American Hydro Power Company opened the Oakland Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant in 1985 and surrendered their federal license in 2011.  The Oakland Dam, now under state regulations continues to deteriorate and cause dangerous conditions on the Susquehanna River near the site.  Council President Roy Williams and Councilman Dana Rockwell spoke of the concerns at Council's monthly meeting on April 11th.

River Bounty Inc. is a non-profit entity, which is responsible for the Dam and consists of nine members, three from Oakland, two from Susquehanna, three from Barnes Kasson Hospital, and one County Commissioner.  President Williams and Councilman Rockwell stated they volunteered to be the representatives from Susquehanna since past representatives are no longer involved.  They said it enables them to be able to do what is best for the community.

For a number of years state agencies have been sending River Bounty Inc. notices instructing them to post signs in the area informing people of the danger.  River Bounty representatives have stopped holding required meetings, notices have been ignored, and members moved on with no replacements to fill the vacant seats.  President Williams and Councilman Rockwell hope to work with the rest of the members putting up the required signage, and to move to the next course of action with the dam.

Councilman Rockwell stated River Bounty owns one point three acres of riverfront property connecting to Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park.  He is hoping River Bounty relinquishes interest in the acreage so it can be a campsite, in conjunction with the park.

During public comment one resident asked if the trees in the Borough would be trimmed this year; Council replied yes.  Kevin McKee, Street Department representative stated multiple calls were placed to the company located in Union Dale who previously provided the services and they have not responded.

Another resident questioned their sewer bill and if everyone received the higher rate or if it was based upon how large or small your residence was.  President Williams replied they are a separate entity, Susquehanna Borough does not own the sewer plant, but yes, everyone who is hooked up to the sewer line is paying the same price.

President Williams provided the Code Enforcement Report consisting of thirteen Notice of Violations, five Citations issued, and three condemnations.

Chief John Creamer stated there were ten arrests made in the month of March during his Police Report.  Officers responded to a total of fifty-five incidents involving everything from motor vehicle accidents, overdosing, disorderly conduct, burglary alarms, to theft.  President Williams stated he would like to commend Chief Creamer on his job and the officers under his command; the good work is not going unnoticed. 

Mayor Nancy Hurley said it would be helpful if everyone would report to Police anything they see that is out of the ordinary or looks suspicious.  She said even if people think it maybe nothing too serious, call the Officers and let them decide whether or not to follow up.

A representative from True View Security Solutions was on hand to answer any questions Council had resulting from a proposal he submitted for the Police Department. Council had a few questions, which were answered and they unanimously approved the proposal.  Councilwoman Deb Zayas said Council's primary concern is safety.

Officer Creamer said the Susquehanna Police Department is joining forces with the Lanesboro Police Department for a Drug Take Back Program which will be held on Saturday, April 28th at Schneider's Market from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Keeping on the same note, Chief Creamer inquired when Council would be adopting the Naloxone (Narcan) policy.  President Williams stated the policy is still with the Borough's Solicitor for review.  Chief Creamer said they have the Naloxone kits on hand and all the officers were certified to administer the drug. Council unanimously adopted the policy upon receipt from their Solicitor to go into effect immediately.

The current software the Police Department is using is outdated and to purchase another license for one computer would be between five and seven hundred dollars.  Chief Creamer said he was looking into other platforms to use and he would like to use the Automated Law Enforcement Incident Report (ALEIR).  The current system is basic form filler; the new system would provide more benefits to the department.  Silver Lake and Great Bend utilize this system and highly recommend it. 

The report writing and dispatch software is free to use, with as many uses as they want.  For a cost of five hundred dollars the company would support the use and customize the program.  It would also entitle them to access needed information from Silver Lake and Great Bend.  Councilwoman Zayas questioned the privacy and security of the system, since the Officers could access data from their cell phones.  Chief Creamer stated they wouldn't use their personal cell phones for official purposes.  Council unanimously approved the expense of five hundred dollars.

On Friday, April 27th a representative from the Steamtown Historical Site will be coming to Susquehanna to provide ideas and information on what could be incorporated from their venue to the Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park, stated President Williams.  He suggested conducting a public meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. on April 27th and Council agreed it would be beneficial to the public to hear what is brought to the meeting.  President Williams will see if the firehouse is available for the meeting and place an ad in the newspaper announcing the event.

