Coolbaugh Township

Board of Supervisors

April 26, 2005 - Page 1      

The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors April 26, 2005 Regular Meeting was held in the Township Municipal Center, in building #3, at 5550 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

Public Hearing

Prior to the April 26, 2005 regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors, a Public Hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to consider public comment on a request for an Amendment in the nature of an Official Zoning Map Change to change properties currently listed as Medium Density Residential (R-3) Zoning District to Commercial Village (C-3) Zoning District.

Call To Order

Mr. Frutchey called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. and led those in attendance in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Roll Call

Supervisors present for the meeting included: James H. Frutchey, Jr., Robert B. Hutchins, Richard R. Lockwood, Gratz Washenik and Robert M. Zito. 

Also in attendance were: Township Solicitor Jerry F. Hanna and Township Secretary Linda Frutchey.

Statement on the Agenda:  The Public will be given an opportunity to speak on each agenda matter.  Public Input is considered at the end of the meeting for other issues.

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Washenik made a motion to approve the April 5, 2005 Minutes as presented and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - Mr. Hutchins added that a clarification of the motion on page 10, paragraph 3,  to hire Robert Zito as a Working Supervisor with no employee benefits should be added. The motion carried 4-0-1 (Mr. Lockwood abstained, as he was not present at the meeting).

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April 26, 2005 - Page 2

Presentation of $10,000.00 check from State Representative Mario Scavello re: Professional Services

No one was available at this point in the meeting to present the check referenced above, so the Board moved to the next Agenda item.

Presentation of $300.00 check from  the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau re: Beautification of the bridge

Ann Pletcher of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau was in the audience and came forward to present the Board of Supervisors, Dave and Judy Keiper and Fred and Joan Berg with a Beautification Grant check in the amount of $300.00. A photograph was taken and Dagmaris Cabezas, Director of the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership (CTCP) was thanked for her efforts in helping obtain the grant.

2005 Monthly Reports

Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company

No one was present on behalf of the CTVFC Monthly Report.

Monroe County Road Task Force

Mr. Frutchey reported that he attended the April MC Road Task Force meeting. Coolbaugh Township must prepare a list of road projects for the next meeting. It was the consensus of the Supervisors that the shoulders on SR 196 need to be repaired and widened. The next Road Task Force meeting will be on May 5, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.  

Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services

Mr. Zito attended the meeting of the PMREMS on Saturday, April 16, 2005. He reported the organization is  having difficulty with donations coming in as expected, and that they currently have $228,000 in income and $265,000 in expenses, representing a loss of $41,000. They are working on examining funding requests from the municipalities they serve. Manager Kathy Moyer-Helwig and Ed Tutrone of the PMREMS were present in the audience and spoke of challenges ahead. There were 381 calls in April and 213 of them were in Coolbaugh Township. The next PMREMS meeting will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at Tobyhanna Township.

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April 26, 2005 - Page 3

Pocono Mountain Regional Police

Mr. Frutchey read the Summary of Activities for the PMRPD for the month of March 2005 as follows: 1278 complaints, 97 accidents, 111 criminal arrests, 343 traffic arrests, 259 traffic warnings, 15 ordinance arrests for a total of 1375 calls within the area covered by the regional police, which includes Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and Coolbaugh Townships and the Borough of Mount Pocono.

Open Space

Mr. Washenik reported that the Department of Conservation awarded the Township a $100,000 Grant for Open Space to assist with the purchase of the Hoodak property, which will cost $630,000. The County will contribute the remainder of the necessary funds in the amount of $530,000. Phase I of the Environmental Study is almost complete. Mr. Washenik also gave an overview of the Hoodak property, noting that it is approximately 280 acres in size, located near Pocono Farms East. It is heavily wooded, has a stream and several pools inhabited by trout, and logging roads and trails provide access into the interior of the property, etc.

Presentation of $10,000.00 check from State Representative Mario Scavello re: Professional Services

State Representative Mario Scavello arrived to present the Board of Supervisors with a Department of Community & Economic Development Grant in the amount of $10,000. The grant funds will be used to offset the cost of professional services provided through the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership and its Director Dagmaris Cabezas. Representative Scavello commended the Board for having someone like Ms. Cabezas to help with this grant and other grants useful in our community. A photograph of Mr. Scavello, the Board and Ms. Cabezas was taken.

