Susquehanna Boro Council’s May 13th one-hour public meeting was jam-packed with discussion of matters relating to roads, bridges, sidewalks, and streets. Of course, at the heart of all matters were funding and the execution of plans to make goals reality.

Council members present for the meeting were President Joe Varsik, Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Barbara Larsen, Roy Williams, and Debbie Zayas. Also present were Mayor Nancy Hurley and Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Biegert. Also present was Jason Miller, Harford resident and Candidate for County Treasurer. Mr. Miller addressed council briefly to familiarize them with his qualifications and inquire as to any concerns or questions members of boro government may have. Notably, Mr. Miller remained for the full public meeting to familiarize himself with Susquehanna Boro.

There were three items of correspondence to the boro: letters from SCDA, from Susquehanna County Library Association, and from private citizens, Carol Baker and Valerie Quisenberry. SCDA’s letter stated its intention to make the first tree planting, in honor of William Deutsch, at the borough’s riverside park. The Library Association thanked the borough for its recent annual contribution of $2,000 in support of library services in Susquehanna Boro. Baker and Quisenberry’s letter requested purchase of the property at 101 Euclid Avenue for $600. Council will consider the offer; no decision was made at this meeting.

In public comment, an elderly resident described her circumstances regarding new neighbors whose children were negatively impacting her property and peace of mind. That’s an understatement, as she actually stated she was “terrified” by her neighbors. Council was solicitous; Councilman Williams, aware that property code issues were involved, committed to making an on-site investigation. The resident expressed her relief for council‘s grasp of the gravity of her situation.

Mayor Hurley presented the Mayor’s Report. It consisted of two parts. We’ll take the second part first: the Community Awareness Committee and the United Methodist Church will host “A Walk Back in Time” with John Burdick, to be held on Sunday, July 19th at 6 p.m. in the church hall. Mayor Hurley noted, with obvious pride, the huge success of Mr. Burdick’s most recent program, in December 2014, which drew an audience of over 100 residents. Mr. Burdick’s photographs and historical knowledge of the local area make the event one not-to-be-missed for anyone interested in how life was lived a century, or more, ago.

The other part of Mayor Hurley’s report listed police responses during the month of April. For the entire month police made 31 event responses. They break down is as follows: domestic disputes (4), thefts (2), traffic stops (4), juveniles (3), and miscellaneous (5). There was one incident in each of the following categories: burglary alarm, burglary, animal, brush fire, disorderly conduct, harassment by communications, suspicious person, vandalism, motor vehicle accident, motor vehicle accident police, motor vehicle theft, and rolling, and courtesy transportation of a prisoner.

The Treasurer’s Report brought to the fore a rebalancing of spending plans for the year. Being more than four months into the year, council now has a better gauge of expenditures and where funding may be redeployed. Treasurer Biegert had prepared a plan for redirection of funds from lesser priorities to those more urgent or emergent due to unforeseen circumstances. Council scrutinized the plan, and after a short discussion unanimously agreed to the fund-shifting. Notably, the budget’s bottom line remains unchanged; only spending priorities and the funds attached to them have been changed.

Councilman Hendrickson presented a detailed summary of the borough’s handling of an erosion issue on Drinker Creek. He and Councilmen Williams and Varsik took decisive action to document the extent of the erosion problem and brought the county’s soil and conservation officials into consultations on the matter. Suggested solutions include funding from EPA and future coordination with the Army Corp of Engineers, Baltimore District.

Councilman Williams took center-stage in discussing DPW and Codes matters. These took up much of council’s meeting time. Mr. Williams reported that Agility Program negotiations with PennDot are bearing fruit. There have been doubts about the value of the Agility Program in past years, but extended discussions with PennDot this year appear to have finally yielded a tentative agreement which provides a win-win status for Susquehanna Boro, neighboring jurisdictions, and PennDot. The Agility Program’s purpose is to leverage economies of scale, skill specialization, as well as unique equipment participants individually possess, for mutual exchange through formalized support agreements to maximize satisfaction of needs synergistically. The final agreement will likely be presented at next month’s meeting for a vote. Mr. Williams is very optimistic that that agreement will be a sure winner for Susquehanna Boro.

