Russ Miller from Leatherstocking Gas Company attended the New Milford Borough’s meeting on April 7th, and informed Council that he had news they probably didn’t want to hear.  Mr. Miller said Leatherstocking has been in negotiations with DTE Bluestone Gathering for eight months, and cannot come to an agreement on fees for them to distribute their gas.  They choose DTE due to the location, and their gas is dryer than Williams, but per Mr. Miller their fee for interconnections is sixteen thousand dollars more than they paid to Williams.

Another reason they decided to halt the project for 2016 is the economics behind providing gas to the community.  Mr. Miller said at this time the gas price, plus the delivered cost of the gas, would surpass the cost to the customer of other fuels such as oil and propane.  He said he realizes that Council fulfilled the end of their bargain by obtaining over one hundred and eighty customers, but at this time Leatherstocking feels that the cost of the project wouldn’t be cost effective for either party.

Mr. Miller kept on reiterating that the economics of the project doesn’t make sense at this time with the cost of the product.  Mayor Scott Smith asked how long the project is going to be put off, and Mr. Miller replied the best-case scenario would be the spring of 2017.  Mr. Miller said they are going to go back to DTE and if they aren’t successful, they will start negotiations with Williams.  But Mr. Miller stated if the differential continues to erode, then there may be a longer time frame than 2017.

Council asked if all their projects were on hold or if it was just New Milford.  Mr. Miller said they are still going to extend the line into south Montrose with the water/sewer expansion project.  He said that the price of that project is diminished because the water company is digging the ditch with the gas company.  Mr. Miller explained they are going to have two large anchor companies, the County jail, and Diaz Manufacturing plant since they are moving their plant to south Montrose.

Councilman Ken Carey asked if DTE gave a reason for the large price difference.  Mr. Miller replied they did not, but he is assuming its because they have a different model than Williams, and they make money in different areas.  He said they started negotiations with DTE because their gas is dry, which is an economic benefit, and their pipeline was closer, which is another benefit.  They stopped speaking with Williams about two years ago when they reached out to DTE.

Mr. Miller recognized Council President Rick Ainey, and other Council members as working very hard to have the customers sign up.  President Rick Ainey acknowledged that fact and said they did all the work for Leatherstocking, and yet they still aren’t going to be reaping the benefits of having natural gas in New Milford Borough.  President Ainey said for Susquehanna, Hallstead, Great Bend, and other communities to beware of any commitments by Leatherstocking since it may not happen for them either.

In normal business matters, Council granted approval for the Fire Police to help with the Memorial Day Parade, and the 4th of July Parade in Montrose, per the request of the Montrose Borough Council President.

Cooper Van Cott submitted a proposal to clean out the bank at the Blue Ridge Park at a cost range to the Borough of $9220 to $9620, which Council approved.  PennDot will be notified by Secretary Amy Hines to see if there is any issue with the proposed work.

Council person Kathy Wages informed Council that she received a quote for seven thousand four hundred dollars for the signage they have been looking for.   The sign would be two-foot by three foot with bells and whistles, but the price did not include installation.  Councilperson Wages said they need to pick a place where the sign will be installed since it requires an electrical hook up.

Councilperson Terri Gulick said Ordinance 203, which is the Police Agreement with Great Bend, is ready to be adopted.  Council members voted unanimously to enact Ordinance 203.

The Midtown Festival, which is going to be held on June 4th from 10am to 3pm, has received two sponsor supports so far, stated Councilperson Gulick.  She said they received one Platinum sponsor at one thousand dollars, and one Silver sponsor at a cost of five hundred dollars.  Councilperson Gulick said Councilman Shawn Carey should be commended since he was the one who created the sponsor letter, and the logo.  There is a Gold sponsor, a Patron sponsor, and an Individual sponsor as well.  There has also been an overwhelming amount of interest from vendors requesting a spot at the Festival.

