MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 12, 2007
The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors' held their regular meeting on February 12, 2007. Those in attendance were Supervisors Richard G. Van Noy, Jim Sterrett, and Francis A. Altemose, II, Secretary/Treasurer Donna Verdes, Solicitor Ed Scacchitti, and area residents. Chairman Van Noy called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
The following minutes were presented: January 2, 2007 Reorganization Meeting & Regular Meeting
February 5, 2007 Work Session
Motion was made by Supervisor Altemose, II, to accept the minutes and seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no further comments the motion passed unanimously.
Comments or Questions on Agenda items: None
Matters Arising: None
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Donna Verdes presented the Treasurer's report
General Fund: Receipts $159,720.54
Disbursements $304,381.68
General Fund Balance: $199,001.58
Liquid Fuels Balance: $209,247.96
Motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to accept the Treasurer's Report. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Bills in the amount of $97,429.58 were presented. Motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to approve the bill list. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments and questions, motion passed unanimously.
**A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to amend the bill list to reflect $350.00 for the Joint Open Space Committee to move forward with the peer-to-peer making the total bill list for $97,779.58. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. After comments and questions, the motion passed unanimously.
Announcements: Volunteers are still needed to help with the 911 Re-addressing project
Letter from the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe- Copies are in the lobby for any interested residents.
Chairman Van Noy read the meeting schedule.
Old Business:
- Proposed Larry & Ann Moyer Subdivision Approval, at the Supervisors work session it was discussed that the Planning Commission recommended conditional approval of the Larry & Ann Moyer Subdivision with the following conditions:
1. The travel way known as Tekiri Lane be shown on the plan.
2. The maintenance of the road be addressed on the plan.
Since the Planning Commission Meeting, the final plans have come in and the aforementioned was addressed on the (mylar) plans. Motion by Supervisor Sterrett to approve the Larry & Ann Moyer Subdivision plans recommended by the Planning Commission. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Stoltzfus Waiver- the Planning Commission recommends the Supervisor’s approve a waiver for the Resources Impact & Conservation Plan for the Stoltzfus Land Development. They recommended the waiver because the site was already disturbed. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to grant the waiver for the Resources Impact & Conservation Plan for the Stoltzfus Land Development. Seconded by Supervisor Van Noy. There being no comments or question the motion passed two (2) in favor, and one (1) opposed by Supervisor Sterrett.
- Proposed Public Hearing Advertising Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Wind Energy Conversion System- A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to advertise a Public Hearing on a Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) on March 12, 2007 at 6:30 PM prior to the Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Public Hearing Advertising Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the Floodplain Setbacks- A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to advertise a Public Hearing on a Zoning Ordinance for Floodplain Setbacks on March 12, 2007 at 6:30 PM prior to the Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Zoning Map- A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to send a memo to the Planning Commission & the EAC recommending them to investigate locations on the map of hydric soils (yellow in color), streams, & tributaries to the Tunkhannock Creek and review and give input on having these locations with hydric soils rezoned to a four (4) good acres minimum lot size. In addition, to investigate the changing of the corridor on the Tunkhannock Creek 250 yards on either side and on tributaries that do not run dry during a typical year 150 yards on either side to a conservation zoning district. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
- Proposed Advertising for openings on the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) & Economic Development Committee (EDC) - A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to advertise the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) opening and to re-advertise the Economic Development Committee (EDC) opening in the newspaper. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Appointment for Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) Chairman – Motion by Supervisor Altemose, II to appoint Ivan Moyer as the Chairman of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Appointment for Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) Recording Secretary – A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to appoint Dot Trauger as the Recording Secretary of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC). Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Planning Commission Appointments – A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to appoint the following people to the Planning Commission for a full term or to complete remaining terms. Thereafter if they are reappointed their terms would be four (4) years.
