During the New Milford Borough Council meeting held on September 3rd, Gerald Washburn, one of the residents stated the ATV’s have been out of control on Church Street.  Mr. Washburn said they are traveling approximately 50 mph and not stopping at any of the posted stop signs.  President Ken Carey asked what time of day this was happening and Mr. Washburn replied around 8:30 pm.  VP Larry White said an option would be to have the police patrol around that time, but another member of Council stated they tried to do that before. The ATV riders are not only on Church Street they have been spotted throughout the Borough, and have been increasingly multiplying in number. Speed bumps were also discussed, but there was an issue that they couldn’t remember regarding that option. President Carey said he agreed there is a problem, and the traffic needs to be slowed down.  The issue will be reviewed further with the help of the Borough’s solicitor.

Susan Abbott, another resident came to the Council meeting to request a review of Ordinance 15, which pertains to livestock.  Ms. Abbott informed Council she has approximately 9 acres of land in the Borough and she would like to start using the rest of her property to raise beef cattle, and have a milking cow.  She said she’s lived in the Borough for 12 years, and the reason she initially purchased the property was to have horses.  Ms. Abbott stated the current food supply is in the toilet, full of poison, and there is a large movement for people to raise their own food.  The problem is the current ordinance prohibits them to do so.  Ms. Abbott said it is a golden opportunity for Council to act in a proactive manner for the health and safety of families in regards to food supply.  She plans to sell the beef locally, dependent upon the change to the Ordinance she is requesting.  Ms. Abbott said she currently has chickens and would like to have cattle, a maximum of 6 head, plus the milking cow.  She said it is currently against the law to have processing on-site, but she plans to have freezers on site to keep the beef for sale.  Rick Ainey suggested they send this request to the ordinance committee for their review.

A request came to Borough Council to run a 5K race on Saturday, October 31st from Marissa McAndrew.  Council members stated they did not have a problem allowing the race but the sponsoring committee would have to provide their own insurance, naming the Borough as the additional insured.  Permits would need to be issued by PennDOT due to the route.

The Great Bend Hose Company sent a letter of request for a donation for their Fire Prevention Program.  This program benefits the children of the Borough and is held at the Blue Ridge School for Pre-school aged children to the 5th grade.  Council motioned to send a check in the amount of $50.00 for a donation to the program.

VP Larry White informed Council the Street Department crew would be trimming trees and bushes, within their legal limits so snowplows can fit down the street.  He stated there was a problem with the sluice pipe on Orchard Street, which was repaired 3-4 years ago.  He stated Ron Kovaleski would fix the asphalt for $350.

Karen Welch reported all the difficulties she has been having with Coralisle Pools in Vestal trying to have them be accountable for the damage the pool liner suffered during the winter.  The liner was purchased last year and only used for 7 months.  John Maguire of Coralisle Pools is trying to say taking off the liner incorrectly caused the damage, since Coralisle Pools installed the liner.  Karen stated she has pictures of the pool cover showing the damages while it was still on the pool.  Coralisle Pools wants the Borough to pay $500, to fix 5 squares, 23 buckles and to have the straps sewn.  Ms. Welch said the Borough should not pay for a repair that was clearly the fault of the installers.  She will continue working on this project.

President Carey signed the Leatherstocking Easement Agreement for the Borough, by a unanimous motion of acceptance.

Sgt. Dennis Murray was welcomed to Oakland Boro’s Police Department at the boro’s Thursday, September 10 meeting. Police Chief Bob Sweet, having made the recommendation for Sgt. Murray’s hiring, made the introduction. Sgt. Murray, a resident of Wayne County, is a Navy veteran and is currently serving as a part-time member of Susquehanna Depot’s Police Department. Sgt. Murray has six years experience with Susquehanna and eight years police experience prior to that in New Jersey. Borough Council members and Mayor noted Sgt. Murray’s depth of experience and extensive credentials in making him welcome to serving on Oakland’s Finest.

Present for the hour-long September meeting were President Brian Rhone, Councilmen Jack Agler, Eric Page, Dave Trevarthan, Nelson Towner, and Doug Arthur, along with Mayor Ron Beavan and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush.

Besides the hiring of Sgt. Murray several other police matters came up as a matter of course during the meeting. The MP-5 Smith & Wesson (with accessories), which council approved for purchase at last month’s meeting, has finally come in and Chief Sweet will be picking it up this weekend.

Council members also discussed the advisability of picking up a supply of rubber bullets for use, if necessary, in the ongoing attempt to hold off the ongoing influx of migrant bears. Chief Sweet agreed rubber bullets would be another good tool in his toolbox. That sealed the deal. Chief Sweet will be contacting Wildlife Conservation Officer Michael Webb for advice on obtaining an adequate supply.

Chief Sweet also reviewed the borough’s Police Report for the month of August. It showed a total of nine police incident responses. They were broken down into the following event descriptions: littering (3), theft (2), welfare check (1), traffic stop (1), traffic/foot pursuit (1), and miscellaneous (1).

