MAY 2020
W
H o a r p o p b e s nings l l e
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 1
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. ~Herman Melville
No. 32 - Issued Quarterly
BOROUGH OF WELLSBORO, PA
May 2020
A Message from the Borough Council and Mayor
Mayor Wheeler and Wellsboro Borough Council are concerned about our citizens and business owners; and especially how the impacts of the Corona virus are affecting our youth. We hope to return to a semblance of normal soon. In the meantime, here is some information we hope will help: SCAMS – Please Be Careful: Please be very cautious. Scams and hoaxes are increasing. Attempts are being made by phone calls, emails, texts, and letters to obtain personal information from individuals and businesses. Some attempts are also including logos of SBA and other well known organizations. Please verify before providing your information. OBTAINING MASKS: Masks for employees and customers are part of the new PA worker safety requirements order. If a business is having difficulty obtaining masks for their employees, please contact Develop Tioga and they will try to connect you to possible resources. Please Note: Community volunteers in need of masks or interested in making masks can contact the Tioga County Partnership for Community Health at 570-787-5000. KEEP KIDS SAFE - Your help is Needed: The PA Department of Human Services released a request for help. “As we navigate this public health crisis and the necessary disruptions, we cannot lose sight of our obligation to do all we can to keep kids safe and prevent
child abuse. One unfortunate effect of school closures and the general disruption in life is the lack of interaction between children, their teachers, and other mandated reporters in school and other social services settings.” PA Secretary of Health and Human Services, Teresa Miller, shared “Life has changed, but we all can still do what we are able to look out for children in and around our lives. Whether it is a neighbor, family member, student, client, or someone you encounter in a store – if you suspect something is wrong, anyone can call ChildLine and make a report.” ChildLine is available 24/7 to anyone wishing to report child abuse and general child wellbeing concerns at 1-800-932-0313 and at Keep Kids Safe. TIOGA COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH – Resource Information: The Partnership is posting updates on their Facebook page to share information on the resources available to our community’s most vulnerable. There are many Assistance Teams throughout Tioga County available to help with such tasks as grocery shopping, food pantry deliveries, a reassuring phone call, access to a cloth masks for community volunteers, etc. Call the Partnership at 570-787-5000 and they will connect you with someone in your area to assist you.
ON THE INSIDE... Consumer Confidence.............................Page 2 Borough Staff Receives CPR Training..Page 2 Wellsboro Borough’s Free Mobile App........... ....................................................................Page 3 Teen Driving Safety.................................Page 4 Water Saving Tips...................................Page 5
The Value of a Tree.................................Page 6 Worried About Your Personal Safety?.Page 6 2020 Palnned Street Projects................Page 7 2020 Planned Water System Improvements. ....................................................................Page 7 Business District News...........................Page 7
Worried About Water Quality?............Page 8 Grass Clippings Ordinance.....................Page 8 What NOT to Flush.................................Page 8 Bike Safety................................................Page 9 Motorcycle Safety Information.......... Page 10 Packer Park Wall Replacement.......... Page 11
2 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS
MAY 2020
Consumer Confidence Report
All Shall Be Well Keep in touch
website: hamiltongibson.org twitter: @HGProductions29 facebook: @hamiltongibsonproductions Instagram: hamiltongibsonproductions YouTube: Hamilton-Gibson Productions email: hamgib@gmail.com phone: 570.724.2079 We are looking forward to seeing you soon! Please keep in touch with us through social media. Visit our website for daily postings to our blog, and check out our YouTube channel for shorts, readings and song. All shall be well. . .
