Saturday, December 26, 2009
Octorara welcomes new board members
The Octorara Area School Board has reorganized, welcoming two new school board members and electing Lisa Bowman board president. New board members John McCartney and Shawna Johnson were sworn in during a Dec. 7 work session. McCartney was elected to his seat in November, and Johnson, a Republican, was the only applicant for the position and was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Peter Mango, who retired to begin a business. Johnson, a Christiana Borough resident, works in the insurance industry and said in an interview she is going into the job “with a 100 percent open mind. I have no agenda. “People complain, but they don’t do anything,” Johnson said. “I’m not someone to talk and take no action.” Nelson Stoltzfus was re-elected vice president and appointed as the board’s representative to the Chester County Intermediate Unit board. Also re-elected were John Malone, treasurer, and Jill Hardy, secretary. Chloe Dean, a junior at Octorara High School, was selected student representative. Although it’s early, business manager Dan Carsley said during the regular Dec. 14 meeting his “very preliminary” work on the 2010-11 budget predicts a $47.6 million budget, up about .33 percent over the current spending plan. Carsley said the increase is due mainly to five categories: increases in salaries, medical costs, retirement contributions, debt service, and vocational/technical education. He said he will have more formal figures in January. In addition to higher costs, income from property taxes is likely to be less because the assessed valuation of real estate in Lancaster County is down about $300,000, and down about $1.1 million in Chester County, Carsley said. Stoltzfus noted Octorara has not been hit as hard by decreasing property values as other districts in the region. Tom Houghton, legislative director for state Rep. Tom Houghton, spoke at the meeting, telling board members Houghton’s office continues to work for legislative initiatives which could lower property taxes. He said the Octorara Regional Council is also working to attract businesses to the district. In a related matter, the school board adopted a policy establishing a fee-for-use policy which will take place on July 1, 2010. The policy means businesses and community groups which charge fees, such as the YMCA, will pay fees for using school facilities. School groups will have free access. Superintendent Tom Newcome said the school board will hold clinics for student H1N1 vaccines Jan. 5, 7, and 9. The school district has received 2,700 doses. If there are extra vaccines, the Chester County Health Department will hold clinics for the community. Also the school board approved paying Matthew King, who is farming the Aldus King farm neighboring the school campus, $3,200 for a storm water project. Newcome said there has been a water drainage problem between the properties. King obtained a grant to repair the project, but the payment represents the 8 percent of the problem the grant did not cover. Newcome also said the district will likely take part in the state Department of Education Race to the Top initiative, but he plans to meet with the Octorara Area Education Association for input before a final commitment. In personnel matters the school board hired: Brian Johnston as a computer technicial at a $30,000 salary; Laura Duff as a substitute learning support teacher until April; and several athletic coaches. The school board also held an executive session for personnel matters.
New building for rural township in 2010?
At $2,767,368, Sadsbury Township’s 2010 budget is the rural municipality’s highest ever, but the spending plan calls for no tax increase. The budget climbed into the millions because of one line item, $1.98 million for a new township building to replace the aging structure at the corner of White Oak and Noble roads. However, construction of a new building, which would likely include purchasing from PP&L a small strip of neighboring land at an as-yet undetermined price, is not a sure thing. “It’s in the budget but if we can’t get grants, donations and the help, we can’t have the building,” said Supervisor Linda Swift. “We don’t want to commit to put the township in debt but we wanted to put it in the budget just to make sure.” Swift said the modest building was inspected two years ago and while the building inspector said it “wouldn’t fall down, he recommended not putting any money into it because it would fall down within 10 years.” A volunteer building committee has been working on plans for an energy-efficient municipal center incorporating green technologies. The township, whose supervisors passed the budget Dec. 8, has not increased taxes for the past five years. The mill rate will remain at .8 mills. On the revenue side, the township will begin 2010 with $127,406 in cash and savings. The township anticipates receiving $436,475 in real estate and transfer taxes (down about 15 percent); $16,300 in licenses and permits; $57,50 in fines and forfeits; $1,610 in interest, rents and royalties; $33,625 in intergovernmental revenues; a $32,000 county grant for a safety construction project on White Oak Road; $4,025 for hearing fees; $14,350 for building and sewage permits; and an estimated long-term loan of $2,095,827 for the building project, for a total revenue figure of $2,767,368.59. On the expense side, Sadsbury anticipates spending $52,766 for employment taxes; $2,093,550 for general government (including $1.98 million for the building); $53,340 for public safety; $6,000 on public works and sanitation; $390,685 on public works/highways/streets; a $7,250 donation to Moore’s Memorial Library; $43,105 in debt service; $100,622 on employee benefits and withholding; $19,200 on insurance; and $800 in miscellaneous expenses for a total of $2,767,368. In addition, the township anticipates receiving $221,492 in liquid fuels funds and spending the same figure for road maintenance.-30-
Monday, November 30, 2009
Octorara to enact fee-for-use policy
Community groups which use Octorara Area School District facilities will soon pay a fee for this formerly free service, according to a policy the school board anticipates adopting in December.
The 11-page policy, which will assess fees ranging from $25 to $100 for field use and from $25 to $250 for room and gymnasium use, passed on first reading Nov. 16 and will likely be adopted Dec. 14.
School board members, who chose to make the change due to a tight budget and tax increases, debated the move for several months and heard from members of the Octorara YMCA, who asked for leeway as the school board considered a fee-for-use policy.
Superintendent Tom Newcome said he would like to continue to see regular community uses of facilities, but fees are fiscally responsible.
“There are some in the community who have the concept the YMCA has some deep pockets,” said board member Robert Hume. “That’s not true in the Octorara area. This will be a burden.”
The facilities use policy also prohibits use of schools for “subversive” activities and teaching, gambling or illegal activities, demonstrations and parades contrary to public welfare, and illegal activities. It states facilities are available on Sundays only after 1 p.m., and gives the district the ability to assign police protection at the expense of organizations if deemed necessary by school officials.
The policy outlines guidelines for use and cleaning, and requires nonschool organizations to have liability insurance.
Some groups, such as school and athletic booster clubs, school teams and PTO organizations, will continue to have free use, as will non-profit groups such as the American Cancer Society, unless special custodial or equipment is necessary.
The policy only applies to fee-assessing groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, church and community sports groups, universities, and the YMCA, as well as private for-profit groups.
Nationally known math consultants Carol Antes and Janie Zimmer also gave the board a six-point overview of a curriculum initiative which administrators say is improving the district's K-12 math program.
The program focuses on applying math problem-solving to real-life situations using: equity, best educational practices, a strong coordinated curriculum, technology, professional development, and student support.
Newcome and Assistant Superintendent Nancy Bishop explained Zimmer and Antes have visited the campus since 2007 and the school district has spent about $87,000 for consultants in the past two years.
The administrators prepared a lengthy summary of the district's math program following questions during school board meetings about math progress. The report is available on request from the district office.
In personnel matters, the school board hired: Jean Coldiron as a substitute high school special education teacher, Lisa Rohrer as a clerical assistant, Lee Krug as a high school girls lacrosse coach, Rebekah Doane (who resigned as a secretary) as an as-needed interpreter, Katie Doane as a long-term substitute third grade teacher, Robert Steffy as a software support specialist, Cheryl Johnson as a well-being assistant, Deborah Pizolato as a lunch/playground assistant, Jane Markman as a substitute gifted/reading teacher, Kyle Whary as an eighth grade girls basketball coach, Robin Elias as a middle school cheerleading coach, and Tammy Anthony as an instructional assistant and third grade reading coach.
Since construction at the high school uncovered additional asbestos, the board approved spending $35,000 for its removal.
Finally, the school board approved use of the high school for a wiffle ball tournament from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, and amendments to the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau bylaws.
The 11-page policy, which will assess fees ranging from $25 to $100 for field use and from $25 to $250 for room and gymnasium use, passed on first reading Nov. 16 and will likely be adopted Dec. 14.
School board members, who chose to make the change due to a tight budget and tax increases, debated the move for several months and heard from members of the Octorara YMCA, who asked for leeway as the school board considered a fee-for-use policy.
Superintendent Tom Newcome said he would like to continue to see regular community uses of facilities, but fees are fiscally responsible.
“There are some in the community who have the concept the YMCA has some deep pockets,” said board member Robert Hume. “That’s not true in the Octorara area. This will be a burden.”
