Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors August 16, 2005 - Page 1
The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors, August 16, 2005 Regular Meeting was held in the Township Municipal Center, in building #3, at 5550 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.
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. Zito moved to approve the August 2, 2005 Meeting Minutes as presented and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion followed regarding a correction on page 2, second paragraph, last sentence, where the names of the Supervisors casting the “yes” and “no” votes needed to be revised to read “Mr. Frutchey and Mr. Lockwood opposed and Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito voted in favor”. The motion carried 4-0-1 (Mr. Hutchins abstained, as he was not present at the meeting).
“Litter Questionnaire” presented by Robert Brunet
Robert Brunet was present in the audience on behalf of his campaign to combat littering and illegal dumping. Discussion followed regarding the statistics compiled by the Litter Control Board, PennDOT and the Monroe County Vacation Bureau. Mr. Brunet reviewed the amounts of different types of trash and litter collected by youth summer litter pick-up crews, and emphasized that there was a 92% increase of litter in 2005, that PennDOT spends 10 million dollars a year on litter clean up, etc. He announced that littering is penalized with a $300.00 fine, and littering activities can be reported by calling 1-888-Litter Bug and giving license plate numbers, time, place, description of vehicles and/or its occupants engaged in littering. To report illegal dumping, the public may call (570) 420-3525. Board of Supervisors August 16, 2005 - Page 2
Mr. Brunet also stressed the importance of teaching children not to litter, and he encouraged people to help keep their neighborhoods clean. After being asked if he would attend “Coolbaugh Celebrates” on September 10th, Mr. Brunet stated he would get back to the Board.
2005 Monthly Reports
Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Bill Weimer was present to go over the June and July 2005 Monthly Reports for the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company (CTVFC) as follows: in June there were 2 dwelling fires, 3 automatic fire alarms, 1 vehicle fire, 1 search and rescue, 5 vehicle accidents, 1 extrication, and 10 miscellaneous calls for a total of 23 calls. A total of 109.20 man hours were expended on the 23 calls, and 341.31 man hours were spent on drills and training. $195,000.00 was the estimated dollar value on buildings/vehicles involved in fire and $50,000.00 was an estimated dollar loss due to fire. In July there was 1 structure fire, 3 dwelling fires, 2 automatic fire alarms, 1 vehicle fire, 1 brush fire, 9 vehicle accidents, and 6 miscellaneous calls for a total of 23 calls. A total of 157.35 man hours were expended on the 23 calls, and 205.36 man hours were spent on drills and training. $3,000,000.00 was the estimated dollar value on buildings/vehicles involved in fire and $60,000.00 was an estimated dollar loss due to fire.
Chief Weimer thanked the Board for the new tanker rescue truck and presented mugs to the Supervisors, Mr. Hanna and Mrs. Frutchey on behalf of the Fire Company. He also noted that the annual “Wet Down” was held on August 13, 2005. In other news, four or five of the volunteer firefighters are planning to go for certifications through the State Fire Academy, which helps when applying for grants. A brief discussion followed regarding burn bans.
Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services Mr. Zito reported that he attended the August 11, 2005 meeting of the PMREMS at Tobyhanna Township. Discussion followed regarding financial matters, including expenses, surplus, projection of income, etc. The percentage of calls in Coolbaugh Township in July was 48.74%. The next PMREMS meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2005 at Tobyhanna Township.
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Mr. Frutchey read the Summary of Activities for the PMRPD for the month of July 2005 as follows: 1620 complaints, 99 accidents, 139 criminal arrests, 235 traffic arrests, 146 traffic warnings, 7 ordinance arrests for a total of 1719 calls within the area covered by the regional police, which includes Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and Coolbaugh Townships and the Borough of Mount Pocono. Mr. Hutchins noted that this was the busiest July ever.
Board of Supervisors August 16, 2005 - Page 3
Regional Open Space Mr. Washenik reported that the Regional Open Space Committee voted to pursue the 33 acre Wiley property off Laurel Drive, just past the Road Department garage. He said this parcel of land has many nice features including a pond, cranberries, etc.
Request for an extension - Lowe’s Home Center - Pocono Star Properties, L.P. - Lot Consolidation Plan, Preliminary Land Development Plan
Mr. Lockwood moved to grant the applicants’ request for an extension on the Lowe’s Home Center - Pocono Star Properties, L.P. - Lot Consolidation Plan and Preliminary Land Development Plan, per the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
Route 196 Storage Buildings Land Development Plan
Lou Cozza of Niclaus Engineering, Peter A. Terry, P.E. of Benchmark Civil Engineering Services, Inc. and James J. Fondi were present on behalf of the above referenced project.
