Monroe County, Long Pond, Pennsylvania
The July 22, 2009, work session of the Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Vice-Chairman Sterner.
Supervisors: Sterner, Davenport, Secretary Wieand, Solicitor Lyons and area residents. Absent was Chairman Van Noy.
Open Space Sign Quotes: nothing available from either department at this time.
Stormwater Ordinance Amendment/SALDO/Plot & Grading Plan: Planning Commission Secretary Dot Trauger informed the Board that the PC is reviewing these items at their August 19, meeting and we will let the Board know after that meeting what is being recommended.
Sierra View road fines: PMRP representative Mike Gillen asked at the last regional meeting about the enforcement fines Sierra View has been collecting on Township roads. Chief Lewis commented that they can not enforce regulation on these roads and advised our solicitor to send a letter to cease and desist. Solicitor Lyons explained that he can’t do a cease and desist but he will send them a letter explaining why they can’t collect fines on Township Roads.
Road department list and cost estimates by Road Master Roger Smith: Two projects were presented by Smith with estimates to do the work. One project may be all we can afford in our Liquid Fuels funds and Smith should verify budget numbers with Treasurer Wieand to determine what, if anything, can be done this year.
Road bids for Tunkhannock Trails II: The bids were opened as advertised at 12 p.m. today, and presented and read aloud by Secretary Wieand. (see attached report).
Budget Line item adjustments & Return of Capital Reserve loan from the general account for operating purposes at the start of this year will be ready for the regular meeting on 8/12/09.
Moyer Barn cleanup: Planning and Grants Administrator Dot Trauger reviewed the agreement of sale and papers prepared for the closing on the Moyer property and no documentation was noted that the property would be cleaned up by seller. The Board is recommending Road Master Smith visit the location to determine what needs to be done and prepare a work order for clean-up and any outside cost required, if any.
Detention Basin Mt. Terrace: Photos and report from Supervisor Davenport, Road Master Smith and Secretary Wieand were given to show the corrections and work performed by Steve Parisi to fix the emergency spillway and swales Z1 and Z2 per John Motz from the MCCD (Monroe County Conservation District).
HB 1500 & 963 PSP Patrol: The concerns for 24/7 coverage of police protection was a concern by Supervisor Sterner. Mike Gillen indicated we do have 24/7 coverage and this shouldn’t affect our municipality. Secretary Wieand also indicated she contacted Chief Lewis to discuss the concerns of the Township and if these proposed bills will affect us in anyway.
Anne Sincavage from the Top of the Mountain Open Space committee attended the Regional Rec/Park Council meeting and asked if anyone from Tunkhannock Township would be willing to attend these meeting and participate on the committee. The Board would like to open this to someone on the EAC. Secretary Wieand will forward a memo to that committee for interested person.
Paradise Township contacted the IMBCP in regard to forming a Joint Board of Appeals since they are leaving the group and would like to form their own board of appeals. If interested, we need to contact them. Our Board is still proceeding with the intent of leaving at the end of the year and indicated we would pursue a BCO if the revisions to the agreement are not met shortly. Also, the only work they would like to see the IMBCP attorney work on would be inter-municipal board of appeals plan if that is something the group would consider if it breaks up.
A request by the Nature Conservancy was made to review the Conservation Agreement for the Fern Ridge Natural Area to include the new addition of the Silver property. Dot Trauger met with Jenny Case and they came up with a plan. Our current agreement is good for five (5) years, and Secretary Wieand suggested making an addendum. This would be a better idea rather than writing a new agreement. The Board would like for Dot Trauger to provide the Board with an addendum to the current agreement and to review the cooperative management plan to be sure the Conservancy is completing the tasks as listed in the task table incorporated into the Management Plan.
George Ewald asked if the Township had researched other sources of electric usage especially with the proposed rate increases. Maria Wieand advised not yet.
Marge Nowinski asked why Bruce Yerk our maintenance and grounds keeper was reduced hours and why someone new was hired to do some of his work. The Board indicated no one new was hired and the road crew has been picking up some of the grounds work since the 2009 budget only indicated part time hours for Mr. Yerk as he was originally hired to do.
Diane Smith asked about the vehicle accidents on Heller’s Lane and wanted to know what will be done with the guiderail. Secretary Wieand indicated both police reports have been requested in order to submit for insurance. Once those reports are received we will file claims for damages.
Supervisor Davenport commended the TTVFC, PMRP, and PMREMS all who were present at recent vehicle accident on Route 115 North of his business. “Job well done by everyone”.
Irving Midget questioned if anyone had any information on an explosion that occurred sometime Friday evening, no one knew of anything.
Work session ended at 8:07 pm and a regular meeting followed for the Road Bids.
Regular Meeting
Opening:
Called to order at 8:07 pm by Vice-Chairman Sterner followed by the pledge.
Supervisors: Sterner, Davenport, Secretary Wieand, Solicitor Lyons and area residents. Absent was Chairman Van Noy.
Public Comments: None at this time
New Business:
Adjournment:
A motion to close the regular meeting was made by Supervisor Sterner, seconded by Supervisor Davenport. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. The meeting closed at 8:39 pm.
Minutes submitted by:
Maria S. Wieand
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary Approved 08/12/09