Give & Receive
1 2 3 4 5 6
N O S A SE ss a P X E L F
We’re pleased to present to you the completed 2019 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, available in its entirety on the Borough Website www.wellsboroborough.com. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water. Our water source is a combination of well water and surface water sources located in Charleston and Duncan Townships We have a source water assessment report available that provides more detailed information such as potential sources of contamination. A summary of our water system’s susceptibility to potential sources of contamination follows: A Source Water Assessment of the sources, which supply water to the Wellsboro Filtration Plant, was completed in 2004 by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The Assessment has found that the sources are potentially most susceptible to agricultural activity and roadway spills, deicing materials and on lot septic systems. Overall, our sources have little risk of significant contamination. Summary reports of the Assessment are available by writing to Jack McKernan, 203 W. Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, Pa. 17701. Complete reports were distributed to municipalities, water supplier, local planning agencies and PADEP offices. Copies of the complete report are available for review at the PADEP North Central Regional Office, Records Management Unit at (570) 327-3693. See our Borough Website www.wellsboroborough.com for the complete Consumer Confidence Report.
Borough Staff Receives CPR Training
MAY 2020
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 3
Have you downloaded the Wellsboro Borough’s free mobile App yet? During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the issues was getting information to borough residents and businesses. Borough staff members are using the Wellsboro Mobile App to keep the public updated on any closures or any new updates from the state. The situation is fluid and it is a challenge in a rural area getting information disseminated. For updates, residents can download the Wellsboro Mobile App to their iPhone or Android phones for free. The borough posts meeting cancellations and times, road closures, and other important updates through the app. The app also provides a direct link to the borough’s website. The free download is available for iPhone and Android users looking for updates on meeting schedules, road work and closures, and other important information from the Borough. Updates such as garbage pickup over the holidays are broadcast over the App so users have the most up to date information. The App links directly to the Borough’s website and can be used to view any information from the website, including the Meeting Calendar.
SHOP LOCAL SHOPHistoric WELLSBORO VISIT US
WELLSBOROPA.COM
Parents Of Teen Drivers!
4 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS
MAY 2020
Learn Teen Driver Safety “By The Numbers”
8
5
Two or more passengers in your teen’s car leads to distraction, and this distraction leads to a “5” times greater risk of a crash.
The number of “Danger Zones” in teen driving. Distracted, drowsy or reckless driving. Driving at night or when impaired or unbuckled. Driver inexperience and teen passengers. The “8” Danger Zones that kill “8” teens a day in car crashes.
40 50 80
Speeding causes almost 40% of all fatal teen crashes – especially on unfamiliar roads with lots of traffic.
Over one-half (that’s over 50%) of teens killed in crashes were not buckled up. Wearing your seatbelt is your best defense against a drinking, drowsy or distracted driver. A recent survey found that 80% of teens cite their parents as having the most influence over teens’ driving behaviors. So mom and dad, grandparents and older siblings, help the teen in your family survive the ride. Set rules and be a good role model. Drive alert, focused and unimpaired, and always buckle up. Drive the way you want your teen to drive. Community Traffic Safety Project 570-433-0820
MAY 2020
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 5
Water Saving Tips to Help Save You Money
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With entire families being home over the last several weeks, residents can expect their water bills to reflect more water consumption; and water consumption equals $$$. Here are 21 Water Saving Tips to help you conserve. 1. When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water. 2. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings. 3. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. 4. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time. 5. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain. 6. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks. 7. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables and reuse it to water houseplants. 8. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time. 9. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model. 10. When buying new appliances consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient. 11. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month. 12. When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up. 13. Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety. 14. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean. 15. Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. 16. Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home. 17. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month. 18. When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do. 19. Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting. 20. Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors. 21. Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction with
Ryan Oswald
Financial Advisor 23 East Ave Suite 1 Wellsboro, PA 16901-1605 570-948-9777
edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Come Join Us...Thursdays at Noon Penn Wells Hotel • Main Street
Wellsboro Rotary Club Benefits:
Friendship • Community • Networking Professional Develpment • Personal Growth Leadership Development • Fun! Watch for our upcoming Rotary sponsored
Laurel Festival Booster Dinner!
6 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS
MAY 2020
The Value of a Tree We have a tendency to become wrapped up in the everyday chaos of our lives. Sometimes the beauty and simplicity of some things is lost upon us. This true of many things but unfortunately it is also true for trees. Not only are trees beautiful, but the many values in having trees can also be felt on a social and economic level. Studies have shown that having trees present in one’s life can be beneficial to social and physical health in many ways. Several research projects have shown that a view of and access to parks and other green spaces helps to relieve everyday stress. It was shown that buildings with more trees around them had lower crime rates and had less reports of aggression. “ Seeing green reduced the mean”. In addition, children who suffer from ADD and ADHD can benefit from having some time outside every day. When they come back inside it is easier for them to concentrate. One of the most important things that have been found is that
Worried About Your Personal Safety?
Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim 1. Always lock your doors when doing yard work, getting mail, or anytime you go outside- both front and back doors. 2. Be careful who you let in your home. Never allow strangers inside your home, even if they appear to be in distress or with a young child. 3. Beware of unsolicited home repairmen. If you can’t verify the name, address, or telephone number of the repairman, they might not be reputable. Instead, work with local trade’s people recommended by friends or reputable building supply stores. Request local references. 4. Be cautious of “One Time Offers”. You should not have to make a decision on the spot to receive the deal or special that is being offered. 5. Be suspicious of high pressure sales tactics. Obtain written contracts describing the explicit specifications of the work, the price, the responsibility for cleaning up, and the hourly rate for any added work. 6. Get at least three estimates from at least three different contractors. Check and verify all references supplied by the contractor. Shop around! 7. Know the difference between proposals (estimated costs) and contracts (specified costs). A contract should describe the service(s) to be performed, list the materials to be used and include a starting and expected completion date. Ask for a written warranty or guarantee, and be certain the work is completed to your satisfaction before you make final payment. 8. Write down the license plate number of any vehicles suspicious individuals may be operating. Try to obtain a good physical description of anyone who comes to your door.
communities that had tree planting programs also had more community pride. The same communities also had increased levels of social interaction between community members. These are just a few of the social values of having trees in communities. The economic values are just as numerous as the social values. A 25 foot tree can reduce annual cooling and heating costs by 8 to 12 percent. Similarly, shade from a tree can reduce air temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Trees also absorb between 120 to 140 pounds of air pollutants out of the air, acting as a natural purifier for the air we breathe. They also help prevent chemicals from running into creeks and streams during rain storms. The canopy of a tree absorbs a lot of rain which keeps it off of the roads keeping oil, salts and other pollutants on the road as opposed to in nearby creeks and streams. Therefore trees help prevent the cost of cleaning up polluted creeks and streams. Moreover, trees also make a more inviting commercial environment. In a survey of communities it was shown that 74% of citizens preferred to shop at establishments that had trees and other landscaping. This also carried over to residential properties; a 4%-15% increase in home values was found when the area surrounding the homes was landscaped. Overall, trees help save money as well as add value to homes and commercial establishments. The addition of trees to any community encourages more social interaction as well as helps to support the economy. Wellsboro is considered to be a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation and has a tree planting program every year that you can volunteer to participate in. Call (570) 724-4604 to sign up for the Spring, 2018 planting. *All information was taken from the “Celebrating Arbor Day: The Simple Act of Planting a Tree” insert created by Vincent Cotrone and Chris McLaughlin of the Penn State Cooperative Extension.
MAY 2020
2020 Planned Street Projects The borough received a grant in the amount of $83,413.00 for the extension of the stormwater system along Bodine Street from the Tioga County Conservation District. This section is the final piece of the stormwater system on Bodine Street. This grant allows the borough to capture runoff and eliminate the ditches along the last stretch of the street out to the borough boundary. Borough Council has awarded bids on two street projects in Wellsboro. The first is for the surfacing of Grant Street between Meade Street and Central Avenue. The second street project planned for 2020 and awarded is the milling and re-coating of the tar and chip sections of Buena Vista Street, Bodine Street, Fischler Street, and Meade Street. These funds for these two projects come from the Liquid Fuel Monies the borough receives from the state. These funds originate from the tax on every gallon of gas purchased.
e t a br e l e C
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 7
2020 Planned Water System Improvements The Wellsboro Municipal Authority plans on a busy construction
season in 2020. The Authority is funding the purchase of two new outbuildings for the borough wells. These buildings provide more security for the borough’s drinking water supply while providing a safer environment for borough employees sampling and collecting data at the wells. The authority is also funding the purchase of 1,000 tons of the specific sand used in the borough’s two Slow Sand Filters for replacement of the sand in the filters. This maintenance item is vital to the life and function of the Slow Sand Filters. Wellsboro is fortunate in that the borough has two methods of treatment should one go down. While the membrane filter is the primary treatment, the Slow Sand Filters are available should they be needed. Other water system improvements planned for this year include replacement of water main and meter upgrades in the delivery system between the water sources and the treatment plant, installation of radio read units to decrease meter read times for borough staff, and equipment installation to make the data logging at the water plant much more efficient.
