Monroe County, Long Pond, Pennsylvania
The August 12, 2009, regular meeting of the Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 7:03 pm by Vice-Chairman Maureen Sterner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisors: Sterner, Davenport, Secretary Wieand, Solicitor Lyons and area residents.
Vice Chairman Sterner welcomed everyone for attending the memorial to honor and remember our late Supervisor Richard G. Van Noy. She extended her condolences and sympathy to Debbie Van Noy, family and friends who knew Dick. “It is not an easy thing to have to do” and wanted everyone one to know how truly missed he will be and that Dick's glass was always half full never half empty and he always had a smile no matter when you saw him. The memorial was then turned over to Secretary/Treasurer Wieand who coordinated this special memorial and contacted those with whom Dick spent time on the boards, associations, and organizations. Wieand thanked those who responded to her call to attend this memorial and sharing their kind words with us this evening. Those present who gave comforting words were: Representative Mario Scavello, Vice-Chairman of the Monroe County Municipal Waste Authority Dan Ferguson, Top O’ Pocono Rotary Club Steve Kager, Brier Crest Woods Association Ned Ramm, Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Company George Ewald, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police Mike Gillen. After each representative said a few words or shared a few stories with the community members present Ms. Wieand presented Debbie Van Noy with a wreath in memory of Dick and turned the closing over to Supervisor Davenport. He gave the closing remarks and recited the 23 psalm in memory of Richard G. Van Noy; also present was BBJF Ski patrol and many residents of the community. A five minute recess was taken to meet and greet Debbie before continuing with the regular meeting.
July 8, 2009 regular meeting
July 22, 2009 work session
Motion by Supervisor Davenport, supported by Supervisor Sterner, to approve the minutes from the July 8, and July 22, meetings. There being no public comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Prior to and after the July 22 work session, and after tonight’s meeting for legal and personnel issues.
None at this time pertaining to items on the agenda.
Roof Damages from the February ice storm were reviewed by Secretary Wieand and damage to the bathroom can be repaired by the Maintenance and Road crew not to exceed the funds from the claim in the amount of $86.76 the ceiling tile damage and roof needs further discussion. The copier was damaged on 7/7/09, we are awaiting bids and possible used equipment purchases. Secretary Wieand will research Co-Stars and other avenues for the next work session. Vacancy of our Supervisor and Chairman Van Noy will need to be addressed according the second class Township Code, an ad was placed in the Pocono Record due to time restrictions and interviews will be done the week of the 17th with action being taken on the August 26th regular meeting.
Bills presented in the amount of $150,799.20 tonight with time sensitive of $199.00 for QuickBooks yearly update. Motion by Supervisor Sterner to pay the bills in the amount of $150,998.20, and seconded by Supervisor Davenport. Marie Rivera questioned items on the list; Treasurer Wieand gave the explanation and also noted the change in our garbage container size to save the Township $30 per month or $360 per year savings. After questions and comments the motion passed unanimously.
Income from 7/8 to 8/12 $85,590.28
Expenses & Payroll $184,107.79
Balance to date $440,054.77
Treasurer Wieand presented the funds necessary to be transferred to allow for the Road Master wages that were not budgeted for this year. Motion to table at this time until a review of budgets can be finalized and account transfers determined. She also asked for Board approval to return the short term loan from Capital Reserve to the general fund on 2/11/09, be repaid at this time, by Resolution 2209-169. Motion by Supervisor Davenport, seconded by Supervisor Sterner, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
H. Announcements
House Bill 1500 & 963 still pending review and information from Chief Lewis of PMRP. A letter from OEM (Office of Emergency Management) expressing what a great job the Township EMA did as well as Bill Byron (coordinator) and Maria Wieand(Secretary/Treasurer) did for the unified command post at the Township during race weekend. MCCC (Monroe County Control Center) advised us of a link set up to help answer questions about the 911 addressing project for Monroe County. www.monroe911.com. Reminder of the Open Space meeting; Monday the 17th at 6pm. COG minutes indicated Bob Myer of Myer Auctioneering was contacted by SARP (Stroud Area Regional Police) and would like to know if we are interested in a joint municipal auction. Maria will research and have information for work session/regular meeting on the 26th.