Other DPW matters included council’s agreement to buy a John Deere tractor, which will be useful year-round, including for snow-plowing and sweeping duty. Cost of the tractor, with snow blower, mower, and sweeping attachments is just under $15,850. Next DPW issue was the inventory of projects to be done near-term; included are Erie Avenue, High Street, and Vine Street. Mr. Williams also noted that DPW will have use of a dispatcher for one month, and a sealer for two weeks.

In Code Enforcement matters, Councilman Williams reported that over 70% of rental inspections were returned. Of the remaining 30% two-thirds (14) have paid fines and come into compliance. Seven rental inspections remain outstanding. The responsible parties in those cases are subject to prosecution in Magisterial District Court. Mr. Williams observed that scofflaws can be subjected to fines of $25 per day for non-compliance with the property code. And in another code matter, he reminded everyone that it is a violation of the property code for an unregistered motor vehicle to be on residential property unless it is in a confined space, such as a garage.

In related legal matters both Councilmen Varsik and Williams are planning to meet with Borough Solicitor Michael Briechle to discuss the Blight Ordinance and the Ward Ordinance. Per motion at this council meeting, it was agreed to request that Attorney Briechle draw up an amendment to the borough’s Rental Ordinance “to the effect that HUD inspections may be accepted in lieu of the borough’s inspection.” Upon review by council, the amended Rental Ordinance will be advertised and voted upon for final passage.

The Ward Ordinance is also on Attorney Briechle’s plate, but on the far side. Per his recent advice it is best left till after November’s election. Presumably, the matter will be fully resolved before Pennsylvania’s Presidential Primary in April 2016.

In Old Business participants in the Great American Cleanup were commended. The cleanup was held on April 25. Also coming in for praise by council members were PennDot’s personnel. PennDot did an outstanding job in picking up all the trash bags participants had filled and left at various locations along the borough’s streets. Notwithstanding the recent cleanup, Councilwoman Crawford observed that litter was already building on many streets. Sadly, people seem to need to be reminded not to litter.

Also in Old Business, two other items: a reminder of the Memorial Day Parade at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25; and discussion concerning the choice of reopening or vacating that section of Third Avenue which opens (or doesn’t currently open) onto Prospect Street. After a few minutes discussion it became clear there was a consensus in favor of “vacation.” Vacation proceedings will occur as soon as council has a plan for the legal technicalities. More work for Attorney Briechle, no?

New Business saw council give the go-ahead to John Sholtiss for mulching downtown trees before Memorial Day. He also received council’s blessing to experiment with planting salt-resistant creeping plants (in two tree boxes) as a replacement for mulch. If the experiment proves successful council may consider using the procedure as a replacement for all tree mulching next spring.

Council also agreed to sell the borough’s “jetter” for $20,000. The borough already has a firm offer in that amount. Okay, if you’re like me, you’re wondering what a jetter is. Mr. Williams was asked that same question and he was kind enough to explain that it was a piece of equipment for blowing out sewer lines. Because of the age of lines in the tri-boro area, it wasn’t particularly compatible and never lived up to expectations for usage. The three boroughs and Tri-Boro Sewer Authority purchased it jointly and will benefit in the same proportion by its sale. Each jurisdiction must individually approve the sale.

Finally, in answer to a question just before closing, Councilman Williams explained that he had met with PAWC to document sidewalks, lawn areas, and curbs to be restored from the water-line work done last fall. PAWC’s contractors will begin next week with restoration of sidewalks and areas of erosion. The bridge traffic light and surrounding area will also be repaired as this work proceeds.

At 8:01 p.m. council went into Executive Session to discuss legal issues pertaining to 518 East Church Street, an accident on West Main Street, discharges on Front Street and Washington Street, the property at 220 (former address) East Main Street, and employee reviews. Council reconvened at 8:33 p.m., and adjourned at 9:05 p.m. without taking any official action during that period.