It was another long evening for members of the Blue Ridge School Board on April 9th, much of it occupied with spending – or planning to spend – large amounts of money.  With a new budget of some $18 million under development, the Board had to wrangle with allocating available resources for next year, as well as into the future.

But first they had the pleasure of recognizing the achievements of some of those who have benefited, or will benefit, from the proper use of those dollars.  Elementary School Principal Danelle Decker introduced Stanley Bourassa, an import from Arkansas, as one of her choices for Citizen of the Month for March.  Ms. Decker said that Mr. Bourassa was "always doing the right thing," and enjoys math, science and wrestling.

Citizen of the Month for March, 2018 Stanley Bourassa with Elementary School Principal Danelle Decker

Ms. Decker's other choice, Aubree Kupst could not attend in person, but Ms. Decker said Ms. Kupst was always helping others, and also enjoys mathematics.

Middle/High School Principal Peter Supko then announced his choices among the seniors, Jessica Marvin and Charlie Randall.  Like many others that evening, Ms. Martin was attending a volleyball game.  Mr. Randall appeared later to express his thanks to the Board for their support.  He said that he planned to attend St. Bonaventure next fall to studying marketing and business.Board President Chris Lewis also read out a certificate of appreciation for Sequoia Marriott for being chosen for All State Choir.

Senior of the Month Charlie Randall, speaking to the Board

Mr. Lewis then congratulated Alicia Ross and her Scholastic Bowl team for advancing to the 38th annual Scholarship Challenge semi-finals.  Unfortunately, advisor Alicia Ross was able to present only a couple members of the team in person.

Members of the Scholastic Bowl team with advisor Alicia Ross (left), and Middle/High School Principal Peter Supko (right)

Kristen Burkhart corralled almost all of the members of her K'NEX teams to show off their Challenge projects.  Three each of the Elementary and Middle School teams described their experiences at Johnson College designing, building and demonstrating their creations for judges in the competition this year to come up with environmentally friendly home appliances.  The competition is intended to stimulate creativity in the STEM curricula (science, technology, engineering and math).  The Elementary School team devised something called Kat Gym 3000; Middle Schoolers invented a new type of washing machine.  The competition is sponsored by the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of popular construction toys.

K'NEX Challenge teams, their projects, and gifted programs teacher, Kristen Burkhart

Before getting down to business, the Board heard from David Derrick, chief of the Great Bend Hose Company, who will be supporting the pre-Prom "mock crash" event that demonstrates the consequences of driving under the influence.  He asked permission to place a pair of wrecks in an out-of-the-way location.  He said there would be a "little bit of a mess," including some broken glass, which will be cleaned up after the event.

The 20-point business agenda was passed without much comment.  One item concerned "the Susquehanna County Recreation Center (SCRC) proposal approved on the May 1, 2017 agenda as discussed in executive session."  Mr. Lewis refused to discuss the details, saying that discussions with the SCRC are on-going.  The SCRC wants to buy or lease some land for their project.  Last year Mr. Lewis began what was to be a series of public meetings on the idea that ended with the first poorly-attended session.

The Board approved a schedule of services for computer software, accounting, payroll and personnel offered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit #16 for a total annual cost that could reach $14,525.

The Board approved a donation of $2,500 to Blue Ridge Recreation in support of the 2018 Summer Adventures program.

The Board approved an agreement for occupational therapy services with Tier Occupational Therapy Services at a rate of $75 per hour at Blue Ridge as needed.

The Board renewed its arrangement with Endless Mountains Studios as school photographers through 2021.

Several Board members expressed their special regret at notice of intent to retire from Nancy Burkett and Edward Price.  Mr. Lewis, who had both as his own teachers at Blue Ridge, called them "two of the finest and best teachers."

The Board agreed to spend $42,467 with MAC Sign Systems of Scranton for an electronic digital sign to be installed at the entrance to the campus.  The sign is to be erected in a "monument structure."  The District is responsible for providing power and network connections to the site.

The Board offers some 21 changes to its voluminous policy manual for public review; they will be formally adopted next month.  (Fully approved policies are available on-line through the District's website.)  Most of the updates respond to recent changes in legislation and regulation and simply clarify some language. 

The policy covering procurement is a complex and detailed description of the bidding and purchasing process as covered by Federal and state law; the updates establish the "thresholds" for requiring formal bidding procedures.

