MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 14, 2005

The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on February 14, 2005. Those in attendance were Supervisors Francis Altemose, II, Jim Sterrett and William Bourke, Solicitor Edmund Scacchitti, Secretary Donna Verdes, and area residents. Chairman Altemose, II called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM.

The following meeting minutes were presented: December 30, 2004 End of Year meeting, January 3, 2005 Reorganization and Regular Monthly meeting, January 26, 2005 and February 7, 2005 Work Sessions. Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to approve the minutes as written. Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, the motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Altemose, II stated that an Executive Session was held prior to the January 26, 20005 work session for personnel reasons and another Executive Session followed the work session for legal reasons.

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Donna Verdes presented the Treasurer’s report

General - Receipts $77,754.96

Disbursements $225,395.15

General Balance $362,118.65

Liquid Fuels - Liquid Fuels Balance $459,133.71

Motion by Supervisor Bourke to accept the treasurer’s report, motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments. Motion passed unanimously.

Bill List: Bills in the amount of $137,704.86 were presented. Chairman Altemose, II made motion to pay the bills, motion seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There being no comments. Motion carried unanimously.

Appointments: Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to appoint Robert Schroko as a member of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) for a 3 year term and Michelle DeCastongrene as a Alternate Member for a 3 year term. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There being no comments. Motion passed unanimously.

Announcements: 2005 Events:

Tunk Fest Emblem Contest entry deadline by Friday, March 22, 2005. Must use only two colors outlining the letters or picture in a color other than the two primary colors. Pencil will be considered a third color. Tunk Fest 2005 must appear in the design. Must include your full name, address, phone number, and age on back. Winner will receive a $50.00 Savings Bond and a Certification of Appreciation.

- Keep PA Beautiful Day – Saturday, April 23

- Spring Bulk Trash – May 20 – 23, 2005

- Tunk Fest – July 9, 2005 (12-4p.m.)

- Fall Bulk Trash – September 9 – 12, 2005

- Clymer Library Book Mobile (Feb. 18 & Mar. 4, 1-2pm)

Supervisor Sterrett read a Thank You Letter from Monroe County Control Center thanking the Supervisors and Road Crew for their assistance during the ice storm. With out their assistance they would not have been able to access their tower facility for days or weeks.

- Letter from County Commissioners’ - They Sent A Letter Informing Us That DCED announced Entitlement Grants For The FFY2005 Year For The Community Development Block Grant Program. Applicants of low and low-moderate-income should submit (in writing) Important Projects/Activities you would like to be considered for funding, including estimated costs and a copy of proposed plans, if any. It should be submitted to the Redevelopment Authority of the County Of Monroe no later than March 4, 2005. Information is in lobby. Supervisor Bourke stated they break it down by low moderate and very low income based on number of persons and classifications, four people low to moderate is $49,100 and very low is $30,700 so there are grants available for people who are making less than that. He urged anyone who meets the requirements and need work done on their homes to advantage of this.

- February 21, 2005 – Office Closed for President’s Day

- Guardian Inspection Services informed the Township that they will waive permit fees for damage caused by January ice storm. However, permits are still required and they can be obtained at Guardian Inspection Services at Coolbaugh Township Municipal Complex.

The meeting schedule for March was read.

Old Business: There was none.

New Business:

Chairman Altemose, II stated that the Armed Forces Committee had reviewed with them the committees approved design and location of monument and additionally have requested the Supervisors open a fund for donations.

Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to approve the Tunkhannock Township Armed Forces Committee's proposed location of the monument which will be in front of the flagpole and to concur with the design the Committee has approved. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. Supervisor Sterrett abstained because he is on the committee. There being no comments, motion carried.

Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to authorize the Township Secretary to establish a special account on behalf of the Tunkhannock Township Armed Forces Monument Committee for the limited purposes of receiving deposits of non-public funds and to make disbursements as authorized by the Tunkhannock Township Armed Forces Monument Committee. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. Supervisor Sterrett abstained because he is on the committee. There being no comments, motion carried.

Supervisor Sterrett stated that the Township is applying for County Aid Liquid Fuels in the amount of $23,000.00 for the following project: 60# scratch/level and 180# overlay starting at SR4002 (Long Pond Road) to dead end. Estimating paving length 3850 feet +/- and a paving width of 20 feet. This road is known as Hellers Lane (T-630). The estimated cost of the project is $47,163.00. Motion by Supervisor Sterrett to approve Resolution 2005-100 to make application to the County for an allocation of County Liquid Fuels Tax Funds. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. After comments, motion carried unanimously. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There being no comments, motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Altemose, II explained that due to holiday conflicts that some meetings need to be rescheduled. Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to reschedule Monday, July 4^th Worksession to Thursday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, September 5 to Thursday, September 1 at 7:30 pm. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to reschedule Monday, October 10 Regular Monthly meeting to Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 pm. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion carried unanimously.

