Montrose Area School District taxpayers will face a 1.5 mill increase in taxes after the district board of directors approved a $26.7 million budget for the 2017-2018 school year.

Directors approved a tax rate of 48.81 mills, up from last year’s 47.03 rate and 2016-2017’s $25.7 million budget.

At its June 12 meeting, the board also approved an Act 679 $5 per capita tax, a Act 511 $5 per capita tax and a tax of 75 mills of assessed valuation for occupation.  More details of other tax moves appear below.

In a separate vote taken after a lengthy executive session called for what superintendent of schools Carol S. Boyce described as “legal and personnel” reasons, the board approved by a 4-3 vote the appointment of Todd Smith as the Head Girls Basketball Coach.

Smith’s hiring is effective immediately contingent upon completion of employment requirements at a salary of $4,659.

Board president Doug Wilcox and members Amy Lyden, Paul Adams and Madeline Arnold voted for the hiring with members Mary Holman, Gloria Smith and Karl Wimmer voting against.

In a different development occurring earlier in the evening, Montrose Education Association president Teri Evans questioned board members about the need for a new director of curriculum position, slated to be filled July 1.  The board has yet to establish the position’s salary but did discuss the position in detail at a June 5 meeting Evans was unable to attend.

“I know that our staff is talented,” Evans said, addressing the board.  “I know that we have ideas, but I just don’t want your decision to be rushed because of some goal, and I’d like to know, what is the goal?  What is it that we want beyond this paper?”

“How will you know if this investment in a director of curriculum is a success?” she asked.

Superintendent Boyce told Evans in response that the success of the position will be judged by the progress of the students.

“This will be a focused effort so that it can be a whole process that moves forward in a concentrated way which our current district administrators do not have uninterrupted time and focus to be able to do.  It is primarily to support you and the professional work that you do,” Boyce said.

Boyce added that the position is “not something we need to take to the teachers for your approval or non-approval.”

Board member Paul Adams called the case laid out for the position “very compelling” and said it contained a lot of data from 20 districts  socioeconomically similar to Montrose, all of which he described as highly successful schools.

“All 20 of them had a curriculum director,” Adams said.“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” he said.

Boyce pointed out that while administrators in other districts share duties as Evans suggested instead of hiring anew, they still also have curriculum directors “whose sole purpose is that function.”

Board president Douglas Wilcox asked Evans to take into consideration the issue of physical distance.

“Teri, make sure that you recognize the fact that those schools that you mention are one campus schools,” Wilcox said, adding that some schools in the Montrose district are more than ten miles apart.

Boyce invited Evans to visit with her to review the information presented and the rationale the board heard which convinced it to create the position.

“Come visit and we’ll have the discussion,” Boyce said.

In other events, senior Owen Brewer was recently honored with a $1,000 scholarship as the 2017 LIAA Scholar Athlete.  Brewer is the National Honor Society President and plans to study electrical engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Brewer also plans to compete on the RIT cross country team.

The board recognized about 40 “Make Your Mark Leaders,” members of a self-empowerment program coordinated by district instructor Charlotte Sherwood.

In a brief address, Sherwood told the board that the program, which includes students, teachers and health volunteers, “empowers students and adults in a variety of ways.”

“It teaches and educates and gives skills to kids to know the power of their words, how to use their words effectively and how to use and do conflict resolution.  It does so many different things,” she said.

“The power behind it is teaching kids to have empathy,” Sherwood said.

In other tax news, real estate collection periods were established as follows: single payment discount runs from July 1, 2017 through Aug. 31, 2017 at 2% discount and the single payment face amount runs from Sept. 1, 2017 through Oct. 31, 2017.  Single payment from Nov. 1, 2017 and after has a 10% penalty.

Dates for installment payments are Aug. 10 for first, Sept. 20 for second and October 31 for third with a 10% late penalty.

The district set $7,440 for Homestead Farmstead exclusions for a tax dollar value of $363.19.