Business District Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business
district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic – enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by. Trees also cool the streets by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and streets and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves. Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare. After a lot of research and discussion regarding the replacement of the Main Street Sophora, the Borough Council chose the Ulmus Propinqua or Emerald Sunshine as the ideal replacement. There are similarities between these two in appearance and size, but the Emerald Sunshine has no flower and has a yellow color in the fall.
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8 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS
Worried About Water Quality? Did you know that stormwater runoff is the leading cause
of water-quality problems in the United States? The experts call it nonpoint source pollution. After every heavy rain, millions of gallons of water containing soil, silt, oils and lubricants flow from properties into the natural world downstream. There it disturbs the breeding, feeding, and nurseries for the many species of invertebrates, fish and migratory birds. Old attitudes about what happens beyond the four walls of your own home or your own business not being your problem are changing. We here in Tioga County enjoy, more than many, the benefit of outdoor recreation, hiking, fishing and hunting. We need to take measures to care for the land we occupy and beyond by mitigating pollutants originating from our properties. Homeowners can connect their sump pumps, roof drains, and downspouts into existing storm sewers and reduce the erosion caused by runoff. Business owners can change the mentality of parking lots as drainage zones by turning them instead into flood control, infiltration and filtration zones. They can create retention areas for runoff and fill them with plants that can survive periodic flooding. These basins slow the movement of water so that pollutants are captured, broken down and digested by plant life before they reach the watershed and estuaries. Who benefits from such enlightened storm water management? The water supply and frogs, fish, birds, turtles and other wildlife downstream, the very nature that we all want to enjoy.
Grass Clippings and Leaves Prohibited in Street
The Borough Council recently updated the ordinance “Street and sidewalk obstructions restricted”; to include prohibiting grass clippings, and leaves. See below: “No person shall deposit grass clippings, leaves, or snow on any street or sidewalk in the Borough; excluding those times when snow may be moved to the metered parking spaces along Main Street during snow removal following snow events.”
MAY 2020
What NOT to Flush! One of the functions of the Wellsboro Department of Public Works is to maintain and repair the water and sewer mainlines within the Borough. Recently, our crews have been dispatched to free up blockages in some of the sewer mains. The most common culprit causing the blockages is residents flushing disposable wipes. Yes, the wipes are marketed as flushable, but they do not break down in water like toilet paper does, leading to blockages in sewer mains. Why is it important to you as a resident to throw wipes away as opposed to flushing them? Unfortunately, a blockage in the mainline can lead to a sewage back up into a residence. What should you flush? The only items that should be flushed are human waste and toilet paper. Remember, even grease and oil poured down the drain can lead to issues in the sewer lines. Grease and oil poured down the drain usually presents a as a problem in the private sewer lateral, not the main. Tree roots and broken cleanout caps also present issues for private sewer laterals.
DO NOT FLUSH:
Diapers and baby wipes (even marked “flushable”) Tampons and sanitary pads, personal care wipes Cleaning/disinfecting wipes Paper towels and shop rags Cigarette butts Dental floss and toothpicks Cat litter or animal waste Do not pour oil and grease down toilets or drains Pharmaceuticals If you have pharmaceuticals to dispose of, please do not flush them down the toilet. The Wellsboro Police Department has a collection container for pharmaceuticals in their front lobby at 28 Crafton Street. By properly disposing of these items, residents can do their part in keeping the sewer lines flowing free and preventing blockages which can lead to damage to the pipes or a sewage backup which can lead to damage or a costly clean up for a resident. If you question whether you should flush something - it’s simple if it isn’t toilet paper or human waste, it goes in the trash.