Raceside Plaza/Storage Facility Extension Letter for the Natale Land Development Plan - Supervisor Bourke explained that the Planning Commission received a request for an extension on both parcels for their review from January 15, 2005 to April 15, 2005. The Planning Commission recommends the acceptance of the request. It’s a gas station/convenience plan and storage facility. Motion by Supervisor Bourke to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the developers request for an extension on both parcels of the Natale Land Development Plan for review from January 15, 2005 to April 15, 2005. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Altemose, II explained that the Planning Commission has recommended to the Board of Supervisors to schedule a Public Hearing to review the proposed new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The Township Engineer, Kevin Harrison has reviewed the Ordinance and all is in order. Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to advertise for a Public Hearing on March 14, 2005 at 7:00 pm to review the proposed new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. And to advertise the proposed adoption of the Ordinance at the Supervisors Regular Monthly meeting on March 14, 2005 at 7:30 pm. This Ordinance would replace the SALDO Ordinance Number 1986-48. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments, motion carried unanimously.

Proposed Resolution Empowering Berkheimer to Impose and Retain Costs of Collection on Delinquent Taxes - Motion by Supervisor Bourke to adopt Resolution Number 2005-101 Empowering our Tax Collector to impose and retain costs of collection on delinquent taxes. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion carried unanimously.

LoSauro Joinder Deed - Chairman Altemose, II stated that Joseph and Jeri LoSauro are requesting permission to join their four lots onto one deed and have one assessment for all four lots. The proposed deed has been reviewed by the Sewage and Zoning departments , as well as the solicitor and all in order. Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to adopt Resolution 2005-102 approving the joining of the LoSauro's (4) four lots - lots 5819 (Tax ID No.20/1c/1/465); 5818 (20/1c/1/464); 5820 (Tax ID No. 20/1c/1/466); and 5821 (Tax ID No. 20/1c/1/467) Section D-1, Emerald Lakes. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments motion passed unanimously.

Proposed Amendments to Ordinance No.#2002-108 - Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to adopt Ordinance No. 2005-100 amending Ordinance No. 2002-108 as follows:

Eliminating Section 3 Subsection 3.155, Condominium
Eliminating Section 3 Subsection 3.153, Planned Residential Development PRD
Amending Section 4 Subsection 4.7, Permits
Amending Section 5 Subsection 5.2, Coverage, Lot-Chart

Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There being no comments, motion carried unanimously.

Hussaini Escrow Reduction Request - The Township Engineer, Kevin Harrison based on his inspections has recommended a $23,518.90 reduction in the Hussaini Escrow. Motion by Chairman Altemose, II to release $23,518.90 from the Hussaini Escrow Account based on the recommendation of the Tunkhannock Township Engineer. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments motion passed unanimously.

Proposed Amendment to Building Codes Ordinance No. 2002-105 - Motion by Supervisor Bourke to advertise the proposed adoption of amendment to Building Codes Ordinance No. 2002-105 (Section 111, Permit, Subsection 111.2, permits required) at the Supervisors' Regular Monthly Meeting on March 14, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments motion passed unanimously.

Chairperson Altemose, II stated that the last two EAC meetings, Joint Open Space and COG minutes were posted on the door. An EMA report is posted the actual minutes will be posted next month. The person who does them was ill.

Supervisor Sterrett stated that he EMS is posted and said that he would get the Clymer Library meeting minutes and post them.

Supervisor Bourke stated that there wasn't a Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan meeting. The Joint Building Codes meeting is what initiated the proposed "permit" changes. He gave a report on the Pocono Mountain Regional Police and stated that Mike Gillen at his first meeting was introduced as the new Tunkhannock Township Resident at Large and Mike was appointed to the Board that reviews the new officers that may come on board. There were also Letters of Commendations and Thank You letters sent in to the Chief for various Officers. There is no report for the Tobyhanna/Tunkhannock Creek Watershed.

Chairperson Altemose, II announced that the Monroe County Road Task Force minutes and the Planning Commission minutes were posted.

Public Comments:

Dick VanNoy commented positively about Penn Dot and thanked them for their help regarding a drain.

Mike Gillen - It was discussed at the Indian Mountain Lakes Board meeting recently that the Governor did not declare the January Ice Storm an Emergency and he didn't visit the area. He also thanked the Township on behalf of Indian Mountain Lakes for the assistance they received during the emergency. Supervisor Bourke clarified that the Township assisted all the developments in out Township that needed it. Dick VanNoy also stated that the Township offered to help his development as well. Mike Gillen asked about provisions for brush at the Spring Bulk Trash.

Gary Verdes - Encouraged anyone who didn't get a donation form for the Armed Forces Monument to take a look at them because the monument design is on it and asked that you take them to your friends and family.

Ken Newhook - commented about the suit between the Township and Tunk Trails and would like to see this resolved in a positive way. A lengthy discussion followed between him and the Township Solicitor.

Francis Altemose, II - stated that recently Bethlehem Water Authority voted unanimously to 5-0 to start negotiations with the County to start the gears turning on a Conservation Easement for up to 702 acres of farm land in Tunkhannock Township.

He also thanked Roadmaster, Bruce Walder for being persistent in regard to purchase of the Gradall with the grappling hook for it as well as other equipment that was purchased. He felt it probably saved lives. He thanked Bruce and the road crew for getting development, state and township roads open so that emergency vehicles could get through if need be. Thanked the EMA staff for putting in many hours and keeping the shelter open.

Jim Sterrett encouraged people to take the donation form for the monument that it was a very worthy cause and any donation would be appreciated.

There being no further comments, Supervisor Bourke motioned to adjourn. Supervisor Sterrett seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 8:29 p.m.

Donna Verdes

Secretary