At 10 p.m., the board returned to executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The Blue Ridge School Board’s workshop on June 5th was mostly waiting: a “short” executive session continued for an hour, some in attendance biding their time with sandwiches, and taco chips with homemade salsa.  But first, Kristen Burkhart introduced members of two teams that participated in a “K’Nex Challenge” of their skills in innovation, organization and design.

Teams of 4th graders (left) and 6th graders (right) with Kristen Burkhart explaining their K’Nex projects with teacher Kristen Burkhart

The teams’ projects

Ms. Burkhart described the program that required teams of students to design a K’Nex project from scratch (no kits allowed), and produce blueprints and building instructions.  On the day of the event, March 21st at Johnson College of Technology, the teams constructed and demonstrated their projects.  One of the 6th-grade students said that, “Even though we didn’t win, we had a great time together.”  All of them professed to have learned a great deal from the experience.

So, after a “short” delay of an hour for an executive session, the Board returned and president Chris Lewis said it covered personnel matters, and in particular, salaries for non-instructional staff.

Mr. Lewis went on to commend Superintendent Matthew Button and Ron Cranage’s maintenance staff for making students welcome during the earlier severe weather.  He said they all learned a lot about what worked and what didn’t.  Board member Jessica Wright said her child had a great time, with some classes held outdoors.  Mr. Button remarked that since many homes were without power, the schools were a particularly good place for youngsters to hang out for a day or so.

Mr. Lewis reported that substitutes who worked at Blue Ridge through the district’s contract with Kelly Services have voted the Elementary School, “School of the Year.”  He also reported on a meeting with Senator Bob Casey to discuss public education issues at the federal level.

Formal adoption of a budget for the Blue Ridge School District for the next fiscal year will be on the agenda at next week’s business meeting on Monday, June 12, 2017.  Mr. Lewis once again proudly noted that the budget requires no tax rate increases.  Board member Edward Arnold requested a meeting of his Facilities & Grounds Committee at 6:30pm that evening, just before the full board meeting at 7:00pm.  All meetings take place in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

Forest City Regional School District Board of Directors approved by motion additional changes  and approved costs for the building project during the Board meeting held on June 12, 2017.  A price of one hundred nineteen thousand, two hundred sixteen dollars was allocated to cover the electrical changes.  Electrical additions include: exterior fire alarms for five thousand, one hundred and forty-six dollars, and four doors supplied with card access in the amount of ten thousand, one hundred and sixty-six dollars.  Supervisor Dr. Aquilina stated a high cost was placed on the change due to the significant rise in the price of copper; unfortunately these were necessary changes.

The 2017-2018 Budget was unanimously approved in the amount of fourteen million, five hundred thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred eighteen dollars.

Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution was unanimously adopted and the total amount of revenue to be applied towards the homestead/farmstead tax relief is three hundred seventy-four thousand, nine hundred and seventy-eight dollars.  The amount of homestead/farmstead exclusion amounts as taxed are Lackawanna County two hundred fifty-seven dollars and ninety-three cents, Susquehanna County two hundred fifty-eight dollars and four cents, and Wayne County two hundred fifty-eight dollars and one cent.

The law office of Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams, LLP were unanimously appointed as the school solicitor for the 2017-2018 school year.

Contracts unanimously approved were Leader Services IEP Writers for a one-year contract in the amount of two thousand, nine hundred fifty-three dollars for online special education data management; Computer Resources LLC in the amount of ten thousand, five hundred ninety-seven dollars and fifty three cents per year for a three year term; Follett School Solutions, Inc. in the total amount of one thousand, six hundred fifty-six dollars and seventy-six cents for the junior/senior high school and one thousand, one hundred fifty-seven dollars and seventy-six cents for the elementary school, and Adobe Enterprise Term License Agreement in the amount of eight thousand, one hundred and seventy-five dollars.

