Forward may seem the obvious direction for all civilizations. But one might consider that failure to move forward is surrender to stagnation, recession, and ultimately decay. That which is not improved, or at least maintained, atrophies and fails to fulfill its function. And so with the swearing in of Kaylin Lindquist at August’s meeting and Barbara Larsen at this (October 8th’s) meeting, Susquehanna Borough regenerated its vitality to move forward at full strength. (See pictures of new council members and the complete line-up in “Susquehanna Boro Welcomes Members” article.)

At its regular October meeting Susquehanna Depot Borough Council passed a series of motions to build upon recent improvements and boost the borough’s infrastructure. Present for the 7:00 to 8:08 p.m. meeting were President Joe Varsik, Mayor Nancy Hurley, and council members Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Barbara Larsen, Kaylin Lindquist, Roy Williams, and Debbie Zayas. Also present were Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Biegert, Police Chief Sweet, and a handful of interested borough residents.

The borough’s first order of business after Mayor Hurley’s swearing in of new council woman Barbara Larsen was to approve the evening’s agenda, the minutes of council’s September 10th meeting, and the bills list. Next up for discussion were the Treasurer’s Report and the Budget Worksheet.

The Treasurer’s Report (as of October 1) was approved by council with minimal discussion. Treasurer Biegert proceeded with review of the proposed budget for 2015, “For the most part we have minor changes here and there.” Mrs. Biegert explained that the ideal timeline would be adoption of the budget at November’s meeting, followed by the 30-day review period, and final approval at December’s meeting. Other financial items she discussed were official notice that the borough’s police pension plan is still at stress level 3, and the borough’s regular auditor provided notification that he would be willing to continue his services for a flat fee of $2,400 for 2014 (a small increase from previous years). Council voted unanimously to approve the 2014 Auditor Agreement at the increased rate.

The first Committee Reports began with Mayor Hurley’s presentation of the Police Report for the month of September. Thirty incidents made the police blotter: traffic stops (4), motor vehicle accidents (2), disabled vehicle (1), vandalism (3), larceny/theft (1), fraud (1), suspicious persons (3), harassment (3), domestic disputes (3), disorderly conduct (2), assist-in-service (1), animal (1), health related (2), cardiac/respiratory arrest (1), and miscellaneous (2).

Mayor Hurley also added, “[The] Lions Club is requesting permission to hold the annual Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 26th, at 12:30 p.m.” Mayor Hurley also thanked SCDA for putting up the attractive seasonal strings of lights around lamp-posts on Main Street.

Councilman Hendrickson presented the Emergency Management Report which consisted of “No news is good news.” Mr. Hendrickson noted that he had completed pipeline safety training on September 13, and Quarterly training is scheduled for October 16. Everything is going fine now, but councilman Hendrickson continues to prepare for the day his skills and training may be vitally important to the community. He will also be checking borough vehicles to make sure the emergency kit each one carries is up to snuff.

DPW (Department of Public Works) and Codes Reports were presented by councilman Williams. These subject areas consumed the bulk of council’s attention for the meeting and highlighted council’s focus on moving the borough forward.

Five key motions were approved during the discussions of DPW business. First council approved a $12,600 bid by Dave Dibble to repair sidewalks on Main Street. Sidewalks have been damaged by the use of rock salt by private citizens in winters of recent past. Due to the rock salt damage water now ponds, accumulates, and flows in areas originally unintended for those purposes. Council will, in the near future, prohibit use of rock salt and promulgate by ordinance the proper procedure for removal of ice and snow.

The second motion was to approve a bid of $1,464 for repairs to street lamps along Main Street. Due to changes in code, as well as damage to various GFI outlets over the years immediate repairs are necessary as a matter of safety and liability.

The third DPW motion approved rental of a chipper from a company named “Down-to-Earth” at a rate of $480 per week for one week. The chipper will be used during the borough-wide collection of twigs and branches (less than six inches in diameter) this month.

The fourth motion approved a bid of $1,750 for repair of the borough garage’s automatic garage door. The bottom portion of the door is severely corroded, preventing a good seal when the door is closed.

The fifth and final DPW motion approved was to authorize repairs and upgrades to the borough’s dump truck, with expenditure of $2,000 to $2,500 authorized. The repairs will provide for improvement in the auger/spreader system, as well as improvements in lighting so that drivers might be provided visibility in the fiercest of winter’s storms.

Also during Mr. Williams’ presentation a question was posed by Councilman Hendrickson concerning the damage left in the wake of PAWC infrastructure work. Specifically, Mr. Hendrickson asked if the sidewalk just below Christ Episcopal Church on West Main Street would be returned to its original state, as well as the surrounding disturbed area. Councilman Williams reassured everyone that PAWC is being held accountable to restore all landscaping to its original state. He noted that pictures are taken on a daily basis to verify original, disturbed, modified, and restored landscape status. PAWC is fully aware of its responsibility to complete restoration.

