September 9, 2009
I. Call to order
Chairman Maureen Sterner called to order the regular meeting of the Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors at 7:04 pm on September 9, 2009 in the Municipal Building, Long Pond Road.
II. Roll call
Chairman Sterner announced all members are present:
Supervisors, Jim Davenport, Fran DePiano, Secretary/Treasurer Maria Wieand, Solicitor Dan Lyons, and area residents.
III. Approval of minutes from last meeting
Secretary Wieand presented the minutes from the August 12, 2009, and August 26, 2009 meetings. Supervisor Davenport motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Supervisor DePiano, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
IV. Executive Session(s)
a) August 28, 2009 for personnel issues
b) August 31, 2009 for personnel issues
c) September 9, 2009 before and after the Scheduled Meeting for legal and personnel issues.
V. Public Comments
There were no comments pertaining to the agenda items at this time.
VI. Financial
The bill list for September 9, 2009 was presented by Treasurer Wieand in the amount of $143,813.35. A motion by Supervisor DePiano to approve the bills to be paid, seconded by Supervisor Davenport. Questions: Diane Smith questioned CDL drug test, and was told it is a random drug screening required by the state for all CDL drivers. Marie Rivera questioned the Kiesel bills, Treasurer Wieand answered these are for the computer networking and upgrading to be on a proper server as approved at a prior meeting. It will be reimbursed by a grant from Representative Mike Carroll’s office. Chairman Sterner noted Pensyl Creek Financial is also for computer upgrades. There being no additional questions the motion passed unanimously to pay the bills.
VII. Treasurers Report
Opening balance $440,054.17
Income $104,476.38
Expenses bills/payroll $171,688.98
Balance $372,841.57
Supervisor Davenport approved the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Supervisor DePiano. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
The proposed Township Regional Comprehensive Plan Consistency project has been started and Tobyhanna Township has paid the initial bill for Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock, Mt. Pocono Borough and themselves. We must pay our portion to Tobyhanna prior to the grant reimbursement coming in. Supervisor DePiano motioned to approve Tunkhannock Township’s portion in the amount of $13,460 to be paid from the Capital Reserve fund until such time that the County & DCED grants arrive for reimbursement. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport. There being no questions the motion passed unanimously.
Secretary Wieand presented the balance sheets from all accounts for the Supervisors to review prior to budget sessions. Wieand also would like to consolidate the Vehicle equipment fund, the loan has been paid off, it is still part of liquid fuels and would like to place it in PLIGIT fund to streamline accounts. Supervisor Sterner suggested we check with the Auditor from liquid fuels to see how and if that is acceptable.
Announcements
· Secretary Wieand read the announcements as follows:
· St. Luke’s Sports and Rehabilitation center will open in Blakeslee and we are invited to open the house 9/15/09.
· Planning Commission invited the Board of Supervisors to the 10/14/09 meeting to discuss the SALDO Amendment, Stormwater Amendment, and the UMBT Plot & Grading Plan. The Planning Commission feels these Ordinances and Amendments are a “package” and they want to be sure that any questions or concerns are addressed to get the right combination for the Township.
· Monroe County E911 readdressing update that notification to residents will be mailed soon giving the homeowners their new addresses, we need to develop a road name ordinance for those streets we are changing and a ordinance for the markers that will be required to post all properties.
· Notice from DEP telling us we did not obtain the Geothermal Energy project grant.
· Local Union #773 sent notice that Cliff Capuano has been elected as the Assistant Shop Stewart for Tunkhannock Township’s union.
