Port Allegany High School will get a new high school principal. Marc Budd, who is an alumnus of Port Allegany High, was hired last night by the Port Allegany School Board, and will replace current principal Ken Gross when he retires September 20. Budd was passed over for the assistant principal position earlier this year. That position is still not filled.

"We're not destitute, but we're tight," said Roulette Township
Supervisor Rob Seymour and Monday night's supervisors meeting.

Supervisors explained that several factors have caused the township to
experience a “cash-flow problem.” While the township awaits money from the
earned income taxes, and while the funding from the water company purchase is
held up in litigation and Public Utilities complaints, the normal operating
expenses and purchases related to the water company have depleted the general
fund.

The income that normally comes in from the Earned Income Tax office in
Potter County has been delayed. Supervisors said that the receipts are normally
received a few months later, but for some reason, it’s taking longer to receive
the funds.

Supervisor Bill Grandin suggested borrowing $20,000 from township
savings to get through till the new budget process in November, or until the
funding comes in for the water company purchase.

Seymour said, “Well, we went to the well a couple of months ago, and we
still haven’t been able to pay that back.”

After discussion, the supervisors agreed to take $20,000 from their
savings account to meet the deficit, “to be repaid from outstanding sources.”

Jack and Josephine Convey addressed the board to complain about a
neighbor’s trash burning.

“They are not just burning paper, and the smoke covered the whole
neighborhood,” said Jack Convey.

Josephine added, “The fumes burn your eyes, it’s not healthy, we can’t
even eat on our back porch.”

Roulette Volunteer Fire Chief Jonathon Huff, who was on hand at the
meeting, told supervisors and the Conveys that a state burning ordinance states
that smoke from trash burning cannot legally leave the property. Though the
township may have little legal recourse to deal with the issue, the state
ordinance might help alleviate the problem.

The meeting was extended as several people discussed issues surrounding
burning trash and burn barrels.

Right of Ways for Phase II of the Roulette sewer project have all been
received from Lanniger Creek residents except one. Grandin said that the right
of way is vital. He recommended that Township secretary Lucille Church send one
more letter, stating that if the right of way is not granted by September 24,
the property would be condemned.

Pam Barber, of the Roulette Skate Park committee asked permission to use
the Township Park for a Skate Park Fundraiser Fun-day, with old fashioned games,
Barbecue, soda, and skateboarding exhibitions to raise money for the skate park.
Barber said that the event would happen on either September 25^,
October 2, or October 9.

Roulette Township has landed a much sought after loan for the purchase of the privately owned Roulet Water Company. US Representative John Peterson announced September 9 that the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Agency approved the low interest 1.28 million dollar loan.

"The purchase of the Water Company by the Township

will keep the system under local control and is in the best interest of the

community," said Roulette Township Supervisor Robert Seymour.

The water company is being purchased from John Brown at a price of $650,000. The remainder of the loan will be used to make improvements to the ailing water system. Supervisors hope to bring a bring a new well online, as well as replace 2,000 feet of ancient cast iron pipe along North Street.

A joint media statement from all three supervisors stated that the extra funding will allow the township to have “a secure and modern water system.”

“The funds have already been granted and everything,” said Supervisor Bill Grandin, “but we just need to tie up some loose ends.”

Some of those loose ends were discussed at Monday’s supervisors meeting. The Roulet Water Company is currently in litigation, and dealing with PUC complaints from several Roulette residents. The complaints and litigation has slowed down the process.

Supervisors had hope to get the funding in June, and now, the funding is expected to come in by October 1^st, but at Monday’s meeting, supervisors questioned that date as well.

One of the complaints against the water company was filed by fellow township Supervisor George Baker. Baker has said that it’s not that he stands against the water company purchase, but he has questioned the amount of surplus contained in the loan for improvements. Baker also has raised his eyebrows at the supervisors proposed operating budget for the water company, claiming the numbers just don’t add up.

A recent response from the water company to the PUC complaints filed against them call Baker into question, pointing out that he questions the operating budget, but supports seeking funding for the project. “Mr. Baker cannot have both,” said the statement from the Roulet Water Company.

Baker wanted to research a few things before commenting to the press about the purchase.

Some of the other complaints from Roulette citizens involve the possibility of a hike in water rates.

Supervisor Bill Grandin said, “We want to stay pretty much in the ballgame that we are in now,” though he said that if the rates raise, it could be around an average of $3 to $4.

               "I would like to applaud the Roulette Township Supervisors and staff for their efforts to improve this water

system and ensure a clean, reliable water supply for the citizens of

Roulette Township,” said Congressman Peterson, “I would also like to thank USDA Rural Development for

approving this financial assistance for Roulette Township, and for their

continued support of our rural communities."

A representative from Peterson’s office contacted the Township, asking if he could be notified of a take-over ceremony, so that the congressman could be present.