Monroe County, Long Pond, Pennsylvania
The August 26, 2009, work session and regular meeting of the Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 7:03 pm by Vice-Chairman Sterner.
Supervisors: Sterner, Davenport, Secretary Wieand, Solicitor Lyons and area residents.
Appointing of Supervisor Van Noy’s vacant Board seat until January 4, 2010.
Reorganization of the Board and regular meeting for items as indicated at the August 12, 2009 meeting.
August 19, 2009 for legal and personnel issues.
(Pertaining to items on the agenda under part IV)
Irving Midget asked if he had to wait for his name to be called or can he comment now. Sterner indicated he could ask his question now. What is the tally sheet, work sheet represent for Tunkhannock Trails II? Sterner indicated it is the funds spent to date on this project as requested from a past meeting. What are these amounts for, asked Midget. Sterner indicated equipment used, man power, materials. George Ewald indicated it doesn’t include legal, engineering and we should include it when this project is done. Yes, we will said Sterner.
Supervisor Appointment
Seven (7) qualified individuals applied. Key areas of interest were budgeting, supervisory experience and the third being memberships on Boards. All candidates met at least one of these and most met all of these supervisory experiences. Supervisor Davenport indicated he was pleased with the response and qualifications and as he experienced in his earlier profession the circle of friends becomes smaller and smaller and he hopes it isn’t true in this case since we can only pick one person. He thinks we made a good choice. Supervisor Davenport motioned to appoint Fran DePiano to fill the vacancy from August 26, 2009 to January 4, 2010. Seconded by Supervisor Sterner, there being no comments or questions the motion carried unanimously. Supervisor Sterner invited Supervisor DePiano to the table to be sworn in by notary, Maryann Miller. Supervisor DePiano addressed the public and thanked everyone who was involved with the choosing of this position. He is honored to take this position and will take pride in representing the Township and hopes to fulfill the necessary jobs at hand to the best of his ability.
Reorganization of the Board will be done at this time:
Vice-Chairman Sterner opened the floor for nomination. Supervisor DePiano nominated Supervisor Sterner as Chairman to the Board of Supervisors. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor DePiano motioned to appoint Supervisor Davenport as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Solicitor Lyons indicated since we are reorganizing we should also appoint Secretary/Treasurer. Supervisor Sterner motioned to appoint Maria Wieand as Secretary/Treasurer, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor Davenport indicated the Planning Commission would now have two Supervisors on the Board and felt he should step down at this time. Supervisor Sterner motioned to accept Davenport’s resignation from the Planning Commission, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. Comment from Supervisor DePiano that Davenport has been an extreme asset to the Planning Commission and feels he can’t be replaced. Motion passed unanimously after the comment.
Tunkhannock Trails II Road Bids:
Sterner reviewed the numbers and items from the three bidders and indicated the Roadmaster had worked up numbers to show us if the road crew were to do this would it save us money and would it be to our advantage. The Board indicated it would not be cheaper for us to do any portion of this project. Supervisor Sterner asked if Mr. Ewald had a chance to review the numbers as requested and does he have any questions. He indicated we had too many numbers and different sets to compare with. Diane Smith asked if we had asked George Ewald to consult on this. Supervisor Sterner indicated she had no problem asking Mr. Ewald to review the numbers since he has experience. Mr. Midget asked if we contract the job out will the contractor guarantee the work. Supervisor Sterner indicated the contractor will have to bond the work and have a time limit to hold the bond per the state regulations. Supervisor DePiano asked what other projects of this magnitude has our road crew done? Road Master Smith indicated they have done this type of work and are capable of doing it per Supervisor Sterner. Supervisor Davenport indicated what about the maintenance on our regular roads. Supervisor Davenport motioned to accept the Locust Ridge Quarry bid in the amount of $331,100.00, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Betty Terrell-Cruz asked about the prevailing wage and was that corrected. Yes, we did rebid and that was done two meetings ago. Supervisor Sterner asked if anyone had other questions at this time. There being no other questions a motion by Supervisor Davenport to close the meeting, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33pm. We continued on to the regular scheduled work session.
Work Session
New Business
Building Codes for 2010 & Board of Appeals: Kate Lambert provided the Board with a list of individuals and companies who can be contacted for building codes. The Board does not want a RFP, but a price list for inspections and review fees only at this time.
