The February meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was almost a week later than scheduled. With unpredictable weather, the Supervisors shifted the meeting to the evening of Monday, the 22nd. Otherwise the agenda looked familiar: a mix of topics, mostly focused on the roads. Several of the items illustrated the burden of paperwork and regulation that seems to increase all the time.
The bill list, usually a routine step in the monthly agenda, showed a payment of $500 to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Trout stamps for Supervisors and crew? Naw. The Commission fined (Supervisor Conrad Owens called it an “agreement”) that amount for disrupting the habitat of some fresh-water mussels.
It seems that in his zeal to move the 9 Partners Monument to a more accessible location, Mr. Owens disrupted a beaver dam near Bartholomew Road. The beaver lodges in that spot have been a perennial nuisance to the township, causing the creek and nearby swamp to flood the road. Unfortunately, this time, removing the otherwise unoccupied beaver lodge and dam caused a part of the swamp to drain down the creek, depriving some mussels of sustenance in this cherished wetland. Apparently someone in the neighborhood tattled, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) investigated, and the township was fiscally chastised.
David Klepadlo, the engineer who designed the township sewer system and has managed it over the 20 years since, attended the meeting to ask the Supervisors to re-approve an “engineering agreement” to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of an application for support in a major renovation of the sewer plant.
The original agreement – which requires something like a dozen signatures – was accepted last month. However, when Mr. Klepadlo submitted it, the agency told him that the application needed some additional “supplements” under the “rural utility service program.” Characterizing the new material as “federal nonsense stuff,” Mr. Klepadlo said that the agency employee apologized profusely for “forgetting” about the supplements the first time. But the papers had to be signed all over again in order to get the application for a “commitment letter” accepted.
Along the way, the Supervisors, at Mr. Klepadlo’s request, agreed to the purchase of a complete sewer pump and basin unit as a spare. Additional spare pumps and basin assemblies are also part of the sewer system renovation project expected to get under way in 2017.
The Supervisors also had to approve a letter that would become part of a package applying for DEP permission to use salt brine on the roads instead of calcium chloride, for dust control. Salt brine is much cheaper than the calcium solution, but must be applied in such a way that it is kept away from wetlands. The “salt brine plan” has to be accepted by DEP, so the township will still solicit bids for calcium chloride, just in case.
The township also needs approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to make some modifications to the junction of Jeffers Road with State Route 106. The changes will improve the sight lines at the notorious intersection. The Supervisors approved an expenditure of $3,470 to Barhite Excavating to carry out the work.
The Supervisors signed a contract with the state dirt and gravel road program for a grant of $51,100 for improvements on the west end of Oliver Road (from Fair Hill Road down to the creek). The township’s share of the work is expected to cost about $5,000.
Once out of the regulatory morass, the Supervisors accepted a request from Timothy Button for a transfer of funds. The Button family had been in the tax collecting business in Harford for many years. Mr. Button’s mother had established a bank account with her own funds as a “cushion” during tax collection season. Now that the Buttons are out of the tax collecting business, Mr. Button wanted to clear up the bookkeeping, offering a check for about $4,700 to the township in return for a similar check from the township to him. The arrangement to provide Mr. Button’s paper trail was adopted. As a charter member of the Button clan, Supervisor Sue Furney abstained on the motion.
The township will be soliciting bids on 7,500 tons of 2A stone, 1,000 tons of 2B stone, 100 tons of R3 stone, 500 tons of R4 stone, and 2,000 tons of #67 stone for road work. Mr. Owens and Roadmaster Jim Phelps want to get started on the roads as soon as possible, so the Supervisors scheduled a special meeting for March 28 to review the bids, the soonest available time considering the advertising requirements. Bid amounts for calcium chloride (subject to the salt brine plan approval), cinders and fuels will be determined at a later meeting. The township is also considering a purchase of DSA (driving surface aggregate) material, with amounts yet to be decided.
Representatives of the local youth baseball program made their annual appearance to request assistance with work at the ballfield in the village. The 120-some players will be part of the Cal Ripken League this year. The new affiliation will allow a 20-game schedule (10 at home in Harford); with the Little League, the teams would have only 12 games. Since some of the competition will be coming from out of the area, a discussion ensued about the placement of signs to direct visitors to the fields.
In addition, the township will supply some labor and materials – including some 400 feet of drain tile as well as stone – to the maintenance of the fields. And the township will cover some $2,600 of excavation work to be done by Rock Estabrook.
The next regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2016. All meetings are held at the township office on Route 547 and usually begin at 7:00pm. Get there early if you want a seat – the office is … cozy.
Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company recently hosted a certification ceremony for the Peoples Security Financial Scholars Program, an initiative to bring critical financial literacy education to high school students across Mountain View School District. Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. has partnered with EverFi, Inc., the nation’s leading education technology company, to bring this interactive, web-based financial management program to all high school students at no cost to the schools or taxpayers.
Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company recognized more than 70 students who have earned their Financial Scholar Certification. The certification event at Mountain View High School included remarks from Bonnie Phelps (Hop Bottom Branch Manager, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company), Tiffini Andorful (Senior Schools Manager, EverFi), Deon Faramelli (Senior, Mountain View High School), Denise Vonada (Sophomore, Mountain View High School).
Pictured Above (From L to R): Robert Presley, Mountain View Jr/Sr. High School Principal, Allen Prendergast, EverFi, Bonnie Phelps, Branch Manager – Peoples Security Bank and Trust, Denise Vonada, Mountain View Jr/Sr High School Sophomore, Deon Faramelli, Mountain View Jr/Sr. High School Senior, Dr. Elaine Chichura, Mountain View Jr/Sr. High School Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Tiffini Anderfol, EverFi
Bonnie Baker, Senior Vice President, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company commented, “To team up with an organization like EverFi and be able to present this program to the school districts in our area is very rewarding. Having the support of the administration and faculty made the program such a success and allowing the students to respond in such a positive way. Peoples Security looks forward to bringing this program to other school districts in our local community.”
Dr. Elaine Chichura, Mountain View High School commented, “Financial literacy is a practical skill that will serve the students throughout their lifetimes. We are proud to take part in this important initiative.”
Denise Vonada, Mountain View High School Sophomore, commented, “In class, and through the EverFi program, I learned how to successfully handle my finances. In this past year as well as this coming year I will definitely be using the financial knowledge and skills acquired through the EverFi program.”
Powered by EverFi technology, the web-based learning platform uses the latest in new media technologies – video, animations, 3-D gaming, avatars, and social networking – to bring complex financial concepts to life for today’s digital generation. High school students will become certified in over 600 topics in financial education, allowing them to become more informed, responsible citizens.
The Peoples Security Financial Scholars Program is a 10-unit course that offers 6-8 hours of programming aimed at teaching, assessing and certifying students in a variety of financial topics including credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, stocks, savings, 401k’s and other critical concepts that map to national financial literacy standards. This learning platform tracks knowledge gain as well as students’ attitudes and behaviors on these important issues. Students who successfully complete the course receive certification in Financial Literacy, a valuable mark of distinction on college applications and resumes.
The Susquehanna County Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with the County Fire Chiefs and Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry District 11, have issued a resolution enacting a temporary ban on open burning in Susquehanna County from 12:01am Saturday, March 5, 2016 to 12:01am Monday, April 4, 2016.
Open burning is defined as the ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, vegetative matter involved with land clearing, or any sort of debris out-of-doors either in a burn barrel or on the ground. The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills, or the use of tobacco in any form is not covered under county burn bans. Camp fires are allowed in the fire rings that confine and contain the camp fire in a designated state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campground.
Under the resolution, a violation of the ban on open burning is a summary offense; punishable by fines up to $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for the third offense. The resolution is enforceable by local and State Police officers.
The strong El Niño weather pattern has resulted in no current snowpack in the county and above normal temperatures. According to the Bureau of Forestry, the greatest danger of spring wildfires is in March, April and May due to warmer, windier days. The Bureau of Forestry also states that the majority of wildfires in Pennsylvania are caused by debris burning.
Should residents have any questions regarding the burn ban, they should contact the Fire Chief of their local fire department.
DEEDS
Anne E Tego & O Kenneth Shaffer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.
Ann E Tego & O Kenneth Shaffer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in New Milford Township, for $1.00.
Ann E Tego & O Kenneth Shaffer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in Choconut Township, for $1.00.
Ann E Tego & O Kenneth Shaffer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in Herrick Township, for $1.00.
Ann E Tego & O Kenneth Shaffer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in Thompson Township, for $1.00.
Raymond & Linda Lee to Raymond, Linda & Kami Lee, in Thompson Township, for $1.00.
MAC LP LLC to Mineral Acquisition Company I LP, in Auburn Township, for $0.00.
Nancy L. Newhart to Nancy L. Newhart, in Rush Township, for $1.00.
Patricia L Delouse (ESTATE) to Mery Ellen Provencher, in Silver Lake Township, for $1.00.
William Boyd Squire (AKA) William B Squire, Laura Ann Squire, Sharon Marie Lathrop (AKA) Sharon Squire Lathrop, Steven Palmer Lathrop, Mary Ellen Sayre & Roger C Sayre to Rodger C. & Mary Ellen Sayre, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.
William Boyd Squire (AKA) William B Squire, Laura Ann Squire, Sharon Marie Lathrop (AKA) Sharon Squire Lathrop, Mary Ellen Sayre & Roger C Sayre to Sharon Squire Lathrop & Stephen Palmer Lathrop, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.
Linda Heath, Donald Heath, James P Kuruts, Kimberly Kuruts, Gerald Kuruts & Angele Kuruts to Felicia Marie Correa, in Forest City, for $65,000.00.
