MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
END OF YEAR MEETING HELD DECEMBER 26, 2007
The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held their end of year meeting on December 26, 2007. Those in attendance were Supervisors Richard G. Van Noy, Jim Sterrett, Francis Altemose, II, Assistant Secretary Maria Wieand, Assistant Treasurer Bev Riker, Solicitor Ed Scacchitti and area residents. Chairman Van Noy called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
The following minutes were presented:
December 10, 2007 Regular Meeting
Motion was made by Supervisor Altemose, II to accept the minutes and seconded by Supervisor Van Noy.
There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Matters Arising: None
Bill List: Was presented and Chairman Van Noy asked for questions from the floor.
Questions:
Maureen Sterner- Why did we order $1,067.55 in shirts for DPW and what kind of shirts are they.
They are hooded sweat shirts 14 count, tee shirts 80 count and hats 24 count. Why are we buying baseball hats, they aren’t hard hats are they? How can this get on the bill list without any of the supervisors knowing about these?
In 2008 we will have a purchase system requiring two supervisors to approve before ordering or purchasing, and we will not be paying this bill at this time until we get answers from Bruce Walder.
Sean Stevens- Would like to get a copy of the Nextel usage and bill. Chairman Van Noy stated he could request in writing for that information if he would like to see those. Assistant Secretary Maria Wieand commented that the bill for the last three months has been very good without overage since we began reviewing this on a monthly basis.
Marge Nowinski- Why don’t we use two-way radios like we did before, it’s much cheaper. Chairman Van Noy stated the cell phones work much better and the maintenance on the cell phone is cheaper than the two-way radios.
Marie Rivera- Kim Survey is this a transfer or a payment, because she remembers us paying this already. Bev Riker Assistant Treasurer recalls second survey and asked Francis who it was, but Francis Altemose stated it was two appraisals not two surveyors. But we did pay for Moyer and Kim with Robert Beers. Until this is reviewed and double checked this bill will not be paid.
A motion to accept the bill list with the exception of the bill for $1067.55 to PIBH, Robert Beers for $7,358.85 and to pay the remaining bills on the list for $77,658.99, this was seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no additional comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Announcements: Chairman Van Noy announced the following:
We would also like to thank Chief Ron Wieand and President Roger Smith for their hard work and dedication on behalf of the Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Co., and congratulates both on their re-elected positions for 2008.
GRANTS & REIMBURSEMENTS RECEIVED:
- In 2007 the Major purchases were:
* Moyer Property, Long Pond Road
* Richard Kim Property, off Route 115 behind Pocono Plateau
Both properties were acquired with Monroe County Open Space Funds and DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) Funds.
- Recycling grant program in the amount of $1,825.56
Chairman Van Noy read the meeting schedule.
Old Business:
- Proposed Union Agreement
Solicitor Scacchitti was asked to explain where we stand at this time and he commented as follows:
At 3 pm today in the 11th hour of negotiating both parties came to an agreement, but language changes and time frame being a problem he is recommending we hold a special public meeting next week or wait until January 23, 2008, to vote on this contract for the Department of Public Works. He should have the contract tomorrow and will get this to the Supervisors as soon as it is available. Supervisor Altemose stated all the numbers are way down and he stated he would still want to see it in writing.
Chairman Van Noy stated after the first of the year we will have a new Supervisor it might be in our best interest to wait until that Supervisor is on board, and make sure that person has input since she will have to live with that budget. He also thanked our Attorney for saving the Township unnecessary expenses and that the eight or nine different points the Chairman had were addressed and met including the management issues. Chairman Van Noy also made a public apology to the DPW department and said in no way was this their fault since they were used as a pawn in this situation and we can’t blame the Union either. They had a contract that was presented by the Union and Township Supervisor Sterrett did absolutely nothing, normally a contract is presented and we cry poverty and we go back to them and we meet somewhere in the middle and that didn’t happen. It has happened now thanks to our Attorney and Chairman Van Noy suggested we wait until after the seventh to vote, but it is up to the majority. Also, since the incoming Supervisor has had experience with the Union it would be beneficial for her to have input on this. Solicitor Scacchitti commented that with any contract the Union also did a fair and equitable document and once the public sees the contract they will agree. This will be done once the Board votes on the agreement and with that being said are we entertaining a motion or leaving this until the end of January. A motion by Supervisor Altemose to conduct a Special Hearing on Thursday January 3, 2008 at 7 pm and seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. Questions or comments:
Supervisor Sterrett asked if it would be all right for her to be in on the review of the document. Yes
Maureen Sterner commented it is very difficult because everyone has a copy of the old contract. Her main concern was made at the last budget meeting that she asked if there was anything in the contract that would blow the budget out of the water and the only items told to her were the pay percentages and the safety shoes. She made a note that after looking at the contract there are several items that are going to cost the Township money that we did not budget for. Chairman Van Noy stated those items were presented and addressed and Supervisor Altemose agreed those were his concerns also and he feels they were addressed.
