Coolbaugh Township

Board of Supervisors

June 21, 2005 - Page 1

The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors, June 21, 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. Hutchins made a motion to approve the June 7, 2005 Minutes as presented and dispense with the reading.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion - None.  The motion carried 5-0.

2005 Monthly Reports

Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company

William Weimer, Chief, was present to go over the April and May 2005 Monthly Reports for the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company (CTVFC) as follows: April - 3 dwelling fires, 2 chimney fires, 2 automatic fire alarms. 1 vehicle fires, 4 assist other fire companies, 2 brush fires, 1 wire down/pole fires, 9 vehicle accidents and 5 miscellaneous for a total of 29 calls. A total of 604.37 man hours were expended on the 29 calls and 536.42 man hours ere spent on drills and training. $340,000.00 was the estimated dollar value on buildings/vehicles involved in fire and $45,000.00 was an estimated dollar loss due to fire.  May - 3 dwelling fires, 3 automatic fire alarms, 5 assist other fire companies, 3 brush fires, 8 vehicle

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accidents, 1 extrications and 5 miscellaneous calls for a total of 28 calls.  A total of 387.34 man hours were expended on the 28 calls and 278.36 man hours were spent on drills and training. $125,000.00 was the estimated dollar value on buildings/vehicles involved in fire and $25,000.00 was estimated dollar loss due to fire.  Mr. Weimer thanked the Supervisors for their help in acquiring the new tanker truck that was purchased earlier this year and said it has been a big help to the firemen.

Mr. Weimer reported that the cars and the trailers in back of the property on Laurel Drive will be removed shortly.  He extended an invitation to the Supervisors to a “Wet Down” scheduled for the morning of Saturday, August 13, 2005.  The Supervisors agreed that the Township’s backhoe could be used at the Wet Down.

Mr. Hutchins  reported that  the “Fire Ban in effect” by the surrounding fire companies was discussed at the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission meeting.  It was the consensus at the police meeting that the surrounding fire companies should work together to put the fan ban in effect and to cancel it at the same time as it is confusing to the police when they get a call.  Mr. Weimer said he would arrange a meeting with the other fire companies to discuss the matter. 

Monroe County Road Task Force

Mr. Frutchey attended the Monroe County Road Task Force Meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2005.  Coolbaugh Township’s Project is listed as #6 on the ranking 2005 List for filling in the potholes and widen the shoulders on State Route 196.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5, 2005.

Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services

Mr. Zito attended the PMREMS meeting on June 9, 2005, that the financial loss may not be as low as what has been expected as to date the income is $515,000. 00, expenses are at $439.000.00, the preliminary forecast is break even or better.  Coolbaugh Township had 1,237 calls or 51% of total calls. The next meeting in on July 28, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in Tobyhanna Township Municipal Building.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police

Mr. Frutchey read the Summary of Activities for the PMRPD for the month of May 2005 as follows: 1324 complaints, 72 accidents, 136 criminal arrests, 244 traffic warnings, 190 traffic warnings, 14 ordinance arrests for a total of1396 calls

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within the area covered by the regional police, which includes Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock, and Coolbaugh Township and the Borough of Mount Pocono.

Minor Subdivision / Annexation Plan - Lands of Robert and Alice Sweeney

Mr. Washenik made motion to approve the Minor Subdivision / Annexation Plan for Robert and Alice Sweeney as per the Tax Map Numbers on the application.  Seconded by Mr. Frutchey.  Discussion - None.  The motion carried 5-0.

Extension request - Pocono Mountains Industries Minor Subdivision

Mr. Hutchins made a motion to grant the extension request for Pocono Mountains Industries Minor Subdivision until September 20, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed relating to the reason for the extension was that PMI is waiting for direction from Coolbaugh Township and/or the Monroe County Commissioners on how the ownership/disposition of the remaining lands will be handled.   The motion carried 5-0.

Appointment to the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership Advisory Board

Mr. Washenik made a motion to appoint Joan Gartner to the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership Advisory Board with the term expiring on December 31, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Zito.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Request from Chief of Police re:  Traffic Signal SR 940 & Summit Avenue /Commerce Street

Discussion ensued relating to the June 15, 2005 letter from Chief of Police John Lamberton requesting that “Right Turn Only” signs be installed at the intersection of Summit Avenue and SR 940 and that PennDOT be contacted to see if they would agree to install “No Turn” signs on the center median on SR 940 east bound at the intersection.  The request was due to the heavy traffic volume and continuing accidents that occurred at the intersection. 