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Fully Insured Electronic Filing
MAY 2020
Bike Safety ~
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 9
What do you know? • A bicycle is a vehicle. Yes! Whether you ride for fun, exercise or transportation, you must follow the “rules of the road” – stop at stop signs, obey traffic signs/signals and go with the (traffic) flow.
• It’s OK to ride facing traffic. No! Not only is it unsafe, it is against the law. Ride on the right, WITH traffic, where traffic expects to see you.
• A driver may not see you. Yes! Bikes are smaller than cars and drivers are expecting to see larger vehicles, not bicycles. So make yourself visible. Wear bright reflective clothes – even in the daytime – and a helmet. Expect NOT to be seen.
• You only need to wear a helmet if you ride in traffic. No! On city streets or bike paths, on pavement or in dirt, in or away from traffic – a head injury is a head injury, regardless of where you ride. Anywhere, any ride – wear a helmet!
• You can be arrested for DUI on a bicycle. Yes! If you bicycle under the influence of alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medication, or any drug or combination of drugs that impairs your ability to ride safely, you can be arrested for DUI.
If you ride “hands free,” against traffic, without a helmet, in dark colors or at night, impaired, “under the influence” of electronics, or if you buzz through intersections, you are riding unsafely.
Ride as though your life depends on it! Community Traffic Safety Project 570-433-0820
MAY 2020
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 10
FULL GEAR FOOL’S GEAR
HELMET. Most important piece of protective gear a rider can use. Protects against head injury, windblast, cold, and flying objects. Full-face helmet recommended. FACESHIELD. “Saves face.” Any rider who’s been hit in the face by stones, insects or debris can tell you the benefits.
GLOVES. Keep hands comfortable, functional and protected. Come in infinite variety for all seasons. JACKET AND PANTS.
Long-sleeves and trousers resist abrasions and protect against sunburn, windburn, dehydration, or hypothermia. Light colors and reflectivity increase a rider’s visibility.
BOOTS. Provide protection against foot and ankle injuries and give you a good grip on foot pegs or road surfaces.
BOTTOM LINE. Proper riding gear
protects in the event of a crash and minimizes injuries, while allowing you to enjoy the sport in comfort.
THE MORE YOU KNOW – THE BETTER IT GETS
HEAD. Considered precious by knowledgeable
riders; never exposed by the pros. When fully in view, allows immediate identification of untrained person not using his. Hand out rider education information on site.
EYES, EARS, AND FACE. Known to experienced riders as “bug and garbage collectors.” Common “bare face” symptoms include windblastdeafening and deformed, narrow-slit, watery eyes. HANDS au naturale (not for long). Known to seize into curled position when exposed to cold; not genetically evolved to withstand abrasion. BARE LIMBS. A phenomenon
seen only on riders deemed unaffected by any unavoidable crash or inclement weather. Subject to ridicule in riding circles.
FLIP FLOPS. Terminology for what sandals, toes and feet do upon contact with road surfaces, shift lever, brake pedal, foot pegs, or windblasts. BOTTOM LINE. Fool’s gear identifies an untrained rider. Learn how to avoid embarrassment, ridicule and injury, while gaining skills and knowledge by contacting the Rider Course nearest you.
PA Motorcycle Rider Course: 1-800-845-9533 www.pamsp.com Printing provided by Community Traffic Safety Project • 570-433-0820 Illustration by Joe Hinds • Adapted from photographic PSA by New Zealand Ministry of Transport
MAY 2020
Packer Park Wall Replacement The Borough’s Department of Public Works has completed the wall replacement around the tennis courts at Packer Park. The new cement block wall replaces the rotted timbers which were severely degraded and contained insect nests, proving a nuisance to tennis players. The project also improves the drainage around the court which will prolong the life of the tennis court surface. In addition to the drainage and aesthetic improvements, the area will be much easier for maintenance as the wood mulch will be replaced with grass.
WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 11
12 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS
MAY 2020
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