Potter County Commissioners Meeting Minutes From November 17, 2022
NEWS
Coudersport Fire Department Picks Officers
Congratulations to our newly seated line officers and Board members after our recent annual Dept Elections and Meeting.
Two year term:
Chief 48 Bryan Phelps
AC 48-10 Tadd Ostroski
AC 48-30 Glenn Dunn II
Capt 48 Joe Ostroski
Lt Evan Rodriguez
Capt Fire Police 48-90 Josh Morey
Executive Board
Vice Pres. Darren Vanwhy (1yr)
Board Member
Evan Rodriguez (2yr)
Dustin Chapel (1yr)
Zachary Phelps (1yr)
Fireman’s Relief Association
President Glenn Dunn II
Vice Pres Kevin Saulter Sr
Secretary Garret Morey
Treasurer Darren Vanwhy
And several other members as delegates and alternates to Potter Co and Tri-Coumty Fireman’s Associations to represent our department.
Thank you all and Congratulations…
DEP Announces Effective Date of Volatile Organic Compound Regulations for Conventional Oil and Gas Industry is Today
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is providing notice that the emergency certified final-omitted rulemaking to control volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from conventional oil and gas sources is final and effective as of today, December 2, 2022.
On November 30, the Environmental Quality Board adopted the emergency certified final-omitted rulemaking. On December 1, the rulemaking was deposited in and filed with the Legislative Reference Bureau. The rulemaking is final and effective upon this notice.
Under the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), Pennsylvania has until December 16 to submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a State Implementation Plan, including regulations covering VOC emissions for all required oil and gas sources.
Governor Tom Wolf determined that this emergency certified final-omitted rulemaking is necessary to ensure the commonwealth complies with the CAA and with Pennsylvania’s Air Pollution Control Act. The emergency rulemaking was undertaken after the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee voted to review the final-omitted version of the regulation, causing a delay in the regulatory process that would extend beyond the December 16 deadline.
The regulatory documents are available at http://www.irrc.state.pa.us/docs/3363/AGENCY/3363FO.pdf and https://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/EnvironmentalQuality/Pages/2022-Meetings.aspx
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 5 PM EST SATURDAY…
Wind Advisory issued December 02 at 1:18PM EST until December 03 at 5:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 5 PM EST SATURDAY…
- WHAT…Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected. - WHERE…Cattaraugus & Allegany counties.
- WHEN…From 7 AM to 5 PM EST Saturday.
- IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
Christmas Bazaar Returns Saturday at Port Allegany Evangelical Covenant Church
The Port Allegany Evangelical Covenant Church announces the return of the Christmas Bazaar! The Bazaar will be held at the church at 67 Church Street in Port Allegany on Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature homemade soups, pies and baked goods; Covenant Church Cookbooks, Rada Cutlery, hand-made wares; hand-made jewelry; hand painted crafts and more.
For further information, contact Cheryl Freer at 814-558-0988.
Holiday Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 3rd at St. Gabriel’s Church
The St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Holiday Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 3rd at St. Gabriel’s Church located at 203 Arnold Avenue in Port Allegany from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Bazaar will feature homemade soups to go, Crafts, Basket Raffle, Chinese Auction, White Elephant Sale and more. Raffles include an afghan, Kate Spade Backpack and a Weed Eater. Raffle Tickets are $2 each.
Mt. Jewett Volunteer Fire Department Elects Officers
Mt.Jewett Volunteer Fire Department
2023 Elections were held last night. New officers and line officers are as follows:
Chief 10-Scott Reynolds
Chief 10-10- Jay McGuire
Chief 10-20 Chris Crandall
Vice President- Paige Delhunty
Secretary- Annie Wolfe
Treasurer- Jon Peterson.
Thank you all to your continued support.
Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP)
In July 2022, the PA Clean Streams Fund (CSF) was passed as part of the state budget. This fund provides $220 million in dedicated funding from the American Rescue Plan to create new clean water programs, including $154 million for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). This program will provide farmers with funding to implement conservation practices on their land.
The State Conservation Commission will establish programmatic details modeled after PA’s Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program. Similar to that program, ACAP funding will be distributed to County Conservation Districts.
Conservation Districts will work with participating farmers and landowners to help design and implement soil and water conservation practices. These practices are designed to reduce or prevent nutrient and sediment losses from their farms while improving water quality and soil health across the Commonwealth. This funding will be available for all farmers within McKean County – there are no eligibility requirement that farmers must be within a certain watershed.
