Snow Load Causes Partial Collapse of Historic Port Building

Sunday, February 28, 2010 1:50 p.m.

Story By Sharon Siegel, photos by Stan Siegel

PORT JERVIS- The roof and part of a three-story structure reportedly dating back to the early canal days in Port Jervis collapsed under the weight of days worth of heavy, wet snowfall Saturday morning.  The building, owned by Robert Borrero of Port Jervis, is across from the Port Jervis Bowling alley, on a small side street section of Canal Street, between the city’s West Main and Orange Streets.
The collapse was reported at approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 27.  Once the building and street were secured and restricted, immediate measures were taken to remove affected portions of the building.  Additional work was seen ongoing Sunday.
Borrero, contacted at the structure Sunday morning, said they will not demolish the building, but instead will remove damaged portions and salvage and repair what they are able to save of the large, historic warehouse.   Inside the structure, various vehicles and equipment were visible through collapsed sections.
Port Jervis Fire Department’s 2nd Assistant Chief Frank Fuller III called the department’s fire police into service Saturday

Heavy snow contributed to the collapse of the roof of this Port Jervis building.

A trackhoe works to stabilize the Canal Street building after it collapsed under Saturday morning.

to help close off the street and assist with traffic control.

Port Handling Snowfall with Very Few Problems

Friday, February 26, 2010 12:30 p.m.

By Sharon E. Siegel

PORT JERVIS – The City of Port Jervis, like its surrounding communities,  is covered in the beauty of the region’s biggest snowstorm of the winter.  While snowfall and the substantial accumulations of this storm could cause any number of problems for an area, Port Jervis officials, workers, and emergency personnel say they have all of their respective duties under control — and with very few, but minor, problems to date.

“The DPW has done a fantastic job,” said Port Jervis Mayor Russ Potter.  “They were out all night and have kept the streets open and passable, and although people may travel on the roads we suggest out of good common sense that they limit any unnecessary driving.”

Potter noted that as a longtime firefighter and past fire chief, he has seen all types of weather and emergency challenges.   However, he says viewing this week’s weather-related operations from the mayor’s seat has given him a whole different perspective.

“The way our city workers, firefighters, police, and others work together hand-in-hand is just great to see,” said Potter, who himself spent the night keeping an eye on citywide concerns.  “When the chips are down, people really unite together.”

While Orange County is under an emergency declaration until 6 a.m. Saturday morning, Potter, along with Port Jervis’ Emergency Command Coordinator Tom Vicchiarriello, stressed that there has been no State of Emergency issued for the city, nor do they feel the need for one.   Vicchiarriello could be heard, however, gathering weather information and advising others during a call to the command center this morning.

Potter said Vicchiarriello took it upon himself to spend the night in the command center simply as a precaution, as did many of the city’s volunteer firefighters, who stepped up to spend the night in their respective firehouses.

“This way they wouldn’t have to worry about getting to their firehouses should there be a call,” said Potter, who praised the efforts of everyone involved. “It is just amazing to see how everyone comes together to pitch in and help, as they always do.”

Watch for photos and further updates on Pike County Press/Port Jervis News as information becomes available.

The Candy Cane Nursery is covered in snow Friday morning.

Snow Continues To Pile Up

Friday, February 26, 2010, 9 a.m.

MATAMORAS – According to the Winter Storm Warning for Pike County, issued by the National Weather Service,  the snow in Milford is supposed to taper off by about 10 a.m., though a few hours earlier they were calling for the snow to end by 7. The warning is in effect until noon, Friday.

Across the river, in Port Jervis, there is a winter storm warning in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday. Meanwhile, snow has continued to fall relentlessly throughout the morning, with about two feet on the ground by 9 a.m.

At this point, it’s just splitting hairs. There’s a lot of snow, undoubtedly the biggest winter storm to hit our region in the last several years, with heavy snow pelting the area for more than 24 hours.

For all the white piling up outside, it’s been pretty quiet in the county as people have apparently decided it’s better to hole up inside than to drive around and test the roads. There have been a handful of 911 calls since the storm rolled in, mostly for vehicle accidents (four of them: two on I-84, one on Rt. 6 in Shohola, and one on Log Tavern Road in Dingmans) and wires down.

Downed wires are a particular worry due to the wet, heavy nature of the snow. Pike County Light and Power reports that eight Pike residents are without power, while across the Orange and Rockland Service area, 44,000 people lost electricity during the storm. About 24,000 of these people had their power restored by 6 a.m. this morning, with crews planning on working throughout the day. O&R has activated its major storm response plan, mobilizing all company employees to directly or indirectly participate in ‘round-the-clock electric service repair and restoration work in response to the winter storm.

