Lackawaxen Connection

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Township News Operation Safe River 2 Prepare Mailboxes 3 For Winter Forest Volunteer Fire Earns 4 State Recognition Vol. Firefighters Serve Their 5 Communities With Dedication Venomous Snakes in PA? 6 Pike County Bridge 7 Needs Repair ATV Questions and Answers 8 Masters Pest Control Helps in 10 Fight Against Tick-Borne Diseases

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IN THIS ISSUE

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION 169 Urban Road, Hawley, PA 18428

As we enter the fall season, there are many things for residents to be conscious of. For starters, we can boast a strong population of black bears. The bears have one thing on their mind as winter approaches, and that is to store enough fat on their bodies to survive hibernation. They do not eat, drink, urinate or defecate for up to six months during the hibernation. Without enough fat reserve, they will die. So the bears will be looking for anything they can find to eat and so your bird feeders and trash cans will be high on their list. They can smell the linseed oil in bird feed up to a mile away!

Keep the bears in mind and keep anything that might attract them well under wraps. Once a bear finds a source of food it will continue to return. Sometimes this leads to breaking into homes and the bad habits could result in euthanization of the bear, so it would be best to help them avoid temptation.

One more fun fact about our local bruins, is that the mating season occurs during June and July. A sow can become viable and mate with several bores during this time frame. Through a process known as delayed implantation, the fertilized eggs

do not implant in the uterus until November, and the cubs re born in January while the sow is denned. For implantation to be successful, the female needs to weigh at least 110 pounds by late fall. If fat reserves are poor because of unexpected food shortages, cub survival during hibernation could be compromised, in which case blastocysts may be aborted, freeing the female to breed again the following summer. Our local bears usually have an average of three cubs, and each of those in the litter may be from a different boar.

Autumn Outdoors in Lackawaxen Twp.By Ron Tussel

Continued on Page 6

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015PAGE 2

169 URBAN ROAD, HAWLEY, PA 18428

Main Office: 570-685-7288 Road Dept: 570-685-3200 After Hours: 570-685-7825 Building: 570-685-2990 Zoning: 570-685-2990 Sewage: 570-685-2990

MUNICIPAL MEETINGS:

SUPERvISORS MEETINGS Are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Township Building on 169 Urban Rd, Hawley, PA 18428.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

We approve minutes from the previous month at our regular meetings. Our Supervisor meetings are where the regular business of the township are conducted. Comments from the public are of value and often influence public policy and our laws. We encourage residents to attend regular meetings, hearings, and workshops.

PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC.

39 Front St., Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: [email protected]

Lackawaxen Connection is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Lackawaxen Township and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Lackawaxen Connection reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.

Lackawaxen Township does not endorse or support any specific political candidate.

Operation Safe RiverIt’s taken a while, but the Safe River Project is almost a reality. The placement of appropriate signage along the Lackawaxen River, with matching signs along the Towpath, was first proposed last year by the Township’s Fire and EMS Chiefs as a way to facilitate search and rescue operations in the area. Time is critical in any emergency situation and good communication between personnel in the river and those on shore is essential to a successful operation. Unfortunately, the geography of the area makes two-way radio traffic problematic at best. The placement of appropriate signs at strategic locations can help ensure that emergency personnel in the Lackawaxen will be able to reliably relay their position to personnel on shore as search and rescue operations proceed down river.

Al Petrillo, who is Chairman of the Fire Commission’s Grants Committee, was able to secure funding from the National Park Service to buy the signs. Coupled with assistance from the Commission itself, as well as the Board of Supervisors, posts have been purchased for mounting and appropriate installation locations identified. The actual work of putting up the signs will be a joint effort between the Township’s volunteers and the Road Department. Working from the same map, the volunteers will install signs along the river, while Road Master Rich Krochta will oversee parallel installation of matching signs along the Towpath by the Township’s road crew. The project will be done incrementally, as time permits, but should hopefully be completed by the end of the year. The fact that all this work is being accomplished at no cost to the taxpayers is a tribute to the joint efforts of the Township’s volunteers, the Board of Supervisors and the Fire Commission. By pooling their resources and working together for the good of the public and the welfare of the residents, they have been able to ensure search and rescue operations on the Lackawaxen River will not be hampered by poor communication.