A member from the audience, Eleanor Kempke, would like people to be aware when using their portable generator they need to shut down the main power source in the house.  This will prevent a dangerous, if not deadly situation, if the service man is working on your power line.

The meeting ended with Council once again talking about Leatherstocking putting the hold on the project.  They said that no words could express their dismay for Leatherstocking’s decision.

The heaviest snow of the winter (such as it was) delayed classes, but didn’t deter a large crowd from attending the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on the Spring evening of April 4th.  Teachers walked a symbolic picket line for TV cameras, and parents proudly watched their youngsters perform, all before the Board could get down to business.

Blue Ridge teachers walk a symbolic picket line for the TV cameras

The evening opened with another meeting of the Finance Committee to hear more about the budget being developed by Business Manager Brian Dolan for 2016-2017.  He’s holding the largest parts of the budget – salaries – for later.  This time he covered budget requests from the Middle and High Schools, Student Services (aka Special Education), and Technology.  Overall, the three sections requested almost $212,000 more than for the current year.

Student Services will cut about $80,000, but Mr. Dolan asked for a contingency fund of about $40,000 in part because of the uncertainty involved with a new state mandate dealing with “transition programming.”

The combined Middle and High School budget projects an increase of some $182,000.  The biggest part of that will cover higher expected enrollment in vocational and technical education, mostly at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center.  The district expects to send about 25 students to SCCTC at Elk Lake next year at a cost of about $16,200 each, of which state subsidy will cover about $13,000.  Blue Ridge Superintendent Matthew Button said that Elk Lake has not raised its rates for next year.

Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart asked for about $70,400 more than last year.  A large part of that was for a pilot program recommended by Mr. Button to make some 90 “Chromebook” computers available to students in grades 9 and above, which they could take home with them.  Christina Whitney and Board President Chris Lewis objected to the proposal, particularly the part about taking the computers home.  Ms. Whitney pointed out that the $47,000 cost is about the salary of a teacher, and wondered if that was a best use of funds. All of the figures will be up for grabs as the budget goes through additional reviews over the next couple of months before final adoption in June.

The Elementary School Select Chorus, with director Kristen Burkhart

Once the full Board gathered, with the teachers arrayed in their BREA jerseys toward the back of the room, Kristen Burkhart assembled the Elementary Select Chorus on risers to entertain the crowd with 3 songs, “When I Close My Eyes,” “This Ol’ Man,” and “How Can I Keep From Singing?”  Ms. Burkhart thanked the Board for its continued support for the arts and music at Blue Ridge.  The performance, a belated recognition of Music In Our Schools Month (March), was roundly applauded by the audience.

Middle/High School Principal Peter Supko then introduced his Seniors of the Month.  Taylor Bronson will start a pre-med program at one of two colleges in the Fall.  Connor Hartman will probably study political science at Penn State with a possible goal of law and/or politics.

Outstanding senior, Taylor Bronson

Outstanding senior, Connor Hartman

Elementary School Principal Danelle Decker named Shelby Seamans and Jack Donohue as 5th-grade standouts, but they were not able to attend.  Similarly, Desiree Alvarez could not attend to receive local appreciation for her national recognition in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for 2016.

Mr. Lewis then presented a certificate to Alexandra (“Lexi”) Button recognizing her selection to the Pennsylvania All-State Chorus.

State chorister Alexandra ("Lexi") Button

Concert and presentations completed, Mr. Lewis called an executive session.  Parents of the performers departed, and the remainder enjoyed snacks and drinks for about 20 idle minutes.  When the Board returned, Mr. Lewis listed the topics covered during the private colloquy, including the staffing of the nurse’s office, inconsistencies in coaching salaries, some issues with non-instructional staff, selection of a special education director, and details on the retirement incentive being offered on the agenda.