The next monthly meeting will be at on the second Wednesday in June. Summer will likely continue to be a busy time in Susquehanna with Hometown Days fast approaching and infrastructure projects aplenty.

Mr. Kopecki, Superintendent of the Forest City Regional School District presented the proposed budget for the 2015-2016 school year during the School Board meeting held on May 11th. The proposed amount is $13,546,610, which is a 3.2% increase from the last school year’s budget. Mr. Kopecki stated the budget is presented with the thoughts of a zero increase from state funds.

Students Neal and Sonny Albright, who had recently received some outstanding chorus honors, performed the National Anthem during the initiation of the meeting. Tyler Butler and Destiny Megivern were recognized as Seniors of the Month. Both students have accomplished many achievements to earn this recognition. Mahala Sampson was also recognized for her artwork titled “Rusting Away”. Mahala has earned national recognition in The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2015, and is invited to attend a ceremony at Carnegie Hall. Only 1% out of 300,000 works of art has been recognized at the national level. Her artwork is also a current part of the 2015 Scholastics traveling display, and it will be seen at various displays throughout the country for up to two years.

The following matters were motioned and approved unanimously during the meeting. Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP has been appointed to be the solicitor for the 2015-2016 school year. William Heller was elected for a one-year term as Board Treasurer with a $5,000 bond and no compensation for this position. Forest City Regional Elementary Summer Reading Program will be in partnership with the Forest City Library. Joseph Moss, from Keystone College, will be a student teacher, with cooperating teacher Jillian Talerico from September 8 through October 26, 2015.

Computer Resources LLC will provide the MMS Student Information Platform in the amount of $5,556.16 for a one- year term. Equipment will be purchased from Data Center Warehouse, to provide data storage in the amount of $9,640.00. This equipment will replace obsolete servers currently in use. Microsoft EES site license was contracted for a one-year term at a cost of $6,498.00.

Mary Jane Hoffmann and Marlene Wallace’s resignations were approved for reason of retirement at the end of the current school term, and board members wished them well. Mr. Jordan expressed his thanks to Mrs. Hoffmann for her service as a dedicated professional, and said she will be missed.

A balmy evening on the cusp of Summer. Harford comes awake after a long winter, and the township’s road crews are preparing for the summer campaign. At the Supervisors’ meeting on May 12th, chaired by Conrad Owens when Doug Phelps was delayed, Roadmaster Jim Phelps reported that just as soon as they complete the ditching on long-neglected Richardson Road, the grader will be put to work, and for some, dust control will move up the agenda.

In fact, of course, road work never ends on the 61 miles claimed by Harford Township. Barhite Excavating was paid over $23,000 for ditching and laying pipe along Blanding Lake Road in preparation for work the gas companies will do to completely restore the road. A resident along Blanding Lake Road has asked to have a “Slow Children” sign put up. Not a reflection on the intellectual quality of the area’s offspring, the sign might help to slow traffic along the thoroughfare expected to get heavy use by water trucks servicing a wellpad. The road is currently posted for 35 miles per hour.

Several thousand dollars was also spent on “emergency” repairs to a section of Bartholomew Road, including engineering work and legal fees. Not to mention repair on a private lane at Tingley Lake where a sewer break caused damage last summer.

The road equipment needs fuel, so the Supervisors accepted what appeared to be the low bid from Ace Robbins of Tunkhannock to supply diesel and gasoline. Such bids can be difficult to compare since none (all 2) of them would bid a fixed price; bidders quoted floor prices with additional amounts to cover wholesale price fluctuations and “differentials.”

The equipment needs shelter and the roof over the township building is leaking. Nobody could say when the shop and office had been built or last re-roofed, so the roof doesn’t owe the taxpayers anything. The Supervisors decided to table a measure to select a contractor to install a new steel roof until other bidders could be contacted.

