Monroe County, Long Pond, Pennsylvania
May 13, 2009
Co-Chairman Sterner called the May 13, 2009 regular meeting of the Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:01 pm.
Supervisors: Sterner, Davenport, Secretary Wieand, and area residents. Supervisor Van Noy and Solicitor Lyons were absent.
A motion by Supervisor Davenport to approve the minutes from:
April 8, 2009 Regular Meeting
April 22, 2009 Work Session/Regular Meeting
Seconded by Supervisor Sterner, there being no questions or comments the motion passed unanimously.
Held prior to and after April 8, 2009 meeting, April 22, 2009 and May 13, 2009 for legal and personnel issues.
None at this time pertaining to items on the agenda.
Treasurer Wieand presented the bills with a correction, the total presented tonight in the amount of $66,836.16, after comments and questions a motion to approve the bill list made by Supervisor Davenport, seconded by Supervisor Sterner and carried unanimously.
Beginning Balance as of $171,408.21
Income April 9 to May 12 $642,878.34
Time Sensitive bills issued prior $128,050.79
Payroll & Liabilities $49,927.72
Balance to date $569,471.88
The 1st Quarter, three (3) year comparison report was reviewed. Treasurer Wieand noted the Real Estate Taxes even with the millage increase is behind for income compared to the past two (2) years. Our income is very low at this time and we must continue to watch our expenses and bid all purchases small or big. We did a written bid for the ball field porta-potties and reduced our monthly bill by $80 per month by shopping around and getting quotes. Motion to accept the treasurers report by Supervisor Davenport, seconded by supervisor Sterner and carried unanimously.
F. Old Business
An Open Space committee member for the Austin T. Blakeslee Park purchased a plaque and the two (2) Townships, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock agreed the two municipalities should have purchased this. Due to lack of communication and timing, the member paid for the plaque. Supervisor Sterner noted we have this money available in our Open Space Fund and should pay for this from that account. Supervisor Davenport motioned to pay the $204.50 (our Half of the cost) to Tobyhanna Township who reimbursed Anne Sincavage on our behalf for the Austin T Blakeslee Dedication plaque from the Open Space Fund. Seconded by Supervisor Sterner, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Discussion was held on the Inter-Municipal Building Codes agreement, the review of Solicitor Lyon’s letter concerning the agreement is headed towards a Municipal Authority, and Supervisors Davenport and Sterner do not want that since it will cost us additional money. The both would like to see the current contract fixed so that there aren’t any conflicts. The board will have secretary Wieand type a letter for Zoning Officer Lambert and or Supervisor Van Noy to take to the meeting tomorrow evening May 14, 2009.
Supervisor Sterner motioned to advertise the drafted Ordinance 2009-114 the Inter-municipal Composting Facility with Coolbaugh Township, send a letter that we will support their facility for their grant application while we advertise for the Ordinance and that should also include the use of the beast for mulching. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, after comments and questions the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor Sterner motioned to table the Proposed Zoning fee schedule changes for 2009 this time for lack of completeness. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport and carried unanimously.
G. New Business
Supervisor Sterner motioned to appoint Mike Tucker, and Henry Dannecker to the Agricultural Security Committee. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, after comments and questions were addressed the motion passed unanimously. The Board must meet every seven (7) years and will consist of one Supervisor from the Board, three agricultural landowners and one resident at large. Frances Altemose II hay farmer, Jeff Brennan Horse Farm, Mike tucker Tree Farm and Henry “Hank” Dannecker resident.
The Board is looking to find out if an Alternate member can be appointed to the Top of the Mountain Open Space fund and does it need to be a Supervisor from the Township or an appointed member by the Board. Secretary Wieand has been instructed to check in to this and advise the board.
The Monroe County Tax Assessment office notified the Township of a double tax payment by Ralph Monte property ID# 20/13B/3/46. A request to refund has been requested and Supervisor Sterner motion to refund the property owner $48.52 the Townships portion of double taxes. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport with no other comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
The Monroe County Tax Assessment office notified the Township of a double tax payment by Theodoras & Helleen Pasaportis property ID#20/8H/1/29 in the amount of $43.12. Motion by Supervisor Sterner to refund the property owner $43.12 the Township portion of double taxes. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport with no other comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Consolidation of the Tunkhannock Township Armed Forces Monument Fund. At the recommendation of Treasurer Wieand, she is recommending we eliminate this account since it is not drawing interest and to eliminate additional work during reconciliation of accounts. The amount remaining in this account is $217.75, she is also recommending we purchase flags both US and POW from this account for the remaining dollars to be used. Motion by Supervisor Sterner to purchase US flags, POW flags and a wreath for the monument to use the remaining funds in this account and to close the account after all funds are spent. If there are funds remaining they will be transferred into the general fund line itemed under recreation and used for the monument. Motion seconded by Supervisor Davenport after comments and questions the motion passed unanimously.