VIII. Action Items
Copier Claim: Our 2003 Sharp AR M-277 was power surged during a storm in July, the unit lost all boards and cost to repair was over $1900. We submitted a claim to our insurance and received the $1424.98 after $500 deductible and looked into replacing the unit. Secretary Wieand looked into reconditioned and new with our existing company and two other vendors. The best deal was going with a reconditioned Toshiba Studio 450 for a cost of $2450.00 including 1 year/50,000 copy warranty; includes all parts, labor and toner. This is with Copy Plus from Scranton and the salesman is Don Evans. Supervisor Sterner asked if they both do the same and compare to what we have now. Supervisor DePiano motioned to approve the purchase of the Toshiba Studio 450 at a cost of $2450 over a three year period. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport. Marie Rivera asked if we could repeat the numbers and explain which one we are purchasing. Secretary Wieand indicated the reconditioned Toshiba Studio 450 for a cost of $2450 minus the insurance money will leave a balance of $1025.02 to purchase it outright. There being no other questions at the time the motion carried unanimously. Supervisor DePiano motioned to purchase the unit with the insurance claim money and the additional $1,025.02 from our Capital Reserve. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no additional questions the motion passed unanimously.
Roof Leak: Byron Witt from our DPW department is working on this project and has been in touch with three (3) companies for proposals to repair the insulation and other recommendation to stop our ceiling leaking. He asked that we table this until the work session to give him the opportunity to get all bids in and review them prior to our next meeting.
SARP Auction: Secretary Wieand has determined we have the following items for the auction: Various PC units, monitors, keyboards, speakers. The Cannon large map printer, the 96 GMC truck, the 75 case roller, the FEMA trailer (after all equipment is removed) paper shredder, and any other items we aren’t using at the time based on supervisors’ approval. Supervisor Davenport motion that we participate in the SARP Auction with COG. Seconded by Supervisor DePiano. Comment by Secretary Wieand was that COG will pay for all advertising, Bob Myers auctioneer will keep 10% (normally he has a 20% fee but is reducing for municipalities and police). There being no additional comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
IX. Old Business
Building Codes for 2010 and Appeals Board: Solicitor Lyons indicated he received a letter from John Prevoznik, Solicitor for Paradise Township indicating Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock, Paradise and possibly Mt. Pocono Borough to form an appeals board. They would like to appoint one of the four solicitors to draft the ordinance and split the cost between the three or four Townships forming the appeals board. Chairman Sterner said fair enough, and as far as the building codes people or companies we would like to obtain the prices from these companies or individuals. Supervisor Davenport will notify Zoning Officer Lambert to obtain these prices and have them available for our next work session.
Roadmaster: as of 9/2/09 Roger Smith has resigned as Roadmaster and remains in the union. George Ewald asked if we would be advertising for a replacement. Chairman Sterner said the Board will need to discuss this before anything is decided, but highly doubts we will be hiring another employee.
Guiderail on Heller’s Lane: Secretary Wieand indicated that Cliff Capuano of our DPW department gathered all the necessary information for her to submit to both Gieco and Erie Insurance. Gieco will be sending an adjuster and we are waiting on a response from Erie. Chairman Sterner asked that we keep this on the agenda as pending.
Austin T. Blakeslee Wetland Crossing: The Board received a request from the Top of the Mountain Open Space Committee to acquire permits for wetland crossings, bridges, and fishing dock. MCCD is on board and will assist and meet with those involved to obtain the necessary permits. Supervisor Davenport motioned to approve the Top of the Mountain Open Space Committee to proceed with the acquiring of permits for Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area wetland crossings. Seconded by Supervisor DePiano, there being no additional comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
PMREMS Representative: Chairman Sterner noted that the Regional EMS is still looking to fill a position on the Board and will be reviewing applications and or resumes. Anyone interested can still send their information to her here at the Township.
Tobyhanna Twp. Regional Comp Plan Use Map: at our work session on 8/26/09, Zoning Officer Kate Lambert reviewed and approved the regional comprehensive land use plan map for Tobyhanna Township. Solicitor Lyons recommended the Board pass this retroactive to Kate’s letter. Supervisor DePiano motioned to approve the regional comprehensive land use plan map for Tobyhanna Township per Kate Lambert’s review. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
DPW Project: Secretary/Treasurer Wieand prepared a memo reviewing the available funds in the state liquid fuels account that would be available for use the remainder of 2009 and until the 2010 allocation comes in, sometime in April. We need to prepare for winter anti-skid and salt and take care of our general monthly expenses, keeping that in mind we won’t have any funds available for road projects other than maintenance at this time.
