A business meeting was prepended to the Blue Ridge School Board’s scheduled workshop on March 30th in order to make some big changes in the District’s administration. The Board also looked further into a new budget for next year that calls for no increase in property taxes. When it was all done, the Board treated itself and its guests to a delicious soup and some blueberry-cherry cobbler. A good evening indeed, on the cusp of Spring.
The evening began early with a meeting of the Board’s Technology Committee. Members followed along as Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart described in more detail some of the work he would like to accomplish to continue upgrading and maintenance of the District’s networking and computing infrastructure. His first priority is to install Category 6 cabling throughout the buildings, a project which should improve the performance of the network and rationalize the cabling mess that has grown somewhat chaotically over the years. So far the only bidder for the project is Northeast Data of Tunkhannock. It would cost a total of almost $120,000, but 70% of that would ultimately be paid for through the E-rate program of the Federal Communications Commission.
Second priority would be the installation of generating capacity to keep important systems operating in the event of a power failure to the campus. Mr. Stewart said that a 20-year-old generator located behind the cafeteria kitchen area might be rejuvenated to supply some of the required power. That and the main generator already installed would need to be supplemented only by another small unit to keep the campus operating in an emergency. It only remains to determine if the old generator can be made to work reliably before looking further at cabling and other work necessary to bring it all on line.
The third priority would be upgrading the wireless (wi-fi) system to the latest standards. Mr. Stewart said that the wireless capacity on the campus is still quite adequate, however. This could also be subsidized from E-rate funds.
The remaining question about E-rate is whether the FCC will pay its share up front, or whether the District would have to come up with the total cost, receiving reimbursement only after the projects are complete.
None of these 3 major projects are in the budget, so Mr. Stewart is hoping that at least some of any surplus realized at the end of the current fiscal year can be applied to this work. A large part of accumulated capital reserves of about $750,000 is already earmarked for work on the gym floor and bleachers, the gravel roofs, and paving in the parking lots.
He also described a collection of software systems that he will recommend be shifted to “hosted” services provided by the software vendors. These include the major student system called MMS, the transportation routing system, the cafeteria management system, software used by the health office, and Destiny, the library management system. The transition would cut the amount of data storage that the District must maintain and back up by moving databases to the “cloud.” The major data storage unit now in use at Blue Ridge is aging, and the move to cloud-based services would reduce the need for local backups. Asked about security of the data on an outside system, Mr. Stewart said that, if anything, it would be more secure.
Mr. Stewart would pay for these software changes by switching vendors for the messaging system, eliminating the large data storage unit, and deferring an already budgeted upgrade of the printer management system at the campus.
The business meeting was devoted to 5 items that almost completely overturn the upper level of the District’s administration. Superintendent Robert McTiernan had already accepted a position as the new Executive Director of the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit; it only remained to determine when he would leave Blue Ridge. His resignation was accepted at the meeting, effective May 1, 2015.
Elementary School Principal Matthew Button will move up to take Mr. McTiernan’s place as Acting Superintendent, at least through the end of the fiscal year in June. And Elementary School teacher Danelle Decker was appointed Acting Principal in her school, filling in for Mr. Button, again through the end of the current fiscal year. Permanent appointments were left open and Mr. Button and Ms. Decker will keep their current salaries for the time being.
The Board also accepted the resignation of Maintenance Director Kevin Price, who will move closer to his home to a position with the Susquehanna Community School District.
The subsequent workshop spent most of its time considering the new budget proposal offered by the administration. But members did hear about upcoming agenda items for the business meeting the following week, as well as Committee reports.
The administration is considering upgrading the services of the social worker now functioning part-time through the Special Education Department. According to Special Education Coordinator Barbara McCain, the social worker (employed by an outside agency) sees some 20 students. Mr. McTiernan thinks hiring a full-time social worker could improve and expand the services offered yet cost very little more, primarily because much of the cost of such services would be reimbursable through the state’s ACCESS program of medical care subsidies for low-income families.
Mr. McTiernan also once more outlined the 3 major projects he would like undertaken beginning this summer to be paid for out of capital reserves. He recommends a repair of the gymnasium floor and installation of new bleachers for a cost of about $70,000; the condition of the sub-floor remains to be seen, however, and it would cost upwards of $200,000 to replace the entire floor and bleachers.
A project to “prepare” the gravel-surfaced roofs for future renovation would extend their warranty for 5 years at a cost of over $300,000. A subsequent project to renovate the roofs would be another $750,000 or so, while a complete replacement if the roofs are not repaired and consequently fail would cost millions.
Mr. McTiernan estimates paving costs for the parking areas under consideration at about $110,000.
