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.
For those of you who don’t remember, Annette Senior was the first Economic Development Director we had in Susquehanna County.
In 2004, she was attacked by a bear in her back yard.
In February of this year, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor which is quite agressive. Of course all this has been devistating on her family emotionally and financially.
There will be an “Italian Fest” benefit dinner for Annette on Sunday September 28, 2008 from 1 - 6 PM at the Great Bend - Hallstead American Legion. Lots of food, games, live music and other ways to help support Annette and the expenses which are being incurred.
Tickets are $10 for adults, under 12 $5 and under 5 are free.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, you may do so at any branch of Peoples National Bank. The account name is Annette Senior Benefit Fund.
Please take this opportunity to show Annette and her family what kind of support we have for our fellow Susquehanna County neighbors. Attached below is a flyer and a letter which you should feel free to reproduce and share with everyone you know. 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?
Here is the link:
“Currently no way to treat million of gallons of wastwater in NEPA” (Scranton Times-Tribune 8-25-2008)
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?
I had a chance to go to the Harford Fair the other day. Although nothing changes much there, at least not quickly, (of course over the years it has changed a great deal) I still like going there as it is sort of like an “old home week”. Here I get to run into neighbors and other acquaintances I don’t see at many other times of the year, as well as put on a few pounds for winter (always have to get a Montrose Metors Milk Shake). Maybe the best way to descibe the fair is “comfortable”. You pretty much know what to expect, and you get it. This is not meant to be anything but complementary to the Board of Driectors of the Harford Agricultural Society and the various volunteers and paid help which put on this event. Over the years, it has become almost seamless. And that, by itself is a huge credit to these women and men.
151 years is a long time. It is really easy to dismiss the whole thing, especially if you grew up here. Over the years, I have heard the comment “Just like the Harford Fair, nothing to it!”
In reality, nothing could be further from the truth, we need to realize what a treasure we have here and support it fully! See you at the Harford Fair!
Apparently there are other companies leasing land (at least in Upstate New York). This time is it is for windmills. Give them time, they will be here. Then you can lease the surface rights to your land as well as the mineral rights. The question then becomes - “What do you really have left to sell?”
The following article from the New York Times is about the possible corruption of local officials regarding wind farms.
Do you think that will be happening here? Has it already happened? Is it happening now?
Who is making sure the excellent roads we have here will be protected from deteriorating into mudholes and potholes? Have the townships a plan in place to get a meaningful bond from these gas companies when the drilling starts? Or are the various supervisors taking a “wait and see” approach? Or is that wait and do nothing, hoping the gas companies will make things “right”? How about enacting ordinances NOW to limit noise, smell, light, runoff, soil erosion, protect drinking water quality, etc. as well as from bothering other landowners, some of whom have not signed and will not sign a lease?
Your thoughts?
The following is from Thompson. Thank you
In a letter to the The Post-Standard of Syracuse, NY, published on August 12, 2008, Peter Grannis, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said:
“Before any permits are issued for horizontal wells in the Marcellus formation we will know what is going into and coming out of the ground. We will know how the large quantities of water needed for these operations will be managed and stored in order to protect out critical water resources. And we will know how any wastewater will be properly treated.”The people of Central New York love their land. Gov. Paterson and I understand and share their feelings. As we move forward to address the potential drilling in the Marcellus Shale, DEC will be there, working in partnership with local communities, to ensure that our precious land, air, water and natural resources are fully protected.”
I hope the folk in Harrisburg feel the same way.
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.