Mr. Washenik moved to send a letter to PennDOT requesting to temporarily close the center median strip at the SR 940 and Summit Avenue Intersection until the traffic signal project is completed; to have the Township install directional signs that read, “Right Turn Only” at the Summit Avenue Intersection.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion

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followed about discussing the matter at the June 28, 2005 Work Session when the Township Engineer will be present.  The motion carried 5-0.

Authorization to have Township Engineer prepare Water Obstruction and Encroachment Application re: a dry hydrant for the Pocono Summit Lake Property Owner’s Association, Inc.

Mr. Washenik moved to authorize Township Engineer Russ Kresge to prepare the Water Obstruction and Encroachment Application in cooperation with the Pocono Summit Lake Property Owner’s Association for the installation of a dry hydrant.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion followed about the employees of the Public Works Department doing the installation of the dry hydrant. 

Mr. Washenik amended the motion to include authorizing the employees of the Public Works Department to assist in the installation of the dry hydrant.  Mr. Hutchins seconded the amended motion.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Request for a waiver of the fee  to reserve the Municipal Park Pavilion

Mr. Zito moved to approve reserve the Municipal Park Pavilion for the Tobyhanna Athletic Association for July 30,2005 and the Tobyhanna United Methodist Church for August 14, 2005 and to waive the fees.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion - Mr. Hutchins asked that both organizations send the security deposit of $100.00 and provide a Certificate of Insurance.  The motion carried 5-0.

Resignation of Robert Washer

Mr. Zito made a motion to regretfully accept the resignation of Robert Washer.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion followed about his last day of work being on Friday, July 1, 2005 but he would be paid until July 30, 2005 as he was using his leave balances.  Mr. Ferguson suggested presenting him with a plaque as  Bob was the Chairman of the Bi-Centennial, Chief of the Fire Company and assisted in the Zoning Office.  Mr. Zito and Mr. Hutchins amended the motion to present him with a plaque.  Mrs. Frutchey was directed to have him present for the June 28, 2005 Work Session.  The motion carried 5-0.

Request for Quotation  - Cellular phones upgrade

Discussion ensued over the Nextel Cellular Phone Contract being signed by an employee for an additional two years.  Mr. Frutchey explained that the employee was trying to get

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a better rate which she did saving approximately $450 per month and in the process inadvertently signed the contract agreement.  Mr. Frutchey asked that the contract be honored, and to approve replacing the Nextel phones as needed.  Discussion followed about advising all employees that only Supervisors are authorized to sign contracts. 

Dave Kavitski of BCM Engineers requests that the Township consider retaining a certified appraiser to determine the developed cost\acre where  spray irrigation is proposed (PMI\Darlak property)

A lengthy discussion followed about retaining an appraiser to determine the cost per acre where spray irrigation is proposed, the cost for the appraisal, whether it was necessary to do an appraisal, whether PADEP is really requesting it, etc.   Mr. Hutchins moved to authorize retaining a certified commercial appraiser to determine the cost per acre where the spray irrigation is proposed at the PMI\Darlak Property. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed about retaining Tom

Consideration of Bid Award for 2005 Paving Project

The 2005 Paving Project Bid was advertised in the Pocono Record on May 28 and June 1, 2005 with a bid opening date of June 15, 2005.  The following Bids were received -Hanson Aggregates of Pa in the amount of $659,910.00 and Locust Ridge Quarry in the amount of $633,023.15.

Mr. Lockwood moved to award the 2005 Paving Project to the low bidder, Locust Ridge Quarry in the amount of $633,023.15.  Seconded by Mr. Washenik.  Discussion - Public input was hear from Alma Ruiz-Smith, Steve Planchock, and Jerry Teicher.  He motion carried 5-0.

Consideration of Bid award for sale of equipment

The Bid for the Equipment Sale was advertised in the Pocono Record on May 29, 2005 with a bid opening on Tuesday, June 14, 2005.  Discussion followed about the amount for the bids were to low, whether the Facility Manager had indicated the amount of value to expect.

1989 Simplicity 12.6 h.p. 42" lawn mower

Two bids were received as follows: Walter Van Ness in the amount of $00.00 and James Frutchey, III in the amount of $154.00.  Mr. Hutchins moved to award the bid for the sale

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of the 1989 Simplicity lawn mower to James Frutchey III in the amount of $154.00..  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed.  Public input was heard from Alma Ruiz-Smith and Steve Planchock.  The motion carried 3-1-1 (Mr. Washenik opposed and Mr. Frutchey abstained).

1991 Gravely 30 h.p. 72" lawn mower

One bid was received from Walter VanNess in the amount of $100.00.  Mr. Lockwood moved to accept the only bid from Walter VanNess in the amount of $100.00.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion-none.  The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Washenik opposed).