I. Road Bid Awarding
The opening of the bids occurred at 3:36pm on August 11, 2009, in the board room of the Township Building. Those in attendance were: Secretary/Treasurer Maria Wieand, Supervisor Davenport, Road Master Roger Smith, Operator Byron Witt, Resident George Ewald, Al Smith Lead Estimator from Locust Ridge Quarry. The following bids came in and all bidders met the requirements as listed in the advertising.
Slusser Brothers Complete Bid: $424,874.78
Phase I: $110,669.25
Phase II: $149,772.11
Phase III: $175,737.18
Hanson Complete Bid: $407,839.40
Phase I: $98,187.40
Phase II: $147,485.40
Phase III: $168,708.80
Locust Ridge Quarry Complete Bid: $381,100.00
Phase I: $78,470.50
Phase II: $117,862.30
Phase III: $134,824.80
Supervisor Sterner asked if we had the portion that the DPW department can perform with their estimates. Secretary Wieand indicated we had no numbers from Road Master Smith. A discussion was had and with the possibility of having a $130,000 savings Supervisor Sterner would like to table the bid awarding until Road Master Smith can present the portion DPW can due with prices. Supervisor Davenport is reluctant to wait and fills these bids are very low and we should vote to complete the full package by LRQ. Supervisor Sterner motioned to table to bid awarding until the 8/26/09 at which time a regular meeting will be held to determine the road bid awarding and any other business necessary. Supervisor Davenport seconded but reluctantly. Comments were heard from the public: If DPW does the base work and it isn’t level will it cost us more for the paving? If something goes wrong later in the paving will the contractor let it fall back on the Township? After these comments and questions were heard and reviewed the motion passes.
J. Old Business
911 Readdressing project, map were brought up from the County this week for final review. Kate & Dot will complete road name changes and advise any information from the county to the Board for further action. Tabled until next work session, and secretary Wieand indicated the questions the county has prepared for the public are available for distribution and they will be available at next meeting.
Cog EIT Act 32 representative Wieand will be attending the next meeting on 8/31/09 at Ross Twp, 7pm. We also need to appoint an alternate member to the committee before the county meeting in October. The option was given to the public and those at the meeting. Maria will ask Dot to post this open position on our website also.
Windmill Proposed Amendment to Zoning Ordinance per the memo received from the Planning Commission dated 7/22/09 the Planning Commission is recommending the Board of Supervisors to approved the proposed Amendment to Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 section for Windmills Ordinance 2007-101 adopted the 12th day of March 2007. The board would like additional time to review this and would like for the Planning commission to review the wording in Article IV 306 a., also the larger buffer area with set backs. Solicitor Lyons said he would review the wording and planning will review this at their next meeting. George Ewald had some concerns and questions for the board and they suggested he bring those to the Planning Commission meeting next week. This item is tabled at this time for further review by Planning.
Open Space Signs tabled until the 8/26/09 work session due to lack of third quote and for review of pricing.
Nature Conservancy Addendum pending no report or progress between Dot Trauger and Jenny Case tabled until next work session.
Ordinance Reviews no report at this time tabled until the next work session
Road Projects were reviewed as listed from Road Master Roger Smith, report submitted 8/11/09 for projects completed. Supervisor Sterner asked for the reports and review of Birch Brier projects and Secretary Wieand had none available from Road Master Smith. Items Smith has listed for projects to be done: 1. 2771 Tacoma Dr, replace driveway pipe and redefine swale coming into pipe and going out 20’ pipe and 3 ton of modified stone 2 ½ days of work. 2. Hypsie Gap Rd guide rail anchors on bridge and put new signs and sign posts in as per bridge inspection report. Also repair pot holes. 3. Office bathroom repair. 4. Heller’s Lane Guide rail cable repair. 5. Deppner’s Rd. place rocks across ATV trails. 6. A load of mulch in lower parking lot for Austin T. Blakeslee Park. Plus all everyday work that needs to be done.
