MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING HELD DECEMBER 11, 2006
The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors' held their regular meeting on December 11, 2006. Those in attendance were Supervisors Richard G. Van Noy, Jim Sterrett and Francis A. Altemose, II, Secretary/Treasurer Donna Verdes, Solicitor Ed Scacchitti, Roadmaster Bruce Walder, and area residents. Chairman Van Noy called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
The following minutes were presented:
November 13, 2006 regular monthly meeting
November 22, 2006 work session
November 22, 2006 budget work session
December 2, 2006 budget work session
December 4, 2006 work session
Motion was made by Supervisor Sterrett to accept the minutes and seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no further comments the motion passed unanimously.
Matters Arising: None
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Donna Verdes presented the Treasurer's report
General Fund: Receipts $81,148.36
Disbursements $111,299.47
General Fund Balance: $392,984.15
Liquid Fuels Balance: $212,264.10
Motion by Supervisor Altemose, II to accept the Treasurer's Report. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no further comments, motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Van Noy introduced Mr. Guy Miller, newly appointed Director of Emergency Services. Mr. Miller thanked the Supervisor’s, said he is very familiar with our area, and had worked closely with Emergency Services of Monroe County. He looks forward to assisting our Township and the Emergency Shelter Center, if there is anything we need do not hesitate to call him.
Bills in the amount of $50,839.00 were presented. Motion by Supervisor Sterrett to approve the bill list. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. Chairman Van Noy announced that the bill list was posted on the door for the public’s review and the board would answer their questions during the public comment portion of the meeting or the public could submit their questions in writing on the request for information form for treasure to answer. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
Announcements:
Closings: December 25, 2006 in observance of Christmas
January 1, 2006 in Observance of New Year’s Day
New law goes into effect in January, will require motorist to turn on their headlights anytime their vehicles wipes are on due to weather or other atmospheric conditions.
Chairman Van Noy read the meeting schedule.
Old Business:
- Letter from Gary Riley EMA Coordinator- A letter was received and read from Gary Riley stating his resignation as the Coordinator for the EMA at the end of the year. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to accept Gary Riley’s resignation as the Coordinator of EMA with regret. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Resolution Transferring monies from Equipment/Vehicle Fund to Capital Reserve. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to adopt Resolution 2006-122 to transfer Two Hundred Ten Thousand, Four Hundred Twenty Seven dollars and forty four cents (210,427.44) from the Equipment/Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund to the Capital Reserve Fund to reimburse the fund for the purchase of 450J Crawler ($44,920.00), the 2006 GMC Sierra 3500 ($28,212.75), the 2007 Volvo Single Axle ($116,999.69), and the 2006 GMC Utility Truck Body ($20, 295.00) during the year 2006. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Ordinance for the Blue Ridge Cable Franchise Agreement. Over the last couple of years, the Township has used the services of Cohen Communications to negotiate a cable franchise agreement with Blue Ridge Cable. The Township received a new proposal 8-year cable franchise agreement, which provides for increased revenues to the Township. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to adopt Ordinance 2006-107 authorizing the execution of the cable franchise extension agreement with Blue Ridge Cable. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments and questions, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 concerning windmills.
The Supervisors must conduct a public hearing to consider the proposed amendment to the ordinance. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to advertise for a Public Hearing to consider the proposed Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 concerning windmills on January 24, 2007 at 5:00pm prior to the Supervisors work session. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 by Establishing Minimum Setback Requirements for new Roads from the Floodplain. A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to advertise for a Public Hearing to consider the proposed Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 by establishing minimum setback requirements for new roads from the floodplain, on January 24, 2007 at 5:00pm prior to the Supervisors work session. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Joinder Deed of Correction For the Stoltzfus Property on Route 115 and Old Route 115. On November 3, 2004, Tunkhannock Township Approved A Joinder Deed for Samuel and Barbara Stoltzfus for Three (3) Lots on Route 115 and Old Route 115. The Deed Description was incorrect and a Deed of Correction has been prepared reflecting the proper description. The Deed of correction has been reviewed by the Township and all is in order. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to adopt resolution 2006-123, approving the Deed of Correction and the Joinder of lot numbers 20/12/1/56, 20/12/1/57 and 20/12/1/11 on Route 115 and Old Route 115. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
New Business: None
Reports:
Supervisor Van Noy: Joint Building Codes - No meeting
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Board – Meeting Tomorrow & adoption of budget
Pocono Mountain School Board – Discuss new P.I.T (Personal Income Tax) Tax by referendum.
Supervisor Sterrett: EMA - No meeting
Tunkhannock Township Armed Forces Committee - Had the dedication 11-11-06, excellent turn out.
Dept. of Public Works (DPW) – Hand out available at the front of the room, this will explain what and who the DPW is and what their duties and goals for the department are.
Supervisor Altemose, II: EAC - Report posted
Joint Open Space Committee- No meeting
COG - Report posted
EMS - Report posted
Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan - No meeting
Bruce Walder: Monroe County Task Force - Report posted, Bruce Walder did not attend
Dot Trauger: Township Planning Commission - Minutes posted
Chairman Van Noy congratulated the Tunkhannock Township Armed Forces Committee for an excellent job.
Public Comments:
Marge Nowinski- Questioned why there wasn’t a reporter from the Newspaper here any longer.
Marie Rivera- Commented on the new procedures for the bill list with dismay.
Betty Terrell-Cruz- Commented with dismay on the new procedure for the public to review the bill list and asked the Board of Supervisors to reconsider.
Ellen Lott- Why did we reduce the tax contribution to Clymer Library? Wanted to know if approved minutes are on the web site and also commented on the new bill procedures and asked the Board of Supervisors to reconsider.
John Kadany- Asked when the Kuhenbeaker sign would be put up and asked us not to change the spelling. If it is changed all residents would have to change their addresses, Driver’s License, fire arm permits etc.
There being no further public comments, Supervisor Sterrett made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II, motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:44pm.
Donna A. Verdes
Secretary