Sean Stevens- Asked if a copy of the contract can be given out. NO, once the contract is voted and approved by both parties then it will be public.
Steve Kager- Commented that he felt it’s not necessary to have a special meeting next week and why can’t Maureen be including on the vote since she will have to live with that three year contract and budget.
Ray Schwartz- Suggest the Supervisors really look at the contract and carefully review the implication of what that language can mean down the road; if they have binding arbitration and just cause. He would also like to make sure the public understands the Supervisors will vote on this prior to the public presentation. Chairman Van Noy agreed that this is the process according to the law.
Sean Stevens- Is there any public recourse once the vote is complete. Yes, at the ballot box.
There being no additional comments or question the motion passed two in favor and one against being
Supervisor Van Noy.
New Business:
- Proposed Meeting Dates for Tunkhannock Township Planning Commission
This year we have moved our Board of Supervisors meeting dates and by doing so made the Planning Commission move their dates. We are scheduling the Planning Commission to meet on the First Wednesday of each month for their Work Session at 4:30pm and the Third Wednesday of the Month for the Regular Meeting at 4:30pm.
A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to approve the Planning Commission to meet on the First and Third Wednesday’s of the month at 4:30pm. Their work session will be the first Wednesday and the Regular Meeting will be the third Wednesday. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose and there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Resolution for 2008 budget
Through the budget process, the Board of Supervisors decides how much to spend and tax in any one fiscal year. The budget resolution is the annual decision made by the Board of Supervisors to set spending and revenue levels. A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to adopt Resolution 2007-117 for the 2008 budget in Revenue of $2,397,333.00 and Expenditures of $2,397,333.00. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, comments and questions:
Maureen Sterner- You’re not changing the designation of the millage you are just giving them the addition equal to a quarter mills and the figure is off as to what is listed on the budget report it should be $2,397,331, it was a type-o on the written paper from the Assistant Treasurer. A roll call vote was taken: Chairman Van Noy-Yes, Supervisor Altemose –Yes, Supervisor Sterrett- Yes. The motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Tax Levy Resolution 2008
All real property within the Township of Tunkhannock subject to taxation for the fiscal year 2008 will adopt Resolution 2007-115, for the general, fire, and Library purposes. Supervisor Altemose, II, made a motion to adopt Resolution 2007-115, summarizing the tabular form as follows:
Tax rate general purposes, the sum of 8.00 mills
Fire protection purposes, in the sum of 1.75 mills
Clymer Library purposes, the sum of 1.00 mill
Total of 10.75 Mills
The motion was seconded y Supervisor Sterrett and a roll call vote as taken, Supervisor Altemose-yes, Supervisor Van Noy-Yes, and Supervisor Sterrett-Yes. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Mileage reimbursement Rate for 2008
The Internal Revenue Service has announced that effective January 1, 2008 the standard business mileage rate will be increased to 50.5 cents per mile. A motion by Supervisor Altemose to adopt the mileage reimbursement for the year 2008 at 50.5 cents per mile was seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Van Noy thanked Supervisor Altemose, II for his six (6) years of service and for his two (2) years as Chairman of the Board and his diligence to acquire open space for our Township. Thank you for your years of service and your continuation as a representative to the Agriculture Committee.
Public Comments:
Jim Davenport- Thanked Supervisor Altemose for his work on acquiring the Henning, Kim, and Moyer Property in Tunkhannock Township as well as the Austin T. Blakeslee Nature Preserve in Blakeslee.
Mike Gillen- Passed
Maureen Sterner- Passed
John Kadany- Passed
Sean Stevens- Would like a copy of the 2008 budget. See Maria after the meeting and she will get you your copy.
Paul Wieand- The Heliport on Route 115, will they be using the landing zone on race weekends and you should address the times and business hours he will have when approving his plan.
Marjorie Nowinski- Passed
Marie Rivera- What is going on with our Windmill and why isn’t it working? Yes, it is broken and the part is in the garage. We will check the status and determine when this can be fixed. Going over the minutes from December 10, 2007 and that she was going to have a report from the Assistant Treasurer this month and she doesn’t see it attached. She did meet with Bev Riker today and she still couldn’t explain the difference and said she would have the report done by Friday December 28, 2007. No overtime will be given to complete this report.
Irving Midgett- Asked about the work that was done in Brier Crest Woods for the emergency access road and what was the cost absorbed by the Township? Supervisor Van Noy stated it was before he was Supervisor and it cost the Township time only as far as he knew.
Supervisor Sterrett- Asked Mr. Gillen if he received and answer to the email he sent him as to who released the DPW agreement to the Pocono Record?
Mr. Gillen replied the Records legal department explained to Mr. Frank the reporter once it was voted on it was public knowledge. Solicitor Scacchitti said it’s a confidential document and he’s not sure how it got out.
There being no further public comments, Supervisor Altemose made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett, motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm.
Maria S. Wieand
Assistant Secretary