The facilities use policy also prohibits use of schools for “subversive” activities and teaching, gambling or illegal activities, demonstrations and parades contrary to public welfare, and illegal activities. It states facilities are available on Sundays only after 1 p.m., and gives the district the ability to assign police protection at the expense of organizations if deemed necessary by school officials.
The policy outlines guidelines for use and cleaning, and requires nonschool organizations to have liability insurance.
Some groups, such as school and athletic booster clubs, school teams and PTO organizations, will continue to have free use, as will non-profit groups such as the American Cancer Society, unless special custodial or equipment is necessary.
The policy only applies to fee-assessing groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, church and community sports groups, universities, and the YMCA, as well as private for-profit groups.
Nationally known math consultants Carol Antes and Janie Zimmer also gave the board a six-point overview of a curriculum initiative which administrators say is improving the district's K-12 math program.
The program focuses on applying math problem-solving to real-life situations using: equity, best educational practices, a strong coordinated curriculum, technology, professional development, and student support.
Newcome and Assistant Superintendent Nancy Bishop explained Zimmer and Antes have visited the campus since 2007 and the school district has spent about $87,000 for consultants in the past two years.
The administrators prepared a lengthy summary of the district's math program following questions during school board meetings about math progress. The report is available on request from the district office.
In personnel matters, the school board hired: Jean Coldiron as a substitute high school special education teacher, Lisa Rohrer as a clerical assistant, Lee Krug as a high school girls lacrosse coach, Rebekah Doane (who resigned as a secretary) as an as-needed interpreter, Katie Doane as a long-term substitute third grade teacher, Robert Steffy as a software support specialist, Cheryl Johnson as a well-being assistant, Deborah Pizolato as a lunch/playground assistant, Jane Markman as a substitute gifted/reading teacher, Kyle Whary as an eighth grade girls basketball coach, Robin Elias as a middle school cheerleading coach, and Tammy Anthony as an instructional assistant and third grade reading coach.
Since construction at the high school uncovered additional asbestos, the board approved spending $35,000 for its removal.
Finally, the school board approved use of the high school for a wiffle ball tournament from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, and amendments to the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau bylaws.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Financial struggle faces Octorara school candidates
Look for county-wide school board election stories in regional newspapers.
The school district budget and how to fund it is the number one issue named by all candidates running for Octorara Area School Board seats Nov. 3.
All candidates are incumbents except for Democrat John McCartney of Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County, who is running along with incumbent Republican Sam Ganow of West Fallowfield Township in Region 2 for two available seats.
School board President Duane Hershey, a 12-year board veteran, is not running again in Region 2, which includes the municipalities of Sadsbury and West Fallowfield townships.
Hershey, who said he has “really enjoyed” his tenure, said the main issue facing the school board is “what our school district can afford.
“Financially, it’s always been a struggle,” said Hershey.
The rural school district straddling both Lancaster and Chester counties has a limited business tax base and its residents have also endured the shifting of about $150,000 million in revenue annually on to the tax bills of homeowners due to Clean and Green, according to State Rep. Bryan Cutler.
Cutler has introduced House Bill 1788 to shift the burden of lost Clean and Green revenue from homeowners. Cutler said he has been promised a hearing this fall and that a financial impact study should be completed by next fall.
Proponents of Clean and Green say protecting farm land from housing developments means fewer students to educate and pay for.
“They are absolutely correct on that point,” said Cutler. “However, the state is also saving money by not having to pay for these extra students and currently all of the costs are being borne by the local taxpayers.
“I believe that the state should help with some of the costs associated with this since they also save money,” Cutler said.
In Chester County, state Rep. Tom Houghton is chairing the Octorara Regional Council which is focused on bringing more business revenue into the school district. A developer recently toured the district with Houghton and school board members to scope out possibilities for development.
Octorara board candidates, however, will face another budget season before either state representative is able to deliver relief.
McCartney, a retired registered nurse who also works part-time for JB Zimmerman in Christiana, was a founding member of Clasta, the Chesland Anti-School Tax Association in 2007. The group is a member of the PTCC, the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition, which supports House Bill 1275 and the elimination of school property taxes (to be phased out 25 percent a year for four years). The bill would fund schools with a six percent sales tax, while broadening the sales tax base to include more services and purchases.
“I think everyone has to realize we’re in a difficult situation,” McCartney said, adding that property owners are being squeezed.
McCartney said taxpayers should also expect another 20-30 percent increase in property taxes to return lost invested revenue to the state teachers pension fund.
“We’re going to have to tighten our belts and ride it out,” he said. “Academics should be ultimate.”
Private funding of school sports, an experiment recently carried through by the Octorara Football Club, is a possibility eyed by both McCartney and Ganow. The club privately began a junior varsity and varsity program, which the district accepted into the athletic program this year.
“It depends on who’s doing the funding,” said McCartney.
“I’d like it (private funding of school sports) not to be an issue,” said Ganow, now in his sixth year as a board member. “Every budget is difficult because of limited resources. Sports becomes an issue when you get down to the end. It’s going to become more of an issue because if the budget gets too high it has to go to referendum.”
Ganow said he is unaware of any successful budget referendums and that education has to be “number one, not other things.”
In Region 3, incumbents Robert Hume, who has cross-filed as a Republican and Democrat, and Republican Nelson Stoltzfus, are both running to retain their seats unopposed. Region 3 includes Highland and Londonderry townships, and Parkesburg South.
Hume agreed with other candidates that the tax base is the biggest issue.
“We have a small tax base,” Hume said. “Poverty is an issue in Chester County.”
Stoltzfus did not return a reporter’s call or email.
All seats in Region 1, representing Atglen and Christiana Boroughs, Parkesburg North, and West Sadsbury Township, expire in 2011. However, Peter Mango, a Region 1 board member and retiring municipal police chief, is announcing his resignation Oct. 19. He’s beginning a private security firm.
Since there isn’t time for a candidate to run a campaign, Superintendent Tom Newcome is accepting resumes and letters of interest to fill Mango’s unexpired term until Nov. 2. The school board will then hold a special meeting to interview candidates and select a board member.
The school district budget and how to fund it is the number one issue named by all candidates running for Octorara Area School Board seats Nov. 3.
All candidates are incumbents except for Democrat John McCartney of Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County, who is running along with incumbent Republican Sam Ganow of West Fallowfield Township in Region 2 for two available seats.
School board President Duane Hershey, a 12-year board veteran, is not running again in Region 2, which includes the municipalities of Sadsbury and West Fallowfield townships.
Hershey, who said he has “really enjoyed” his tenure, said the main issue facing the school board is “what our school district can afford.
“Financially, it’s always been a struggle,” said Hershey.
The rural school district straddling both Lancaster and Chester counties has a limited business tax base and its residents have also endured the shifting of about $150,000 million in revenue annually on to the tax bills of homeowners due to Clean and Green, according to State Rep. Bryan Cutler.
Cutler has introduced House Bill 1788 to shift the burden of lost Clean and Green revenue from homeowners. Cutler said he has been promised a hearing this fall and that a financial impact study should be completed by next fall.
Proponents of Clean and Green say protecting farm land from housing developments means fewer students to educate and pay for.
“They are absolutely correct on that point,” said Cutler. “However, the state is also saving money by not having to pay for these extra students and currently all of the costs are being borne by the local taxpayers.
“I believe that the state should help with some of the costs associated with this since they also save money,” Cutler said.
In Chester County, state Rep. Tom Houghton is chairing the Octorara Regional Council which is focused on bringing more business revenue into the school district. A developer recently toured the district with Houghton and school board members to scope out possibilities for development.
Octorara board candidates, however, will face another budget season before either state representative is able to deliver relief.
McCartney, a retired registered nurse who also works part-time for JB Zimmerman in Christiana, was a founding member of Clasta, the Chesland Anti-School Tax Association in 2007. The group is a member of the PTCC, the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition, which supports House Bill 1275 and the elimination of school property taxes (to be phased out 25 percent a year for four years). The bill would fund schools with a six percent sales tax, while broadening the sales tax base to include more services and purchases.
“I think everyone has to realize we’re in a difficult situation,” McCartney said, adding that property owners are being squeezed.
McCartney said taxpayers should also expect another 20-30 percent increase in property taxes to return lost invested revenue to the state teachers pension fund.
“We’re going to have to tighten our belts and ride it out,” he said. “Academics should be ultimate.”
Private funding of school sports, an experiment recently carried through by the Octorara Football Club, is a possibility eyed by both McCartney and Ganow. The club privately began a junior varsity and varsity program, which the district accepted into the athletic program this year.