One policy, covering English as a Second Language (ESL) now requires a "Home Language Survey" for foreign exchange students enrolled in District schools.

With security an on-going concern most recently, the policy on building security is under continuing development.

There are some significant, and more detailed, policies related to service animals.

A new policy on the use of "social media" is presented, including guidelines and forms for authorized access to school-sponsored accounts.

Changes to the District's policy covering complaints attempts to have complaints addressed at the "lowest appropriate level," and describes a process for addressing them.

A policy covering "Title I Parent and Family Engagement" describes in some detail the methods and procedures for communication between the District and students' families.

Many of these policies establish regular and periodic monitoring and reporting responsibilities for administrators.

One more item was added to the agenda as an addendum, and it was a big one.  The Board approved a proposal from the Quad 3 Group to provide architectural, engineering and environmental services for a "site improvement project" covering the options selected at the last work shop to renovate the parking lot at the Elementary School and create new traffic flow around the campus.  The agreement will cost the District a total of $104,500, plus whatever might be invoiced for "non-anticipated work."  (Quad 3 has already been paid some $52,000 for site surveys to prepare the various options.)  The company is expected to provide an estimate of the cost to actually do the construction, which might come to $1.5 million or so.  Paying for the project came in for discussion at the budget deliberations that continued following the business meeting.

The budget session this time focused on the larger pots of money the District tries to allocate to more long-term requirements.  Superintendent Matthew Button identified 4 major consumers of such funds:

• Debt service, now allocated some $1.3 million.
  
  
• The district's self-funded health care fund, now almost 10 years old, so far has been kept within bounds.
  
  
• The so-called "unfunded liabilities" in the teachers' pension system are an amount too large to contemplate realistically.  If the state called in the liability, it would exceed the District's entire annual budget.
  
  
• Capital reserves are intended primarily for the maintenance and improvement of the campus facilities.
  

According to Mr. Button and Mr. Lewis, the original preliminary budget for the next fiscal year showed a deficit of over half a million dollars.  Cuts here and there have brought that down to just under $300,000.  They expect that to be covered by the surplus anticipated at the end of the current fiscal year in June.  A cut to the number of Chromebooks to be purchased was restored in part because of a grant from DTE Energy.  A new server requested by Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart could also be paid for largely from grant money.

The Board and administrators identify 3 major requirements as priorities: roofing, parking and heating/air conditioning.  The roofs are still under short-term warranty.  Parking is being addressed at least in part by the Quad 3 project.  The maintenance staff has been keeping the cost of replacing air conditioning units to a minimum, with more yet to go.

However, it won't be long before the roof systems will need to be completely replaced.  And the District's boilers, still functioning well, are, after all, about 24 years old.

The District would also like to complete a project to provide the campus with complete backup for its power supply, with a new, much larger, generator.  And it would be handy to have a second well fully operational to back up the one well now in use.

So how to pay for all of this with about $7.3 million in the bank?  Consultations with the District's financial advisors identified three ways:

• The District can afford all of it, but that would completely empty the coffers.
  
  
• The District could borrow to pay for all of it.
  
  
• A "hybrid" combining available funds with borrowing might be a choice that would also help to maintain the District's credit rating.
  

The Board and its administrators are still considering the options.  There is some sentiment for doing everything all at once, to provide for a long-term future while allowing the District to pay for it at a consistent annual cost as the upgraded facilities are used into the future.  Or should the District plan for the work over 5 or 10 years?  In fact, as Mr. Button noted, the District does have a state-approved 5-year plan already.  Can the District, in fact, manage that much change so quickly?  Questions to ponder.

Board member Edward Arnold, who has taken on school security as his special province, with Mr. Button, announced a Safe Schools grant from the state that could amount to up to $20,000.  He is actively looking at a "door barricade device" that would allow a teacher to lock a classroom door from the inside for a mere $59.95 per door, and wants to purchase one for testing.  Matthew Nebzydoski, Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, described some lockdown drills that are being developed, along the lines of the traditional fire drills, using various scenarios and locations.

All this and creamy corn chowder.  What more could one ask for a two-and-a-half hour school board meeting?  See it for yourself at the next workshop, scheduled for Monday, April 30. 2018 beginning at 7:00pm in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.

