Oakland Borough Council took the first step toward 20 years of progress as each council member signed off on the borough’s application to DCED (Department of Community Economic Development) for a plan to borrow money for a two-fold purpose: (1) for the purchase of the borough’s new municipal building, and (2) to refinance the borough’s current debt. If approved by DCED, the package would indebt the borough for $197,000, with a repayment schedule of 20 years, interest at 4% per annum.

The borough’s solicitor, Myron DeWitt, was present to guide borough councilmen and mayor through the 14 pages of paperwork, explain the provisions, and answer any questions. President Brian Rhone and Councilmen Jack Agler, Dave Dibble, Eric Page, Nelson Towner, Gary Boughton, and Doug Arthur gave unanimous approval to move forward with the application.  Mayor Ron Beavan and Secretary/Treasurer Flo Brush were also present at the two-hour meeting.

Planning ahead for the next 20 years wasn’t, of course, the only thing on Oakland’s mind. During the wide-ranging meeting Councilmen discussed a host of problems which continue to simmer in the borough. These included unauthorized fireworks exhibitions, bears stalking the streets, Game Commission dereliction of duty, opposition to a hazardous  waste incinerator in the county, property sub-division, gas royalties, troubled teens, and bee-keeping. Yes, bee-keeping!

Before digging into those hot-button issues Mayor Beavan presented the Police Report for the month of June. Police recorded 18 event responses, including 14 traffic stops, and one each of the following: burglary, theft, motor vehicle accident, and miscellaneous investigation.

A law enforcement issue much discussed during the evening was the prolific detonation of fireworks devices in the days leading up to and surrounding Independence Day. Mayor and councilmen were adamant that they had not authorized any of the fireworks exhibitions in Oakland Borough.  Residents had been advised, many in person, and also through this paper that state law and local ordinance governed any use of fireworks in the borough. Nevertheless, it was clear that a handful of scofflaws continue to blatantly disregard the law, placing lives and property at risk.

In light of the open disregard of the law by certain individuals Mayor Beavan indicated that he will ensure increased education of police officers, heightened enforcement of fireworks laws, more police on-duty hours during holiday evenings, and closer liaison with State Police at the Gibson Barracks. Fireworks lawbreakers, in the future, may expect, at a minimum, the confiscation of their caches of illegal devices. Far more serious consequences may well proceed beyond that.

Other ongoing problems in the borough are troubled teens and vagrant bears. The troubled teens, some known to police by their former associations, have begun to congeal at a certain corner in the borough. From a home at that locus they threaten passersby and area residents, often disturbing the peace late into the night. Mayor, Council President, and police are focusing on heightened law enforcement in this area and request that residents assist them by reporting unlawful activities and being vigilant to care for their own safety and that of their neighbors. Several people have felt intimidated by thugs in this area; borough leaders and police need decent citizens to stand together to return the borough to civility.

Oakland’s vagrant bears observe no such niceties as confining their oafish behavior to one street corner. They wander the streets indiscriminately from one garbage pail to another ever looking for their next free meal. Mayor Beavan remarked concerning their ubiquitous presence, “[We’re] waiting for somebody to get hurt.” Councilman Arthur continued to stress the importance of vigilance after dusk, as street lights are obscured by overgrown tree limbs, thereby preventing ready observation of approaching black bears. Mr. Arthur, with council’s acquiescence, plans to look into tree-trimming solutions. If visibility at street level can be increased, pedestrians can be afforded at least a fighting opportunity to recognize the threat of ursine miscreants.

New Milford borough, with whom Oakland borough signed on some months ago to explore the possibility of gas royalties for borough property owners, contacted Oakland again concerning the response boroughs had received from state lawmakers, Rep. Sandy Major and Senator Lisa Baker. New Milford inquired of Oakland what course of action it proposed to take in light of the response provided by aforesaid lawmakers. Council discussed the matter for some time, and ultimately decided council and mayor would work on drawing up a formal response to New Milford. Oakland is, they indicated, interested in continued pursuit of their original objective.

The proposed construction of a hazardous waste incinerator in New Milford Township came up for discussion. Note was made of the recent meetings and future scheduled meetings of groups opposed to the incinerator. Oakland’s mayor and councilmen, to a man, are adamantly opposed to incinerator placement in Susquehanna County. Councilman Page spoke eloquently and intelligently of the many dangers of hazardous waste incineration. Residents interested in their own health and that of their progeny may wish to inform themselves about the issue and do everything necessary to keep this business out of county.