Amendment to the Coolbaugh Township Code of Ordinances Number 97, Chapter 27, Zoning re:  Official Zoning Map Change from Medium Density Residential (R-3) Zoning District to Commercial Village (C-3) Zoning District

Mr. Washenik moved to adopt the Amendment to change the six (6) properties shown in Exhibit A (Darryl and Ruth Rarrick, Tax Parcel Identification #03-6355-01-35-0449; Mark Kenneth & Linda Hay, Tax Map Parcel Identification #03-6355-01-25-9681; Raymond P. Butler, Tax Map Parcel Identification #03-6355-01-35-1385; Homer & Cecelia Jones, Tax Map Parcel Identification #03-6355-01-35-1401; Anthony Colondo, Tax Map Parcel  Identification #03-6355-01-35-2279; and Darryl L. Jr. & Sharon M. Rarick, Tax Map Parcel Identification #03-6355-01-35-3242). Seconded by Mr. Zito. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.

Board of Supervisors

April 26, 2005 - Page 4

Jack Williams Tire and Auto - Adjacent Parcel - Land Development and Lot Combination Plan

No one was present on behalf of the above referenced project. Mr. Washenik questioned the trailer parked in the middle of their parking lot, that it was an eyesore, etc. A lengthy discussion followed. It was noted that no comments on the matter were received from any of the recommending bodies, including the Monroe County Planning Commission, the Township Zoning Officer or the Planning Commission.

Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the Jack Williams Tire and Auto - Adjacent Parcel - Land Development and Lot Combination Plan, with the condition that the applicants move the trailer to a less conspicuous area on their property. Mr. Lockwood seconded the motion for further discussion. Public comment was heard from Darryl Rarick. It was pointed out that other businesses have trailers parked at their sites, such as Mattress Man and Alternate Tire, that the ordinance might have to changed, etc. The motion was called and passed 5-0.

Look into the possibility of installing speed bump on Heath Lane

Discussion ensued regarding a recommendation from the Planning Commission that the Supervisors consider the possibility of a speed bump on Heath Lane, that there was concern regarding commercial traffic, safety issues, etc. Mr. Frutchey said he was against the idea of a speed bump, because they are hard on emergency vehicles, trucks and cars. Public comment was heard from Darryl Rarick and Alma I. Ruiz-Smith. Representative Mario Scavello mentioned that there are gradual speed bumps behind the Home Depot, so Mr. Frutchey said he would go take a look at the area. Further discussion followed and no action was taken.

Hemlock Estates - request for a time extension until July 19, 2005

Mr. Washenik moved to grant the applicant’s request for an extension until July 19, 2005 on the Hemlock Estates project.  Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion - Bruce and Joyce Hanby, adjacent property owners, were present in the audience. Mr. Hanby stated that this project is ruining his Hemlock Campgrounds business, slash from the logging is piled up everywhere, dangerous tree limbs are hanging, and he has lost seasonal customers because of the mess. Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Supervisors to have the Township Secretary send a letter to Arcadia Properties requesting that they clean up the site of the proposed Hemlock Estates. The motion carried 5-0.

Recommendation from the Planning Commission that the owner clean up the slash at the site

Before the Board was a letter dated April 26, 2005 from Shawn K. Langen of Arcadia Properties, LLC addressing the above referenced matter.

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April 26, 2005 - Page 5      

In paragraph 3, it stated that clean up on the property was completed in January, but if the Supervisors deem further clean up at the site is necessary, they will engage another contractor to do additional work out of respect for the spirit and intent of their original agreement with the Board. Mr. Hutchins moved to send a response to paragraph 3 of Mr. Langen’s letter dated April 26, 2005, confirming that the Board deems it necessary to engage another contractor to clean up the area. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. The motion passed 5-0 and the Township Secretary was directed to send the letter.

The law firm of Broughal & DeVito request to work with Township Solicitor and Engineer to draft ordinance amendments relating to Acadia North Business Park

Before the Board was a letter dated April 15, 2005 from the law firm of Broughal & DeVito requesting to work with the Township Solicitor and Engineer to draft ordinance amendments relating to Acadia North Business Park. Discussion followed in which it was determined that the Township Secretary should send a letter asking them to draft revisions and forward them to the Board for review and comment.

Minor Subdivision joining lots 11 & 12, Block 39, Section 8, Arrowhead Lake, Property Owner - Catherine Torpy

Mr. Zito moved to approve the Minor Subdivision joining lots 11 & 12, Block 39, Section 8, Arrowhead Lake, Property Owner - Catherine Torpy. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.

Minor Subdivision joining lots 264 & 265, Section J, A Pocono Country Place - Property Owner - Anne Collazo

Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the Minor Subdivision joining lots 264 & 265, Section J, A Pocono Country Place - Property Owner - Anne Collazo. Seconded by Mr. Zito. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.

Authorization to advertise a Public Hearing - Regional Comprehensive Plan 

Mr. Hutchins made a motion to authorize the advertisement of a Public Hearing on May 24, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. to consider accepting the revisions to Chapter 3 of the Regional Comprehensive Plan. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Washenik opposed, as he is not in favor of the regional concept).

