TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 

In Attendance:  Chairman Richard Van Noy, Vice-Chair Jim Sterrett, Supervisor Francis A. Altemose, II, Attorney Ed Scacchitti, Recording Secretary Dot Trauger, Zoning Officer Kate Lambert, SEO Bev Riker and members of the general public.  Secretary/Treasurer Donna Verdes was not present.

Minutes of the August 6 work session, the August 13 regular meeting and the September 4 work session were reviewed.  Minutes of the Public Hearing held on August 13 were also reviewed.  Francis Altemose made a motion to approve the minutes as written.  Jim Sterrett seconded the motion.  Motion passed with Dick Van Noy abstaining on the August 6 work session since he did not attend. 

Dick Van Noy reported that an Executive Session was held on September 4, 2007 for personnel and legal matters. 

Public Comments:  John Kadany had questions concerning the FEMA trailer. 

Matters Arising:  None 

Treasurer’s Report: 

GENERAL FUND: 

Receipts                                               $ 97,342.73

Disbursements                                      $188,135.16 

TOTAL BALANCE                            $492,648.33 

STATE LIQUID FUELS: 

TOTAL BALANCE                            $305,735.68 

Chairman Van Noy questioned a bill in the amount of $2,683.64 for tires which was taken from the Capitol Reserve and should have been taken from the General Operating Fund.  That changes the report as follows: 

Receipts                                               $ 95,664.24

Disbursements                                      $190,818.80 

TOTAL BALANCE                            $495,331.97 

Francis Altemose made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as corrected.  Jim Sterrett seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously 

Francis Altemose made a motion to pay the bills.  Jim Sterrett seconded the motion.  Questions and comments as follows: 

John Kadany – Nextel Bill

Betty Terrell-Cruz – EMA & DPW phones

Marie Rivera – Official Map consultant, Dell toner, Hansen Aggregates, Pocono Lake Supply and Napa Auto Parts 

It was questioned as to whether the Hansen Aggregates bill in the amount of $4,517.78 should come from liquid fuels.  Bev will check into this. 

Cliff Capuano of DPW reported that a new purchasing system was being put in place by DPW, streamlining to one supplier.  We will be able to get a better price and also an additional 10% off if the bill is paid by the end of the month. 

Marie Rivera – Powell Sales & Service for brush (street sweeping), Water well symposium, Township credit card

Betty Terrell-Cruz – inland marine insurance policy 

After questions and comments, motion passed unanimously.   

Dick Van Noy read the meeting schedule and reminded everyone of the fire company’s fund raiser “Finnegan’s Wake” to be held this Sunday, September 16, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Murphy’s Loft.  He thanked all those who volunteered for Bulk Trash Weekend and announced the Dedication of the Monroe County Fireman’s Association Memorial at the Public Safety Center on October 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. 

Old Business:  Kim subdivision – The Planning Commission recommends approval and to grant a waiver of Section 404.4A (Sewage Facilities Planning Module) of the SALDO for Lot 2 because this lot is to be used as open space with no septic. 

Francis Altemose made a motion to grant a waiver of Section 404.4A (Sewage Facilities Planning Module) for Lot 2.  Jim Sterrett seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously. 

Francis Altemose made a motion to approve the Kim Subdivision with a waiver as previously granted.  Jim Sterrett seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously. 

FEMA trailer – John Kadany questioned the purchasing process.  There is no purchase order system in place at this time.  The Roadmaster comes to the Supervisors to get their approval. 

Jim Sterrett made a motion to purchase a FEMA trailer for the EMA.  Francis Altemose seconded the motion.  A discussion followed on the pros and cons of the FEMA trailer.  Jim Sterrett apologized to Dick Van Noy for not notifying him of the purchase. Following questions and comments, two supervisors voted in favor of the motion with Chairman Van Noy against.  Motion passed. 

Chairman Van Noy then explained the refinance of the PennStar loan and the following action will correct the error that was made. 

Francis Altemose made a motion rescinding the May 21, 2006 motion which was the proposed payment to PennStar bank of excess funds from refinancing of the Fire Company loan and the keep the funds in the Open Space account in the amount of $17,694.39.  Dick Van Noy seconded the motion.  After questions and comments, motion passed unanimously. 

Zoning Officer Kate Lambert explained the reason for changes to the Transient Retail Merchant Ordinance. 

Francis Altemose made a motion to amend the Transient Retail Merchant Ordinance to limit the license period to 3 consecutive months in any one location and to reduce the types of facilities able to be used as a merchant selling location.  Jim Sterrett seconded the motion.  After comments and questions, the motion passed unanimously. 

Kate Lambert reported that Guardian Inspection Services has been purchased by Bureau Veritas North America, Inc.  They will continue to enforce the Building Codes for the Township. 

She also reported that she had no response as yet from Bill Weber of Guardian concerning a builder’s complaints.  She will call him again. 

The Township Official Map was discussed briefly.  A meeting for property owners affected by the map will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. and a public hearing will also be scheduled. 

The various reports were discussed.  Pat Kager reported on the Clymer Library.  Jim Sterrett reported that DPW was doing quite a bit of paving in Sierra View.  He also reported that the EDC members were dwindling and currently they have two members and one applicant.  The Supervisors need to meet and discuss the future of the committee. 

Public Comments: 

John Kadany passed.

Marge Norwinski commented on the number of people on the road crew and the use of the Township truck.

Marie Rivera passed.

George Ewald commented on the Official Map.

Bill Hanna commented on the Transient Retail Merchant Ordinance.

Ellen Lott thanked the Supervisors for replenishing the Open Space fund and for supporting Open Space.  She also reported on the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area.

Betty Terrell-Cruz commented on the Pocono Record meeting notices, the EDC and the need for it, and on the FEMA trailer.

Gary Verdes commented on the FEMA trailer.

Pittershawn Palmer commented on the Transient Retail Merchant License and on the reasons the Book Fair was not held as scheduled. 

Jim Sterrett made a motion to adjourn.  Francis Altemose seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. 

Submitted by: 

Dorothy A. Trauger

Recording Secretary