Councilman Arthur noted the recent death of a deer in Oakland Park. He notified the Game Commission (GC) of the deer’s carcass location, but the GC replied that the only person authorized to collect the deer was in a meeting . . . in Harrisburg, and could not move it today.  In response, Mr. Arthur moved the deer to an area on the edge of the park where it was obscured by brush, and so notified GC of his action. Although Mr. Arthur continued to follow up, the GC did not collect the deer the following day, or week, or any time thereafter. To say that Mr. Arthur was understandably underwhelmed by the Game Commission’s performance is an understatement at best.

Councilman Towner made mention of the closing of Route 92 and the impact it was having on area traffic, particularly truck traffic.  He went on to connect it to the proposed construction project to upgrade State Street (Rt. 171 portion) next year. When State Street closes many people will likely detour by taking High Street. High Street is not at all prepared for heavy truck traffic. Council agreed to take a look at instituting a 10-ton weight limit on vehicles traversing High Street.

Before closing for the evening, Secretary Brush reported that she had been contacted about whether or not the borough regulated bee-keeping. The borough does not, nor does it propose to do so. There are no honey-bee farms in Oakland borough. Amateur apiarists in the borough may breathe easy.

Circling back to the borough’s loan application for $197,000, it should be noted that the borough IS on a sound financial footing and has a very healthy reserve fund.  The essence of this loan is that it allows the borough to access funding at a low interest rate AND maintain an extremely liquid position in the event of an emergency. In pursuing this strategy the borough has the greatest flexibility to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.

The next meeting of Oakland borough council is scheduled for the second Thursday in August at Lanesboro’s Community Center.

During the Thompson Township Supervisors meeting on July 13, 2016, residents debated the proposal of implementing an Earned Income Tax (EIT).  At the June meeting one of the residents suggested the Township execute this tax.  She stated she has the money taken out of her pay at her workplace because they have this tax, and she would like to see the money come to the Township. The Supervisors said they would advertise this topic to be discussed at the July meeting so people would have the chance to have their say before they made a decision.

Two residents attended the meeting on July 13th to question why the Supervisors would consider implementing a tax.  Rick Soden asked if the Township needed money, and Supervisor Komar replied, commenting the Township is in very good shape at the moment because of the Act 13 Funds.  Mr. Soden said if there isn’t a need why implement a tax.  Supervisor Komar said they were considering it because it was asked by a resident of the Township to consider and the Act 13 Funds aren’t going to be there forever. He informed Mr. Soden that this year’s allocation was twelve thousand dollars less than last year.

Debbie Williams said the Susquehanna School District considered implementing the tax also, but Mr. Stone, the Superintendent conducted a study and found out it wouldn’t be feasible to do so.  She suggested the Supervisors contact Mr. Stone if they would like to see the information he gathered and speak with him on the subject.  Ms. Williams said it would make more sense to increase the property tax so all the residents would pay, and not just the working class. 

After a few more minutes of discussing the pro’s and con’s of implementing the EIT, the Supervisors said it was very hard for them to make a decision since there were two people attending the meeting who would like to see their taxes come back to the Township, and two people that would not want to be taxed.  Supervisor Komar said they would put this subject on their website at Thompson50.wix.com/thompsontwp18465 and see if anymore people showed up at the next meeting with their views on the tax.

In the Road Department Report, Supervisor Komar said they graded the roads and are currently mowing the roadsides.  All the roads were treated with calcium before the 4th of July weekend.  They are continuing to work on Irk Road, and are hoping to finish up the project in the near future.

Supervisor Susan Jenkins reported on the Hazard Mitigation Workshop she attended to complete the plan.  She stated she finished the first part of the plan and handed it in, she has two more sections that are nearly completed.  Supervisor Komar said that the only way a location would receive federal funded money for a disaster is if it was a Presidential Declared Disaster Area.

JHA reported there were several permits applied for, which included an addition, septic, driveway, pool and deck extension. 

Secretary Kim Wallace informed the Supervisors that they did not receive any bids for the Brush Hog that was advertised in the paper for a two-week period.  Supervisor’s debated whether or not to put it into the paper again; it was decided the equipment would be put on their website to see if there was any interest.  If they do not receive any response on the website, they will determine what to do with the equipment at a future meeting.

DGK Insurance issued a refund check to the Township after a Workman’s Compensation Audit.

Supervisor Komar announced he was invited to a Change Advisory Board (CAB) meeting with the Commissioner’s of Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties, and PennDOT at the Trenton Fire House in Tunkhannock on July 14th at 10:00 am.  He said it was the first meeting he was invited to, and he will provide a report at the next Supervisor’s meeting what it was all about.  He said he would like to see the ten ton limit increased in the Township, because it hurts the local owners of the big rigs from making a living. 

