DISCOVER YOUR TOWNSHIPWINTER 2014/15

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Township News Lackawaxen Twp. Seeks Grant 2 For Recreation Complex Fire Commission Membership 3 Changes Again Fire Commission Partners 4 With Woodloch Pines News For Constituents 5 Prepare Mailboxes 6 For Winter 911 Sign Ordinance 7 Quick Facts Guide Town Treasurer Accused of 8 Embezzling $222,000 Living Lackawaxen Keeping Safe While 10 Keeping Warm Outdoor Activities at 11 Lackawaxen

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IN THIS ISSUE

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION 169 Urban Road, Hawley, PA 18428

Lackawaxen Park has become a part of the global “treasure hunt game”, also known as Geocaching.

Geocaching is an outdoor, recreational game that reveals a world beyond everyday life. Participants use a global positioning system (GPS) receiver to find the hidden cache. Geocachers journey through specific areas, following coordinates given by their fellow geocachers or websites, to find the hidden treasures. Lackawaxen Township Supervisors and the County of Pike, on behalf of the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation (SRCP) Board, have partnered up to place a Lock-N-Lock container at the proposed location at coordinates N 41.489273 and W -075.069547.

The specific cache, also known as SRCP 5, is part of the SRCP Series. The SRCP Series is a set of locations that takes the geocacher to all of the conservation projects funded through the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program.

There are nine current easement and acquisition projects that have been funded by the Pike County SRCP Program: Stairway Ridge, Santos Park, Long Swamp, Akenac Park, Lackawaxen Park, Rickard, White Deer, Beaver Run and Rock Hill.

The Pike County SRCP Program’s main purpose for the caches placed throughout these locations is to have travelers enjoy the nature and wildlife habitat throughout Pike County.

There are currently over two million active geocaches hidden throughout 184 countries around the world. It is common for geocachers to hide a cache in a location that is important to them, reflecting a certain interest or skill of the cache owner.

A typical geocache container is out of view of the public, mainly to avoid being disrupted by anyone who walks passed. Although the caches are never buried, they can be hidden beneath twigs or stones.To locate all nine of the Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program geocaches, pick up a Pike County SRCP Passport at the Administration Building, located at 506 Broad Street, Milford PA 18337, or online at srcp.pikepa.org/geocaching.html.

To learn more about geocaching, visit www.geocaching.com.

Geocaching Makes Its Way to Lackawaxen Park

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15PAGE 2

169 URBAN ROAD, HAWLEY, PA 18428

Main Office: 570-685-7288 Road Dept: 570-685-3200 After Hours: 570-685-7822 Building: 570-685-2990 Zoning: 570-685-2990 Sewage: 570-685-2990

MUNICIPAL MEETINGS:

SUPERvISORS MEETINGS Are held on the third Monday 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.

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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.

Lackawaxen Township Seeks Grant for Lackawaxen Township Recreation Complex ProjectLackawaxen Township, Pike County is requesting funding consideration from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the Lackawaxen Township Recreation Complex project.

The Township Recreation Complex is approximately 138 acres, located on Urban Road, and provides easy access for residents and visitors.

Lackawaxen Township is requesting a grant from the DCED to aid the construction for a Park entrance road, trailheads and the purchase and installation of play equipment for children within the Township Park.

A Community Survey was conducted by the Township to determine recreation needs of the community through the contributors responses. The survey asked participants to rate different recreational activities from low priority to high priority.

The results showed that participants found walking/hiking trails “highest priority” with an average ranking of 4.6.

Robert Cocchi, Chairman of Lackawaxen Township said “This is the second grant we’ve applied for. The first grant we received was used for the developmental stage, and the current grant we’re applying for is to support the construction of the Complex.”

The Lackawaxen Township Trail Construction Project is going to stimulate the economy within the local community and surrounding areas. The Project will bring increased property values, tax and tourism revenues and improved attractiveness of communities to homebuyers and businesses.

“Hopefully within a couple of months, if the grant is awarded, we can get something open by next spring,” said Cocchi.

For more information on Lackawaxen Township or the Lackawaxen Township Recreation Complex, please call 570-588-9309 or visit its current website at www.lackawaxentownshippa.gov.