Code Enforcement Officer Shane Lewis was present to discuss aspects of the Codes Report. There were two cases involving retaining walls. One had been recently handled with a fair amount of diplomacy and had involved multiple intercessions by members of the borough council. The second case is going to court for adjudication next month. For another troubled property the owner has been traced to Texas and served with appropriate legal documents. The last case he discussed had a felicitous ending brought about by the property’s sale and the new owner’s plans for demolition of the structure.

For the Parks Report Gary Boughton noted that he is again planning for the borough’s annual Halloween festivities. While opining that the current environment for voluntary donations is not as promising as last year, he nevertheless expects the borough will be able to provide candy, cider, and donuts for the borough’s trick-or-treaters. A costume contest and parade will also be on tap for the youngsters.

A second Parks Report matter involved the borough’s concession stand at the park. Councilmen noted that the lack of communications between borough and Little League officials had made consistent and efficient operation of the concession stand an untenable proposition. Several borough councilmen are looking to attend Little League’s February meeting to work out closer cooperation and obtain advance schedules. Only with firm schedules in advance of Little League’s season can council make commitments and line up volunteer support for concession stand operation. Councilmen are also hopeful and solicitous of parent support for stand operation this year.

Before closing, Council noted how much everyone was enjoying the newly paved (and smooth-as-silk) borough streets. But a few glitches have come to light. Two councilmen voiced observances of the “big lips” at their driveway entrances onto the roadway. Also noted by personal observation was an unusual softness in roadway surface at one location. Another councilman noted that some newly-paved streets had not been sealed. Are there plans to seal those roadways? Will the responsible contractor be coming back to do sealing in the near future? No one could say. Oakland residents can be sure councilmen will have answers before next meeting.

That next meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday in October at Lanesboro’s Community Center. Until then, residents are reminded to slow down on the borough’s streets; wildlife, bears and deer continue to increase their numbers and present a significant nuisance, even danger, to motorists.

Mark Baker, a Paradigm representative was the speaker for the Pipeline Awareness meeting held at the Montrose Bible Conference center on September 3rd.   The following companies sponsored the event:  UGI Utilities, Buckeye Partners, LP, DTE Energy, Talisman Energy USA Inc., Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., UGI Energy Services, and Williams – Access Operation.  Mr. Baker started the meeting by thanking all the sponsors for providing the food, giveaways, and the presentation space.  Mr. Baker said the sponsors hold between 27-28 meetings in the state of Pennsylvania, and this particular meeting was a combination of emergency responders and excavators.  One of the sponsors representing UGI Utilities, Eric Swaktley said it was a great opportunity to sit down and have a meal with all the emergency responders. 

Mark Baker, Paradigm Speaker

Mr. Baker conducted an interactive meeting by having the audience use an Electronic Response Card to answer questions during the session.  The evening’s program started with how disasters affect the pipeline, and the types of natural disasters.  Questions were asked and the audience’s answers were computed on the screen.  A video would follow providing the information coordinating with the questions.  This process was used throughout the meeting.

2.4 to 2.5 million miles of pipeline are currently located in the United States.  There are various types of storage facilities and pipeline, off shore drilling, and local distribution.  With all the new pipelines going in, this number is increasing as he speaks.  Mr. Baker stated there are detailed maps of the pipeline running in your area that are provided by the pipeline company. 

Pipeline safety is of the utmost importance, stated Mr. Baker and the “Smart Pig” is used to ensure the pipeline continues to be safe.  The Smart Pig is loaded into the pipe and is able to identify cracks, dents, corrosion, and any other types of defects.  The location is marked using GPS, the pig is pulled out, and the information captured by the pig is downloaded.  If there are any signs of a defect, a crew will go out to make a repair.

The program consisted of providing information on emergency situations including potential impact radius, evacuation radius, and site assessment.  The One Call System is an organization that assists in preventing possible disasters.

Elizabeth Davis a representative from the Pa811, One Call System presented material on the program. The One Call System is a non-profit organization that prevents damage to underground facilities by providing a communication network between project owners, designers, excavators, and facility owners.  The catchphrase “Call Before You Dig” is circulated to bring awareness to the program.  Ms. Davis reviewed how important it was to call before you dig and explained the process of how the One Call System works with each company who put in the utility.  Locations of the electrical, water, sewer, and gas lines are located and marked for the dig.

Elizabeth Davis, Speaker for Pa811 One Call System

A member of the audience inquired how they would be able to call if they were in the woods, with no roads or any type of distinguishable landmarks.  Ms. Davis said they would be able to use GPS coordinates. 

The preplan was discussed and how important it was to have procedures in place before a disaster happened.  Knowing who would do what job, maps of the sewer and water systems, location of railroads and airports.  The command post should have a pipeline operator since they are the experts and can determine what type of procedure to use.  Paul Mosher, a representative from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company LLC reiterated how important calling Pa811 is for a safe dig.

The meeting ended with the giveaways consisting of 6 gift cards and 1 Porter-Cable Battery Powered Drill.

The Blue Ridge School Board met for business on the evening of the first day of classes for the new school year, September 8th, with all administrators reporting a “smooth” start.

The session began when President Laurie Brown-Bonner called on a team of boosters promoting an interscholastic cheerleading program.  The competition, to be held at Blue Ridge in either October or November, will bring together teams from several of Susquehanna County’s school districts, as well as a few from nearby schools in New York State.  Organizers estimate that the event could attract as many as 1,200 people, participants ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old, as well as spectators.

