According to at least one person who was at the last Susquehanna County Commissioners meeting as well as published reports, a number of attendees walked out of the meeting due to the apparent unwillingness of the commissioners to share meaningful information from a vendor who was presenting at the time.
Will anyone who attended that meeting please expand on this? Thank you.
This is an article which ran in Newsweek dated 8/20/2008.
In the past, there have been discussions on this blog regarding what county officials can do to protect our citizens. This article has one Colorado county discussing implementing a regulation which would require the drilling company to disclose the contents of fracing fluid in the event emergency room workers were exposed. This should extend to anyone who has been exposed to these carcinogenic chemicals.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/154394/page/1
The medical personnel in the area need to be brought up to speed regarding treatment, handling and personal exposure of people who have been contaminated with these chemicals.
IT’S TIME FOR OUR COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OFFICIALS, HEALTH CARE WORKERS, VOLUNTEER FIRE, AMBULANCE AND OTHER RELATED PERSONNEL TO BE TRAINED IN WHAT TO LOOK FOR, HOW TO RESPOND AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN “WHEN - NOT IF” THESE INDUSTRIAL “ACCIDENTS” OCCUR.
Obviously, this is occuring in other areas of the country, it will occur here. Will we be ready? Will our elected officials do anything to protect us?
OP-ED IN SCRANTON TIMES
Finally, there is some notice in the regional media regarding the potential problems with fracing gas wells. Here is the link:
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY RAILROAD AUTHORITY
One fairly simple way to get rid of most of the frac water is to contract with an approved recycling plant (the nearest is in Western, PA) and send it out there in rail tank cars. Certainly it would be much more efficient than using trucks and a whole lot more ecologically sound than building retention ponds or injection wells. Shipping could occur from the proposed rail transload facility in the New Milford area.
Oh wait, no it couldn’t either. Our fine county commissioners have not seen fit (other than minimal lip service) to support the railroad authority at all. Maybe the Central Bradford Progress Authority (the economic development arm of Susquehanna County) could work with them to get some funding for this project.
No wait, that won’t happen either. Anthony Ventello, the executive director of the Central Bradford Progress Authority was scheduled to attend a recent meeting of the railroad authority. He never showed. He was immediately called by a commissioner and made some lame excuse for not attending. Over the past couple of years, both the current and past commissioners have directed Ventello to work with the railroad authority. According so some current and past members, he won’t even respond to written correspondence sent him by the railroad authority. Just remember, we taxpayers are paying for his services (or lack of same). It is this same lack of action on the part of former commissioner Roberta Kelly and former and current commissioner MaryAnn Warren which caused the railroad authority to lose a $2.5 million release of funds to create a transload facility. This has lead to the loss of some needed infrastructure.
As has been noted here previously, commissioner Michael Giangrieco has never supported the railroad authority - from the time when he was county solicitor and wrote this letter:
letter-from-michael-giangreco-4-8-2003-stating-no-muni-code-for-rr-authority.PDF
Obviously, there is no commitment to railroad related economic development in this county.
GAS LEASES AND WELLS
Going back to the op-ed piece, not knowing what will happen with your legislators regarding injection wells, etc., you may want to get a really good baseline water test on you private water well before a gas well is fraced in the area. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to keep tabs on John Hanger, the next secretary of Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania.
It has been said that Chesapeake and one or two others have stopped writing leases in Susquehanna County. It is the understanding of this writer that Chesapeake does not have any drilling permits in the area. So, are they just going to sell their existing leases (at a substantial profit of course) or just wait?
Apparently the newest leases offered by some companies have finally gotten rid of the arbitration clause. This is really a win for the landowners. But don’t rush off to sign. There are still the above noted environmental issues as well as the fact that there isn’t enough money or percentage offered yet.
If you don’t NEED the money, don’t sign. If you can wait, the numbers will only go up, especially after some of these wells are connected to the transmission line.
Here is the link to the map of gas wells, permits for wells and permits to connect to the Tennsessee Gas Transmission Pipeline in the area:
This map is updated on a regular basis. By the way, it is not the product of the author of this blog or anyone associated with this blog. So, thank the author, Railroad - RR, for all the work it takes to keep this map updated.
Your thoughts?
The following is from Taxpayerpayingattention. Thank you!
Employee Years of Service Recognition: August - 5 Year Incremental Anniversaries.