The McKean County Conservation District Board of Directors will be developing priorities and policies for ACAP at the local level within the coming months. This is a unique opportunity to implement projects within the next three years starting in 2023. The District will receive the allotted funding in three yearly installments. The funding is required to be obligated for projects and spent within two years of each installment.
If you are interested in participating in the ACAP program in McKean County or for more information, please contact Adam Causer, Watershed Specialist at 814-887-4003 or accauser@mckeancountypa.org.
Port Allegany Inducts 9 Students to National Honor Society
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY
On Wednesday evening, The Port Allegany Chapter of The National Honor Society inducted nine new members who were selected based on their outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Front row: Saxon Palmer, Isaac Barber, Peyton Stiles, Levi Wilfong, and Henry Kisler
Back row: Braylon Button, Julia Postlewait, Amber Funk, and Miska Young
Thank you to Mrs. Fischer for the pictures.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 Facebook Website Bio Latest News State Forms Photo Gallery Contact Capitol Update Friday, December 2, 2022 The latest news from the State Capitol Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.You are welcome to contact me through this link. Students, Seniors from Oswayo Valley Visit State Capitol  |
This week, students from Oswayo Valley School District and members of the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, led by Senior Center Director Mary Jones, travelled from Shinglehouse to the State Capitol in Harrisburg for a tour. The seniors made Christmas ornaments that were recently hung on the Capitol Christmas tree in the Main Rotunda. I was glad to join them during the tour and take them in the House Chamber. It’s always great to have folks from back home visit the state Capitol! |
| Welcome Back Galeton, Pike Township! Click here to see larger map. Effective Dec. 1, the communities of Galeton and Pike Township in Potter County return to the 67th Legislative District I represent. A decade ago, these communities were shifted into the 68th Legislative District as part of the redistricting process. However, due to population changes identified in the 2020 U.S. Census, they were moved back into the 67th as part of the recent redistricting process. I am pleased to welcome back the residents of these two municipalities and to now represent all of you who reside in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties. My offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane, as well as Harrisburg, stand ready to help you with services such as: • PennDOT paperwork, including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals. • Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs. • Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). • Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required). • Information about legislation. • Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies. Visit my office online at www.RepCauser.com or contact us as follows: • 78 Main St., first floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400. • 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769. • 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, Kane – 814-837-0880. |
| FCC Broadband Coverage Map to Aid Expansion Plans in PA  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released new broadband maps in which website visitors can enter an address to learn about the availability of high-speed internet service at that location. You can find the maps here. The new National Broadband Map will be used to better assess which Pennsylvania communities are underserved or not served at all – a phenomenon sometimes called “the digital divide.” Some estimates place the number of Pennsylvanians without access to broadband at more than 800,000. The FCC says the new tool contains more location-specific data than what was previously available. Individual users can submit their thoughts about potential inaccuracies directly through the map program until Jan. 13. Pennsylvania has a newly developed Broadband Development Authority seeking to invest federal aid to deploy broadband services where they are needed most. |
| Maximizing PA Lottery Benefits for Seniors  Legislation to maximize the amount of money generated by the Pennsylvania Lottery for the Commonwealth’s senior citizens has been signed into law. The General Assembly set the statutorily mandated minimum profit margin for the Pennsylvania Lottery at 20% until June 30, 2024. Act 137 of 2022 will extend this 20% profit margin another five years until June 30, 2029. This allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to increase overall profits by targeting how much they can sell of certain games. In turn, the lottery can invest more in the programs that benefit our senior citizens, including the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, prescription assistance through PACE and PACENET, free and reduced-fare shared rides, and funding for Area Agencies on Aging, which provide services such as delivered meals, program referrals, health insurance counseling, legal assistance, transportation, protective services and more. Learn more about the lottery here. |
| Reminder: Get Ready for REAL ID  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding residents that enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act will begin May 3, 2023.As of that date, you will have to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. Passport or Passport Card or a military ID. To date, approximately 1.6 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to get a REAL ID product. However, REAL ID is not mandatory. PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. Full enforcement of the law has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was hindering efforts to process REAL ID applications across the country. To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID. |
| Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program  Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2021 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my office(s) is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. For additional information and applications, click here, or contact my offices for assistance. • 78 Main St., first floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400. • 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769. • 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, Kane – 814-837-0880. |
Stockings For Soldiers
