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January 3 February 21 March 21 April 18 May 23 June 20 July 18 August 22 September 19 October 17
October 17, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Stan Gurecki, Oleh and Margie Posnachiwsky, Peggy Smith, Gerry Yushinsky, Chad Batzel, and Cody Scott.
The minutes of September 19th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Rex, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes; Walker abstained as he was not present at that meeting. The bill list for October 17th was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the guys have been cleaning out ditches, filling potholes, and mowing the roadsides. Trucks are being prepared for the upcoming winter season. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to advertise for operators with trucks to assist with snowplowing this year. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Margie Posnachiwsky asked about the rough condition of the hill on Wolf Lake Road and that money be spent on a more permanent solution. Supervisor Walker said that at the budget meeting, $400,000 out of impact fees was set aside for next year to pave more intersections. A list will be drawn up to prioritize the roads that can be done to figure out the lengths and the cost.
OLD BUSINESS:
Different options are still being discussed to put a roof over the monument.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to approve Resolution #5-23 - Modifications to 2023 Budget. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The supervisors reviewed subdivisions for Thatcher and Serfilippi on Lower Podunk Road and had no objections.
They approved and signed the 2024 Fire Protection contract with the Harford Vol. Fire Company.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A thank you letter was received from the Area Agency on Aging for the donation made by the township.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chad Batzel asked for follow up on using space at the old fire company building for parking to visit the triangle property and the sample ordinances to allow them to bill insurance companies for responding to motor vehicle accidents. The township solicitor will be contacted to draw up those legal documents. He also expressed appreciation for all the work done to move the monument and improve the triangle.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 PM.
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September 19, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Vice-Chairman Robert Rex at 7:00 PM. Supervisor Payne was present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings; Supervisor Walker was out of town. Visitor present was Ted Brewster.
The minutes of August 22nd were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Rex, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The bill list for September 19th was approved as printed on a motion by Rex, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the guys have been cleaning out pipes and clearing off brush. There are still a few roads left to be graded for this year.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was some discussion about putting a roof over the monument to protect it from the elements. We will have to get prices for different options.
NEW BUSINESS:
The supervisors approved an assessment permit for Kasie Ruddy for a pole barn on Beaver Meadow Road.
They plan to hold budget workshops on October 10th and 24th at 6 PM.
WATER:
There have been some electrical problems at the plant and issues causing low water pressure. We will consult with the operator about getting those resolved and also for financial information to prepare the budget for next year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A motion was made by Rex and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 PM.
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August 22, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster and Peg Smith.
The minutes of July 18th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for August 22nd was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the guys have been cleaning ditches and filling potholes. Our grader operator has retired so we will be looking to hire. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to advertise for employment applications. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The supervisors are looking into options and pricing on putting GPS trackers into the township vehicles.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Nine Partners monument has been moved to the town triangle and some flowers were planted. Several people have complimented on the success of the project.
NEW BUSINESS:
The supervisors signed a Disaster Declaration for the heavy rainfall received on August 18th. Damages can be reported to the county for possible reimbursement.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A letter was received from the Area Agency on Aging requesting donations to help support their services to the elderly. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to approve the amount of $250. Motion carried by three yes votes.
An invitation was received for the Susquehanna County Township Officials convention to be held on Thursday, October 19, starting at 9 AM at the Public Safety Building.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ted Brewster asked about the progress of the construction underway at the sewer plant and Peg Smith asked about a water leak on Decker Court.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 PM.
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July 18, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings and Solicitor Hailstone. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, John Adams, Ivie Simons, Gene Franklin, Roger Whitaker Sr, Roger Whitaker Jr, Jeff Smith, Jeremy & Kristy Robinson, Chad Batzel, Cody Scott, Sandi Yushinsky, Brad Millard, Peg Smith, Christina Johnson, and Glyn Kester.
The minutes of June 20th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Rex, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes, Supervisor Walker abstained as he was not present at that meeting. The bill list for July 18th was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the guys have been busy grading. They have finished Grinnell Road and will be headed next to Beaver Meadow and Plank Roads. The problem on Reservoir Lane mentioned last month has been repaired.
OLD BUSINESS:
The discussion on fire company funding continued from a couple months ago. Chad Batzel explained that the big problem here and all over the state is the lack of people. Most of the volunteers are getting older and not enough younger people are coming in. Having a paid staff may help, but it’s not going to fix everything.