They did agree to make a first payment of $49,625 to Snyder Equipment to erect a storage shed in the yard, primarily to shelter winter materials. The total cost of the project to put up a “Brite-Span” shed is expected to top $100,000. The only thing left to decide was the color, and nobody really seemed to care much about that.

With the bursting of Spring, the grass needs to be cut. The contractor who did the mowing last year wants out, so the Supervisors are looking for someone willing to cut the grass at the township building and the sewer plant. Last year the township paid between $40 and $50 for each cutting.

If you’re interesting in mowing township grass, don’t wait for the next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2015. All public meetings begin at 7:00pm at the township building on Route 547; it’s the green building with the long grass out front.

Woe to traffic violators in Lanesboro. Police have painted road lines to clock and collar speeders. Chief Smith had the numbers for April’s Police Report, and he shared them with Councilmen and attendees at Lanesboro’s May meeting on Tuesday, the 12th.

Present for the meeting was a bare quorum: President Dan Boughton, and Councilmen Ed Arzouian, Dave Glidden, and Tom Nitterour. Mayor Chris Maby and Council members Regina Dilello, Jason Fissel, and Dale Rockwell were absent.

Chief Jim Smith’s reported 32 traffic stops, resulting in issuance of 19 citations and 13 warnings. Of those, 15 were for speeding violations. Other violations involved inspection (5), registration (2), equipment (5), suspended license (2), stop-sign violations (2), and careless driving (1). Other police responses involved a disorderly conduct case, another of resisting arrest/simple assault, and a now-closed case involving a 10-ton road violation. LPD also assisted Susquehanna PD on two cases (DUI crash & criminal mischief arrest), an Oakland PD case (Domestic Arrest and Arraignment), and a structure fire.

In a matter hearkening back to the last few council meetings, Councilman Arzouian reported having discussed defibrillator liability with Rep. Sandy Major’s office staff. Should Council authorize a defibrillator to be placed in the Community Center for use, liability issues do not appear to place the borough at risk. Further discussion concerned the possibility that on-duty police could travel with the defibrillator with them at those times when no events are scheduled for the Community Center. No time frame was mentioned concerning when a defibrillator might be placed into boro usage.

Council discussed Parks & Recreation at several points in the meeting. Cub Scouts will be camping in Luciana Park on July 3-4. A week later, Luciana Park will be the focal point for organizers and runners involved in the Ultra Marathon. The marathon begins on Saturday, July 11th, and ends at noon on the following day. Chief Smith noted that police will be on duty, as necessary, to ensure security. Borough councilmen made a note of ensuring the park will be mowed and in tip-top shape for both weekends.

President Bought reported that the chains on swing sets at the borough’s playground “are paper-thin and need replacing.” Council unanimously agreed and authorized purchase of chain links costing no more than $300.00. Should costs exceed that amount council will revisit the issue in June. The cost of the chain links also includes purchase of new fittings and a specialized tool required for installation, as well as chain link for security purposes.

The Streets Report & Sewer Report each noted minor matters, but key issues were tabled again until next month. For Streets no one present had any up-to-date information on the status of grant money for street repairs. For Sewer “no news” is yet to come out from the attorney on whose desk the sale has been wrapped in red-tape for almost as long as anyone can remember.

The Community Center Report made note of two non-rental events scheduled for the end of May, as well as two rentals in June. On a different note, the borough had been contacted concerning rental of tables and chairs (but not the community center with them). Council members were unanimous that it would be unwise policy and precedent to rent out furniture (which might conceivably go astray, never to return).

Another scheduled use of the Community Center will be for holding our district’s Primary Election on Tuesday, May 19. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Borough offices on Democratic and Republican ballots for nomination are Constable and Councilman. Voters will find no candidates have taken out petitions to fill any of the local offices.