Warriors Fall To Vikings 67-46 On Senior Night

Connor Decker calls for the ball. (Photo by Thomas O'Grady)

WESTFALL—On February 13 the Vernon Vikings visited the Delaware Valley Warriors. Before the game the Warriors honored their seniors; then fell to the Vikings in a crushing manner 67-46.

The first quarter was a blur for all of the Warriors and their fans. The Vikings jumped all over the Warriors and kept them off balance for the entire quarter. The Warriors saving grace for the first quarter was that they were able to force Vernon to shoot jump shots and some of them rattled out. Despite the fact that the Vikings outplayed the Warriors for the entire quarter, they only had a 16-11 lead at the end of the first. Brandon Angradi kept the Warriors close by scoring seven of the team’s 11 points.

The second quarter started off slowly as both teams seemed to move like they were bogged down in mud; throughout the first four minutes of the quarter the Warriors and Vikings traded baskets and the lead held at five points.

Trailing 22-17 with 3:19 left in the half, the Warriors called a timeout. The Warriors discussed a play and how to keep the game close and then came out and executed poorly. Delaware Valley turned the ball over and Ethan Vellellanes of Vernon scored an easy fast break lay-up.

On the ensuing Warriors’ possession, they promptly turned it over as Justin Fowler was called for an offensive foul; the foul was Fowler’s third personal foul. The Warriors were forced to go to underclassman Brent Fregola at that point.

The Vikings couldn’t do any damage off the Warriors’ turnover as they gave it right back to Delaware Valley. The Warriors set up their offense but missed their shot. Vernon grabbed the rebound and got out on the break. The Warriors scrambled back on defense but couldn’t keep up with the Vikings and Ricky Hemberger hit an easy layup pushing the lead to 26-17 with 1:29 left in the half.

The Warriors called a timeout and came out and set up their offense. The Warriors got the ball to Angradi who was fouled and sent to the free throw line for a one and one. He made the front end but missed his second shot. The Vikings got the rebound and brought the ball up the floor.

Vernon worked the ball around and Hemberger hit a three pointer. The Warriors inbounded the ball but the Vikings pressed and forced a turnover. The Vikings converted the turnover into points as Hemberger splashed home another three point jumper. The three pointer gave the Vikings a 32-18 lead.

After another Warriors’ miss the Vikings looked to get up a last shot, but Ryan Velilla stole the outlet pass and got the ball to Angradi who hit a buzzer beater three pointer to bring the half to a close with the Warriors trailing 32-21.

Port Passes Reservior, 9/11 Trial Resolutions

By Jerry Goldberg

PORT JERVIS — The Port Jervis Common Council met on Monday and passed two motions that were related to issues regarding that slightly larger city to the southeast, New York City.

At their last meeting, the Common Council authorized Mayor Russell Potter to inform state legislators that Port was opposed to any plan to raise the water in New York City reservoirs above their current levels.

New York City, on the other hand, has lobbied legislators in an effort to raise the water level in upstate reservoirs so that its supply of drinking water is at a maximum.

his week the Common Council passed a resolution to send registered letters to the New York City DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), the Delaware River Basin Commission and also to the proper State representatives noting the Port’s opposition to the unusually high levels of water within the reservoirs. The council believes that the high water levels present a flood danger to the city. They are also asking that the levels in the reservoirs be lowered in the best interest of the public.

In a separate resolution, the council declared its opposition to holding the trials of suspected 9/11 terrorists anywhere in Orange County. They are urging President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder to designate a place outside Orange County to hold the trial.

After initially announcing that the trials would be held in New York City, President Obama has directed the U.S. Attorney General to consider a new location for the trial after a public outcry. Several Orange County sites have been mentioned as possible locations for the trial: The Military Academy at West Point; Stewart Air Force Base; and the Federal Penitentiary in Otisville.

The Clerk of the City of Port Jervis is authorized to send certified copies of the resolution to President Obama, to Attorney General Holder, to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, to U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillebrand, to U.S. Representatives Maurice D. Hinchey and John G. Hall and to each member of the State Assembly whose districts include all or part of Orange County, so they may be apprised of the sentiment of city of Port Jervis.

Roundhouse

The council also discussed the intermediate remedial design plan at the Roundhouse property.

The Roundhouse Property is an 8.67 acre tract of land owned by the city believed to be contaminated with petroleum waste. Councilman George Belcher called on audience member Cathy Hendrickson, CDA Director, to explain the Roundhouse Project.