Calling for public comment, Mr. Lewis recognized a woman who spoke on behalf of the teachers in their dispute over a new contract with the district.  Saying that she wouldn’t mind a tax increase to support a “fair salary and benefits” package for the teachers, she spoke of the long hours teachers often spend on their work outside of the 187 required days in the classroom.  “They love their community and their students,” she said, pleading with the Board to “bring the balance back to our district.”  She received boisterous applause from the assembled teachers.

Mr. Lewis responded by saying that the issues in the dispute center around salary and health care premium contributions.  Contrary to what was stated, the district’s health care costs have risen about 6% this year.  He said that the average annual salary of a Blue Ridge teacher was now about $55,000; the average annual income of a resident of the district is about $45,000.  He pointed out that social security recipients, of which there are many in the district, received no increase this year; and servicemen and women got a meager 1% increase in salary.

Reluctantly allowing a riposte to his own response, the woman discounted the salary comparisons, pointing out that teachers represent the future of the district’s children.  Mr. Lewis replied that the teachers had been making similar comparisons during the 7 negotiating sessions held so far.

Blue Ridge teachers have rescheduled their strike date to April 25.  The last teachers’ strike at Blue Ridge was in 1977.

Once into its business agenda, the Board sailed through the 20 items plus an addendum in a single motion, holding out only measures that required some members to abstain, or to table one student disciplinary action.  Among the measures approved:

• Next year’s school calendar, which calls for classes to begin on September 6, the day after Labor Day.
• A list of 8 “Act 80” dismissals for the current school year.  Such exceptions to the 180-day school year are permitted for specific reasons under Act 80 of 1969.
• Replacement of a bus monitor by Victoria Hall.
• A donation of facilities and $2,500 to the Summer Adventure recreation program sponsored by Blue Ridge Recreation, Inc.
• An agreement with Tier Occupational Therapy Services, PC for next year at a rate of $75 per hour for up to 15-20 hours per week for occupational therapy services provided through the special education program.
• Terminated an employee who “abandoned” a job.

The Board approved Mary Clinton to replace Jill Hoffman as Athletic Director. Ms. Clinton, who has been acting as interim Athletic Director, accepted the welcome of the Board in person.

The Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU) will lease space at Blue Ridge for an Early Intervention program for some 15 children at a rent of $4,500 per year.  The program is moving out of its quarters at the old school building in New Milford.

The Board issued its annual retirement incentive for teachers.  Teachers must have served 24 years at Blue Ridge to be eligible.  Those accepting the offer will receive $10,000 per year for 5 years through a section 403(b) retirement plan.  Health care coverage will continue under the Blue Ridge plan at the retiree’s expense until the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare benefits or other such plan. A supplementary incentive plan was discussed during the executive session, but was not offered during the public meeting.

Mr. Lewis reported that the next negotiating session with the teachers is scheduled for May 12.  That will be after the next strike date. The next Board meeting is scheduled for the strike date itself, April 25.  The Finance Committee is expected to continue its budget review that evening, beginning at 6:00pm.

All public Board meetings take place in the cafeteria in the Elementary School, and begin at 7:00pm. 

During the regular monthly meeting held on April 6, Supervisor Alex Komar stated new signs were going to be installed on all the dirt roads leading into Thompson Township.  The signage will state: Thompson Township Permits Required, to assure that all residents are aware of the ordinance. 

Supervisor Komar gave the road department report saying the crew was busy plowing the snow, cutting trees off the roads, and regular road maintenance.

Supervisor Rick Wadman reported JHA was involved with permits for two driveways in the township.

Supervisor Susan Jenkins reported that she attended the Incident Command System training; ICS300 and she passed that course and will now attend the Hazard Mitigation Planning in Montrose.

Supervisor Wadman said the Supervisors are going to revisit the proposed Fee Schedule that was submitted by JHA.  After reviewing the fees they motioned to approve the new Fee Schedule.

The township Planning Commission was in need of a new member and Ron Parsons volunteered for the position, which was approved by the Supervisors.

