MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING MARCH 12, 2008
The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors' held their Regular Meeting on March 12, 2008. Those in attendance were Supervisors Richard G. Van Noy, Maureen Sterner, Secretary/Treasurer Maria Wieand, Solicitor Dan Lyons, and area residents. Chairman Van Noy called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
Executive Sessions were held after the February 27, 2008 meeting for Legal & personnel reasons and March 4, 2008 to interview for Supervisors position.
Minutes presented:
February 13, 2008 Regular Meeting
February 27, 2008 Work Session
Motion by Supervisor Sterner to approve the minutes and seconded by Chairman Van Noy. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Van Noy announced a break at 7:08 p.m. for an executive session to discuss the interviews for Supervisor. The meeting continued at 7:20 p.m. It was noted that we had six (6) candidates apply and it was a difficult decision and the Board hopes those who applied will serve on other committees or boards that are vacant at this time. Chairman Van Noy commented the individual chosen served many years on the School Board, Planning Commission, and other committees within the Township and is the most experienced for the position. A motion to appoint James G. Davenport for the remaining term of 2008 and 2009 year, Supervisor Sterner seconded the motion.
Comments and questions where heard by Sean Steven: excellent choice. There being no additional comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Notary Maryann Miller swore James G. Davenport in with the Oath of Office and notarized his official papers. Secretary Wieand made copies of the Oath and Drivers licenses to be kept on record. Supervisor Davenport joined the board and Ron Wieand asked if Mr. Davenport could still keep his position on the Planning Board. Solicitor Lyons indicated that he could hold both positions and it would be his choice.
Presentation: Resolution 2008-126, presented to Lisabeth “LB” Wieand in recognition of her earning the 2007 Title of Pennsylvania INT Women’s Intro division Wakeboard Champion taking first place and representing the State and our Township of Tunkhannock at U.S. National in Zackary, Louisiana and placed ninth (9th) in the Country. The Board recognizes her achievements as Chairman Van Noy awards her the framed resolution. A motion by Supervisor Sterner to adopt this Resolution 2008-126, seconded by Chairman Van Noy and carried unanimously.
- Boy Scout Request -Kyle Gray
Item 11 under new business on the agenda moved forward to introduce Kyle Gray from Troop 89 of Barrett Township. Kyle is campaigning to help save Camp Minsi’s Stillwater Lake and has brought letters for our State Representative Carroll, Governor Rendell, and Senator Rhoades. He would like the support of the Township and the community to write their Officials and join him in this fight. Secretary Wieand distributed letters for the public and asked that we send them along with our letters to these officials. Supervisor Sterner added that there has been funds allocated since 2006 in the state budget and Governor Rendell has not released the funds. Supervisor Sterner made a motion to send the letters of support on behalf of the Board as indicated, as well as attaching the letters of support by Township residents. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Comments or Questions on Agenda items: None
Matters Arising: Moved to the executive session at the end of the meeting for discussing the resignation of Sewage Enforcement officer Bev Riker, and litigation discussions.
Local Government Day was talked about at the last meeting and we would like to have this one day during April 14-18, which is government week. A motion by Chairman Van Noy to have Local Government day on Wednesday April 16, 2008. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report:
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Balance brought forward 2/12/08 |
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02/12/08 |
Cargill pay from liquid fuels |
$8,154.53 |
|
$123,338.08 |
|
02/12/08 |
Cleveland brother pay from Equipment |
$15,996.14 |
|
$139,334.22 |
|
|
Time sensitive prior to 3/12/08 |
|
$14,420.10 |
$124,914.12 |
|
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Income 2/13 to 3/12 |
$110,117.49 |
|
$235,031.61 |
|
|
Payroll 2/22/08 |
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$25,096.76 |
$209,934.85 |
|
|
Payroll 3/7/08 |
|
$23,803.37 |
$186,131.48 |
|
|
Bills to be paid |
|
$140,071.70 |
$46,059.78 |
Motion by Supervisor Sterner to accept the Treasurer's Report was made and seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Bill List:
Treasurer Wieand presented the bills in the amount of $140,071.70 and would gladly explain any of the items.