The incinerator proposed in New Milford Township wasn’t a hot topic at the meeting.  Supervisor Komar said he saw one that is operational in Syracuse and it provided many benefits to the community.  He said that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would be the ones who would assure the facility follow the rules and regulations of the Clean Air Act.  Supervisor Komar said it would bring jobs to the area, and the plant wouldn’t burn everything coming off the trucks.  They separate the load into garbage or recyclables and it would be strictly monitored.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 3rd at 7:00 pm.  All residents are encouraged to attend.

An industrial waste incinerator proposed for a location in New Milford Township at the Gibson exit on the Interstate has stimulated a small group of activists to program a series of “informational” meetings in the area in an effort to drum up determined opposition to the project.  The latest was held in the sanctuary of the United Methodist Church in New Milford on the evening of July 13th.  The crowd this time was a little smaller than the one in Harford a couple of weeks ago.

Elliott Ross speaks to interested citizens in New Milford

In the absence of any local municipal officials, the meeting was conducted by Elliott Ross, Herrick Township Supervisor and current president of the county Council of Governments (COG); and Hugh Coombs, past president of the environmental group known as R.E.S.C.U.E that foundered more than a dozen years ago when its leader, Randy Kritkausky, left the area.  The meeting was opened with an introduction by Felicia Murray.  Despite confessing his inadequacy as a speaker, Mr. Ross did most of the talking during the 2-hour session.

Unfortunately, like last time, there was little solid information offered, since, as Mr. Ross noted, there isn’t much to know yet: Tyler Corners LP, the group proposing the development, has yet to file any papers, and apparently has not even formally taken possession of the 114-acre tract behind Armetta’s.

The lack of real information didn’t, however, stop a lot of speculation and conjecture, primarily on the part of the group that is leading the opposition movement.  Mr. Ross at one point began a statement with "I don’t know this for a fact …”, then hesitated before launching into a description of what he characterized as a similar project in Bucks County where the project’s permit applications had been withdrawn.

Several people asked why their own municipalities – townships or boroughs – didn’t pass ordinances disallowing such things.  Without clearly defining the boundaries of authority between the county and the townships, Mr. Ross nonetheless clearly declared that his own township had no jurisdiction over the proposed development; only New Milford Township would have standing to enact an ordinance concerning the project within its territory.

In response to questions about his role at COG, Mr. Ross pointed out that COG is a collegial organization with no power to control developments of this sort; and he said that he couldn’t speak “as president of COG.”  New Milford Township isn’t even a member of COG.

Mr. Ross is holding his options open, saying that he is still considering an ordinance of some sort for his township, his township being the only one in the county with zoning.  He said that he will definitely support resolutions opposing the project, and supporting New Milford Township in its efforts in the same direction.  It was suggested that all municipalities enact some sort of ordinance to keep such things from happening elsewhere in the future.

He also said that he is “disheartened” at the lack of interest at the county level, particularly on the Planning Commission, whose 9 members represent all corners of the county.

And, primarily because of the plethora of different petitions circulating in the county, he and Mr. Coombs and a few other (unnamed) individuals are forming an “executive committee” that hopes to coordinate opposition to the project, beginning with the consolidation of petitions, signature collection, and distribution to authoritative entities.

Asked about the status of an ordinance in New Milford, someone pointed out the absence of lawyers to help in the struggle, particularly lawyers expert in this sort of thing.  One person said that lawyers in this county weren’t expert in anything, “otherwise they wouldn’t be here.”

One suggested that R.E.S.C.U.E. be resurrected.  Mr. Coombs was not sure how that could be done, encouraged others to take up the baton, but did not offer to do so himself.

It was noted at several points that the permitting process provides for public comment, for both the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Listeners were encouraged to watch the newspapers for official announcements of regulatory action and to make their opinions known.

Virtually everyone at these meetings appears to be opposed to the incinerator project, if not to industrial development generally.  (After all, a fair number of Susquehanna County residents benefit from the natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale play.)  Mr. Ross expressed some chagrin that some of his educated neighbors weren’t even aware of the issue.  The purpose of these meetings seems to be to raise awareness, and to gather momentum to stop the incinerator, no matter what.  Another meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2016 at Blue Ridge High School.

Councilman Peter Frank resigned from Starrucca’s Borough Council effective June 9, 2016.  On Wednesday, July 13, the borough’s council met at 7 p.m. for a Special Meeting, called exclusively for the purpose of filling the aforesaid vacancy.

Here’s the abbreviated version of how the councilman vacancy was filled.