Budget line items adjustment: Secretary/Treasurer Wieand presented the recommended adjustment to move the funds for Roadmaster wages from road crew wages and the additional unbudgeted funds from the county dispatch account. Supervisor DePiano motioned to approve Road crew wages from line item 430.140 for $15,065.50 to Roadmaster line item 430.122 & County dispatch line item 410.317 $1,562.00 to Roadmaster line item 430.122. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Open Space Signs: Roadmaster Smith acquired the following quotes for the properties that need to be properly signed according to DCED. The lowest bid was from West End Awards at a price of $122 per sign, plus all materials necessary to erect the signs not to exceed $875. Supervisor DePiano motioned to approve the purchase of the open space signs and necessary materials to place the signs not exceeding $875 and to be taken from the Open Space fund. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Proposed road name ordinance: Supervisor Davenport will have Planning & Grants Administrator Dot Trauger contact the county for a sample road name ordinance and prepare a draft for the next work session to include road name changes and property markers.
Grants: Chairman Sterner asked who has been working on the Tiger Grant with Dot. She was informed that Roger and Byron from the road department. The items that are being considered for the grant are road signs, paving, street lights, culverts etc. The Board would like to only include Mt. Road/Route 115 and Route 903/Route 115. Not the others listed in here description, and Mr. Davenport will replay that information to Dot. If we are going to collaborate with PennDot, we should contact them immediately since this grant is due for submittal next week. George Ewald asked if this is a matching grant. Sterner indicated it doesn’t require matching funds. Seth Isenberg indicated 903 off ramp from Route 903 will impact that intersection for us and we should consider that. Chairman Sterner indicated we do not have the money to pay our engineer to do a traffic study and we should look to PennDot, LTAP, or the County to do the free study if needed.
X. New Business
Tax Refund for Harvey Calderon: The Monroe County tax assessment office requested the refund for property ID# 20/8G/1/122, for prorated from date of purchase in 2006 in the amount of $42.18. Motion by Supervisor Davenport to approve the Township refund in the amount of $42.18 to Harvey Calderon. Seconded by Supervisor DePiano, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Amendment to Fee Schedule: The acquiring of a notary for the Township and the request by residents to do notary work, the Township is recommending we charge the necessary fees as required by the Commonwealth of Pa to cover for the time and cost. Supervisor Davenport motioned to adopt Resolution 2009-171 Notary Fee Schedule Amendment to Resolution 2006-126, as presented as Exhibit “A” of Resolution 2009-171. Seconded by Supervisor DePiano, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
PMRP building expansion: The PMRP would like to expand their building and are requesting we support them with a letter along with the other municipalities in the regional plan. They are also acknowledging that it fits into our regional comprehensive plan. The Board is unsure of the information and needs to review it and the regional comp plan information before they make any recommendation for the expansion. Secretary Wieand will obtain more information for the 9/23/09 work session meeting.
EAC Resignation: Janet & Jim Shelton submitted a letter of resignation from the EAC with regrets; but because of their personal schedules, daily commitments, and family health issues they no longer have the time to commit to this committee. A motion by Supervisor Davenport to regretfully accept their resignation to the Environmental Advisory Committee, seconded by Supervisor DePiano with regrets. There being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Dot Trauger has asked the alternate members if they would be willing to move up to permanent positions but she has not received an answer from other alternate members.
EMA Meeting Request: Secretary Wieand read the request from Bill Byron to have a table top thinking exercise with other organizations on major events for our Township. Secretary Wieand also explained that she developed a draft plan and Bill was to work on that with his group to refine it add to it and prepare it for review. The supervisors would like to see that plan before a table top thinking exercise or brain storming meeting takes place to see what concept EMA is going after. Contact Bill Byron to get his draft to the Board prior to the work session with other ideas he has in mind.