PAGE 3LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015

Building Department Rich Tussel, Building Inspector 570-685-2990 Ext: 17 Fax: 570-685-2550 [email protected]

Zoning/CodeEnforcement Department Jim Dolan, Zoning Officer 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 Answering service- 570-226-2344 [email protected]

Commercial Building / Electrical Inspector Todd Klikus 570-493-1229 [email protected] HOURS: By appointment only

Sewage Department Sewage Officer Jim Dolan 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 Answering service- 570-226-2344 [email protected]

Hours: Mon.- 8:30-10:30 am Tues.- By Appt • Wed.- 8:30-10:30am

Thurs.- By Appt • Fri.- By Appt Sat. and Sun. CLOSED

169 Urban Road Hawley, PA 18428

Road Department Richard Krochta, Roadmaster 570-685-3200 Fax: 570-685-2550 Emergency/After Hours: 570-685-7825 [email protected] HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7am-3pm

Secretary/Administrative Office Camille James, Secretary [email protected] HOURS: Mon, Wed., Fri. 7am-3pm

Treasurer Robert Cocchi 570-685-7288 [email protected] HOURS: By appointment only

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Prepare Mailboxes For WinterWith winter approaching, the Lackawaxen Township reminds homeowners living along state routes and township road to prepare their mailboxes for winter weather. Lackawaxen Township's mission throughout the winter is to maintain safe and passable roads. Often keeping roads open means plowing deep snow to the edge of roads. Since most mailboxes are placed within the Township's legal right-or-way. it is up to the homeowner to make sure that their mailbox can withstand the weight of snow being thrown from a plow. Snowplow operators are instructed to maintain lower speeds when plowing in areas where mailboxes arc present. However, higher speeds occasionally must be maintained to contend with heavy, wet snow.

Normally, if mailboxes are placed as far beyond the shoulder of the highway as the postal carrier can reach and it is firmly supported, there should be no problem withstanding the weight of the snow as a plow passes. Lackawaxen Township offers these tips to help eliminate the possibility of a mailbox beiog damaged this winter:

• Place a six to eight inch piece of reflective tape on the mailbox to help snowplow operators see it at night

• Remove snow from around the mailbox, but avoid throwing it back onto the road If the mailbox is located within the legal right-of-way and damage was experienced in the past.

• Homeowners may want to consider relocating the mailbox before the next snowfall.

• Make sure the mailbox is firmly supported in the ground

Homeowners who have followed these tips in the past and still experience damaged mailboxes may want to consider installing a cantilever mailbox support that will "swing" a mailbox out of harm's way. Plans for building the Cantilever Mailbox support are attached. Taking steps to ensure the visibility and stability of mailboxes will help Lackawaxen Township and postal carriers deliver their best this winter.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015PAGE 4

Parks & Recreation

Township News

Meetings & Events

Living Lackawaxen

Hours of sweat, dedication and determination has awarded Forest Volunteer Fire Department a recognition not achieved by any other department in Pike County. Out of the 16 departments in the region, Forest is the only one to have accomplished a 50 percent voluntary certification.

To recognize volunteer departments, the 1st Assistant Chief at Forest and the Director of the Pike County Training Center Tim Knapp said the state of Pennsylvania awards a voluntary certification when 10, 50, 75 or 100 percent of the fire fighter-ones within a department, achieve national certification.

Forest volunteer Fire Earns State RecognitionBy Katie Collins, News Eagle Reporter

But, departments can place within the percentages because at Forest for instance, 63 percent of the firefighter-one members are actually nationally certified. This, Knapp said proudly is a “big deal for everybody involved.”

Knapp said Forest decided to work towards the status because of the hours the volunteers have committed to being nationally certified, and it is the only recognition the state gives. An additional benefit, volunteers will not have to retest for structural firefighting, if they go out of state.

Currently, 15 of Forest’s 27 members are nationally certified, but by the end of October, the department

is aiming to achieve 75 percent certification. But, Knapp does not believe the department will ever reach 100 percent, because while there are some very active firefighters, they do not do interior firefighting, which is a requirement. But, he said all members of Forest are instrumental, because their jobs are very important too. Forest started working towards this mark years ago, but Knapp said the process is ongoing.

Having worked so hard to achieve national certification, aside from helping with grants, Knapp admitted that the status is a “pride issue” because the department received a sticker that presents the status, and now Forest is the only department in the county with them on their trucks.

To achieve firefighter one, the volunteers must complete about 200 hours of training, pass a written test that covers everything discussed in a recruit class, and do an 8-hour practical at the training center.

Once the volunteers work towards national certification, Knapp said they then challenge the firefighter-one with an 8-hour practical and a written test. The practical includes completing 12 mandatory stations, where the volunteers will climb ropes, tie knots, work with ladders, live fire and more.

