All Aboard! Passenger Count Jumps 20%

Ridership using the east- and west-bound stations at Parkesburg increased a smidgen over 20% from 2008 through 2010.

In a report released recently, Amtrak reported passengers catching the train in Parkesburg for destinations east and west had climbed steadily since 2008 when 40,650 hopped on board.

They were followed by 45,233 passengers in 2009 and by 48,784 riders in 2010.

With federal stimulus monies funding station upgrades in Coatesville, Lancaster and Elizabethtown and all along the Philadelphia to Harrisburg corridor, its clear train travel is as popular as ever and certain to remain a key building block for Parkesburg's revitalization.

Here's the link to Amtrak's 2010 Fact Sheet for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Parkesburg Native Named ACC Top Wrestler

 
The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Tuesday that Parkesburg native and University of Maryland senior Mike Letts had been named the Conference's Wrestler of the Week.

A senior captain for the Terps, Letts finished the regular season with three convincing wins, two of which came against ACC opponents.

Letts pinned Duke’s Brett Klopp in less than three minutes in Saturday’s 48-0 dual-match win before traveling down Tobacco Road to score a 21-8 technical fall against Colin Genthert to help the Terps top No. 24 NC State 35-5 and improve to 4-1 in the conference.

After being honored on Sunday’s Senior Day festivities in College Park, Letts improved to 15-2 in dual meets this season by pinning George Mason’s Aaron Keeton in just 1:59. The Parkesburg, Pa., native has now won eight of his last nine matches and the Terps have won 11 of their last 12 dual meets.

The Parkesburg, Pa., native was also named ACC Wrestler of the Week on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 2010.

Source: Boxscores

Parkesburg Woman Injured on Bypass

From the February 24th edition of The Daily Local:

One person suffered injuries from a crash that occurred Sunday (2/20) morning, according to state police.

The crash happened about 8 a.m. on the Route 30 Bypass west of Airport Road.

Police said Robert Hughes, 62, of Coatesville, was traveling in the left lane westbound on the bypass behind a vehicle driven by Heather Kellon, 31, of Parkesburg.

Police said Hughes did not see Kellon's vehicle and hit the rear portion of her vehicle.

Kellon was transported to Paoli Hospital by Westwood EMS for treatment of neck and head injuries.

Pay the Bills

Here is the list of Borough bills authorized for payment at Monday night's council meeting.

Octorara Budget Presentation

Octorara Superintendent Dr. Tom Newcome

On February 10th Octorara Superintendent and Business Manager presented the district's financial challenges and their attempts to balance their budget despite the steep reduction in federal, state and local funding.

While balancing Octorara's budget has never been easy, this year's perfect storm of events have combined to make this year effort more challenging than any in history.

A new conservative Republican Governor in Harrisburg intent on balancing the state's budget by reducing education spending, no more stimulus monies from Washington, $1.5 million in tax revenue lost due to local land owners placing their land in Act 1 conservancy, lower than average property tax collection and expenses like healthcare insurance and charter school cost growing faster than revenues collected have left the district with a projected $2.2M deficit going into the 2011-12 school year.

Notes from the presentation and the discussion that followed as compiled by Ellen Brown and the PowerPoint presentation can be found on the Octorara Report blog.

Parkesburg Yesterday

The Parkesburg Iron Company factory from the northwest

By guest contributor Gerry Treadway

In 1908, Mr. Horace Beale, Jr., proprietor of the Parkesburg Iron Co. (PICO), expanded the manufacturing capacity of the company when he built this modern plant along First Avenue.

The plant made charcoal iron boiler tubes for steam-powered engines providing jobs for up to 900 people during periods of peak production.

Demand for the tubes dried up in the early 1920's and the plant shut its doors in 1926.

Today the site where the factory once sent is a warehouse, an auto body shop and Parkesburg's borough hall/police station/district court.

Parkesburg Fire Company Monthly Report

The January 2011 fire and ambulance monthly report as reported by Chief Richie Klinger at the February 21st Borough Council Meeting:

Fire Report
Total Fire/Rescue calls - 25
Average response time - 11 min. 20 sec.
Average turnout per incident - 7 volunteers

Types of calls

• Fire - 4
• Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat - 0
• Resue& emergency medical service - 8
• Hazardous conditions - 5
• Service calls - 2
• Good intent call - 4
• False Alarm and false calls - 2
• Special incidents - 0

Calls by municipality

• Parkesburg - 7
• West Sadsbury - 11
• Highland - 1
• Out of district - 6

Total combined crew (volunteer) hours on alarm - 121 hours

Total combined crew (volunteer) hours on Training - 24 hours

Monthly Ambulance Report

Total calls - 75

Number of transports - 21

Scratch/unable to respond - 43

Responses by municipality

• Parkesburg - 36
• West Sadsbury - 21
• Highland - 3
• Sadsbury - 5
• Out of area - 9

February 21, 2011 Borough Council Meeting Notes

BOROUGH OF PARKESBURG

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

February 21, 2011

7:00 P.M.