In his Codes Report presentation Councilman Williams noted that the previous incumbent of the Codes Enforcement Officer position had been excused from her duties in mid-September and he was now working approximately 20 hours per week on an interim basis to keep up with code enforcement duties. Among the things he noticed which needed updating were three key borough ordinances: (1) the 1992 Code Enforcement Ordinance, (2) the Act 90 (Blight) ordinance, and (3) the Vacant Properties Ordinance. Council, ultimately realizing extensive review (and possible re-writing) is to be done, voted unanimously to set 7 p.m. on Monday, October 20 for a Special Meeting to work on the afore-referenced ordinances.

Next up was the opening of bids. J & J Landscaping provided the lower ($1,150) of two bids to perform tree trimming for some 51 trees on West Main Street. Council approved J & J’s bid unanimously.

The second project up for bid was the demolition of the house located at 351 Prospect Street. There was only bid, that of Ken Rauch Excavating, which was approved at the cost of $15,840, with the contingency that approval is also received from the bank having an interest in the property. The entire cost of the project is included in the bid amount (with the exception of asbestos abatement, should asbestos be found). Councilman Williams expressed his informed opinion that no asbestos would be found.

Under Old Business Councilman Williams discussed the current initiative for leaf pick-up, first on West Hill, followed by East Hill. When leaf collection is completed, branch collection pick-up will follow, with collection again following the west to east sequence.

Finally, as the 8 o’clock hour approached President Varsik broached New Business. The key component was discussion of the feasibility of reducing the number of seats on the borough council. President Varsik acknowledged that the process is long (taking approximately two years) and complex. Council members discussed some of the implications of reducing the number of seats from seven to five, and drew comparisons to the number of seats in other boroughs, as well as comparison of Susquehanna’s population to its voter base. Councilman Hendrickson noted that the Census Bureau recorded Susquehanna’s population as 1,643 in 2010. The current number of registered voters (in both wards combined) totals “700 and change,” according to Secretary Biegert.

Council ultimately agreed there were many considerations which still required investigation. Perhaps the irony was not lost on some that just as the borough council returned to full complement of seven, outlook for the future may suggest sufficiency of five. Will progress require the tried-and-true or a streamlining? Only time will tell; gentle readers stay tuned. Forward!

Susquehanna Depot’s Borough Council will hold its next monthly meeting on the second Wednesday in November.

During the Street Department report, at the October 6th meeting of the Montrose Borough meeting, Mr. DiPhillips explained that they had factory recalls on the Dodge. He had difficulties at the dealer, because he hadn’t purchased the truck there. The truck, then, was at Binghamton Dodge for work related to (and covered by) the recall. This may have delayed the annual leaf collection, it was noted.

Mr. DiPhillips also spoke of the drainage project in the parking lot. He said that he had been asking contractors to give a price for the work, as he wasn’t going to be able to have any involvement with the project since he had other duties he needed to do. He said that he needed to be utilized elsewhere. There were three quotes out there, it was said. Mr. Reimel said that he liked Bill Lawrence for the work. The only thing they were concerned about sewer laterals. He discussed some of the details more closely. Mr. Lamont said that he knew Mr. Lawrence had done some digging for the sewer authority, and felt he would be a good choice. This was voted upon and passed.

Mr. DiPhillips said he had had to meet with PennDOT about the pipe and catch basin on Maple Street. He had a meeting with them and decided to present it to the borough as an agility program. They would provide the materials, but they would need someone to excavate it and would want the borough to do so. Mr. Lamont said that one thing would be to make sure that the paperwork was on record as an agility program, as the borough didn’t want to own it after the fact. The work was motioned and approved.

Mr. DiPhillips asked when council would like him to start leaf collection. Council responded they wanted it to start yesterday. Mr. DiPhillips noted that he needed to get his truck back first. Mr. Granahan asked that it be related to the public that collection would begin as soon as possible, and that the leaves should be left at the curb and not in the ditch.

Mr. Granahan opined that they needed to get a cop at the top of Public Avenue at lunchtime. He related an incident where women had almost been hit and people ran the stop sign.

The chief requested and received permission for officers to attend the annual Children’s Issues in a Changing World conference.

It was reported that the USDA was stepping in and demanding that the MMA sue Bridgewater Township for the funds. The USDA was threatening to pull the loans on the project. Ms. Skinner said that the MMA had been trying, Bridgewater Township was refusing. They were moving forward with the lawsuits. Mr. Granahan said he felt badly for them, that the people of Bridgewater Township were going to end up paying more than they would have, had they come to the table. It was no longer a spat between the MMA and Bridgewater Township, now USDA was involved. USDA had said that they needed to pay and step up to the table, otherwise they were going to end up in a situation where there were interests and penalties.

The mayor asked what the status was of the “not feeding the deer” situation. Mr. Lamont quipped that it was a shame they couldn’t use the deer management plan already in place, which had begun Saturday. He also said that he would be interested in how to differentiate between the deer and the squirrel. The matter had never been followed up on. Mr. Reimel said that it would be nice if people wouldn’t feed the deer in town.