Chief Jim Smith brought to Council's table during their monthly meeting on April 10th a policy, prepared by Lanesboro's Solicitor Myron DeWitt, to allow Police Officers to administer the drug Naloxone, otherwise known as Narcan.

All Police Officers who are employed by Lanesboro have their certification to administer the drug.  Chief Smith stated there is no cost to the borough since the drug kits are provided free of charge and have a shelf life of two years.  He informed Council they have (on hand) two kits that contain a 4mg dose, which could save the life of a person overdosing on opioids.  Council unanimously adopted the Naloxone Policy.

The March Monthly Activity Report for the Lanesboro Police Department was given by Chief Jim Smith, which included twenty-nine traffic stops with twenty citations issued and nine warnings given.  There were eighteen speeding violations consisting of four with suspended license, two no turn signal, two inspection and one careless driving. The officers also responded to a burning complaint, domestic disputes, simple assault and arrest warrants served.

In Thompson Borough the officers conducted four traffic arrests and four traffic warnings with other violations consisting of speeding, suspended license and equipment.  Officers investigated theft, harassment, trespassing complaints and assistance as one person was transported to the hospital as an overdose.

Mayor Chris Maby reported on information he retrieved for the resident who requested permission to tear down their existing garage and rebuild one the same length and width, but extend it from seven feet high to twelve. He stated the property would need to be surveyed, an elevation certificate would need to be obtained and the new structure would have to be two feet above the floodplain.

Council spoke to Chief Smith about a resident who had garbage loaded in the back of their truck.  The Borough's Garbage Ordinance Section 38, No. 3 states "It shall be unlawful for any person to haul, transport, collect or remove any solid waste from public or private property within the Borough without first securing authorization from the Borough and a license from the County." This will be investigated by Chief Smith to ensure that trash will not be transported or illegally scattered.

Amanda Cook provided an update on the Community Centers calendar.  A few meetings and some graduation parties are booked.

Mayor Maby provided an update for the North Main Street Sidewalk Project to Council members by informing them he was in touch with April Hannon, from PennDOT and he would bring updated plans to the next Council meeting.

Issues on Grand Street continue after Wayco Inc. made repairs to the road. Since last year the road has shown deterioration and Mayor Maby suggested new construction details be prepared.

Council spoke about Susquehanna School District Pride and Polish and if there is anything they could have them do. Councilman Dale Rockwell suggested raking up all the dirt areas around the building. Other Council members stated a load of topsoil, and grass seed in the area.  Council also suggested boulders should be placed around the areas where cars normally drive onto the grass.

The next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m.

Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) wishes to ensure residents of the 111th Legislative District that amidst the public battle over Pennsylvania's congressional map, the Commonwealth's state House districts are not impacted.

With implementation of the PA Supreme Court's newly enacted congressional map, the only representation change is at the federal level.

The state legislative districts, however, are not impacted by this change.

"In my travels throughout the 111th District, I have heard confusion from many area residents about who their elected officials are – and whether their state House district has changed," said Fritz. "I am proud to serve the great people of Wayne and Susquehanna counties, and want to reassure them that I am still their state representative."

The 111th Legislative District includes the Wayne County townships of Buckingham, Cannan, Clinton, Dyberry, Lake, Lebanon, Manchester, Mount Pleasant, Preston, South Cannan and Texas, and the boroughs of Bethany, Forest City, Honesdale, Prompton, Starrucca and Waymart; and the Susquehanna County townships of Ararat, Bridgewater, Brooklyn, Choconut, Clifford, Forest Lake, Franklin, Gibson, Great Bend, Harmony, Harford, Herrick, Jackson, Jessup, Lenox, Liberty, New Milford, Oakland, Silver Lake and Thompson and the boroughs of Great Bend, Hallstead, Lanesboro, Montrose, New Milford, Oakland, Susquehanna Depot, Thompson and Union Dale.

The Wilson F. Moore Memorial (WFMM) chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) came home from the 2018 Pennsylvania NWTF Rendezvous with 4 awards. Two Board of Director members, Jack Sorber and David Spence came home with individual State Awards. The WFMM chapter was awarded with a PANWTF State Award and NWTF National Award.