Reflecting on Blue Ridge success in 3 cheerleading competitions last year, the team outlined their requirements for the program: they will use both gyms, the High School lobby, rest rooms, the small concession stand, and parking.  Custodial services will also be necessary.  Snacks will be available for sale, the proceeds to continue funding for the cheerleading program.  Emergency medical services will be available.

The team offered a percentage of receipts to the District, but Board member Chris Lewis expressed a common sentiment of the Board that the District doesn’t really need whatever money could be generated by the event.  Insurance paperwork is in process, and the team will work with administrators to pin down a date.

Most of the business meeting covered routine personnel matters – appointment of long-term substitutes, approval of teacher mentors, accepting lists of substitutes for various positions.  Chris Lewis questioned a new organizational chart that subordinates the Business Manager to the Superintendent, rather than reporting directly to the School Board.  Ms. Brown-Bonner and Harold Empett said that it seemed best to have all threads of control lead through the Superintendent.

The Board approved “dual enrollment” agreements with Lackawanna and Keystone Colleges for the new school year.  Board member Christina Whitney reported that her daughter benefited from these arrangements, and her advanced placement courses, being awarded more than 20 credits for her first year of college.

The Board approved an agreement with Mrs. E. Conroy of Susquehanna, a certified family nurse practitioner, to review individual education plans (IEPs) for special education students as required by the state for submission through the state ACCESS subsidy program at a rate of $65 per hour.

The Board formally adopted its own goals and those of its Superintendent for the new school year, as developed over the summer and outlined last month.  The Board wants to “increase individual student achievement” with a “rigorous common curriculum” and “common assessments, aligned to state standards”; to prepare longer-term budget and transportation plans, particularly with respect to roof replacement and parking lot maintenance; to improve the recruitment, training and retention of substitute teachers; and to develop a 3-year “retirement analysis and re-staffing plan.”  The document attached to the agenda item is labeled as a draft and dated August 17.

Superintendent Matthew Button is already moving on at least one of the goals, initiating contacts with local teacher-training institutions to identify and recruit more certified substitute instructors so that the District doesn’t have to rely so heavily on so-called “guest” teachers.

The Board chose to vote for Mary Birks (Mt. Lebanon) for President of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association board (PSBA, the lobbying outfit for the state’s school boards), Michael Faccinetto (Bethlehem) for Vice President, and Gary Smedley (Carbondale) for the at-large seat for the Eastern Region.

High School Principal Peter Supko reported that he is polling his students and staff to select a student delegate for the PSBA convention in Hershey later this year.  He is also looking for a student representative to the Blue Ridge School Board.

Ms. Brown-Bonner said that the Board and the Blue Ridge Education Association are trying to work out dates to meet further on a new contract for the teachers, who are still working on a contract that expired more than a year ago.  She is also concerned about the impasse in Harrisburg that has held up a state budget for more than 2 months already, putting some districts in jeopardy of failing to meet their payrolls.

The Blue Ridge School Board will meet next in public session on Monday, September 28, 2015.  All meetings begin at 7:00pm in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.  See the calendar on the District’s website (www.brsd.org) for the latest information.

By Starrucca standards, Tuesday’s (September 8) borough council meeting was calm and restrained, a welcome respite from past acrimony. Borough Council President Jack Downton presided over the 7 to 7:30 p.m. meeting. Others present were Council members Robert Weldy, Louis Gurske, Barbara Glover, Arthur Kopp, and Jason Heeman, along with Secretary/Treasurer Patti Smith. Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko and Councilman Paul Everett were absent. Nine men of Starrucca sat as witness to the evening’s proceedings.

Council’s August Meeting Minutes, the Treasurer’s Report, and Bills to be Paid were unanimously approved and without controversy in the first five minutes. Patti Smith displayed a plaque that arrived in the mail to signify the borough’s membership in the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs.

Other correspondence included a letter from the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency concerning the requirement for a LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) Mitigation Plan. Starrucca Borough has the option of adopting the county’s mitigation plan or adopting a separate local plan. The county had enclosed a boilerplate resolution for use in adopting the county’s mitigation plan. The matter was discussed briefly, but as a copy of the county’s mitigation plan was not enclosed, council members thought it best that the borough obtain a copy first and review the plan before moving for adoption. Secretary Smith will ensure council members have a hard copy of the county’s plan to review before next meeting.

The final piece of incoming correspondence was an NBT loan statement concerning the borough’s Buck Bridge loan, which statement Ms. Smith noted, was available for viewing. At this point President Downton shifted council into Executive Session for approximately half a dozen minutes discussion on legal issues revolving around Ghost Properties.

