At the November 3 Montrose Borough council meeting, the council discussed a wide variety of items of note, including the police contract with Forest Lake Township, road safety, and heat. 

When the police contract renewal with Forest Lake was motioned, Mr. Lamont noted that they hadn’t talked with Frank but the current contract ran through April so they had time.  Mr. Granahan asked how many wanted this, to see if they needed to go into negotiations.  He suggested they provide their own police force.  Mr. Reimel said it was a personnel issue- they had trouble filling their own force at times.  Mr. Chamberlain noted that the original premise of the agreement was to provide interim police until they could get their own force.  Mr. Granahan motioned that they not renew the contract - it passed. 

The Santa Roll requested police traffic control.  It was said that the year before there had been problems with trucks.  The police presence was approved. 

Mr. Chamberlain asked about a backup generator for the borough building - when the power went down there was nothing. 

When Mr. Chamberlain asked what council wanted to do about a fence.  Mr. Schuster noted that he would have voted against the fence had he been there.  Others said it was lying there, and didn’t look good. 

Mr. Lamont related that there was a 811 class on construction, and suggested that they send someone from the street department.  The course would give information on how to mark and recognize marks.  Mr. Schuster said it was a good idea, and quipped that it was too bad it was already past some of their construction.  Mr. Lamont opined that the more people were educated on it, the better.  He reiterated that just because a person called 811 didn’t relieve them from responsibility if something happened. 

Chief Dale Smith related how a computer consultant said their computer service was way out of date.  He spoke of getting a new system that would incorporate everything together.  The information would be stored off site (in the cloud) so that if the computer went down they could still use it.  It would come with tech support.  Mr. Reimel asked if they had it in the budget yet; they did not.  After more discussion it was decided that perhaps Metro Alert would be the better option of the two mentioned. 

The zoning officer had a question regarding whether or not zoning officers had to be sworn in, the borough secretary related.  This also raised the question about whether the officers could go on the property without being sworn in.  Mr. Lamont suggested the officer take a police officer with him, though it wasn’t known if he had been made aware of this ability or not.  It was decided to swear the zoning officers in and give them badges. 

The mayor related that he was being asked when the streets were going to be done.  Mr. Lamont related that the official report on WNEP said it would be done in May of 2015. 

Betsy O’Malley was present representing the MASD Department of transportation.  The bus drivers had reported to her that the bottom of Lathrop Street had been narrowed considerably with a new curb.  She requested that they remove the curb or put in a light where people turned from Grow onto Lathrop.  She said their ultimate concern was the safety of the district children.  The borough solicitor spoke about GEC, who, in her opinion, were a disgrace.  They closed the street by a business with no warning.  She said it had happened elsewhere as well, and they had no consideration for the residents of the town.  Mr. Lamont said the people pulling the line weren’t the ones doing the restoration.  She said that they were parking on people’s private property.  It was noted that they were in their right of way, as they were a public utility.  The company in question was Leatherstocking’s contractor.  Mr. Lamont pointed out that everyone was trying to beat the weather.  Mr. Lamont said that the council could send a letter requesting that they look at the intersection Ms. O’Malley came to them about.  Mr. Schuster noted that they could make the road a one-way street.  Mr. Reimel suggested that the school also contact the company directly.   

Mr. Chamberlain asked what they were supposed to do with the hay and nets being left behind.  Mr. Reimel had been told that they were supposed to be biodegradable.  Mr. Reimel said if anyone wanted to get rid of them, they would set aside a section of the dump for this purpose. 

A representative of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was present; she had been to the meeting before, requesting handicapped parking for parishioners.  This request was approved, though they would have to do it by ordinance. 

The borough building had heating problems, it was related, due to not having a two zone heating system.  It would be cold on one level and hot on the other.  The building had a geothermal heating system.  More work was supposed to be done originally, but the subcontractor who was hired had been let go before he did so. 

The Cabot map review was discussed.  They had offered a lease on all borough owned properties surrounded by residents.  Mr. Granahan said that to get to where the properties were, they would need to pull from the surrounding properties.  The solicitor said that they would have to go out to bid anyway.  Mr. Granahan wondered if they should sign up others.  He also wondered if they should go through the process, or just sue for royalties.  Mr. Lamont said that he understood that once a town was in a unit they had to pay for it anyway.  Once they were landlocked, they would have to deal with other properties already leased in town.  It was suggested that Cabot be contacted to come speak with them. 