Questions:
Marie Rivera: What is Toppcopy bill for? Maintenance on copier at Firehouse. What are the Wilkes Barre repairs for and can we explain. We had a truck repaired for $19,000 a few months ago and we continue to have bills for truck repairs and when the DPW goes past her house on Long Pond Road with the plow down and no snow on the road she hopes its not miss use (it’s a state road anyway). There being no additional comments or question Supervisor Davenport made a motion to pay the bills, seconded by Supervisor Sterner. There being no additional comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Announcements:
March 21, 2008 the offices will be closed for the Easter Holiday
April 5, 2008 Rain Barrel Workshop for Residents @ Monroe County Conservation District
Flyers and information was available for the public.
Secretary Wieand received correspondence today that needs answering:
Joint Building Codes meeting 3/20/08 Supervisor Representative must attend. Chairman Van Noy will be attending
COG (Council of Government) annual dinner meeting 3/31/08 at Crescent Lodge, Who will be attending please let me know this evening.
Sunshine Law Act was revised and passed copies will be available for the public at the front desk for review and these changes will go into effect January 2009.
Chairman Van Noy read the meeting schedule.
Old Business:
- School Bus Stop Ahead Signs for Long Pond Road
Supervisor Sterner notified the public that we have received several letters concerning the Long Pond Road/Roads End bus stop and accident; she reviewed our involvement and contact with Pocono Mountain School District and PennDot. School bus stop ahead signs are currently not in that location and Supervisor Sterner made a motion to write PennDot and ask them to review the area for the necessity of these signs and if they are required, giving us a permit for them with the locations for us to install the signs. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport. After comments and questions, the motion passed unanimously.
Sean Steven questioned making bus stop buildings for students where they wait.
John Kadany commented on the way the Buses stop at that bus stop and others along Long Pond Road, he stated the bus pulls into the on coming lane diagonally and puts the stop sign arm in the other lane. He feels we should let the school know that as well.
- Woolfenden Minor Subdivision Plan, Lot 20 Tunkhannock Trails
Minor Subdivision plan for lot 20 Tunkhannock Trails Property Tax identification number 20633302962935, review by the Planning Commission and recommended for approval after Tunkhannock Township Zoning Hearing Board denied the request and the Court of Common Pleas Monroe County reversed the decision. A motion to approve Resolution 2008-127 by Supervisor Sterner to approve the minor subdivision plan for David and Linda Woolfenden lot 20, ID# 20/1D/1/21, property identification 20633302962935 as per the Court of Common Pleas Monroe County. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport and there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
- Great PA Cleanup Program
We have designated the PA Cleanup date April 19, 2008, from 10am to 4pm. The secretary will send invitations to local Boy Scouts and Girl Scout Groups and the notice will be posted in the Journal for Volunteers needed. Supervisor Sterner noted we will have flower planting for the younger children around the municipal grounds.
- UCC (Uniform Construction Code) Intermunicipal Agreement
Solicitor Lyons reviewed the agreement, discusses his recommendations for the Township, and explained his conversation with the other two solicitors. Solicitor Lyons recommendations would be if we are getting a better price then other municipalities and if we form a joint buildings code board. The issue is we have appointed them under the old contract; we haven’t signed the new contract (they are operating under the old contract). We have an agreement that hasn’t been followed over the past few years. We can appointment someone else, or continue with this agreement and the only benefit would be if we are getting a better price and we aren’t and that there be a joint buildings code board. Supervisor Van Noy will attend the meeting on 3/20/08 and represent our Township to see what will transpire at the meeting. They are not an independent contractor they are a third party, per Solicitor Lyons.
- Intermunicipal Agreement financial support PMREMS
Solicitor Lyons reviewed the agreement and noted the Ordinance must be done before or after the agreement is decided. Supervisor Sterner noted the meeting will be March 13, 2008 and she will review the dollar amount with the group and a clause should be added if they lose part of their coverage area, per solicitor Lyons.