When council resumed regular session at 7:17 p.m. President Downton ticked off legal matters considered old business. From the August 18 hearing Judge Hamill had given the borough 20 days to submit a brief to the court concerning the ongoing case of Haynes vs. Starrucca. President Downton indicated that he borough’s Solicitor, Anthony Waldron, had in fact filed the borough’s brief and it was before the court. [As a refresher for readers, Attorney Waldron represented the borough at the aforementioned hearing on August 18. The borough is attempting to overturn Judge Raymond Hamill’s December 2013 Order which stayed the borough’s vacation of Kellogg Road. Mr. Haynes, a resident of Kellogg Road, brought suit in response, alleging council’s violation of Section 1741 of “The Borough Code“ which specifies in part, “no street or portion thereof providing the sole means of access to any lot or tract of land shall be vacated unless those to whom access would be denied shall consent“. Concerning Ghost Properties, President Downton stated that a Writ of Summons had been filed against the borough.

No items were on the meeting’s agenda for New Business, but when President Downton solicited council members for their input, Councilman Kopp brought up two matters. First he noted that the community hall’s septic alarm system had gone off again. Mr. Kopp noted that he had not had opportunity to look into the matter in-depth yet, but that he would as soon as possible. He suggested that either there was a leak in the system or the alarm is malfunctioning. Either way, he would keep council apprised of his findings concerning the hall’s 1000 gallon concrete tank and alarm system.

The second matter Mr. Kopp brought up was his suggestion for official letters of thanks to the Jail Warden and to the Civic Association for their roles in the recent renovations to the community hall. The Warden had been cooperative in providing prisoners who had done a particularly good job in their painting and related duties; the Civic Association had stepped in to pay for the costs of renovations. Council agreed and directed Secretary Smith to send the letters.

During public comment Peter Frank, Darl Haynes, and Kirk Rhone asked questions of council. Mr. Frank followed up on his previous inquiry of last month concerning the mailing of letters to advertisers on signs at the ball field. The central issue involved is requirement of payment for advertising at the ball field, though billing and collecting of payment had not occurred over the past few years. Secretary Smith responded that she had indeed sent letters to each of the advertisers still in business, though there had been no responses as of the present date. Mr. Frank suggested that the signs of advertisers no longer in business should be removed. No one on council disagreed.

Darl Haynes made inquiries concerning what he saw as an anomaly in repayment of the Buck Bridge Loan. Here‘s how the conversation proceeded, as best as can be deciphered from audio recording of the conversation (all parties consenting to recording):

HAYNES: On the loan, it says it’s got a balance of $12,000 and some dollars. And the payment is approximately $8,900 and change. What constitutes the other $3,200 approximately? Where did that come from, or how did that originate?

DOWNTON: I don’t know, probably interest.

HAYNES: The payment is approximately $8,800 for 10 years, so . . .

WELDY: Didn’t they skip a year and make an interest-only payment?

DOWNTON: Yep, we had trouble. Remember, ’cuz when the 2009 council went out they didn’t have it so we had money enough to pay for it. So we only paid in 2010 the interest on it because there wasn’t enough money, so if you go back and look at 2009 in November and December the council strained right out.

HAYNES: How much interest did you pay on it in 2010?

DOWNTON: I couldn’t tell you without looking at that. The interest would have been whatever the 2007 council and yourself, uh, set it up.

SEC. SMITH: The interest was $2,331.80 paid in 2010.

DOWNTON: Yeah, but that was . . . (unintelligible) . . . interest and not principal.

HAYNES: So that would make a difference of roughly $6,600?

SEC. SMITH: But in 2008 balance of $8,445, balance on hold.

WELDY: And you had a late fee assessment so if you look down to the amortization schedule, you’re going to find it didn’t go as clean as you thought it would. This is the print-out right here that tells you the $12,136.

KOPP: Yeah, that’s why I want to get a print-out. I think we should all get a copy of that so we know what is going on.

DOWNTON: Bottom line is, the 2007 council made a loan of $8,900 and the borough didn’t have money to support it.

WELDY: We’ve been assessed for late fees, . . . one . . . two . . . three . . . four times, so there’s all kinds of reasons why it didn’t go as planned.

HAYNES: Why didn’t you catch it up in 2010, ‘11, or ‘12 then . . . when there was money available?

DOWNTON: Who says we had money available?

WELDY: We paid it on the schedule.

DOWNTON: If you remember it was then until 2011 before we raised taxes.

HAYNES: When you raised taxes why wasn’t it caught up then?

DOWNTON: Because it hasn’t been caught up; it’s gonna be caught up ’cuz this is the balance that’s left of it. I didn’t make the ridiculous loan. Go back and ask the people that did.

The final speaker of the evening was Kirk Rhone. Mr. Rhone inquired if Council was going to vote a donation to the Civic Association to help defray costs of renovation of the community hall. President Downton responded that that issue was previously settled: council members could make individual personal donations to the Civic Association. To date, however, no individual members of the borough council have publicly acknowledged what donations, if any, they have to the Civic Association.

Next Starrucca Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 5. October’s weather is rarely as calm as September. Might that be true of Starrucca’s borough meetings too?

Susquehanna Borough means business. The past 20 years may have provided a setting for lax enforcement. But “No more Mr. Nice guy” is the borough’s new policy stance. It may seem a bit tongue-in-cheek, but Code Enforcement is a matter not taken lightly in Susquehanna. Code Enforcement Officer Roy Williams has taken inventory of Susquehanna’s structures and he means to clean house, literally. His inventory of properties has identified 11 condemned structures, 26 “at-risk,” and 23 deserving of the warnings issued. Some 19 citations have been handed out and cases are going directly to Magisterial District Judge Jodi Cordner for hearings.