There was an agenda item regarding Bill Lewis’s request for Conditional Use for Home Occupation. The borough had given permission to turn the matter over to the zoning officer. He had recommended that Mr. Lewis was not in compliance. Ms. O’Malley said she believed it was the borough’s decision ultimately, and this was confirmed. The motion had been made previously to allow for the zoning officer to investigate the matter. So council needed to either approve or disapprove the conditional use, or give him the opportunity to come into compliance. Ms. Skinner thought that at least one point couldn’t be brought into compliance, though Mr. Granahan said it might be able to if there was one less room. Mr. Lamont said that as a borough they could make a motion to deny the use upon the zoning officer’s report, until he brought it into compliance or the property owner made an appeal to the zoning hearing board. They discussed the report slightly. The property owner was in violation, but no enforcement proceedings had begun. Mr. Granahan said that if they denied it he could go to the zoning hearing board and work it out with them. He had thirty days to appeal, and then the zoning hearing board had sixty days to consider the appeal. There was some discussion regarding when penalties would start, if it got to that.

The motion was made to deny the application then based on the report by the zoning officer and the fact that the applicant failed four out of eight requirements. He then had the opportunity to cure the delinquencies or file an appeal and ask for variances.

Mr. Granahan said that the resident had options, it’s not like he was being run out of town with a pitchfork. He could either appeal the borough’s decision to the zoning hearing board or apply for a variance. So he could cure the deficiencies and then reapply for the conditional use. Mr. Reimel said he had been present, and he believed that two of the deficiencies were curable if so desired, and one of them was subjective. He voted nay, when the denial came to a vote.

A motion was made and approved to donate $1000 to the library. The motion was also made to make the contribution to the fire company in the amount of $35,000.

Halloween was set for five o’clock to eight o’clock pm on Friday the thirty-first. There was to be a nine o’clock curfew.

There was discussion of a sign permit for ESE Equity Tannery Building. Mr. Schuster complimented the little stonework they had done out back. Mr. Hunt said that he had taken his best stab at interpreting the sign section of the zoning code, which he thought was one of the longest sections in the code. They had a unique situation in that their building faced the public in four ways. The code seemed to allow for one freestanding sign, and they would like to propose to put that in the back, which was really the new front of the building. It would sit right off the end of that retaining wall. It would be a freestanding sign, a multi-tenant sign. Another would be a window sign; he believed the code allowed for using up to 25% of the window area. Then they would have four wall signs, one on each side. Two of these would be multiple tenant wall signs. Probably the most dominant sign would be one painted on the brick. He was also telling future occupants that if they wanted their own window sign they would need to come first to the landlord and then to the zoning.

When asked, he replied that all of the signs would be lighted, so to speak. All of the wall signs would be lighted. The free standing sign would have fixtures in the ground coming up. They were planning on putting two more street lights in the parking lot to light up the parking area some more. Those could be controlled and would cast light down but hopefully not glare into a nearby residence.

Mr. Lamont read a section of the commercial code, which would more fully restrict the total footage of the signs in a commercial district. In the multi-use section of the code however, it didn’t really specify a footage. Mr. Hunt said he was looking at the multi-use section and queried as to if they thought the commercial restriction applied.

Mr. Lamont asked if they could look at it a little bit closer. Mr. Hunt said he would go back and review it as well. There was some discussion of this.

There was a discussion of a Cabot offer. This had come out of the clear blue sky. It had been hand delivered that day at 3 o’clock. What the representative said was that normally they presented a notice of intent in order to try and see whether or not council would be open to a lease. Then, she said, normally the council would go out and put it in as a legal notice, saying Cabot had come to the Montrose borough to offer a lease on their properties. If any other oil companies were interested they would then receive offers. Most people didn’t accept the initial offer, but the company wanted to put out some kind of a price.

It was suggested that council needed to see a map regarding this. Ms. Skinner asked if this was for natural gas within the property. It was responded that there would be no wells. Mr. Granahan said that probably what was going on was that there was an existing well somewhere in the borough’s perimeter and there was gas in the area around it. They could get the gas from the property regardless. So the borough needed to consider whether they wanted to lease the property or sue them. Mr. Reimel spoke of an area where there was gas, and they were probably getting it anyway but not paying anyone. Mr. Lamont said he felt they should look at it and discuss it.

The engineer who had been present the month prior related that PennDOT had contacted him and they were hoping to get to work on the pipe October 16th or 17th. The permit for the utility work was on its way. Mr. Lamont said that they needed to vote on this, as they hadn’t actually done so yet. Mr. Granahan asked why it couldn’t be voted on at the mid-month meeting. It was noted that this would be after they planned to do the work, though there appeared to be a touch of dubious suspicion that it would actually be done then.