It was requested that council send a formal letter of thanks to the Lions Club for their work in the park.  Mr. Reimel spoke a bit about this work. 

After an executive session the motion was made to terminate the employment of police officer Rhonda Smith.

The chili, onions, taco chips and sour cream last time were more filling, but the apple crisp offered at the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on November 3rd was really tasty.  Along with cookies and soda, the treat induced a good turnout for Student of the Month awards that the principals announce for gathered parents before the monthly business meeting.

Elementary School Principal Matthew Button first introduced one pupil, from each classroom, from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, and handed each a certificate recognizing their achievement.

Blue Ridge Elementary School Students of the Month. Photo courtesy of Mariusz Motyka

Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski singled out Sam Beesley for acts of kindness that were rewarded with a free supper at Armetta’s.  He then introduced his seniors of the month.  Allen Weed and Mary Mangel recited long lists of their activities over the years at Blue Ridge.  Mr. Weed recently sang in a national chorus at the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville, although his instrument of choice is percussion, when he’s not playing soccer as captain of the team.  In fact, he traveled to Toronto as a percussionist in a band convention.  The member of the National Honor Society said his favorite class was calculus, and that he wants to study mechanical or electrical engineering in college.

Ms. Mangel also covered a lot of ground in her 10 years at Blue Ridge.  Also a National Honor Society member, she participates in archery and is on the Student Council.  Ms. Mangel hopes to attend the University of Pittsburg next year to study psychology.

Special Seniors Mary Mangel and Allen Weed.  Photo courtesy of Matthew Nebzydoski

Ms. Mangel and 4 of her cohorts attended the meeting to represent the 2014 Homecoming Committee.  They offered a presentation of Homecoming Week activities for the Board.  Some of them were also members of the District Champion volleyball team, the first such Blue Ridge championship in any sport in more than a decade, according to Superintendent Robert McTiernan.  Mr. Nebz made special mention of Athletics Director Jill Hoffman for her untiring efforts on behalf of all sports at Blue Ridge.

High School Music teacher Vincent LoRusso was given a special award by Board resolution for his many and varied productions that have brought distinction to Blue Ridge.  He thanked the Board for its “unending support” in the face of budget difficulties over the years.

Once they got down to business, they got up again to go into a brief executive session on an unspecified “personnel matter.”  When they came back they quickly passed a 16-point agenda, with some minor last-minute adjustments.  Among the otherwise routine personnel actions, the Board approved a “Letter of Agreement” with The Meadows Psychiatric Center/Universal Community Behavioral Health of Centre Hall for services as needed at $30 per hour for up to 2 hours per day.  The Board renewed its relationship with its solicitors, Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams; the hourly rate is increased by $2 for the new school year.

The Board agreed to permit the administration to participate in the Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN) for supplies of various kinds, and to solicit bids for items not covered by KPN.  The Keystone Purchasing Network, based in Milton, is a non-profit consortium derived from a cooperative purchasing program established by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.  It endeavors to find the lowest prices for supplies and materials through volume purchasing contracts.

The Board hired Heidi Nikolaidis as a part-time nurse.  The district has been trying to supplement the nursing office, particularly for late afternoon.

In a surprise move, the Board censured one of its own, Fred Lewis, for a perceived “breach of advice” when he recently offered the services of his bus company to alleviate a problem that arose when another bus contractor suddenly ceased operations.  The resolution of censure alleged that Mr. Lewis’s offer could have resulted in “monetary gain” to his business and was inconsistent with his public trust as a member of the School Board.  Mr. Lewis accepted the “admonishment” and “condemnation” protesting only that his motive was simply to help out the District in a tough situation. 

Because 3 members of the Board have bus contracts, or are members of families with bus contracts, they (including Mr. Lewis) commonly abstain from votes on transportation bills.  But Mr. Lewis’s colleagues explained that their action was intended to notify everyone that even the appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest is unacceptable.

A parent appeared before the Board with a plea to support the cheerleading squad.  The team has experienced some problems recently that are being worked out.  She spoke of a rumor that the Board was considering cutting the program and wanted the Board to hear of the sport’s benefit to the girls who participate.  Her comments were politely accepted without further comment.

