TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING – OCTOBER 9, 2007
In Attendance: Chairman Dick Van Noy, Vice-Chair Jim Sterrett, Supervisor Francis A. Altemose, II, Attorney Ed Scacchitti, Zoning Officer Kate Lambert, Recording Secretary Dot Trauger, Sewage Officer Bev Riker and members of the general public
Supervisor Sterrett made the motion to approve the September 10, 2007 Regular Meeting and October 1, 2007 Work Session minutes. Seconded by Supervisor Altemose, II. There being no questions or comments the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comments: Betty Terrell-Cruz commented that she was missing the October minutes.
Matters Arising: Bill Weber from Guardian Inspection Services gave a brief overview of Bureau Veritas North America, Inc., a French company who has purchased Guardian. The came looking for Guardian because Guardian is in the top 10% of the nation doing the work they do. At this time, they will retain the Guardian name and the day to day operation will remain the same. Chairman Van Noy commented that he hopes Guardian will have continued consideration of our taxpayers. Hearing no questions, the meeting continued.
Treasurer’s Report:
GENERAL FUND:
Receipts $233,460.63
Disbursements $122,726.46
TOTAL BALANCE $632,238.97
STATE LIQUID FUELS:
TOTAL BALANCE $296,776.31
Francis Altemose, II made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Jim Sterrett seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Bill List: Supervisor Van Noy asked if there were any questions on the Bill List.
Maureen Sterner questioned the Regions Credit Card Bill for PSMA Conference (SEO Bev Riker attended the Pennsylvania Septic Management Association’s Course)
Why are we still paying health insurance for Donna Verdes (Attorney Scacchitti answered that she is on an indefinite leave of absence and a settlement was negotiated. This cannot be discussed because of a confidentiality agreement and because it was a personnel matter)
Marie Rivera had questions concerning B & R Nauman (a toilet clog), DanMarlin (new security system keypad to replace defective pad), Friedman Electric (parts for lights in Maintenance Building & Conference Room), Guaranteed Subpoena Service (for a resident not able to be served by local officials), Guyette Communication (to repair phones), PMREMS (ambulance), Staffieri (culvert cache basins) and questions concerning the fire company.
Betty Terrell-Cruz had questions about Hansen Aggregates (this came out of the General Fund and was a modification to last month’s bill list), also questioned the Health America bill (monthly total), part-time bookkeeper and monthly fuel bill (trucks traveling through Township, plus other machinery such as backhoes, Gradall, bulldozers, etc.). We do purchase fuel from the state program.
Jim Sterrett made a motion to pay the bills. Francis Altemose, II seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Dick Van Noy read the announcements and the meeting schedule.
Old Business: Proposed consideration to amend the Joinder Deed procedures to include tax certification per the recommendation of the Monroe County Tax Bureau. Francis Altemose, II made a motion to amend the Joinder Deed procedures to include tax certification. Jim Sterrett seconded the motion. After questions and comments, motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Proposed consideration of approval of Minimum Obligation (MMO) 2008 Pension Plan. Jim Sterrett made a motion to accept the 2008 minimum municipal pension obligation of $104,503.74 and to include it in budget preparation. Francis Altemose, II seconded the motion. After questions and comments the motion passed unanimously.
Proposed resolution for the acquisition of the Silver Active Adult Community Property. Francis Altemose, II made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2007-113 whereas Tunkhannock Township desires to apply to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a grant for the purpose of carrying out this project titled “Fern Ridge Bog Continuing Greenway” for open space. Jim Sterrett seconded the motion. After questions and comments, motion passed unanimously.
Proposed appointment for Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer to complete the remainder of the 2007 year to carry out duties performed by the previous Secretary/Treasurer. Francis Altemose, II made a motion to appoint Maria Wieand as Assistant Secretary and Bev Riker as Assistant Treasurer to complete the remainder of the 2007 year. Jim Sterrett seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Francis Altemose, II made a motion to increase the Assistant Treasurer’s salary from $18.72 per hour to $20.41 per hour and to increase the Assistant Secretary’s salary from $10.40 per hour to $13.40 per hour. Jim Sterrett seconded the motion. After questions and comments, motion passed unanimously.
Proposed recommendation to donate to the fall parade at TEC. Jim Sterrett made a motion to donate $200 to TEC/PTO for the TEC Community Halloween Parade to be held on October 21, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Francis Altemose, II seconded the motion. After questions and comments, motion passed unanimously.
Supervisor Van Noy reported there was no Joint Building Codes meeting, and he reported on Pocono Mountain Regional Police Board, the Pocono Mountain School Board, the Clymer Library and the EAC and their work on the Official Map. Supervisor Sterrett reported that the FEMA trailer passed the test for formaldehyde, that DPW is working in Sierra View and Wedgewood. There was no report and no action on the EDC. Supervisor Altemose reported that the COG and EMS minutes were posted and he reported on Open Space funding.
Comments:
Marge Nowinski commented on the FEMA trailer.
Marie Rivera passed.
Kevin McLaughlin commented on the reservoir in Sierra View.
Pittershawn Palmer commented on the fact that tax dollars are used to pay salaries.
George Ewald passed.
Maureen Sterner commented on the FEMA trailer and budget and asked why this wasn’t a capital purchase. Also commented on the settlement for Donna Verdes, who negotiated it and what was the vote (passed unanimously).
Jim Davenport passed.
Betty Terrell-Cruz commented on salaries and the settlement.
Hank Dannecker passed.
Paulette Boyskey passed.
George Ewald commented on fuel purchases, off road vehicle and taxes.
Francis Altemose, II made a motion to adjourn. Jim Sterrett seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Submitted by:
Dorothy A. Trauger
Recording Secretary