There was further discussion about the project. Mr. Granahan said he was okay with running the line. The other part of it was remediation with fifty foot of pipe to the new box and putting the new box in, but to him the other work was remedial for the property owner - which was a different ball of wax. He thought they should have that discussion before they agreed to what Leeward was doing. He thought managing their storm water was a borough issue, but no one had convinced him that the rest wasn’t remedial. The engineer noted that the flow would fill the area until the sidewalk project did its work later. Most of the water would be diverted around, but it was an open system and there would still be water. There was further discussion about this. They asked the engineer what would happen if they put flowable fill in. At what point did that piece of their infrastructure that they were spending borough tax money on become not theirs.

With the history of the town, it was related, there was an underground tank out there somewhere. One council member said he would hate to see $2500 of flowable fill go to a tank. He would like to see excavation. It was noted that the flowable fill would harden in the manner of concrete. It would provide a base for the restoration committee’s sidewalk.

Mr. Reimel said he had spoken with Mr. Hunt that day. He spoke about another pipe coming down in that area, and the desire to dig an air hole so the flowable fill didn’t try to flow into another pipe.

Mr. Hunt had said, Mr. Reimel related, that he would prefer if the borough did that part of the job but he felt strongly enough about the work that he would do it even if the borough did not. Ms. O’Malley said that the problem was that the borough would eventually find themselves in a position where they were going to have to take care of everybody’s drainage issues. She said that would be insanity, and as the borough’s counsel she would not advise it.

There was some discussion regarding other areas where the question could be asked where the borough’s requirement began and the landowner’s requirement began.

Mr. Granahan said that he would vote to have Leeward fix the stormwater. He would not, however, do the flowable fill stuff at that time. Mr. Reimel said that a substantial amount of the problems would be taken care of by the already planned work. They were going to investigate the other.

At the beginning of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center meeting, the staff and administration introduced a wide variety of new staff members at both Elk Lake and the SCCTC.  These employees attended the meeting and were recognized.  They included:  Dan Zebrowski (small engine instructor), James Baker (security and protective services), Mark Fenton  (technology specialist), Patricia McKinney (LPN nurse instructor), Karen Killian (nurse practitioner), Denise Gieski (LPN coordinator), Tonya Bokman, Jillian Dunn (elementary speech), and Stacey Tyler (taking Mrs. Heed’s position).  The staff members were welcomed with applause. 

During Dr. Davis’ report, the director spoke of a number of events at the career center.  Food services had its opening day buffet on September 25th, the start of many.  The firemen had done a fire safety presentation at the school, after which that department gave them lunch. Cosmotology held its Pink Out Day to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  There was an open house scheduled for Friday October 11th, which was open to the public.  At that event people could explore the programs.  Cabot and Linde had donated $50,000 to the center. The Massage therapy program had gone to the Falls Adult Center, and offered free services to them.  Both a Career and Manufacturing Day and a Career and Health Day were planned.  The current house project had undergone excavation, and the foundation was installed in June.  They were at that time working on the framing and the basement. 

The Interim Nursing Director Stipend was approved for Rebecca Drost.  She had filled in for one month in September.  The contracts for the two Clinical Nurse Supervisor positions were approved.  Both had been hired at the last board meeting and they were looking for the contract. 

A visitor asked how many nurse clinical supervisors there were in the department.  It was responded that there were 3 full-time and 1 part-time nursing staff members.  All, they said, had contracts, with existing staff being contracted until December.  The meeting, which had opened at 7:09, closed at 7:20. 

The Elk Lake meeting opened shortly thereafter.  A contract for behavioral support services was approved. 

PLGIT approval signatures were also approved.  Dr. Cuomo explained that there were three staff members who had check signing ability for special accounts.  One had retired and another was about to retire.  The motion was to add two more people to the list of signers. 

The ELESPA Contract for 2015-2018 was voted upon and a copy of the contract had been uploaded to Board Docs.  Mrs. Heed was thanked for her work on the contract; the support staff were also thanked for coming to agreeable terms.  Mrs. Heed, in turn, thanked the board and administration, saying that it had gone well. 

A JCI invoice was approved for $256,000, the second to last payment to that company.  Dr. Coumo announced that because there was no significant overrun on the energy savings work, JCI had agreed to give the district a planned service contract for training and mechanical issues hours at no cost to Elk Lake.  This contract, he noted, would normally sell at $30,000. 

The Leatherstocking Easement Agreement was motioned and approved.  This involved an easement from (near) the gas pumps to the front entrance by the tank.  This would allow Leatherstocking to lay pipe and get gas to the school.  It had been reviewed by the solicitors, Dr. Cuomo noted. 

Mr. Tewksebury said that he had been asked by community members if, since the state hadn’t reimbursed the school for its building project, that was putting a strain on the budget.  Dr. Cuomo replied that anytime that amount of money wasn’t reimbursed it was a strain.  There was no fat in the district budget.  However, he said that they had learned of their status (at the top of the list should money be released, and they hoped that it might be released within the next couple months.  It was hoped they would be one of the districts to benefit if this happened.  If the state found any problem with their paperwork, the district would be kicked to the bottom of the list, but they were hopeful the paperwork was good.  Mr. Tewksbury confirmed that if this money came in, it would come in to Elk Lake.  