Hendrickson stated, “There is an open grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $375,000 which expires in December of 2010. Of that grant money $125,000 was dedicated to the State Wide Oil Project which has been spent and we are expecting an additional $75,000 to finish the cleanup project. What we are looking at now is the intermediate design plan for the Roundhouse property and the expenditure of the remaining $200,000.”

“We put out an invitation to bid,” continued Hendrickson, “and received four bids in December which were reviewed and the Chazen Engineering Company, who has done work for us in the past, seemed to be the best candidate to do the job.” She mentioned this was not the lowest bid which is just for the design plan for cleaning up and others who also bid left some items out and so the final cost may be more than $200,000.

“We have to spend the $200, 000,” said Hendrickson. The time frame for the plan to be completed is September 30, 2010 which Hendrickson believes can be done.

Belcher made a motion for the approval of the Chazen Engineering Company to do the cleanup plan. The motion was approved.

Committee Reports

Councilman Bob Ritchie gave his report on Finance & Insurance. He stated there was a total of $591,976.62 in bills that needed to be paid.

From the Capital Fund there was one bill from W.E. Timmerman & Co. for sewer cleaner in the amount of $331,542.00.

“We also discussed a capital bill request by department for capital purchases. The departments really reviewed their requests and they scaled requests way down so I give them credit for this,” said Ritchie. He made a motion that the city issue a capital note in the amount of $213,102 for the purchase of the items attached to the listing. The motion was passed.

Fire & Emergency Management Chairperson Dean Aumick had no report except he made a motion to approve two new members to the Fire Department.

Councilman James Hendry reported on the Code & Legislative committee. He said at the last meeting he had not had the minutes prepared from their previous meeting but has now prepared a lengthy seven page set of minutes. He emailed them to all the council members for review. Everyone had not reviewed them at the moment so he said he would hold his motion to accept the minutes till the next Common Council meeting.

Public Works & Environmental Affairs Chairperson Belcher gave his committee report. Garbage and recyclable collection will be on a normal schedule for the last week of February and the first week of March. Representatives from Siemens Building Technologies were at the last meeting to explain the Performance Based Contract with regard to energy improvements in interior lighting; street lighting; traffic lighting; heating setback controls; removal and replacement of four large rooftop air conditioning units on

City Hall and the Water Treatment Plant. They informed the committee about a financial solution that accomplishes infrastructure improvements with a zero impact to the budget and it is guaranteed. They told the committee they identified $67,000 a year in savings and the project term would be 15 years.

School Bond Issues Pass In Port

Port Jervis School District Assistant Superintendent John Bell tells the Common Council how the $14.6 million will be spent if the two propositions pass in Tuesday's vote. (Photo by Jerry Goldberg)

By Jerry Goldberg

PORT JERVIS — Port Jervis voters this week approved two bond issues that will fund renovations at the city’s school district. Though a similar referendum was defeated last November, this week’s vote on the school bond issues was an overwhelming “yes” to both propositions.

The unofficial vote count for Proposition 1 was 984 to 552 and for Proposition 2 it was 931 to 600.

The voters’ approval will bring $14.6 million into the school district with no increase in taxes to local residents. The money will be coming from Albany and will cover 87 percent of the $14.6 million.

The first proposition was for $11.5 million, which will go towards school safety and security. The second proposition is for $3.1 million which will be used for school district upgrades to the phone system and to make needed renovations at Port Jervis High School and the other schools in the district. The local share of this money is $190,000 per year.

The savings realized from these projects will save the district about $285,000 per year which essentially wipes out any potential increase in tax dollars. With the improvements planned the school district will save on utility costs and telephone costs by being able to replace the current more costly telephone system with a new and more efficient one, the replacement of single-pane windows with double-pane windows which are also shatterproof in the Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School, the Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School and Port Jervis High School.

Also expected to be replaced with funds from Proposition 1 money will be inefficient ventilation systems, a 56-year-old boiler, an upgrade of emergency and exit lighting, replacement of the public address system at the Hamilton School and replacement of interior and exterior doors district wide.

The Proposition 2 money will go towards needed renovation projects such as the phone system upgrades, renovating five 50-year-old science classrooms in the high school, renovating the high school Guidance Offices, replacement of student lockers at the high school and to upgrade the high school plumbing and heating system.

As part of the school safety issue the ASK School, the Hamilton Bicentennial School and Port Jervis High School will be fitted with safety vestibules so that visitors have to be buzzed in before they can just open the front door and be in the interior hallway of the schools. Port Jervis Middle School will not be getting the safety vestibules because of its physical layout.