PAGE 3LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15

Building Department Rich Tussel, Building Inspector 570-685-2990 Ext: 17 Fax: 570-685-2550 building@lackawaxentownshippa.gov

Zoning/CodeEnforcement Department Jim Dolan, Zoning Officer 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 Answering service- 570-226-2344 code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov

Commercial Building / Electrical Inspector Todd Klikus 570-493-1229 Todd@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: By appointment only

Sewage Department Sewage Officer Jim Dolan 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 Answering service- 570-226-2344 code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov

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: 570-685-7822 Roadmaster@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7am-3pm

Secretary/Administrative Office Camille James, Secretary Camille@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: Mon, Wed., Fri. 8am-4pm

Treasurer Robert Cocchi 570-685-7288 Bob@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: By appointment only

Acting on a recommendation from the Township's Fire Commission, at its regular meeting on Monday, October 20, 2014, the Board of Supervisors passed Resolution Number 2014-10 to include the Greeley Volunteer Fire Department as a member of the Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission. Although Greeley had been a member of the Commission when it was originally created in June 2009, they chose to withdraw after three and half years.

Subsequently, they were replaced by Lackawaxen EMS Squad 21. However, citing the financial and administrative advantages of being a part of the Commission again, Greeley VFD members recently voted to rejoin. As a result, following receipt of a formal request, all parties involved acted quickly and Larry Dosch was officially seated as the Greeley VFD member at the November meeting of the Fire Commission. A civilian delegate from the Department still needs to be nominated. Since the Commission does not normally meet in December, this will be one of the first orders of business at the Commission's January 2015 meeting.

In the meantime, the consolidated insurance policy, which covers all the Commission members, has already been amended to include Greeley. This initiative was started several years ago to help reduce the individual insurance premiums of the members by increasing the coverage pool. After extensive review and coordination, it was formally implemented on April 18, 2013 with typical savings of 40 - 50 percent, both initially and now in the second year. Not only will Greeley VFD see similar results, but the other Commission members premiums will also go down by a few more dollars now that the policy includes all four fire departments and the EMS squad.

In addition, Greeley has been included as part of the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant that the Commission will be filing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency early next year. Created to help fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations with their recruitment and retention programs, the goal of SAFER is to provide funding to enhance local departments abilities to comply with the staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

The Commission is requesting $310,000 to be used in a number of areas, from a coordinated recruitment and retention initiative to turnout gear for new volunteers. Since the application will be from the Commission on behalf of all four volunteer fire departments, it is hoped that will help it receive more favorable consideration when compared other individual requests. If approved, funding will be handled by the Commission and the money will be shared equally in accordance with the plan to be submitted with the application. While the Fire Commission has accomplished a lot over the last several years, it is still looking for other areas where it can undertake initiatives that will save money, improve efficiency and enhance safety for the mutual benefit of its members and all the residents of Lackawaxen Township. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. You can come to a meeting (they're held at 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month at the Municipal Building) or send us an e-mail through our web site at ltfirecom.com. Either way, we'd love to hear from you.

Fire Commission Membership Changes Again

Picture: From Left: Seated - Al Petrillo, Vice-President, John Kerkowski, President, Bud Tascone, Secretary, Ben Solowitz, Treasurer. Standing - Ruth Daniels, Kelly Cutrone, Bob Beltramine, Larry Dosch, Cathy Wargo, Sheldon Langer. Absent - Bill Thomas, Mike Mancino, Jack McLaughlin and Jeremy Hart.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15PAGE 4

Parks & Recreation

Township News

Meetings & Events

Living Lackawaxen

What started out as a fuel study has culminated in the Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission entering into a fuel purchasing agreement between its members and Woodloch Pines. Between the four Fire Departments and the EMS Squad, the Township's volunteers use about 1,000 gallons of gasoline and 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel in their vehicles annually. Over the past several years, the Fire Commission has been exploring ways in which it could help its members deal with the rising cost of fuel by leveraging their combined consumption as part of a packaged purchasing arrangement with one of the service stations in the area. Unfortunately, given pricing and location considerations, there were no facilities in the area that were suitable for such a plan. However, when Woodloch's new Market on Route 590 opened, it was suggested that the fueling plan be revisited in light of its central location.

Subsequently, John Kiesendahl, the President and CEO of Woodloch Pines, Inc. was contacted by the Commission and asked if its members utilized the Mobil station adjacent to the Market for refueling would the sales volume be enough to receive a discount. Mr. Kiesendahl had his Purchasing Agent, Charlie Knapp, look into what could be done and together they came up with a plan under which the Commission will be taking out Mobil credit cards on behalf of its members. When used at any Exxon-Mobil station, the Township's volunteers will get a 6 cent per gallon rebate on their bill for all fuel purchases in the first year of use.

