TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MEETING – March 10, 2010
In Attendance: Chairman Maureen Sterner, Vice-Chair George Ewald, Secretary Maria Wieand, Appointed Supervisor Francis DePiano, Solicitor Lyons and members of the general public.
Chairman Sterner called the Public Hearing to order at 7:19 p.m.
Attorney Dan Lyons presented the following exhibits for the proposed Inter-Municipal Cooperative Sewage Enforcement Ordinance
Township 1 – Notice appeared in the Pocono Record on March 2, 2010
Township 2 –Tunkhannock/Tobyhanna Township Contract for Sewage Enforcement Officer Services
Township 3 – Proposed Ordinance 2010-122
Supervisor Sterner noted the financial saving from our Alternate SEO from Hanover Engineering and how the cost of a joint enforcement will save the Township additional funds. She asked for public comments. A question about the hourly rate and over time hours were discussed, and both Supervisors Ewald and Sterner explained the duties and procedures that will be used and that no over time will be necessary. Treasurer Wieand also explained the current billing procedures and noted future billing will not differ from these procedures. There being no further comments, Supervisor Sterner made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing. Supervisor Ewald seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Supervisor Sterner called the Special Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. She asked for any questions or comments. There being none, Chairman Sterner made a motion to approve Ordinance 2010-122 establishing joint Sewage Enforcement with Tobyhanna Township. Supervisor Ewald seconded the motion. There being no additional questions or comments the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Sterner made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Supervisor Ewald seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Supervisor Sterner called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:44 p.m.
Supervisor Sterner began by thanking the six (6) candidates who applied for the supervisor position. The individual they choose has the experience the Township needs. Supervisor Ewald motioned to appoint Francis DePiano as Supervisor to fill the vacated seat of Robert Delese. Supervisor Sterner seconded the motion and asked if the public had any questions. Mrs. Schroko a resident asked if Mr. DePiano could give his qualifications to the residents of the Township. He did, and there being no other questions or comments the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor DePiano thanked the board for their appointment and he looks forward to working with them.
Supervisor Sterner made a motion to approve the January 13, 2010 Regular meeting minutes, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor DePiano made a motion to approve the January 27, 2010 work session minutes, seconded by Supervisor Ewald. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Sterner made a motion to approve the February 13, 2010 Budget Minutes, seconded by Supervisor Ewald. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor DePiano made a motion to approve the February 24, 2010 Public Hearing/Special Meeting/Work Session minutes, seconded by Supervisor Ewald. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor Sterner noted that executive meetings were held 1/13/10, 2/24/10, 3/2/10, and 3/9/10 all for personnel issues.
Secretary/Treasurer Wieand introduced Joyce Raczko from the U.S. Census, who spoke about the need for workers in our area, the pay rates and how important the census is to our community. Wieand continued with the following announcements: The 2009 annual report from the MCPC (Monroe County Planning Commission) had arrived and is available for one who would like to review it. Thank you letter from the MCCC (Monroe County Control Center) for Wieand’s assistance and the DPW department during the snow storms to open Dixon Miller Road for emergency cell Tower Repairs. A wind energy seminar will be held at the Woodland’s Resort 3/19/10 if anyone is interested in attending. Governor Rendell’s office notified the Township of Federal recovery act funds for broadband infrastructure, and Supervisor Sterner suggested the EMA should see what is available for their department needs. 2010 Greenway Leadership forum & Legislative Breakfast will be held 4/9/10 if anyone is interested in attending and West End Community Ambulance request for funds to purchase an AutoPulse. With our financial situation it isn’t possible but the board indicated we could try to get their donation out to them sooner this year.
Treasurer Wieand presented the bill list in the amount of $79,086.62 with two additions. One credit for Napa auto parts for $30 and an additional expense to purchase postage stamps in the amount of $220.00, making the total bills being presented $79,276.62. Supervisor Ewald motioned to approve and pay the bills. Seconded by Supervisor DePiano, after comments and questions were addressed the motion passed unanimously. Wieand presented the financial report as follows: $204,571.15 January balance, income for February is $51,042.11, interest $27.96 Total available funds $255,641.22
Payroll and liabilities paid $19,115.39, bills paid after January’s approval $204,488.40 balance $36,037.43.
The Lauff Minor Subdivision final reviewed was completed, and a motion to approve the plans as presented was made by Supervisor Ewald, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
ATB structural design revision dated 2/23/10 was presented and a cost estimate to complete task A was presented in the amount of $1,100. A motion to approve Task A in the amount of $1,100 was made by Supervisor DePiano, seconded by Supervisor Ewald. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
The Peer to Peer study project was completed and presented to Tunkhannock
Township at their December 9, 2009 meeting, and the committee asked that the Township indicate their review and completion of this project. Motion by Supervisor Sterner to approve the Peer-to-Peer recreation study dated November 2009. Send a letter to Samantha Hulbert indicating our approval with copies to the other Townships. Seconded by Supervisor Ewald, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor DePiano motioned to approve and adopt the fees for Kevin Harrison P.E at $50 per hour for general time spent on work for the Township and $200 per meeting attended at the Township. Seconded by Supervisor Ewald, he also noted last year if meetings were cancelled he was paid and with our new agreement he will only be paid for meetings attended or work performed. This will save us money, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Bulk Trash Weekend is scheduled for May 14, 15, 16 & 17, 2010 and this would be the only weekend this year (no fall cleanup). Secretary Wieand presented the advertising and requested the board’s approval to proceed. Supervisor Ewald motioned to advertise, supervisor DePiano seconded and there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
In the continuing efforts to obtain additional funding for the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area Supervisor Ewald motioned to approve Resolution 2010-181, along with Tobyhanna Township in a joint venture to obtain additional DCNR funding. Second by Supervisor DePiano there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Stoltzfus Land Development waiting for snow to clear so his engineer Mr. Drumheller can prepare changes and submit revised plans for Phase II. The board asked that we keep on top of this with the season fast approaching.
Tunkfest was discussed again and the board indicated if we have a group that would like to take this over and begin the project we will move forward. Judy DePiano and Betty Terrell-Cruz said they would help to get the ball rolling on this project. Secretary Wieand indicated she would provide them with a manual that the staff and Custom Administrative services has prepared for a step by step instruction manual.
Supervisor DePiano gave the report for PMRP and indicated that we will be short for the MMO, and it is estimated at $44,670.00 for next year’s pension for the Regional Police. Also, 346 hours ahead is police coverage.
Bill Byron gave the report on the severe weather EMA table top that occurred at the raceway and the items that need to be addressed.
Public Comments
Jim Davenport asked when Road Master Counterman’s time out of the Union is finished and did the board consider necessary action if he goes back? Mike Gillen asked the board’s intent with the road department since we are down to three crew members at this time.
Maureen Sterner made a motion to adjourn. George Ewald seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Submitted by:
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary/Treasurer