However, Councilmen Boughton and Rockwell have expressed interest in waging write-in campaigns for nominations for the two of the three four-year-term councilman offices on the ballot. Councilwoman Regina Dilello has publicly stated she is not seeking reelection to her seat. Councilman Ed Arzouian, appointed (in August 2014) to fill out the first half of the unexpired term of former councilman Todd Glover, has stated that he will wage a write-in campaign for the two-year-term in continuation of the seat he currently holds.

One glitch concerning Lanesboro Primary Ballots remains unresolved. No “Councilman two-year-term” slot is printed on Specimen Ballots, indicating that this office is not currently printed on the Official Ballots to be provided to voters of both parties on Primary Election Day.

After meeting’s close, Mayor Maby, President Boughton, and other councilmen ensured that Voter Registrar Lawrence Hardy received all necessary documentation concerning validity of the need for the two-year office to appear on the borough’s ballot. Mr. Hardy, stated, both to President Boughton and to this reporter that all documentation had been turned over to the County Solicitor, Thomas Meagher III, for review. That documentation includes a copy of former Councilman Glover’s resignation last July, as well as copies of the borough’s minutes from July and August 2014, and a copy of Section 901 of the “Commonwealth Boro Code.”

However this ballot issue turns out will be apparent to Lanesboro voters at Tuesday’s polling place. Stay tuned folks!

Lanesboro’s next scheduled meeting is on the second Tuesday in June. Motorists in the boro may wish to keep light pressure on the gas pedal.

The issue wasn’t on the meeting’s agenda, and it wasn’t one that most people would think of as something so perplexing; but sidewalks, if not an issue before, are sure to come up again for more discussions. We’ll hash it out, but the agenda’s issues need addressing first.

President Brian Rhone gaveled Oakland’s May 14th meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. for 59 minutes of government business, wit, humor, and collegiality. Councilmen Eric Page, Jack Agler, Gary Boughton, Dave Trevarthan, Doug Arthur, and Nelson Towner were in attendance, along with Mayor Ron Beavan and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush.

Council dispatched early agenda items--approval of minutes, acceptance of Treasurer’s Report, review of Time Sheets, and summarization of the Codes Report--with their usual ease and speed. For those keeping score, Code Enforcement Officer Shane Lewis is keeping tabs on six troubled properties in the borough; two of those are awaiting condemnation proceedings.

With the move to the Parks Report, Councilman Boughton thanked Mr. Arthur and his volunteers for their hard work in their spring cleaning of the park. At this point a speed bump disturbed council’s rhythm. The speed bump was the problem of Oakland Park’s concession stand: it’s not open, and not likely to open during this year’s Little League Season unless it opens by next week. President Rhone has attempted to help the usual vendor find people to work the concession stand, but “there’s no interest.” The season is already well underway and with each passing day there is lessened incentive to open. Without qualified people to work the concession stand it will be remain padlocked, according to President Rhone. Whether the concession stand opens or not this year, everyone connected to borough government and Little League is hoping next year will be a winning season for concessionary matters.

Moving on to the Mayor’s Report, Oakland had what is probably a record-low of only four police responses in the month of April. Mayor Beavan provided details. One involved police warning a resident about the county’s burn ban; two were domestic disputes; and one case involved a motor vehicle theft (by an ex-spouse). A note on the burn ban incident, residents can always check the borough’s website for the most up-to-date information. Also, Mr. Arthur and President Rhone maintain Oakland Borough’s page on Facebook, where information is posted. To follow Oakland Borough on Facebook, just “Like us.”

No “Old Business” was on the agenda, and none of consequence was entertained. So council pushed on to “New Business.” Secretary Brush brought up the proposed sale of the “jetter” jointly owned by the three boroughs and Tri-Boro Municipal Authority. As at the Susquehanna Borough meeting the previous night, most everyone frowned and asked, “What’s a jetter?” Mayor Beavan and Secretary Brush explained the piece of equipment, its provenance, and how its sale would benefit the borough. A jetter is a piece of equipment used to blow out sewer lines. Although it was jointly purchased by the four jurisdictions some seven or eight years ago, it was used only twice, largely due it’s being ill-suited to the types and age of lines in the Tri-Boro area. With a certain buyer already lined up and willing to pay $20,000 for the jetter, Oakland Borough councilmen fell in line and voted unanimously to approve the sale. Oakland’s approval was the second in 24 hours, as Susquehanna Borough had likewise approved at their meeting the night before.