In addition, Woodloch generously extended an additional 5 cents per gallon gasoline and 10 cents

Fire Commission Partners With Woodloch Pinesper gallon diesel discount off the pump price which will be a permanent part of the arrangement for all fuel purchased at the Market.

The combined discount of up to 16 cents per gallon will result in fuel savings of several hundred dollars per year for the Fire Departments and EMS Squad. However, additional savings will accrue in the bookkeeping as well. Aside from being able to bill its members quarterly so they don't have to make monthly payments, the commission will also handle the paperwork for the fuel tax rebate.

Emergency service providers are exempt from the state tax, but not at the pump. Traditionally, they would keep receipts for all purchases and file for a rebate from the state at the end of the year. This task will now be taken over by the Commission which will file on behalf of its members using the individual billing accounts that will be provided by Exxon-Mobil. This will free up valuable volunteer time from administrative tasks that are not related to their primary mission as first responders.

Woodloch has also graciously offered to work with the Commission to see if additional savings can be realized for its membership in the purchase of heating oil and propane by utilizing their suppliers for these fuels. Earlier feasibility studies in this area had mixed results due to the various vendors used by the Fire Departments and EMS Squad.

The logistics of any one of them being able to meet all of the Commission member's fuel needs at a competitive price was a problem that could not be resolved at the time. However, in light of Woodloch's

offer, one of the first projects for the Fire Commission in 2015 will be to revisit the fuel study, update the utilization numbers and determine whether it might be possible for its members to save more money in this area through the use of single suppliers for heating oil and propane.

Part of the Fire Commission's charter when it was created by the Board of Supervisors was to work with the Township's volunteers to find ways to help save money and improve operational efficiency in the provision of emergency services.

The consolidated insurance and fund raising initiatives have been two of the more noteworthy Commission accomplishments in that area over the past several years. However, thanks to Woodloch's support and cooperation, now savings in vehicle refueling can also be added to that list.

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) recently submitted a letter to the Director of the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the alleged sewer issue with discharges from the Masthope Development Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lackawaxen Township.

Multiple testimonials from neighbors, river guides, local officers, visitors and river users stated that the Masthope Development Wastewater Treatment Plant has been believed to discharge untreated or semi-untreated sewerage resulting in strong odor, murky gray water, high fecal coliform bacteria counts and increased specific conductance.

It has been determined that Aqua Pennsylvania currently owns and operates the Masthope Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Lackawaxen Township understands that the Upper Delaware Council has concerns with the capacity, operation and monitoring of this facility. However, the Township does not regulate the Masthope Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Aqua Pennsylvania is the provider and regulator of the water and wastewater services. They provide services to approximately 1.4 million people within Pennsylvania. The Upper Delaware Council has urged the Department of Environmental Protection to routinely monitor the facility’s discharge on holiday weekends, during odd hours, when the discharges are noticeable and nauseating.

Superintendent of the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Kristina Heister, is planning to handle the concerns of the capacity, operation and monitoring of the facility.

Upper Delaware Council Masthope Sewer Issue

PAGE 5LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15

Radon Testing Encouraged

Home testing for high levels of radon is being encouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection during the winter months, when concentrations of the gas increase with the closed windows and doors in our homes and other buildings.

Attributed with causing 20,000 deaths annually, radon is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The colorless, odorless, radioactive gas occurs naturally with the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks.

DEP recommends purchasing a radon test kit at a home improvement store or hiring a certified radon testing company to determine the concentration of radon in your home. An unsafe radon level can be countered with a professionally-installed mitigation system.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us

Radon: http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-101093/PA%20Citizens%20Guide%20to%20Radon%202900-BK-DEP0375.pdf

Radon test: http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-98537/2940-FS-DEP4428.pdf

Mitigation system: http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-98723/2940-FS-DEP4430.pdf

Warm Up With PA Farm Show Recipes

Warm up a cold winter’s day with award-winning recipes from the 2015 PA Farm Show, in its 99th

NEWS FOR CONSTITUENTSBy Sen. Lisa Baker

year of celebrating the role of agriculture in the Commonwealth.

Among the 2015 winners, you will find Blue Ribbon Apple Pie, Angel Food Cake, Chocolate Cake, Brownies, and Thumbprint Cookies.

From soup to dessert, you can serve winning Farm Show dishes based on 2015 recipes and those receiving accolades over the last decade of competition and showmanship.