“It depends on who’s doing the funding,” said McCartney.
“I’d like it (private funding of school sports) not to be an issue,” said Ganow, now in his sixth year as a board member. “Every budget is difficult because of limited resources. Sports becomes an issue when you get down to the end. It’s going to become more of an issue because if the budget gets too high it has to go to referendum.”
Ganow said he is unaware of any successful budget referendums and that education has to be “number one, not other things.”
In Region 3, incumbents Robert Hume, who has cross-filed as a Republican and Democrat, and Republican Nelson Stoltzfus, are both running to retain their seats unopposed. Region 3 includes Highland and Londonderry townships, and Parkesburg South.
Hume agreed with other candidates that the tax base is the biggest issue.
“We have a small tax base,” Hume said. “Poverty is an issue in Chester County.”
Stoltzfus did not return a reporter’s call or email.
All seats in Region 1, representing Atglen and Christiana Boroughs, Parkesburg North, and West Sadsbury Township, expire in 2011. However, Peter Mango, a Region 1 board member and retiring municipal police chief, is announcing his resignation Oct. 19. He’s beginning a private security firm.
Since there isn’t time for a candidate to run a campaign, Superintendent Tom Newcome is accepting resumes and letters of interest to fill Mango’s unexpired term until Nov. 2. The school board will then hold a special meeting to interview candidates and select a board member.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Quarryville, Christiana libraries seek support
If you are a patron of Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana, or the Quarryville Library, the end-of-the-year budget crunch time is afoot, along with swirling leaves. It’s the time to let your municipal officials know your views on how much your municipality should contribute to your library.
Quarryville Borough Council members recently heard from Frances Vita, director of the Quarryville Library at 357 Buck Road, www.quarryvillelibrary.org.
“The library is very well used by this small community,” she said, noting there are 1,531 cardholders in the borough. “We are facing state budget cuts and are managing OK, but it will be more of a struggle next year.”
Vita said the library may face a 34 percent cut in state funding, which would trim $46,250 from the library’s operating budget.
“We’re already on a bare-bones budget as it is,” Vita said, adding that the library staff does not want to have to cut hours and services.
“Circulation is on the rise, and we are seeing a huge amount of use,” Vita said, adding that residents on tough budgets find the library is a great way to save money on books, CDs, movies and computer use.
Vita said that since the library’s tutors teach computer and research skills, it is creating “a more educated community” and supporting local schools.
Libraries are the only source of free and equal access to information,” Vita said.
Vita, and Claudia Roun, director of Moore’s, both have asked municipalities to remember their libraries during budget season.
Information about Moore’s Memorial Library, its capital campaign and building project may be found at www.christianalibrary.org.
Quarryville Borough Council members recently heard from Frances Vita, director of the Quarryville Library at 357 Buck Road, www.quarryvillelibrary.org.
“The library is very well used by this small community,” she said, noting there are 1,531 cardholders in the borough. “We are facing state budget cuts and are managing OK, but it will be more of a struggle next year.”
Vita said the library may face a 34 percent cut in state funding, which would trim $46,250 from the library’s operating budget.
“We’re already on a bare-bones budget as it is,” Vita said, adding that the library staff does not want to have to cut hours and services.
“Circulation is on the rise, and we are seeing a huge amount of use,” Vita said, adding that residents on tough budgets find the library is a great way to save money on books, CDs, movies and computer use.
Vita said that since the library’s tutors teach computer and research skills, it is creating “a more educated community” and supporting local schools.
Libraries are the only source of free and equal access to information,” Vita said.
Vita, and Claudia Roun, director of Moore’s, both have asked municipalities to remember their libraries during budget season.
Information about Moore’s Memorial Library, its capital campaign and building project may be found at www.christianalibrary.org.
Quarryville eyes Fourth Street
According to the Oct. 14 Intelligencer Journal, Quaryville Borough Council has set two special meetings to discuss the borough’s 2010 budget and whether to proceed with redoing Fourth Street.
If a Fourth Street project tops the list of 2010 capital improvements, Fourth Street residents will be required to pay to install sidewalks as the project is done. The special meetings are at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the borough office, 300 Saint Catherine St.
The 2009 Fifth Street improvement project was controversial among borough residents, many of whom disagreed with council’s pro-sidewalk policy and having to pay for them.
“We need to begin to look at what we want to do and if we will need to do any capital borrowing,” said council President Robert Landis Jr. during an Oct. 5 meeting.
Landis also indicated Fourth Street may need some updated storm water engineering.
In other business, police chief Ken Work said the police department answered many calls in September, including a disorderly conduct, two DUI arrests, and calls for assault, domestic violence and drug complaints. Work said the department participated in county DUI and speed patrols.
In Quarryville, and county-wide, trick-or-treat is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
If a Fourth Street project tops the list of 2010 capital improvements, Fourth Street residents will be required to pay to install sidewalks as the project is done. The special meetings are at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the borough office, 300 Saint Catherine St.
The 2009 Fifth Street improvement project was controversial among borough residents, many of whom disagreed with council’s pro-sidewalk policy and having to pay for them.
“We need to begin to look at what we want to do and if we will need to do any capital borrowing,” said council President Robert Landis Jr. during an Oct. 5 meeting.
Landis also indicated Fourth Street may need some updated storm water engineering.
In other business, police chief Ken Work said the police department answered many calls in September, including a disorderly conduct, two DUI arrests, and calls for assault, domestic violence and drug complaints. Work said the department participated in county DUI and speed patrols.
In Quarryville, and county-wide, trick-or-treat is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sadsbury considers charitable requests
In the last quarter of 2009, municipalities and community service organizations have their eyes on the bottom line.
Reporting that financially they are “surviving,” Christiana Fire Company asked Sadsbury Township supervisors Oct. 6 to consider making a donation to help them purchase a $10,000 brush fire truck to replace the outdated 1969 model.
Supervisors may consider a donation prior to the end of the year. Supervisors are considering the fire company’s request, along with how much to donate to Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana, which is moving the library into the historic bank on Bridge Street.
Volunteer community members have recently run a capital fundraising campaign, chicken barbecue and spaghetti dinner to boost the library project. The stone bank building is currently being renovated.
Supervisors also continue to consider undertaking their own building project to replace the aging building at Noble and White Oak roads, and are looking into the possibility of finding a grant writer to help with the financing.
In other business supervisors said they would request that the Pennsylvania State Police patrol Noble Road. Resident John Miller said speeding on the road has been a problem, and a danger to school children walking home.
Supervisors also approved: Samuel Stoltzfus’ request to place a roof with snow catchers over his manure pit on White Oak Road; Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau as its tax collector; paying health insurance deductibles for employees; Kim Davis as part-time recording secretary/bookkeeper; and a $150 donation to the Gap Fire Company for installing a weather station atop the township radio tower.
Supervisors also expressed concern that people are not respecting the “No Trespassing” signs along the Enola low-grade line. Supervisor Linda Swift said there were 12 signs along the township’s portion of the trail, and they have all disappeared. Supervisors said residents should not be on the trail because of ongoing bridge work, repairs and liability concerns.
Reporting that financially they are “surviving,” Christiana Fire Company asked Sadsbury Township supervisors Oct. 6 to consider making a donation to help them purchase a $10,000 brush fire truck to replace the outdated 1969 model.
Supervisors may consider a donation prior to the end of the year. Supervisors are considering the fire company’s request, along with how much to donate to Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana, which is moving the library into the historic bank on Bridge Street.
Volunteer community members have recently run a capital fundraising campaign, chicken barbecue and spaghetti dinner to boost the library project. The stone bank building is currently being renovated.
Supervisors also continue to consider undertaking their own building project to replace the aging building at Noble and White Oak roads, and are looking into the possibility of finding a grant writer to help with the financing.
In other business supervisors said they would request that the Pennsylvania State Police patrol Noble Road. Resident John Miller said speeding on the road has been a problem, and a danger to school children walking home.
Supervisors also approved: Samuel Stoltzfus’ request to place a roof with snow catchers over his manure pit on White Oak Road; Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau as its tax collector; paying health insurance deductibles for employees; Kim Davis as part-time recording secretary/bookkeeper; and a $150 donation to the Gap Fire Company for installing a weather station atop the township radio tower.