The board reviewed Tunkfest logo contest submissions. (Two (2) submissions received) The board decided to elect both as winners and to use the logos one front and one back of the T-shirt for 2009 Tunkfest. A motion by Supervisor Sterner to award Shana Nataila Nelson and Carolann Keiper the winners of Tunkfest 2009 logo contest. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport and discussion to obtain a second prize for another family four (4) pack to H2O or a comparable prize will be awarded. Motion passed unanimously, Secretary Wieand will attempt to get the H2O tickets or Supervisor Davenport will obtain the similar prize.
H. Reports
Supervisor Sterner noted that Paradise Township is looking to RFP with Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Services.
Mike Gillen gave the Police Report indicating our over hours are coming down. Mr. Dannecker asked what happened to the hours left from last year. Supervisor Sterner explained that those hours were sold earlier this year to those Townships who were over hours. Mr. Dannecker also asked what is being done with that money and why isn’t it going to the fire company. Supervisor Sterner noted we need to address our own expenses at this time and once all Township expenses have been met we can review and discuss what will be done at that point in time. Hank also asked what our cost for police coverage is? Treasurer Wieand indicated to call her tomorrow and she will look that up for him.
I. Announcements
Secretary Wieand presented the letters for the public to sign expressing our concerns for House Bill 849, the Amusement tax elimination. Secretary Wieand explained Representative Scavello did call Monday to say this is dead in the water, but the Board would still like to continue and asked that residents sign the letters provided tonight so they can be included with the Townships. A letter to Emerald Lakes from Secretary Wieand apologizing that at his time with our budget the Township is unable to help financially with their crime watch program. The information on the Builders contracts required by the state arrived and Secretary Wieand gave the brochures and a list of questions to help residents understand it. Secretary Wieand addressed Ms. Terrell-Cruz that this information she requested is for her and anyone else who would like it. Copies are in the information rack in the lobby as well. Secretary Wieand explained to the Board about the dead deer pick up policy and a letter to Vector Control was reviewed. T he county would like our Township to pick up dead deer when their county workers is on vacation. Secretary Wieand indicated this is against OSHA regulations, we have nowhere to dispose of the carcasses, and it isn’t something we should expose our workers too. The game commission will still pick up in our Township and that we informed the County that referral for dead deer pick up in our Township must be directed to the game commission. A letter from DEP with an anticipated date to receive the 2008 Sewage reimbursement is July of 2009. Review of our fees and all efforts to meet cost recovery is recommended since they will be looking at these funds very carefully in the future. The Berkheimer’s tabletop audit that indicated we were due additional amusement taxes in the amounts of $3,095.94 for 2007 and $6,441.89 for 2008 were received this month.
J. Public Comments
Jim Booterbaugh: Asked if the Township would help him in obtaining towing of vehicles from accidents in our Township from Regional Police? He states all the calls are going to Waltz garage in Blakeslee and why wouldn’t they give the business to him since he is in our Township. This is his second request since nothing has been done to date. Supervisor Sterner agreed to call Chief Lewis to ask him what is going on with this since we don’t have an agreement of any kind as to who gets called. Supervisor Sterner will let Jimmy know her findings as soon as she has an answer for him.
Betty Terrell Cruz: Wanted to know why the Flyers to distribute to Mt. Terrace Estates could not be made here at the Township for her to hand out. Secretary Wieand indicated that she did not allow it, and that financially it would affect the Township and if we did for one community we would have to do for all and that we should not set precedence. Betty also commented that our Tax Collector is making too much money and wants to know why we aren’t looking at reducing his percentage. Supervisor Sterner explained we compared his percent to the PSATS fee comparison and that he is at a fair percent based on our population.
Mike Gillen: Complimented the Board on picking such a great solicitor for the Township and that he is the most qualified candidate running for Judge.
Seth Eisenberg: Commented on advertising and how he could possibly help the Township with legal advertising and the Board will need to research this at this time.
Hank Dannecker: Asked how Mr. Davenport is doing after his knee surgery?
Jennifer Chappell: Lives on Long Pond Road at Roads End and would like to voice her concern and interest about the accidents in her front yard. She has contacted PennDot and they are increasing the size of the chevron’s but she feels there should be something more done. She would like the bus stop moved and or something done with the curve, cars ends up in her yard every month. The Board indicated she must continue to call regional police for the accidents in order to record them and determine if the road warrants a traffic study by PennDot. Supervisor Sterner will contact the school board and request the stop be moved to a safer location.
Marlene Coville: Wanted to comment on the Tax collector fees and feels there should be no reduction if that person is doing a good job. She feels Mr. Henning does an excellent job and never has she had problems.
Minutes submitted by:
Maria S. Wieand
Secretary Approved: 06/10/2009