1993 Snapper 10 h.p. 2-stage snow thrower

Two bids were received as follows: Walter VanNess in the amount of $75.00 and James Frutchey, III in the amount of $102.00.  Mr. Hutchins moved to accept the bid from James Frutchey, III in the amount of $102.00.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed.  The motion did not carry 2-2-1 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito opposed and Mr. Frutchey abstained).

Low profile tailgate spreader - Model 1000 receiver mount         

One Bid was received from Walter VanNess in the amount of $100.00.  Mr. Hutchins moved to accept the bid from Walter Van Ness in the amount of $100.00.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed.  Public Input included: Alms-Ruiz Smith, Jerry Teicher and Steve Planchock.  The motion carried 4-1-0 ( Mr. Washenik opposed).

Discussion ensued over whether to re-advertise the sale of the 1993 Snapper 10 h.p. 2-stage snow thrower.  No decision was made on the matter.

Current Obligations

General Fund                             $132,639.61

Sewer System Fund           $    3,854.68

Escrow Fund                                        $    1,281.00

Total Disbursements         $ 173,735.32

Mr. Lockwood moved to pay the Current Obligations.  Seconded by Mr. Frutchey.  Discussion - Mr. Frutchey pointed out the Pocono Peterbilt in the amount of $62,728.00 was one of the high invoices.  The motion carried 5-0.

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Other Business

Advertisement - Block Ad - Recycling

Mr. Frutchey moved to authorize the Secretary to place a display ad in the Pocono Record and the Journal of the Pocono Plateau announcing to Coolbaugh Township Residents that the Township is accepting yard waste as follows: tree branches, leaves (out of bags)and grass clippings.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion followed about the advertisement including wording that the township will not accept household garbage, tree stumps, furniture, trash, (nothing that can not be recycled). The advertisement should also include the wording “ any person caught doing illegal dumping will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”  The advertisement should be large enough to stand out.   The motion carried 5-0.

Thank you to the Beautification Committee

Mr. Frutchey noted that the Beautification Committee did an excellent job planting the flowers at the Main Street Intersection and the bridge on Main Street.

Open Space Project - Hoodak Property

Mr. Frutchey thanked Gratz Washenik for his all the work he did in acquiring the 280 acres from Margaret Hoodak that will kept as Open Space.  Mr. Washenik commented that it is a beautiful property, even though the official closing was on Monday, June 20, 2005, an informal closing will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2005 in the morning on the property, extended an invitation for anyone to attend, etc.  Discussion followed as to whether to have the informal closing on Coolbaugh Celebration day of September 10, 2005, to have buses available for anyone wanting to attend.  The consensus was that this would not be a good day with trying to get everything done in the morning.  Public input was heard from Alma Ruiz-Smith and Cliff Otto.

Acceptance of Coolbaugh Township’s 2004 Annual Audit and Financial Report prepared by John J. Riley Inc.

Mr. Lockwood moved to accept Coolbaugh Township’s 2005 Annual Audit and Financial Report prepared by John J. Riley, Inc. that is based on the draft presented with the inclusion of the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion followed about meeting with Robin from the office of John J. Riley Inc. and going over the draft documents.  The motion carried 5-0.

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Authorization to advertise Council of Communities Meeting

Mr. Zito moved to authorize the Secretary to advertise the Council of Communities Meeting for Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.   Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed about starting at 6:00 p.m. as a tour of the Open Space (former Hoodak Property) is planned.  The motion carried 5-0.

Coolbaugh Celebration

Mr. Washenik moved to authorize  Mr. Hutchins, Mr. Zito, Linda Frutchey and Jeri Inness to approve signing contracts for Coolbaugh Celebration as long as they stay within the budget of $35,000.00.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Replacement of the existing boiler in Building #2

Before the Board was a quotation from the “The Heating People” in the amount of $17,594.00 outlining the work on the removal and the replacement of the existing boiler as during the disassembly and preparation of the existing boiler for gasket replacement, it was found that the gasket sealing surfaces on the sections were pitted beyond repair making the sections unusable.  

Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the quotation from the “The Heating People” in the amount of $17,594.00 to replace the existing boiler in building #2.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Skateboard Park

Mr. Frutchey said he has been making numerous daily trips up the Skateboard Park as his Grandson Bobby and his friends are skate boarding and was approached by the kids asking that the props be returned.  Mr. Frutchey went on to say that they wanted the prop that it is referred as the “picnic table” returned.  Mr. Frutchey suggested putting up a sign, “if you move it - will remove it”.  It was the consensus of the Supervisors to direct the Facility Manager to put the props back in the skateboard park.   Public input - Clare Colgan a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission agreed with putting the props back.