Award-winning recipes: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/page/winningrecipes.aspx

2015 PA Farm Show: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us

Role of Agriculture: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/files/Pennsylvania%20Agriculture%20Snapshot.pdf

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/files/Blueribbonapplepie.pdf

Angel Food Cake: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/files/PA%20Preferred%20Angel%20Food%20Cake.pdf

Chocolate Cake: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/files/PA%20Preferredchocolatecake.pdf

Brownies: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/files/PA%20Preferred%20Chocolate%20Cookies%20Brownies%20Bars.pdf

Thumbprint Cookies: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/files/Thumbprint%20Cookie.pdf

Competition and showmanship: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/page/factsandfigures.aspx

visitPA for Wintertime Fun

Whatever your heart’s desire, check out VisitPA for wintertime fun in state. Picture dogsledding across the Laurel Highlands countryside and snowmobiling through the Allegheny National Forest.

Imagine cross-country skiing the Endless Mountains of Northeastern PA and snow tubing in the Pocono Mountains.

For those days you prefer being indoors, find organized events and festivals celebrating food, wine, music, comedy, science, astronomy, history and much more. Indoors or outdoors, wintertime is fun time in PA.

VisitPA: http://www.visitpa.com/

Wintertime fun: http://www.visitpa.com/articles/9-things-do-pennsylvania-winter?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=January+2015+Enews

Laurel Highlands: http://www.visitpa.com/regions/laurel-highlands

Endless Mountains: http://www.endlessmountains.org/

Pocono Mountains: http://www.visitpa.com/regions/pocono-mountains

Events and festivals: http://www.visitpa.com/pa-events-festivals

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15PAGE 6

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.

PAGE 7LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15

911 Sign Ordinance Quick Facts Guide

LACKAWAXEN TOWNSHIP CARES ABOUT OUR RESIDENTS

Responders need the proper signage so they can locate your home in the event of an emegency. We are requesting your assistance in making the 911 Sign requirements work effectively. 9-1-1 Sign Installation

Lackawaxen Township Ordinance # 103 requires the sign to be:

• Constructed of extruded or rolled aluminum with a minimum thickness of 0.080 inch.

• Have white reflective numbers or letters minimum height 4” by 2“ wide on a green or blue background on both sides of the sign

• Minimum of sixteen (16) inches in height and a maximum of eighteen (18) inches in height and minimum six (6) inches to eight (8) inches wide

• Oriented perpendicular to the named street on the right side of the driveway

• The signpost shall be placed to the right of the intersection of the driveway

• Be between three (3) feet and six (6) feet maximum above the ground elevation where the sign is mounted.

Obstructions (including snow) shall be removed to permit the sign to be visible for a distance of not less than fifty (50) feet from the sign in both directions of travel.

Signs may also be placed on mailboxes, provided the mailbox is on the same side of the street as the house, or on trees, which are fully visible from the street with no obstructions blocking view of sign, i.e., branches, brushes, snow banks, etc.

Have Questions?

Contact us at: Lackawaxentownshippa.gov code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov 570-685-7288 phone 570-685-2550 fax

DO

DON’T

To ensure the 911 Sign addresses are posted in a uniform manner, sign placement guidelines have been adopted as part of Ordinance 103.

But ultimately SAFETY is YOUR Responsibility!!

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15PAGE 8

Lackawaxen EMS is an ASHI training facility Training CPR, AED, Basic First Aid and more, right here in your Township.

Upcoming ScheduleBasic First Aid 2/10 & 2/12 at 6:30pm CPR Pro 2/24 & 2/26 at 6:30pm CPR Re-certification 3/10 at 6:30pm Basic First Aid 3/24 & 3/26 at 6:30pm CPR Pro 4/7 & 4/9 at 6:30pm CPR Re-certification 4/21 at 6:30pm Basic First Aid 5/12 & 5/14 at 6:30pm CPR Pro 5/26 & 5/28 at 6:30pm CPR Re-certification 6/9 at 6:30pm Basic First Aid 6/23 & 6/25 at 6:30pm CPR Pro $30. CPR Re-certification $25. Basic First Aid $20.

Call 570-685-4022 for more Information and to schedule group training at your location.

By Ken Baumel Article from The Pike County Dispatch

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced on Monday that they arrested and charged 54-year old former Lackawaxen Township Secretary/Treasurer Shawn Marie Roe of raiding the township General Fund of at least $222,242 for her benefit between 2003 and 2013.