The drive to clean up Susquehanna was just one of many agenda items on the borough’s agenda for its Wednesday, September 9 meeting. Present for the meeting were President Joe Varsik, Council members Sue Crawford, John Hendrickson, Roy Williams, and Debbie Zayas, along with Mayor Nancy Hurley and Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Biegert.

After council’s dispatch of routine matters, President Varsik displayed a Letter of Appreciation recognizing Susquehanna Depot resident Joe Canini for his contributions to better the borough as a place to live and work. Most notably Mr. Canini is being recognized for painting all the borough’s fire hydrants last year, and again this year, as well as for trimming the bushes away from the front of the borough building. The borough’s hydrants are well and truly spruced up and obviously visible in the event of emergency. While Mr. Canini was not present for the accolades, it in no way diminished his accomplishments. President Varsik hailed Mr. Canini as the epitome of civic pride and praised him as a model for emulation.

An invited guest, Adam Milard, representing the New Milford firm “True View”—a company specializing in physical security solutions—presented a plan to improve the security of Susquehanna’s borough building. His discussion included details of his firm’s access control systems, fobs, cameras, and intercoms. The high-tech hardware could improve security, limit and control access, and document entry/egress at the building. No conversion decision was made at this meeting, but Mr. Milard was asked to resubmit a quote after council made refinements to the level of security under consideration.

Councilman Williams presented the DPW Report. The Erie Avenue paving project received exactly one bid, from Wayco in the amount of $53,743.01. Council established that Wayco understood that the project must be completed no later than October 15, and then unanimously approved Wayco’s bid. Council also approved a motion for Agility Program participation with PennDOT for the next five-year period.

In the Treasurer’s Report, Council spent considerable time discussing numerous issues: a $17,500 capital reserve allocation; the current state of the borough’s police pension system; borough economic development and how to proceed to maximize effectiveness; and attendance of borough officials at the upcoming Susquehanna County Township Officials Conference. Realization that early planning for next year’s budget needs to begin also led Council to set 6 p.m. on Monday, September 28, for a special meeting to discuss budgetary planning, prioritization, and goal-setting. That meeting will be advertised in “The Transcript.”

EMA Coordinator John Hendrickson presented the Emergency Management Report. He noted in his report that “As we get into the fall season it is important to remember to service our heating systems. You and I know it’s been hot outside. I for one want you to get the jump on old man winter before he gets here. And don’t forget those portable heaters as well. The same goes for the family car—tires, exhaust, etc. [There was an] incident of power being knocked out in the downtown area yesterday [September 8] for about six hours, closing Exchange Street . . . Penelec repaired the problem as quickly as possible; Susquehanna Fire Department and the Boro Police also responded. Mr. Hendrickson also recognized a member of the audience who had reminded him just prior to the meeting “that September is National Preparedness Month. Individuals can find out more about setting up an emergency kit and other preparedness matters by going online to http://www.ready.gov.”

Mayor Hurley presented the Police Report. She prefaced her remarks with a request that residents not hesitate to call police for assistance in non-emergency matters. The number to use is 570-853-3147. Too often, she noted, people hesitate to call the police because they don’t think the issue in question is important enough to bother police. Well, maybe it is or maybe it isn’t; but erring on the side of caution is always best. By notifying police at their non-emergency number residents can achieve quick resolution of the issue.

The Police Report for the month of August listed 42 event responses. Fully half of those related to motor vehicles or miscellaneous incidents; the remaining 21 were broken down as follows: theft (3), burglary (3), domestic dispute (2), harassment (2), welfare check (2); and one each in these categories: convulsions, abdominal pain, traumatic injuries, unconscious/fainting, assist in service, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, drugs/narcotics, noise complaint.

In Old Business matters, Council unanimously approved the allocation—not expenditure—of $5,895 for a scrolling display sign. The money is being set aside within the borough’s capital reserve fund for when the time comes that the borough is ready to make the purchase. West Main Street stairs will also be examined for replacement by a ramp. Councilman Williams and DPW employee Kevin McKee have the project for study and will report back to council before action is taken. Notably, any ramp will have to be ADA-compliant and have ADA-compliant handrails.

Under New Business President Varsik reported that this year’s Homecoming Parade is planned for Saturday, October 10. That’s a change from the customary Friday night time slot. The date is firmly set and appropriate requests for approval have been submitted.

A number of issues remain tabled, backlogged, or stuck in red tape. PAWC is looking into purchase of Tri-boro Municipal Authority; Codes Compliance Ordinance 469 is awaiting advertising; Ward System planning remains in the hands of the borough’s Solicitor; the sale of 107 Euclid Ave. remains bogged down in red tape.

That brings us back to this article’s opening paragraph. Councilman Williams expects the red tape backlog to be de-cluttered in coming months; condemned structures will be cleared away. It’s sad that many properties have come to this end, but their elimination will remove unsightly hazards and ultimately provide possibilities for renewal and revitalization.

October’s monthly meeting is scheduled for the second Wednesday, October 14, 7 p.m.