Delores Davis/Children & Youth – 10 years
Allen Luce/Maintenance – 10 years
Motion to ratify or approve the following:
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/23/2008 for $281,035.11 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/30/2008 for $122,105.39 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/07/2008 for $60.00 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/07/2008 for $139,020.02 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/28/2008 for $102,160.44 for CYS Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/11/2008 for $63,413.46 for CYS Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/06/2008 for $151,725.18 for Payroll Expenses
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/07/2008 for $56,672.71 for Federal Payroll taxes
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/06/2008 for $12,979.25 for Employee Retirement Contribution
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/06/2008 for $6,873.39 for State Withholding taxes
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 08/12/2008 for $14,964.94 for Payroll Expenses
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/13/2008 for $5,221.22 for Federal Payroll taxes
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/12/2008 for $1,616.90 for Employee Retirement Contribution
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 08/12/2008 for $648.70 for State Withholding taxes
Motion to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests:
-Ray Osburn, Children & Youth, Mayfield, PA, September 18, 19, October 3, 17, 30, 31, 2008, Northeast Region Legal Series: #205 Safety, Permanency & Well Being Overview, Legal Mandates in PA, The Child Protective Service Law, The Juvenile Act and Going to Court, Liability and Risk Management in Child Welfare Services, total cost $348.00, cost to the County $69.60.
-Jeffrey Shoemaker, Probation, State College, PA, September 29 – October 1, 2008, 2008 Annual Conference, County Chief Adult Probation & Parole Officers Association, total cost $762.00, cost to the County $0.00.
-John Lester, Probation, Wallenpaupak, PA., August 11, 2008, Firearm Education and Training Commissioner Course 6 – Deadly Force Response and Decision Making, total cost $8.00. cost to the County $0.00.
-Michele Jerauld and Roberta Collins, Domestic Relations, Wilkes-Barre, PA, August 25, 2008, Data Warehouse Training, total cost $83.50, cost to the County $28.39.
-Thomas Yadlosky Jr., Veterans Affairs, Annville, PA, County Directors Accreditation Course, October 20-24, 2008, cost to the County $0.00.
Motion to accept with regret the resignation of Mark Wood, EMA Coordinator.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-12, the four year contract between Susquehanna County and Rush Computer Systems, commencing on December 1, 2008 and ending November 30, 2012, the first year of services will be billed at $160,000.00 and each of the next three years will be billed at $170,000.00.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-13 authorizing the County Prison to utilize the services of BioReference Laboratories, NJ, in connection with and subject to the Professional Service Contract between BioReference Laboratories and Prison Inmate Medical Cost Containment, per the recommendations of the Susquehanna County Prison Board and Cost Management.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-14 designating Central Bradford Progress Authority as the Industrial Development Organization for Susquehanna County to represent the County in all matters relevant to and for all purposes of the Industrial Development Assistance Law.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-15 designating Charlene Moser as the Applicant’s Agent for Susquehanna County Public Assistance for DR-1684-PA, authorized to execute for and in behalf of Susquehanna County, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-16 designating Charlene Moser as the Applicant’s Agent for Susquehanna County HMGP grant awarded under DR-1649-PA, authorized to execute for and in behalf of Susquehanna County, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-17 designating Charlene Moser as the Applicant’s Agent for Susquehanna County Public Assistance for DR-1649-PA, authorized to execute for and in behalf of Susquehanna County, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement dated July 1, 2008 – July 1, 2009 between the Susquehanna County Drug & Alcohol Commission and Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Erie.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the 2008/2009 Purchase of Service Agreements/Contract Extensions between Susquehanna County and the following, extending the termination date of the 2007-2008 contracts from June 30, 2008 until such time the rate for the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 is settled: National Mentor Healthcare LLC dba Pennsylvania Mentor, PA Treatment and Healing Center, Children’s Home of Easton, St. Michael’s School, Loftus Vergari & Associates Inc., House of Light, Inc., Viaquest Behavioral Health, Devereaux, NHS Youth Services, Susquehanna House.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement between, Susquehanna County, Michelle R. Graziano, a Caseworker for Children & Youth, and the University of Pittsburgh, which will allow Michelle Graziano to participate the in Child Welfare Education for Leadership program. This will allow Ms. Graziano to pursue a Masters Degree at no cost to herself or the County. Ms. Graziano will be required to work for the County for a period of time to be specified upon her graduation.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the maintenance agreement with Guyette Communications for repairs and routine maintenance for telephones in the Prison for a monthly service charge of $30.00, per the recommendation of the Susquehanna County Prison Board.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreement with Northeastern Eye Institute agreeing that Northeastern Eye Institute will provide medical services that are usual to the Institute to the inmates at the Prison and the Institute will accept the Medicare fee schedule as payment for services, per the recommendation of the Susquehanna County Prison Board and Cost Management.
