MINUTES OF THE TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 1, 2004
The Tunkhannock Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on August 4, 2004. Those in attendance were Supervisors Francis Altemose, II, Jim Sterrett and William Bourke, Solicitor Edmund Scacchitti, Zoning, Planning & Sewage Assistant Terry Willard, Zoning Officer Dot Trauger, and area residents. Chairperson Altemose, II called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Chairperson Altemose, II announced that the Secretary was not in attendance due to illness.
Supervisor Bourke read the Fall Bulk Trash Bids received, Waste Management was eliminated, CCI $9565.80 and J.P Mascaro $8,110.00. Motion by Supervisor Bourke to award the bid to J.P. Mascaro. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There being no comments or questions motion carried unanimously.
Eagle Scout Mark Elliott Castillo was presented with a framed copy of the Resolution passed on 2nd June, 2004 recognizing his attaining the highest rank in Boy Scouts of Eagle Scout.
Cub Scout John Williams from Pack 90 announced to the Board of Supervisors and area residents that he was there to invite them to a Spaghetti Dinner September 18 at 5:30 – 7:30 at the Pocono Lake UM Church $6.00 for Adults and $3.00 for children under 10. This dinner would help support the Canine Division of Pocono Mountain Regional Police.
Motion by Supervisor Bourke to approve the Agenda. Seconded by Chairperson Altemose, II. Following questions from public the agenda was approved unanimously.
The following minutes were presented: July 7, 2004 and August 4, 2004 regular monthly meetings and August 18, 2004 and August 30, 2004 work sessions. Motion by Supervisor Bourke to approve minutes following the removal of his name from the list of attendees at the August 18, 2004 Work Session. Motion seconded by Jim Sterrett and with no further questions or comments the motion passed unanimously.
Matters Arising: Someone asked last month if the Selig purchases were purchased through COG. COG was not used, there were (3) three verbal quotes which had been documented and Selig was the lowest bid. A letter from the Supervisors will be sent to the Tax Assessors office requesting them to check the Han Sung Presbyterian Church property and verify that the church is in compliance with the exemption criteria. The Vacancy Officer applicants are still being reviewed. Waiting to receive the fee schedule before making a decision in regard to the Alternate Engineer position.
Referring to the July 7, 2004 Minutes and in particular to page three, Maureen Sterner asked if there could be some separation of the text by subject.
Treasurer's Report: Supervisor Bourke presented the Treasurer’s report
General - Receipts $90,579.14
Disbursements $95,980.41
General Balance $660,102.90
Liquid Fuels - Liquid Fuels Balance $520,237.19
Motion by Supervisor Sterrett to accept the treasurer’s report, motion seconded by Chairperson Altemose, II. After comments, motion carried unanimously.
Bill List: Bills in the amount of $63,007.99, including $955.47 of time sensitive bills paid in July, but were omitted from the August bill list due to error. Chairperson Altemose, II made motion to pay the bills, motion seconded by Supervisor Bourke. After comments and questions motion carried unanimously.
Announcements: Supervisor Altemose thanked Terry Willard for being an incredible employee. He will be greatly missed. Dick VanNoy commented exceptional and George Ewald agreed. Clymer Library Book Mobile will be here at the Township on September 3, between 1-2 pm and then every two weeks. September 11 Patriot’s Day Observance (10 a.m.) We need volunteers to lay flowers. Fall Bulk Trash Weekend September 17-20 (9a.m. – 6p.m.) Monroe County Household Hazardous Waste September 10-12 and E-Cycling September 17-19 (flyers available). Bulk Trash volunteers needed. September 15 Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m.– for proposed amendment changes to Zoning Ordinance 3.87.4 Fence & 3.181 Setbacks. Also, proposed zoning changes for Gardner & Mitrosky parcels from R-2 to C-2. The Board thanked Chet Wozniak for donating a large selection of games and puzzles. An Executive Session would be held after tonight's Supervisor's meeting.
The meeting schedule for September was read with a correction to the September 7 meeting of the 911 Re-Addressing being at 6:30 p.m. not 7:30 p.m.
Old Business:
Mountain Terrace Estates Letter of Credit Reduction Request - Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to reduce the Letter of Credit to $322,293.90 as per letter of recommendation by Township Road Master, Bruce Walder. Motion seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There were no comments. Motion passed unanimously.
Hussaini Land Development Plan and Sewage Facilities Planning Module One – Ghulam Hussaini had submitted a Land Development Plan for his 4.39 acre property off Route 115. The plan is for an auto sales facility utilizing the existing barn and parking area. The Land Development Plan, has been recommended by the Planning Commission for approval, subject to the following conditions:
Hussaini Sewage Facilities Planning Module One –Motion by Supervisor Sterrett to approve the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for the Ghulam Hussaini Land Development Plan. Seconded by Chairperson Altemose, II. There being no comments or questions, motion passed unanimously.