Among committee reports, Christina Whitney and Middle/High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski have found a computer science program that could be introduced at Blue Ridge at minimal additional cost when supported by a collection of grants. A teacher has already volunteered 2 weeks of his summer to train in the new program at the Rochester Institute of Technology. This new course could be the first step toward building a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum at Blue Ridge.
Michael Detwiler’s Policy Committee will be recommending a move to install audio recording on the buses to supplement the video recording now in place. Recent changes in state law now allow audio recording to accompany the video.
Harold Empett reported that the new IU budget will not increase.
Now that the Board’s Fundraising Committee has abandoned efforts such as an annual golf tournament, Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner said that letters will be going out this week to supporters soliciting donations for the Board’s scholarship program, now entering its third year.
Ms. Brown-Bonner also reported that the Board is still awaiting a new proposal from the teachers on a new contract. The teachers are currently working under a contract whose term officially expired last July.
Details of the new budget were not provided to any but Board members and administrators. Only a rough summary could be gleaned from the discussion. The Board will be presented with the final preliminary budget at the next business meeting. It must be formally adopted before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
The major budget announcement is that property taxes will not increase at all, not even within the index published by the state. Revenues are expected to be up modestly in some areas, down in others. Mr. McTiernan decided to estimate on the conservative side that the state subsidies for public education would remain flat; even though the new governor has asked for increased school funding, the legislature has yet to be heard from. One kink is that “ACCESS billing at the state level is a disaster,” said the Superintendent. “The School Based Access program is a system that can be used by school districts, intermediate units, state-owned schools, or approved private schools (APS) to obtain funding for health-related services for special education students,” according to the state Department of Education website. Reimbursements through ACCESS have been late, and significantly lower than billed so far this year.
Like revenues, expenses are up in some areas, down in others. The District’s contribution to the state retirement program (PSERS) will jump from 21% to 26% of payroll (at Blue Ridge about $7 million annually).
Calling the new budget “very realistic,” Mr. McTiernan is relying on holding the line on spending within the individual schools and programs.
Ms. Brown-Bonner announced an executive session to follow the workshop to cover personnel matters, including the Maintenance Supervisor and Business Manager positions.
The soup and cobbler were provided this time courtesy of Linda Cole-Koloski, Blue Ridge Director of Food Service. Don’t depend on it at every meeting. Like the next one a week hence, and before you read this.
Rick Ainey, at the April 2nd meeting informed Council members what he found out about grant money that was to be appropriated through the state for Phase 2 of the New Milford Borough project. Phase 1 was the senior housing, and Phase 2 is for building garden style apartments for seniors. The grant money was transferred to a similar project in Forest City due to a report of contaminated water and soil on the property in New Milford Borough. Rick phoned DEP and they said there was a covenant, a deed restriction filed on the property due to numerous contaminates. Because of the reported contamination of the property, Susquehanna County Commissioner Allen Hall signed a letter transferring more than $600,000 to another site that he said was more suitable at this time. Terri Gulick stated the property identified as being contaminated is not the piece of property that is slated for the senior garden apartments. Rick Ainey expressed concern that the New Milford Borough Council members were not previously notified, and they only found out the information by inquiring whether or not the grant money was approved. Council members decided they would invite Karen Allen to attend a council meeting to discuss their options to move forward with this project, by obtaining another grant.
Donna Cosmello spoke about a Symposium on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to be held on April 17th at the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton. Donna stated that Susquehanna County has even numbers with Philadelphia on Domestic Violence. She stated it’s a large problem throughout the County, and the Women’s Resource Committee was able to get Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. as their speaker. RSVP is required by April 14th and you can call 570-969-6000 to register.
A letter of violation was received from the EPA regarding the New Milford Borough’s application for a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4’s) on February 6, 2015. The application for the permit was returned as being “incomplete”. Council responded to the violation letter and informed the EPA they were working on completing the permit paperwork. The EPA recommended having an engineering firm fill out the permit. Council approved, by motion, to send out the paperwork to an engineering firm for immediate action, since the deadline to submit the paperwork is April 30th.
Mayor Scott Smith informed Council the winter flags will be coming down on Saturday, April 4th, and he recommended not putting up the spring flags since they would only be up for a small amount of time. The spring flags did not fare well in storage, and they probably should be replaced. It was decided that the patriotic flags would be the next ones to be put up.
Street sweeping is going to start in the near future, hopefully the beginning of May, weather permitting. Larry White informed Council that they were going with an alternate street sweeper rental this year. The one Larry was looking at costs a little more money, but it comes with a gutter attachment, and may work quicker. They are going to try to wet the roads a little, and then sweep to eliminate some of the dust. Larry said they have been busy filling the potholes with cold patch.