XI. Pending
Pocono Raceway high quality waters: A letter was received from the MCCD explaining the issues at Raceway Village with Stormwater Management issues and NPDES permits. This is an issue between MCCD and the Raceway and until this issue is resolved; no permits will be issued nor will the scheduled meeting for 9/16/09 need to take place. A motion by Chairman Sterner to cancel the joint meeting on 9/16/09 concerning the issues at Pocono Raceway until further notice. Seconded by Supervisor DePiano and there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Davenport will let Zoning Officer Lambert know.
Windmill Ordinance: Awaiting action from the Planning Commission (it went back for their review).
Outdoor Furnace Ordinance: at the work session on 8/26/09, the Board returned this Ordinance for additional items to be added such as other acceptable materials to burn, and the possibility of increasing commercial areas for such furnaces to be allowed.
Tree, SALDO, Plot & Grading: All are on hold per the request earlier in the meeting by The Planning Commission to meet with the Board on 10/14/09.
Stoltzfus Land Development: Pending completion of Phase II deadline is approaching.
Fuel Tanks: The fuels tanks at the side of the DPW building are in violation of L & I. This was placed when the State Fire Marshall approved such electrical wiring and placement. The laws have changed and with L&I taking over these inspections we are not up to code. We have received two warning to relocate the tank to a safer location and update electric lines. We are obtaining prices and timing to make the necessary moves.
Moyer Open Space: Title Policy has not been corrected by Donna DaVita of Olivetti & Scacchitti’s office. One letter from the Township and two from our solicitor have received no response. The Board would like Solicitor Lyons to send a legal action letter to get this completed.
Dicks Auto: After review by Secretary Wieand and Solicitor Lyons, the information concerning this case was located and they referred back to the letter of response from January 29, 2009 when the Township terminated the case due to lack of witnesses and that Swanson alleged they have not changed their use since before zoning came into effect. The case was six years old in the courts and we had to make a decision in January based on the information we had on file. Several residents suggested options to prove he is running a junk yard by getting photos of the car crusher when it’s there. They also suggested getting Regional Police involved with right-of-way and illegal roadside parking. If the state is called in to obtain titles on the junk vehicles that might move things along also.
IML: E-coli issue and letter from MCCD to investigate this issue has been instructed to the Township. Motions by Supervisor Sterner to have Hanover Engineering investigate this issue and review all reports from IML and MCCD. Seconded by Supervisor Davenport, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
XII. Reports
Reports were reviewed by each Supervisor and minutes are noted on the bulletin board. The following Committee Representatives have been appointed:
Supervisor Davenport to the TTVFC Motion by Chairman Sterner seconded by Supervisor DePiano, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously.
Secretary Wieand is appointed to the COG and Supervisor Sterner as the Alternate. Motion by Supervisor Davenport, seconded by Supervisor DePiano, there being no comments or questions the motion passed unanimously. Joint Building Codes is not needed at this time since we are no longer going to be in the IMBCP.
XIII. Public Comments
Marie Rivera asked about the Roadmaster position, and the Board said they will discuss this in an executive session. Is someone still going out to inspect and watch the bidded paving project? Yes, we have a DPW worker and Engineer Kevin Harrison inspecting.
Irving Midget asked about Building Codes inspector and certificates of occupancy from Bureau Veritas on a house in TT II. The Board instructed him to check with Bureau Veritas for Building Codes questions. Zoning Officer Lambert does CO after Bureau Veritas.
Diane Smith: Rumor about section one saying the Township is coming to take over the roads in section I. No, this is not a fact; they are private roads and we have no intention of taking over the roads in either of the sections of Tunkhannock Trails.
Fran Daidone said the ditch in front of Clearview Road has an issue with water lying in the ditch, Vector control was out and said they would need to have the Township look at this. Our DPW employee Counterman was present and said the homeowner has to complete his portion of the run off from his property based on a review from Engineer Harrison and work performed by the Township during his construction after a complaint came from the property owner.
Adjournment
There being no other issues or business Chairman Sterner entertained a motion to adjourn. Supervisor DePiano motioned, Supervisor Davenport seconded and the meeting adjourned at 9:02pm.
Minutes submitted by:
Maria S. Wieand
Maria S. Wieand