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April 26, 2005 - Page 6

Authorization to advertise the Building Code Work Session,“Coolbaugh Celebrates” Work Session, Council of Communities Meeting, Township Road Inspection

Mr. Frutchey made a motion to authorize the Township Secretary to advertise the following four (4) meetings: the Building Code Work Session for Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.; the “Coolbaugh Celebrates” Work Session for Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.; the Council of Communities Meeting for  Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. with a tour of the Open Space property; the Township Road Inspection for Saturday, May 7, 2005 at 7:00 a.m. Seconded by Mr. Zito. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.

Arrowhead Lake Community Association, Inc. request for donation of $250.00 for Crime Watch Program

Mr. Zito moved to approve the request from Alice Trunzo, General Manager of Arrowhead Lake Community Association, Inc., for a donation of $250.00 for their Crime Watch Program, per her letter dated April 16, 2005, to help toward the purchase of high intensity rechargeable flashlights. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - in the notification letter, the Township Secretary should send a Project Support Form and request that they fill it out. The motion carried 5-0.

Service Agreement with “The Heating People” for maintenance of heating system in building #2 - $2,755.00

Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the Service Agreement with “The Heating People” for maintenance of the heating system in building #2 in the amount of $2,755.00. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion followed about the date of expiration of the previous contract, etc. Mr. Hutchins amended his motion to have the agreement run concurrent with the previous agreement. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. The motion passed 5-0.

Authorization to Township Engineer

To prepare bid specifications for Victoria Drive Culvert

Mr. Hutchins moved to authorize Township Engineer Russ Kresge to prepare bid specifications for Victoria Drive culvert. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion followed in which it was clarified that the authorization was only for bid specifications. The motion carried 5-0.

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April 26, 2005 - Page 7

To start working on getting right-of-ways in Whispering Glen and from PPL in order to correct the flooding and drainage problems

Mr. Frutchey moved to authorize Township Engineer Russ Kresge to start working on getting right-of-ways in Whispering Glen and from PPL in order to take corrective action on the flooding and drainage problems. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. During discussion, it was determined that Solicitor Hanna could work with Mr. Kresge and Road Foreman Neil Hay, if necessary. The motion passed 5-0.

Request for the use of the park pavilion and waiver of the fee - Auto Fire Control System Division - Tobyhanna Army Depot

Mr. Washenik made a motion to grant the request from the Auto Fire Control System Division of the Tobyhanna Army Depot to use the Park Pavilion and waive the fees, following the normal procedure when granting the use of the Park Pavilion. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Mr Washenik asked that a copy of the letter be sent to the Depot’s Commander. The motion carried 5-0.

Consideration of  Tree Trimming and Selective Tree Removal Services Bid Award

The Township Tree Trimming & Selective Tree Removal bid was advertised in the Pocono Record on Sunday, April 3, 2005 and Saturday, April 9, 2005 with a bid opening on Thursday, April 21, 2005.

The following bids were received: JD Smith Tree and Landscape Service in the amount of $57,240, Asplundh Tree Expert Co. in the amount of $67,905, Jaflo, Inc. in the amount of $44,460 and Ex-Cel Tree Expert Co., Inc. in the amount of $37,879.20.

Mr. Zito moved to award the bid for Tree Trimming and Selective Tree Removal Services

to Ex-Cel Tree Expert Co., Inc. in the amount of $37,879.20. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.

Discussion ensued regarding a Memo from Road Foreman Neil Hay expressing concerns about the prospect of holding a Fall Clean Up, due to the extra workload created by the bad winter weather, etc. Mr. Washenik said he would prefer a clean up rather than the tree trimming project.

Mr. Hutchins noted that the Road Department employees use their vacation during the nicer months, that they are down one CDL driver, and that the tree trimming will help with their workload, etc. Mr. Washenik suggested hiring the tree trimming contractors to help clean up the rest of the roads. The motion was called and passed 5-0. Further discussion followed.

Board of Supervisors

April 26, 2005 - Page 8

Environmental Resources Associates Proposal ($1,955.00) re: development and implementation of a leaf waste management program and the preparation of an Act 101 Section 902 Grant Application

Mr. Frutchey made a motion to accept the Environmental Resources Associates proposal in the amount of $1,955.00 for development and implementation of a leaf waste management program and the preparation of an Act 101 Section 902 Grant Application. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - it was noted that the Grant application is due June 22, 2005. The motion carried 5-0.

PA State Contract - purchase of  recycling equipment

Mr. Frutchey explained that the Township was awarded an Act 101, Section 902 Recycling Development and Implementation Grant in the amount of $410,636.00 for a Township recycling program and that he had researched and reviewed the types and models of equipment that will be needed.

2005 John Deer model 544J, Wheel Loader - $108,600.00

Mr. Lockwood moved to approve the purchase of the 2005 John Deer model 544J, Wheel Loader in the amount of $108,600.00 from Plasterer Equipment Co., Inc. through the PACC City of Harrisburg State Contract. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of a formal agreement with other municipalities, such as Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships, drawn up at a later date to help with the maintenance agreements. Public comment was heard from Werner Frank. The motion passed 5-0.

Bobcat - A300 All-Wheel Steer Loader - $37,981.00

Mr. Lockwood moved to approve the purchase of the Bobcat - A300 All-Wheel Steer Loader in the amount of $37,981.00 from Bobcat through PA State Contract #2420-01. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Public comment was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith and Joe O’Boyle. Solicitor Hanna said to be sure the motion says State Contract, which it did. The motion carried 5-0.

3680 Beast Recycler  - $282,201.00

Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the purchase of the 3680 Beast Recycler in the amount of $282,201.00 from Smoracy, LLC through the PA State Contract #2420-01. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion followed about the Leaf Windrowing machine, which will be included in next year’s request. The motion carried 3-2-0 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito opposed).

Board of Supervisors

April 26, 2005 - Page 9

Stephenson Equipment, Inc. (SEI) - re: Rosco Model 100 Patcher

Before the Board was a letter from David Skopek of SEI saying an appraisal was done on the Township’s Rosco Model Serial Number 33481 Patcher at the Road

Department. It was pointed out that the patcher had been advertised for sale two times with no results. Solicitor Hanna commented that he would have to review the matter per bidding procedures, but to continue on with the meeting.

Request for Quotations  - cellular phones - upgrade

Mr. Frutchey asked that discussion of the quotations for cellular phone upgrades be tabled at tonight’s meeting, because he is still looking into a few things.

Edgar Reyes’ request for a refund of $56.83 due to error in billing

Discussion followed regarding the above referenced letter of request, that it was a long and difficult letter to read and decipher, etc. It was the consensus of the Supervisors that the Township Secretary should send a letter to Mr. Reyes saying that we are sorry, but the Board sees no reason to approve a refund.

Software Systems, Inc. - Fundware Accounts Receivable Quote - $6,120.00

Mr. Lockwood made a motion to approve the purchase of the Fundware Accounts Receivable Quote in the amount of $5,120.00. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion followed regarding the elimination of one day of training, reducing the written quote by $1,000, preference for the Quickbooks program by some, the inadequacies of Quickbooks not dealing with funds and a budget the size of the Township’s, etc. Public comment was heard from Lynn Kelly and Dagmaris Cabezas. The motion passed 3-1-1 (Mr. Washenik opposed and Mr. Zito abstained).

Current Obligations 

General Fund                                     $ 82,492.43

Escrow Account Fund          $ 35,288.00

Sewer System Fund             $   8,108.41              

Total Disbursements            $125,888.84

Mr. Lockwood moved to pay the Current Obligations in the amount of $125,888.84. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.

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April 26, 2005 - Page 10

Other Business 

·                      Mr. Frutchey thanked Ms. Kyle Hoesel for her services to Coolbaugh Township, while working as a part time Office Assistant; however, due to some changes in the Administrative Department, it was necessary to lay her off. Mr. Frutchey then moved to lay off Kyle Hoesel from her temporary part time position as an Office Assistant with the Township, effective April 5, 2005, but to consider her in the future if we should need her services. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Washenik opposed).

·                      It was announced that financial reports prepared by Township Treasurer Pat Eden are in the Supervisors’ mailboxes in the Read Room. Mr. Lockwood commented that the reports were very good. He also noted that he talked with Robin Pugh of John J. Riley, Inc. regarding the progress of the 2004 audit. He said the management letter and report will arrive soon, and Ms. Pugh’s general comments indicated that they are very pleased with the progress the Administrative team has made.

Public Input

Dagmaris Cabezas - commented on Mr. Zito’s report regarding lack of income from donations at Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Services and said that she had not been contacted by them for help, but she would be happy to assist them in preparing a grant. Mr. Zito said they were working on a PEMA loan/grant, but asked that she forward any information to him and he will give it to the Director.

Steve Planchock - said the road sweeper was not doing a good job in Pocono Summit.

Lynn Kelly - asked if the Township is taking tree limbs.

Dave Skopek of Stephenson Equipment, Inc. (SEI) - acknowledged his presence in the audience regarding the  letter from his company about the appraisal done on the Township’s Rosco Model Serial Number 33481 Patcher at the Road Department. Discussion followed about the appraised value being between $5,000 and $7,500 and details of SEI’s proposal to take the unit on a consignment basis through a consignment agreement, as they deal with municipalities. It was determined that the consignment agreement could be signed in order to move forward with the sale of the Rosco Model 100 Patcher.