The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on October 6, 2004. Those in attendance were Supervisors Francis Altemose, II, Jim Sterrett and William Bourke, Alternate Solicitor Armand Olivetti, Zoning & Planning Assistant Bev Riker, Zoning Officer Dot Trauger, Roadmaster Bruce Walder and area residents. Chairperson Altemose, II called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Supervisor Bourke announced a special meeting to discuss the proposed Contractor's License Ordinance. This ordinance would require registration and licensing of all individuals and entities engaged in contracting and/or building trade work within Tunkhannock Township and providing for setting of an annual fee for licensing and penalties for violation thereof.

Supervisor Bourke made a motion to adopt Ordinance #2004-108 requiring registration and licensing of all individuals and entities engaged in contracting and/or building trade work within Tunkhannock Township and providing for setting of an annual fee for licensing and penalties for violation. This Ordinance shall be effective January 1, 2005. Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. Following questions from public the motion was approved unanimously.

Supervisor Bourke made an announcement of a change in conducting the meeting. He noted that we have had a lot of problems with the new format. Starting with tonight's meeting we are going to motion to approve the agenda as we have in the past, that motion will be seconded and it will then be opened up for comments and questions. We will go line item by line item. We will explain if there are any questions. We are hoping this will make the meeting go a bit faster. When we get to the business part of the meeting, it will strictly be the Board to make the motions and go forward.

Supervisor Sterrett made a motion to approve the agenda. Supervisor Bourke seconded the motion. Chairman Altemose, II asked for questions and comments on the September 1, 2004 regular monthly meeting, the September 15, 2004 Special Public Meeting, the September 15, 2004 work session and the October 4, 2004 work session. After questions and comments from the public Supervisor Bourke made a motion to accept the minutes as written for this agenda. Chairman Altemose, II seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.

Concerning Matters Arising - Chairman Altemose, II stated that the Mt. Terrace at Tunkhannock/P & K Developers Letter of Credit Reduction, due to miscommunication from last month's meeting regarding the reduction was incorrect. The correct letter of credit was supposed to be $297,650.10.

Ratification of motions from special meetings 9/15/04. There were 3 motions. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2004-108, an amendment to Tunkhannock Township Zoning Ordinance 3.181 (setbacks). Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett and unanimously passed. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to adopt 2004-109, an amendment to Tunkhannock Township Zoning Ordinance 3.874 (fence). Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett and unanimously passed. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to approve Mr. Stoltzfus' request to rezone that portion of parcel Tax ID 20/12/1/11 to be subdivided and sold by Mr. Gardner and to approve the rezoning of parcel Tax ID #20/12/1/10 in name of Henry Mitrosky on the condition that the sale of the Gardner property to Mr. Stoltzfus is completed and a joinder deed is approved joining parcel Tax ID # 20/12/1/11 to parcel Tax ID # 20/12/1/56. Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett and unanimously passed. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Supervisor Sterrett seconded the motion and unanimously passed. Meeting closed at 5:20 p.m. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to ratify the special meeting from 9/15/04. Supervisor Sterrett seconded the motion. Following questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Supervisor Bourke then made a motion to change the numbers on the Mountain Terrace Letter of Credit reduction to read $297,650.10. Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. Motion passed unanimously.

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

General - Receipts $161,795.11

Disbursements $83,014.07

General Balance $709,958.16

Liquid Fuels - Liquid Fuels Balance $520,763.96

Motion by Supervisor Bourke to accept the treasurer’s report, motion seconded Supervisor Sterrett. Following questions and comments by the public, motion carried unanimously.

Bill List: Bills in the amount of $450,760.35 were presented. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to pay the bills. Supervisor Sterrett seconded the motion. After comments and a correction/reduction of $11,993.71 (Hanson bill on twice). Total amount to paid then $438,766.64. Motion passed unanimously.

