It was billed as a workshop, but the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on September 29th was a combination committee meeting, business session and workshop only lightly attended by 2 staff and 2 reporters.  Compared with the last meeting that opened the school year debating dress codes and bus schedules, this one aired little controversy.

The Facilities & Grounds Committee heard a lengthy report from Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Price on his department’s accomplishments over the summer.

Among other more minor projects, the schools received about 24,500 square feet of new rubber roofing, complete with a 15-year warranty.  Superintendent Robert McTiernan also presented a proposal from Tremco Roofing for a project next year to prepare the rest of the roofing for later resurfacing.  He said that without this work a complete replacement could be required within 8 years and cost between $1 million and $2 million.  However, by spending about $300,000 next year, the existing roof could then be expected to last another 5-8 years when “resurfacing” could be done for a cost of only another $300,000 or so.

Over the summer all classrooms were thoroughly cleaned, top to bottom; the gym floors resurfaced; and the sub-basement “dungeon” was painted, yielding an area that he said now “looks like a nice dungeon.”

Mr. Price said that a fuel-oil manhole cover had been replaced, damaged by somebody doing “donuts” with a vehicle in the parking lot.  He said that the cameras that overlook the area were not capable of identifying the culprit.

So Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart stepped in with a proposal to refurbish the system of security cameras on the campus.  The plan does not anticipate replacing any of the many cameras themselves.  The infrastructure that supports the camera system would first be upgraded, with new servers and software for a cost of about $20,000, with much of the work being done by staff.

To keep all of the computer equipment running, including the telephones, which now depend on the computer network, Mr. Stewart also presented a proposal from Arc Electric to install 2 propane generators for a total cost of about $36,000.

Neither of these items is in the budget.  Mr. McTiernan said, however, that they could probably be financed out of capital reserves, not to mention any surplus that might be discovered following the annual autumn audit.  These funds could also be allocated to the next phase of the roof renovation project.

Mr. Price also outlined a potentially serious issue in the sub floor in the lobby area and auditorium.  It seems that the old-style conduit may be leaking and causing short circuits; some problems have already been temporarily fixed by rerouting the circuits through the ceiling.  The Board asked Mr. Price to come up with some cost estimates for a proper solution.

Mr. Price also noted that the fuel oil tank still contains some 2,000 gallons, of the 6,800 gallons delivered in May of 2013.  Because the campus uses wood chips for primary heating, the need for supplementary heating fuel is quite low.  He also reported continued savings in electrical power consumption, largely due to the modifications introduced a few years ago; as well as a willingness to shut down the schools when they’re empty.

The 8-minute business meeting covered a few relatively routine personnel matters, and one that is not so routine.  Penny Greene’s letter of intent to retire was accepted by the Board, setting off a search for a new Business Manager.  Ms. Greene assumed the position barely a year ago after the somewhat clouded departure of Loren Small.  Mr. McTiernan and Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner commended Debbie Bennett and Lorrie Detwiler for “picking up the slack” in Ms. Greene’s absence.

The Superintendent said that he had done some research only to find that no other school district in the state has successfully outsourced the Business Manager’s job; nor has anyone else tried it with a part-timer.  So the next big question was how much to offer to pay someone for the job.  Mr. McTiernan said that of several on a roster made available by the school business administrator’s association, most were certified public accountants looking for a salary above $80,000.  Recent incumbents at Blue Ridge have cost in the neighborhood of $125,000, including benefits.

After some debate, the Board asked the administration to place advertisements for the position offering a salary in the range of $65,000 to $80,000 per year.  They will be looking especially for someone with school experience, the more the better.

The district will also begin looking for an after-school nurse, LPN or RN to work 2-4 hours per day, 5 days a week at about $25 per hour; the details are still somewhat sketchy.

Ms. Brown-Bonner announced that her Fundraising Committee has abandoned plans for a February event to honor Blue Ridge alumni, and make some money for scholarships.  The Committee earlier decided to discontinue the annual golf tournament after 2 difficult outings.  Ms. Brown-Bonner still wants to form some sort of alumni “foundation” that could support the Committee’s scholarship program.