The lighting project that the Supervisors were working on for the past year has been completed.  For the replacement of all the current lighting to LED lighting the cost would be approximately six to seven thousand dollars.  JPS Electric provided the quote to the Supervisors, which they tabled since there is currently no state funding for this project.

The Request for Bid was finalized and will be going to the paper for the road material bid.  The township is looking to purchase 2B stone, 2A modified, 2BC modified,  ¾ minus, #3 stone, calcium, and black cinders.  This years bid was slightly different because they added rentals to the bid just in case there is a disaster.  Sealed bids for equipment with operator at an hourly rate for: escavators, dump trucks, tri-axle trucks, bulldozers, and loaders was added to the bid.

Supervisors said they were going to try once again to obtain funds through the Susquehanna County Dirt and Gravel Road Grant for two roads that are in need of repair.  They tried last year, but were unable to obtain the funds.

The Supervisors adjourned the meeting, but keep the meeting room open for a public forum.  Matt Tripoli and Chris Clary from IMG Midstream were there to speak with people who had concerns about the Wrighter Energy proposal.  At the meeting there were several people from North Jackson, Ararat and Thompson to question, and listen to the proposal.

The next Thompson Township meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 pm.

Dakota Lee Watkins, 24, of Montrose, PA to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $75 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund fee, Pay $10 Ems, pay restitution to the victim in this case, complete a CRN evaluation, complete alcohol highway safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Jessup Township on August 4, 2014.

Michael Anthony Sippel, 22, of New Milford, PA to 2 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Clifford Township on April 2, 2015.  Mr. Sippel was also sentenced to 5 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $150 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund Fee, pay $100 Act 198, pay $10 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $10 EMS, successfully complete Alcohol Highway Safe Driving School Program, be subject to PA Ignition Interlock Law, receive a drug and alcohol valuation for Driving Under the Influence in Lenox Township on February 8, 2015.

Michael James Vaccaro, 21, of Montrose, PA to 24 months participation in the State Intermediate Punishment Program for Aggravated Assault in Harford Township on September 1, 2015.  Mr. Vaccaro was also sentenced to 24 months participation in theState Intermediate Punishment Program to run concurrent with the above sentence for Resisting Arrest in Harford Township on September 1, 2015.

Steven Joseph Sosnowski, 26, of Forest City, PA to 30 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, continue with mental health and drug and alcohol treatment, subject to DNA testing requirements and pay a fee of $250, not to possess firearms, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, maintain employment for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Forest City Borough on September 6, 2015.

Kurtis Parkhurst, 21, of Montrose, PA to 15 months to 36 months in a state correctional facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, receive treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, not to possess any firearms, complete a GED course and take the GED exam for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Bridgewater Township on August 6, 2015.

Lawrence Paul Perry, 63, of Lowell, MA to 1 year probation, supervision may be transferred o Middlesex County, MA, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to DNA testing and pay a fee of $250, not to possess firearms per Federal Law for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds in Choconut Township on May 23, 2011.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program:

Quentin Robert Millard

Jacob Robert Noldy

Dillan James Rivenburg

Johnathon Donald Casey

Ian Philip Roth Schaff

Macy Ann Consla

Codie Francis Bailey

Peter Anthony Maloney

Keith Michael Sullenberger

Alissa Ann Dewey

Another community leader has completed his journey and crossed to the other side.

Robert Reddon, who was more comfortable with Bob, passed on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

The news, albeit saddening, gives us rare chance to reflect on the true impact such few have imposed on our fair county.

Mr. Reddon’s obituary in this week’s issue gives account of his affiliations, family and service to our county, but what most impressed me was his selfless drive to promote and improve his community.

It would be impressive enough, in and of itself, if we were just to consider the countless number of families Mr. Reddon’s businesses have supported through employment.

His unwavering support of Barnes Kasson Hospital, the Susquehanna Fire and Ambulance Companies and the local Boy Scouts was granted  without reserve, often in times of dire need or circumstance.