Four Memorandum of Understanding were unanimously approved between the Forest City Regional School District and the following; the Forest City Regional Education Support Professionals Association, Forest City Regional Education Association, Forest City Regional Education Association, and the PA State and Local Police.  The Memorandum’s clarify the obligation of both parties.

Board members approved a three thousand, three hundred fourteen dollar and seventy-five cent expense to purchase twenty-five Statistics textbooks, which is a new elective added to the curriculum.

Patricia Chesnick was unanimously approved as Board Secretary effective July 1, 2017 extending to and including June 30, 2020 at a stipend of twenty-five hundred dollars per year.

William Heller was unanimously elected for a one-year term as Board Treasurer beginning July 1, 2017 with a five thousand dollar bond, and no compensation.

Bernice Lukus was unanimously appointed to the NEIU-19 Board of Directors for a three-year term starting July 1, 2017.

Two new student teacher placements from the University of Scranton for the 2017-2018 school year were unanimously approved.  Caitlin Nicosia, Grade 1, Cooperating Teacher Mrs. H. Monahan, and Sara Redick, Grade 3, Cooperating Teacher Mrs. S. McGraw.

Board members unanimously approved an agreement with Wayne Memorial Health Care for Dr. David Tomazic to provide medical services to the school district.

Dr. Gerard Genco was unanimously approved as the School Dentist for the 2017-2018 school year.  School Board President Mary Emmett stated Dr. Genco graciously donates his services.

Mrs. Dennebaum presented the Super Sixth Graders from May and June.  Logan Holsinger was recognized as the May Super Sixth Grader.  He was described as high achieving, and he works hard at everything he does in and out of school.  Kimberly Graham was recognized as the Super Sixth Grader for June.  She was described as an exceptional young lady who works hard in school and achieves to the highest standard.

Dr. Elia presented the Outstanding Seniors for May, Maria Montaredes and R.J. Kurits.

Maria Montaredes was described as an extremely high achieving student who makes others around her better because of her genuine caring for other people and her willingness to help others.  Miss Montaredes has been in the National Honor Society since 10th grade.  R.J. Kurits was described as persistent, motivated, hardworking, driven, considerate and kind.  Mr. Kurits maintained a challenging schedule making high honors and honor roll throughout the years.  He will be attending St. John’s Fisher College in NY majoring in Marketing and minoring in Accounting.

Dr. Aquilina addressed an issue a parent brought up during the meeting, bullying in school.  Dr. Aquilina stated any accusations received are taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly. She said there are other types of aggressive behavior that do not fit the definition of bullying and they need to identify if the child’s problem is bullying which is unwanted repeatedly aggressive behavior among other criteria or other forms of aggressive behavior.  Dr. Aquilina got very emotional speaking about this topic since she cares very deeply for the children, and assured everyone present any issues brought to her or any of the other school personnel are taken very seriously.

The next scheduled School Board meeting will be held on July 17th, at 7:30 p.m. There is no work session in July.

On June 13th Lanesboro Council members Dale Rockwell, Tom Nitterour, David Glidden, and Dan Boughton, including Secretary, Gail Hanrahan, and Police Chief Jim Smith were in attendance.

A request was made by the Ultra Marathon members to use Luciana Park for a day in the month of July, the request was unanimously granted by motion.

Chief Smith provided Council the Police Report for the month of May.  There were a total of twenty-five incidents; four court hours, seven traffic citations issued, and thirteen traffic warnings.  Lanesboro officers provided one hundred and thirty four hours to the school, and nine hours to Thompson Borough.   Chief Smith informed Council there is an issue with the paint on the 2008 Ford patrol car and it will need to be painted.  The problem is when the car is washed the paint comes off the trunk and drivers side of the vehicle.

Council President Dan Boughton said the streets were swept with the Susquehanna and Cabot Oil Agility Program.  He stated they did a good job and it looks good considering the amount of dirt that was on the road.