The chill of fall is in the air, and that means two things—if nothing else—in Oakland Borough: party time and prep time. The two themes dominated discussion at the 90 minute meeting of Oakland Boro Council at the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 9 at the Lanesboro Community Center.

Present for the meeting were President Brian Rhone, Mayor Ron Beavan, and Councilmen Doug Arthur, Gary Boughton, Eric Page, Nelson Towner, and Dave Trevarthan. Also present were Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush, Police Chief Sweet, and Street & Water Commissioner Jeff Wayman. Councilman Jack Agler was absent.

Oakland party time, of course, is a reference to Halloween for the borough’s children. Halloween this year is actually scheduled to be celebrated on Halloween—Friday, October 31st. Councilman Gary Boughton, as Chairman of the Parks Committee, is the mover and shaker responsible for planning this year’s borough-sanctioned event, a costume contest to be conducted from 5 to 6 p.m. at Oakland Park. Councilman Arthur, Mayor Beavan, and a player-to-be-named-later agreed to serve as judges. The borough will provide apple cider and doughnuts, and three gift certificates for costume winners. Following the party, trick-or-treating throughout the borough will be permitted from 6 to 8 p.m.

While the “treating” half of Halloween activity is encouraged on both ends, the giving and receiving, Police Chief Sweet indicated he will be on alert for miscreants who may place an inappropriate emphasis on the “trick” side of the celebration. In fact, the Chief noted the recent rise of the “570 Gang.” Some say they arose from the Hallstead-Great Bend area, but whatever the case these would-be artists have a limited repertoire with their cans of spray paint, and the numbers “570” seem to be the signature they leave behind in their defacement of cars, doors, and buildings.

Other juvenile delinquents in the borough are “the-four wheelers” who speed along borough streets. While four-wheeling in unlicensed vehicles on boro streets is illegal in itself, councilmen and mayor are particularly concerned for the safety of juveniles seemingly oblivious to the dangers they pose both to others and themselves.

In other police prepping actions borough council took specific actions to increase safety for borough police officers, and ultimately for borough residents. Council authorized the purchase of a new rifle for the police, with the cost not to exceed $750. Also authorized was the purchase of eight new tires for both boro police cars, as well as approval for the expenditure of approximately $2,600 for repairs, upgrades, and a paint job on the unmarked police car. Council members repeatedly stressed that they are concerned about the safety of police officers.

While on the subject of police, Mayor Beavan presented the Police Report for the month of September. It showed Oakland PD responsive to some 23 incidents (includes those within Oakland and Harmony Township which contract for police services): harassment (3), harassment by communications (1), erratic driver (2), assist in service to PSP (1), traffic stop (4), domestic dispute (1), larceny/theft (2), animal (1), convulsions/seizures (1), cardiac/respiratory arrest (1), unconscious/fainting (1), brush fire (1), criminal trespass (1), fraud (1), and suspicious person (1).

For the topic of Streets Report, President Rhone turned the meeting over to invited guest (Street & Water Commissioner) Jeff Wayman for a lengthy presentation. The gist of Mr. Wayman’s report was that grant monies had been delayed by government red tape all summer long, and now that the weather has turned it would no longer be feasible to carry out paving that would last. But with the grant money currently on-hand and the liquid fuels money due to be remitted to the boro in April 2015 a not inconsiderable amount of paving projects are slated for commencement in May 2015. However, two streets which will not be paved under this program are East High and Prospect Streets, where according to government guidelines surveys indicate residents earn TOO MUCH money (so the street on which they live doesn’t qualify for paving under the grant program). Does that qualification restriction give anyone else pause for thought?

Mr. Wayman also noted the borough is prepping for Old Man Winter. He made mention of the borough’s cooperative agreement with Lanesboro and how that mutual assistance benefited both boroughs in keeping the roads clear. Road salt has been ordered in sufficient quantity and the streets which were most severely pot-holed have received interim repairs to carry them through till May (hopefully).

Secretary Brush brought up the topic of sidewalks, which had been the focus of much attention at September’s meeting. According to the Secretary’s research Oakland Boro’s sidewalk ordinance dates to 1910 when the borough still boasted wooden board sidewalks. According to that ordinance property owners are technically responsible for the sidewalk in front of their property. Secretary Brush had also retrieved the names of all property owners along State Street, except for two properties where title is uncertain. State Street is the area where sidewalk maintenance/snow removal by property owners has been a bone of contention in recent years.

Council discussed the current sidewalk situation and decided it may be wise to update the sidewalk ordinance. Secretary Brush, already anticipating that reaction, had printed out two sample sidewalk ordinances courtesy of PSBA (Pennsylvania State Borough Association). Council will continue prep on the sidewalk issue next month with further research and cogitation aplenty in the by-and-by.