Donna Cosmello spoke about speeding problems on Summit Street. She stated most of the roads in the Borough have 15mph street signs but there isn’t one on Summit. Council members will look into putting up a sign posting the speed limit to see if that would curtail the excessive speeds.
The Borough will be purchasing new pieces of equipment per Larry White. The first piece of equipment is a Toro, zero turn mower purchased from Greenfield Equipment with a 60” blade. The mower should be delivered within the next 2-3 weeks. They will also purchase a 2016 Ford, F550 cab and chassis with LED lighting, daytime running lights, and a running board on the truck. The truck will be purchased using Costars contract pricing. The truck has not been currently ordered since Larry is still working with the car dealership to complete the contract. The tentative delivery date is September 2015.
President Ken Carey informed Council, Penn State Worthington Campus is holding a Grant Workshop Seminar, for $25 on May 12th. President Carey and Donna Cosmello both expressed interest in attending the Seminar. Council members motioned to approve this expense for whoever wanted to attend.
The Bridgewater Baptist Church contacted Council and volunteered their services on May 30th to spread mulch in both parks, and to help reinstall rubber on the steps.
The MidTown Festival will be replaced with concerts and movies in the park, stated President Ken Carey. He said it was time to try something new and he already has some concerts scheduled in MidTown Park. Teri Gulick expressed disappointment that there wasn’t going to be a MidTown Festival this year, but she wished him luck with his new ideas.
President Carey informed everyone the Blue Ridge varsity baseball coach approached him, and offered the baseball team to clear the bank. Council members were very pleased, and expressed gratitude to the team. They discussed options of what needed to be placed on the bank after it was cleared to prevent erosion.
There is a tree in the park that needs to be cut down, and Larry White obtained bids from three vendors, ranging from $400 to $700. The price included cutting down the tree and grinding the stump. Larry went with the lowest bid, which was $400 from Joe Carpenter, who owns JJ Carpenter Tree Service out of Friendsville.
Council approved the Button-Weller 5k race scheduled for June 6th. Mayor Smith stated they might have to use an alternate route if the bridgework on Main Street wasn’t completed by that date.
Eleanor Lempke asked Council if they would be able to contact PennDOT and request they sweep Main Street this year. Ms. Lempke also wanted to inform Council the New Milford Rotary, and the New Milford Men’s Club will be hosting the Mid Summer Night’s Fair on July 12th. This function will have a chicken barbeque, horseshoe tournament, and a vendor and craft sale.
BENCH WARRANTS
The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 2:00 p.m. on April 2, 2015: Allen S. Bowman, Michael J. Burger, Michael J. Calby, Brian N. Carter, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Ronald S. Cook, Benjamin D. Fassett, Jonathan Fathi, Joseph A. Fiorentino, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Charles R. Groover, Jeremy W. Hall, Timothy M. Holmes, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick Lezinsky, Daniel M. Mangin, Matthew J. Peters, Vincent J. Petriello, Veronica D. Phelps, Desiree L. Shifler, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Steven G. Warner, Kevin H. Welch, Kyle D. Wilbur, Jamie L. Williams, Sr. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.
DEEDS
Joseph Cook, Thomas Cook and Christopher Cook to Cook Brothers Enterprices Inc, in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.
Beth Henn (by guardian) to Kaufman Properties, in Clifford Twp., for $695,500.00.
Sara Dubanowitz to John & Debra Benson, in Oakland Borough for $1.00.
Raymond C. Cobb (estate) to Brian C. & Trudi E. Hepler, in Franklin Twp., for $353,000.00.
Robert F. Butler to Robert F. Butler & Clint B. Taft, in Apolacon Twp., for $1.00.
Nicole Patrice Gotthelf to Nicole Patrice & Eric Van Gotthelf, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
Nicole Patrice Gotthelf to Nicole Patrice & Eric Van Gotthelf, in Liberty Twp., for $1.00.
Dorie E. Brainard (estate aka) Doris Brainard (estate) & Connie Brainard to Jeffrey R. & Katherine I. Ford, in Great Bend Township, for $21,000.00.
Paul F. Molter to Scout Petroleum II LP, in Lathrop Twp., for $101,935.00.
Robert E. & Donna J. Gemmel to Robert E. & Donna J. Gemmel, in Little Meadows Borough, for $1.00.
Ervin D., Lorraine, Franklin G. & Janet S. Belcher to Palma Gun Club Inc., in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.
Daniel R. Callahan (by sheriff) to LSF9 Master Participation Trust, in Thompson Twp., for $1,461.47.
Brent Reed to Bonnie Reed, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.