Requests for Waivers
1) Request for a waiver of the clear sight triangle requirements of §403.D(21)(f) and §502.34 of Chapter 22 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) Mr. Frutchey made a motion to grant the request for a waiver of the clear sight triangle requirements of §403.D(21)(f) and §502.34 of Chapter 22 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.
Discussion followed about the proposed ice cream parlor, permitted use, signalization, clear sight triangle issues, etc. Public comment was heard from Walt McGrath, Jerry Teicher and Alma I. Ruiz-Smith. The motion was called and carried 3-2 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito opposed).
2) Request for a waiver of the road design standards of §502.37E, §505.3C(3)(b) and §602.5I of Chapter 22 of the SALDO Mr. Hutchins moved to grant the request for a waiver of the road design standards of §502.37E, §505.3C(3)(b) and §602.5I of Chapter 22 of the SALDO. Discussion - none. The motion passed 3-2 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito opposed).
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3) Request for a waiver from the detention basin bottom slope requirements of Appendix E, §2.3A(6) of Chapter 26 of the Stormwater Management Ordinance Mr. Frutchey made a motion to grant the request for a waiver from the detention basin bottom slope requirements of Appendix E, §2.3A(6) of Chapter 26 of the Stormwater Management Ordinance. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
Other Outstanding Issues
Discussion ensued regarding the following outstanding issues as outlined in a letter dated August 12, 2005 from Township Engineer Russ Kresge:
1) Improvements Agreement The construction cost estimate is dated March 30, 2005 in anticipation of construction during this season. If substantial construction of the improvements will not begin until 2006, the estimate should be updated. The Township Solicitor should review the proposed agreement, which should address the storm sewers within Pocono Heights Road and the traffic signal and intersection improvements, in addition to the standard issues.
2) Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of Storm Sewer Line within Pocono Heights Road Except for a proposed Release and Indemnity Agreement, which should be reviewed by the Township Solicitor, this issue has not been addressed, because the agreement contains outdated construction and cost information. It has been the understanding that the cost of construction of the storm sewer line will be borne by the developer and responsibility for maintenance must be established.
3) Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of the Stormwater Improvements Construction of these improvements will be addressed in the Improvements Agreement. The maintenance agreement should be reviewed by the Township Solicitor.
4) Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of the Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements Russ Kresge commented, that to the best of his knowledge, this item has not yet been addressed. Because the Township will be the permittee for the signal, and will be responsible to PennDOT for construction and maintenance, it is important that an agreement which provides adequate financial security be made with the developer.
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5) Traffic Study and Plans for the Traffic Signals Copies of the traffic study, the permit and the final plans for the traffic signals and any required intersection improvements have not been received. Because the Township will be the permittee for the signal, and because of the concern for pedestrian safety at this intersection, these documents are very important.
5) NPDES Permit An NPDES Permit it required from the PA DEP for the stormwater improvements and discharge. (A copy of the NPDES Permit issued August 3, 2005 by the PA DEP for the project has been provided).
Discussion followed in which it was determined that some of the issues listed above had been addressed, but not others.
Mr. Lockwood moved to approve the Route 196 Storage Buildings Land Development Plan with the condition that Township Engineer Russ Kresge and Solicitor Jerry Hanna agree that all outstanding issues listed in Mr. Kresge’s review letter dated August 12, 2005 have been satisfactorily addressed. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Further discussion focused on the Top of the Mountain Association’s letter regarding drainage issues in the area, the proposed Release and Indemnity Agreement, pipe work that needs to be resolved, etc.
Mr. Lockwood amended his motion to include clarifying the Top of the Mountain Association’s letter to meet the satisfaction of the Township Engineer and Solicitor. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Mr. Washenik said he wanted to see the revised agreement. Public comment was heard from Jerry Teicher. The motion was called and carried 3-2 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito opposed).
Scavello 940 Minor Subdivision/Lot Combination Plan and Preliminary/ Final Land Development Plan
Lou Cozza of Niclaus Engineering was present on behalf of the above referenced plan and requested that discussion of the project be tabled in order to give the applicants time to address all outstanding issues.
Mr. Frutchey moved to table the Scavello 940 Minor Subdivision/Lot Combination Plan and Preliminary/ Final Land Development Plan. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Minor Subdivision Plan to join lots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 132/5, 6, 7 - Pocono Summit Lake - Property Owners - Alvin Eglow & Neil Weiss
Mr. Hutchins made a motion to approve the Minor Subdivision Plan to join lots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 132/5, 6, 7 - Pocono Summit Lake - Property Owners - Alvin Eglow & Neil Weiss. Board of Supervisors August 16, 2005 - Page 6
Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - Steve Planchock, present in the audience, asked what street was involved. The motion carried 5-0.