PSP Blooming Grove Barracks Station Chief Lt. Christopher Paris and case Investigating Officer Mark Pizzutti and Township Solicitor Tony Waldron briefed the public about the ongoing investigation that led to Roe’s arrest at a press conference held at the Lackawaxen Township building during the regular township meeting on Monday.

Paris and Pizzutti reported that PSP arrested Roe on Wednesday, Dec. 10. She was arraigned at District Justice Alan Cooper’s court on Little Walker Road in Shohola and remanded to the Pike County

Town Treasurer Accused of Embezzling $222,000

State police arrested former Lackawaxen

Township Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Roe and charged her with

seven felonies related to skimming $222,242 from

the township General Fund since 2003.

(Photo by Ken Baumel)

Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail. She has subsequently posted bail.

PSP charged Roe with the following felonies: Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds Received, Access Device Fraud, Criminal Use of Communication Facility, and Unlawful Use of Computer. Paris and Pizzutti said that Roe had been cooperating in answering questions.

Supervisors hired Roe in 2000. The police report stated that supervisors started flagging problems in 2007 when they authorized Waldron to issue a letter of reprimand to Roe for her failure to provide meeting agendas for regular meetings and for her not providing monthly financial statements to supervisors.

In summer 2013, supervisors confronted Roe about other issues. Supervisor Rich Krochta said that he believed Roe paid herself for overtime and mileage reimbursements to which she was not entitled.

Also that summer, Krochta, Supervisor Bob Cocchi, and Supervisor Brian Stuart asked Roe for township financial statements from 2011 and 2012 that supervisors needed as part of a township grant application to a Pennsylvania agency. When she would not produce the documents, they fired her in mid-September for not performing her duties and for the overtime and mileage irregularities.

Supervisors asked Roe to return the township laptop. Roe returned the laptop, but with all files erased. The police complaint noted that the township computer tech recovered some files and one of them was instructions on how to “clear a QuickBooks audit trail.”

Supervisors retained Brian T. Kelly, CPA & Associates to track cash disbursements to Roe since 2003. This process was not a forensic evaluation, noted Pizzutti. During the tracking, Kelly found a PayPal account, allegedly used by Roe to funnel township funds for her personal use.

Waldron said that PSP began investigations in February after township supervisors approached them about financial irregularities they found during audits. Supervisors said that they did not know Roe had a PayPal account and had not authorized her to open one.

The police complaint indicates that since 2003, Roe used 277 PayPal charges to tap the Township’s General Fund, made 416 unauthorized debit card purchases for her personal use from the Township’s

Continued...

PAGE 9LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15

570.296.9200CALL NOW!

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From the left, Pennsylvania State Police Blooming Grove Barracks Investigating Officer Mark Pizzutti and Station Chief Lt. Chris Paris briefed the public at a Press Conference regarding the arrest of former Lackawaxen Township Secretary/Treasurer Shawn Roe on various felonies related to alleged embezzling of funds from the township from 2003 to 2013.

(Photo by Ken Baumel)

General Fund for purchase at Wal-Mart, Kmart, CVS, United States Post Office, grocery stores, restaurants, and cellular telephone providers.

Roe is also accused of issuing unauthorized checks to herself and changed the name of vendors in the QuickBooks software file. Waldron said that a police financial analysis identified seven categories of inappropriate and unauthorized payments made by Roe to herself. Supervisors said that township protocol has always required two signatures for checks, typically the treasurer and one supervisor. Cocchi and Krochta said that because they trusted Roe, they did not scrutinize checks brought to them by Roe for co-signing.

Waldron said that since the township treasurer is bonded for $500,000, he expects the township to collect the entire amount missing, plus the township would seek compensation for expenses related to the investigation and any subsequent trial. Such expenses would cover audit, CPA, legal fees, for example.

Waldron said that Roe apparently covered her tracks so well that even one financial consultant who reviewed township financial statements did not find the irregularities.

Waldron and PSP noted that Roe covered inappropriate transactions through clever manipulation of the township’s bookkeeping program, QuickBooks.

Cocchi said that he and supervisors are devising a new set of standards to prevent fraud and financial compromise. Steps include using a safe to store checks, any disbursements are double checked, close out any debit cards, and have the township CPA conduct quarterly and other audits as needed during

the year, not just once a year. In answer to a question on whether Roe could take advantage of statute of limitations law, Pizzutti said that since Roe apparently misused township funds continuously for 10 years, such a statute would not likely apply. Waldron and police also indicated that none of the supervisors or township auditors is under investigation.