President Boughton stated Harmony Township’s road crew would be helping them out repairing Barnes Avenue.

A part of Grant Street will soon be repaired; it’s slated to be saw cut, milled, base applied then blacktopped.

Councilman David Glidden stated members of Pride and Polish trimmed the trees behind the park and it looks very good.

Secretary Gail Harahan informed Council there is one rental request for the month of July for the Community Center.  She suggested getting someone to wash the windows inside and out.  Council said they should also have them power wash the outside of the building.  Council spoke for a few moments of whom they would be able to hire to do this service.  President Boughton stated he would look into it.

Council spoke about the website, (lanesboropa.com) and Ms. Harahan said the calendar is still not working, but otherwise it's up and running. 

The next Council’s meeting will be on Tuesday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners have pledged to bring the XNG gas compressor station in Forest Lake Twp. into compliance with local ordinances after learning that it lacked basic permitting regarding both air quality and sound control, despite previous warnings.

At last week’s commissioners’ meeting, chair Alan M. Hall told Seth Berry, XNG’s chief administrative officer, that his company had better “get your butts in gear” in getting the appropriate permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection because “you’re not going to have the time frame you think you’re going to have.”

 “And if we have to shut you down, we will shut you down, and I want to make sure you understand that,” Hall said.

Berry told Hall that his company only belatedly discovered that it was provided with the wrong equipment to make the compressors function properly, contributing to the excess noise.  Berry also said that his company had agreed to post a bond in excess of $350,000, matching the cost of a sound dampening barrier the company is in the process of installing on the site.  Berry also said that XNG was in discussions with DEP as to whether a new DEP exemption on emissions levels applied to his site.

“We all looked at it and came to the conclusion that the exemption applied because the actual emissions from our compressors are below the levels required for that air quality plan,” Berry said. 

“I don’t think it’s that we’ve thumbed our nose at the county and the ordinances.  We’re trying to bring ourselves into compliance with that sound ordinance.  The reason that we weren’t or aren’t is due to some unforeseen issues with the equipment,” Berry told the commissioners.

Complicating matters is the Planning Commission’s lack of an ability to legally pursue companies which fail to comply with land development ordinances, as they’ve alleged with XNG, said Chuck Winschuh, of Dimock, a member the local citizens action group Breath Easy Susquehanna County.

“I find it hard to accept that the company was going to be operating something at that site and did not know, did not look into whether they needed an air quality permit.  They’re currently in violation with DEP because they do need an air quality permit,” Winschuh said.

“This is a blatant attempt to come in and start something up where no one had done their homework,” Winschuh told commissioners.

Hall berated Berry, telling him that his office would meet with Planning Commission officials to examine the county’s legal options.

“This is not the Wild Wild West,” Hall said.  “We may be from Susquehanna County, you may think we’re a bunch of damned rednecks, but by golly you’re going to follow our rules in our county.” 

William Huston of Binghamton, New York whom Hall refused to let speak at the meeting as he was not from Susquehanna County, runs a blog on which he expresses his safety concerns about the trucks XNG uses to transfer the compressed gas across state lines, which he refers to as “bomb trucks.”

“These trucks are coming up from Vestal, they’re coming up where I live, into Broome County.  These guys are so renegade, they are so rogue, there are so many permits that they’re lacking,” Huston said.

In other business, the commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of Martin Kane of Montrose to the vacant, $60,000 Chief Clerk position effective June 19.

Adopting a budget of just over $18 million for the next fiscal year seemed almost an afterthought at the meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board on June 12th.  After months of analysis, struggle and debate, members were more than happy to have that behind them to focus instead on what the money is actually for.

One thing it’s for is athletics, so the Activities Committee met before the full business session to discuss coaching.  In particular, they considered how coaches were to be evaluated.  Should head coaches offer a preliminary assessment?  Or should the Athletic Director be responsible for reviewing the performance of all coaches, including head coaches.  That becomes more significant now that a new AD is to be hired (see below).