The evening before the vote Assistant Superintendent of the Port Jervis School District John Bell and School Board Vice-President Cathy Sadaghiani came before the Common Council to let the council and the public know that a lot of money was riding on the voters’ decision. The referenda are a revised version of the capital projects which were narrowly defeated this past November.

At the time, Bell said that in a recent rain storm they had to use beach towels to keep out the rain water from coming in to the classrooms from the old single-pane windows which didn’t close properly. Mr. Anooshian, an audience member, asked Bell whether the school board has the $14.6 million in writing. Bell told him that if the propositions were to pass the building aid money gets locked in and must go to the district.

Now that the voters said yes to both propositions Port Jervis Schools will be seeing some much needed improvements paid for by the State and local tax dollars won’t increase.

Missing Man’s Body Found In Submerged Car

MONTAGUE — New Jersey State Police, with help from the Montague Fire Department, recovered the body of a missing man Saturday from a car that had been sunk in a frozen pond at the High Point Country Club.

Robert Hall Sr., 48, a life-long area resident, had been missing since late December, when he left his job at The Deli in Montague and was never heard from again. Since his disappearance, friends and family had been tirelessly looking for any sign of him.

On Saturday, a neighbor noticed the antenna of a car poking out of an iced-over pond at the High Point Country Club. Dive teams recovered a white 1983 Pontiac Fiero with Hall’s body inside.

Shohola Supervisor Appointment Update

By Josh Wengler

SHOHOLA – Supervisors Nelia Wall and George Fluhr began officially accepting resumes and letters of intent from applicants interested in serving as recently resigned Chairman Steven Dellert’s replacement on the board of supervisors at their swiftest meeting in recent memory.

New Chairwoman Nelia Wall explained to the thirty or so people in the meeting chamber that the process for replacing a supervisor leaves the remaining two on the board 30 days to assess interested and qualified applicants. That 30 day deadline will be on March 13.

If for some reason Fluhr and Wall cannot agree on one applicant during that time, Vacancy Board Chairman Robert Myers will step in with 15 days to break the deadlock. If this were to occur, it may be the first time in the township’s nearly 160 year history.

“We’ve seen some very good resumes so far,” Fluhr announced. “We will check all of them very carefully, and decide on the best candidate.” Wall read the names of the seven people they had received resumes from so far (Ed Nikles Sr., William Gabriel, Art Politano, Kathleen Goldhaft, Keith Razer, Charles Woerzel Jr., and Gregory Hoper), and announced that they would continue accepting submissions from interested residents until 3 pm Tuesday. By the time the deadline elapsed, they had received one additional bid from resident Aaron Robinson.

To be eligible for the appointment, the Pennsylvania 2nd Class Township Code says an applicant must be a registered voter who has lived in the township continuously for at least one year.

The next meeting on the appointment will be March 4 at 6 p.m.

Area Code Hearing Rescheduled

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced that it has rescheduled a public input hearing in Scranton to receive public input on proposals designed to ensure adequate numbering resources in the 570 area code.

The 570 area code is projected to exhaust its telephone numbers in the third quarter of 2011. New area codes are needed when existing area codes exhaust their supply of “NXX” codes (which is the second set of three digits in a 10-digit telephone number, NPA-NXX-XXXX).

Administrative Law Judge Ember S. Jandebeur will conduct the hearing at 6 p.m., March 11, at the Scranton State Office Building, Room 318, 100 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton.

Pike Ranks High In Health Study

By Susan Koomar

MILFORD – Pike County is a pretty healthy place to live according to a new national study.

The study – a county by county ranking for every state – placed Pike at number six out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties based on factors ranging from diabetes screenings to car crashes to air pollution.

Neighboring counties ranked far lower. Wayne is 62 and Monroe is 46 out of 67, based on the study by the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The 2010 “County Health Rankings” marks the first time counties can get a snapshot of how healthy their residents are by comparing overall health and factors that influence health, with other counties in their state.

The study shows Pennsylvania’s five healthiest counties to be Chester, Centre, Union, Snyder and Montgomery. The bottom five counties are Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Greene and Philadelphia.

Pike County’s rates for smoking, obesity, binge drinking and teen pregnancy were lower than or on par with statewide rates. But Pike fared much worse in terms of clinical care. The study shows the county has a higher than average rate of uninsured adults coupled with an insufficient number of primary care providers for the population.

Under social and economic factors, Pike fared well in its high school graduation rate and lack of violent crime. Rates of unemployment, children in poverty and residents with a college degree were average or better than average.

Pike is on target for both its mortality rate and its morbidity rate, which includes factors such as low birth weight.

Detailed results of the study can be viewed at www.countyhealthrankings.org/pennsylvania.