Call to Order. .............................................................................................. Kathleen Rick

President Mel Keen was absent.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Joe Dynesko was also absent

Approval of Agenda

Move the police chief’s report, move eagles scout commendation to next month.  No other changes

Review and Approval of Minutes of the January 17, 2011 Regular Council Meeting and the

Minutes of the February 7, 2011 Committee Meeting

The minutes were approved

Treasurer’s Report

Approval of Bills

             Bill approved for payment

Public Comments (Agenda Items Only)

Presentation:

• Commendation to Eagle Scout Nick Canzoneri for Minch Park Project

• MS4 Stormwater Managment Information

Jim Thomas.  Every year the b is required to turn a report in to the epa regarding storm water treatment in the B.  MS4 (Municiple Separate Storm Water Sewers). 

Department Reports:

Police Chief’s Report. ....................................................................... Brian Sheller

534 incidents and assignments, 23,876 in receipts.

Chief Sheller talking about his appointment to the 2nd VP of Chester County Police Chief’s Association.  His responsibility as Commander of the Chester County emergency response team remains the same.

Fire Chief’s Report. ....................................................................... Richard Klingler

January – Fire company responded to 25 calls with an 11 minutes 20 second average response time.  121 hours time on alarm.

Engineer’s Report. .............................................................................. Mendi Lowe

Zoning Officer’s Report. ............................................................. ARRO Consulting

Building Code Official’s Report. ....................................................... John Coldiron

Code Enforcement Officer’s Report. ................................................ Robert Hosier

Manager’s Report. ........................................................................ James Thomas

LERTA Area will be expiring next year.  Solicitor Carnes and the Borough is taking steps to extend the LERTA an additional 5 years.

Chester County SPCA will no longer provide service to the borough.  SPCA will instruct callers to call the Borough for animal removal.  No plans for what to do if someone needs help.  The fee was on a per use/call.  No information on the amount.

The solar energy panel serving the District Court has saved the Borough over $1,200 this year.  

Public Works Report. ....................................................................... Melinda Keen

Fire Marshal’s Report.......................................................... Raymond Stackhouse

Mayor’s Report........................................................................... John P. Hagan, II

A mild case of amnesia.  In 2010 I was sworn in as Mayor as a result of winning election in 2009.  Last month when I declared I was running for reelection, I was mistaken.  My term runs for another two years until 2013.  In 2013 I plan to run for an unprecedented 4^th term.

In a storm we had 4 weeks ago there were two people towed for the snow emergency.  Those expenses will be returned due to extenuating circumstances.

Snow emergency response was good.  The police, fire company and streets crew and Borough Manager Jim Thomas are to be commended.  We could have done better in certain areas as pointed out by Parkesburg Today.  We’ll work to do better in the future.

PABA. ............................................................................................... Eric Jamison

Solicitor’s Report..................................................................... John S. Carnes, Jr.

Knoll business.  $12,000 bill is late.  Email and certified letter sent to developer.

West Bridge Street project is not out of mind.  Talked to Jeff Hunt, Amtrak, others.  We’ve been caught between different priorities and projects.  The Borough is ready to go.  Amtrak appears to be in no hurry.  Job changes and legal maneuvering have slowed down the project.  Jeff Hunt is ready to create a Scope of Work but needs additional funds to match the SOW to Amtrak new bidding and work rules and project specs.  Carnes is working to make sure the project stays on the TIFF list.  There are a lot of moving parts.  Any one of the several parties and state agencies involved in the project can bring the project to a grinding halt.  The Borough team of Solicitor Carnes and Borough Manager Jim Thomas and Borough Engineer Jeff Hunt are working hard to nail everything down.  The project’s total cost is $5M project approximately.  Borough must pay 5% or 250K.

Unfinished Business

• Appointment of Fire Marshal

The Borough received two applications for the position of Fire Marshall.  One applicant withdrew his application.  Ray Stackhouse is the only applicant.  Borough council approved the appointment of Ray Stackhouse as Fire Marshall.

New Business

• Motion to enact Ordinance No. 490 - An Ordinance Replacing and Superceding Ordinance 448 of the Borough of Parkesburg to Require the Removal by the Owner of the Property in the Borough of Parkesburg Abutting on Public Sidewalks of Accumulations of Snow from the Sidewalks on the Property Owned or Occupied by Them and Providing for Amendment by Resolution.