Old Business Pending EAC member needed to join the Regional Park & Recreation Committee.
K. New Business
IMBC board of appeals vacancy has been filled by Dennis Noonan from Tobyhanna Township. Do we need to make a motion to appoint him or just the Township appointing him? Solicitor Lyons is going to check on this and let us know.
BCO appointment and oath of office was completed on the 5th of August 2009, to appoint William Burton Building Coeds Official for Tunkhannock Township. He was sworn in by our Notary Dot Trauger. Supervisor Sterner Motioned to approve William Burton as BCO for Tunkhannock, seconded by Supervisor Davenport. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor Davenport motioned to withdrawal from the IMBC as of 12/31/09 and to form a joint board of appeals with those municipalities willing to do so. Seconded by Supervisor Sterner, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
The recommendation from the Joint Open Space Committee to have the Structural design for the stone building at Austin T. Blakeslee Park performed by Hanover Engineering be reviewed and approved by both Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Township. Supervisor Sterner motioned to approve the bid document preparation not to exceed $1,675, administration $_______and total bid not to exceed $12,850 under the condition of receiving the $167,000 DCED grant, Seconded by Supervisor Davenport. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Resolution 2009-168 Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 2009 motioned by Supervisor Davenport, seconded by Supervisor Sterner to support Representative Paul Kanjorski to support local government for priority expenditures. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Regional Comp Land Plan Use Map from Tobyhanna Township Tabled until 8/26/09 no action taken at this time from Planning and Zoning.
The Township paid for the acquiring of a Notary License with the State of Pennsylvania for Dot Trauger Planning and Grants Administrator to help defer the cost of papers being notarized for the Township. We would also like to offer the community or anyone else outside the Township needing papers notarized the ability to have them done here at the fees posted by the State and added to our fee schedule. The board asked for a resolution adding the fees to our current fee schedule and placed on the 8/26/09 work session.
The Case 252 roller has an internal fuel tank leak, Smith asked for the ok to take it to medico based on $83 per hour labor fee to have it evaluated. The board received the estimate to repair for over $11,418.95 and said they are not able to do that at this time and we would use agility if we need a roller in the future for any road projects. A proposal for a new roller was submitted but not even a consideration at this time.
Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor opening was advertised and we have received one applicant a special meeting will be held and advertised by the ZHB recording secretary for September. Once the ZHB appoints the solicitor the Board of Supervisors will need to approval the salary. To be placed on the next agenda after their meeting with the interested solicitor.
L. Reports
All reports were reviewed by the parties present and special notes of interest would be the 87 acres adjoining the ATB open Space property has been acquired by the Top of the Mountain Open Space Committee, this was reported by Supervisor Davenport. PMREMS is still looking for interested applicants to join their team, if you should interest and would like to be considered please drop off your resume and letter of interest to the Township as soon as possible and be sure to address it to Supervisor Sterner for review. Representative Gillen gave the police reported and was happy to say we are currently under our hours.
M. Announcements
Secretary Wieand reviewed the following: MCCC (Monroe County Control Center) placed the following link to their web and we will add it to our Web for the 911 readdressing project questions that the public may have. Also, the hard copy of questions will be available at the next work session for the public. Open Space Top of the Mt. meeting reminder for 8/17/09 at 6pm. Revitalization round table will be held 8/25/09 6:30pm in Palmerton anyone interested in attending.
N. Public Comments
Robert Schruko asked if the ball field port a potties are still in use and the cost to maintain them. Why don’t we look into buy them out right and maintaining ourselves. Secretary Wieand indicated she did research his ideas and found it to be more costly to buy the units, maintain them ourselves (pump out fee, supplies and general cleaning and storage in between seasons) than it would be to rent from Gotta-go-potties for the months of 6/15 to 9/15.
Betty Terrell-Cruz
Minutes submitted by:
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary Approved 09/09/09