The Facilities & Grounds Committee met next.  With little time left, members simply accepted the long report of Maintenance Supervisor Ron Cranage.  His report included summaries of repairs to a heating water loop in the Elementary School and preparations of the athletic fields for Spring sports.

Mr. Cranage reported that repairs to the water well system were completed.  The Board will be considering hiring engineering services to examine the potential of the second well.  Business Manager Brian Dolan noted that the repairs were fully covered by the district’s insurers, less a $1,000 deductible.

Mr. Cranage’s report also covered the series of power outages in early May caused by strong winds and heavy rain.  With 3 generators already in place handling the computer and networking systems and part of the kitchen, the Board will also be considering the installation of a much bigger unit to handle the rest of the campus.

Mr. Cranage told the committee that the administration is developing specifications for the budgeted purchase of a new truck to be used primarily for winter plowing and salting.

He then discussed the planned replacement of the HVAC units around the district campus.  He said his staff could save some $20,000 by installing the smaller direct expansion (DX) and classroom units in-house at a rate of about 5 units each year; ducting would be a negligible additional cost.  The larger units will become part of the 5-year capital plan.  Nobody yet wanted to think about the large unit in the “pit” between the buildings that could cost upwards of $140,000; the unit dates from the 1990’s but is still thought to be in good condition.

Superintendent Matthew Button asked the committee to consider new signage pointing to the campus.  He said that, with GPS coverage limited in some areas, signs in Hallstead and especially New Milford would be helpful, not to mention replacing the single sign on U.S. 11 that is now lying in the weeds.  Some samples were provided by a local company.  He also asked consideration for a digital sign at the school property.

Once the full board assembled members could indulge in congratulating members of the Blue Ridge community for their achievements.

Middle/High School Principal Pete Supko introduced Jarred Mills as an outstanding senior for May.  Mr. Mills has been active in a wide variety of sports, and captained several teams in his senior year.  He will attend St. John Fisher College in the fall to study business and marketing and continue his athletic career.

Outstanding Senior Jarred Mills with Principal Pete Supko

Mr. Supko’s other choice, Hayleigh Fekette, a member of all-state volleyball, expects to attend Northampton Community College in the fall.  She was unable to attend in person because she was participating in an Envirothon event.  In fact, Blue Ridge “swept the Susquehanna County Envirothon completion,” taking 5 places out of the first 7, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Elementary School Principal Danelle Decker could introduce only one of her choices for 5th-grade Outstanding Citizen.  She chose McKenna Lankford for April, and Jamare Minton and Olivia Phillips for May.  Presenting Ms. Phillips, Ms. Decker said that she is particularly fond of dance.

5th-grade Citizen of the Month for May, Olivia Phillips, with Elementary Principal Danelle Decker

As Varsity League Champions in volleyball, Mr. Supko next introduced as much of the team, coaches and managers as he could get together.

Most of the Varsity volleyball League 2017 champion team

Mr. Supko next introduced Jeffrey Morris, chosen Basketball Player of the Year for Division 4 of the Lackawanna League.

Basketball Player of the Year, Jeffrey Morris, with Principal Pete Supko

And finally, Board president Chris Lewis read out a resolution recognizing the participation of Hunter Conklin and coaches Amber Turner, Jody Stanley and John Onyon at the PIAA State Track & Field Championships.

Track & Field star Hunter Conklin, coach Amber Turner, and Principal Pete Supko

Once they got into their business agenda, Board members polished off 42 items – plus 3 on an addendum – in short order, most with a single motion.  A few were held out for special attention, including a few that involved family members that required board members to abstain.

Among the items passed:

• KayLeen Conklin, Lydia Andusko, Breanna Post, Cassidy Howe, Gerald Welstead, Anthony Torres and Ryan Glatzel will get some assistance attending a summer music camp at Marywood University in July.
  