What went unnoticed (understandably) was the multitude of times Mr. Reddon contributed, anonymously to local sports programs, church fund raisers, families needing disaster relief and untold others who needed a helping hand for just cause.

These rare, principled fellows are few and far between. Stubborn to a fault. Until you consider what they were so stubborn about.

I Know his family takes great pride in what he stood fast to support. After all, they were Mr. Reddon’s first priority.

What I, and we as a community have to look forward to is for that family to gather all their collective strength and try to raise the very heavy mantel they’ve  been handed.

It will be a narrow and difficult path, but they were well taught, through example.

Our condolences to the family, as well as our thanks for allowing us to share a glimmer of the light.

Repair of the upper half of Kellogg Road is going up for bid. The motion to place the 2500-foot project into bid process passed by a 3-2 vote at Starrucca Borough’s Monday, April 4, 2016 meeting. Maintenance, or more precisely the non-maintenance, of Kellogg Road has been an issue of controversy and protracted litigation for Starrucca Borough. All Wayne County court decisions related to the matter have produced consistent rulings by President Judge Raymond Hamill: the entire one-mile length of Kellogg Road has never been legally proven to be outside the bounds of Starrucca Borough; the borough cannot vacate Kellogg Road without resident consent (which consent residents have steadfastly withheld); Starrucca Borough is legally bound to maintain roads, including Kellogg Road, within its jurisdiction.  Hence, the borough’s action is consistent with bringing it into compliance with Judge Hamill’s rulings.

The borough’s action to solicit bids for a four-step process to revitalize the upper half of Kellogg Road came in reaction to a letter from Starrucca residents Darl and Darwin Haynes. The Haynes brothers had sent a letter, dated March 29, 2016, to Starrucca Borough Council which read as follows, “We are requesting any involved roadwork that needs to be done on Kellogg Road to have it accessible from Maple Grove Road (SR 4014) to the Scott Township line--the distance is 5,215 feet--as is recognized by the Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County. We are requesting in writing a response within 10 days of the April 4, 2016 council meeting what your plans are. It is our understanding that Starrucca Borough is to do all necessary roadwork for the entire length of 5,215 feet of Kellogg Road. We are to do work at the 201 address at Kellogg Road. Thank you, Darl & Darwin Haynes.” Two attachments were included: (1) a map identifying the locations of residential addresses of 117 Kellogg Road and 201 Kellogg Road, and (2) a copy of the county’s Department of Planning letter making the initial 9-1-1 assignment to the 201 Kellogg Road address. [Upon completion of the residential structure at 201 Kellogg Road, real estate taxes will be payable to Starrucca Borough.]

Council President Peter Frank stated emphatically that it IS the borough’s intent to maintain Kellogg Road. Councilman Kirk Rhone read a motion he had prepared in advance of the meeting. Included within the lengthy and detailed motion were exacting specifications for bid submission regarding the 2500 feet of roadway from above the Haynes driveway to the Scott Township line, as accepted by Scott Township and never disproven by Starrucca Borough. Councilman Art Kopp provided the second for Councilman Rhone‘s motion and President Frank the deciding vote for approval. Councilmen Lou Gurske and Jason Freeman cast votes in opposition on the grounds that they did not agree that the roadway to be maintained was actually within Starrucca Borough. Notably, Councilmen Darl Haynes and Donald Haynes, Jr., were absent from the meeting, so no abstentions were cast.

During Council’s debate of the motion, former Council President Jack Downton interjected the following statement from his place in the audience, “I would like to remind council that the 2013 was the last map that was on record, and that part of the road that you’re talking about there is in Scott Township. And as of last there is a court order of $25,000 bond for Starrucca Borough to determine where the boundary line is, so there is no definite determination on that.” Councilmen Rhone and Frank verbally sparred with Mr. Downton momentarily, then reminded him that he (Mr. Downton) could speak his peace during the Public Participation portion of the meeting.