We have started this years Stockings for Soldiers! Stop by either funeral home to pick up a stocking and fill it with items on the included recommended list. Bring the stuffed stocking back to us by December 20th, and we will be mailing them to local soldiers and their unit for Christmas.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Rayne Twp, Indiana County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Rayne Twp, Indiana county. OGA3216(C) – WELL SITE RESTORATIONS – PITS, DRILLING SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT – Failure to fill all pits used to contain produced fluids or industrial wastes and remove unnecessary drilling supplies/equipment not needed for production within 9 months from completion of drilling of well. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk county. SWMA 302(A) – DISPOSAL, PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person disposed, processed, stored, or permitted the disposal, processing or storage of residual waste in a manner which is contrary to the rules and regulations of DEP or to any permit or to the terms or conditions of any permit or any order issued by DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk county. SWMA 610(1) – UNLAWFUL CONDUCT – Person dumped or deposited, or permitted the dumping or depositing, of solid waste onto the surface of the ground or underground or into the waters of the Commonwealth, without a permit for the dumping of such solid wastes from DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Jones Twp, Elk county. 78.54 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS – Operator failed to control and dispose of fluids, residual waste and drill cuttings, including tophole water, brines, drilling fluids, drilling muds, stimulation fluids, well servicing fluids, oil, and production fluids in a manner that prevents pollution of the waters of the Commonwealth. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
PA Permit Violation Issued to HOWARD DRILLING INC in Wetmore Twp, McKean County
| PA Permit Violation Issued to HOWARD DRILLING INC in Wetmore Twp, McKean County |
| Description: Administrative violation issued on 12/01/2022 to HOWARD DRILLING INC in Wetmore Twp, McKean county. 78.12 – COMPLIANCE WITH PERMITS – Failure to comply with terms and conditions of permit or registration while drilling, altering or operating an oil or gas well. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-12-01 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Christmas in the Wilds in Emporium, PA
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center
#christmasinthewilds is here! Starting at 4pm Anytime lunchtime will have hot food. God’s country kettle corn will have snacks and Rich Valley Wines will have hot drinks. Sylvan Heritage will have calendars for sale. Sale of the benefit dance basket raffle tickets start at the Emporium Fire Department. At 5pm The Santa Clause will play outdoors. 7pm the parade steps off and this gorgeous tree from Ericksons tree farm will be lit.
Stick around all weekend! Saturday is breakfast with Santa and vendors on the street starting at 9am. Seneca resources making sure Santa’s reindeer come to #downtownemporium. A Christmas Time opens at noon and drawings for baskets and #shopsmall will take place at 2pm. The community benefit dance is at 8pm at the vets club.
And Sunday bring your pet to A Christmas Time at 2pm for photos with Santa
Artisan Co-op hosts Holiday Painting Classes for Young Students
Coudersport artist, Laurie Angood is offering two classes this month for young students, 8 years old and up. A holiday painting party will be held Thursday, December 8 from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm and Saturday December 10, from 1:00 to 2:45 pm at the Potter County Artisan Co-op located at 227 N. Main Street, Coudersport. Students will be designing and painting a 3”x3” canvas in acrylic. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Cost is $15.00 and all materials are included. To register, call the Artisan Co-op at 814-274-8165 or Angood at 480-459-1503.
CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK IS OFFERING FREE VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON PROGRAMS IN DECEMBER
Cherry Springs State Park is presenting three free programs for the public in December. The first two programs are virtual and the last one will be held in person at the park.
“Meteors Demystified” is Tuesday, Dec. 13
There’s a meteor, and another, and another! Through the timely 30-minute virtual program “Meteors Demystified” being held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. learn about the Geminid Meteor Shower, such as the causes of the Geminids and other meteor showers and our fascination with “shooting stars.” The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-December just days after this program and is one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year, producing as many as 120 meteors per hour. Find out what you can expect to see during the Geminids Meteor Shower, and come away with some viewing tips and better insight into why it’s all happening. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program does NOT take place at the park. Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.
“Know Before You Go – Stargazing” is Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The 30-minute virtual program “Know Before You Go – Stargazing,” designed for first-time or novice stargazers, is being held twice on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The programs are identical. Find out what you need to know about Cherry Springs State Park before you visit, such as what to bring, how to best plan for an evening of stargazing, and how to observe several objects in the night sky. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program does NOT take place at the park. Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.
In-Person New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk is Saturday, Dec. 31
Wrap up 2022 with a starry evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. People of all ages are invited to join the park educator for the one-hour, in-person, 1.5-mile New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk along level ground in the night sky public viewing area. Snowshoes will be available if conditions require. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. The program will end by 7:30 p.m. leaving time for New Year’s Eve plans. Wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. Registration is NOT required.
If there is a problem with registering online or for information about these free programs, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.