Motion Approved

Railroad didn’t do a good job or snow removal around the station.  People walking in the street.  Can someone talk to them?

• Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2011-02 –A Resolution of the Council of the Borough of Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Adopting Written Procedures in How Professional Services Are Chosen for its Pension Plans in Order to Comply with Act 44 of 2009 and the Auditors General Recommendation.

This language of the motion was suggested by the company managing the borough’s pension funding.  They’re doing a good job. 

The motion was approved

Committee Reports:

Parks & Recreation. ......................................................................... Kathleen Rick

No report

Progress & Development. .................................................................. Sharon Wolf

Next meeting – March 8^th at 7:00 PM at Borough Hall

Streets & Property............................................................................ Melinda Keen

Finance. ........................................................................................ Charles Persch

No report

Police & Fire.................................................................................. Charles Persch

A tentative collective bargaining agreement with the police union has been reached.  Local police union members have reviewed and approved the agreement which is currently being reviewed by the Borough’s own legal counsel.  Council will be able to review the agreement by the first Monday in March.

Library Board Representative. ......................................................... Melinda Keen

Emergency Management Coordinator. ............................................. Richard Irwin

Public Comments

Jack Assetto commented on the snow removal in front of his business, that a number of customers had fallen climbing over the snow bank between the street and his shop along the 400 block of First Avenue.

Mr. Assetto also told Council of a problem with dogs in front of his shop.  A customer was recently bitten.  Luckily the dog bite only tore the man’s pants, but didn’t inflict and injury.  The dog was on a leash being walked by the owner.  The owner was unable to restrain the dog.  The police were not called at the request of the victim.   Mayor Hagan asked that police be called after any incidents to create a record of the incident.  Mr Assetto stated the same dog is causing multiple problems.  The dog is too big and the owner can’t control it.

Council Comments

Sharon Wolf - Storm water packet.  People are not cleaning up after their dogs.  If you see it happening it should be reported to the police. 

Adjournment

Scheduled Public Meetings:

Committee Time Date Location

• Parks & Recreation 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2011 Borough Hall
• Progress 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2011 Borough Hall
• Streets & Property 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2011 Borough Hall
• Finance 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 Borough Hall
• Fire & Police 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 Borough Hall
• PABA 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2011 Borough Hall

2011 Scheduled Council Meetings:

• March 21st
• April 18th
• May 16th
• June 20th
• July 18th
• August 22nd
• September 19th
• October 17th
• November 21st
• December 19th

The Reader's Corner

FIRST, DO NO HARM

By Larry Lavenberg of Atglen

We are now into the next political cycle and every day a new set of budget cuts at both the state and federal levels are announced by the Tea Party types, Federalist purists, and Republican extremists on the very hard right.  

For one, I consider all this cheap political theatrics at its nastiest.  Truthfully, I doubt the founding fathers, so frequently referred to as the sole source of all our liberty and freedom, had any idea that the future would hold such reckless use of the nation’s principals. 

Heck, in 1935 there were about 140,000,000 people in the United States, now there are over 300,000,000.  Many of that number, then as now, were unemployed with no means of support except through agencies created during the depression by state and federal government.  Those agencies pulled the country through bleak times. They continue to this day.  

Some in the newly minted congressional membership believe many or all of these service agencies perpetuate a tax burden the county.   

They are also of the mind that those needing assistance should get off their duff, find a job, and stop looking for a handout.  Those in need of medical assistance should buy a big box of Band-Aids and pray that a medical disaster doesn’t happen.   

For those who have worked all their lives and need assistance in retirement, the answer is “get a job!”  The single thought of the new force in Washington is to use “Attila the Hun” slash and burn tactics to fulfill the goal of less government spending. 

When the congress or legislature is sworn into office they pledge to uphold the constitution, they should swear one more oath.  I suggest that it be similar to the general body of the Hippocratic Oath; “First, Do No Harm.”

For one to deny that there is a need to reduce spending only points to denial that the problem exists.  Reduction on the backs of the middle class and the working poor will lead to a much larger schism between the rich and poor.  

Each program enacted, whether by state or federal government, was enacted to serve a specific purpose.  Every one of these programs was tempered in compromise and limits both good and bad aspects of the programs.  

A surgeon examines the patient, sees that the patient is properly prepared, all the instruments are readied, and the appropriate help is at hand before any surgery is started.   

Compare the surgeon’s approach to that of the legislative or congressional method and instantly you see the need for elected officials to take an oath of “First, Do No Harm.”   