  
• A “Memorandum of Understanding” between Blue Ridge and the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19 (NEIU #19) covering professional development for staff related to programs supporting the study of English as a Second Language (ESL).  The programs are expected to be funded from Title III grants, a federal program supporting ESL instruction.
  
  
• A contract with Balfour for yearbook services for the next school year at a total estimated price of $4,700.
  
  
• An agreement with Kurtz Brothers for general supplies for the next school year at a total cost of about $31,000.
  
  
• A contract with Waste Management for “refuse removal services” through June 30, 2020 beginning at $900 per month, escalating to $973 per month in the last year.
  
  
• An agreement with NEIU #19 for the printing of student handbooks for the next school year at a total cost of just over $4,000.
  
  
• An agreement with Elizabeth Richmond Rudolfi for speech & language services for summer sessions this summer, at $75 per hour as needed.
  
  
• Approved the request of Creative Adventures For Education (C.A.F.E.), a long-serving local organization that wants to take sixth grade students to Washington, DC in early May next year.
  
  
• Approved an arrangement with Mark’s Private Driver Training School LLC to offer online classwork, behind-the-wheel instruction, and driver examinations for the next school year.  Participants in this program must pay for the instruction themselves.
  
  
• A long list of policy book amendments were given final approval; they were initially offered last month for public review.
  
  
• Approved an agreement with Government Software Services, Inc. to provide computer services for school billing for the new fiscal year.  Costs are charged by the number of tax bills handled.
  
  
• Approved the annual homestead/farmstead tax exemption for the new fiscal year.  The maximum assessed value reduction for a property is set this year at $7,759.
  
  
• Adopted a capital projects budget in the amount of $232,500 for the next fiscal year, as well as a 5-year capital projects budget of $2,152,895.27.  (Who gets the 27 cents?)
  
  
• Renewed the “Commodity Supply Agreement” with Source Power & Gas LLC.  Under this agreement, the district gets a break on electricity in exchange for a promise to cut power consumption in cases of declared emergency area-wide power shortages.

Of course, not least important, the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2017 was formally adopted following a 30-day period for public review.  The budget anticipates total expenditures of $18,111,823 next year, with no increase in property tax rates (millage remains at $49.39 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation).  Mr. Lewis is especially proud of that.

Long lists of “extended school year” staff, non-instructional staff and other personnel items were approved.  Five new staff attended the meeting to accept the board’s welcome:

• Tishalaine Piechocki will become a new 1st-grade teacher next year.

 New first grade teacher Trishalaine Piechocki

• Heather Hall returns to Blue Ridge as an elementary school learning support teaching next year.
  

New learning support teacher Heather Hall

• Krista Paterno will become an ESL/Title III/Spanish teacher next year.

 New language teacher Krista Paterno

• Sarah Strang will be a secondary Health & Physical Education teacher next year.

 New health & physed teacher Sarah Strang

• Scott Summers accepts the newly defined position of Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer.  He will also work up to 5 days this summer.

Athletic Director and Trainer Scott Summers

Certainly not least, the board accepted, with sincere regret, the resignation of Gail Wnorowski, who has served for the past year as special education director.  According to Ms. Wnorowski, her family will be moving out of state.  Board members gave her a round of applause and several warm individual commendations.  Mr. Lewis said that it had been a “pleasure having you” at Blue Ridge.

In her final report to the board, Ms. Wnorowski showed off a poster created by her students illustrating her unit’s vision (see photo), noting that all of her office’s paperwork is up to date and complete.

Special Education Vision statement poster

With graduation coming up at the end of the week, administrators thanked everyone for their hard work as the school year wound to a close.  The board thanked Dane Beers for his conscientious attendance as student representative to the board.

The Blue Ridge School Board will meet next on Monday, July 17, 2017.  All meetings take place in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.  To keep posted on everything Blue Ridge, visit the district’s excellent and informative website at http://brsd.org.