Mr. David Spence was one of the winners in the 2018 PANWTF Hall of Fame category. The Pennsylvania State Chapter of NWTF Hall of Fame Award denotes an outstanding turkey hunter, conservationist and ethical sportsmen who throughout his life has worked for the betterment of the Wild Turkey in Pennsylvania and the betterment of turkey hunters.

Pictured (l-r) are: David Spence, holding his Hall of Fame Award; Jack Sorber, holding his James E. Wilhelm Award; Dave Wilcox, holding the WFMM Chapter National Award.

He learned to hunt by hunting small game (rabbits) with his family - father, uncles and grandfather on the Grandfather's farm on the eastern shores of Maryland, starting in 1972. He saw his first Turkey in 1977, while hunting with his father in Susquehanna County after receiving a hunting tip from his high school teacher, Wilson F. Moore, that there might be some turkeys in a specific area. He remembers that there was snow on the ground and they found the tracks before they ever spotted the turkeys (3 hens). He learned early on that Mr. Moore was a valuable source of information about the wild turkey and its habits. After high school graduation, they hunted turkeys together. He harvested his first turkey in 1980 in Susquehanna County. An outstanding person who gives his time to mentor youth hunters, David has mentored 60+ youth teaching them about the pursuit of the wild turkey and whitetail deer. He has taken these young hunters out on youth spring gobbler hunts, youth fall turkey hunts and rifle deer season hunts since 1995.

Mr. Spence is a remarkable member of the Wilson F. Moore Memorial Chapter. He has been a member of the chapter since its founding, in 1985. He has been a NWTF member for 33 years. Mr. Spence served as President of the Wilson F. Moore Memorial chapter for 5 years and both before and after that time worked closely with the officers of the chapter. For 25 years he has served on the banquet committees. He has been an active sponsor of many of the 30+ banquets. Through his company, Montrose Publishing, he produced over 1500 banquet flyers, brochures, advertising and programs for the Chapter over the years. He has completed volunteer work with PA Game Commission working on wildlife habitat improvement with WFMM NWTF funded projects. He worked with the Susquehanna County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs on their Youth Field Days and habitat work on State Game Land's during the early 2000's. He also worked with the Central Conservation Club (South Montrose) on tree planting, club improvements, and establishment of improved trap shooting facility. In his current position of Manager at Andre & Son, Inc. he has continued to be involved with land owners, wildlife food plot planters and the PA Game Commission daily. David Spence is a turkey hunter we all would like our kids to know, and a person you would like to hunt with.

Mr. Jack Sorber was presented with the James E. Wilhelm Award. The award was named after the 3rd President of the PA State chapter NWTF who was an outstanding turkey hunter who hunted and harvested turkey's in every state that they existed in during his lifetime. This award is presented to a person who contributes to the management and conservation of the wild turkey through habitat work, land acquisition, fund raising, legislation or public relations.

Jack Sorber is an ethical person who follows the elevated efforts of an outdoorsman and woodsman. He leads by example. Since 1973 he has been member of the PA Wild Turkey Federation and then when it became part of the NWTF. He has been a member of the NWTF for 45 years.

His lifetime as a wildlife conservationist started in his youth on the family farm on Sorber Mt. (Luzerne & Wyoming counties). He planted his first food plot in 1964 and has been planting yearly since then. He has planted many trees and shrubs such as: dogwood, sawtooth oaks, Dunstan chestnuts on private land and PA State Game Land's since 1966. As a wildlife conservationist Jack also assisted in the establishment and growth of the Susquehanna branch of the Quality Deer Management Association and the North Mt. Branch of QDMA. His expertise in wildlife habitat management, big game hunting and his willingness to give of his time and knowledge has made these groups' efforts on wildlife habitat projects very successful. Mr. Sorber works on habitat improvement projects with Trout Unlimited, several branches of the Quality Deer Management Association, several chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and with the Federation of Sportsmen's clubs through delegates of the QDMA & NWTF. Jack has served on the PA State Chapter of the NWTF Board member since 2012 and as the Wilson F. Moore Memorial Chapter President from 2010 - 2017.

For the second year in a row, the WFMM Chapter received a PANWTF First place award, "The Jerry Zimmerman Achievement Award" for those Chapters who had the highest net to gross dollars and the highest amount of money brought in for a banquet with less than 100 attendees.

The WFMM Chapter received a NWTF National Award, as it was noted as Chapter which has now raised $500,000 during its 33 years of existence.