Supervisors also expressed concern that people are not respecting the “No Trespassing” signs along the Enola low-grade line. Supervisor Linda Swift said there were 12 signs along the township’s portion of the trail, and they have all disappeared. Supervisors said residents should not be on the trail because of ongoing bridge work, repairs and liability concerns.
Octorara to receive new faces and financing
Tackling some “fiscal housekeeping, “ Octorara Area School Board members said Oct. 12 they plan to take advantage of favorable interest rates to refinance $10 million in construction debt.
The move should save the school district about $153,000 in interest charges during the 2009/10 school year, according to Ken Phillips of RBC Dain Rauscher, who will present the school board with the legal paperwork for the deal during its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19.
According to Phillips, the move will consolidate three bond issues and pay some of the contractors currently working on the $37 million high school renovation.
In other business, the school board announced Pete Mango will resign as a school board member next Monday. Mango represents Region 1, which includes the municipalities of Atglen and Christiana boroughs, Parkesburg North, and West Sadsbury Township.
Mango, who is retiring from municipal police work in Chester County, is beginning a Signal 88 Security franchise, which will provide a roving patrol to clients such as shopping centers, corporate parks and schools.
Newcome said the school board is interested in hearing from any resident interested in filling Mango’s term, which expires in 2011. Candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to the superintendent by Nov. 2.
The school board plans to then hold a special meeting to interview those vying to fill the last two years of Mango’s term. Mango’s announcement did not come in time for a candidate to muster a campaign for the November general school board elections. Region 1 is also served by board members Linda Bicking and Brian Norris, whose terms expire in 2011.
In Region 2, which includes Sadsbury Township (Lancaster County) and West Fallowfield Township, two candidates are running for the two seats which are up for election. They are Samuel Ganow of Cochranville, a Republican who is running again for his seat, and John McCartney of Sadsbury Township, who has cross-filed as both a Republican and Democrat.
Lisa Bowman’s Region 2 seat does not expire until 2011.
Duane Hershey, school board president, is not running again in Region 2 following 12 years of service he said he has “really enjoyed.” Hershey is a Cochranville dairy farmer and the son of retired state Rep. Art Hershey.
School board members Robert Hume (who has cross-filed with both major parties) and Nelson Stoltzfus, a Republican, are both running again for their seats in Region 3, which serves Highland and Londonderry townships, and Parkesburg South. John Malone’s seat does not go up for reelection until 2011.
Finally, Newcome offered highlights of the recent audit of the district’s gifted education program, which serves 30 students in grades K-4, 43 students in fifth and sixth grades, 47 students in seventh and eighth grades, and 37 high school students.
There were three major findings in the audit, requiring the school district to make three changes prior to August, 2010: write gifted IEPs to student strengths, rather than generically; move the gifted program away from the pull-out model and into regular classrooms; and reduce teacher caseloads.
Newcome said the district plans to provide staff training, parent information and education, and develop a staffing budget to comply with the audit.
The move should save the school district about $153,000 in interest charges during the 2009/10 school year, according to Ken Phillips of RBC Dain Rauscher, who will present the school board with the legal paperwork for the deal during its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19.
According to Phillips, the move will consolidate three bond issues and pay some of the contractors currently working on the $37 million high school renovation.
In other business, the school board announced Pete Mango will resign as a school board member next Monday. Mango represents Region 1, which includes the municipalities of Atglen and Christiana boroughs, Parkesburg North, and West Sadsbury Township.
Mango, who is retiring from municipal police work in Chester County, is beginning a Signal 88 Security franchise, which will provide a roving patrol to clients such as shopping centers, corporate parks and schools.
Newcome said the school board is interested in hearing from any resident interested in filling Mango’s term, which expires in 2011. Candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to the superintendent by Nov. 2.
The school board plans to then hold a special meeting to interview those vying to fill the last two years of Mango’s term. Mango’s announcement did not come in time for a candidate to muster a campaign for the November general school board elections. Region 1 is also served by board members Linda Bicking and Brian Norris, whose terms expire in 2011.
In Region 2, which includes Sadsbury Township (Lancaster County) and West Fallowfield Township, two candidates are running for the two seats which are up for election. They are Samuel Ganow of Cochranville, a Republican who is running again for his seat, and John McCartney of Sadsbury Township, who has cross-filed as both a Republican and Democrat.
Lisa Bowman’s Region 2 seat does not expire until 2011.
Duane Hershey, school board president, is not running again in Region 2 following 12 years of service he said he has “really enjoyed.” Hershey is a Cochranville dairy farmer and the son of retired state Rep. Art Hershey.
School board members Robert Hume (who has cross-filed with both major parties) and Nelson Stoltzfus, a Republican, are both running again for their seats in Region 3, which serves Highland and Londonderry townships, and Parkesburg South. John Malone’s seat does not go up for reelection until 2011.
Finally, Newcome offered highlights of the recent audit of the district’s gifted education program, which serves 30 students in grades K-4, 43 students in fifth and sixth grades, 47 students in seventh and eighth grades, and 37 high school students.
There were three major findings in the audit, requiring the school district to make three changes prior to August, 2010: write gifted IEPs to student strengths, rather than generically; move the gifted program away from the pull-out model and into regular classrooms; and reduce teacher caseloads.
Newcome said the district plans to provide staff training, parent information and education, and develop a staffing budget to comply with the audit.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Do you hear me now?
Communication is an issue in the Octorara Area School District according to parents, who say they hope the school district will be more proactive comunicators.
Parents of students asked the school board Sept. 21 to consider posting school board meeting minutes on the district’s Website.
“People are finding out about things two months after the fact,” said Eric Stuehrmann of West Fallowfield Township.
The district posts meeting minutes after they have been approved by the school board at the following month’s meeting. Parents at recent meetings have stated they do not always read newspapers for school district news.
Brian Fox of Londonderry Township also requested that the school board revisit its policy for quicker communication.
“I don’t see any change in how the board reaches out to the community for participation,” said Stuehrmann, who also admitted that citizens tend to show up at meetings when they have a particular “agenda.”
Parents also expressed disappointment in the district’s math program and recent math scores, although the school district did make adequate yearly progress according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Comments prompted board member Sam Ganow to request a more detailed report about progress being made in school math departments in the near future.
Communication has been an issue at meetings during the past few months. Board president Duane Hershey has repeatedly reminded visitors he would like to see the room filled with citizens each month rather than for hot issues.
Whether the school board decides to place unapproved minutes on the district Website, Superintendent Tom Newcome let the community know he is in touch.
Newcome annually visits municipal meetings and holds “town hall meetings” throughout the school district to answer questions outside of school board meetings. He said he is also working with Rep. Tom Houghton’s office on the Octorara Regional Council, a committee of school and municipal officials, to bring more business revenue into the region.
Newcome said a commercial developer was scheduled to tour the community Sept. 22 to identify possible sites for business use.
In personnel matters, the school board accepted resignations from: instructional assistants Christina Cordisco, Mimi Jurasinski, Janice Papa, and sports coaches Ellen Russell, Stephanie Nuse and Sonia Taylor.
The school board hired Lindsey Fisher as a long-term second grade substitute teacher, Amanda Lenton as a long-term substitute third grade teacher, Richard Pankonien as a mid-range high school subsitute social studies teacher, Karen Williamson as a mid-range PLC substitute reading teacher, Laurel Vnucak as a middle school Title 1 reading teacher, Nicholas Raftas as alternative education assistant and van driver, Jacky Strouth as a middle school instructional assistant, Victoria Phelan as a lunch/playground assistant, Lindsey Mitman as a seventh grade field hockey coach, Shannon Julius and Michelle King as assistant cheerleading coaches, Vicky Huber and Natalie Lantz as volunteer volleyball coaches, and John Coombe as volunteer girls tennis coach.
Also, contracts with Althouse Transportation and Linville Hill Mennonite School, bus drivers, several classroom assistants, cafeteria and playground workers and reading skills teachers were approved.
The school board also congratulated teacher Deb Canby for writing a $4,000 grant for physical education equipment and approved a $200 stipend for her success.
The school board also held an executive session for personnel, and prior to the regular meeting held an executive session. The agenda stated it was for facility use contract negotiations.
During recent months the school board has stated it is considering charging fees for facility use, a move officials from the Octorara YMCA said could negatively impact its budget. The YMCA is a regular user of school facilities. The school board did not offer a report or vote on the issue.
Parents of students asked the school board Sept. 21 to consider posting school board meeting minutes on the district’s Website.