Following a discussion between the applicant and the Board of Supervisors based upon past history, a Motion was put by Supervisor Bourke, seconded by Chairperson Altemose, II, to send the application back to Planning Commission for further review and consideration of three additional requirements;
With no further questions or comments, the motion passed unanimously.
Henning/Majer Acquisition – Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to approve a letter to the Nature Conservancy to negotiate with the legal landowners of parcels 20/12/25 and 20/12/23, totaling approximately 120 acres at the cost of $415,000.00 and is known as the Henning Property located in Tunkhannock Township. The Conservancy also is authorized to pay no more than $10,000.00 in consideration of the sellers signing the Option Agreement for a twelve month period. If funding from the County for passive recreation or any other source is not obtained or if Tunkhannock Township failed to execute the Option Agreement, the Township shall reimburse the Nature Conservancy the $10,000.00 Option Consideration, in full, immediately. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There were no comments. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
Proposed Joinder Deed Request joining Lots 2607 and 2608 in Emerald Lakes Development – The proposed deed has been reviewed by the Sewage and Zoning Departments as well as the Solicitor and all is in order. Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to adopt Resolution 2004-105, approving the joining of lots 2607 and 2608 in Emerald Lakes for Thomas J. and Joann Brugess. Motion seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There were no comments. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to adopt Resolution 2004-106 requesting permission to participate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services, Cooperative Purchasing Program. Motion Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There were no comments. Motion passed unanimously.
Velasquez/Williams Demolition Escrow Release. The demolition was in compliance per Guardian and Tunkhannock Township Zoning. Motion by Supervisor Sterrett to release the Velasquez/Williams $30,000 Fire Demolition Escrow. Seconded by Supervisor Bourke. There were no comments. Motion passed unanimously.
The Tunkhannock Township Open Space Committee made a motion at their August 17, 2004 meeting to pass all outstanding business to the newly formed Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Motion by Chairperson Altemose, II to officially disband the Township Open Space Committee and to send the approved letter to all members thanking them for their time and invaluable input and advice. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. After comments, motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Supervisor Bourke to transfer all business from Open Space to Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Supervisor Bourke to schedule and advertise a Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. to consider a proposed Contractor's Licensing Ordinance. Seconded by Supervisor Sterrett. There were no comments. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Altemose, II announced that the Township Open Space Committee report, the COG Minutes, EMA Minutes were posted and that the Joint Open Space Committee had no meeting in August.
Supervisor Sterrett announced that the Clymer Library and EMS Minutes were posted.
Supervisor Bourke gave reports on Regional Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Pocono Mountain Regional Police. The Joint Building Codes Enforcement meeting on 8/19/04 was cancelled.
Zoning, Planning & Sewage Assistant Terry Willard announced that the Tobyhanna/Tunkhannock Creek Watershed Report and Township Planning Commission Minutes were posted.
Roadmaster Bruce Walder announced that the Monroe County Task Force Minutes were posted.
There being no further business, Chairperson Altemose, II opened the floor to comments.
Public Comments:
Peggy Yencho - asked about Bulk Trash - removal of freon from refrigerators. There is a volunteer available to remove freon.
Dick VanNoy commented on Household Hazardous Waste, Supervisor attending School Board Meetings, the School Board borrowing money for referendum with no plan. He also thanked Supervisor Bourke for his help with the incidents in Brier Crest Woods and Pocono Mountain Regional Police.
Debbie Parker asked who would approve a Zoning Change and buying option of the Henning Property
Maureen Sterner commented on the Agenda, Matters Arising and The Nature Conservancy and the Henning Property. She also had numerous accounting questions regarding budget. Supervisor Bourke suggested she meet with him to discuss.
Pat Moore thanked Terry Willard for a job well done and would be missed. She reiterated her suggestion that a Supervisor attend the School Board meetings. She inquired about the Tunk Trails II Lawsuit and the damaged guard rail on Heller's Lane. She also commented on the Contractor's Licensing and asked if there would be a Halloween Party.
George Ewald commented about the Henning property.
Stephen Kager agreed that the location of the Henning property is very important.
Betty Terrell-Cruz commented on attendance of Township meetings, Tax Exempt Status of Han Sung Church, bills (i.e. Cohen Telecommunications, rain gear, gloves, attorney fees & cell phones).
Marge Nowinski commented on Henning property & bridge on Henning Road
Francis Altemose, Sr. commented on building in the Wetlands.
There being no further comments, Supervisor Bourke motioned to adjourn. Chairperson Altemose, II seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 9:50 p.m.
Donna Verdes
Secretary