Vacancy Officer Appointment - The position of Vacancy Officer was open and after receiving and reviewing applications, Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to appoint Maureen Sterner to the position of Vacancy Board Officer. Motion seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Alternate Engineer Appointment - Chairman Altemose, II reported that we received a fee schedule from Bue-Morris of $25-$70 depending on the labor classification. We have reviewed their credentials and have received a letter of recommendation from Kevin Harrison.

Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to appoint the Bue-Morris Associates (BMA) to perform the duties of Alternate Township Engineer when called upon. Supervisor Bourke seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Han Sung Presbyterian Church - Zoning Officer Dorothy A. Trauger reported that we had received a response from the Monroe County Board of Assessment Appeals and if the Supervisors felt the property is not being used for the purposes stated and appeal should be filed before the Board of Assessment Appeals. She stated we have no evidence of overnight stays (which are prohibited). She has never personally seen anyone at that property. She spoke with the Supervisors and other residents and there is no evidence that they are doing anything that would restrict them from being tax exempt. She recommended not pursuing any appeals unless we can gain evidence that what they are doing there is not a worship service of some sort.

Larry Moyer Minor Subdivision - The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this minor subdivision. Mr. Moyer has been informed that any more subdivision of this property would be a major subdivision and that on the Plan there is a note requiring that in the event of further subdivision the road will have to be brought up to Township/PennDot standards.

Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to approve the Larry Moyer Minor Subdivision Plan. Supervisor Sterrett seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Hussaini Minor Land Development Plan - The Planning Commission recommended approval of this Minor Land Development Plan upon receipt of the appropriate Developer's Agreement & Security and granting of waiver for Saldo Section 301.1.

Supervisor Bourke made a motion to grant the waiver of the requirements of Saldo Section 301.1 in regard to the Hussaini Minor Land Development Plan since it does not involve any subdivision of land. Chairman Altemose, II seconded the motion. After questions and comments by the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Supervisor Bourke made a motion to approve the Hussaini Minor Land Development Plan in accordance with all agreed to conditions and contingent upon approval by our Solicitor. Chairman Altemose, II seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Bethlehem Water Authority Minor Subdivision Plan - The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the granting of waivers in respect of Saldo 404.2.3 and 404.2.5. Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to grant Bethlehem Water Authority a waiver of 404.2.3 and 404.2.5 requiring an entire tract boundary and a list of all adjoining properties around the entire tract. Supervisor Sterrett seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to approve the Bethlehem Water Authority Minor Subdivision. Supervisor Bourke seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

New Business:

Proposed Veteran's Memorial - Mr. Salvatore Rullis sent a letter suggesting that a Veteran's monument be erected here at our Township. Therefore, the Supervisors are considering the formation of a committee that would be charged with the undertaking of fund raising and suggesting types of monument for a Veteran's memorial, which would be placed on Township property.

Supervisor Sterrett made a motion to form a Veteran's Memorial Committee to make recommendations for erecting a monument in the Township by raising funds from contributors and to receive input for design and location. This monument would be for all Veterans, not a particular war. Chairman Altemose, II seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Proposed adoption of a Designation of Agent Resolution - To executed for and in behalf of the Township regarding all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Chairman Altemose, II made a motion to adopt Resolution #2004-107 designating Bruce Walder as the agent to execute for and in behalf of the Township regarding all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistant under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Supervisor Bourke seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Supervisor Bourke added an item not on the agenda, the Flood Recovery Information. Anyone who was affected by the flood and has damages should contact FEMA immediately. You need to put in a claim even if you don't think you are eligible. They are making their decisions on a case by case basis. Please call them as there is a time limit. Call 800-621-3362. Some of the items they would look at would be disposing of flood debris, emergency removal of flood debris from streets, damage to appliances, etc.