EDITORS NOTE: These reports are taken directly from the Gibson State Police Barracks Blotter. Anyone having an issue with how they are worded is advised to visit the Barracks and inspect same before complaining about contents.

DUI/Drug Possession: On September 5, at 1:24 am an unnamed 26 year old West Virginia man was DUI and in possession of prescription pain pills on Interstate 81 southbound in New Milford Township. 

Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition:  A generator was taken from a Herrick Township location between the 30th and 31st of January.  An American flag was taken from the same property between the 13th and 14th of August. 

Crash:  On September 3rd at 11:48 pm Rainey Ferdinand of Montclair, Nj was traveling north in the right lane of I81 in Lenox township when she swerved for unknown reasons and began to fish tail.  The vehicle exited the roadway off of the east side of the road and drove through a grassy area.  It then began to rollover, rolling over approximately three times before coming to a rest on the east berm facing east.  Police were assisted at the scene by Clifford Fire and EMS.  The driver sustained minor injury;  a passenger sustained none.  Both were utilizing seat belts. 

Burglary/Theft:  Between August 3rd and 4th an unlocked and unsecured barn on Elk Lake School Road was entered , apparently through a sliding barn door.  An ATV was removed form within;  the door was closed behind the perpetrator(s).  The ATV was returned to the residence approximately two weeks later. 

Criminal Trespass:  Between August 27th and September 2nd a criminal trespass incident occurred at a Uniondale, Gibson Township location in which perpetrator(s) entered the posted private property of a woman and cut down a cherry tree on the property.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  Between the 24th and 29th of August, the door on a shed at the Tiger Valley Hunting Camp in Harmony Township was kicked in.  A chainsaw, generator, and weed whacker were stolen from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.  The suspect(s) was listed as being “under investigation” in the report. 

Criminal Mischief:  Between September 1st and 2nd the lug nuts on the driver side rear tire of a man’s vehicle were loosened in Clifford.  

Burglary:  Between July 25th and August 30th, a burglary occurred at a location in Clifford Township, in which perpetrator(s) entered the barn of an elderly man by non-forcible means, via underneath the barn door.  Once inside they stole several feet of copper tubing.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the State Police at Clifford. 

Theft by Unlawful Taking:  Between August 31st and September 1st a theft occurred at Millard’s Deli in New Milford Township in which unknown perpetrator(s) stole a money bag from the store containing approximately $250.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On September 1st at 3:38 pm Jesus Garcia-Hoyos of Montrose was traveling north on Sr 92.  He entered the left oncoming lane to pass a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, as he did this a second vehicle driven by Leroy Frisbie of Waymart was traveling south in the oncoming lane.  Garcia-Hoyos then attempted to avoid Frisbie by swerving to the left, but impacted the other vehicle head on.  Garcia-Hoyos’s vehicle then rolled over in a ditch along the road.  Both operators were wearing seat belts;  both sustained minor injury (along with one of Frisbie’s two passengers).  Kozlowski’s Towing removed both vehicles from the scene. 

Theft:  On August 27th a package containing clothing was stolen from a woman’s mailbox in New Milford. 

Theft:  Between August 7th and 8th, chains and other items were stolen from a Forest Lake man’s driveway. 

Theft of Motor Vehicle:  Between the 31st of August and 1st of September, a black 2006 Honda Ranger 400 was removed form a storage trailer outside MXM Motosports. 

Criminal Mischief:  Between August 27th and 31st the front door glass on a Church Street residence, in New Milford, was damaged. 

Theft:  On August 11th prescription Pills were taken from a Franklin Township residence. 

Harassment:  On August 26th at 10:07 pm a verbal argument occurred on Tingley Lake Road in New Milford Township.  During the incident a New Milford woman struck a New Milford man in the face and damaged his vehicle.  The man also struck the woman in the face area during the incident.  Harassment and criminal mischief charges were filed in District Court 34-3-02.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP-Gibson at (570) 465-3154. 

Retail Theft:  On August 20th a Hallstead man is accused of stealing candy from the Dollar General in Great Bend Township, and then fleeing the scene.  A white female came into the store with the accused and stole Rexall Cold Packs, before fleeing the scene with the accused.  Charges were filed in District Court 34-3-02.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Theft:  The police were investigating a theft at a location on Sr 267, Montrose, Forest Lake Township.  The theft involved several different credit cards.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On August 27th at 4:38 am an unnamed person was driving a Chevrolet Silverado on Main Street in Montrose Borough when he or she nodded off and the vehicle traveled off the road to the right.  It then went into a ditch, where it became stuck. 

Resisting Arrest:  On August 30th a 28 year old Springville man is accused of entering the property of an elderly Kingsley woman, naked.  The accused then ran around the property, and the victim called the police.  Prior to police arrival, the accused fled the scene.  The accused was later found in the woods, refused to comply with commands, and a taser was deployed.  Charges (Resisting Arrest, Indecent Exposure, Criminal Trespass) were filed in District Court 34-3-03. 

Theft from a Motor Vehicle:  The police are investigating a theft of a wallet, stolen from a woman’s vehicle while it was in Lathrop Township.