President Rhone: “At this time I would ask for nominations of candidacy.”

Councilman Donald Haynes, Jr.: “I nominate Charles Levchak.”

Councilman Art Kopp: “Second!”

Mr. Jack Downton (from audience): “I would like to make it known that I would like to fill the seat.”

Rhone: “Are there any other nominations?” (Silence.)

Rhone: “I need a motion to close the nominations.”

Kopp: “I make the motion.”

Donald Haynes, Jr.: “I second.”

Rhone: “All in favor.”

Favoring (holding up hands): Kopp, Rhone, Darl Haynes, & Donald Haynes, Jr.

Opposed: Councilmen Gurske and Heeman.

Rhone: “Alright, all in favor of Charlie Levchak filling the seat, raise your hand.”

Favoring: Kopp, Rhone, Darl Haynes, & Donald Haynes, Jr.

Opposed: Gurske & Heeman.

Secretary Payne was directed to read back the record of proceedings to this point, after a brief discussion on a point of order as to the need to vote on Mr. Downton.

Rhone: “I guess it’s settled pretty much anyway.” 

Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko proceeded to swear Mr. Levchak into office, after which all the necessary legal documents were completed to finalize the process. Upon President Rhone’s announcement that the purpose of the meeting was accomplished, Donald Haynes, Jr., moved for adjournment. Councilman Kopp seconded. Council voted its unanimous approval.

The time was 7:10 p.m. as meeting attendees filed out of the community hall.

Lanesboro Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 12, from 7 to 7:27 p.m. at the borough’s Community Center. Newly selected Councilwoman Christen Beamer, previously sworn in by Mayor Chris Maby, took her place with council’s four sitting solons: Dan Boughton, David Glidden, Tom Nitterour, and Dale Rockwell. Also present was Police Chief Jim Smith. Mayor Maby and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Hanrahan were absent.

Ms. Beamer succeeds Councilman Jason Fissel who resigned his seat recently. Notably, Mr. Fissel had not been in attendance at a council meeting for more than a year. Ms. Beamer will fill out the remainder of Councilman Fissel’s seat until January 2018. Election for a full four-year term to this seat will be held in November 2017. Two remaining seats are vacant and will continue so until phased out over the next two municipal election cycles (in 2017 and 2019). 

Correspondence to the borough included two items pertaining to taxpayer funds. Tri-boro Sewer Authority billed the borough for $337.50 for grinder repairs it made at a residence on Viaduct Street. Council voted unanimously to pay the bill, with the proviso that the borough’s solicitor advise council on the legality of seeking reimbursement from the culpable homeowner. The reason the borough seeks possible reimbursement for the expense stems from the homeowner’s negligent, or willful, fouling of the grinder after repeated instruction as to the cause and how to avoid such damage in the future. 

The second bill received by the borough was a bill from Harmony Township for road maintenance and repair recently performed on Mountain Road. Council approved payment, and later in the meeting unanimously approved a motion for Harmony’s road crew to also cut back bamboo/brush along Jefferson and Convent Streets, as well as Mountain Road.

During the public input portion of the meeting Lanesboro resident Amanda Cook reminded council that Lanesboro’s Annual Community Yard Sale will be held on August 12, 13, and 14. Flyers are being printed and will be distributed to area businesses and bulletin boards.

Chief Smith presented the Police Report for the month of June. It showed 49 traffic stops resulting in issuance of 20 citations and 29 warnings. Among the reasons for those 49 stops were these: speeding violations (26), inspection violations (5), careless driving (3), registration violations (3), equipment violations (9), drivers license suspended (1), following too closely (1), and failure to dim high beam lights (1).

Non-traffic arrest-related incidents to which Lanesboro Police responded included these: harassment (case closed); assists to Susquehanna PD for a domestic dispute (1) & for an unresponsive child (1); dumping/littering (on Grand Street/case closed); and a noise complaint (case closed).

Other police responses were logged for the following: medical call (drug overdose); road hazard (debris in roadway removed); motorist assist (vehicle broken down); courtesy transport (father/son); medical call (closed); and supervision of community service for juveniles, totaling eight hours over three days. Overall, LPD clocked 214 hours, with two hours in court, 16 hours in Thompson, and eight hours on school campus patrol.

President Boughton noted that Luciana Park needs sprucing up, including grass mowing. Council members volunteered to assist Mr. Boughton in bringing the park up to the standards expected. Importance of the clean-up was stressed in light of the approaching Ultra-Marathon event, to be held August 12, 13, and 14.

Before closing council agreed that it would be prudent to update the borough’s website. Miss Cook will be adding new pictures, meeting minutes, and other information in the near future. Website fans are advised to look forward to the improvements.