James & Elaine F. McAndrew to Elaine F. McAndrew (trust), in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Kathleen L. & Gary J. Troy to Kathleen L. Troy, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.
June E. Powers (estate) to Karen R. Hardy (nbm) Karen R. Miller, in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.
Margaret M., John J. & Jeffrey J. Hoodak to Margaret M., John, John J. & Jeffrey J. Hoodak, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.
Alfa Farms LLC to Anthony D. Desanto, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
June E. Powers (estate) to David M. & Dean R. Powers, in Jackson Township, for $1.00.
Lois S. Carlsen (trust by trustee) to Lois S. Carlsen, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.
Wells Fargo Bank to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Apolacon Twp., for $1.00.
Robert C. & Cheralynn Ewing to Robert C. & Cheralynn Ewing, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Robert C. & Cheralynn Ewing to Robert C. Ewing, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Robert C. & Cheralynn Ewing to Robert C. & Tanja Ewing, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
Marvin E. & Judith A. Price to Joshua Rogers & Ashley Shaw, in Lenox Twp., for $152,000.00.
Trevor I. Pass & Patricia S. Bohs-Pass (aka) Patricia S. Bohs Pass to Scott W. & Aurora J. Maxey, in Gibson Twp., for $152,500.00.
Robert J. Markel to Allan & Michelle Eccles, in Herrick Twp., for $4,000.00.
Allan & Michelle Eccles to Allan & Michelle Accles, in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.
Willow Dale LLC to Richard J. Robinson, in Springville Twp., for $1.00.
Heather M. Cisek (nbm) Heather M. Martinho & Carlos Martinho, to Amy & Brandon Adee, in Great Bend Twp. & Hallstead Boro, for $80,559.00.
First Baptist Church of Susquehanna to Robert & Gay Keyes, in Susquehanna, for $10,000.00.
Chester S., Christopher S. & Kathleen Grzankowski to Kirby B. Hoke, in Oakland Twp., for $60,000.00.
Marsha A. Foote (fka) Marsha Yaroslawski (nbm) Marsha A. Austin to Marsha A. Foote, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
David & Jill Kumpf to Bremer Hof Owners Inc., in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.
Wayne E. & Rony Smith to Corbie LLC, in Lenox Twp., for $9,500.00.
David & Susan Eddleston to Joseph S. Gontarski, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.
John & Kristy Bleck to Flynnagans Inc., in Great Bend Boro, for $29,000.00.
Patricia A. Baker, Robert McGonagle (estate aka) Robert E. McGonagle (Estate) to Philip J. Pass Jr., Lauri A. Pass, Philip J. Pass Sr. & Barbara Pass, in Herrick Twp., for $90,000.00.
Eathel Ehrets (nbm) Eathel J. Bennett & David Bennett to Erin L. Kasten, in Great Bend Borough for $119,000.00.
Stacy L. & Marcia J. Parker to David L. Hillegas, in Montrose, for $115,000.00.
Brian S. Bianchi & Nicole Bianchi - Nicole Henderson (nbm) to Michael H. Gitjatowicz & Sandra J. Anderson, in Hallstead Boro, for $67,500.00.
Walter B. & Sandra L. Lezinsky to Walter B. & Sandra L. Lezinsky, in Lathrop Twp., for $1.00.
Thomas A. & Cecelia A. Capewell to Helen M. Capewell, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.
Blair C. Weig, Mona Yunan, Gina M. Verne & Christopher G. Strishock to Blair C. Weig, in Franklin Twp., for $1.00.
Rickey F. & Barbara Welch to Matthew A. Welch, in Oakland Twp., for $1.00.
Michael McDermott (estate) to Charles Henry Cummings III, Scott Robert Cummings, Craig Martin Cummings, Todd Matthew Cummings & Tara Marie Guinan, in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.
Lincoln Orchards LLC to John David Campbell, in Lathrop Twp., for $120,000.00.
Kevin M. Finnegan to Finnegan Living Trust, in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.
Leonard J. Wheatley to Joseph Cowan & Dava Rinehart-Cowan (aka) Dava Rinehart Cowan, in Brooklyn Twp., for $55,000.00.
Leroy James & Mary B. Pratt to Ashley Megan Beavers, in Brooklyn Twp., for $0.00.
Robert, Carol, Matthew Robert (aka) Matthew R., Ryan David, Kaylyn, Paul Michael, Laura and Timothy Daniel Millard to Kelly Corrien & Alexander Michael Hawley, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Patricia A. Dellacorino to Christopher S. & Sandra L. Ballard, in Silver Lake Twp., for $175,000.00.