Secretary Brush next brought up the County Grant Program. She reported that 2015 grants may be available for projects other than those related to street paving. After some thought it was suggested that the borough apply for a grant--for the demolition of problem properties. The borough has until June 15 to submit its grant proposal.

Which energy (electric) supplier the borough would go with was the next decision to be made. Fortunately Secretary Brush had done all the legwork on the issue. The borough’s current electric supplier is Direct Energy. The rate Direct offered for renewal was substantially higher than the current price, so Secretary Brush compared prices of all authorized suppliers. The best deal Secretary Brush could find was for .074 cents per kilowatt hour for a 30 month term with Liberty Energy. Council voted unanimously to approve Liberty Energy as their supplier, as well as for supplier of electricity for the borough’s streetlights.

It was then, in the penultimate agenda item--“Around the Table”--that Councilman Trevarthan voiced the question posed to him by an Oakland resident, “Is it okay if I take up the sidewalk in front of my house?” Gobsmacked councilmen were at a loss to provide a straight-forward answer. Mayor Beavan noted that the borough’s side-walk ordinance is badly out of date. Others noted that some residents had taken up sidewalks in front of their properties years ago, and no one had apparently noticed at the time it was done . . . perhaps because it was in a part of town with little foot-traffic. Another resident had long ago taken up sidewalk in front of the house so that the family vehicle could be parked there (Parking ON the sidewalk would have been a violation of the sidewalk ordinance; with the sidewalk removed, the possibility of violation flew away with the flagstone.).

It was mentioned that it would set a bad precedent if a resident was authorized by council to remove his sidewalk. If one could do it, then why not others who wished to follow suit. After all, if no sidewalk exists, then no obligation exists to clear snow from sidewalks after winter’s storms.

Others brought out the fact that there exists a qualitative difference as concerns WHERE sidewalk is removed. Are there are sidewalks to “nowhere” where removal might offend no one? Yet, would anyone want sidewalks removed from Westfall Avenue?

Ultimately, councilmen realized they were on the horns of a dilemma. There are no easy answers where sidewalks are concerned in Oakland Borough. The matter was tabled for further study, and Oakland adjourned at 8 p.m.

Next council meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday in June. Oakland residents may wish to make their thoughts on sidewalks known to their councilmen before then. Councilmen appear interested in constituent ideas on a sidewalk issue that can’t be sidestepped forever.

And as a postscript, Tuesday, May 19th, is Primary Election Day. No one in Oakland took out a petition to get his or her name printed on the Democratic or Republican Party Primary Ballot for councilman nominations. The seats of Eric Page, Jack Agler, Gary Boughton, and David Trevarthan are up this year. Winners need at least 10 votes and must finish in the top four to have their names printed on November’s ballot.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 8:45 a.m. on May 15, 2015: Duane M. Aldrich, Allen S. Bowman, Michael J. Burger, Brian N. Carter, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, Ronald S. Cook, James Donahue III, Benjamin D. Fassett, David J. Fischer, Justin T. Giberson, Charles R. Groover, Jeremy W. Hall, Jeremy Halstead, Jonathan L. Hollister, John J. Jenisky, Jr., Todd J. Layton, Joshua S. Lee, Charlie J. Legere, Derrick Lezinsky, Lawrence M. McGuire, Matthew J. Peters, Vincent J. Petriello, Veronica D. Phelps, Bruce C. Runion, Desiree L. Shifler, Courtney M. Sterling, Tessa E. Thomas, Kurtis Tracy, Steven G. Warner, Bradley D. Warner, Sr., Matthew C. Whitney, 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.