Roadmaster Smith’s second (2) 90 day leave from the union expires 10/5/09 (appointed 4/8/09): The Board will review the resolution and determine action for next meeting.
Hanover Engineering Letter regarding Classic Quality Homes was reviewed and Solicitor Lyons gave his recommendations that the Board have no action at this time.
Heller’s Lane guiderail: Roadmaster Smith gave repair price for accident area #1 for $4,635 and accident area #2 for $3,110; this is to replace the damaged cable guiderail. The Board indicated this type of guiderail is no longer PennDot specifications and we need to replace the guiderail per the state specifications. The Board asked that Roadmaster Smith get the price to replace the guiderail with COG pricing and get that submitted to the two insurance carriers immediately.
MCTA Bus issue reported by resident Patrick Sharp has been rectified, both MCTA and Tunkhannock Township came to an agreement to move the bus stop to eliminate bus idling in a residential area.
Tax refund Harvey Calderon 20/8G/1/122 per the county tax office the resident is requesting a pro-rated refund from 2006 in the amount of $42.18; this will be placed on the 9/9/09 meeting.
A review concerning Pocono Raceway High Quality Waters, and Supervisor Sterner feels this issue is between Pocono Raceway and the MCCD. It is not necessary for our solicitor, engineer or zoning officer to meet with anyone at this time. Solicitor Lyons indicated that no permits can be issued at Raceway Village at this time.
Blakeslee Natural Area requires permits for the wetland crossings, bridges and fishing dock. Place on the 9/9/09 agenda for action.
PMREMS is looking to fill positions and Supervisor Sterner indicated she had interest from several residents and would like them to contact her if they are still interested before the 9/9/09 meeting. We will also need to fill vacancies for supervisor representative position for the remainder of the year. COG/PMRP/TTVFC/BC/PMREMS
SARP Auction with Bob Myers & (Stroud Area Regional Police): The Board is interested in participating with the auction to sell items we are no longer using or have an overstock of. Items that are being considered are GMC truck, Case roller, printers, computers, keyboards, etc. A list will be compiled by the DPW and office staff for the 9/9/09 meeting.
Old Business
Notary Fees proposed amendment to fee schedule will be considered and added to the 9/9/09 agenda.
Tobyhanna’s Regional comp land plan map has been reviewed and the approved by Zoning. Solicitor Lyons advised us to put on 9/9/09 agenda for approval, based on retroactive letter sent by zoning.
HB 1500 & 963 state police coverage concerns have been reviewed with Chief Lewis and according to the bill we are covered for 24/7 police coverage and it wouldn’t affect our Township. No action necessary at this time.
DPW projects and review of liquid fuels (state funds): The Board would like a list of projects pending with priorities based on the funds available to the end of the year. Place on 9/9/09 agenda for follow-up.
Budget line item adjustments were reviewed with Treasurer Wieand and will be presented at the 9/9/09 meeting for approval.
The Planning Commission requested the Board table the recent recommendations for the proposed amendment to the Windmill Ordinance. The Board agreed and they will await action from the Planning Commission.
Open Space Signs were reviewed and cost to order the signs for the new locations based on the three (3) quotes were accepted and will be placed on the 9/9/09 agenda for approval.
Stoltzfus update was reported by Zoning Officer Kate Lambert. Secretary Wieand indicated Mr. Drumheller (his engineer) called today to get updates so he knows what is required by Mr. Stoltzfus. No action necessary at this time.
The Outdoor Furnace Ordinance was reviewed and the Board is requesting the Planning Commission review additional items such as pellets and other materials acceptable to burn in these units.
The Board is requesting Dot Trauger to contact the county for a sample road name ordinance for review at the 9/9/09 meeting to adopt the road name changes we have according to the 911 readdressing project. The county indicated they are waiting on the final notices from the postal service once all maps have been returned from the Townships. Our map changes were completed and returned last week.
Tree Preservation, SALDO, Plot & Grading are still pending at this time. Solicitor Lyons indicated the Planning Commission wanted to wait until the appointed supervisor is in place in order to bring him up to speed.
The purpose Supervisor Sterner keeps requesting the review of Ordinances is so that we can keep our stand alone ordinances up to date. This is a down time for Zoning and this is an opportune time to do this.