And Mr. McTiernan reported on preliminary results in the School Performance Profile (SPP) issued by the state.  He said that all 3 of the schools were given lower ratings, but that there were some bright spots, notably in the 4th grade.  The SPP is the successor to a succession of efforts to improve the educational process, and also to measure progress in that process, all in line with federal No Child Left Behind and other similar programs, and through the state’s standardized exams.  The state regulations are a welter of acronyms, guidelines, mandates, computed criteria and general confusion resulting from frequent changes in the educational (and political) environment.  The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is most visible at the local level through the annual exams whose acronymic name (PSSA) is notoriously familiar.  Unfortunately, many districts in the state – including Blue Ridge – are now focused on a new methodology known as the “Common Core.”  The new Keystone exams, becoming the norm for graduation, are increasingly based on the common core, while the PSSA tests are still founded on older approaches and guidelines.  This all leads to a complicated mix of figures used to evaluate schools.

And for teachers, the SPP will become one element in teacher evaluations, a prospect that frightens some educators.  Mr. McTiernan said that his staff is focusing on professional development that will help to improve performance in the tests, and to boost the teachers’ comfort level with the process.

Most of these issues will find their way into the Board’s business agenda over the coming months.  The next such meeting is scheduled for barely a week hence, on Monday, October 6, 2014.  All meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.  Check the district’s website for up-to-the-minute schedules.

As usual, codes were one of the first items addressed at the October 2nd meeting of the New Milford Borough council.

It was noted that the new codes enforcement officer had created a log.  Mr. Ainey had asked him to do so since there had been a lax in paperwork.  He thought that this log would maybe help in case of a legal challenge.  

Mr. Ainey asked if they were going to discuss the letter the codes officer had sent to council. Mr. Carey read it aloud. The Codes Officer had written that he had visited the Decker property on Orchard Street regarding a complaint of pigs and goats.  He said that upon his visit there were goats present and the area was clean.  He had discussed the complaint verbally with homeowners.  The homeowner stated that he had a pot belly pig, which was a pet, and that the goats were also pets.  There was an ordinance against the animals, so the complaint was valid.  The property owner said, however, that they were pets and not livestock, and he was at the edge of the borough.  Ms. Gulick said that the ordinance did not specify the area for livestock.  The property owner was at the meeting, and said that the pig slept in the recliner, and that the neighbors had no problem with it.  Mr. Ainey noted that the policy didn't send the codes officer up and down the street looking for things, but if someone complained he had to look into it.  

Mr. Ainey said that he thought the codes officer was looking for direction from them regarding pets.  The question was how one could distinguish the difference.  Was there a fine line that they needed to address?  Mr. White said he personally said that pot bellied pigs were of a certain size, and they were considered a pet.  He said that to him a miniature goat also closer to being a pet than livestock.  Mr. Ainey said that he thought they had to follow the ordinance, but the question was if the ordinance was vague and if they wanted to clarify it.  The homeowners said that they weren't breeding the goats or pig; all the goats were fixed.   Mr. Decker said that he couldn't believe they were going to nit pick about a 30 pound pig that lived in the house and slept in the recliner, and three miniature goats that were neutered.  Mr. White said that the concern was that they needed to draw the line somewhere.  

Ms. Gulick opined that they had to follow the ordinance, and asked that the ordinance be read to note the animals included.  The homeowner related that he had done research, and there was a precedence where someone had taken the borough to court and won regarding a potbelly pig.  Mr. Ainey said that he had more of a problem with the goats than the pig.  He suggested that they do more homework and turn the matter over to the ordinance committee.  He thought that there was a gray area regarding the pig.  Mr. White said that he agreed that they were pets, but if they allowed one person what happened next time. What would happen if someone had three full size livestock as pets?  

Mr. Decker said he had three neighbors near him, and none of them had a problem with the pets.  Mr. Ainey said it wasn't a neighbor that complained.  A visitor said that it was understood that they had a gray area, with these pets.  He wondered if they could do something to change the ordinance to differentiate between pets and livestock, and the amount of property one had and how many animals there were.  

Mr. Ainey made a motion that they reply to the codes officer instructing him to table the matter until the ordinance committee met on it.  