“People are finding out about things two months after the fact,” said Eric Stuehrmann of West Fallowfield Township.
The district posts meeting minutes after they have been approved by the school board at the following month’s meeting. Parents at recent meetings have stated they do not always read newspapers for school district news.
Brian Fox of Londonderry Township also requested that the school board revisit its policy for quicker communication.
“I don’t see any change in how the board reaches out to the community for participation,” said Stuehrmann, who also admitted that citizens tend to show up at meetings when they have a particular “agenda.”
Parents also expressed disappointment in the district’s math program and recent math scores, although the school district did make adequate yearly progress according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Comments prompted board member Sam Ganow to request a more detailed report about progress being made in school math departments in the near future.
Communication has been an issue at meetings during the past few months. Board president Duane Hershey has repeatedly reminded visitors he would like to see the room filled with citizens each month rather than for hot issues.
Whether the school board decides to place unapproved minutes on the district Website, Superintendent Tom Newcome let the community know he is in touch.
Newcome annually visits municipal meetings and holds “town hall meetings” throughout the school district to answer questions outside of school board meetings. He said he is also working with Rep. Tom Houghton’s office on the Octorara Regional Council, a committee of school and municipal officials, to bring more business revenue into the region.
Newcome said a commercial developer was scheduled to tour the community Sept. 22 to identify possible sites for business use.
In personnel matters, the school board accepted resignations from: instructional assistants Christina Cordisco, Mimi Jurasinski, Janice Papa, and sports coaches Ellen Russell, Stephanie Nuse and Sonia Taylor.
The school board hired Lindsey Fisher as a long-term second grade substitute teacher, Amanda Lenton as a long-term substitute third grade teacher, Richard Pankonien as a mid-range high school subsitute social studies teacher, Karen Williamson as a mid-range PLC substitute reading teacher, Laurel Vnucak as a middle school Title 1 reading teacher, Nicholas Raftas as alternative education assistant and van driver, Jacky Strouth as a middle school instructional assistant, Victoria Phelan as a lunch/playground assistant, Lindsey Mitman as a seventh grade field hockey coach, Shannon Julius and Michelle King as assistant cheerleading coaches, Vicky Huber and Natalie Lantz as volunteer volleyball coaches, and John Coombe as volunteer girls tennis coach.
Also, contracts with Althouse Transportation and Linville Hill Mennonite School, bus drivers, several classroom assistants, cafeteria and playground workers and reading skills teachers were approved.
The school board also congratulated teacher Deb Canby for writing a $4,000 grant for physical education equipment and approved a $200 stipend for her success.
The school board also held an executive session for personnel, and prior to the regular meeting held an executive session. The agenda stated it was for facility use contract negotiations.
During recent months the school board has stated it is considering charging fees for facility use, a move officials from the Octorara YMCA said could negatively impact its budget. The YMCA is a regular user of school facilities. The school board did not offer a report or vote on the issue.
Quarryville rejuvenates well-loved park
Swing carefully! Huffnagle Park in Quarryville will be under construction during October for an $88,935 improvement project.
Quarryville Borough Council members, who anticipate the improvements will update the well-used park and make it more versatile, selected Lechmanik, Inc. of West Chester for the job during a Sept. 21 special meeting.
Lechmanik was the low bidder, with bids ranging up to $124,635.
The project, which has been in planning overseen by the borough parks committee and Aro engineers, will actually cost the borough about $65,425 since the borough will receive $23,500 in reimbursement from the Lancaster County Urban Enhancement Fund.
Quarryville may also receive a donation from a private trust, the Huffnagle Community Park Trust. According to borough manager Al Drayovitch, the trust was set up in 1954 by Dr. Harry Huffnagle. Periodically during the past five decades, donations from the trust have been given to maintain and improve the park.
Improvements will include a new smaller pavilion so two groups may simultaneously use the park, additional perimeter lighting and electrical work, new recreation and park equipment, and screening for the trash recepticles.
During the special meeting council also reappointed junior council members Andrew Ausel and Alex Bledsoe. Both are Solanco High School students and will serve their second terms as council members through May, 2010.
Quarryville Borough Council members, who anticipate the improvements will update the well-used park and make it more versatile, selected Lechmanik, Inc. of West Chester for the job during a Sept. 21 special meeting.
Lechmanik was the low bidder, with bids ranging up to $124,635.
The project, which has been in planning overseen by the borough parks committee and Aro engineers, will actually cost the borough about $65,425 since the borough will receive $23,500 in reimbursement from the Lancaster County Urban Enhancement Fund.
Quarryville may also receive a donation from a private trust, the Huffnagle Community Park Trust. According to borough manager Al Drayovitch, the trust was set up in 1954 by Dr. Harry Huffnagle. Periodically during the past five decades, donations from the trust have been given to maintain and improve the park.
Improvements will include a new smaller pavilion so two groups may simultaneously use the park, additional perimeter lighting and electrical work, new recreation and park equipment, and screening for the trash recepticles.
During the special meeting council also reappointed junior council members Andrew Ausel and Alex Bledsoe. Both are Solanco High School students and will serve their second terms as council members through May, 2010.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Sadsbury to go solo on new ordinance
Sadsbury Township supervisors Aug. 4 directed the township planning commission to prepare their own new subdivision and land development ordinance, rather than working with other municipalities to forge a regional document.
Supervisors said they would work with the planning commission on updating the ordinance, using a model ordinance prepared by Gwen Newell, a planner with Lancaster County.
“The county has given us a very good document we can work with,” said David Blank, a planning commission member who attended the meeting. “If the planning commission and supervisors can work together as a group it will probably speed it up.”
The planning commission had considered working with Christiana Borough and Bart Township on an updated ordinance. County grant money is sometimes available for regional documents. Those at the meeting felt that using Newell’s model ordinance would save both time and money, although there will be some engineering fees.
The model ordinance, available in booklet form and CD, was prepared with the assistance of an engineer, attorney, developer, contractor and surveyor. It’s formatted so municipalities may edit in their own changes.
Supervisors also heard from Jack Assetto, chairman of the capital campaign which is moving Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana into the larger historic bank building on Bridge Street.
With a $500,000 Keystone grant and donations, which Assetto said are trickling in slowly in the current economy, construction is moving ahead. Assetto said the committee chose Warfel Construction for the construction project. Work is underway. The library's board must match the Keystone grant with $500,000 in donations.
“I hope the township will consider a three- to five-year commitment to the library,” said Assetto, indicating slowing donations show the project to be currently $100,000 short.
Assetto said Sadsbury Township residents are the library’s largest population of users, at 32 to 34 percent.
Christiana Borough pledged $10,000 for five years, and neighboring West Sadsbury in Chester County also has made a $3,000 donation. Sadsbury generally makes a donation at the end of each budget year.
In other business supervisors agreed to consider enacting their own noxious weed ordinance so they may move more quickly than the department of agriculture to stop the spread of thistle and other weeds.
Roadmaster Jeff Nickel told developers from Christiana Development Corp., which has Sadsbury Business Park on Pine Creek Drive, that after inspecting the road he thinks the edges should be milled and a new top put on the road before the township should consider taking over the road. Nickel and the developers agreed to further meetings.
Finally, supervisors agreed to notify PP&L they may be interested in purchasing a tract of land adjacent to the township building. Supervisor Linda Swift said PP&L will then contact the township with a proposal and their asking purchase price. The parcel also includes a small parcel across the road, which is not of interest to the township, but Swift said PP&L wants to sell the parcel intact. A township building committee is currently working on plans for a new township building.
Supervisors said they would work with the planning commission on updating the ordinance, using a model ordinance prepared by Gwen Newell, a planner with Lancaster County.
“The county has given us a very good document we can work with,” said David Blank, a planning commission member who attended the meeting. “If the planning commission and supervisors can work together as a group it will probably speed it up.”
The planning commission had considered working with Christiana Borough and Bart Township on an updated ordinance. County grant money is sometimes available for regional documents. Those at the meeting felt that using Newell’s model ordinance would save both time and money, although there will be some engineering fees.
The model ordinance, available in booklet form and CD, was prepared with the assistance of an engineer, attorney, developer, contractor and surveyor. It’s formatted so municipalities may edit in their own changes.
Supervisors also heard from Jack Assetto, chairman of the capital campaign which is moving Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana into the larger historic bank building on Bridge Street.
With a $500,000 Keystone grant and donations, which Assetto said are trickling in slowly in the current economy, construction is moving ahead. Assetto said the committee chose Warfel Construction for the construction project. Work is underway. The library's board must match the Keystone grant with $500,000 in donations.