Susquehanna Borough Council President Joe Varsik opened the June 14, 2017 meeting with a Public Hearing for residents to be able to ask questions regarding the revised Zoning Ordinance Council plans to adopt on July 12th.  President Varsik stated Carson Helfrich was in attendance to answer any questions regarding the Ordinance, and Council thanked him for his assistance in the project.  No one attending Council’s meeting had any questions or comments regarding Zoning.  Mr. Helfrich stated,  for the record, the Zoning Map was not updated it was just reproduced since no district changes were made.  He said James Kane who works in the GIS Department for Susquehanna County was gracious enough to produce the map.  Council stated they were very appreciative of his service.  President Varsik said since there were no objections, he was recommending adoption at the July 12th meeting.  He stated he received a letter from the Susquehanna County Planning Commission recommending adoption.  Public Hearing was closed.

A resident from the Borough who attended a meeting in April requesting assistance with a property on West Main Street where the residents were using drugs, and throwing the hypodermic needles in the yard among other issues came to say thank you. She said she was working with Councilwoman Deborah Zayas, Councilman Roy Williams, the DPW and Chief Creamer, and the problem is now resolved.  She stated she came in for help and she is very thankful for all they did for her and the neighborhood.

Another resident asked about purchasing a vacant lot located at 87 Euclid Avenue; he asked if they would be able to put in a bid.  Councilman Williams stated since Grant Funds were used to tear down the preexisting structure, the Borough needed to hold title to the land for five years.  He said the property would be available in 2019, but if he heard otherwise he would let them know.

President Varsik stated one bid came in for the vacant property located at 1248 Main Street by the American Legion Post 86 in the amount of five thousand dollars.  He said the Post plans to develop, maintain and open the property to the community on special occasions.  A stipulation to the offer was the stone pillars needed to remain in place. Council discussed the offer for a few moments and came to the conclusion it was a fair price for the property.  They unanimously accepted the offer by motion stating the American Legion wants to improve the lot, and they do so much for the community.

Three bids were received to fix areas of sidewalks on Jackson and Willow Avenues, stated President Varsik.  Cody Decker Services, Warren Stone Excavating, and Dave Dibble Construction provided the bids.  Council unanimously approved by motion to accept the lowest bid provided by Warren Stone Excavating. 

Susquehanna Community Development Association sent a notice to Council stating Hometown Days will be July 13, 14, and 15th but due to financial restrictions there will be no Carnival this year.  They plan on using CNY Event Rentals and will have inflatables, mechanical rides, Zip Line, Euro Bungee, Mechanical Bull, and small bounce houses for the little ones.  They informed Council since there is no Carnival they have a need for volunteers to help man the rides, and take tickets.  They set up a time schedule in two-hour increments and they asked Council to please consider donating time to their event.  SCDA also asked Council for a donation, and it was unanimously approved to donate five hundred dollars, which was budgeted to SCDA for the Hometown Days event.  Councilwoman Susan Crawford asked people to sign up as soon as possible for the 5k, run/walk which will be held on Saturday, July 15th at 9am starting at the Susquehanna school.  Details available on the SCDA Facebook page.

President Varsik informed Council he received a contract from Hinds Energy to purchase propane with various options.  Buy as you need it, budget plan, or prepay ahead of time and the price will be locked in.  He said last year their usage was thirteen hundred and forty-two gallons.  A prepay amount would be two dollars and nine cents; a budget amount would be two dollars and nineteen cents.  Council discussed the contract and decided to table it.

Councilman Williams provided the DPW Report stating the crew was durro patching the roads, and there are two drainage projects they are working on.  One was on Washington Street, which is completed and one on Franklin Avenue that will be repaired tomorrow.  They will be doing the durro patching on East Main Street, from Erie to Broad Avenue, very early in the morning to avoid traffic.