Mr. Ainey asked if New Milford borough had satisfied their complaint.  They had done so.  The weeds were cut down almost immediately.  

During the present to speak portion of the meeting, a woman said that she had made numerous complaints about a property owner and nothing was done about it.  She wondered how they got away with it, when another property owner was being taken to court.  She indicated that she wasn’t through speaking.  Mr. Carey noted that she had five minutes, and pointed out the policy rules posted near the flag.  She wanted to bring up the pool.  She had heard that Mr. Ainey wanted to close the pool down.  She wanted to know why they weren't taking the gas rights money and paying for the pool.  Mr. Carey, as the president of the parks and recreation board, said that they were currently in the process of fixing the pool, and working on it during the spring.  The pool was to be renovated the summer of 2015, and if she attended the parks and recreation meeting she would know that.  She wanted to know why it was put out that they needed donations, why they didn't spend gas money for that rather than wanting new trucks all the time.  It was responded that they wanted to purchase one new truck, because the one they had was thirteen years old.  

She next asked why the workers were driving around in the truck and why did they had to complain before the weeds were taken care of.  Mr. White said that they had one employee who they paid to work 20-25 hours a week, and there was much more work to be done than that.  There had been a committee of volunteers who were going to address the issue.  Mr. Carey said that they did care.  He said everyone at the table provided hours of volunteer time, and encouraged the woman to look beyond negativity.  If she wanted to make a difference, she could attend one of the meetings.  

The Codes Enforcement Officer said that he did appreciate her complaints, and he had done his best to answer them.  There was a process however.  There had been a complaint regarding trash at a property, for instance, but when he investigated the complaint the trash was actually on the road not on the property.  

He said that moving back to complaints in general, as regarding the first complaint heard no one had gone and spoken to the property owner themselves.  He spoke about keeping the complaints at the lowest level possible prior to borough enforcement.  

A property owner on Smith Street had written regarding a desire to build a garage on his property.  It was now located in a flood zone, though he had never had his property flooded. The flood plain ordinance would then prohibit it.  Mr. Ainey reminded those present that council had adopted every option not to hurt the homeowner possible.  Mr. Ainey asked if there wasn't a variance request process in the flood plain ordinance.  He suggested that he be directed to this information.  The request went through council, it was a tough process.  The ordinance in question stated that no one could build an accessory structure larger than 200 square feet in a flood zone.  The mayor noted that this wasn't very large.  

Ms. Gulick asked if there was any way to question some of the areas that were put into the flood plain that never were before.  Mr. Ainey said that they would probably have to hire people to do so, but he suggested that they ask their attorney.  Ms. Gulick said that they had put areas in flood zones that never flooded before.  Mr. Ainey noted one property on Mitchell Street. Someone quipped that if that flooded the town would be in trouble.  

A letter was read from Mr. Tom Thomas, who wished to open a sporting goods store on a commercial property.  He needed their approval to obtain a federal firearms license.  He had one in another state, and was in the process of transferring it.  He and his wife had grown up in the area.  The store would sell specialty items not available in larger stores, which his letter suggested could bring business to the borough.   

He had already been given an occupancy permit, Mr. Ainey said.  He asked why the borough was involved.  The Codes Enforcement Officer related that he was required to have a letter from the borough that he could submit to the ATF stating that he was allowed to have the store within the borough.  They wanted the borough to approve the sale of firearms in the borough.  It was noted that there had been sporting goods stores there in the past that had sold firearms.  Mr. Ainey made a motion that they send the letter of support.  It passed unanimously.  Mr. Ainey said they always welcomed new businesses, and new homeowners, welcoming them to the area.  

It was said that Ms. Lempke had spoken to the banner guy, she was not aware that the borough had made the poles that the banners were on.  If they went with a larger banner, Ms. Hine related, they would have to update the hardware.  

The mayor continued talk of the flags.  He said that they were very nice.  He had concerns however.  They were done digitally.  They lasted for three years, and then they faded.  If they went with that option, they would be requesting new flags again in three years.  Ms. Lempke was to talk with the banner guy about other options.  Mr. Ainey and Ms. Gulick said that they did not want to spend money on something that would need replacement in three years.  There was also concern that at a certain location might be an issue if two water trucks were going by at the same time.  