The emergency training involves a lot of time and passing the national test to become certified is difficult. There are details that need to be worked out for a paid staff such as coverage hours needed and the amount of pay and benefits. It is important to work together with neighboring townships and other groups that need emergency services to come up with solutions and share in the costs.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to grant the amount of an additional mil of tax annually to the fire company out of the impact fees and to reevaluate this every two years, with the first amount given in 2024. Motion carried by three yes votes.
NEW BUSINESS:
The supervisors reviewed and approved a driveway permit application for Alvord on Stearns Road. They also decided to move the August meeting to August 22 to not conflict with the fair.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Members of the Harford Historical Society were in attendance to ask that the Nine Partners monument not be moved from its original site on the land of Jeffers Farms. A suggestion was made to purchase a replica of the monument to put on the triangle instead and the cost could be shared between the society and the township. Some comments were made on both sides of the issue, but the supervisors stayed with their opinion that the monument will be more visible and safer for the public to enjoy. As they already voted to move the monument, the project will proceed.
Brad Millard, Chair of the Municipal Authority, presented the annual report to the supervisors on the progress being made on the park project. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to advertise the fundraising options for the park amenities. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 PM. An executive session will follow to discuss legal issues and personnel.
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June 20, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Vice-Chairman Robert Rex at 7:00 PM. Supervisor Payne was present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings, Supervisor Walker was not able to attend. Visitors present were Ted Brewster and Donna Schulze.
The minutes of May 23rd were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Rex, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The bill list for June 20th was approved as printed on a motion by Rex, second by Payne. Motion carried by two yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
The new truck purchase was reviewed again and will be completely covered by money received from the sale of the Peterbilt and a state grant. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to purchase a 2023 Freightliner from Sherwood Freightliner at the Costars price of $126,043. Motion carried by two yes votes. A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to have the new truck upfitted by John Bonham Road Equipment at the Costars price of $63,413. Motion carried by two yes votes.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was some discussion about the relocation of the Nine Partners Monument. A foundation needs to be prepared and the supervisors will look into getting the stone and materials needed as well as someone to excavate the area.
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to accept the offer of $100,000 made by Clinton Township to purchase our 2018 Peterbilt truck with plow and spreader. Motion carried by two yes votes.
Paperwork was signed for the Endless Mountains Heritage Region grant in the amount of $10,000 that was awarded for the park project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Donna Schulze mentioned a hole that has opened up on Reservoir Lane which needs to be checked.
A motion was made by Rex and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 PM.
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May 23, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Joe Cowan, Tim Fisher, Cody Scott, and Rick Moser.
The minutes of April 18th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by two yes votes, Payne abstained as he was not present at the meeting. The bill list for May 23rd was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the road crew has been busy grading roads, changing pipes, spraying dust control, and mowing the roadsides.
One bid was received for the relocation of the Nine Partners monument. Russ Lynch of Susquehanna Monuments gave a price of $800 for the labor of cleaning and moving it. He also gave directions on making a foundation at the new site, which would need to be prepared. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to accept this bid. Motion carried by three yes votes.
There was some further discussion about the new truck purchase. Another township may be interested in purchasing our Peterbilt truck, so we will wait to see if that works out.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
The supervisors reviewed a subdivision for Tim Fisher on Tingley Lake Road and had no objections.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to adopt Ordinance #57 - Political Signs. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The supervisors approved Resolution #4-23 - Signature cards to open a new bank account for the park funds. A proposal was submitted by JHA Companies on designing the new bathroom facilities for the park. The supervisors felt that decision should be made by the Municipal Authority.
Rick Moser spoke on behalf of the Harford Volunteer Fire Company requesting more funding from the township. They are in good financial shape right now, but not too far down the road equipment will need to be replaced and those costs are rapidly rising. An arrangement was made with Gibson Township to get the amount of an additional one mil of taxes from their impact fees. The supervisors are open to continuing the discussion on giving the fire company more funding and also on the declining number of volunteers and the possibility of needing paid services in the future.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A donation request was received from New Milford Borough to help with matching funds on applying for a grant to renovate their public pool. The supervisors felt that right now we are focusing on our own park project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Rex to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM.
An executive session will follow to discuss a payroll issue.
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April 18, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisor Rex was present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings and Solicitor Hailstone, Supervisor Payne was absent due to personal reasons. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Joe Cowan, Gus Ferrara, and Josh Olivo.