Motion to authorize the Commissioners to sign the Mental Health Mental Retardation Program, Mental Retardation Annual Program Plan and Budget Request for Fiscal Years 2009-2010.
Motion to hire Nathaniel Williams, Lanesboro, to the open, part-time, non-union position of Drug/DUI Task Force County Detective, $13.00 per hour, no benefits, effective date to be determined, per the recommendation of District Attorney Jason Legg. This position is contingent upon receiving grant funding.
Motion to hire James Smith, Meshoppen, to the open, part-time, non-union position of Drug/DUI Task Force County Detective, $13.00 per hour, no benefits, effective date to be determined, per the recommendation of District Attorney Jason Legg. This position is contingent upon receiving grant funding.
Motion to hire Marcia Borosh, Montrose, to the open part-time position of Clerk Typist in the Drug & Alcohol Department, Range 6, Rate $7.75 per hour, 19.5 hours per week, six month probation period with no benefits, effective August 14, 2008, per the recommendation of Robin Kaminski-Waldowski, Program Administrator.
Motion to hire Stephen Janoski, Montrose, to the open, full-time position of Systems Manager/Database Analyst, Range 14, Rate $12.14 per hour, 40 hours per week, six month probation period and benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract, effective date to be determined by 911 Coordinator, per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator.
For those who have been following the comments of the 7/25 post, the heading of this post comes as no surprise. Without getting into the specifics of what may (or may not) have occurred between Attorney Raymond Davis, a county employee and the commissioners, the fact remains that a petition was filed against Attorney Davis which was shortly thereafter discontinued. Several who read and write on this blog believe Attorney Davis was wrongly accused. Based on the postings on this subject, this writer has to agree.
As noted by justabumpkin, the law community as well as posters to this blog expressed grave concern about the potential for conflict of interest issues with the (now) minority commissioner. It appears that their concerns were probably well founded. One poster noted that this may be the tip of the iceberg. Great. Three and a half more years of this?
There is a simple answer to the minority commissioner’s (or any commissioner for that matter) participation in the appeals board, where there is a conflict of interest. In other counties, Lackawanna being the example here, they have a pool of private citizens who, on a rotating basis, make up the appeals board. Yes, they are paid. However, in the case of Susquehanna County, a much smaller pool could be generated, and used where conflicts of interest or other inability of a commissioner to serve exists. Thus, a full board could exist at all times. In the long run, it would almost certainly be less expensive to the taxpayers than a suit against the county, such as we are currently probably facing from Raymond Davis.
Now the ball is in Davis’ court. If a suit is filed by Davis, it would cost the county taxpayers money to defend against. This writer believes that the although Davis would have a reasonable chance to prevail, the cost to the taxpayers, and him professionally (money is NOT the issue here) could exceed a positive outcome.
Maybe the situation could be resolved by both Ms. Warren and Mr. Giangriecco making a public apology to Mr. Davis and resolving to correct the conflict issues as they currently exist. But that would be too simple…
So, let the games continue with the taxpayers on the hook to pay for the egos involved here. What a waste of your money and mine.
From Thompson:
Susquehanna County Commissioners
July 23, 2008
Agenda
1. Commissioner Warren called the meeting to order at AM in the Lower Conference room in the County Office Building.
2. Pledge of allegiance to the flag.
3. Present: Commissioners Warren, Allen and Giangrieco
4. Motion by Commissioner to correct/approve the minutes of the July 9, 2008 meeting. Second Commissioner
5. Motion by Commissioner to correct/approve the minutes of the July 17, 2008 special meeting.
Second Commissioner
Employee Years of Service Recognition: July - 5 Year Incremental Anniversaries. Joan Roberts, Prison, 15 years
Walter Welch, Prison, 20 years
6. Motion by Commissioner to ratify or approve the following:
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/08/2008 for $1,630.88 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/09/2008 for $199,433.95 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/15/2008 for $39,232.12 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/10/2008 for $106,513.67 for CYS Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/23/2008 for $163,870.33 for Payroll Expenses
-approve the EFTPS payment dated 07/24/2008 for $59,479.30 for Federal Payroll taxes
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 07/23/2008 for $13,151.46 for Employee Retirement
Contribution
-ratify the EFTPS payment dated 07/23/2008 for $7,205.77 for State Withholding taxes Second Commissioner
7. Motion by Commissioner to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests:
-Laura Watts, Director of Elections and David Yulke, IT Director, Dickson City, July 23, 2008, Pennsylvania ES&S User Group Meeting, cost $39.88. Second Commissioner
8. Motion by Commissioner to appoint Jennifer Morelli, Recycling Coordinator, as the Project Officer and primary contact with the Department of Environmental Protection during the completion of the Scope of Work for the 901 Municipal Waste Planning Grant dated February 19, 2008.
Second Commissioner
9. Motion by Commissioner to authorize the Commissioners to sign the State Food Purchase Program Agreement between Susquehanna County and Trehab, dated July 1, 2008. Second Commissioner
10. Motion by Commissioner to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes regarding the following, per the recommendation of Catherine Benedict, Tax Claim Director:
a. Great Bend Township, Parcel No. 071.00-1,002.00,004., name of Randy Osterhout, consisting of trailer on Lot 4 in Hallstead Park, assessed at $300.00. The Assessment office removed from the rolls 01/08 as the trailer is gone. Total taxes to be exonerated $135.71.
b. Choconut Township, Parcel No. 024.02-1,051.00,007., name of Edwin Bryant Sr., consisting of a trailer in Choconut Valley Mob Ct., assessed at $1,700.00. The Assessment office exonerated from rolls 07/08 for all year as the trailer is gone from the trailer court. Total taxes to be exonerated $196.56.
Second Commissioner
11. Motion by Commissioner to authorize the Commissioners to sign the agreements dated July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009 between the Susquehanna County Drug & Alcohol Commission and the following entities:
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services, Scranton, PA Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Aliquippa, PA’
Second Commissioner
12. Motion by Commissioner to appoint the following to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission:
Full Commission Appointments
Local Elected Officials: Commissioner MaryAnn Warren Commissioner Michael J. Giangrieco Commissioner Leon C. Allen
Members at Large: Dennis Phelps
David Darrow
Economic Development/
Planning Official: Katherine Shelly
Advisory Committee Appointments Economic Development: Robert Neira
Bill Dovin
Jack Taylor
Local Loan Review:
Tom Bush Rick Soden Jim Pietrowski
Rural Area Transportation:Joe Plonski Rudy Mattes Fred Benson
Workforce Development: Sam Anderson
Personnel Committee: Commissioner Leon Allen Commissioner Michael J. Giangrieco
Nominating Committee: Commissioner MaryAnn Warren Second Commissioner
13. Motion by Commissioner to adopt the Statement of Safety Policy, effective 01/07/2008.
Second Commissioner
Public Comment.
14. Motion by Commissioner to close the Commissioners’ Meeting. Second Commissioner
Commissioner Warren declared the Commissioners’ meeting adjourned at am.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to close the Commissioners’ Meeting and open the Salary Board Meeting.
Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Commissioner Warren declared the Commissioners’ meeting adjourned at 9:40am. ATTEST: APPROVED:
Sylvia Beamer, Chief Clerk
CS-08-14 07-09-08
Commissioner Warren called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM in the Lower Conference Room in the County Office Building.
Susquehanna County Commissioners
Pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Present: Commissioners Warren, Allen and Giangrieco
10
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2008 meeting. Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Employee Years of Service Recognition: July - 5 Year Incremental Anniversaries. Joan Roberts, Prison, 15 years
Walter Welch, Prison, 20 years
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to ratify or approve the following:
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 06/26/2008 for $332,913.08 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/02/2008 for $188,638.25 for General Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 06/26/2008 for $74,640.24 for CYS Expenses
-ratify the Precheck Register dated 07/09/2008 for $ 150,378.06 for Payroll Expenses
-approve the EFTPS payment dated 07/10/2008 for $ 55,996.59 for Federal Payroll taxes
-approve the EFTPS payment dated 07/10/2008 for $12,839.84 for Employee Retirement
Contribution
-approve the EFTPS payment dated 07/10/2008 for $6,804.28 for State Withholding taxes Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Allen to approve the following seminar requests and/or payment for seminar requests:
-Tracey Breslin, Children & Youth, Mayfield, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25, September 8, 9, 22, 23, October 6, 7, 20, November 6, 17, December 1, 2, and 15, 2008, January 5, 6, 21 and February 2, 2009, Charting the Course Series (15 module series), total cost $1060., cost to the County $212.
