MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING HELD MAY 9, 2005
The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on May 9, 2005. Those in attendance were Supervisors Jim Sterrett and William Bourke, Secretary/Treasurer Donna Verdes, Solicitor Ed Scacchitti and area residents. Vice-Chairman Sterrett called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Chairman Altemose, II was not in attendance.
The following minutes were presented: May 2, 2005 work session. Motion by Supervisor Bourke to approve the minutes as written. Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments. Motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Bourke stated there was an Executive Session that followed the April 11 regular meeting to discuss legal matters.
Matters Arising: Pocono Medical Center/Access Card – Supervisor Bourke stated that while he was at the Pocono Medical Center Breakfast he asked the two questions that Betty Terrell-Cruz had posed. The answer to why separate bills from the doctor and hospital for emergency room care is they contract out for doctor services. Regarding the Access Card, the hospital accepts it but the doctors may not at their private practice.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Donna Verdes presented the Treasurer’s report
General - Receipts $316,271.99
Disbursements $234,455.90
General Balance $414,789.41
Liquid Fuels - Liquid Fuels Balance $554,805.66
Motion by Supervisor Bourke to accept the treasurer’s report. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion passed unanimously.
Bills in the amount of $73,530.24 were presented. Motion by Supervisor Bourke to approve the bill list. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments and questions, motion passed unanimously.
Announcements – Supervisor Sterrett announced the following:
- Clymer Library Book Mobile (May 13 & 27, 1-2pm)
- Spring Bulk Trash Weekend (May 20 - 23, 9a.m. - 6p.m.)
- Election Day - Office Closed (Tues., May 17)
Supervisor Bourke announced the following:
- FEMA/PEMA - Reimbursement for Hurricane Ivan - To date we have received $52,408.75 out of the $72,438.59 expected reimbursement. Marie Rivera – questioned if there was a limit for Bulk Trash – drop off of limbs and trees – The answer was no but you need to accompany the driver and show proof of residency.
- Disaster Recovery Center - Information on Centers in Lobby.
- NEPA RPO 2005-2008 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Public Comment Period April 20, 2005- May 23, 2005 - Information in Lobby.
- Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe Letter - funds available for renovation improvements on owner-occupied homes. Income Limits: 1 person/household, Low to Moderate $34,400.00, very low $21,500; 2 person/household, Low to Moderate $39,300.00, very low $24,550.00. - Information in Lobby.
The meeting schedule was read.
Old Business: Proposed adoption of Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Chapter 3 Revisions. Supervisor Bourke explained it is a plan that involves Tobyhanna, Coolbaugh, Mount Pocono and Tunkhannock. Tobyhanna had some concerns regarding the language in Chapter 3 that proposed revisions in Chapter 3, Action Plan. The proposed revisions involve language "required" changed to "to be considered". We are also in compliance with the MPC. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to adopt the March 2005 revised chapter 3 "Action Plan" of the Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan, as recommended by the Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan Committee and the Township Planning Commission. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Proposed Conditional Use Hearing for Cingular Wireless - Supervisor Bourke made a motion to advertise a Public Hearing to be held on May 25, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. to address the conditional use application of Cingular Wireless for the placement and construction of a telecommunications tower on property owned by Arthur Gray (tax id #20/12/1/30) on Route 115. This was recommended by the Planning Commission. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments, motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Junk & Abandoned Car Resolution (brought to the Board’s attention by Mike Gillen) - Supervisor Sterrett made a motion to refer the proposed Junk & Abandoned Car Resolution and supporting documentation to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. After comments, motion passed unanimously.
Bowser - Right of Way/Brier Crest Woods Emergency Access Road - Supervisor Sterrett made a motion authorizing the Township Roadmaster to hire a registered surveyor to prepare a map and description of the right-of-way for the Bowser property not to exceed $1,500. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. After comments, motion passed unanimously.
Reports: Supervisor Sterrett stated that the EMS minutes were posted.
Bill Chatam regarding Clymer Library no news except for the quest of getting the other Township to increase their millage like Tunkhannock Township did in support of the library verses donation basis.
Supervisor Bourke regarding the Regional Comprehensive Use Plan said the earlier revisions is what happened at their last meeting. He also stated nothing new with the Pocono Mountain Police Board and Mike Gillen concurred.
Monroe County Task Force - will be posted when available.
Township Planning Commission - will be posted when completed.
Public Comments: Marie Rivera - commented on Silver Companies Petition - Supervisor's still have it under consideration.
Peggy Yencho – passed.
Gil Fazzino - commented on swale situation in front of his house.
Betty Terrell-Cruz - commented on Access Cards and the doctors - Supervisor Bourke suggested she call Tom Tigue for help with the issue. She also apologized for any confusion regarding Congressman Kanjorski being here on May 14, 2005 at 5:30 for a Town Hall Meeting to on Social Security. Joe Lodics/Monroe County Transit Authority and status of routes in regard to Indian Mountain Lakes.
Dave Witt - He has quite a bit of frontage on a Township road and wanted to thank whoever was responsible for snow plowing this year because his property had not been damage. Where Edgewood meets Beechwood up in the trees there is a lose limb hanging that needs to be removed.
Marie Rivera - commented on the billing procedures for Pocono Mountain Medical Center and Access card and then a lengthy discussion occurred between various people in regard to how to educate and get assistance with the problem.
Bill Chatam - Wanted further info on Planning Commission's recommendation regarding the Silver Companies petition and the Silver Companies request. Further discussion ensued.
There being no further public comments, Supervisor Bourke made motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Donna Verdes
Secretary