Every year, Knapp said Pennsylvania gives an emergency responders grant and each department is eligible to apply for it; but, because of the number of national certified volunteers in Forest, the department receives more funds. This shows, he said, that “training pays.”

All training has a monetary cost, and for the national certification it cost each volunteer $150. If a Forest volunteer commits to completing the certification, Knapp said the department will cover the cost.

If those who are nationally certified would like to serve in a major city, Knapp said they can, but they would have to go through an academy, because every career department has their own academy.

While achieving national certification is an accomplishment, Knapp concluded that firefighters should, “never substitute the national certification or any certification for knowledge.”

PAGE 5LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015

America’s volunteer Fire Service has faithfully served our Nation for more than 300 years. Volunteer firefighters serve their Communities with dedication and enthusiasm. Volunteer Fire departments save local Communities billions of dollars each year across the Nation – funds that can be used to improve local infrastructure, social programs and minimize tax burden.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans have learned that local emergency responders are the Community’s FIRST line of response, regardless of the event. Community protection and wellbeing depends on the experience, expertise and tenure of local emergency service providers. The volunteer Fire Service faces significant challenges in overcoming a basic lack of resources – both financial and human capital. Only by aggressively confronting both of these issues will we create the necessary atmosphere of stability that will allow volunteer fire and rescue departments to meet the new expectations and challenges that lie ahead.

While volunteer firefighters and emergency workers provide a tremendous contribution to our country, they are often underfunded and ill-equipped.

One of the more significant issues facing the volunteer Fire Service is the lack of new Recruits joining the Fire Service and retention of existing personnel.

Support from the local, state and federal levels is necessary to ensure that the volunteer Fire Service

volunteer Firefighters Serve Their Communities With Dedication and Enthusiasm

continues to be a full partner with all facets of Homeland Security response and effectively function as the first line of defense in local Communities.

Lackawaxen Township, as with the rest of the rural areas in the United States, continues to suffer from low levels of volunteer firefighter membership.

In 2014 the Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission (LTFC) decided to work with each of the four Fire Companies it represents (Forest, Greeley, Central, and Lackawaxen) and help them to increase the ranks of their volunteer membership. Significant funding is required for such a program, so the LTFC applied for a federal grant under Homeland Security for funds to help with this effort. The grant is called Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response personnel or SAFER.

Working with each of the Township Fire Companies, the LTFC created a comprehensive SAFER application addressing the need to increase the membership levels of volunteer firefighters in our Community.

On August 8, 2015, the LTFC was notified that its application for federal funds under the SAFER grant was approved and $203,660 would be awarded to the Township Fire Commission to help bolster firefighter membership. These funds will mostly go towards paying for new Personal Protective Equipment for all new volunteer firefighter recruits, which can cost $3,800 per firefighter. In addition, some of these funds will be used to pay for marketing and

advertising, such as signs, brochures and information to solicit new recruits throughout the Township and surrounding areas.

These efforts at the Township level will supplement a County – wide effort presently underway by Pike County. The County initiative is called “We’re the Ones”. Lackawaxen Township will integrate its marketing efforts to align with the County sending one message to all potential recruits.

Any individuals who are interested in ‘Being One of the Ones” or would just like more information on what it’s like to join the Fire Service can visit the County website at: www.PIKESBRAVEST.org or contact Al Petrillo, Emergency Management Coordinator for Lackawaxen Township at: [email protected]

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015PAGE 6

With many hunting season open during the fall and winter, local businesses will feel the economic impact as local hunters are joined by those who will visit from out of the area or another state. As seasons unfold, hunters visit local convenience stores, sport shops, restaurants, hotels and diners, taxidermists and game processors, leaving a trail of cash behind as they do so. Pennsylvania hunters spend an average of $1,260 on equipment and services for hunting season, amounting to a $1.6 billion industry statewide that employs about 15,000. If you choose to visit any of our publicly accessible lands, especially our state game land system during the hunting seasons, be conscience of the likely potential that there will be hunters out there. Wearing fluorescent orange is always a good idea to help you be seen. For those looking to sight in those deer rifles or just get some practice in with rifle or handgun, the public range at state game land 183 will be open all season. A hunting license or range permit is required to use the range, and please read all rules for using the range prior to engaging targets. The range is patrolled regularly. For more information about the game lands system, seasons and bag limits and plenty more great outdoor information, tune in to locally produced “The Pennsylvania Sportsman” radio program on Wayne Pike News 104.3 FM every Saturday at 8AM. You can also download the app at Bold Gold Media and listen from anywhere. Another great app for sportsmen can be found at gohuntpa.org.