Joe Meno’s complaint about lack of Zoning and SEO enforcement on the Bolus property
Joe Meno was present on behalf of the above referenced issue. Discussion followed. It was determined that Solicitor Jerry Hanna, Township Engineer Russ Kresge, Zoning Officer Todd Schollhammer and Alternate Zoning Officer Tim Kresge should meet to look at the site and report back to the Board within thirty (30) days/by the second Board meeting in September.
Mark West’s request for adjustment on quarterly fees associated with sewer billing due to property owner permanently vacating the home
Discussion followed in which it was pointed out that there is no current policy allowing any adjustment on sewer billings, as requested by Mr. West. It was the consensus of the Supervisors that a letter should be sent to him regarding issues associated with the property’s sewer connection, the cost to re-connect and the possibility that EDUs may not be available to a new owner, etc.
Tax payers request for a refund due to an incorrect assessment:
1) William Brown - Tax Code #3/3/1/27-58 from 1999 to 2004 - in the amount of $77.07
2) James and Joan Weiner - Tax Code # 3/20E/1/77 from 2000 to 2005 - in the amount of $122.46
Mr. Lockwood made a motion to approve the tax refunds for William Brown - Tax Code #3/3/1/27-58 from 1999 to 2004 in the amount of $77.07 and James and Joan Weiner - Tax Code # 3/20E/1/77 from 2000 to 2005 in the amount of $122.46. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. A brief discussion followed. The motion carried 5-0.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Group Agreement
During review of the BC/BS Group Agreement, terms and deductibles, it was pointed out that the company was offering a 7.5% savings if the Group Agreement contract was renewed a month before the normal renewal date. Mr. Frutchey made a motion to approve the BC/BS Agreement for 2006 as of September 1, 2005. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.
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Discussion followed regarding the amount of savings with the early renewal and a higher deductible, that employees would have to keep track of their expenses beyond the present deductible and be reimbursed the difference, etc. Public input was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith, Ronnie Frank and Steve Planchock. The motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Frutchey moved to refund the employees any excess deductible expenses. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion followed. The motion carried 4-0-1 (Mr. Frutchey abstained).
Current Obligations
General Fund - $141,400.73 Escrow Fund - $ 12,711.00 Liquid Fuels Fund - $364,048.80 Sewer Fund - $ 11,851.70
Total Disbursements - $530,012.23
Mr. Lockwood made a motion to pay the Current Obligations in the amount of $530,012.23. A brief discussion followed. The motion carried 5-0.
Other Business
Purchase of Polo Shirts with Township Logo Discussion followed regarding a request from the Parks & Recreation Commission members for tee shirts for their organization with the Township logo on them. During discussion it was determined that the other board, council and commission members should also be included. Mr. Washenik moved to buy polo shirts for the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Hearing Board and the Environmental Advisory Council members in a not to exceed amount of $300.00. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
Line Painting on Echo Lake Road Mr. Washenik noted that Echo Lake Road was widened two feet on each side at the shoulder, and after checking the measurement, the white line was painted at one foot. Mr. Washenik motioned to contact the line painting vendor (Interstate Road Management) to paint over the current white line with black paint and paint the white line where it should be and not to process the payment until the job is done correctly. Seconded by Mr. Zito. Public comment regarding the safety issues associated with walking on roadway shoulders was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith, Lynn Kelly and Werner Frank. The motion carried 5-0.
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“Coolbaugh Celebrates” Mr. Zito discussed the celebration scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2005. He noted that the American Red Cross Bloodmobile would be at the event, and they want to pre-register twenty-five people to give blood. He also encouraged the display of the “Coolbaugh Celebrates” flyer. Public comment was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith.
Public Input
Jerry Teicher - asked questions about the road repairs being done on SR 611.
Alma I. Ruiz-Smith - asked if A Pocono Country Place could go in on the Gypsy Moth Spraying program. It was noted that this project is a budget item.
Cliff Otto and Joe Meno - commented on the Gypsy Moth problem.
Board of Supervisors Executive Sessions
Mr. Frutchey announced that Executive Sessions were held on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. re: Pending Litigation and at 8:10 p.m. re: Personnel Issues, and an Executive Session was also held this evening, August 16, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. re: Personnel Issues.
Adjournment
With no further business before the Board, Mr. Lockwood moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Linda Frutchey James H. Frutchey, Jr. Township Secretary Board Chairman |
Revised - 07/03/08 08:07 PM |