Mayor Nancy Hurley provided the Police report for the month of May.  There were sixty incidents reported by Police Chief Creamer.  She commended Chief Creamer and his officers for the courageous way they deal with all the issues in the Borough.

Chief Creamer and President Varsik met to review the essential needs of the Police Department. President Varsik stated they would like to purchase two Taser Guns which come with extra batteries, clip and six Taser pulls, ammunition needed for qualifying, puncture proof gloves, disposable blankets, two first aid kits (one for the station and one for the vehicle), pepper spray, disposable emergency air mask, and battery pads for the Automated External Defibrillation (AED) machine for a total price of three thousand five hundred forty-six dollars and ninety six cents.  Council unanimously approved by motion to purchase all the items.

Councilman John Hendrickson reported on the Susquehanna County Emergency Management Agency’s meeting held on Tuesday, June 6th at the County EMA/EOC Conference room for all Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators and elected officials.  He stated Councilman Williams, Mayor Hurley and he attended the meeting and he was asked to speak on what they do in Susquehanna.  He stated the meeting notified them of the changes in personnel at the County office and the twenty-five percent budget cuts at the Federal level.  He said they stressed putting together Mutual Aid Contracts with other Municipalities in their area.  County officials defined a need for a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator to be chosen. Councilman Hendrickson stated Councilman Williams graciously accepted to be appointed to the position.  Councilman Williams stated he understands the system, as he was the Emergency Management Coordinator for six years, and he has all the qualifications needed for the position.  Council unanimously appointed Councilman Williams as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.

President Varsik said it was an honor to be recognized by the County and higher levels of government for the work they do in Susquehanna, and he said everyone is doing a good job for the Borough.

Councilwoman Crawford had questions for the Code Enforcement Officer about the process of having residents remove garbage and tires from their property.  Councilman Williams explained the process of issuing a Notice of Violation, and if they ignored the Violation they were then issued a Citation which requires them to appear before the Magistrate and pay a monetary fine.  He also reiterated the current Ordinance to use approved containers and not garbage bags for disposal.

The Code Enforcement report consisted of issuing twenty-two violations, six citations, one demolition, one condemnation, and one revocation of a rental permit for the month of May.  Certain properties in town continue to be issues and Councilman Williams assured Council he will continue working on getting them resolved.

There is a program, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful reported Councilman Williams that works in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Fish and Game Commission, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and the Dog Warden that he has partnered with.  They identify illegal dumpsites, work with the Police, and DEP conducts the prosecuting.  Members of the program asked him to contact neighboring townships and boroughs to see if they would be willing to have officials from all the various organizations speak with them about the program. Council stated it would be good for Councilman Williams to reach out and inform everyone of the opportunity.

President Varsik stated the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is now available to apply for.  Councilman Williams said they normally use these grants for milling and paving, and he will be applying for a grant to repair Maple Street and First Avenue.

The Borough is having an ongoing issue with Pennsylvania American Water Company not abiding by Ordinance Number 471, which states a fifty thousand dollar bond needs to be presented before work is conducted.  PA American Water Company only provides a five thousand dollar bond, and has left properties in the Borough less than adequate.  Solicitor Michael Briechle has drafted a letter to the company and Council is waiting for their response.

Judith Herschel gave an update on the Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park Project, stating the project has begun and she is sure people have noticed the difference.  Butch Coleman started cutting down the trees, and he was able to save approximately forty of them.  Since this is such a major project, Solicitor Briechle suggested they start a Planning Committee.  She said Councilman Williams and Councilman Dana Rockwell volunteered to be on this committee with her.  Ms. Herschel stated they would be looking for community participation in the future.

President Varsik stated they received the signed Right of Way Agreement, and they can now proceed with putting up the Community Board.  He thanked Councilman Williams for his participation in achieving this signature.

The meeting ended with Council going into Executive Session to interview an applicant for the Police Department, and to review legal matters.