- House Bill 1189
The Board of Supervisors has reviewed House bill 1189 also known as the Commonwealth Officer Fund and would like to support this bill by sending a letters to the appropriate governmental agencies and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police in favor of this 10-year program. A motion to support the bill by Supervisor Davenport was made and seconded by Supervisor Sterner. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
The following two (2) items on the agenda will be taken into executive session at the end of this meeting.
- Silver Adult Property
- Tunkhannock Trails Litigation
New Business:
- House Bill 2018, is called the Tax-exempt Property Municipal Assistance Act. Municipalities would qualify for assistance if their tax-exempt properties make up more than 17 percent of their total assessed property value. No new tax would be created by bill; the money would come from the state’s 1936 Johnstown Flood Liquor Tax. Solicitor Lyons will research this bill and check on the Bethlehem Authority Land if that qualifies. Solicitor Lyons will research this and get back to the board with information.
- Solicitor Appointment
Supervisor Sterner made a motion to hire Daniel P. Lyons as our Solicitor for the Board of Supervisors.
Seconded by Supervisor Davenport and there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Reports:
Supervisor Van Noy: Joint Building Codes – minutes posted
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Board – minutes posted
Pocono Mountain School Board – No report
Tunkhannock Twp. Vol. Fire Co.-No report
Supervisor Sterner:
Emergency Management- no report
Emergency Medical Services- they are up an d running on their own and solvent, the committee will meet to discuss agreement.
Dept. of Public Works (DPW) –doing a great job, salt is short and noted we can’t get anymore.
Pat Kager Clymer Library- no report
Mike Gillen Pocono Mountain Regional Police- Two officers were sworn in last night, three promotions are coming. The website is up and running and is beautiful please look at it and review what things you can look up on the site at www.pmrpd.com, annual police report is here and available to the public. We are down to 672 hours over in our time right now.
Supervisor Davenport complimented Mike Gillen on his reporting and thanked him.
Bruce Walder Monroe County Task Force - Report Posted
Dot Trauger Township Planning Commission - minutes posted
The following Committees have openings: Building Codes Hearing Board Appeals Committee
Economic Development Committee
Environmental Advisory Committee Associate Member
Public Comments:
Mike Gillen- Thanked Kate Lambert for getting the Madison Inn boarded up and roped off from tractor-trailers parking there at this time.
Marie Rivera- passed
Hank Dannecker- Thanked the board for getting the windmill up and running. Did we get a check for the bin storage on our lot. Secretary Wieand reported we submitted the paper work for reimbursement into the grant that was submitted but we are not guaranteed the payment.
Bob Schrocko- Is it necessary to have a full time SEO or would it be to our advantage to hire a firm? In addition, we she know that the government surplus is buying back the trailers from Katrina, and we should check into it.
Joe Olall- Wanted to know how much did it cost the Township in legal fees for the Woolfenden Case? Secretary Wieand informed him to fill out a request for information and we can tell him. Solicitor Lyons informed him the legal fees for Monroe County are addition to the Zoning hearing Board fees.
Sean Stevens- Asked on behalf of Betty Terrell Cruz interest in stopping a Day Care center in Indian Mountain Lakes and that it is becoming a 24- hour business. Mike Gillen indicated it is a home in Sierra View.
A motion by Supervisor Sterner to go into an Executive session was made at 8:50pm, and seconded by Supervisor Davenport. The regular meeting continued at 9:30pm and the resignation of Sewage enforcement officer was reviewed. A motion by Supervisor Sterner to accept the resignation of Bev Riker as Sewage Enforcement officer as discuss in our executive session with the added note that all Township property is to be returned before she leaves her position. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, and there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
There being no further public comments, Supervisor Davenport made a motion to adjourn the meeting seconded by Supervisor Sterner. There being no comments or additional questions the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:50pm.
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary