The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on May 5, 2004. Those in attendance were Supervisors Francis Altemose, II, Jim Sterrett and William Bourke, Alternate Solicitor Ed Scacchitti, Secretary Donna Verdes, and area residents. Chairperson Altemose, II called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

The following meeting minutes were presented: April 7, 2004 regular monthly meeting, April 21 and May 3, 2004 work sessions. Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II, to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve as written. Motion seconded by Jim Sterrett. During comments and questions regarding the minutes Betty Terrell-Cruz offered to help with grant writing. The motion carried unanimously.

Chairperson Altemose announced that Executive Sessions were held after the April 21st work session and before the May 3rd work session for personnel and legal reasons.

Matters Arising: Supervisor Bourke stated that there were questions regarding the monthly telephone information that was provided. The monthly telephone bills for February totaled $1,400.43. In that particular month there were other charges that went into telephone expense under Integrity $191.00 which was for internet expense that was why that month rose. There were some other charges from Integrity that might have made the monthly bill seem higher. For example January telephone expense was $643.13, March $744.99 and April $715.07. That $1,400 was abnormal due to other bills that we received. The other matter was the heating oil and vehicle fuel. Pipeline is for the vehicle fuel. We just received the bids from COG and need to explore our options. For the heating oil we are waiting from the bids from COG at this particular time.

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

General - Receipts $294.742.31

Disbursements $220,175.46

General Balance $535,932.95

Liquid Fuels - Liquid Fuels Balance $602,579.42

Motion by Supervisor Bourke to accept the treasurer’s report, motion seconded by Vice-Chairperson Sterrett. After comments, motion carried unanimously.

Bill List: Bills in the amount of $176,729.77 were presented. Maureen Sterner raised a question as to why there were blank spaces on bill list. The explanation by Solicitor Scacchitti was that some items were redacted on advice of council. He stated that this is the only Township that his firm represents that publishes the bill list, it is not required but he understands that it’s a custom going back many years. This information is available subject to redacting under the "Right to Know Law". Therefore the township has been doing an extra service and a courtesy by publishing this list for years. Solicitor Scacchitti also stated that it was pointed out to the Supervisors that there may be information contained on that bill list that may violate other privacy rights and other legal matters that again in his firms' view are not public record, and that are not subject to disclosure under any scenario. They had made a recommendation to the Secretary/Treasure with the approval of the Supervisors that his firm reviews the bill list each month for as long as the Township continues to elect to publish the bill list so that Township is adequately covering themselves from liability from private persons. Things that are redacted are matters having to do with individuals, personal and personnel information. Solicitor Scacchitti further stated that the Townships Auditor also was surprised that the publishing of the complete bill list and said it was unusual. He went on to reconfirm that the only items redacted were those items that under the "Right to Know Law" were not subject to disclosure irrespective of whether it was contained in a bill list or the information was sought by an individual. There followed further questions and concerns expressed by residents over the redacted sections of the bill list including a suggestion that at least a vendor name and amount could be included. After other questions regarding the bills a vote was carried unanimously to pay the bills.

Announcements: Read by Chairperson Altemose, II that an Alternate Engineer position is still available and that we are taking applications for Perc Technician. Supervisor Bourke announced the hour changes for Tunk Fest to Noon to 4 p.m. He also announced possible changes to other events during the holiday season due to other parts of the commonwealth regarding religious observances. For example the Christmas tree lighting the word "Christmas" is a Christian religious event and the Supervisors would like to try and do something on a more diverse topic and they are looking at the possibility of combining a number of different events into one. In other words have the Christians, Jews, Muslims and other various groups/faiths i.e Kwanza explain the different aspects of their holiday/event. It would be educational and cultural therefore instead of a Christmas tree lighting it would be a "Diversity Celebration". They would also encourage people to wear attire/costumes that would depict the celebration and furthermore if a particular food is used for the celebration they would be encouraged to share that with us as well. The supervisors are trying to be proactive in diversity for the community and not celebrate a particular holiday. The comments were mixed regarding this possible change. Supervisor Bourke announced the September 11 Remembrance will be Saturday, 9/11 at 10 a.m. Vice-Chairperson Sterrett announced bulk trash weekend May 21-24 (9a.m.-6p.m) and that we still needed volunteers and to see the secretary. Someone asked if the Supervisors had ever considered a discount for the volunteer fire fighters. The Supervisors answered that no one ever brought it up before now. In regard to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Day the Vice-Chairman wanted to thank all 61 participants for all their help in walking the roads and picking up the trash. He also announced, that he received a call from Bruce Bisbring an Executive Director of the Effort EMS and informed him that they had purchased 2 new fire trucks. They would like to dedicate one of them to Tunkhannock Township to show appreciation for the support we have given them over the years with a plague and a certificate on Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m..

Supervisor Bourke read the Meeting Schedule

Old Business: Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II, Seconded by Vice Chairperson Sterrett to approve the Planning Commissions recommended amendment to the Tunkhannock Township Zoning Ordinance 2002-108 Section 3.124 Manufacturing. The solicitor explained that it means enlarging the maximum square footage of a facility for commercial purposes in a commercial zone. After comments and questions, motion passed two for and none against with Supervisor Bourke abstaining on the basis of a conflict of interest.