Guy R. Potter III to Alejandro Cordova & Nicolasa Luna, in Springville Twp., for $72,000.00.
Townsend C. Delhagen to Gerald Peck, in Montrose, for $8,000.00.
Robert E. McGonagle (estate) to Edmund M. Zack, Kathleen Zack, Steven H. Coakley & Robert McGonagle (estate), in Herrick Twp., for $500.00.
Edmund M. & Kathleen Zack, Steven H. Coakley (aka) Steven Henry Coakley, Robert McGonagle (estate) to Edmund M. & Kathleen Zack, Steven H. Coakley, Robert McGonagle (estate), in Herrick Twp., for $1.00.
Joseph S. Facinelli to Joseph S. Facinelli (trust), in Rush Twp., for $1.00.
Ronald & Jean E. Carter to Ronald R. Carter Jr. (trust), in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.
Ronald & Jean E. Carter to Ronald R. Carter Jr. (trust), in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.
Ronald & Jean E. Carter to Thomas W. Carter Jr. (trust), in Dimock Twp., for $1.00.
John H. & Janet M. Jennings to John H Jennings Jr., in Harford Twp., for $1.00.
Hugh S. Thomas Jr. (estate) to Cherith L. Marsh, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.
Edgar E. Holbrook to Judd E. Holbrook & Sandra R. Cavanaugh, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Barbara Seletsky to Luis Donoso, in Herrick Twp., for $177,500.00.
Karen P. & Stephen L. Loomis (by tax claim bureau), Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Nanette K. Bloxham, in Clifford Twp., for $335.66.
Howard F. & Dorothy J. Lowery (by tax claim bureau), Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan C. Bloomer, in Jackson Twp., for $6,820.01.
Johnson City Concrete Block Co Inc (by tax claim bureau), Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan C. Bloomer, in New Milford Twp., for $2,942.67.
Donna M. Fekette (by tax claim bureau), Thomas J. Lopatofsky Jr. (by tax claim bureau), Susquehannna County Tax Claim Bureau to Alan C. Bloomer, in Thompson Twp., for $9,750.40.
Martin V. & Marian P. Hopkins (by tax claim bureau) to Alan C. Bloomer, in Thompson Twp., for $5,169.85.
Patrick Coles (aka) Patrick S. Coles & Kimberly Coles to William & Amy Vaughn, in Forest City, for $40,000.00.
William J. Schwartz (estate) to Leona R. Labarre, in Oakland Borough and Oakland Twp., for $1.00.
Subsurface Mineral Rights & James D. Davenport to Dunmore Properties Inc., in Oakland Twp., for $1.00.
Timothy G. Repine to Timothy G. & Sue Ellen Repine, in Apolacon Twp., for $1.00.
Chris Coffaro (aka) Christine Coffaro to Matthew & Stacy Merrell, in Clifford Twp., for $195,000.00.
Matthew W. & Alexis A. Leonard to Eric M. & Savannah R. Mallery, in Apolacon Twp., for $152,500.00.
Matthew F. & Stacy F. Merrell to Gary J. Sienko & Kylee Kelley, in Hallstead Boro, for $99,000.00.
Lillian W. Jayne to Lillian W., Allan Rodney, Franz Robert & Timothy Allen Jayne, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.
Joan M. Seeley to James T. Seeley, in Ararat Twp., for $1.00.
Joan M. Seeley to Joyce S. Vanschooneveld, in Ararat Twp., for $1.00.
Jean, Gary E. & Kimberly Mundy to Gary E. & Kimberly Mundy, in Harford & Gibson Twp., for $1.00.
Jason & Erin Lynady to Erin Lynady, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.
John Reynen to Reynen Revocable Trust, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.
Sylvia Beamer to Jesse Jake, in Susquehanna, for $43,000.00.
Edward & Rebecca Grasavage to Delta Gas & Oil LLC, in Jessup Twp., for $1.00.
Willard T. & Patricia A. Bennett to P & 3 BS Bennett Family Limited Partnership, in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.
Jennifer Kellett-Moore (aka) Jennifer Kellett Moore to Moore Susquehanna Farm Trust., in Middletown Twp., for $10.00.
Ellen Thornton Staerk to Mark & Michelle Gregorio, in Jackson Twp., for $126,000.00.
Lewene A. Terry to Lewene A. Terry (trust) & William L. Terry Sr. (trust), in Little Meadows Borough, for $1.00.
Mark Butler & Michelle M. Groshong Butler (aka) Michelle M. Groshong-Butler to Mark Butler & Michelle M. Groshong Butler (aka) Michelle M. Groshong-Butler, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.
Faye J. Wade to Faye J. Wade, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.