Autumn Outdoors in Lackawaxen Twp. Continued from Page 1

TO ADVERTISE CALL

845-754-2356

venomous Snakes in PA? News for Constituents from Senator Lisa Baker

What do the Copperhead, the Eastern Massasauga, and the Timber Rattler have in common? Each belongs to the pit viper family and comprise the full complement of venomous snakes inhabiting PA.

The PA Fish & Boat Commission recommends awareness and avoidance and reminds us, both Timber Rattlers and Copperheads are protected snakes, sharing an integral role in Pennsylvania’s eco-system.

PA requires an annual Venomous Snake Permit to hunt, take, catch or kill Timber Rattlers or Northern Copperheads. No authorization exists to hunt or possess the Eastern Massasauga, currently classified as a state endangered species.

With only two or three snake bites occurring annually among the thousands of known and unknown venomous snake encounters in the Commonwealth, the PF&BC recommends learning to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes, for your personal safety.

PAGE 7LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015

The Lackawaxen Township Case Road Bridge (BrKey: 30039, BMS # 51 7205 0478 0005), located in Pike County. PA. After a 2013 inspection was completed by STV Engineers the findings resulted in the bridge being restricted as to its load bearing capacity and reduced to one lane as a result of beam failures.

The report noted the following deficiencies:

• The bridge deck is showing signs of structural defects.

• The pavement has centerline, longitudinal, and traverse cracks with the joint between pre-stressed concrete beams B7 and B8 is rolling outward.

• The superstructure and pre-stressed concrete beams were observed from below and showed concrete spalls, delamination, rust stains (from the buried re-bar) and camber variances were also noted. As previously noted at least one on the pre-stressed concrete beams has moved significantly both in the horizontal and vertical direction causing damage to the superstructure.

• The substructure show signs of honeycombing, abrasion, drainage stains and missing grout.

• There are cracks in the supporting abutments and there has been significant displacement of at least one of the supporting abutment.

The repairs will consist of the sealing of vertical cracks in the abutments, concrete spall repair along

Pike County Bridge Needs RepairBy Camille James

the beam seats, replacement of the far right wing wall and adjacent portion of far abutment stem, and replacement of the entire superstructure. Based on an assumed adjacent box beam superstructure, replacement will include eight (8) box beams, box beam transverse tendon(s), neoprene bearing pads, minimum 5 ½” concrete deck, in-kind replacement of the structure-mounted guide rails, and possible bituminous milling / paving of the bridge approaches so that the new bridge grade ties in smoothly with the existing roadway grade.

The Case Road Bridge Repair Project supports the Commonwealth’s interest through the Multimodal Transportation Fund to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation to the residents of the Commonwealth and specifically, Lackawaxen Township.

The Project is supported through the Township’s Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan which encourages participating municipalities to maintain, replace and enhance municipal infrastructure including roads, bridges and municipal buildings. The Township follows the philosophy of planning regionally and implementing locally.

The Township has participated in and provided leadership in a variety of regional projects. The Township of Lackawaxen was the lead municipality in a consortium of two (2) municipalities which developed a Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan.

The two (2) municipalities included Lackawaxen Township and Shohola Township. The Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan was adopted in calendar year 2009.

This project has an expected start date of May 2016 with an anticipated completion date in September 2017. The Bridge project will result in a substantial economic impact by continuing to connect residents and businesses as this roadway is a major artery within the township.

The facilities affected by this project are restaurants, resorts and few large developments within this area, such as Woodloch. On behalf of the Lackawaxen Township Board of Supervisors and the residents of the Township, thank you for your consideration of this worthy project to repair a vital transportation infrastructure within our community.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015PAGE 8

Q: A group of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts in our community wants the board of supervisors to pass an ordinance that allows them to ride on township roads. Do we have this authority? I thought ATVs were prohibited on public roads.

A: You are correct: ATVs are prohibited on state and local roads unless the road is designated and posted for ATV use under Section 7722 of Title 75 (Vehicles) of

ATv Questions & Answersthe Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by the owner of the road.

Q: If we choose not to designate a road for ATV use, can these vehicles cross the road to access authorized trails on state land?

A: Yes. ATVs may cross any two-lane road at a 90-degree angle at a place where there are no obstructions. The ATV must come to a complete stop,

and the driver must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. An ATV driver must cross a divided highway at an intersection.

Q: May an ATV operate on an undesignated road to cross a bridge?

A: Yes, an ATV may operate on any roads when necessary to cross a bridge or culvert.

Q: Must ATVs meet certain requirements, such as having a license plate?

A: Yes. If an ATV is operating off the owner’s property, it must be registered, have a license plate, be inspected, and carry proof of liability insurance.

Q: Must an ATV driver have a license to operate on the road?

A: Yes. To operate any vehicle on a public road, including an ATV, the driver must have a valid driver’s license.

Q: What must we do to designate a road for ATV use?

A: The board of supervisors must pass an ordinance designating a particular road or roads - or all roads - in the township at ATV roads. After the supervisors approve the ordinance, the roads must be posted to indicate that ATVs are permitted.

Q: Doesn’t designating an ATV road create liability for the township?

A: Section 7722 of title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes states that a municipality will not incur liability as a result of designating a road for ATV use. However, municipalities must still ensure that their roads are properly designed, built, and maintained. Therefore, the supervisors should always consult with their solicitors (and engineers) if they have concerns about road-related liability.

Q: May we designate roads for snowmobile use as well?

A: Yes, the same state Vehicle Code provisions allow roads to be designated for ATVs, snowmobiles, or both.

Q: May a child cross a road on an ATV?

A: Yes, but only if the child is at least 8 years old, has a valid ATV safety certification, and is under the direct supervision of a person 18 years or older. In addition, 8 and 9 year olds are only permitted to use ATVs with a maximum engine size of 70 cubic centimeters.

Q: Where can I learn more about safe ATV operation and ATV trails?

A: To learn more, township officials should go to www.dcnr.state.pa.us. Under “Explore,” click on “What to Do” and then “Choose an Activity.”

PAGE 9LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015

It’s Time For A Change! Come Out & Vote! Tues, Nov 3!

come out & vote! tues, nov 3!

PAID FOR BY THE CANDIDATE

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015PAGE 10

The nation is currently experiencing an alarming increase in the number of cases of diseases stemming from tick bites. Masters Pest Control is one local company striving to make a difference in the fight against those illnesses brought to our population via these tiny parasites. While recognizing the threat, and maintaining sensitivity to the public’s concern over toxic insecticides, they have developed their own unique solution to the problem.

The steady increase in the number of cases of tick-borne diseases seen throughout the country has prompted the ESA (Entomological Society of America) to implement a national strategy against ticks. The ESA has termed this project, “Integrated Tick Management.” Its goal is to reduce the incidence of diseases carried by ticks, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia by taking control of tick populations and to “solve the tick problem.”

In a recently issued statement, ESA President, Philip Mulder, explained, “The rapid rise in tick-borne diseases is a critical national issue. A recent confluence of environmental, ecological, sociological, and human demographic factors has created a near ‘perfect storm,’ leading to more ticks in more places. Robust investment in training and research support for the existing and future generation of tick scientists is key to developing solutions that will relieve the escalating health and economic burdens caused by tick parasitism and tick-borne diseases in North America.”

Masters Pest Control Helps in Fight Against Tick-Borne DiseasesIn order to attack this serious threat, methods sought are those which increase public awareness as well as offer encouragement for our universities, industry and government to partner in order to understand and mitigate tick-borne illnesses.

In the spirit of the ESA’s objectives, Masters offers the creation of a “Tick-Free Zone” around your home. To achieve this, they employ a botanical active ingredient, which is recognized as a 25(b) minimum risk insecticide and is also N.O.P. (National Organics Program) compliant.

Masters prides itself in being experts in the fight against the threat from ticks and has remained active in this pursuit for over thirty years.

They can offer many helpful tips for anyone concerned by this serious national threat.

A family owned and operated business since 1982, Masters service locations throughout the tri-state area including Orange, Pike, Sullivan, Sussex and Wayne counties. For more information on how you can rid yourself of ticks and set up your own “Tick-

Free Zone” to protect your family, call Masters Pest Control at (877) 546-9575, or visit their website at www.masterspestcontrol.com.

The ESPA has issued a statement regarding the severity of Tick-Borne Diseases, which you can access at www.entsoc.org/ticks to further educate yourself against the threat posed by ticks.

PAGE 11LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL 2015

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• Woodloch Bakery items, baked daily• Full service Boar’s Head deli counter• Beer and Other Malt Beverages• Pizza, wings, other prepared meals

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