In regard to Mr. Downton’s statement concerning the $25,000 bond, Judge Raymond Hamill left an excellent trail of crumbs in a footnote to be found in Case NO. 515-CIVIL-2013, where he wrote the following, “. . . Between February 7, 2014 and June 19, 2015, Defendant [Starrucca Borough] filed two proceedings against Scott Township. The first proceeding was a Petition for Establishment of Boundaries for Starrucca Borough. The petition was dismissed without prejudice on December 15, 2014 because Starrucca Borough did not have the funds for a bond. The second proceeding was a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment. The Complaint was dismissed without prejudice on April 14, 2015 because Starrucca Borough did not exhaust a statutory remedy under 8 Pa. C.S.A. Section 502. Interesting.”

 From Judge Hamill’s footnote, per previously cited decisions, it would appear that unless or until the government of Starrucca Borough is interested in exhausting the administrative remedy provided by statute, the court would not look favorably upon further attempts at a judicial remedy. And even if the court were to entertain consideration of a judicial remedy after the statutory remedy is exhausted, the borough would at that point have to put up a $25,000 bond. Since the presently constituted Starrucca Borough Council has exhibited no interest in pursuing a statutory remedy, and since the borough appears to lack the funds and political will to dispute geographic boundaries with neighboring townships, one might infer that jurisdiction over Kellogg Road is a moot issue. Council’s vote to bid out roadwork on the more distant end of Kellogg Road indicates positive assertion of the borough’s jurisdiction. That the residence soon to be constructed at 201 Kellogg Road will be carried on Starrucca’s tax rolls further binds the jurisdictional relationship of the property owners and the road to the borough.

With regard to the 2013 (Rutherford) map Mr. Downton referenced, he is correct that the 2013 Starrucca Borough Council adopted it (contemporaneously with adoption of its resolution for vacation of Kellogg Road), but the map is recognized by no other jurisdiction and it was approved at the instigation of Mr. Downton. But since Judge Hamill overturned the borough’s vacation of Kellogg Road and clearly explained that if he were to ascertain the veracity of the 2013 map it would establish a disputed boundary (in contravention to the statutory remedies that take primacy), the procedures laid out in the previous paragraph must be completed BEFORE the 2013 map could be considered legally binding. To state that the 2013 map has been adopted and is the latest on record is true. To state that the boundary with Scott Township is still in dispute is true only insofar that a process could hypothetically be initiated by Starrucca Borough if it continued to dispute the boundary; Scott Township is content with the current status of boundaries and is not interested in pursuing changes. Consequently, unless or until the status quo is altered, it logically follows that Starrucca Borough, and only Starrucca Borough, is legally responsible for maintenance of the full length of Kellogg Road.

Judge Hamill has laid out precisely what steps must be taken if the borough wishes to pursue definitive clarity over a geographic boundary whose status no other party contests. Essentially, Starrucca Borough cannot unilaterally define its boundaries since such action impinges upon the rights of neighboring jurisdictions. Therefore, boundary decisions are a matter of mutual agreement between all the municipalities impacted. If, and only if, all administrative remedies provided by statute are exhausted, is a boundary issue ripe for judicial settlement. This issue has not so ripened.

Mr. Downton brought a second matter to council’s attention during the Public Participation portion. Lavery Law Firm of Harrisburg was hired by council to defend the borough in the Haynes Federal Civil Rights Case at the March meeting. Mr. Downton asked if former council members, himself included, could participate with Defense Council since council members no longer holding office were principally involved in decision-making at the time of the alleged civil rights violations. President Frank said he did not know the answer to that question but would contact Lavery Law for a decision on the request.