James Lambert, Sr. four (4) year term Expires 2011
Carole Gillen three (3) year term Expires 2010
Francis De Piano one (1) year term Expires 2008
Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Economic Development Committee Appointment – A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to appoint Angela Harkenreader to the Economic Development Committee to complete the remaining term of two years expiring 2009. Thereafter, if reappointed the term would be three (3) years. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed advertising for a Public Hearing to consider a transfer of a Liquor License. A motion by Supervisor Altemose to advertise for a public hearing at the request of Alicia Sebring to consider the approval of the transfer of a liquor license to former Villa Virella Restaurant. The hearing is to be advertised for April 9th at 6:30pm prior to the Supervisors’ Regular Meeting. Seconded by supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Tadas & Helen Sviderskis Joinder Deed – Tadas & Helen Sviderskis are requesting permission to join two (2) lots in Stonecrest Park. The proposed deed has been reviewed by the Sewage and Zoning Departments, as well as the Solicitor and all is in order. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II to adopt Resolution 2007-100 approving the joining of two (2) lots as follows: Lot 811 (Section N2, Tax ID 20/8F/1/120 and Lot 812 (Section N2, Tax ID 20/8F/1/119 in Stonecrest Park. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Resolution to adopt Lackawanna County Automotive and Equipment Contract (procurement) – A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to adopt Lackawanna County Automotive and Equipment Contract Resolution 2007-101 that enables Tunkhannock Township to participate in the procurement of any goods, materials, equipment, or services with another local public procurement unit. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 and/or SALDO Ordinance 2005-101 – A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to send to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendations the following proposed amendments:
1. A joinder deed amendment to the SALDO Ordinance 2005-101 to cover amending the requirements for joinder deeds less stringent then normal subdivisions.
2. To review the fee schedule reducing the joinder deed fee.
3. A sign amendment to Zoning Ordinance 2005-103.
4. An application fee amendment to Zoning Ordinance 2005-103 amending section 807.E.
Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Resolution for years of service to the Township – A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to adopt Resolution 2007-102 recognizing Philip Francabandera for his 21 years of service to the Tunkhannock Township Planning Commission from 1985 to 2006. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Resolution for years of service to the Township – A motion by Supervisor Sterrett to adopt Resolution 2007-103 recognizing Francis A. Altemose, Sr. for his 23 years of service to the Tunkhannock Township. Seventeen (17) years on the Planning Commission from 1989 to 2006 and six (6) years as Supervisor from 1980 to 1985. Resolution 2007-104 recognizing Ronald Wieand for his 21 years of service to the Tunkhannock Township Planning Commission from 1985 to 2006. Resolution 2007-105 recognizing Gary Riley for his years of service as the Coordinator of the Tunkhannock Township Emergency Management Agency from 2002-2006. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Resolution for Panther Waste Agreement – A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to adopt Resolution 2007-106 approving the trash container agreement negotiated with Panther Waste, including all of the terms and conditions and does hereby authorize the execution of such agreement over the term of three (3) years. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Recommendation from legal council to have the Secretary/Treasurer send a letter of request in advance to the purchase of the sale of the Moyer & Kim property. A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, authorizing the Township Secretary/Treasurer to send a letter of request in advance of the purchase of the sale to the County and School district requesting that they waive their share of the 2007 real estate and transfer taxes on the purchase of both the Moyer and Kim property. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments and questions, the motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed Advertising for Bulk Trash Bids – A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II, to advertise for spring & fall bulk trash bids for the weekends in May and September of 2007, after its discussion at the next work session. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion passed unanimously.
Reports:
Supervisor Van Noy: Joint Building Codes – Meeting scheduled 2/15/07
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Board – Meeting scheduled 2/13/07
Pocono Mountain School Board – Attend if you can
Pat Kager Clymer Library- Reported that the State may cut funding since the Township cut taxes. She will know more after the board meeting. The Library will be closed February 19 to 22, reopening 23rd. A bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower show $59. Flyer will be in lobby.
Supervisor Sterrett: EMA – Reorganization in process with Bruce Walder as Coordinator
Dept. of Public Works (DPW) – Sierra View tree trimming in progress and to be patient, this is a systematic process and by spring, the area will look beautiful.
Supervisor Altemose, II: EAC - Report posted
Joint Open Space Committee- Report posted
COG - Report posted
EMS - Report posted
Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan - No meeting
Bruce Walder: Monroe County Task Force - Report posted
Dot Trauger: Township Planning Commission - Minutes posted – New Committee members appointed
Public Comments:
Betty Terrell-Cruz – Asked what the DPW department is doing with the money we are saving on overtime. She also commented that the price of fuel is up. What is the PNC bank Loan for? It’s for the Volvo Truck prior to the equipment loan. Did we do 12,025 percolation tests and is it a new development? Is this the dollar amount collected in fees for the month of January? In addition, she is available to help with 911 re-addressing, but not walking other areas would be good.
Kevin McLaughlin- President of Sierra View Development requested information on what is being done in Sierra View Development, what are the guidelines for trimming and can the development have the opportunity to trim first. He would like to have this information for his board meeting on February 18th. Site distance and information will be provided for his meeting.
Robert Price- Lot 2 Section 2 Corner of North Mountain & Route 115. He would like to request that the Township notify the Association when work is being done. Also, the run off from Route 115 on his property. PennDot and the Township are both looking into this.
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 8:00pm.
Donna A. Verdes
Secretary