Retail Theft:  On August 31st at 8:37 am a retail theft occurred at the Convenient Mart in Lenox Township in which John Green of Vermont is accused of pumping $58.50 worth of gasoline into his vehicle and then driving off without paying for the gasoline.  The accused was cited for PA Crimes Code section 3929 (Retail Theft). 

Burglary:  Between the 26th and 27th of August, a Clifford woman reported that unknown perpetrator(s) entered her home during overnight hours.  Once inside, the perpetrator(s) stole prescription medicine and a small amount of money. 

Anyone having information on any of these incidents is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154. 

Alarm: On 07/02/15 Silver Lake Township Police responded to an alarm at a residence located on State Route 4001. Upon arrival by police it was determined that there was no problem at the residence. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer. 

Alarm: On 07/06/15 Silver Lake Township Police responded to an alarm at Longford Lake. Upon arrival it was determined that the alarm was accidental. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

911 Hang-Up: On 07/07/15 Silver Lake Township Police responded to a 911 hang-up call at a residence located on the Laurel Lake Road. Upon arrival by police it was determined that there was a problem with the phone lines. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Theft: On 07/10/15 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of a stolen cell phone from a resident located on the Quaker Lake Road. The resident contacted police a couple of days later and stated that the cell phone had been recovered. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

Misc. Investigation: On 07/13/15 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of land markers being moved on property. The person reported that survey markers or stakes had been moved or removed from property that had recently been surveyed. Officer Levi Tiffany took the report. This case is still active.

Misc. Investigation: On 07/15/15 Silver Lake Township Police responded to a neighbor dispute on McCormick Road. A resident had put cinder blocks on their neighbor’s property. Officer Levi Tiffany was the responding officer.

Erratic Driver: On 07/28/15 Silver Lake Township Police took a report of an erratic driver who was racing on the roadway on Kennedy Road. The resident reported that over the weekend a silver BMW was racing on the roadway and driving erratic. The resident was able to get a plate number for identification. The owner of the silver BMW was contacted and the incident was resolved. Chief Timothy Burgh took the report.

911 Hang-Up: On 07/30/15 Silver Lake Township Police responded to a residence located on State Route 167 for a 911 hang-up call. Upon arrival by police it was determined that there was a problem with the phone line. Chief Timothy Burgh was the responding officer.

Silver Lake Township Police responded with The Silver Lake Fire Company or Silver Lake Ambulance a couple of times during the month of July.

Any information or questions for Silver Lake Township Police please call 570-278-6818 and leave a message or email us at silverlaketwppd@epix.net, all information will be held strictly confidential. You can look at the Silver Lake Township Website at www.silverlaketwp.org, to see all Silver Lake Townships' news, profiles, and resources, including the police reports. For all emergencies calls or if you need an immediate police response, dial 911.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:45 a.m. on September 11, 2015

Duane M. Aldrich, Todd A. Andrews, Asa M. Atherholt IV, Tonya S. Birchard, Edwin Blaisure, Allan A. Bucksbee, Michael J. Burger, Tina M. Clark, Cynthia Dean, James Donahue III, Duane C. Faulkner, David J. Fischer, Morgan A. Garcia, Jeremy W. Hall, Christopher M. Kuiper, Alicia S. Labbe, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M. McGuire, Joshua K. Mess, Timothy Murray, Matthew J. Peters, Desiree L. Shifler, Kurtis Tracy, Robert J. Twilley, Kathleen M. Visavati, John H. Walter, Steven G. Warner, Kevin H. Welch, Matthew C. Whitney, Roger D. Williams, 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

Colleen Gesford, Maureen & Kevin Pierson, Shelley Hohn, Charles M. Pierson (estate), Charles Pierson (trust by trustees) to Kevin Pierson (trust), in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Anke Erika & Walter Nelson Oakes to Anke Erika & Walter Nelson Oakes, in Clifford Twp., for $1.00.

Mario Fasullo, Olga Lydia Fasullo (aka), Olga L. Fasullo to Robert Cosmark & Megan Catherine Finnerty, in Springville Twp., for $136,000.00.

Daniel R. Ricci Jr. & Karen D. Ricci to Daniel R. Ricci Jr., in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Jane W. Bennett (estate aka) Beverly Jane Bennett (estate), David & Gary Bennett, Linda M. Ryder & Jane A. Mack to Dustin Wyatt Mack, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Joel & Sandra Welch to Springbok Energy Partners LLC & Silver Spur Resources LLC, in Franklin Twp., for $10,000.00.

Donald & Lisa Spencer to Donald Spencer, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.

Carol A. Becker (trust by trustee) to Carol A. Becker, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Carol A. Becker to Carol A. Becker (trust) in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

Philip J. Pass Jr., Lauri A. Pass, Philip J. Pass Sr. & Barbara Pass to Camp Chaos LLC, in Herrick Twp., for $123,720.00.

Maple Highlands LLC to Camp Chaos LLC, in Herrick Twp., for $26,280.00.

Kaufman Properties to David B. & Beverly J. Johnson, in Clifford Twp., for $238,896.00.

Thomas G. & Deborah J. Bizon to Thomas G. & Deborah J. Bizon, in Ararat Twp., for $1.00.