The minutes of March 21st were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by two yes votes. The bill list for April 18th was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by two yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ROAD REPORT:
One bid was received for the list of repairs to the storage building. Wodock Construction gave a price of $24,985 for labor and materials. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to accept this bid. Motion carried by two yes votes.
One person had called about the monument relocation, but has not yet given a price, so the matter will be tabled until next month.
The discussion about the new truck purchase will continue when all three supervisors are present.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to purchase a rear wheel spacer kit for the backhoe for $1,025. Motion carried by two yes votes.
OLD BUSINESS:
After further review of the fuel bids, the price quoted by Mirabito would be a better option as their price differential is lower. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to award the fuel bid to Mirabito. Motion carried by two yes votes.
Solicitor Hailstone gave an update on the condemned house on School St. He has been notified of the owner's intent to clean up the property and make it habitable again. The township will have to approve the completed work to make sure the house is safe.
NEW BUSINESS:
The 2022 Audit has been completed and all records were found to be in order. The auditors recommended having a clearer record of payments that are split between two accounts and having someone to reconcile the bank statements.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to advertise the township cleanup for the first week of June at a cost of $70/truckload and $5/tire. Motion carried by two yes votes.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to advertise proposed Ordinance #57 - Political Signs. Motion carried by two yes votes.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to match up to $10,000 in applying for grant funds for the park project from the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and to authorize Carolyn Jennings to submit any documentation necessary. Motion carried by two yes votes.
CORRESPONDENCE:
An invitation was received for the Northern Tier Municipal Summit to be held on May 18, 2023 at the Public Safety Center. One of the topics to be discussed is solar panels and Supervisor Walker asked Solicitor Hailstone to work on developing an ordinance for the township.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Rex to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM.
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March 21, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Joe Cowan, Stan & Linda Gurecki, Peg Smith, and Wendy Zapolski.
The minutes of February 21st were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for March 21st was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Wendy Zapolski introduced herself as a candidate for the office of Susquehanna County Register & Recorder.
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that the road crew has been fixing potholes, clearing off branches, and waiting to see if the spring weather is really here.
A quote was received from Sherwood for a new Freightliner truck in the amount of $126,043 and a price of $63,413 from John Bonham for upfitting with a dump box, hydraulics, lights, plow, and spreader. The supervisors decided to wait on making a decision until next month and also to get an estimated amount of what the Peterbilt truck would be worth to sell. Supervisor Walker announced that the township was awarded a grant of $100,000 from DCED for the purpose of purchasing equipment.
Bids were opened for the items advertised last month with the following results:
Road Materials:
Lopke Rock Products - Half Inch Minus $5.50 FOB, $13.00 as directed.
6 - 8 Inch Minus $9.00 FOB, $16.50 as directed.
2A Stone $7.50 FOB, $15.00 as directed.
2B Stone $15.50 FOB, $23.00 as directed.
R3 Rock $13.50 FOB, $21.00 as directed.
R4 Rock $22.50 FOB, $30.00 as directed.
R6 Rock $32.50 FOB, $40.00 as directed.
Anti-skid #67 $19.00 FOB, $26.50 as directed.
New Enterprise Stone - Half Inch Minus No bid.
6 - 8 Inch Minus No bid.
2A Stone $10.00 FOB, $15.95 as directed.
2B Stone $14.80 FOB, $20.75 as directed.
R3 Rock $13.80 FOB, $19.75 as directed.
R4 Rock $15.85 FOB, $22.80 as directed.
R6 Rock $16.80 FOB, $25.75 as directed.
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to award the bid to both suppliers. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Dust Control:
Suit-Kote Corp - Liquid Calcium $1.20/gallon to twp, $1.30/gallon on roads
Vestal Asphalt - Liquid Calcium $1.15/gallon FOB,$1.25/gallon to twp,$1.35/gallon on roads, 2000 gallon min. order, $200/hr. if spray time exceeds 3 hrs.
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to award the bid to both suppliers. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Fuel:
Ace Robbins - On Road Diesel $0.25 over rack per gallon (Rack 3/13/23 $3.0198) Winter Additive $0.04 per gallon
Mirabito Energy - On Road Diesel $0.15 over base rack per gallon Winter Additive $0.03 per gallon
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to award the bid to Ace Robbins. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Trucking:
Tompkins Enterprises - $120/hr. for tri-axle
Diaz Stone & Pallet - $120/hr. for tri-axle
Barhite Excavating - $120/hr. for tri-axle, $115/hr. for tandem axle
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to accept all the bids to be used as needed. Motion carried by three yes votes.