“I hope the township will consider a three- to five-year commitment to the library,” said Assetto, indicating slowing donations show the project to be currently $100,000 short.
Assetto said Sadsbury Township residents are the library’s largest population of users, at 32 to 34 percent.
Christiana Borough pledged $10,000 for five years, and neighboring West Sadsbury in Chester County also has made a $3,000 donation. Sadsbury generally makes a donation at the end of each budget year.
In other business supervisors agreed to consider enacting their own noxious weed ordinance so they may move more quickly than the department of agriculture to stop the spread of thistle and other weeds.
Roadmaster Jeff Nickel told developers from Christiana Development Corp., which has Sadsbury Business Park on Pine Creek Drive, that after inspecting the road he thinks the edges should be milled and a new top put on the road before the township should consider taking over the road. Nickel and the developers agreed to further meetings.
Finally, supervisors agreed to notify PP&L they may be interested in purchasing a tract of land adjacent to the township building. Supervisor Linda Swift said PP&L will then contact the township with a proposal and their asking purchase price. The parcel also includes a small parcel across the road, which is not of interest to the township, but Swift said PP&L wants to sell the parcel intact. A township building committee is currently working on plans for a new township building.
Octorara launches local alternative ed program
This fall, Octorara High School students in need of alternative education, and those with disciplinary problems, will have a local educational choice.
The Octorara district is opening its own alternative education program, an addition which should, according to Superintendent Tom Newcome, save the school district approximately $100,000 in tuition monies previously paid to the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Newcome said Monday, Aug. 10, eight students have already been enrolled in the after-school program, to run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays.
The superintendent has tapped Brian Dikun, currently a fourth grade teacher at Octorara Elementary School, to run the program with the help of classroom assistants.
The school board plans to hire him Monday, Aug. 17, to be part-time Octorara Intermediate School assistant principal and part-time alternative education program director at a salary of $72,715.
Newcome said the program will be offered to students previously sent to the IU’s Center for Alternative Secondary Education or Chester County High School. Both have required transportation to Downingtown.
He said Monday alternative education has cost the district half a million dollars. While not every alternative education student may be a fit for the new program, taking over the program should save at least $100,000 during the 2009-10 school year.
Two other cost savings measures enacted when the school district’s $44 million budget was passed are causing a local stir. About 20 people attended Monday’s school board meeting and heard representatives from the Octorara YMCA and coaching and parent volunteers voice their concerns.
The school board included a $35 student activity fee in the budget, an item which should bring in $19,700 in revenue. While the school board originally included all activities, including band and chorus, Newcome has since limited the policy to students grades 7-12 participating in athletics, since music students receive credit for their work. There is a $45 annual cap on fees a student must pay, regardless of the number of sports.
The school board also anticipates receiving an additional $20,000 in revenue from facilities rental fees, when its policy committee finishes drafting a policy governing facilities rental revenue.
Neither policy has been popular with a group of vocal parents attending recent school board meetings.
“It sounds like we reached for the low-hanging fruit,” said Rob Wishneski, an Octorara YMCA board member. “What’s the social impact? The social impact can outweigh the $40,000 coming in.”
Wishneski presented the school board with a letter from the YMCA’s board of directors indicating rental fees would be a serious financial hardship to the YMCA.
The letter characterizes the YMCA board as “disappointed and concerned,” and asks that the school board consider creative solutions with minimal financial impact.
“Without the school district a lot of our programs couldn’t exist,” said Brian Wenzka, Octorara YMCA director. ”It ‘s in our complete interest to allow that to continue.”
Board members have been divided on both issues, the activity fee and rental fees.
Board member Sam Ganow said he disagreed with the term “low-hanging fruit,” saying board members and administrators had to cut the budget at all levels.
Board member Lisa Bowman said there are programs in place to help low-income families. Those who qualify for a free lunch may confidentially apply to the athletic director, Jim Weagley, for a waiver.
The policy committee will discuss rental fees for community groups at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the intermediate school faculty room. The regular school board meeting follows at 7:30 p.m. in the school library.
The Octorara district is opening its own alternative education program, an addition which should, according to Superintendent Tom Newcome, save the school district approximately $100,000 in tuition monies previously paid to the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Newcome said Monday, Aug. 10, eight students have already been enrolled in the after-school program, to run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays.
The superintendent has tapped Brian Dikun, currently a fourth grade teacher at Octorara Elementary School, to run the program with the help of classroom assistants.
The school board plans to hire him Monday, Aug. 17, to be part-time Octorara Intermediate School assistant principal and part-time alternative education program director at a salary of $72,715.
Newcome said the program will be offered to students previously sent to the IU’s Center for Alternative Secondary Education or Chester County High School. Both have required transportation to Downingtown.
He said Monday alternative education has cost the district half a million dollars. While not every alternative education student may be a fit for the new program, taking over the program should save at least $100,000 during the 2009-10 school year.
Two other cost savings measures enacted when the school district’s $44 million budget was passed are causing a local stir. About 20 people attended Monday’s school board meeting and heard representatives from the Octorara YMCA and coaching and parent volunteers voice their concerns.
The school board included a $35 student activity fee in the budget, an item which should bring in $19,700 in revenue. While the school board originally included all activities, including band and chorus, Newcome has since limited the policy to students grades 7-12 participating in athletics, since music students receive credit for their work. There is a $45 annual cap on fees a student must pay, regardless of the number of sports.
The school board also anticipates receiving an additional $20,000 in revenue from facilities rental fees, when its policy committee finishes drafting a policy governing facilities rental revenue.
Neither policy has been popular with a group of vocal parents attending recent school board meetings.
“It sounds like we reached for the low-hanging fruit,” said Rob Wishneski, an Octorara YMCA board member. “What’s the social impact? The social impact can outweigh the $40,000 coming in.”
Wishneski presented the school board with a letter from the YMCA’s board of directors indicating rental fees would be a serious financial hardship to the YMCA.
The letter characterizes the YMCA board as “disappointed and concerned,” and asks that the school board consider creative solutions with minimal financial impact.
“Without the school district a lot of our programs couldn’t exist,” said Brian Wenzka, Octorara YMCA director. ”It ‘s in our complete interest to allow that to continue.”
Board members have been divided on both issues, the activity fee and rental fees.
Board member Sam Ganow said he disagreed with the term “low-hanging fruit,” saying board members and administrators had to cut the budget at all levels.
Board member Lisa Bowman said there are programs in place to help low-income families. Those who qualify for a free lunch may confidentially apply to the athletic director, Jim Weagley, for a waiver.
The policy committee will discuss rental fees for community groups at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the intermediate school faculty room. The regular school board meeting follows at 7:30 p.m. in the school library.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Movin' on in Lancaster County
Tim Brazelton lives on a house built in 1890 on Creek Road in Colerain Township.
While it has seen families come and go, the house has not moved.
Except the house was recently moved by the Lancaster County Assessor’s office. According to Brazelton, an assessor apparently looked at his home on a computer mapping system, moved it to neighboring Sadsbury Township, and left him scratching his head and with a higher property tax bill. (Property taxes are higher in Sadsbury Township in the Octorara School District than in Colerain Township, which is in the Solanco district).
“I spoke to the Lancaster County Assessor’s office and asked them what triggered this,” Brazelton told a small group at the Sadsbury Township Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4. “They refused to give me specific information.”
Brazelton, who did not know the county had “moved” him until he received his property tax bill, consulted an attorney who advised him the assessor’s move was illegal. In digging, Brazelton, whose property has six separate tax parcels, discovered that what was in dispute was a “fence line curve” visible on the county map system, but which isn’t physically there.
“The house has been in Colerain Township for 120 years,” Brazelton said.
Brazelton told incredulous supervisors he did some thinking and decided the best solution would not be to go to court, but to ask supervisors in both municipalities to use their power under the municipal code and agree where the property line is.
Sadsbury supervisors agreed they would sign a municipal agreement with Colerain Township stating the house is indeed, as a formal 1899 map indicated, in Colerain Township.
“I apologize on behalf of the county,” said Gwen Newell a planner for Lancaster County, who attended the meeting to discuss planning issues.
While it has seen families come and go, the house has not moved.