Danny G. & Judy Knight to Jessica L. Knight, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Frederick Dannecker Jr. & Tammi Dannecker to Springbok Energy Partners LLC & Silver Spur Resources LLC, in Springville Twp., for $202,000.00.

Shirley Phillips to Terri Bailey & William Phillips, in Jackson Twp., for $1.00.

BTSB Properties LLC to Dennis M. Figuerado, in Susquehanna, for $49,500.00.

Beverly J. Mahoney to John L. & Donna M. Tucker, in Silver Lake Twp., for $4,000.00.

Freddie MAC (aka) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp to Randy C. & Mary M. Deangelo, in New Milford Twp., for $55,000.00.

Maureen Kielar (nbm) Maureen Kielar Hanchak, Nicholas Hanchak, Karen Bullet (aka) Karen Bullett & Walter Bullett to Tammy L. Rogalski, in Forest City, for $62,000.00.

Trevor P. Bond & Laura Rothfield Bond to Trevor P. Bond (trust fbo) & Nelson L. Bond, in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.

Marion Moffat to Sarah S. Bertsch, in Montrose, for $312,500.00.

Stanley J. & Linda M. Cominsky to Judson Weida, in Lenox Twp., for $280,000.00.

Todd Claribel to Francis J. Ross III & Tania Stoker, in Clifford Twp., for $225,000.00.

Charles Henry Cummings III, Scott Robert Cummings, Craig Martin Cummings, Todd Matthew Cummings & Tara Marie Guinan to McDermotts Dirt Limited Liability Company, in Gibson Twp., for $1.00.

Lawrence O. & Jeremy J. Travis to Debra L. Travis, in Oakland Borough, for $1.00.

Joyce & Richard Berish to Richard J. Berish, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Matthew & Kathleen Kucharczyk to Kathleen, Michael & Angela McCarthy, in Clifford Twp., for $6,000.00.

Peter J. Casassa Jr. & Lorita B. Casassa to Bradford J. & Joann F. Rossetti, in Gibson Twp., for $186,400.00.

Greg Infante (aka) Gregory J. Infante to Gregory J. Infante, in Harmony Twp., for $1.00.

Robert H. & Mildred Spitz (estate) to Jed Rubenfeld, in Clifford Twp., for $0.00.

Bremer Hof Owners Inc. to David W. Creppon Jr., in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.

Dorothy C. Hankin (estate) to Lorrie & James Grande (estate), in Harmony Twp., for $1.00.

Jeanmarie McFarland to Appalachin Basin Minerals Lp, PennMarc Resources II LP, Wildes Mineral Interests LLC & McCrow Energy Partners II LLC, in Brooklyn Twp., for $70,012.50.

Lloyd A. Verna B. Kunkle to Jeffrey Bechtel, in Rush Twp., for $44,386.00.

Tammy L Rogalski to Kristian Ray Short & Nicole Elizabeth Short, in Forest City, for $90,000.00.

William K. Gorski (estate aka) William Gorski, Kelly J. Gorski (nbm) Kelly J. Henry (aka) Kelly Jo Henry to Kelly Jo Henry & Ronald D. Henry Jr., in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Beverly H. Tiffany to Jenny Payne, in Harford Twp., for $50,000.00.

Steven E., Melanie, Michael J. & Jessica Ann Koscelnak to Michael E. & Jennifer K. Fifth, in Gibson Twp., for $97,500.00.

Leslie James & Mary Alice Hawley to Leslie James Hawley, Mary Alice Hawley & Virginia M. Smith, in Forest Lake Twp., for $1.00.

John P. & Lynn M. Housenick to Bertonica LLC, in Rush Twp., for $1.00.

John Przybyszewski to Vine Royalty LP, Endeavor Acquistions LLC, CP Royalties LLC, in Auburn Twp., for $10.00.

William J. Elliot III (estate) to Jan Otoole, in Apolacon Twp., for $1.00.

Alexis M. Axtell to Heidi G. Gathany, in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Sally A. Whiteman, Gerald D. Whiteman (trust by trustee), Sally A. Whiteman (trust by trustee) to Curtis A. & Shari A. Wentz Jr., in Jackson Twp., for $50,000.00.

Frank H. & Louise K. Ike to Philip & Erin E. Wisler, in New Milford Twp., for $360,000.00.

Frank & Louise Ike to Philip & Erin E. Wisler, in New Milford Twp., for $45,000.00.

Brian M. & Nicole M. Crawford to Brian M. & Nicole M. Crawford, in Susquehanna, for $1.00.

Lee V. Mynyk, Carol A. Mynyk (nka) Dacol A. Davis to Kayla M. Kazierski, in Clifford Twp., for $79,000.00.

Timothy Thomas (aka) Timothy D. Thomas to Matthew Thomas, in Harford Twp., for $.100.

Ellen Llinas to Scott A. Adams, in Great Bend Twp., for $70,000.00.

Deborah Ann & Joseph Cieszkowski to Ronald M. Larue & Tiffany L. Stephens, in Clifford Twp., for $42,500.00.

Joseph E. Hefele (by atty) to Joseph E. Hefele (trust), in Harford Twp., for $16,000.00.