Tree Trimming:
Top Notch Tree Care (Joe Pipitone) - $650/hr. w/crane, chipper, loader, 3 operators
Old School Tree Service (Adam Briggs) - $290/hr. w/bucket,chipper,skidsteer,2-3 crew
Robertson Trees&More (Craig Robertson) - $125/hr. w/bucket or climber, $120/hr. w/ mini excavator or skidsteer with grapple, $120/hr. w/chipper, $98/hr. w/chip truck or stump grinding, and $40/hr. w/groundsman with saw. 4 hr. min, emergency rate is x 1.5
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to accept all the bids to be used as needed. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made Walker, second by Rex to advertise for bids on repairs to the storage building out back. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to advertise for bids on relocating the Nine Partners Monument. Motion carried by three yes votes.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to advertise the township is accepting employment applications. Motion carried by three yes votes.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to adopt Resolution #2-23 - Borrow from PennVEST. Motion carried by three yes votes. A motion was made by Walker, second by Payne to adopt Resolution #3-23 - Plan revision for new land development relating to the Gurecki subdivision. Motion carried by three yes votes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 PM.
An Executive Session will be held following the meeting to discuss legal issues with the condemned house on School St.
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February 21, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:00 PM. Supervisors Payne and Rex were present along with Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Stan & Linda Gurecki, Oleh & Margie Posnachiwsky, Peg Smith, and Jeff Kyle with DGK Insurance.
The minutes of the January 3rd reorganization meeting were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes.
The minutes of the January 3rd regular meeting were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for February 21st was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jeff Kyle reviewed the renewal of the township's policy and gave updates on the coverages.
ROAD REPORT:
A motion was made by Payne, second by Rex to approve the following list of materials for bidding:
200 tons of half-inch minus, 2000 tons of six to eight-inch minus,
5000 tons of 2A, 4000 tons of 2B, 500 tons of R3, 1500 tons of R4, 300 tons of R6,
80,000 gallons of liquid calcium, 9000 gallons of on-road diesel fuel,
tri-axle or tandem axle trucks for general hauling at an hourly rate,
and tree trimming services at an hourly rate. Motion carried by three yes votes.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
The supervisors reviewed the list of fund raising activities submitted by the fire company for coverage under workers comp. They also reviewed a subdivision for Jeffers Farms and had no objections. A driveway permit and subdivision were approved for the Gureckis on Stearns Road. The loan documents are finally ready to have the closing with Peoples Bank next week.
A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to adopt Ordinance #56 - Issuance of Bond with PennVEST. Motion carried by three yes votes. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to adopt Resolution #1-23 - PennVEST funds reimbursement. Motion carried by three yes votes.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A donation request was received from the Susq. County Conservation District for their Envirothon program. A motion was made by Walker, second by Rex to donate the amount of $500. Motion carried by three yes votes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was some discussion about the increase of dangerous incidents in the township.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 PM. An Executive Session was held following the meeting to discuss personnel issues.
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January 3, 2023
The regular meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors was called to order in the township office by Chairman Dustin Walker at 7:13 PM. Supervisor Payne and Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Jennings were present along with Supervisor Rex attending virtually. Visitors present were Ted Brewster, Peg Smith, and Roger Whitaker.
The minutes of December 20th were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by two yes votes, Payne abstained as he was not present at that meeting. The bill list for December 31st was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Payne. Motion carried by three yes votes. The bill list for January 3rd was approved as printed on a motion by Walker, second by Rex. Motion carried by three yes votes. The treasurer's report was filed for audit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ted Brewster asked about the triangle property. With cooperation from the county, the township was able to purchase it for $1,003.44. Future plans include moving the Nine Partners monument there so that it will be visible for more people.
Peg Smith asked about pumping out the sewage from the Harford Fair. The waste has been trucked down to the sewer plant because the new pumps still have not come in.
ROAD REPORT:
Supervisor Payne reported that things have been quiet lately and that the roads are getting muddy from the rain and warmer temperatures.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was some discussion about the condemned house on School St. and what the next steps will be.
A motion was made by Walker and seconded by Payne to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 PM.
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