The next meeting of Oakland Boro Council is scheduled for the second Thursday in November.

They didn’t get around to any of the things they discussed at the workshop a week before, but when (most of the) members of the Blue Ridge School Board gathered on October 6th they did find things to do, and they had brownies, apple crisp, creamy vegetable soup and homemade bread and butter to make it all go down a little easier.

As has become customary, business meetings lead off by recognizing members of the school community for their various achievements.  Elementary School Principal Matthew Button welcomed parents to see their children awarded certificates for citizenship – for academics, but more for a caring attitude toward their fellows in the classroom.  Middle and High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski introduced some of his Students of the Month as well; these students will each receive 2 passes to the Montrose Theater.  One will be chosen for a family dinner at Armetta’s Pizza.

Blue Ridge Middle & High School Students Of The Month

Blue Ridge Elementary Citizens Of The Month

Outstanding Senior Erin Perry

Super Senior Brett Hepler

Once the Board meeting was called to order after brownies and lemonade, Mr. Nebz presented his Seniors of the Month, Erin Perry and Brett Hepler.  The articulate Ms. Perry singled out her art classes as giving her a better sense of herself as a person.  She went on to describe a long list of her activities and said that she might pursue nursing, pediatrics or oncology after high school.  Mr. Nebzydoski noted that Ms. Perry was also WVIA’s Artist of the Month.  Mr. Hepler, conceding that he had a hard act to follow, listed his athletic achievements in football and track, along with his membership in the National Honor Society.  Unsure yet about college, he said he would probably pursue environmental studies.

Superintendent Robert McTiernan and Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner next introduced Alica Ross, commended for the achievement of her Advanced Placement students, who consistently score above state and national averages. 

Mr. Button lined up several members of the Elementary School Art Club for recognition; some of their works have been exhibited in Scranton.  And the on-line edition of the High School’s Raider Reader newspaper was recognized for having received an Award of Excellence from the Pennsylvania School Boards Assocation (PSBA).

Once they got down to business, members of the Board passed an 18-item agenda that consisted almost entirely of routine personnel matters, particularly in coaching positions.  They also accepted a renewal of a service agreement with Eleanor Conroy to conduct reviews of Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) for special needs students at a rate of $65 per hour.  They also accepted new contracts with the school bus operators, with one exception.  Sally Lewis recently incorporated herself as Sally Lewis Busing, Inc.  The Board wants to ensure that the signatures on the contract represent officers of the new corporation are legally binding.

The Board will also be reviewing changes to its policy manual, most of them required by recent changes in state regulatory policy.  In particular, they want to study the changes to the Academic Standards section, and most especially the second on Graduation Requirements.  Board member Christina Whitney questioned the new requirement for a total of 20 hours of community service, with a minimum of 4 hours per year.  Ms. Whitney wanted to know just what constitutes “community service” under the policy.  Mr. McTiernan also said that he would look into a change recommended by PSBA that would remove “World Languages” from the policy on academic standards.  The policy changes will be under review for at least the next 30 days.

Once the business agenda was disposed of, Ms. Brown-Bonner called an executive session to consider the Superintendent’s performance evaluation.

That was followed by a workshop of sorts for the Board to set “goals” for the new year, for itself and for the district.  Curiously, while several of the ideas suggested more “transparency,” the Superintendent’s evaluation apparently isn’t part of that effort.  Nor are the details of negotiations with the teachers on a new contract.  While the Board has published its and the teachers’ proposals on the district’s website, Mr. McTiernan cautioned against too much openness about the negotiations.  Nevertheless, they did permit a reporter to sit in on the discussion.

The number one priority seems to be finding a new Business Manager for the district.  Mr. Small having departed last year in a sudden haze, he was replaced by Penny Greene, who just this month abruptly retired.  The discussion centered around who all would get to screen and interview whatever applicants there might be.

Another goal focused around transportation.  Added to the list, then removed, it later took on greater significance as a particular concern of parents.  Mr. McTiernan and Board member Harold Empett noted that where running a few buses used to be a part-time operation for most contractors, for some it has now become a full-time business for whose revenue the district is largely responsible.  Mr. McTiernan was tasked with coming up with a timeline for bus contracts and scheduling for the next school year.  The Board hopes to provide better service using “concrete parameters” and a “defined process.”

The Board will also focus on academic achievement, particularly in light of the scores received by the Middle School for some of its programs.  Mr. McTiernan said that he thought the professional development currently being offered was sufficient.  He did, however, report some resistance among teachers to the development of a STEM track as an elective program.  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has become a buzzword in academic circles recently, an attempt to focus effort in American schools on the rapidly evolving technological environment and workplace.

Negotiations toward a new teacher contract seemed important to some Board members, although it was clear that working under the old contract was probably working out just fine.  The Board is still awaiting the union’s response to the Board’s latest proposal.

In conjunction with finding a new Business Manager, Mr. McTiernan recommended a “systematic review” – perhaps by an outsider – of the district’s business operations.  So evaluation of the business office became another goal.