-Raymond Totten, Children & Youth, Mayfield, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25, September 8, 9, 22, 23, October 6, 7, 20, November 6, 17, December 1, 2, and 15, 2008, January 5, 6, 21 and February 2, 2009, Charting the Course Series (15 module series), total cost $1060., cost to the County $212.
-Jeffrey Shoemaker, James Gulbin, Joseph Barry, Phillip Crisp, Lisa Vail, Sami Bourizk, and Allen Smith, Probation, Wallenpaupak, PA, July 8, 2008 Firearm Education and Training Course 6 - Deadly Force Response and Decision Making, total cost $56.00, cost to the County $0.00.
-Joseph Barry, Probation, Lansdale, PA, September 22-23, 2008, Armorer Certification - SIG Sauer Pistols, total cost $848.00, cost to the County $0.00.
-Michele Jerauld, Linda Daly and Brenda Landes, Domestic Relations, Wilkes-Barre, August 1, 2008, Medical Support Enforcement and Procedures, total cost $91.50 cost to the County $31.11.
-Christine Lee, Domestic Relations, Wilkes-Barre, August 4-August 15, 2008, New Hire Training, total cost $815.00, cost to the County $277.10.
-Cathy Benedict and Cindy Oleniacz, Tax Claim, State College, October 21, 2008October 24, 2008, 2008 Tax Claim Bureau Annual Conference, cost $1050.00. Second Commissioner Giangrieco. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to accept the quote for bottled water for the County from the low bidder, Endless Mountain Water Co., Tunkhannock for the period 08/01/2008 through 07/30/2010. The bid is for $2.95 per 5 gallon bottle plus rental for coolers - cold only $5 per month - hot/cold $6.00 per month.
Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
The other bid received was from J&J Springs, New Milford for $3.95 per bottle, no rental fees.
Motion by Commissioner Allen to allow the Commissioners to sign the agreements dated July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009 between the Susquehanna County Drug & Alcohol Commission and the following entities:
White Deer Run Inc. Williamsport, PA
Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. 901 6?‘ Avenue Altoona, PA
Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. 8257 h Avenue Altoona, PA
Choices Recovery Program Wilkes-Barre, PA
Choices At Nesbitt Kingston, PA
Eagleville Hospital Eagleville, PA Second Commissioner Giangrieco. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to award the bid for carpeting in Children & Youth to Mainline Supply Corp., Binghamton, NY in the amount of $7,805. Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried. There was one other bid - Rug Fair Commercial and Industrial Inc. for $7590. plus floor patches up to $1700. Mainline Supply included the floor patching in their price.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes regarding the following per the request of Catherine Benedict, Tax Claim Director:
Dimock Township, Parcel No. 163.03-2,001.00,001., name of Bob & Rose Carey, consisting of a trailer on E. Bunnell Jr. land, assessed at $8700.00. Assessment removed from the rolls 05/01/2008 as the trailer is gone. Total tax to be exonerated $350.25.
Bridgewater Township, Parcel No. 161.08-1,042.00,012., name of David Rhodes, consisting of trailer on Lot 12 in Shady Lane Trailer Park, assessed at $12,400.00. Assessment office removed from the rolls 06/24/08 as the trailer is gone. Total tax to be exonerated $1887.16.
Lathrop Township, Parcel No. 240.00-1,055.00,006., name of Joseph Labour, consisting of a trailer on TGJSM LLC Land, Assessed at $2000.00. Assessment office removed from the rolls as gone. Total tax to be exonerated $135.63.