For the surgeon to perform a procedure without all the information surely leads to a devastating outcome.  The same holds true for the elected official; “First, Do No Harm.” 

For those who question “First, Do No Harm,” try “First, Do Good.”    

Larry Lavenberg is a 15 year resident of Atglen.  He is a past member of the Octorara School Board and currently serves as a member of Atglen's Borough Council.       

Bad News From Harrisburg for Octorara

Already facing the nearly impossible task of balancing its budget in a down ecomony and ever growing charter school, health insurance expenses, administrators and school board memebers at Octorara received more bad news last week from Harrisburg.

The administration learned that basic education funding from the state would be reduced 10% or about $600,000 from 2010 levels.

They're not alone.  School districts across the region are feel the pain.

Read more here.
 

House Of The Week

415 3rd  Avenue - $145,000 Asking Price 

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	1
Sqft:	1,200
Lot size:	3,484 sq ft / 0.08 acres

A well maintained and remodeled twin located on 3rd Avenue in Parkesburg where you can walk to the park, train station, shopping and library.

New kitchen featuring oak cabinets, a smooth-top stove and built-in microwave and refrigerator. Updated powder room on 1st floor. 

Three Bedroom plus a 2nd floor laundry (could be converted back to 4th bedroom). Full basement, professionally water-proofed in 2009. 

Sewer line replaced from street to house in 2011.  


Click here for more information.

Parkesburg Native Pitches Opening For Owls

As Temple University opens its 84th baseball season this weekend against North Carolina Central,  Parkesburg native, Ben White, has been designated the team's opening day's starting pitcher.

Read more here and here.

Sadsburyville Fire Company Assist

On February 6th at 7:30 in the morning Sadsburyville's fire company sent a truck and crew of 4 to assisted Parkesburg Fire Company respond to a 911 call reporting a loud bang and an odor on the 400 block of First Avenue.

No cause of the bang or odor was found.

Read the summary here.

Parkesburg Housing Index - February 2011

Parkesburg 10 Year Home Value Trend 

Parkesburg Zillow Home Value Index

Parkesburg Home Values - Interactive chart

Parkesburg Monthly Housing Index

	Previous	Current
	Month	Month	Change
Homes currently listed For Sale	42	42	0.0%
Median home size (sq ft)	1478	1478	0.0%
Home value index	$168,800	$149,800	-11.3%
Median list price	$179,900	$168,900	-6.1%
Median sale price	$195,000	$195,000	0.0%
Median value per square foot	$117	$117	0.0%

February 14th Octorara School Board Meeting Notes

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

WORK SESSION

February 14, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.

Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Lord’s Prayer

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Roll Call - Mr. Nelson Stolzfus is the only board member not present.

4. Presentations:

A. Dr. John Hagen –

Dr. John Hagan is a former board member has a presentation to make to the board.  Dr. Hagan was a board member from 1967 to 1991.  The last 15 years of his tenure on the board were as president.  Spoke of working with Dr. McAdams.  After leaving Octorara Dr. McAdams worked at a number of school districts and later wrote a book.  Dr. Hagan reviewed the book and came to the conclusion that he would have benefited having the book when he was a school board member.  Dr. Hagan presented a copy of Dr. McAdams book to each board member and asked them to hand the book to their successor when they leave the board.  He thanked the board for their work.

B. Budget

Mr. Carsley.  We received pricing on final bond. The final price came out favorably for the district.  Interest rates came in our favor due to our improved credit rating.  The change will have a positive impact on this year’s budget.

Copy of a letter dated 1/28 about Edujob funding.  Another letter today discussing basic ed. state funding being reduced to 2006-07 levels.  The change could have a $500K impact on the preliminary budget for this year.

Dr. Newcome remarked that the budget townhall meeting had roughly 26 people attendance last Thursday evening.  Of the 26 people attending the meeting, 20 were members of the community.  Most were regular board meeting attendees.  6 were new faces he hadn’t seen before.  The presentation made was the same one made at the last board meeting.  More town meetings will be scheduled.

March 14^th meeting will have a new budget estimate. 

President Bowman liked the back and forth format at Thursday’s townhall meeting.  The purpose of the meeting was to get as much info out and educate people about the budget process.

          The district will advertise future town meetings.

5. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

6. Information Items:

An activity fee of $30.00 will be charged for participation in the Octorara Elementary School musical. The fee will cover performance rights and scripts, cast T-shirts, props and sets, and snacks for the participants.

7. Presentation of Agenda Items for the February 21, 2011 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the addition of the Imprest Fund to the contract for the remote deposit between Fulton Bank and the Octorara Area School District.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the removal of tax liens on the mobile home parcels listed below. The Chester County Commissioners exonerated the parcels because the original mobile home has either been removed from the parcel or demolished.