Supervisors said that township auditors who are elected are not responsible for annual audits for financial books but only approved supervisor salaries (a modest stipend for attending township meetings).

Township Supervisor Mike Mancino suggested that supervisors are open to forming an audit committee of residents or local business people who have expertise in financial matters to advise supervisors on how to establish checks and balances to avoid future problems.

The Lackawaxen Township Supervisors have implemented new accounting procedures based on the recommendation of our accountants:

• Elimination of Debit Card(s)

• Establish Credit Card Account and reconcile monthly.

• Two original signatures on all checks.

• Checking signing at Township meetings.

• Elimination of all and any Paypal Account(s)

• Annual Audits.

*This is not an all inclusive list.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15PAGE 10

REAL ESTATE

Providing unrivaled hospitality in your own backyard!

800.Woodloch | Woodloch.com | Hawley Pennsylvania

lake view dining • banquets • spa • golf • meetings & gatheringsownership opportunities • entertainment • dinner and a show • so much more!

Old man winter is back and for many of us it means firing up the wood or coal stove to enjoy the comforting warmth it provides. To many, it also offers a more affordable heating method than the ever fluctuating price of propane or oil. The benefits of wood or coal can many, though it is not without some risks.

According to the NFPA, in the years 2007-2011, 38% of all U.S. home heating fires were caused by a fireplace, chimney or chimney connector as compared to 14% for central heating units. Although this statistic is of concern, I believe it could be greatly improved by educating people about the proper maintenance and installation of solid fuel burning appliances.

If you are the owner of a solid fuel burning appliance, you should at a minimum, have you chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Cleanings may need to be done a few times a year depending on the quality of the fuel being burned.

One of the single most important aspects of

Keeping Safe While Keeping WarmA Message From The Building Department

an installation, please feel free to call the Building Dept for assistance. In conclusion, if you are an owner or renter, heating with wood, coal, pellets or any other solid fuel burning appliance, be proactive and check the unit for proper installation and make sure preventive maintenance is performed at regular intervals.

You and your family's safety could depend on it. Lastly, but of equal importance, don't forget to install and maintain smoke detectors inside and outside of all sleeping rooms with at least one on all floors including basements.

burning wood or coal is maintaining clearances to combustibles, it can not be stressed enough. All listed solid fuel burning appliances and chimneys will have a tag or label that states the required clearances to combustibles. They must be followed to the tee!

Single wall metal pipe connectors, better known as "the black pipe that connects the appliance to the chimney", has a minimum clearance of 18" to combustibles. Because these single wall connectors do not have labels or tags stating the required clearances, they are often installed incorrectly, resulting in a serious hazard.

Another, often overlooked requirement of solid fuel burning equipment that is installed on combustible floors, is proper floor protection. Once again, listed appliances will have a tag or label that dictates what is required under and around the unit.

If you are the owner of an older unlisted unit without stated clearances and have concerns about

PAGE 11LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | WINTER 2014/15

Mark your planner or calendar with these essential winter activities. The chilly, snowy days are calling you and your family outdoors!

Check out this guide below to enjoying the winter activities Throughout Lackawaxen Township and the surrounding area!

Do you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, or want to learn how? Take a weekend and ride on one of Ski Big Bear’s 18 trails! When you’re done, enjoy the gift shop, cafeteria, restaurant and bar, or convenience store/deli located at the top of the mountain.

If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your forte, don’t worry! The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) has plenty of exciting events taking place in the next few months.

You can learn a variety of outdoor survival skills, ranging from fire building and camping preparedness to tracking and stalking animals at PEEC’s new program: Wilderness Skills!

You can also go on the Black & White photo tour on Sunday, March 22nd from 9 AM to 4 PM. Grab your camera, and join PEEC on a tour of all of the historic buildings throughout the Park!

Make sure you’re staying active during the winter months with an outdoor activity that interests you. Even if you’re not a fan of the chilly weather, you can always join a health club, walk the mall, join

Outdoor Activities At Lackawaxen! an indoor sports team, find an indoor pool or create a home gym! Any type of activity will help those winter blues by increasing your energy levels and improving your mood.

For more information on outdoor activities at Ski Big Bear or PEEC, visit their websites at skibigbear.com and peec.org.

NOTICE

As of

January 21, 2015 the Regular Monthly Board of

Supervisors Meetings will now be held on Wednesday’s at 6:30 p.m.