Kevin R Borove to Kevin R & Amy E Borove, in Lenox Township, for $1.00.
Carolyn Schnure, James Schnure & Shirley D Tator to Mark William Bush, in Forest Lake Township, for $65,000.00.
Michelle Brown (AKA) Michelle D Frailey to Mark W Frailey, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.
Francis Taylor to Francis a & Tammy A Taylor, in Rush Township, for $1.00.
Patrick J & Elizabeth Ann Nicholson to John Patrick & Elizabeth Ann Nicholson, in Gibson Township, for $1.00.
Alice M Deutsch to Alice M Deutsch, in Jackson Township, for $1.00.
Ronald Jason Jacoby (ESTATE AK) & Ronald Jacoby (ESTATE) to Susan M Jacoby, in Jessup Township, for $1.00.
Marion J Smith (ESTATE) to Dean Kundrata, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.
Marion J Smith (ESTATE) to Dean Kundrata, in Hallstead Borough, for $95,000.00.
Benjamin E & Kristen Hubbard to Stacey M Phillips, in Halstead Borough, for $119,000.00.
Carole & Harold W Smallacombe Jr. to Wendy M Shaffer, in Halstead Borough, for $30,000.00.
Derrick Krause (AKA) Derrick M Krause & Meghan Honeyford to Jeremy D Harris, in Great Bend Township, for $1.00.
Verdon, Michael J & Jeanine L Decker to Michael J & Jeanine L Decker, in Lenox Township, for $1.00.
Irene Hosay (ESTATE AKA) Irene M Hosay (ESTATE) to Michael P & Jean Marie Mullen, in Great Bend Township, for $13,400.00.
Darrell Sands (BY SHERIFF) & Melody L Slugger toDeutsche Bank National Trust Company, in Montrose, for $2,912.21.
Rocco S Centone & Robert Flora to Hard Wood Enterprises LLC, in Herrick Township, for $91,200.00.
Alenander J Bickar (ESTATE AKA) Alex Bickar (ESTATE) to Vincent Thomas, Daniel R & Joseph M Bickar, in Apolacon Township, for $1.00.
Bradford P Harris (AKA) Bradford Paul Harris to Bradford P Harris (TRUST) & Judith M Harris (TRUST), in Apolacon Township, for $1.00.
Merle W Newman to Donald & Marion Colwell, in Great Bend Township, for $1.00.
Alma Ann Goof to Melany J & Joseph S McDaniels, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.
Charlotte Ann Mason (ESTATE AKA) Charlotte Mason (ESTATE} to William Michael Bennett & Barbara A Carpenter, in Great Bend Borough, for $1.00.
Timothy A Carpenter to Timothy A Carpenter, in Great Bend Borough, for $1.00.
Dennis R. & Stephanie D Landis to Jason T & Amy D Auckland, in Great Bend Township, for $1.00.
Thomas K & Julie A Ronai to Ronai Trust, in Thompson Townships, for $1.00.
William Boyd Squier (AKA) William B Squier, Laura Ann Squire , Sharon Marie Lathrop (AKA), Sharon Squire Lathrop, Stephen Palmer Lathrop, Mary Ellen Sayre & Roger C Sayre to William Boyd & Laura Ann Squire, in Brooklyn Township Bridgewater Township & New Milford Township, for $1.00.
Suzanne Dean to Jason J Clarke, in Lenox Township, for $170,000.00.
Elizabeth A. Parry (ESTATE AKA) Elizabeth Ann Perry (ESTATE) to Jerry Edward Tuttle Jr. & Raechelle
Marie Rowan, in Harford Township, for $80,000.00.
Allene Costa to Kimberly A Kuruts, in Forest City, for $1.00.
Louise F Hall (ESTATE) , Debra L Rogers (NBA), Debra L Rider to Debra L Rider & Angela J Stuckey, in New Milford Township, for $1.00.
Cecil & Marilyn Kimer to Robert J Salansky Jr, in Gibson Township, for $60,000.00.
Cecil & Marilyn Kilmer to Christopher S Salansky, in Gibson Township, for $100,000.00.
Anthony Slick, Jerome Slick (AKA), Jerry Slick & Joseph Slick Jr to Joseph Slick Sr, in Forest City, for $1.00.
Francis H Parks Jr & Catherine W to Brian G & Colleen A Parks, in Franklin Township, for $1.00.
Joseph A. and Marie E. Wynne to Richard D. and Barbara A. Dixon, in Lenox Township, for $201,030.00.
Walter F. Milliken and Henry L. Eggelton (Estate AKA) , Henry Eggelton (Estate) to Walter F. Milliken, in Herrick Township, for $1.00.
Ann E. Tego & Kenneth O. Shaffer to KSAT Enterprises LLC, in Bridgwater Township, for $1.00.
Ronald A & Melissa Franks to James N Bogart, in Forest City, for $155,000.00.