Lanesboro’s next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday in August.

Camera surveillance is coming to the borough’s Main Street this year. By a vote of 6-1 Susquehanna Depot Borough Council awarded the contract to True-View Technologies. The winning low bid for the two-phase project totaled $14,750.41. Phase One is likely to be completed this year, while Phase Two will be teed up for next year when funds are allocated for that phase.

Before awarding of the contract at the borough’s Wednesday, July 6 meeting, all seven members of borough council extensively discussed the system’s specifications, state law, and their expectations for how surveillance footage will be viewed, used, and cared for to protect the rights of the public, as well as the borough’s legal standing for use of any surveillance footage.

Voting in favor of awarding the contract were President Joe Varsik and Council members Sue Crawford, Barbara Larsen, Dana Rockwell, Roy Williams, and Deborah Zayas; voting against, Councilman John Hendrickson. Councilman Hendrickson’s opposition stemmed from his concern that installation of surveillance cameras may well lead to invasion of privacy, governmental abuse, and ultimately an Orwellian tyranny. Other borough members’ fears were allayed by the assurances of both contractors (present for bid opening) who gave an overview of state law protections, as well as the stringent safeguards that can be imposed regarding viewing and use of surveillance tapes. The second contractor bidding on the project represented Cooper Facility Maintenance in Great Bend, PA.

Council members specifically noted that camera placement will ensure that building interiors will NOT be surveilled; neither will police be monitoring in real time what the cameras are recording. Specific training will be carried out before any police officer is designated as the official with access and chain-of-custody control over video recordings. Moreover, unless a crime or other reported incident is reported to police officials there is little expectation or reason for police to be viewing surveillance footage, so council members contended. 

After nearly an hour of focus on camera system installation, bidding, and related issues, council had no more to discuss, for the moment. President Varsik then signaled the borough’s insurance agent, Brian Hutchinson of Kilmer Insurance, that he was up to bat. Mr. Kilmer provided a nearly half-hour detailed discussion of the borough’s insurance coverage. The borough’s insurance premium, he noted, had risen by 4.3%, now totaling $26,738.00. He explained various riders and options for additional coverage that were available, as well as their cost. Most were declined. Borough council is continuing consideration of adding an umbrella policy (for one million dollars coverage) at an additional cost of $1,532.00 per year. Mr. Hutchinson will be notified of the borough’s decision on the umbrella policy before August 1, when the new term of insurance goes into effect.  Just before departing the meeting, Mr. Hutchinson reminded council that he was willing to meet with them for further policy reviews on a quarterly basis, or as often as needed, at no additional cost to the borough.

With the absence of Mayor Nancy Hurley, no Police Report or Mayor’s Report was available for presentation. Although Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Biegert was also absent, she had provided council with the Treasurer’s Report and the Bill List, which Borough council promptly reviewed and approved. 

Councilman John Hendrickson did not have a formal Emergency Management Report, but he reminded all, “Stay hydrated and don’t overdo it.”  On further thought, he added that he had been contacted by PEMA with the hypothetical question, “What would the borough do if during an emergency the borough were cut off from fuel deliveries from outside the borough?”  Various ideas were kicked around, but more thought will undoubtedly be given to the question as the borough works out a formal solution in the months ahead.

Three topics were on the meeting agenda under Codes Report. The first item required bid opening and contract award for removal and clean-up of four shade trees in the borough. Two bids were received. The lower bid, for $6,100.00, delivered the contract to a firm named, “Out-on-a-Limb.” Work will be completed this summer.

The second Codes Report topic involved consideration of drawing up a construction equipment restriction on residential property in the borough’s zoning ordinance. The inspiration for amending the zoning ordinance is the current situation at Fourth and Prospect. That location, though zoned as residential, is currently being used as a commercial storage and staging area.  Numerous residents in the area have complained about the dust, dirt, and noise. Additionally, some persons contend that a heavy rainstorm would likely create a massive problem on streets below. Councilman Williams will look into drafting appropriate language to amend the zoning ordinance, and thereby pro-actively address future problems of this nature.

The third Codes Report agenda item was council’s consideration of a part-time codes administration position. It is envisioned that the incumbent of the position would work six to eight hours per week, essentially doing clerical work, including filing. No mention of the rate of pay was made.

At 8 p.m. council was two hours deep into the meeting and still going strong. More issues were still to be addressed: old business--to include (1) community board update, and (2) access agreement from DEP, as well as new business--whatever council members might introduce for discussion, though none was listed on the formal agenda at the time of its preparation.

Borough Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of August.