DCED Gaming Grant, Tiger Grant: The Board is requesting an update for the 9/9/09 meeting on the Tiger Grant. Supervisor Sterner requested a complete list of what is being included in the Tiger Grant and projects. Supervisor Sterner asked Roadmaster Smith if he spoke with the road crew to see what they think is necessary. You may want to look into a joint application with Tobyhanna. You should look into culverts, paving, signs, etc. This grant is due by 9/19/09 and is priority at this time; Dot should be working with DPW to get all possible items to be included in this grant.
Wren Grant is not included on this report and we need an update on this.
Nature Conservancy addendum update was not available as of 8/24/09. The Board would like this on the 9/9/09 agenda for action and follow-up. One month had transpired and no action is available. Supervisor Davenport will review this with Dot Trauger for next month’s meeting.
Indian Mountain Lakes has addressed the Board concerning an e-coli issue that has developed over an area in the Township. The Board has requested all reports and information be forwarded to our Sewage Enforcement Officer for review and to determine what course of action would be necessary to address their issues.
The following items are still pending:
· Cog Act 32 meeting with 8/31/09 Ross Twp. Representative Wieand will attend.
· ZHB Solicitor Special Meeting scheduled for 9/15/09. Mr. Gillen asked if the Board can explain this? Since the attorney has resigned and we need to appoint a new attorney, you need to give him the information prior to the meeting in order to review the materials.
· EAC member to join Park & Rec. county meetings. Supervisor Sterner asked if Betty Terrell-Cruz is interested.
· Kuhenbeaker Road lines need to be painted if tar and chip isn’t happening. Roadmaster Smith to call PennDot and request this ASAP. Roadmaster Smith indicated they ran out of hours and won’t be doing it at this time. Supervisor Sterner asked that he contact PennDot and tell them the lines at Moyer’s curve need to be done.
· Photo Copier claim submitted and review to purchase will be added to the 9/9/09 agenda. Price quotes for new verses reconditioned and cost comparisons will be ready to make a decision at the 9/9/09 meeting.
· Roof damages and ceiling issues were reviewed and DPW will look into correcting the insulation issue that is the major cause of the roofing problems. Byron Witt explained the ice dam back-up and what he believes is the cause of the issue. He will look into this and get estimates for the 9/9/09 meeting. Supervisor Sterner asked about the heat tape, can we locate it and use it come winter. The consensus is that heat tape isn’t safe and we shouldn’t use it.
· Community Yard Sale for bulk trash weekend was reviewed with those firemen present at the meeting. Byron Witt will discuss with the members and let the Board know as soon as possible.
Supervisor Sterner requested an update on the following complaint issues:
House trash in IML (Iroquois Rd), two hazardous structures, the horse issue at Long Pond Rd & Kuhenbeaker. She also had a request from the staff to have another staff meeting and would like to know if the supervisors are available for an executive session and staff meeting this Friday 8/28/09. The Board agreed and it would be scheduled.
Candlewood Estates mailbox clusters: Supervisor Sterner asked if Solicitor Lyons recalls what passed with Planning for mailbox clusters. A letter was sent to a resident from Zoning Officer Lambert and they were told to contact the post office. Supervisor Sterner asked that Supervisor Davenport have Kate review this issue since it is possible that the Township did approve cluster mailboxes for these subdivisions and we did indicate the postal location.
Public Comments or Questions
Mike Gillen questioned the dirt piles and site distance at Toll Road and Mountain Road. There have been several bad accidents at that location and we should be sure the site distance is clear. The Board will have this reviewed by DPW; check the stop sign distances and follow-up.
George Ewald would like to know what is going on with Dick’s Auto and why hasn’t anything ever been done? Secretary Wieand indicated this was one of the litigation issues from the past and would need to research the minutes for how it was left.
Byron Witt is asking on behalf of the fire company if crack sealing to their parking lot can be done this year, and they will pay for the materials. The Board didn’t have a problem with that and it can be set-up.
William Byron requested that Toll Road be looked into as Mike Gillen said, and the state or Raceway should look into a snow fence on Route 115 where the area has been cleared for parking before winter.
Minutes submitted by:
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary Approved 09/09/09