Mr. Nebzydoski and Mr. McTiernan reported that 67 people had already signed up to participate in a Junior/Senior Night.  Juniors and Seniors will have an opportunity to hear from businesses, unions, colleges, trade schools and more to help them plan their futures after Blue Ridge.  The Superintendent said that the District will be strongly encouraging participation in events like this, including Math Night for parents, and is commencing a “push” to ensure the largest possible turnout.

Blue Ridge will once again welcome veterans to a meal on their day, November 11.  Still focused on the Elementary School, the administration hopes to expand it District-wide next year.  All area veterans are invited.

Hard to say what might be on the menu for the Blue Ridge School Board’s workshop scheduled for November 24.  Probably won’t be turkey.  Soup would be good.  All meetings take place – appropriately – in the cafeteria in the Elementary School, and start at 7:00 pm, except when they don’t.  Check the District website for the latest information.  And don’t forget Raider Reader On-Line (http://www.raiderreader.org) for the most up-to-date scoop on what’s happnin at Blue Ridge.

Great Bend Borough’s monthly meeting was held November 6th at 7:00 pm, which lasted just under one hour.  Six out of the eight members of the council were present; also present was BJ Giangiulio from HA Thompson Insurance Co. listed on the agenda to review the renewal of the Borough liability insurance. Also present for the meeting was police Chief John Record, to present and review the monthly police report.

The first order of business was the annual liability insurance renewal, BJ Giangiulio announced that the liability renewal application was complete; he then reviewed the building schedule to determine if any changes were required to the existing coverage. Upon review the borough added a new metal storage building to the policy, which is 26 x 40 feet and was purchased for $6500.00. Suggested to the council by Giangiulio was a “public employee blanket bond” as an addition to the policy which the Borough does not have at this time. This additional coverage would protect the borough from theft of any money, computer fraud, faithful performance of duty, by all employees including elected officials with the exception of the treasurer. The council declined this coverage at this time which concluded BJ Giangiulio business with the council.  

Next on the agenda was the Road/Park report; which included a preliminary discussion about purchasing new playground equipment. Presented to the council was a playground equipment sale flyer. This flyer contained a play gym that was geared toward the age group of 2-5 year olds, and a sale price of $8000.00 which the council took note of. No motion was made at this time on the topic and the council agreed to readdress this issue at a later date. It was also brought to the attention of the council that Maple Street needed to be resurfaced as well as the Police parking lot needs to be paved. Council agreed to revisit this issue in the future and have these two projects concluded at the same time. The last note to the council during this report was made about the repairs being done to the borough truck which is presently getting new brakes, brake lines, and a master cylinder.

Chief Record was next on the schedule to present his monthly police report for October, in which he said the paperwork for new stop signs was complete, the placing of these stop signs will be on Washington and Franklin streets. Record then announced that an arrest was made on November 3rd in the Burglary case on Washington Street that occurred in May of this year. Chief Record stated this was a violent burglary in the sense that “the front door was kicked in, in broad day light”. Upon further research it was found that Dennis McCann (of Great Bend) was charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Theft, Receiving Stolen Property and Criminal Mischief regarding this case; the preliminary hearing is set for 11-24-14 at District Court 34-3-02. As a final note on the police report Chief Record announced that all officers in the Great Bend department have completed their annual fire arms qualifications.

As the meeting was coming to an end the council held a brief discussion as to whether anyone on the council had found a new display case, which the Borough is in need of. As of now the search is still on to either find a new display case or find someone that can make one for them. At this time the meeting was adjourned.

The next Great Bend Borough meeting will be held on Thursday, December 4th 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 10:30 a.m. on November 7, 2014: Kristina M. Baker, Brett F. Barnes, Brent V. Birtch, Edwin Blaisure, Jennifer Blassingame, David A. Calla, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Christopher J. Clark, Anthony Cokely, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Randy Gregory, Charles Groover, Jeremy W. Hall, Jeremy Halstead, Timothy M. Holmes, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Thomas M. Mellor, Joshua Perry, Vincent J. Petriello, Veronica D. Phelps, Marita J. Sellitto, Desiree L. Shifler, Courtney M. Sterling, Joseph W. Sutton, Frederick Swingle, III, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, 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.