Consideration of approval of 2005 minimum municipal pension obligation

Tunkhannock Township Employees Pension $34,282.00

Pocono Mountain Regional Police (uniformed) $60,383.00

Pocono Mountain Regional Police (non-uniformed) $ 560.00

TOTAL $95,225.00

Supervisor Bourke made a motion to accept the 2005 minimum Municipal pension obligation of $95,225.00 and to include it in budget preparation. Chairman Altemose, II seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Special Meeting to incur debt - The Supervisors at a regular meeting decided to finance the Volvo truck Now we are considering the purchase of the Gradall at a much reduced rate because it is considered a used piece of equipment and the rental payments already paid would be applied to the purchase. Therefore, we are considering rolling the two pieces of equipment into one load for a total of $300,013.00. Supervisor Bourke made a motion to advertise for a Special Meeting on October 20 at 5:00 p.m. to consider borrowing sufficient funds to purchase the Gradall and reimburse the general fund for the recent purchase of the Volvo truck. Supervisor Sterrett seconded the motion. After questions and comments from the public, the motion passed unanimously.

Environmental Advisory Council - Chairperson Altemose, II announced that the EAC had no meeting in September, the Joint Open Space Committee had no meeting in September and the COG minutes have not been received as yet. The EMA minutes and Township Planning Commission minutes are posted.

Supervisor Sterrett announced that the Clymer Library budget minutes were posted. The regular minutes have not yet been received. Due to a budget meeting, Jim could not make last month's meeting. The EMS minutes have not been received as yet. He could not make the EMS meeting due to the emergency situation with Ivan last week.

Supervisor Bourke reported that Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan Committee and Joint Building Codes Enforcement Committee had no meetings in September. He reported on the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Board police call totals and for Tunkhannock Township alone and announced that the Tobyhanna/Tunkhannock Creek Watershed Report are posted.

Roadmaster Bruce Walder announced that the Monroe County Task Force Minutes have not been received as yet.

Jim Sterrett announced that he will be attending the School Board meetings.

There being no further business, Chairperson Altemose, II opened the floor to comments.

Public Comments:

Francis A. Altemose, II thanked the Department of Public Works and Gary Riley for the incredible job they did when Ivan came through. I was designated the "pipe watcher" that day to keep an eye on the pipes and inform the appropriate people the condition of the drainage in the Township. He commented on the excellent job the Gradall and Volvo truck did. He also thanked the people that filled in for the during Bulk Trash Weekend that same weekend.

Terry Kline passed.

Marjorie Nowinski commented about why John Heller was not appointed as Assistant Zoning Officer. (He did not apply).

Peggy Yencho passed.

Pat Moore welcomed Bev to the Township and wished her best of luck. Road crew is doing a good job but she still sees people out there without the neon green. Thanked Jim for being a representative to the school board. She commented on PennDot's plan for plowing on Long Pond Road and litigation between Tunkhannock Trails and Township (no updates). Asked how we did for Bulk Trash Weekend. Donna to provide numbers. Commented on getting County buses to the Township. Asked if there were any updates on the Henning property (no updates).

Mike Gillen commented on signs popping up on Route 115. He commented on the nice job on Mountain Road.

Marie Rivera questioned re campground on Clearview Road putting 4 modular homes there. They have a non-conformance certificate for the homes that is valid until the use is abandoned.

Richard VanNoy commented on how efficiently and effectively and fiscally the Township was run.

Maureen Sterner commented on the old Township truck that Chris Breuer purchased still having the Township name on the door. She suggested removing the name. Also commented on the Henning property (no updates yet). Asked that the Capital Reserve Fund be added to the Treasurer's Report.

Errol R. Bailey questioned why the cell phone company has not paved the entrance to Tunkhannock Trails. Supervisor Bourke advised that this was not a Township responsibility. It was not part of the conditions on the plan and has nothing to do with the Township. Also commented on Dick's Autos. This is still in litigation.

Larry Moyer had no comments at this time.

Tonya Robinson questioned if the Pocono Mountain Regional Police ever patrolled in Sierra View. They do. Also commented on scheduling of road maintenance on several roads in Sierra View. Read a letter from the Sierra View Association requesting stop signs on Allegheny Drive. Legally cannot use stop signs as a speed device. Must follow PennDot guidelines. Supervisor Bourke suggested the Association contact Chief Lamberton directly.

Supervisor Sterrett made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Supervisor Bourke seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Donna Verdes

Secretary