The Board and the Administration would like their goals to have measurable results.  So, while things like more community involvement, the development of an “alumni foundation,” and better public relations were all of interest, no one could determine how performance against such goals could be measured.  Mr. McTiernan said that public apathy is amply demonstrated by attendance at Board meetings where, for instance, discussions concerning the expenditure of nearly $17 million are witnessed by very few members of the public.

A good soup, and maybe more brownies from the advanced food classes, doesn’t hurt to attract more interest.  Come see what’s on the menu at the next meeting, scheduled as a workshop, on Monday, October 27, 2014, beginning at 7:00pm in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

Susquehanna Borough welcomes two new council members. Kaylin Lindquist took the Oath of Office at the August 13th meeting and Barbara Larsen was sworn during the October 8th meeting. 

Pictured (l-r) are: Kaylin Lindquist, Deborah Zayas (Vice-President), Roy Williams, Joseph Varsik (President), Mayor Nancy Hurley, Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Barbara Larsen.

Council members are looking towards a bright future in Susquehanna with continued infrastructure plans and neighborhood clean-up projects.       

Commercial Vehicle Crash: On October 10th at 7:55 am April Fassett of Montrose was traveling south on SR 0267 at the same time as Mark Brazen of Covington Township, PA was traveling north. Fassett traveled into the northbound lane and struck Brazen's vehicle. Both drivers were utilizing seat belts; Fassett sustained moderate injury.

Criminal Michief: Between October 8th and 9th, the mailbox of a Uniondale man in Gibson Township was damaged with a blunt object.

Crash: On October 9th at 11:25 am Clyde Bills of New Milford was making a u turn on SR 0011 when his vehicle struck a pothole, causing it to lose control. Bills was wearing a motorcycle helmet; he sustained minor injury.

Theft: On September 30th, a package was stolen to a Montrose resident via Fed-Ex, and stolen from the same location. The package contained a transmission rebuild kit valued at $234.

Hit and Run: On October 7th at 6:29 pm Thomas Obriend of Clifford Township was traveling North on Sr 2067 in Clifford Township when his vehicle traveled off the road and struck a wooden fence. The Dodge Ram then fled the scene of the crash, continuing north on Sr 2067. The vehicle was found abandoned on that road. Both injury and safety equipment use were listed as unknown.

Burglary: On October 6th at 11:30 am one or more burglar(s) of unknown personage arrived at a scene in Clifford Township, removed the basement window from the track, entered the residence, and fled down the roadway toward Elkdale on foot. One perpetrator got into a black sedan and drove east on Tinker Brook Road with another person in the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Harassment: The police are investigating an altercation between two Montrose men and a Montrose woman which occurred on October 7th at 7:30 on SR 29 in Frankline Township. All were cited for harassment in District Court 34-3-01.

Hit and Run: On October 4th at 3:38 am an unknown driver was traveling south on SR 11, operating a Hyundai Elantra, when the vehicle exited the east side of the roadway and struck the embankment. After striking the embankment, it spun 180 degrees and came to a rest on the east side of the roadway facing west. The operator fled the scene prior to police arrival, and a passenger was not injured (and was listed as utilizing a seat belt). The vehicle sustained minor damage.

Theft: Between the 3rd and 6th of October, fuel was siphoned from the gas tanks of several machines at gas pads in Choconut Township. Approximately $900 worth of fuel, belonging to Nuweld Inc., was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Criminal Mischief: On October 5th the mailbox of a Harford man, in Gibson Township, was smashed.

Burglary: Between August 1st and October 1st one or more perpetrator(s) used force to open the shed of a Middletown Township man. Once inside, a tractor, spreader, and dirt bike were removed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. The suspect(s) was listed as “under investigation”.

Burglary: On September 30th at 9:10 pm a Montrose man found someone inside his storage barn in Dimock Township. The victim confronted the perpetrator, and he or she fled on foot. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: On October 3rd 2 white males driving an older model, full sized, red, extended cab Ford pickup arrived at the home of two New Milford people in Bridgewater Township. The perpetrators stole a stainless steel .32 special, a 32” flatscreen TV, an Alpine Northwind Compound Bow, and old silver quarters and assorted foreign coins.

Burglary: One or more unknown perpetrator(s) entered the residence of a man by unknown means on September 17th. A small floor safe was removed from the residence, which contained cash and paperwork.

Burglary: Between September 12th and October 3rd one or more unknown perpetrator(s) arrived at an Auburn Township residence belonging to an Illinois woman, by throwing a stone through the window. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the station.

Controlled Substance: On September 28th at 3:15 pm a 22 year old man of Hop Bottom was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia. Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-03.

Burglary: Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a residential burglary in which a safe was removed from inside a Lenox Township residence. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Gibson please.