Mr. White said that they had three or four different companies at the borough building regarding the conversion to natural gas.  They had only received one estimate however.  Questions for consideration included whether to convert the air conditioning or not with the level of efficiency.  Mr. Ainey said that if they didn't get 160 commitment letters, it was a moot point.  They were currently at roughly forty percent.  He didn't believe they could sign a commitment letter until they decided what they were doing.   

The mayor said that if anybody was interested, who hadn't signed a commitment letter yet they could turn it into the borough.  He wanted to reiterate that the property owner wouldn't have to hook up everything at once.  They would not have to spend the money to hook up a furnace right away, they could hook up a stove or a hot water heater.  

After a question from a homeowner, a commitment letter was differentiated from the application.  There was a need for the actual commitment letters to be brought in.  

They had received over 200 applications, but were only in the nineties for commitment letters.  

The mayor asked if they could get a light in the back right corner of the walking track.  A visitor said that corner was a bit sketchy.  Ms. Gulick said that with the electric that was run, that was the most that they could put on it.  Mr. Carey asked the recreation board to consider that.  

A visitor asked if maybe the following year, they could clean up that embankment some, and she said that they could work on it.  Ms. Gulick said that originally that was part of the park plan, but it just hadn't been finished.  

The mayor said that the parade of lights was moved to the Blue Ridge park (the pool park).  The parade would still go through town, starting at Cosmello's.  It was suggested they write a letter to ask where the route was.

Mr. Carey reported on the recreation committee.  They were looking to work on the pool.  He knew there was a problem with the fence that bordered the t-ball field toward the bathhouse. This was rusty old wire, and Mr. Ainey said that was a safety issue.  

He suggested a split rail fence, to be done for the next year.  

The mayor related that the borough was working on the sidewalks.  Just before they did so, however, they were probably going to have a public meeting.  They would discuss if they wanted concrete, blacktop, or bluestone.  Ms. Wage added concrete that looked like bluestone as an option.  Mr. Ainey related that they were in the process of doing a comprehensive plan update.  They had applied for a grant, and had agreed to hire a professional planner to see to that. They were waiting to hear about a grant that would pay half.  This was a two-year process.  There would likely be multiple meetings on it.  

A visitor asked if in the winter, were they not to shovel their walks.  It was responded that a homeowner had 24 hours to shovel it.  The ordinance said, however, that if they didn't shovel it the borough would.  

Mr. Ainey said that they would have a discussion at the budget meeting this year to discuss if they wanted to eliminate property taxes completely.  They had cut them in half the year before, but they were to discuss if they wanted to eliminate it completely as they had collected enough money.  

Mr. Ainey said they were at 40.6% of goal.  He reviewed the story of their history with Leatherstocking again.  

Ms. Cosmello had brought up the topic of having a Facebook page.  Ms. Hine's daughter was willing to set it up if they wanted her to.  Mr. Carey noted that council had thought it would be good for them to create a site to spread information on.  

A few months ago, Mr. Ainey had expressed an interest in donating land for the proposed Susquehanna County recreation facility.  Ashley Kilmer had come to the parks and recreation meeting, wanted to thank the borough for the opportunity and wanted input on what they felt would be good programs for that facility.  He said they had offered land, were they rejecting it? It was responded that at that point they were doing a feasibility study, to know what land they would need, what would need to be done to make it feasible, public input, etc.  They were not rejecting the offer, but they were also waiting to see if any of the other municipalities would come forth.  They wanted to do a feasibility study to find out how much land would be needed. The borough had land donated to them by the Eleanor Lawrence Trust.  It was the land across the creek from the Blue Ridge Park.  The borough had received gas lease money from it, along with royalty income.  Mr. Ainey had thought that might be a good use of the property, with the borough retaining substandard rights.  Mr. Carey said Ms. Kilmer was very appreciative of the offer.  

Great Bend Borough held their monthly meeting on the 2nd of October, lasting a slightly over an hour. All members of the Council were present, as well as four members of the public, all present to discuss various matters.