Parcel 44040000150T $ 620.51

Parcel 44070004250T $ 741.11

Parcel 46040026021T $3,539.76

Resignation Approvals:

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation, with regret, of Dr. Judy Curiel as a Spanish teacher at the Octorara Area High School for the purpose of retirement effective March 8, 2011. (Hired August 26, 1986.)

Hiring Approvals:

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Beth Reburn as an instructional assistant at the Primary Learning Center effective February 2, 2011 through May 2, 201l. Ms. Reburn’s rate will be $11.40 per hour.

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Bridget Marowski as a long term substitute Spanish teacher at the Octorara Area High School. Ms. Marowski’s salary will be $46,914 which is Step 1of the Bachelor’s Scale pro-rated from December 17, 2010 through the end of the 2010-2011 school year. (Replacing Judy Curiel who retired.)

Why is this prorated?  Ms. Markowski has been working in the district since December.   Dr. Curial has been on sick leave since December.

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Tammy Anthony as a long term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective approximately March 25, 2011 through the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Ms. Anthony’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Dena Schott who will be on child rearing leave.)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Heidi Griest’s request for unpaid medical leave from February 3, 2011 through May 2, 2011. Ms. Griest is an instructional assistant at the Primary Learning Center.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Danielle Carmella’s request to extend her Family Medical Leave from February 14, 2011 through February 28, 2011.

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Matt Walton as a volunteer for the Octorara Area High School girls’ basketball program.

Mr. Walton is a parent of one of the players.  He has been helping out due to illnesses on the coaching staff.

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:

Sarah Callaway From M+30 ($58,909) to M+45 ($61,502) Step 2

Ashlee DiRocco From M+45 ($67,077) to M+60 ($70,154) Step 9

Jennifer Haldeman From M+30 ($65,733) to M+45 ($68,622) Step 10

Alysyn Hoffman From B+15 ($48,873) to M ($50,811) Step 1

Nick Kluge From M+30 ($59,654) to M+45 (62,298) Step 3

Matthew Livingood From M+45 ($62,298) to M+60 ($65,278) Step 3

Sarah Morrissey From B ($46,914) to B+15 ($48,873) Step 1

Nina Thwaites From M+45 ($72,259) to M+60 ($75,385) Step 10

Sally Welk From M+45 ($68,622) to M+60 ($71,591) Step 10

Kyle Whary From B ($47,664) to B+15 ($49,759) Step 2

Dana Young From M+15 ($59,100) to M+30 ($61,143) Step 5

Board Member Sam Ganow asked that in the future board members be told how long the applicant has been on the previous step.

8. Other Items/Concerns

9. Visitors’ Comments – General

10. Board Comments

Board Member John Malone - Finance committee meet this evening before the board meeting.  State auditor is concerned about building and IT safety/security. Discussed collection of past due taxes, basic ed funding.  There may be a reduction coming up.

A board member asked if volunteers subject to background checks – yes

Mr. Hume

·       Budget town halls are a good idea.  Word on the street are that people are appealing their property values.  People don’t know how difficult it is to get funds.  They need to understand there has been tremendous cuts at the district for a number of years.

·       Also commented on the parent becoming a volunteer for a sports program.  Asked if they must have some background in the sport.

·       Board member John Malone spoke and stated the parent had experience with basketball

President Bowman. The boys basketball game well attended.  The budget process is an ongoing process and we are constantly looking for cuts.

1^st grade open house and musical this Thursday.  Early learning center

11. Adjournment

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, February 14, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, February 14, 2011 – Following the Work Session in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, February 21, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, February 21, 2011 – 7:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, February 21, 2011– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Octorara Students Meet Standards (Updated)

As Octorara School District administrators and school board members struggle with the district’s finances, students in the district's four schools continue to demonstrate continued improvement to their academic balance sheets. 

According to the district's home page, all four of district schools met state and federal academic standards for achieving "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP), according to the 2010 AYP Report used by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, is a measurement defined by the United States federal No Child Left Behind Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002.  It measures how every public school and school district in the country is performing academically according to results on standardized tests.

In Pennsylvania AYP calculations are made through a math and reading assessment given to all students.

While this is the fourth straight year Octorara's student body has achieved AYP designation, because AYP standards shifts incrementally higher every year, this year's performance is their highest achievement yet. 

For 2009-2010 school year 72% of district students must be proficient in English while 67% must be proficient in Math.

The benchmarks continue to go up for the next 3 years until 2014 when expected proficiencies are 100% for both math and reading.