New Business:

Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to adopt the PACC Resolution which enables Tunkhannock Township to participate in the procurement of any goods, materials, equipment, or services with another local public procurement unit. Seconded by Vice-Chairperson Jim Sterrett. After comments and questions. Motion carried unanimously.

Supervisor Burke announced the Repository Sale bids for the following properties:

20/1C/1/96, Lot 7226 Sec D2 in the amount of $600.00. The bidder is Mark W. Greer.

20/1C/1/3, 1.05 Acres, Sec D II in the amount of $600.00. The bidder is James Greer.

20/7A/3/44, 3.81 acres in the amount of $600.00. The bidder is Thomas Hodgson.

20/3C/1/62, 1.34 Acres, Lot 106 Sec 9 in the amount of $600.00. The bidder is Thomas Hodgson.

20/8F/1/112, Lot 819 in the amount of $600.00. The bidder is Richard Dionysius, Jr.

The Solicitor and Supervisors explained what a Repository Sale was and that the Judicial sale proceeds this. It means the Monroe County Tax Claim Bureau has taken tax title and is trying to sell them to get them back on the active tax rolls and the old and new owner would be forgiven the back taxes.

Motion by Supervisor Burke to accept the bids on the five properties up for Repository Sale. Motion seconded by Chairman Altemose, II. After comments and questions. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to spend approximately $200.00 with Kreckman Security Systems to add an alarm to side door and center door to office area. A motion detector to cover the interior of the office and to reprogram the alarm system with new access codes as well as test with control center. There will be no monthly expense. The Township will be applying for the alarm permit. Seconded by Vice-Chairperson Sterrett. After comments and questions. Motion carried unanimously.

Vice-Chairperson Sterrett announced that PennDot, Township Engineer and Township Roadmaster have all inspected Hypsie Gap Bridge and the conclusion is that the Bridge is structurally sound but needs repairs in the amount of approximately $26,500. A lengthy discussion ensued. Money will be spent on guide rails, new signs, pointing underneath, e erosion protection around arches which is about $1,200. Gunite to be applied in the bridge barrels to seal them which costs approximately between $9,000 - $11,000.

Motion by Chairperson Sterrett to approve the expenditure (out of the Capital Reserve fund) of approximately $26,500 for repairs to the Hypsie Gap Bridge. Approximately $11,000 of that cost will need to go out for bid for gunite spray. Seconded by Chairperson Altemose, II. After comments and questions. Motion carried unanimously.

Chairperson Altemose, II gave report regarding the Township Open Space Committee and the Pocono Mountain Council of Government. The Joint Open Space and EMA had no meetings.

Bruce Walder gave report on the Road Task Force Meeting stating that it is still in the organizational phase and they diverted funds from Long Pond Road to the 611 Emergency Repair and 80 & 380.

Vice-Chairperson Sterrett announced that the Clymer Library and the Township Planning Commission minutes were posted in Lobby. He gave a report regarding EMS which was they had a lengthy discussion regarding the hiring of an Executive Director at $40,000 with benefits and that if anyone had any questions they could see him after the meeting.

Supervisor Bourke gave next meeting date for the Regional Comprehensive Land Use meeting. He announced the next meeting date for Building Code Enforcement as well as an update . He gave a report on the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Board. He also announced that Betty Terrell-Cruz has asked to place a petition in the lobby for the Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships to request the Monroe County Transit Authority to provide bus transportation to extend the bus service on the 115 corridor from Effort to Blakeslee.

Terry Willard announced that the Tobyhanna/Tunkhannock Creed Watershed report was posted in lobby.

There being no further business, Chairperson Altemose, II opened the floor to comments. Comments and questions included: Why there weren't more residents attending these meetings, a municipal waste truck parking overnight between Kuhenbeaker and Route 115, burnt trailer on Kuhenbeaker and what was being done about it. The Zoning Officer responded stating she was aware and had sent a letter to the owner to regarding the removal of the debris. There were comments regarding Tunk Fest i.e. non-residents attending & possibly charging admission to defray costs. Question arose regarding whether the BWA investigation was still ongoing, the paving of Heller's Lane, Henning Property and why there was no report from the Roadmaster regarding the PSATS Convention. Handicap parking space needs to be repainted and a sign posted. Other comments included Dicks Auto has been cleaned up, the way minutes were typed, burning on agricultural property on Sundays. State Forestry erected sign regarding Dixon Miller and whether Supervisors should send a letter of thanks. Regarding Long Pond Road Repair and what can be done to get it repaired. Suggestion was to contact a State Representative. Freedom of information and the redacting of bill list. The solicitor said he would discuss how we could possibly tweak the bill list with the supervisors that wouldn't violate anyone's rights. PACC contract, open space minutes not posted, 903 signs have not been posted, we had to wait for a permit to put signs in the states right-away.

George Ewald announced that the Fire House Breakfast was on May 23^rd , 8-12 all you can eat.

There being no further comments, Vice-Chairperson Sterrett motioned to adjourn and Chairperson Altemose, II seconded. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting ended at 9:05 p.m.

Donna Verdes

Secretary