Except the house was recently moved by the Lancaster County Assessor’s office. According to Brazelton, an assessor apparently looked at his home on a computer mapping system, moved it to neighboring Sadsbury Township, and left him scratching his head and with a higher property tax bill. (Property taxes are higher in Sadsbury Township in the Octorara School District than in Colerain Township, which is in the Solanco district).
“I spoke to the Lancaster County Assessor’s office and asked them what triggered this,” Brazelton told a small group at the Sadsbury Township Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4. “They refused to give me specific information.”
Brazelton, who did not know the county had “moved” him until he received his property tax bill, consulted an attorney who advised him the assessor’s move was illegal. In digging, Brazelton, whose property has six separate tax parcels, discovered that what was in dispute was a “fence line curve” visible on the county map system, but which isn’t physically there.
“The house has been in Colerain Township for 120 years,” Brazelton said.
Brazelton told incredulous supervisors he did some thinking and decided the best solution would not be to go to court, but to ask supervisors in both municipalities to use their power under the municipal code and agree where the property line is.
Sadsbury supervisors agreed they would sign a municipal agreement with Colerain Township stating the house is indeed, as a formal 1899 map indicated, in Colerain Township.
“I apologize on behalf of the county,” said Gwen Newell a planner for Lancaster County, who attended the meeting to discuss planning issues.
Quarryville to benefit from federal stimulus/recovery funds
The dates are still tentative but traveling through parts of southern Lancaster County will be problematic for three weeks, beginning approximately Aug. 17, when a $1,929,400 federal economic recovery project gets underway.
The railroad bridge over Route 372 at the east end of Quarryville, a main east-west route through southern Lancaster County, will undergo wall repairs by Buckley and Company, Inc. of Philadelphia. The firm was awarded the contract for 11 bridge parapet (wall) repair projects in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster and York counties.
The project is one of four bridges in Lancaster County to be repaired with federal funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), according to Greg Penney, PennDOT spokesman.
Also to be repaired are the Amtrak bridge at Route 741 in Salisbury Township, the Route 772 bridge over Cocalico Creek in Warwick Township, and the River Road bridge over the Conestoga River between Manor and Conestoga townships.
Penney said traffic in and out of Quarryville will be detoured, but as of Tuesday afternoon the detour route had not been approved.
According to Penney, PennDOT has awarded 22 different contracts under the ARRA since April, and the Quarryville bridge is one of the first in the state to be repaired with the federal recovery funds.
Road repair issues were again a hot topic during Quarryville Borough Council’s Aug. 3 meeting.
Council members and Rep. Bryan Cutler met last month and discussed local concerns about the speed of traffic entering Quarryville Borough on Route 222, congestion at the traffic light in the borough, and the increased volume of traffic since the demolition of the tunnel at routes 222 and 372.
Borough manager Al Drayovitch, Jr. said Monday night PennDOT is completing an engineering and traffic review in the borough. Council members said they plan to let PennDOT complete their review.
After that, according to Jessica Keffer, chief of staff for Cutler, a formal request for PennDOT to make repairs or changes will have to come from the municipality.
The controversial Fifth Street improvement and sidewalk project is finished, but council members learned they have some unfinished business with Jane Huntoon of 267 W. Fifth St.
According to a letter from attorney James Thomas, the project left a 7-9-inch change in the elevation between Huntoon’s sidewalk and driveway, leaving it unusable. Thomas said Borough Code permits a borough to pay for all or part of grading and curbing for a sidewalk project, and the repair to Huntoon’s driveway will cost approximately $3,500.
Council member Dave Aument said one of the reasons the borough requires sidewalks to be put in at the expense of property owners at the time of a major street reconstruction project is to avoid such problems.
“Maybe there are some things not correct,” said council president Robert Landis, Jr.
“I think it’s a legitimate concern,” said Durwin Parks.
Landis suggested council members speak to an engineer from Aro during its next work session and bring the request for restitution up for a vote at the September council meeting.
In police department matters, Mayor Jerry McCarrell of the police committee said the department answered 14 animal complaints, nine noise complaints, issued eight citations for underage drinking, and made one DUI arrest.
Finally, council approved: a six-month extension for Southern End Self Storage to finish its project, and use of the Quarryville Fire Police for the Aug. 23 Cruisin’ for Corbin cancer benefit motorcycle ride through the borough.
The railroad bridge over Route 372 at the east end of Quarryville, a main east-west route through southern Lancaster County, will undergo wall repairs by Buckley and Company, Inc. of Philadelphia. The firm was awarded the contract for 11 bridge parapet (wall) repair projects in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster and York counties.
The project is one of four bridges in Lancaster County to be repaired with federal funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), according to Greg Penney, PennDOT spokesman.
Also to be repaired are the Amtrak bridge at Route 741 in Salisbury Township, the Route 772 bridge over Cocalico Creek in Warwick Township, and the River Road bridge over the Conestoga River between Manor and Conestoga townships.
Penney said traffic in and out of Quarryville will be detoured, but as of Tuesday afternoon the detour route had not been approved.
According to Penney, PennDOT has awarded 22 different contracts under the ARRA since April, and the Quarryville bridge is one of the first in the state to be repaired with the federal recovery funds.
Road repair issues were again a hot topic during Quarryville Borough Council’s Aug. 3 meeting.
Council members and Rep. Bryan Cutler met last month and discussed local concerns about the speed of traffic entering Quarryville Borough on Route 222, congestion at the traffic light in the borough, and the increased volume of traffic since the demolition of the tunnel at routes 222 and 372.
Borough manager Al Drayovitch, Jr. said Monday night PennDOT is completing an engineering and traffic review in the borough. Council members said they plan to let PennDOT complete their review.
After that, according to Jessica Keffer, chief of staff for Cutler, a formal request for PennDOT to make repairs or changes will have to come from the municipality.
The controversial Fifth Street improvement and sidewalk project is finished, but council members learned they have some unfinished business with Jane Huntoon of 267 W. Fifth St.
According to a letter from attorney James Thomas, the project left a 7-9-inch change in the elevation between Huntoon’s sidewalk and driveway, leaving it unusable. Thomas said Borough Code permits a borough to pay for all or part of grading and curbing for a sidewalk project, and the repair to Huntoon’s driveway will cost approximately $3,500.
Council member Dave Aument said one of the reasons the borough requires sidewalks to be put in at the expense of property owners at the time of a major street reconstruction project is to avoid such problems.
“Maybe there are some things not correct,” said council president Robert Landis, Jr.
“I think it’s a legitimate concern,” said Durwin Parks.
Landis suggested council members speak to an engineer from Aro during its next work session and bring the request for restitution up for a vote at the September council meeting.
In police department matters, Mayor Jerry McCarrell of the police committee said the department answered 14 animal complaints, nine noise complaints, issued eight citations for underage drinking, and made one DUI arrest.
Finally, council approved: a six-month extension for Southern End Self Storage to finish its project, and use of the Quarryville Fire Police for the Aug. 23 Cruisin’ for Corbin cancer benefit motorcycle ride through the borough.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Octorara gains national notice
Newsweek magazine considers Octorara Area High School to be among the top 6 percent of public high schools in America, according to an Aug. 1, 2009 news story by Brian Wallace of the Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era:
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/240532
The accolade, not mentioned during recent school board meetings or in the school district's publication, The Reporter, may have escaped attention as the school board wrangled over passing a budget and focused on the $37.5 million high school renovation.
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/240532
The accolade, not mentioned during recent school board meetings or in the school district's publication, The Reporter, may have escaped attention as the school board wrangled over passing a budget and focused on the $37.5 million high school renovation.
Amish community builds three new schools
The Amish community in the Octorara and Solanco communities is continuing to build new schools.
A school for young Amish scholars up through the eighth grade is being built on Mount Vernon Road in Sadsbury Township within the Octorara School District, and two Amish schools are being built in neighboring Bart Township in the Solanco School District.
Both should be ready for students in the fall.
These schools are in addition to one new school in Sadsbury, and another new Amish school in Highland Township, Chester County, both of which opened last year.
Amish schools, which are overseen by parent committees, are paid for by their own Amish community, which employs a teacher (usually from the Amish community) to teach all eight grades. Amish property owners also pay property taxes to public school districts.
A school for young Amish scholars up through the eighth grade is being built on Mount Vernon Road in Sadsbury Township within the Octorara School District, and two Amish schools are being built in neighboring Bart Township in the Solanco School District.
Both should be ready for students in the fall.
These schools are in addition to one new school in Sadsbury, and another new Amish school in Highland Township, Chester County, both of which opened last year.
Amish schools, which are overseen by parent committees, are paid for by their own Amish community, which employs a teacher (usually from the Amish community) to teach all eight grades. Amish property owners also pay property taxes to public school districts.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Community invited to tweak pay-to-play policy
The $42 million 2009-10 Octorara Area School District’s budget is a done deal, and most property owners have already received their tax bills.
One of the most controversial line items has turned out not to be an expense, but $20,000 in anticipated budgetary revenue, and the issue continues to cause debate in the school community.
Superintendent Tom Newcome and board members said during their July 20 meeting they are open to community input about the matter and may be willing to change their minds.
Parents grilled school board members about the district’s new activity fee, which will cost students $35 for one activity or $45 tops for multiple activities. The pay-to-play initiative, Octorara’s first, will bring in $20,000 in revenue and was a deciding factor in keeping the athletic program during budget negotiations.
“If you are charging for an activity, your free public education is no longer free,“ said Ellen Brown of Atglen, who said charging a student to participate in band or chorus is “effectively punishing someone who wants to be a music major.”
Brown pointed out students receive a grade and credit for some music classes, and she also wondered if parents would still be expected to continue to line the soccer fields after paying a fee.
“If you are charging you would be expecting a higher level of service,” agreed school board member Brian Norris, indicating he is not a fan of pay-to-play.
Cochranville resident Judy Stermer said parents will think twice about spending money for a fee if their athlete is going to spend a lot of time on the bench. Cochranville resident Sandy Riehl said said coaches have similar concerns about parental expectations in a pay-to-play situation.
“It was a way the budget could be reduced,” said Newcome. “We are trying to move forward and find out where the errors are.”
Cutting parts of or cutting the entire athletic program were on a menu of options discussed as board members debated a budget. Most expressed the view that charging an athletic fee would be less drastic.
Newcome reminded everyone the board discussed the issue over a five month span and said parents will next month be notified by letter and the school phone system about the fee. He said he would look into whether it is advisable to charge an activity fee to students enrolled in for-credit music classes.
Board president Duane Hershey said the initiative was one way to keep taxes down, and there is a plan in place for students who can not afford the fee.
Board member Lisa Bowman said in the current economy some booster clubs will likely be re-prioritizing how they spend money and may help support low-income athletes and musicians, rather than spending money on jackets or other items.
“I haven’t heard anything positive about the activity fee,” said board member Peter Mango. “It’s not worth the headache. We ought to have this out in the community for a while and get feedback.”
Mango also pointed out since the district is saving about the equivalent amount on a paving job which is under budget, the board should use that windfall instead of moving forward with the pay-to-play initiative.
“If the board gives me another direction, I’m open,” Newcome said.
The issue will be on the agenda at the school board’s Monday, Aug. 10 work session, set for 7:30 p.m. in the intermediate school library.
Newcome said board members serving on the school district’s policy committee are also debating a firm policy about how much to charge organizations for the use of school district facilities. He said he thinks public schools should be used “all the time” but the use has to be balanced with wear and how much the district can afford for maintenance staff.
Any new fee schedule will likely affect the Octorara YMCA and other community groups which use school facilities. The policy committee next meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16 in the intermediate school faculty room, just prior to the school board‘s 7:30 p.m. August meeting. A recommendation is likely to be brought to the meeting table that evening.
In other business, the school board approved: hiring high school principal Scott Rohrer as an assistant superintendent (in addition to his principal duties) on a 12-month $120,225 contract; Pressley Ridge as provider of the district’s employee assistance program; Mark Prokay (recommended by parent volunteers with the Octorara Football Club) as assistant high school football coach on a $3,815 contract; Doreen Creighton as part-time K-8 math coach at a $22,147 salary to be paid by Title 1 stimulus funds; Kristin Lauer as an elementary ESL teacher at a $43,741 salary; adjusting secretary Lisa Scanish’s salary to $35,993; and student handbooks for district schools.
Resignations were accepted from: cafeteria employee Vera Graham; JV volleyball coach Deanna Funk; and JV field hockey coach Heather Hoxter.
Also hired were: varsity cheerleading coach Terry Kelleher; head cross-country coach Christian Taylor; Lisa Nunemacher as a permanent instructional assistant; Stephanie Buohl as seventh grade girls soccer coach; and Nicole Glass and Marjory Zajac as summer reading program substitutes.
School board members also took a moment to fondly remember former employee and community volunteer Jack Handy, who recently passed away.
One of the most controversial line items has turned out not to be an expense, but $20,000 in anticipated budgetary revenue, and the issue continues to cause debate in the school community.
Superintendent Tom Newcome and board members said during their July 20 meeting they are open to community input about the matter and may be willing to change their minds.
Parents grilled school board members about the district’s new activity fee, which will cost students $35 for one activity or $45 tops for multiple activities. The pay-to-play initiative, Octorara’s first, will bring in $20,000 in revenue and was a deciding factor in keeping the athletic program during budget negotiations.
“If you are charging for an activity, your free public education is no longer free,“ said Ellen Brown of Atglen, who said charging a student to participate in band or chorus is “effectively punishing someone who wants to be a music major.”
Brown pointed out students receive a grade and credit for some music classes, and she also wondered if parents would still be expected to continue to line the soccer fields after paying a fee.
“If you are charging you would be expecting a higher level of service,” agreed school board member Brian Norris, indicating he is not a fan of pay-to-play.
Cochranville resident Judy Stermer said parents will think twice about spending money for a fee if their athlete is going to spend a lot of time on the bench. Cochranville resident Sandy Riehl said said coaches have similar concerns about parental expectations in a pay-to-play situation.
“It was a way the budget could be reduced,” said Newcome. “We are trying to move forward and find out where the errors are.”
Cutting parts of or cutting the entire athletic program were on a menu of options discussed as board members debated a budget. Most expressed the view that charging an athletic fee would be less drastic.
Newcome reminded everyone the board discussed the issue over a five month span and said parents will next month be notified by letter and the school phone system about the fee. He said he would look into whether it is advisable to charge an activity fee to students enrolled in for-credit music classes.
Board president Duane Hershey said the initiative was one way to keep taxes down, and there is a plan in place for students who can not afford the fee.
Board member Lisa Bowman said in the current economy some booster clubs will likely be re-prioritizing how they spend money and may help support low-income athletes and musicians, rather than spending money on jackets or other items.
“I haven’t heard anything positive about the activity fee,” said board member Peter Mango. “It’s not worth the headache. We ought to have this out in the community for a while and get feedback.”
Mango also pointed out since the district is saving about the equivalent amount on a paving job which is under budget, the board should use that windfall instead of moving forward with the pay-to-play initiative.
“If the board gives me another direction, I’m open,” Newcome said.
The issue will be on the agenda at the school board’s Monday, Aug. 10 work session, set for 7:30 p.m. in the intermediate school library.
Newcome said board members serving on the school district’s policy committee are also debating a firm policy about how much to charge organizations for the use of school district facilities. He said he thinks public schools should be used “all the time” but the use has to be balanced with wear and how much the district can afford for maintenance staff.
Any new fee schedule will likely affect the Octorara YMCA and other community groups which use school facilities. The policy committee next meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16 in the intermediate school faculty room, just prior to the school board‘s 7:30 p.m. August meeting. A recommendation is likely to be brought to the meeting table that evening.
In other business, the school board approved: hiring high school principal Scott Rohrer as an assistant superintendent (in addition to his principal duties) on a 12-month $120,225 contract; Pressley Ridge as provider of the district’s employee assistance program; Mark Prokay (recommended by parent volunteers with the Octorara Football Club) as assistant high school football coach on a $3,815 contract; Doreen Creighton as part-time K-8 math coach at a $22,147 salary to be paid by Title 1 stimulus funds; Kristin Lauer as an elementary ESL teacher at a $43,741 salary; adjusting secretary Lisa Scanish’s salary to $35,993; and student handbooks for district schools.
Resignations were accepted from: cafeteria employee Vera Graham; JV volleyball coach Deanna Funk; and JV field hockey coach Heather Hoxter.
Also hired were: varsity cheerleading coach Terry Kelleher; head cross-country coach Christian Taylor; Lisa Nunemacher as a permanent instructional assistant; Stephanie Buohl as seventh grade girls soccer coach; and Nicole Glass and Marjory Zajac as summer reading program substitutes.
School board members also took a moment to fondly remember former employee and community volunteer Jack Handy, who recently passed away.
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