Lackawaxen Fire Commission formed

LACKAWAXEN, PA — After a three-year process, the Lackawaxen Township Supervisors passed a resolution approving the formation of The Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission. The task of the commission is to use the partnership with all the four volunteer fire departments in the township to enhance the level of fire and rescue protection to citizens, as well as the safety of volunteers and the level of volunteerism.

The commission consists of the following: one member each from the Central, Forest, Greeley and Lackawaxen fire departments; one delegate chosen by each of the four departments who is not involved with emergency services; one township supervisor; one delegate chosen by the supervisors not involved in emergency services; and one delegate chosen by both the fire departments and the supervisors for a total of eleven representatives.

Supervisor Fred Gelderman said, “We are very excited to see this program finally become a reality. All four fire departments will benefit greatly with the ability to share in this partnership/regionalization program.” With volunteerism at an all-time low, Gelderman, who is also a 49-year fire service volunteer, said, “Something has to be done to help the remaining volunteers we have left. I feel that people don’t understand what could happen if we lose our volunteer organizations and ultimately have to pay for these services. Instead of $200,000 in tax monies, it would cost several million dollars, and that would come out of the pockets of you, me and every resident of this great township.”

For more information about the commission or volunteering for fire service call Gelderman at 570/685-7340.

NY to require life vests in cold weather

ALBANY, NY — At approximately the same time the National Park Service declared it would establish a regulation that required residents to wear life jackets on the Upper Delaware River during periods of high water, the state has said it will require life jackets to be worn by anyone riding in small boats during the coldest months.

The announcement makes New York the first state in the nation to mandate the use of life jackets in this manner.

Starting November 1, kayakers, canoeists and those aboard all other boats under 21 feet must wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices while on New York’s coastal waters, lakes, rivers and other waterways. The rule will remain in effect through May 1. Violators face fines ranging from $25 to $100.

In the past, personal floatation devices were mandatory but only for children younger than 12 years of age.

State officials said the regulation will help save lives because falling into cold water is far more dangerous than falling into warm water because the body becomes incapacitated much more quickly.

Upper Delaware Council awards 2009 technical assistance grants

NARROWSBURG, NY — The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) has awarded $16,700 in technical assistance grants (TAG) for eight projects that will further goals and address needs identified in the River Management Plan for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

The latest grant round brings the cumulative amount to $656,392 that the UDC has given to its member municipalities since 1988. In all, 188 projects have been funded through the TAG program.

This year’s awards are divided among the eight municipalities that are members of the UDC.

Damascus Township, PA was awarded $1,000 for training and installation costs for an e-mail document server that will facilitate the work of the Damascus Township Planning Commission.

Town of Delaware, NY received $1,700 to pay for posting all local laws and ordinances available to the general public on the town’s website.

Shohola Township, PA was awarded $500 to assist with travel expenses and the printing of a water quality testing database related to a “Gas Wells and Private Wells” educational program.

Town of Lumberland, NY received $3,500 to re-write the town’s zoning law to coincide with the town’s updated comprehensive plan.

Pike County, PA was awarded $1,200 to update and print 2,000 copies of a revised manual and brochure describing the benefits of best planning practices and mapping existing residential developments of 15 lots or more.

Lackawaxen Township, PA received $1,800 to produce and distribute two issues of a newsletter that will be provided to all residents of the township as an informational tool.

Town of Cochecton, NY was awarded $4,000 to update the town’s zoning law to address green building standards, and the impacts of natural gas exploration and drilling.

Town of Tusten, NY received $3,000 for mapping services to create a natural resources and open space inventory for local planning purposes.

Boyar to run on two lines

ELDRED, NY — Andrew Boyar, the former supervisor of Highland who served for 16 years, and who also served as the chairman of the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors, will run on both the Democratic and Republican lines in the election for supervisor in November.

On September 9, Boyar won the Democratic nomination at that party’s caucus, two weeks after picking up the Republican nomination in a surprise development at that party’s caucus, where 80 people turned out to make the selection as opposed to the usual 15 or 20.

The incumbent supervisor, Republican Tina Palecek, has said in the past that the possibility of a write-in voting campaign still exists.