Harassment: On October 2nd a 16 year old female student is accused of pushing a female educator and elbowing her in the back. Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-02. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Burglary: Between September 25th and October 2nd a Herrick Township residence was entered by means of a forced open side door. It is unknown which portion of the location, owned by M&M Mortgage Services, was entered, or if anything was stolen. The scene was fled through a rear sliding glass door. The residence was vacant. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: Between August 30th and 31st two checks were taken from a Susquehanna man, and cashed. This report was still under investigation as of the time of report.

Endangering Welfare of Children/DUI: On September 25th a 27 year old Little Meadows man was involved in a 1 vehicle crash on Sr 4014 near Sr 848. Further investigatino led to the arrest of the accused for DUI. The victims involved were listed as a 4 year old boy and a 5 year old girl.

Theft: A Montrose man took and ingested his mother's pain medication between the 1st and 2nd of October. The charges were being filed as of the time of report.

Crash: On October 2nd at 8:54 pm a juvenile boy from Factoryville was traveling North on SR11 near Bailey Road when he left the right side of the roadway, over steered, and lost control as he came back onto the roadway. The vehicle then crossed the north and southbound lanes, and struck a guide rail off the west side of the southbound lane before coming to an uncontrolled rest. The vehicle had moderate damage to its left front area. Hop Bottom Fire and EMS responded along with Nicholson and Factoryville. Kozlowski towed the vehicle from the scene. Neither the boy nor a juvenile female passenger sustained injury; seat belt use was listed as “none used/not applicable” for both.

Theft/Forgery: Between the 16th and 18th Michael Calby of Montrose is accused of stealing checks from a Montrose man, forging the other man's name, and cashing them for $250 from the victim's checking account.

Firearms Act Violation: On September 18th at 8:48 am Dino Grindle of Kingsley was found in possession of a concealed firearm without a license and convicted of an enumerated offense, robbery.

Harford Township: On September 30th at 6:45 am Codey Cobb of New Milford was traveling southbound on Creek Road when his vehicle exited the east side of the roadway and struck a utility pole with the front driver side of the vehicle. After initial impact it rotated counterclockwise and struck a tree further south on the east shoulder of the roadway. It struck the tree with the passenger side of the vehicle and came to a rest against the tree facing east. The vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed form the scene. Cobb sustained minor injury in the crash and remained on scene; he was utilizing a seat belt. A minor female front seat passenger sustained moderate injury and was transported to the hospital via ambulance.

Missing Person- Attempt to Locate: PSP is attempting to locate Harriet Keim, 84 years of age, a white, elderly female. She was last see on September 30th at around 6:00 am near her residence on Airport Road in Herrick Township. She is 5'01” tall, approximately 100 pounds, with shoulder length gray hair. She was last known to be wearing jeans and a beige sweater. She normally walks along roadways. Any agency or person that comes into contact with her is asked to please call the state police at (570) 465-3154.

Burglary: Sometime over the last two years the trailer of a Huntington, Ny man, located in Thompson Township, was broken into, and scrap metal and wooden furniture stolen from within. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

DUI: On September 25th at 8:18 pm a Little Meadows man was traveling west on SR4014 when his vehicle traveled into the eastbound lane of SR4014. The vehicle then crashed into an embankment just off the north shoulder of SR4014. After impact, the vehicle continued to travel in an eastern direction before overturning on its passenger side, coming to a rest facing north. The driver sustained minor injury; a seat belt was in use. The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and his vehicle didn't contain booster seats for his children (4 and 5 years old). Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-01.

Theft: Between September 13th and 27th one or more perpetrator(s) went onto the property of a Breinigsville, PA resident in Oakland Township and took a Massy Ferguson 65 farm tractor and a brush hog. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

Theft: Between September 19th and 26th several old pieces of metal equipment and a small pile of scrap metal were removed from the property of Montrose person in Franklin Township.

Theft from Motor Vehicle: On September 25th a license plate was stolen from a green Buick Century on ST 92 in South Gibson. The license plate was later recovered in Freeland, PA. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.

DUI: On September 21st at 6:08 pm Carlos Gomez of Kissimmee, Fl is accused of operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The accused was placed into custody for suspicion of DUI. A criminal complaint was filed in D.C. 34-3-02.

Endangering Welfare of Children/DUI: On September 24th at 8:14 pm an incident occurred following a crash at the Pump and Pantry Parking Lot in Bridgewater Township. The crash occurred as a vehicle, driven by a Kingsley woman, entered the Pump and Pantry parking lot from SR706 east. A second vehicle was parked near a gas pump, disabled. The woman attempted to drive in between the disabled vehicle and the gas pump. She was unable to avoid the other vehicle, and crashed into its driver's side. After impact, she pulled forward to the next gas pump. Further investigation led to the arrest of the accused for DUI/Endangering Welfare of Children. Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-01.

Theft: Between September 23rd and 24th a New Milford man reported that several items, inclusive of wheels, truck batteries, and a Troybilt portable generator were removed from his property at The Camp at East Lake without his authorization. The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to please contact the police at Gibson at (570) 465-3154.