Tom Kuposky and Jeff Burkett from the Susquehanna Historical Society and Free Library Association were present to discuss the services that are provided by the Association. Mr. Kuposky stated that the Association was developed in 1907 and there is a wealth of information available because of it, including county information, genealogical information, DVDs, magazines, internet and computer usage, as well as a wide range of books. They also noted that there are 555 residents in Great Bend Borough with active library cards, a number that seemed to be more than the Council expected. They also discussed in the Inner Library Loan System,  a system in which you could barrow books from neighboring libraries brought into your local library. Mr. Burkett also briefly discussed the need for a new, bigger space for the library and Historical Society in Montrose, stating that they had already raised approximately two-thirds of the money needed. They also discussed a 2008 cutback, which took away one third of their compensation since then various library locations had to close an additional day. With that, they finished their presentation and the Borough thanked them for the thorough update.

Next, Mrs. Button was present again to discuss the parking issue for Kime Apartments. Though sympathetic towards the issue, the Borough simply does not have many options to provide parking close to the entry. The best suggestion the Borough had, was to try and get a handicap parking spot put in place, with that the Borough will send out a letter in hopes of finding a close space for people who are handicapped to access the building.

Gary Folk then took his turn to speak regarding COG. He was curious as to why the Borough is still using COG, since numerous other neighboring communities have opted out, including New Milford. Secretary Sheila Guinan noted that it has been looked into previously, however with the lack of business currently in Great Bend Borough and the cost of hiring independently to do the job it would simply not be worth it. The Council noted that changes in state policies in 2004 have had a lot to do with the technicalities and difficulties of working with the program presently.

Moving on, Mr. Folk brought up another concern- drugs. He asked that local police put an emphasis on drug trafficking in the area. The Council replied that more is being done at the moment to deal with this issue than people realize and that is something the police are currently working on.

Following public comment the Council moved into the Roads and Parks Report, in which it was noted that the roads should be paved at the end of next week. It was also noted that several trees within the Borough had been trimmed. There was some discussion regarding aquiring quotes for the garage parking lot to be blacktopped, as well. 

With reviewing the monthly police report, the Council mentioned that the Drug Take Back was incredibly successful, having collected about sixteen pounds of unused or expired prescription medications.

Back to Kime Apartments-- for months now there has been discussion regarding taxes and the Kime apartments. Upon further investigation, they seem to be tax exempt. This affected the Council in that it is unfair to residents who assume the burden of paying more in taxes, considering how often services such as the ambulance are used in the complex. 

 The Council also briefly discussed the potential placement of two new stops signs at Franklin and Hine and also Church and Williams. 

There was also discussion once more on the dumping at Greenwood Memorial Park. Over the last month, someone had dumped carpeting in the area specifically meant for clean fill. Since then the carpet has been removed, however. Further, the area is meant for clean fill only, and is only for the use of Borough residents. It should also be noted that you are not allowed to take from this area either, as this has also been a problem over the last month. A new sign will be put up in the area that states these things.

Finally, after a long and thorough meeting, Council McConnell stated that he had received eighty to ninety signatures in support of not having a half way house put in Great Band. With this, the meeting adjourned.

The next Great Bend Borough meeting will take place on Thursday, November 6th in the Great Bend Borough building at seven o'clock.

BENCH WARRANTS: The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 11:00 a.m. on October 3, 2014: Jack Akers, Deborah M. Arnold-Mooney, Shawn J. Bedford, Brent V. Birtch, Edwin Blaisure, Jennifer Blassingame, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Christopher J. Clark, Anthony Cokely, Christopher D. Cole, Eric J. Darde, David J. Fischer, Jeremy W. Hall, Jeremy Halstead, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Brian K. Kelsey, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick Lezinsky, Thomas, M. Mellor, Vincent J. Petriello, Veronica D. Phelps, Whitney S. Pratt, Desiree L. Shifler, Anthony L. Smith, Joseph W. Sutton, Frederick Swingle, III, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, John H. Walter, Steven G. Warner, Kevin H. Welch, Richard D. Williams, Jamie L. Williams Sr. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.