling southbound. The unknown person was straddling the center line of the road, and struck the mirror of Sheffler's Ford E450 with its mirror as the two vehicles passed. The unknown driver then fled the scene. The offending vehicle was described as a black Dodge Ram pick up truck with a white male operator. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police please.

Hit and Run: On April 19th at 10:31 pm Bridgid Redos of South Williamsport was traveling east on SR 492 near Lakeside a the same time as another vehicle, operated by Paul Steinbliss of Susquehanna, was also traveling east. Steinbliss was attempting to negotiate a curve to its right while traveling in the eastbound, oncoming lane, and struck Redos' vehicle in the east lane with its left front area. Redos' vehicle was struck in the entire left side, before striking a traffic sign and coming to a controlled rest area off the north side of the westbound lane. Steinbliss' vehicle lost a left front tire and axle, and continued west on Sr 492, fleeing the scene. It was located a short time thereafter. Steinbliss left the vehicle, and went home to his residence located on Powers Road. He was located. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02. No fire or EMS responded. Vogels towed the truck from the scene.

Theft: A portable generator from the motor home of 72 year old man, which was parked in his Brooklyn Township driveway, was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Hit and Run: On April 16th at 2:40 pm Courtney Wheeler of Alexandria, Va was traveling north on Sr 81 in Great Bend Township, when a baby stroller fell off of an unknown vehicle, which was traveling in front of her. Wheeler's vehicle struck the stroller with its front portion, and the stroller became lodged under it, damaging the radiator of the car on impact. The other vehicle continued to travel north.

DUI/SDDCA: On April 18th at 12:16 am a traffic stop occurred on SR 106 in Lenox Township. Further investigation led to the arrest of the operator, Alexis Hancock of Kingsley, for DUI/Drug related. Additionally, Arron Chidester and a 17 year old juvenile, both of Kingsley, were found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Charges were to be filed in District Court 34-3-03.

Burglary: On April 17th between 11 am and 1 pm one or more perpetrator(s) entered the residence of a Hallstead man and stole several items including jewelry and money, then fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: Between the 21st and 23rd of March, a small safe containing a handgun, medication, and miscellaneous papers, was stolen from the residence of a Kingsley man.

Theft: Between April 8th and 10th a Hallstead man discovered that an electric guitar and amplifier were taken without authorization. The items were located and returned tot he victim. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report. Charges were to be forthcoming as of the time of report.

Hit and Run: On April 13th at 9:15 am Branden Bibalo of Simpson was traveling southbound on Sr 247 when his vehicle exited off the west side of the roadway and struck a tree with its front passenger side. The vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene. The driver fled the scene prior to emergency responder arrival. A seat Belt was used; no injury was reported.

Anyone having information on any of these incidents is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154.