MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’

WORK SESSION AND SPECIAL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 5, 2007.

                                                                                                                                   

The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held a work session on November 5, 2007.  Those in attendance were Supervisors' Richard Van Noy, Jim Sterrett, Francis Altemose, II, Recording Secretary Maria Wieand, Zoning Officer Kate Lambert, Solicitor Ed Scacchitti, and area residents. Chairman Van Noy called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.   

The following items where reviewed and discussed: 

  1. Inter-Municipal Draft Agreement between PMREMS (Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services), Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock Township, and Mt. Pocono Borough.
  2. Letter from PMREMS requesting the Board of Supervisors to appoint a representative for representation since we have not had anyone there for several months.
  3. Request from the Planning Commission requesting the BOS (Board of Supervisors) to give the Zoning Officer approval to contact the Township Engineer for plan reviews as needed.
  4. Ordinance replacing Ordinance 54 governing issuance of driveway and road occupancy permits prior to construction.
  5. Letter from the EAC (Environmental Advisory Council) suggesting the BOS (Board of Supervisors) investigate the potential development of the Yamulla Property, which boarders the Silver Adult (Fern Ridge Bog Continuing Greenway).
  6. Letter from Monroe County Open Space requesting our support and letter to the Advisory Board.   
  7. Settlement agreement with Secretary/Treasurer. 

Announcements:           

            -           Township Office will be closed for business Tuesday Nov. 6th, for Election Day, and  Monday Nov. 12th, for Veteran’s Day.

            -           U.S. Census Bureau is seeking Field Representatives to conduct household surveys; these positions are permanent part-time federal jobs. To apply call 888-722-8995. 

Budget Meetings -                                 November 8, 2007 at 5:30 pm (Thursday)

                                                            November 21, 2007 at 5:30 pm (Wednesday)

                                                            November 29, 2007 at 5:30pm (Thursday)

                                                            December 1, 2007 at 8am (Saturday) 

Public Comments:

Peggy Yencho- Expressed that the Board of Supervisors have a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of the Township.  If we come asking questions we should receive the answers.

Mike Gillen- Reminded everyone that we have had previous employees leave and that we didn’t make offers to them.

Betty Terrell-Cruz- We heard the Supervisors try to clean up their act and if the Township is being sued why don’t they just explain it to us.  We don’t wan to know what’s wrong with Donna, but we do want to know if the Township is being sued? Smell bad and it looks bad.  I have had 40 calls about what’s going on at the Township. 

Maureen Sterner- Made the public aware that when she was let go she wasn’t given any sick pay nor were any talks or agreements about unemployment discussed.  

Hank Dannecker- The solicitor referenced the two cases together and that one set precedence for the other.

Jim Davenport- Asked that we put this to rest once and for all.

Howard Frank- Are you saying that her health issues may have exposed the Township to possible litigation?

David Witt- We have seen hostility at these meetings just like now and in the past, she was the target of this and took it home with her.   

Our solicitor explained the following to the public: The connection was the potential law suit versus the actual law suit, and what we did was in exchange for these accommodations we closed the door forever against any other claims on Tunkhannock Township by reason of her relationship with the Township as Secretary/Treasurer.  Also, the cost of a civil rights claim can cost the municipality a lot more money in attorney fees. Consideration was given to the expense of litigation and or workman’s compensation and the agreement was less expensive then either. 

There was no further business.  The meeting adjourned at 7:45p.m. 

Chairman Van Noy then called the Special Regular Meeting to order at 7:45 p.m., and asked that everyone stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Executive session was held after September 11, and after the October 1, 2007 work session.  

Old Business:

A motion by Supervisor Altemose, II to pass the agreement discussed at the executive meetings held on September 11, and October 1, 2007 to compensate the previous Secretary/Treasurer of Tunkhannock Township, Donna Verdes.  Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett.  There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.  

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Supervisor Sterrett and seconded by Supervisor Altemose, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. 

Maria Wieand

Assistant Secretary