Councilman Heeman brought to council’s attention that borough roads had not been plowed and cindered on the last two mornings. President Frank indicated that he was unaware that the roads had needed plowing. President Frank indicated that members of the public or council should call him or Councilman Donald Haynes, Jr., if they are aware of dangerous road conditions requiring remedial action. The discussion further exposed the fact that verification was needed to determine if the borough has a responsible plow service available for immediate duty as needed during the month of April or beyond. President Frank promised to look into the matter immediately.

Publication of meeting minutes in this paper as well as the borough’s newspaper of record was discussed. In recent months the minutes have not been printed in either. The root of the problem stems from the fact that only approved minutes can be transmitted to the newspapers for publication. Because council only meets once per month minutes are generally at least five weeks old before they can appear in newsprint. The situation is unsatisfactory to this paper since minutes of such vintage are no longer news, but history. In response, borough council voted to discontinue publication of minutes, and instead post meeting minutes on the borough’s bulletin boards, both inside the Community Hall and at the on-street display. Borough residents wishing their own copy of minutes may contact Borough Secretary, Keith Payne by the borough’s email address or the Secretary’s home phone. Councilman Heeman opposed this revised procedure, but all others voted “aye” to push the motion through to approval.

Other matters occupying Council’s attention included the monthly Treasurer’s Report, as well as the Annual Audit of Borough Accounts. Treasurer Payne’s opening and closing balances for the borough’s three fund accounts were as follows. General Fund Opening Balance on March 7 - $5,784.23; Closing Balance on April 4: $7,044.24. Liquid Fuels Opening: $27,567.42; Closing: $27,038.29.  UCC Fund Balance Unchanged: $659.72.

The key takeaways from the Annual Audit were these. Sixty percent of the borough’s revenue is derived from Real Estate taxes, 36% from liquid fuels, and 4% from incidentals. The borough’s non-liquid fuels income for 2015 totaled $36,812, with $31,353 of that in Real Estate Taxes. Major expenses paid from the General Fund included $5,790 in attorney’s fees and $5,070 for insurance premiums.

Council skipped its customary Executive Session for legal issues and called it a night at 8:10 p.m. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for the first Monday in May.

There’s been a café in Kingsley for as long as anyone can remember, and now it’s back.  Originally built on the Lackawanna Trail (U.S. Route 11) by Red McCarthy in the 1940’s to serve bus passengers before the Interstate opened, for many years it was known as Thomas’s.  It has always been a favorite of the locals, road crews, and the faithful after church on Sundays.

Resturant on the Trail destroyed by fire (from the café’s Facebook Page)

Most recently it has been known as Jenny Leigh’s Country Cookin’, a hospitable place for coffee, a sandwich, and conversation.  But the old place burned to the ground on November 11, 2014.

Owner Jenny Payne vowed to rebuild.  She bought the old Aqua Inn on the corner of Mill Street, across Main Street from the Kingsley Post Office (the only post office still serving Gibson, Harford and Brooklyn).  She hoped to have the building designated a historical site.

The Aqua Inn was built in 1910 as a teetotaler’s alternative to other local hostelries even before prohibition: alcohol was neither served nor tolerated.  The building went through a number of owners over the decades, the most recent being the late Carol Masters, who offered antiques.

The building was old, but not deemed historically significant.  Undeterred, Ms. Payne embarked on a project to renovate it, and to restart her business only a block down the hill from her old location on The Trail.

The new Jenny Leigh’s Country Cookin’ opened on March 29, 2016.  It is still undergoing some remodeling; Ms. Payne hopes to offer some rooms on the second floor, restoring some of the Aqua Inn’s original purpose along with the restaurant.  She has retained as much of the old building as possible, constrained by more modern codes and regulations.

Jenny Payne and a satisfied customer

This reporter can vouch for the food.  The Reuben sandwich is excellent, especially with chicken noodle soup.

Jenny Leigh’s Country Cookin’ has a Facebook page under its own name, and is open from 5:00am to 9:00pm most days, 6:00am to 3:00pm on Sundays.