Oakland Township, Parcel No. 054.00-1,001.00,020., name of Robert F & Teri L Weida, consisting of a trailer in Oakland Trailer Park Lot 20, assessed at $500.00. Assessment office removed from the rolls as gone. Total tax to be exonerated is $111.33. Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Allen to accept the bid from Mirabito for the period 08/01/2008 - 07/31/2009. The fixed price method will be used from October 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009 for #2 fuel oil at $4.63 per gallon and the fixed price method for dyed 500ppm kerosene for the same period at $4.99 per gallon. The Changing price per gallon will be used for the balance of the bid year and will be billed at Vestal - Valero terminal per gallon price plus a fixed differential per gallon of .23 cents for #2 fuel oil and the Vestal Conaco terminal per gallon price plus a fixed differential per gallon of .28 cents per gallon. Second Commissioner Giangrieco. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Public Comment.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to close the Commissioners’ Meeting. Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Commissioner Warren declared the Commissioners’ meeting adjourned at 9: 14am.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Sylvia Beamer, Chief Clerk Susquehanna County Commissioners
CS-08-15 07-17-08
Commissioner Warren called the Special meeting to order at 8:33AM in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room in the Susquehanna County Courthouse.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Present: Commissioners Warren, Allen and Giangrieco
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to accept with regret the resignation of Kevin Pietriyk, 911 System Manager/Database Analyst, effective August 30, 2008. Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to accept the resignation of William Zick, No Till Specialist, effective July 26, 2008.
Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Allen to hire Amanda C. Russell, Montrose, to the open, full-time position of Assistant Director of Elections/Assistant Voter Registrar, 40 hours per week, Range 10, Rate $9.70 per hour as previously set by the Salary Board, with a six month probation period and benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract, effective hire date 07/21/2008, per the recommendation of Laura Watts, Director of Elections. Second Commissioner Giangrieco. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Public Comment.
Motion by Commissioner Giangrieco to close the Commissioners’ Meeting and open the Salary Board Meeting.
Second Commissioner Allen. Ayes: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Commissioner Warren declared the Commissioners’ meeting adjoumed at 8:35am. ATTEST: APPROVED:
Jul 25, 5:07 AM
According to published reports along with other sources, on July 16, our President Judge, Kenneth Seamans ruled that Minority County Commissioner Michael Giangrieco, Esq., is disqualified from the Assessment Appeals Board, regarding matters of Clean and Green. The ruling was the result of Raymond Davis, Esq., filing a lawsuit on behalf of Rosemary, Todd and James Greenwood, in part requesting that Giangrieco be disqualified due to his involvement in multiple lawsuits against Cabot Oil and Gas, in which he is attempting on behalf of his clients to have gas leases voided.
Congratulations to Attorney Davis for stepping up to the plate and calling foul.
It is the understanding of this writer that today’s meeting was extremely short. Would the readers who attended please post the facts here? Also, the minutes from last meeting would be helpful. Thank you.
I thought the Commissioner MaryAnn Warren was supposed to relate the County’s position on specific aspects of the gas lease issues today. Apparently if it was handled at all, it was just glossed over.
First, Thank you to Thompson and Taxpayerpayingattention for the work of collecting and writing the minutes and agenda on this blog for all to see. If you, the reader missed them, they are available here A Very Good Suggestion Received Regarding Our County Commissioners Meetings under the Comments. In the future, I will try to remember to put up an entry for the agenda and minutes.
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The largest search requests on this site continue to be about gas leasing, gas wells, etc. Does anyone have any updates to share. If so, please just note yes, without details, under the Comments for this entry and a new entry will be added for them. Thank you!
Recently, Thompson suggested that it would be good if someone would post a copy of the minutes of the Commissioners’ Meetings.
Two items about this great idea which need to be noted.
The first is that the minutes are available for the previous meeting - after- they are approved. The reason for that is simple. If there is an error, they shouldn’t be made public until they have been corrected and approved by the Commissioners. I have found this to be the way business is conducted in various local government meetings attended over the years. If a copy is provided before the meeting, it is assumed to be a draft, rather than the approved version. So, in the end, a copy of the official minutes posted on this blog would be roughly two weeks or so after the meeting. If that is of interest to the readers, then the second item needs to be addressed.
The second item is the mechanics of how to get the approved minutes from the Commissioners’ meeting converted to electronic form and ultimately posted here. First, someone would have to pick up a copy and then, for the somewhat technically minded, they would need to be scanned in and saved as a PDF and posted as a link here.
Again, this writer would look forward to being able to post these minutes for the general public to read. Even if they are a couple of weeks old they would offer insight as to how our Commissioners work and ultimately represent us.
Of course, if someone, or more than one, wanted to actually cover the meetings on a non-partisan basis…. In addition to having the minutes from the previous meeting, this would help make the Commissioners’ actions a little more transparent and make the information a lot more relevant.
All right. Volunteers?